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6 Of The Most Beautiful Water Displays In The World 

Editorial Team
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6 Of The Most Beautiful Water Displays In The World 

As the Dutch proverbs so wisely intones, ‘’he who has no thirst has no business at the fountain’’. 

But what if you were heading to the fountain not because you were parched or greedy, but because you wanted to enjoy the most spectacular display of engineering, choreography and music found anywhere in the world?

From Singapore to Vegas and Dubai to Seoul, we would choose to direct you here, to these 6 of the most beautiful water displays in the world.

Fountain Of Wealth, Singapore

Acknowledged in the Guiness Book of World Records as the ‘largest fountain in the world’ until 2020, when the Palm Fountain took that title, Singapore’s Fountain Of Wealth is an impressive feat of both aqua-based engineering and symbolism.

Considering the latter, water is a symbol of both life and wealth in Chinese culture, with the inward motion of the fountain’s flow representing that wealth pouring in – both into Singapore and the Suntec City shopping mall development where the fountain is based.

The fountain is used for nightly laser shows, running from 8pm to 9pm every night. During the day, the fountain is occasionally turned off, with visitors invited to circle the fountain three times on foot for good luck. Wow! 

Read: The best fine-dining restaurants in Marina Bay

Image by vichie81 from Getty images Via Canva

The Dubai Fountain, Dubai

Let’s keep the water flowing, as we move to the UAE and Dubai’s most famous fountain. As you’d expect from a city that doesn’t do things by halves, the Dubai Fountain sits (or should that be ‘floats’?) on a huge lake directly in front of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Using cutting edge technology, the creation of a fountain water show every night is no mean feat; an incredible 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 colour projectors combine to offer 1,000 different water expressions in any once performance, all whilst water visibly dances to the latest pop and Arabic hits. 

Incredibly, you can take a boat tour – on the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride – to view the whole experience up close and personal, taking you as close as nine metres from the fountains… Just remember to pack a raincoat!

The Palm Fountain, Dubai

Part of the iconic Palm Jumeirah and using a musical fountain design not dissimilar to its sibling water display we just mentioned, the Palm Fountain is the world’s largest of its kind, able to shoot water 105 metres into the air. Featuring over 3’000 LED lights and spanning 14’000 sqft, the multicolour spectacular here simply needs to be seen to be believed. 

To see it in all its majesty, you’ll want to head for The Pointe, where some of Dubai’s best restaurants and bars have tables overlooking the spectacle.

The Trevi Fountain, Rome

Sure, the Trevi Fountain may not fire multicoloured plumes of water into the sky, but it more than makes up for it in history and splendour.

Designed and constructed by Nicola Salvi, this beautiful fountain is a tribute to Oceanus, a Roman god, who is represented riding in a chariot pulled by tritons. There are few fountains like this in the world, so take the chance when in Rome to marvel at its lavish decorations and detailed sculptures. Found near the Pantheon, both can comfortably be done in a morning or afternoon. Tradition dictates that you toss a few coins into the water for good luck when visiting. Make a wish!

Fountains Of Bellagio, Las Vegas

Feeling almost quaint in comparison to the more modern entries in our list, the Fountains of Bellagio in Vegas remain one of the most spectacular dancing fountain displays in the world. 

Best enjoyed from the observation deck of the ‘Eiffel Tower’ at Paris Las Vegas, the fountains cost $40 million to build, and feature curated playlists from some of the world’s most famous DJs and classical composers. And the best part? The attraction is free to enjoy for any and all visitors!

Banpo Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, Seoul

Another record breaker, this one; the Banpo Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is the world’s longest bridge fountain, with 10’000 LED lights and 380 water jets spanning the entirety of this 1’140 metre bridge. 

This being Seoul and the weather being somewhat dicey in winter, the fountain displays run here from April to October, when the weather is more agreeable. Interestingly, the water is taken directly from the Han River (and deposited back in) ensuring this is a sustainable show, from beginning to end.

10 Ways To Keep Yourself Warm At Home

Editorial Team
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10 Ways To Keep Yourself Warm At Home

While we’re currently having the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the UK, here at IDEAL we like to look ahead. 

The official season of gulping down a bunch of cup hot chocolates is just around the corner. And we can’t wait to slide inside the warm, cozy blanket and sip on the warm healing drinks.

But there is so much more to the winters than just drinking hot chocolates. Like summer demands us to keep our bodies cool naturally, winter demands us to keep our bodies warm naturally.

While there is no comparison between summer and winter, one thing you will agree on is that falling sick in winter is possibly the worst. On the other hand, how can you miss such lovely romantic weather with snowflakes from the sky?

Hence, it is important that you keep yourself active and worn during the winter.

Keeping Warm During Winter Is A Also The Key To Keeping Well

When winter approaches, our immune system becomes weak. It becomes difficult to maintain a normal body temperature. While most regions in the world enjoy mid-winter, there are places where the winter season means the average temperature will go below freezing point.

Summer might be ruthless, but it kills harmful bacteria that might infect you. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for winter. In fact, winter is known to be the perfect time for bacteria and viruses to flourish.

Here are a few reasons why it’s important to keep yourself warm during winter.

  • A decrease in metabolism.
  • The walls of blood vessels lose their elasticity.
  • Thinning fat layer under the skin, exposed to cold.
  • Risk of hypothermia.

Now that you know the importance of keeping yourself warm in winter let’s explore different ways to keep yourself warm.

Ways To Keep Yourself Warm In Home

When winter temperature gets really frigid, it can feel impossible to keep yourself warm – even when you are inside your house. This is why we are here with the following ways to keep yourself warm when inside the home.

Exercise

Working out is like refueling your body. Your body needs a minimum level of activity that helps maintain blood circulation. A chilly and cold climate can make you feel all cozy under the blanket, but it is important that you dust off all your laziness and move your body.

If you don’t move and give in to your laziness, it will eventually result in gaining weight, which isn’t healthy. So, no matter how cold it is outside, ensure that you are doing at least a 30-minute exercise.

Room Heaters

Even after exercising, you might feel cold. This can be because of cold air entering your house. Why can some rooms be sealed off from cold winters? You cannot do that for rooms having chimneys. 

In that case, you can use room heaters. The room heater will ensure the room temperature is favorable enough to feel warm. While there are different types of room heaters available in the market, going with an oil-filled radiator can reduce your financial burden.

An oil filled radiator running costs are generally less than an electric heater and circulates heat even after it is turned off.

Double Your Drape

Adding another layer of curtain can help you keep cold air outside and hot air inside. The most effective curtain layer is the blackout curtain. This is because they are much thicker compared to the other curtains and provide better insulation.

If you add a room heater along with the drape, you will be able to maintain the heat for a longer time. 

Wear Layers

Unlike summers, you cannot roam in your home wearing a shirt and shorts. Even if you are inside your room, cold air will be around you. If you are not careful enough, you will catch a cold. 

Try wearing layers to offer your body with enough insulation. When you wear different layers of clothes, the air trapped in between the layers keeps the cold outside and the body warm inside.

Leaving The Oven Open After Baking

Winter is the season that most people enjoy baking different things. If you are using your oven for baking something, try to keep your oven open after the cooking is done. It will help you regulate the heat inside the home.

Although this heat will dissipate after a few minutes, if your home is tightly insulated, the heat will stay longer in the room, making it a cozy environment for you.

Wear Thick Slippers

Most people think that they get cold because of not wearing layers and load themselves with three to four layers. However, they forget to cover their feelings.

Your feet are one of the major areas that are in constant touch with the ground. If not careful, the ground can absorb your body heat.

To ensure this never happens, ensure that you are wearing thick socks or slippers all the time. 

Wear Leggings Inside Your Trousers

Your upper body is where heat is generated. So, you must have noticed that covering your upper body helps you feel warm. However, if you want to get the most out of your home comfort in winter, try wearing leggings inside your trousers or shorts.

Leggings are made up of cotton and provide a protective material between your skin and cold. It also helps to prevent body heat loss from your body.

Eat Fatty Food

In winter, we lose most of our fat because of a lack of appetite. Our metabolism slows down, and for that reason, we eat less. While we consume fewer calories, we move around in the same amount. The deficit of calories is taken care of by the stored fat inside the body.

If the fat layer starts thickening up, you lose protective insulation from your body. This makes winter harsher on your body.

To prevent this from happening, it is important that you need fatty food and restores the fat percentage inside your body.

Relocating Your Business: 7 Ideal Tips For A Smooth Office Move

Editorial Team
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Relocating Your Business: 7 Ideal Tips For A Smooth Office Move

COVID-19 has had a marked impact on the geography of our working lives, and continues to do so. Indeed, during the height of lockdown back in 2020, at least half the UK’s labour force were working remotely, with many offices reluctant to open again fully now that social distancing measures have been abandoned and life returns to ‘normal’.

With 2022’s cost of living crisis causing the need for a streamlining of finances, other companies have taken a more nuanced approach, by either downsizing or relocating to somewhere less city-central.

Should your company be moving into a new office, then you’ll know that this is certainly no easy task. You want the relocation to be quick and efficient, but also scrupulously achieved; that’s no classified documents left onsite for wandering eyes, and no debris left behind to cause damage to your business’ reputation, for starters. 

So, how do you ensure that the exercise goes as smoothly and as sustainably as possible? Of course, every business aims to have minimal disruption while maintaining productivity during such a time. Starting from the initial planning stage all the way up to the final day of moving to your new office space, the main goal here is having a steady transition for your business. 

With that in mind, here’s the lowdown on relocating your business; our 7 IDEAL tips for a smooth office move.

Early Planning

There are no trial runs here. No war games to hypothetically pick holes in the moving process before executing a seamless transition. Instead, for any office relocation, it is advisable to get planning ahead of time meticulously to ensure a hitch-free move.

Profile Interiors, who provide office fitouts in Melbourne, recommend doing this at least 3 to 6 months before the actual moving date, giving you adequate time to ensure the whole process goes as planned, and all moving companies, equipment and storage can be arranged ahead of time.  

Infrastructure 

It’s vitally important to take note of the impact the move will have on your business. Make sure that infrastructure – such as internet and electricity – is set up at the other end so you can resume operations as soon as you arrive at your new office. Otherwise, company output and productivity will take a hit which you may not recover from in the current, erratic and unpredictable market.

Speaking of productivity, you’ll want to ensure that your new office space has plenty of natural light. A 2018 study conducted by professor Alan Hedge of Cornell University and reported on by PR Newswire found that ‘’optimizing the amount of natural light in an office significantly improves health and wellness among workers, leading to gains in productivity’’. 

Proper Communication With Your Employees

You need to notify your employees and involve them in the moving plans and scheduling, both so as not to deautonomise them, and so they’re completely primed and ready for the transition. They should also be aware of any new arrangements and rules regarding the new building, and the change in address. As always in business, communication is king.

From a more personal perspective, perhaps a day out to your office’s new location, to examine the amenities in the area (and check out the lunch options!) will help settle any collective company jitters about change, which are only natural in such uncertain times. 

Ensure everyone concerned is informed of the new location and address change. This way, you’ll be able to avoid losing clients and staff, both massive challenges in 2022.

If you are relocating overseas, which can present its own unique set of problems regarding employee wellbeing, check out Global HR experts Remote’s guide on How To Handle International Employee Relocation.

Hire A Reliable Moving Company

With a qualified moving company, a fair amount of the heavy lifting – both physical and metaphorical – will be taken care of. Not only are moving companies far better equipped in proper technique for moving items ergonomically speaking, but they’re also adept at the logistic elements of the operation.

As the professional office movers in London OCL tell us, ”from equipment inventory to furniture recycling, IT migration to IT setup”, such experts have a far greater scope of roles and dexterity in delivery than if you took on the task of moving yourself. Save yourself some stress, hey?

Ensure That All Of Your Data Is Safe

Backing up all of your data and documents, as well as making physical copies of any files you have on record, is so essential prior to the physical move of your company. Should items get lost there’s a twofold risk here; firstly, you can’t retrieve information vital to your company. But perhaps more importantly, data and privacy may be breached, leaving your business susceptible to fraud and rights violations. 

This is where the virtualization benefits in the field of cyber security come into play. By employing advanced data virtualization tools, you can gain a clearer understanding of your data landscape, identify potential vulnerabilities, and ensure that all sensitive information is securely backed up and monitored during the move.

Back up and then back up again. And then, back up those back ups. 

Read: Tips for surfing the web safely

Consider Downsizing

You should choose an office space that can comfortably accommodate your staff members and clients; that is a given. However, have you considered downsizing? With the new hybrid working model becoming the norm, which sees both people can work remotely at home and at local workspaces, it just makes sense.

As reported by Spaceworks recently, “a survey of UK SMEs by Open Access Government revealed that 29% were planning to downsize offices as soon as their leases allowed. That equates to more than 1.7 million small businesses across the UK”. Downsizing means that you can reduce overheads dramatically, and every penny counts.

Other Pressing Considerations

Just as moving homes can be hectic, commercial relocation can be exhausting, too. Whenever you’re undergoing a relocation, it is important to ensure the process does not affect employee morale, productivity or how you run your business. 

Below are some of the important things to consider during an office relocation:

  • Set a realistic budget. You want to avoid any unwarranted expenses hence the need to set a budget that will cater for the costs that are likely to be incurred.
  • Office furnishing and decorations. The interior of an office plays a very important role in influencing employees productivity levels. Second to the home, the workplace is the place most of us spend our time. Since many of us have been working from home and have got use to our creature comforts, consider creating a more homely environment in your office too. Mimic the warm and comfortable environment of a home, creating a space people want to come to. Think lots of break out spaces with comfy sofas, cosy rugs, cushions, and soft lighting.
  • Internet and WIFI connectivity. There is hardly any business that can run smoothly without access to the internet these days, as such the need to ensure your workspace is well connected before you settle on a new location is paramount.
  • IT and proper data storage. Losing your data in the midst of a relocation would be a nightmare for any business owner, so look into hiring expert IT engineers to ensure that all your data is backed up prior to the move.

The Bottom Line

Office relocation is a complicated, often messy business, and of course, this is just the start. But by bearing these simple guidelines and tips in mind, your office relocation will be a smooth one. Remember, the goal here is to ensure the least disruptions to the daily operations of your business and minimise any downtime in your output. Good luck and we can’t wait to receive a postcard!

Next check our our simple tips on how to reduce your office’s carbon footprint and run a more sustainable office in 2022 here.

IDEAL RECIPE FOR THE HEATWAVE: WATERMELON & FETA SALAD

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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IDEAL RECIPE FOR THE HEATWAVE: WATERMELON & FETA SALAD

With the hot British weather looking set to last the rest of summer, the focus on light and refreshing dishes has never been so prominent.Those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean in their own back garden can enjoy Sopwell House’s Executive Head Chef Gopi Chandran’s exclusive recipe.  Create a hydrating and vibrant watermelon and feta salad that will reinvigorate your usual salad staples and wow your guests at your next summer BBQ.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4)

  • ¼ Watermelon – Skin removed and diced 1 inch thick
  • Feta – 200g diced or crumbled
  • Kalamata olives – 50g pitted
  • Red chilli – 1 finely chopped
  • Olive oil – 10ml
  • Garlic clove – 1 clove
  • A sprig of thyme and rosemary
  • ½ large lemon, remove rind and julienne (slice rind into thin strips). Juice the flesh
  • Basil leaves – 10g
  • Mint leaves – 10g

METHOD

  • To make the dressing, slowly and carefully heat olive oil, adding the garlic, chilli, thyme and rosemary, lemon rind.
  • Gently heat for 3 minutes, add lemon juice, salt and pepper. It’s important to do this slowly to avoid burning any of the added elements.
  • Set aside to cool
  • To serve, spread the diced watermelon in the desired dish, sprinkle the feta on top, spoon over olives and distribute the dressing evenly.
  • Finish with a fine chiffonade of basil and mint – this will bring out all the flavour.

8 Tips For Managing Your Money In Vegas

Editorial Team
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8 Tips For Managing Your Money In Vegas
Ideal for keeping your wallet and dignity in tact in the City of Sin…

What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Sadly, more often than not, that includes leaving behind a large chunk of your bank balance. Not many of us have hit the City of Sin for a long, crazy weekend and emerged with either our dignity or financial security in tact, nor our wallets in a healthy state for that matter. 

Las Vegas isn’t called the city of ‘lost wages’ for nothing. With its dazzling lights, extravagant shows, and opulent casinos, it’s easy to get carried away and lose control of one’s finances. If you’re not careful, money will disappear like the magiacian at one of those Vegas shows 

The importance of learning how to manage your money in Vegas should not be underestimated. With this approach in mind, here are 8 tips for managing your money in Vegas.

Manage Your Excitement 

Many Vegas-goers have good intentions of managing their budget, with strict limits pledged to fearful partners, and the best will in the world to adhere to them present when you step off the plane. But anyone who has been to Vegas will know that when the bright lights are twinkling, music blaring and the iconic sound of coins is crashing, it’s pretty difficult not to get carried away.

A little mindfulness in this situation is key; remember that this sensory overload is specifically designed to evoke a feeling of being out of control and promote bigger spending. So be bigger too, and resist.

Bring Cash, Choose Credit Cards Over Debit

ATM fees in Las Vegas can be exorbitant, particularly inside casinos and tourist hotspots like The Strip, and can charge anywhere from $3- $10 just for the privilege of losing your own money later in the night.

To avoid these unnecessary charges, it’s wise to bring enough cash for the duration of the trip. This not only saves money on fees but also helps in setting a clear budget, making it easier to keep track of spending. Go with the mindset of only spending the cash that you bring. 

If you do choose to use a card, credit cards generally offer greater protection against fraud and unauthorised transactions compared to debit cards. That said, it’s crucial to avoid using your credit card for cash withdrawals. Most credit card companies charge hefty fees and interest rates for cash advances, which can quickly accumulate and lead to financial strain. 

Withdrawing cash on a credit card is arguably the most expensive way to withdraw money. Moreover, a cash advance will leave a mark on your credit file, which can affect your credit rating. Unfortunately, most credit card companies will not let you disable credit card cash advances. Check with your bank if you can limit or opt out of cash advances before your come to Vegas. 

Learn How To Play

Feeling intimidated by poker or blackjack, or even the slot machines? If you’re going to play the game right, then it’s a good idea to learn how it actually works first.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to gambling. Before you sit down at any table or feed money into a machine, take time to understand the rules, odds, and basic strategies. Many casinos offer free lessons during off-peak hours, typically in the mornings, where dealers will teach you the fundamentals of popular games like blackjack, craps, and poker without any pressure to bet.

Start with the games that offer the best odds for players. Blackjack, for instance, has one of the lowest house edges when played with basic strategy—often less than 1%. Baccarat is another relatively player-friendly option. Conversely, games like keno and certain slot machines can have house edges exceeding 25%, making them poor choices for budget-conscious players.

Consider practicing online with free casino apps or sites before your trip. Many websites offer free versions of casino games where you can learn without risking real money. Understanding when to hit, stand, double down, or split in blackjack, or knowing the betting patterns in craps, can significantly improve your chances and help your bankroll last longer.

Don’t forget to learn about the specific rules and variations at different casinos, as these can vary and affect your odds. Some blackjack tables pay 6:5 instead of the traditional 3:2 for blackjack, which dramatically increases the house edge. Always check the table minimums and rules before sitting down to play.

Set Betting Limits

It may seem obvious, but setting limits is a precautionary measure so often overlooked. Gambling is an integral part of the Las Vegas allure, but it’s essential to approach it with caution and self-discipline. Establishing a gambling budget and sticking to it can prevent excessive losses and ensure that the casino experience remains enjoyable rather than financially devastating.

Afraid setting a limit will put  a downer on the vibe before it’s even begun? Think your willpower negates the need for it? Whatever your reason for not setting betting limits, it’s time to bench them in favour of common sense. Games at the casino might be exciting, but they should be treated responsibly and with an acknowledgement of the risk involved.

Be Wary Of Too-Good-to-Be-True VIP Deals

In an effort to lure tourists, many Vegas promoters offer seemingly unbeatable deals on VIP packages, nightclub entry, or exclusive events. While some of these offers may be legitimate, others can be misleading or even fraudulent.

Budget For The Complete Experience

While gambling often takes centre stage in Vegas money management discussions, it’s crucial to remember that your trip budget extends far beyond the casino floor. Las Vegas is designed to separate you from your money through multiple channels, and failing to account for all expenses can quickly derail your financial plans.

Create separate budgets for dining, entertainment, shopping, transportation, and tips—yes, tips are a significant expense in Vegas where gratuities are expected everywhere from valet parking to cocktail service. Fine dining restaurants can easily cost $100-300 per person, while even casual meals on the Strip command premium prices. Factor in show tickets, which can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, and spa treatments, shopping, and nightlife cover charges.

Consider booking some meals and entertainment in advance to lock in prices and avoid the temptation of constant upgrades. Many hotels offer package deals that bundle accommodation with dining credits or show tickets, which can provide better value than paying à la carte. Set aside a realistic amount for “Vegas moments”—those spontaneous experiences that make the trip memorable—but keep this separate from your essential expenses budget.

Remember to account for taxes and resort fees, which can add 15-20% to your accommodation costs, and don’t forget about transportation to and from the airport. By planning comprehensively, you’ll avoid the shock of hidden costs and can truly enjoy your Vegas experience without financial stress.

Accept That The House Always Wins

Without wishing to get technical, it’s important to grasp the meaning of ‘the house edge’. Sure, you can have wins when you gamble in short bursts, but in general, luck reduces over time and returns to the average house edge the more you gamble.

This basically means that, in the long run, you will lose more than what you will have won. As the old saying goes; ‘the house always wins’. Remember then, that a trip to Vegas is certainly not an exercise in making money; that’s what boring ol’ work is for.

Instead, treat the gambling as fun and spectacle, and don’t chase a win that will, unfortunately, never come.

Stop Chasing Your Losses

Any professional or skillful gambler will tell you; knowing when to quit is the key component in making any money on the tables. And just because you’re only here for fun doesn’t mean you shouldn’t adopt a similar approach. Betting more to make up previous losses incurred will only result in further disappointment. End of.

The Bottom Line 

A trip to Las Vegas doesn’t have to result in the pain of a thousand hangovers. By managing your money, one can still enjoy all that Sin City has to offer without succumbing to its potential financial pitfalls. With careful planning, discipline, and a keen eye for deals, a memorable Vegas vacation is well within reach.

7 Bold Furniture Hacks To Transform Your Home

Editorial Team
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7 Bold Furniture Hacks To Transform Your Home

Have you ever peered into the pages of a luxury interior design magazine and wished your place looked the same? Or perhaps you’ve watched episodes of Selling Sunset – now in its fifth season and still going strong – on repeat, and longed to be transported onto the opulent seating of that home cinema? Sometimes, it’s only the budget getting in the way. The willpower is there. The sense of style, too, but sadly, not the financial backing…

But the good news is; this thing needn’t cost a fortune. In fact, you can achieve a fresh, sophisticated domestic upgrade on a budget by being brave with your choice of fixtures and fittings. With that in mind, here are 7 bold furniture hacks to transform your home.

Bring Home A King Or Queen Sized Bed

A king or queen sized bed is the perfect epitome of luxury and a bold upgrade on your standard double bed. Not only do these larger beds emulate opulence, but they also give great comfort and, often, a better night’s sleep.

Your bedroom is your personal haven and a king or queen-sized bed can work wonders at bringing solace and peace. Opt for a bold choice; an avant-garde fine wood bed which speaks of superb craftsmanship will have you feeling like you’re wearing a crown.

Opt for a bold choice; an avant-garde fine wood bed which speaks of superb craftsmanship will have you feeling like you’re wearing a crown. The best part? You can shop home furniture online these days and find stunning pieces without even leaving your sofa (the one we’ll be upgrading later, naturally).

Oh, and did we mention you don’t have to put your big bed in your bedroom? It could even work in the garden!

Read: Achieving that 5 star hotel bed at home this summer

The Joy Of A Statement Dining Table

Your dining room is another great space to add some bold furniture. And the most important part of the dining room is the dining table itself. Larger dining tables are particularly adept at evoking opulence. For some reason, we’re thinking Henry VIII glugging cobra wine out of a golden goblet and bashing his hands on our dining table impatiently. But hey, is that just us?

Anyone, a long table is elegant, and throw in a statement chandelier (swing off it, if you must) and your space is looking properly fancy. We think wooden dining tables are a better choice than glass ones; the latter just has too many, Weeknd inspired, seedy connotations. What’s more, the wooden variant is sturdy and endures regular wear and tear with ease. 

If you don’t have the space for a large dining table, there are many different types of available that will help you achieve the look you want, just at a smaller scale. For example, a glass table (yes, we realised what we said a paragraph earlier) with a metal base is perfect for a modern and sleek (see: small) dining room. Or, if you’re going for a more traditional look, consider a wooden table with carved details.

Remember that your dining room should be functional as well as stylish, so make sure not to overcrowd the space with too many accessories. Speaking of which…

Embrace The Bravery & Boldness Of Minimalism

It might seem counter-intuitive. But one of first things you’ll notice about modern luxury spaces is a sense of minimalism. Yep, less really is more, but in 2022, the ever-popular trend has undergone something of a rebrand; ‘warm minimalism’ is one of the key trends this year, replacing the all-white of recent times for something more welcoming but no less streamlined.

Sure, you’ll require signature pieces and focal points, but always add with restraint in mind; it’s simply sophisticated. On the flipside, cramming loads of bold furniture will only make the space look congested and untidy.

Keeping the décor simple with a few signature bold furniture pieces like a luxury velvet sofa, or a solid wood centre table, well placed on a single coloured carpet, will add pizzazz to your home without also bringing the clutter. Doing so will also emphasise the boldness even more aptly, which is why you’re here, right?

A Coffee Table & Bold Choice Of Books

Coffee tables are so much more than a surface to rest your cup of Joe. They’re a lifestyle choice, a frame, a statement of intent… 

Indeed, if you ever look inside the house of a celebrity in those glossy magazines we were mentioning, you’ll always often notice a coffee table, front row and centre, demonstrative of a certain type of luxury living.

Jump aboard the brew-based bandwagon with a few deliberately placed ‘statement’ books (high end architecture, modern art, Michelin-starred recipes… You know the score) and you’ll make your coffee table stand out even more.

Not only will this add personality to your room, but it’ll also spark conversations with guests; you could strategically place a particularly provocative title there if you’re afraid the evening’s conversation might err on the dull side.

Read: Clever ways to use books as eye-catching decor

The Way Of The Wardrobe

Even your choice of wardrobe can evoke a sense of exquisite taste. A well-designed wardrobe – bold but sophisticated – can add elegance to the room, and does so much more than simply store clothes and moths. Wooden wardrobes with built-in mirrors and sliding doors not only look the part – channeling that ‘dressing room’ energy associated with the stars – but are also highly functional. 

Even in small rooms, wardrobes can be deployed thoughtfully. In fact, corner wardrobes not only maximise storage space, but can look eye-catching and effortless, all at once.

Go Bold & Go Home With A Dressing Table

Speaking of that luxurious ‘dressing room energy’, the bold placement of a dresser or dressing table lends a classy touch to your bedroom, that’s for sure. To look truly luxurious, invest in a dressing table that has a classic aesthetic. Choose something suggestive of a family heirloom (even if it isn’t) which has a vintage design for best results. 

Set The Tone With A Striking Sofa Set

As one of the most important rooms in the house, your living room needs to make a good impression.

Your living room is the space where most of your guests will be kicking back, and therefore, it’s crucial to make it pop. And better way to conjure up images of luxury than bottoms parked plushly? For the ultimate sociability, and as one of the key sofa trends of 2022, a matching sofa set looks fantastic.

Texture plays a very important role in creating that luxurious environment, so choose a sofa set you’d be happy to sink into. 

It’s best to select a neutrally coloured sofa so that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your home decor. If you’re intent on bringing vivacity (you are, that’s why you’re here), a brightly coloured sofa throw or cushion set will make things pop. In addition to a bold sofa set, you could also consider introducing that coffee table we mentioned earlier, sitting adjacent to it. Isn’t it neat how this thing all ties together?

Now you’ve gone all lux, don’t forget the little guy. Did our invitation to your next soiree get lost in the post?

7 Renter-Friendly Tips To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Editorial Team
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7 Renter-Friendly Tips To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

With the rising cost of energy, and although Brit’s are due to be given a grant to ease the cost of living, many of us are looking for ways to keep already pricy bills down. In fact, searches for “energy saving tips” have seen a 175% increase in the past 12 months. 

While there are lots of things homeowners can do to make their homes more energy-efficient, from investing in window treatments and attic insulation to replacing their boiler, for renters, such major changes are less conceivable.

With this in mind, and with the help of the experts at GTSE, here are 7 ways to help those renting make their properties more efficient. With energy-saving hacks starting from as little as £3, there are plenty of options to help improve the efficiency of your home and lower those fast-rising bills.

Layer Up Some Rugs

Did you know that studies have shown a home can lose 10-20% of its heat through uninsulated flooring? While carpets are a very effective way of insulating your home, what should a renter with a wooden floor do? Consider adding some layers to your floor with rugs. Indeed, area rugs don’t just add colour and style to your home, they keep your floors cosy, adding extra insulation to your home.

Layering trendy rugs is a renter-friendly tip that will not only make your home look stylish, but keep the heat in, too. The Spruce explains that “Layering rugs work best when your two rugs are two different sizes. One should be large and more dominant, and the others should be smaller and act as an accent”.

Draw Your Curtains 

Every tenant knows that using soft furnishings can make your rental flat feel like a home. Whether it be via trendy rugs, throws, cushions, curtains or an upholstered piece of furniture, fabrics can add texture, personality and colour to your living space. Swapping out curtains is also an easy way to make the place your own. Moreover, hanging heavy curtains over your windows can help make your home more energy-efficient.

Indeed, using thick, insulating curtains, and drawing them as soon as the evening comes in, can help keep the heat in, especially if you have drafty windows. Although not as budget-friendly, these types of curtains can also be picked up for about £50.

According to researchers at the University of Salford, drawing your curtains in the evening reduces heat loss by up to 17%. You can further this by choosing to use electrical tape to secure your curtains to the wall. Although this seems like more of a drastic measure, it can increase heat loss prevention up to 25%, by preventing cold air from the windows coming around the curtains.

Use Foil

It’s worth making sure that you’re maximising the work radiators are doing to heat your home. You can do this by simply installing radiator foils behind your radiators.

Radiator foils basically work to help keep more heat in the home by reflecting the warmth back in the room, instead of escaping through the walls. This hack can cost as little as £7 and is a super easy change to make to your home for some impressive results. In fact, studies have shown that using certain types of radiator foils can save you up to £4.02 per radiator, depending on the type of property you have.

Reinforce Your Windows’ Insulation

It’s important to ensure you insulate every part of your home from the attic to the windows, to the walls, doors, and floors. There are also some easy hacks to help you insulate your home from as little as £3.

Windows account for a whopping 25% of heat loss in homes, so they should be considered as a priority when insulating. In turn, you could keep your home warmer through winter. Beyond opting for double glazing, you can buy window insulation kits for £3 which can help as an easy, simple way to keep more heat inside and those bills down.

Unique Ways to Reduce Water Consumption

Although there are plenty of basic ways to reduce water consumption just through your daily routine, such as turning off the taps when brushing your teeth or just spending less time in the shower, there are also some budget-friendly improvements you can make to your home to help reduce how much water you use.

You can invest in water saving showerheads, prices can vary for these, but they start from around £12 per head. These low-flow heads work by simply reducing the amount of water that needs to run through the shower without dampening the water pressure. Some modern models can also reduce the amount of water needed by almost half!

These are also a great hack for those that are not on a water meter as they’re still reducing the amount of water you need to heat up, in turn reducing your energy bills.

Use Smart Power Strips

Smart power strips are essentially outlet extensions that automatically stop power from going to your electronics when they’re plugged in but not in use. They can help to reduce your overall energy bill by up to 10% annually.

Invest in an Eco-Kettle

Kettles can be one of the most wasteful uses of energy, especially if you’re heating more water than what you need. However, you can find environmentally friendly kettles which use as much as 30% less power to heat your water. Check out the Which? round-up of the best eco-kettles to buy here.

The Bottom Line

Commenting on the tips, Tom Armenante, Ecommerce Director from GTSE says, “Energy bills have reached an all-time high, and to no surprise, majority of us are on the look-out for ways to help save some money on costly bills.’ 

‘We hope these tips provide some inspiration on just some of the ways homeowners can look to make their rental homes more efficient, with plenty of budget-friendly options also available to keep the warm in and the cold out.”

Everything You Need To Know About Dog Harnesses

Editorial Team
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Everything You Need To Know About Dog Harnesses

We are most certainly a nation of pet lovers – an unavoidable fact when more than half of us own a pet! And more than half of pet owners own a dog, bringing fresh meaning to the term ‘man’s best friend’. Well, man’s best friend deserves the best – and when it comes to choosing the right accessories for your dog, only the best should do. Harnesses can be a confusing thing for many pet owners, but we’re here to demystify them a little, and help you choose the right one for your dog.

Collar Or Harness?

When it comes to choosing a dog harness, there is first a decision you need to make – do you need a harness or a collar? The two are similar in function but actually have different applications; a collar is often better suited for convenience, and for attaching personal information to your dog in the event of them running away.

However, unless you have an aggressive dog in need of discipline, a collar can actually be unsuited to the task of allowing you to lead your dog. Leading by the neck can lead to difficulty breathing and even injury to your dog, especially if they are small or excitable. 

Read: 7 IDEAL dog breeds to best suit your lifestyle

A dog harness, meanwhile, allows you to safely lead your dog by the body – distributing any strain around the body and making for a much more comfortable experience. The only real downside is the time it takes to put one on your dog. But as a pet lover, you will naturally want what’s best for your furry friend!

A word of warning, as the Mirror reports “dog owners who switch from a collar to a harness on walks could be breaking the law if their four-legged friend isn’t also wearing a collar with an identity tag”. The paper goes on to explain “that’s because failing to put your name and address on your dog’s tag when out in public is illegal and could land you a hefty fine – and even time in jail”. Indeed, according to The Control of Dogs Order 1992 law for Scotland and England a dog must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address on it.

Read: How to help your dog sleep better

Choosing A Harness Type

If you’ve settled on getting a harness for your dog, your next step is to choose what kind of harness to get. The most common types of harness are back-clip, front-clip and dual-clip in design; the clips refer to where the leash is attached, and allow you different kinds of control over your dog.

Here you should also consider how you get your dog into the harness; do you want to slip it over-the-head or have a step-on one? As the New York Times explains “The way you get your dog into a harness will vary greatly depending on the one you buy”.

Tightening harnesses are available for dog training and discipline, but should be avoided if you are not experienced with dog discipline.

Harnesses are ultimately a practical item, but that doesn’t mean they need to be ugly. There is a whole host of designer dog harnesses of all different types available, allowing you to show off your dog in style while keeping them safe and comfortable on walkies.

Read: 10 reasons on why dogs are great companions

The Right Size

Harnesses do not only differ in type; there is also size to take into consideration. The harness you choose must fit your dog snugly, but not too tightly so as not to incur injury when walking. Harnesses are generally adjustable, but should be purchased with the rough size of your dog in mind.

To fit a harness properly, there are three key measurements you need: the widest parts of your dog’s chest and neck, and your dog’s overall weight. These can help you make a more informed decision on a comfortably sized harness that does not cut or restrict.

Introducing Your Dog To A New Harness

Your dog is not likely to immediately take to their new harness – new things can be scary, especially if they do not smell of home. As such, you should take care when introducing your dog to their harness. Do not rush things, and do not get too overzealous in tightening it first time around. Let your dog get used to the harness, positively reward them for wearing it, and soon they will be bounding into it whenever it’s time for walkies.

50 SIGNS YOU ARE A FOODIE

Rachel Stevenson
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50 SIGNS YOU ARE A FOODIE

A foodie is a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food and alcoholic beverages. A foodie seeks new food experiences as a hobby rather than simply eating out of convenience or hunger.

Think you’re one? Well a study by Green & Black’s revealed the top 50 foodie indicators, which include always trying new dishes when eating out and being willing to try all kinds of different ingredients when cooking.

Knowing the correct pronunciations of unusual or exotic foods, reading food magazines and being able to recognise what is missing from a dish, simply by tasting it also featured on the list.

Choosing to eat in different restaurants is the top sign you are a foodie, followed by enjoying trying new dishes when eating out and looking forward to the weekly food shop – as opposed to seeing it as a chore.

Being willing to try all kinds of food and ingredients came forth, with knowing what wine to pair with meat and fish, and reading food magazines at five and six in the list.

Knowing the best herbs to use to compliment a dish, experimenting instead of following recipes to the letter, creating your own meals from scratch and being able to recognise when a dish is missing something simply by taste complete the top ten.

Other signs to feature in the list include being someone who enjoys watching cookery shows and going to small independent or specialist shops rather than supermarkets to buy ingredients.

1. You eat in lots of different restaurants

2. You enjoy trying new dishes at a restaurant

3. You enjoy shopping for food

4. You’re willing to try all kinds of food/meals/ingredients

5. You know what wine to pair with which meat or fish

6. You read food magazines

7. You know which herbs complement different dishes

8. You experiment instead of always relying on recipes

9. You creating your own recipes from scratch

10. You can recognise when something’s missing in a meal/sauce just by tasting it

11. You know all of the correct pronunciations of unusual or exotic foods

12. You’ve dined in a Michelin starred restaurant

13. You can create a meal from the last few ingredients in your cupboard

14. You enjoy watching cookery shows

15. You can turn leftovers into a whole new meal with the addition of a few herbs and spices

16. You go to places other than supermarkets to buy ingredients

17. You use Instagram/twitter/Facebook to post pictures of food

18. You know the difference between the various cuts of meats and which ones are best for different meals

19. You write a food-related blog

20. You rarely eat ready meals/pre-packed food

21. You regularly talk about what you eat with friends and family

22. You have well-used recipe books

23. You make your own pasta

24. You choose a holiday destination based on the local cuisine or the restaurants nearby

25. You enjoy tweaking recipes with your own creative twist

26. You read food blogs and websites

27. You can present food nicely on the plate

28. You regularly invite friends and family over for dinner

29. You consider yourself to have well-honed taste buds

30. Your spare cash is spent on eating out

31. You can whip up a cake without having to use a recipe

32. You have created a Pinterest album of recipes and food ideas

33. You own a good set of kitchen knives

34. You’re happy to cook with an audience

35. You don’t hesitate to complain after a bad meal in a restaurant

36. You grow your own herbs

37. You make bread from scratch at home

38. You use a variety of different types of oil

39. You don’t ever think food/a restaurant is too expensive

40. You growing your own vegetables

41. You own a pestle and mortar

42. You always try to use locally sourced or organic ingredients

43. You buy spices etc. whilst on holiday/travelling

44. You can cook steak to your perfect preference every time

45. When ordering food with friends, you suggest ordering different dishes so you can all share and try each other’s

46. You have a full range of herbs and spices on display in your kitchen

47. You can use chopsticks

48. You know all of the uses for kitchen utensils

49. You own a good pair of weighing scales

50. You own an apron

5 IDEAL COFFEE SHOPS IN NØRREBRO, COPENHAGEN

Joseph Gann
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5 IDEAL COFFEE SHOPS IN NØRREBRO, COPENHAGEN

When you mention the coffee scene to a Copenhagen insider, the term that proceeds it is often ‘cutting edge’. But that notion, when mixed with a Scandi aesthetic, may elicit ideas of sparse, spartan spaces of blond wood, minimalism, and apathy at the pumps.

Let’s cast that assumption aside right away; the city’s coffee is made with love and care at every level, from the sourcing to the grinding, the blending, the roasting and the rest, made with a passion to rival any city on the planet. Combine that with that all important Danish emphasis on the cosy and convivial, and you’ve got yourself the perfect blend.

We’re heading to the city’s hippest neighbourhood to get our caffeine fix with our pals; the timekeepers and coffee drinkers Nordgreen, at these 5 IDEAL coffee shops in Nørrebro, Copenhagen.

COFFEE COLLECTIVE

We had to start here. Was there even coffee in Copenhagen before the Coffee Collective opened? It’s hard to miss it now, with branches in Jaegersborggade (where we’re at today) Bernikovsgade, Gothersgade and Torvehallerne food market.

The approach to coffee is holistic, starting with a close working relationship with farmers and attention to sustainable production, all the way down to their coffee school offering everything from classes on the best home brewing techniques to the skills needed to be a barista. Needless to say, the final product here is superb. If you’re to only drink one coffee (one?! who are you?) while you’re in Copenhagen, make it here.

Website: coffeecollective.dk
Address: Jægersborggade 57, 2200 København, Denmark 

5 of the best coffee shops in NØRREBRO, COPENHAGEN©The Coffee Collective Facebook

MØLLER

Winners of the best breakfast in town in 2015, and certainly not resting on their laurels since, Møller also serves a damn good bean juice, shipped in straight from the Coffee Collective. Their motto reads that the first meal of the day should be ‘an inspiration’ and this level of energy is channelled into their produce; a trip the Danish capital wouldn’t feel complete without a brekkie (brunch, or lunch; they serve until 3pm) of their dark focaccia bread or fermented plate of sourdough, tabasco and prunes.

If you’re in the mood for something more substantial for your supper, then one of Copenhagen’s best pizza joints, Baest, is just around the corner.

Website: www.moellerkbh.dk 
Address: Nørrebrogade 160, 2200 København, Denmark 

5 of the best coffee shops in NØRREBRO, COPENHAGEN©Møller Kaffee Facebook 

ARREBO

The ace up local favourite Arrebo’s sleeve is their street side seating in a perfect sunspot for a bright, crisp day we so love to spend in Copenhagen. The food menu is lead by organic produce with a wellness bent, the vibe is welcoming and the coffee strong. What more could you ask for?

Website: www.instagram.com/arrebonorrebro
Address: Midgårdsgade 1, 2200 København, Denmark

5 of the best coffee shops in NØRREBRO, COPENHAGEN© Arrebo Facebook

ORIGINAL COFFEE

With a total of eight coffee shops across town, they must be doing something right. The Original in Norrebro is where we find ourselves today, twitching slightly from our fourth espresso of the day. But this is a special place worth agitating for, with bench seating right on the Sortedams Sø lake. When the sun sets and the light shimmers off the water, there really is no better place to be. Original Coffee’s commitment to coffee extends to their local micro roasting business, allowing for quality control which translates into great product.

Website: originalcoffee.dk
Address: Sortedam Dossering 9, 2200 København, Denmark 

© 5 of the best coffee shops in NØRREBRO, COPENHAGENoriginalcoffee.dk

ANDERSEN & MAILLARD

Two ingredients for a great cafe are both present and correct here; they have their own bakery and they roast their own speciality coffee. Go alone for their famous and exceptionally delicious almond croissant or one brushed with espresso, stay for the freshly ground, roasted inhouse mug of the good stuff.

Website: www.andersenmaillard.dk 
Address: Göteborg Pl. 19, 2150 Nordhavn, Denmark

6 Ways To Take Control Of Your Health

Editorial Team
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6 Ways To Take Control Of Your Health

Never has the collective health of the nation – scrap that, the world – been more important. And yet, it can feel like we have less personal control over it than ever. Public health decisions taken seemingly at random, COVID guidelines still present in some circumstances and open to misinterpretation, and a prevailing suspicion of authority have all added up to a feeling that our health is currently not in our carefully washed hands.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Fortunately, there are things you can do, personally, to keep fit and healthy, putting your best foot forward as summer reaches its peak. Here’s how; our 6 ways to take control of your health.

Drink Less

If you’re reevaluating your relationship with alcohol, then you’re not alone. You just have to look at the recent boom of the “Nolo” drinks market, which is set to grow by 34% by 2024, to understand the country’s changing attitudes to drinking.

We all know that drinking alcohol isn’t good for us. Alcohol consumption can lead to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as certain types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, a weakening of the immune system and many more health issues besides. Even low-level drinking will increase your risk of developing many diseases. And if you’ve been thinking a little alcohol is good for your heart, then think again. As the NHS writes “The previously held position that some level of alcohol was good for the heart has been revised”.

Unfortunately we’re a nation that loves a drink. Indeed, for better or for worse, much of the socialising in Britain revolves around the pub and the pint. But rather than never seeing your friends again, there are ways you can enjoy a rich and full social life without the need for alcohol to play a central role. Let us direct you to our article on 5 tips for enjoying a full alcohol free social life.

Go To The Doctor

According to research we’re a nation of “Doctor Dodgers”. As the Independent reports “Two-thirds of Brits would put off going to the doctor – because they are scared they will receive bad news”.

Moreover, one person told the paper that because it’s “widely reported in the news how over-stretched our GPs and NHS,” they don’t want to bother doctors with their symptoms.

Indeed, it’s no secret that because of the Tories, our NHS is in crisis. However, doctors are urging people not to suffer in silence. Regardless of the current stories about wait times, if you’re one of those people who puts off going to the doctor, then now is the time to make a change, rather than continue to ignore any latent issues. 

Change your ways and visit the doctor’s when you need to instead of spending weeks googling your symptoms and self-diagnosing yourself with every disease under the sun. It’s important to recognise health issues and take the right steps towards getting treated. Colds and coughs will often go away by themselves, but more concerning issues, like lumps and perpetual headaches, could hint at something deeper.

Some, in such times of strain on the NHS, are choosing to book a private GP appointment online with a GMC-registered and NHS-trained doctor to assuage their concerns and put their minds at ease. Whether this helps ease the pressure on the NHS or further contributes to its privatisation is up for debate. If face-to-face visits are challenging, platforms like BetterHelp can provide mental health support online, offering convenience and accessibility.

Keep Up To Date With Screening and Tests

Routine health checkups are vital for continued good health and ensuring that you are in control of your wellbeing. However, not enough people follow through with them, and this means you could miss a problem that would be dealt with had you attended your yearly screening. 

Such tests include everything from formal hearing and eye tests to cancer screening for lumps and physicals for the guys. While they can be uncomfortable, especially if you’ve never done one before, they are vital for ensuring you remain in excellent health, and your doctor can highlight any potential issues. If nothing else, they can provide peace of mind that you’re in good health. 

Everyone needs a physical MOT at some point in their life, the chance to have a professional look under the hood and make sure your body is in full working order. And the rise of diagnostic laboratories offering this service online has made that professional look-over a little bit easier. 

Plan Your Meals

A tried, tested, and triumphant method of getting your health under control is to adjust your diet. Here at IDEAL, we’ve recently found ourselves increasingly eating out of boredom and stress. All that time spent in lockdown in the previous two years has taken its toll on our dietary habits, and we’re raiding our fridge for comfort food each time we hear some bad news. Which is often. 

To avoid this impulsive eating, nutritionists advise that you start planning out your meals and snacks in advance, weighed, measured and considered, so you don’t succumb to your stomach’s urges quite so consistently.

Moreover, as the Mayo Clinic points out “menu planning is a great way to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and meeting your nutritional needs. And, as every frugal cook knows, menu planning can save you time and money”. The latter of which, we should add, is more important than ever given the current cost of living crisis.

Read: 7 IDEAL tips and ideas for budget meal planning

Take Care of Your Teeth

Do you remember that hard-hitting Corsodyl advert with the strapline ‘we wouldn’t ignore blood if it came from a tap’? Or, a similarly unnerving campaign showing a woman using mascara and ignoring bleeding from her eye, with the message ‘we wouldn’t ignore bleeding from any other part of the body, so we shouldn’t ignore spitting blood after brushing’? Yeah, that was an effective campaign. 

Good oral hygiene is really important and protecting your pearly whites through brushing and flossing will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Research has even shown that gum disease might be linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

It’s time to take control of our dental health; don’t put off booking an appointment if you’re suffering.

Don’t Forget Your Body & Head

We all know it’s important to look after your body and exercise. However, finding the motivation to workout and actually reach our fitness goals isn’t easy. Enter a personal trainer.

While, personal trainers aren’t cheap, but they are a sure-fire way to stay on track with your fitness goals. Stay fit on your own and you run the risk of getting lazy, of skipping leg day at the gym because you’re tired. Having a personal trainer waiting for you at the gym will, however, motivate you to, at the very least, show up.

As much as your body will signal when you aren’t treating it correctly, your head will do the same if you’ve been neglecting your mental health. In our always-connected world, it can be impossible to switch off from social media and work, with emails pinging through at unsociable hours causing a level of stress no one needs right now.

Such a culture means you’re never able to switch off, and this means you’re unable to refresh and recharge from the day, ready for the next one. This can have severe ramifications on your mental wellbeing.

Do endeavour to set aside some time for yourself each day, for self care and self love, screen free, whether that means taking a long bath, reading a book, meditating or simply taking a stroll. For that much needed peace of mind that we keep extolling the virtues of, such ‘me time’ is essential.

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

5 Ideal Old School Games To Get Your Kids Off Their Screens

Editorial Team
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5 Ideal Old School Games To Get Your Kids Off Their Screens

Perfect for getting them to spend more time outside…

Has it come to this? An article, on a screen, which you’re reading while your kids play and probably vye for your attention, which encourages you to encourage your kids to get off their screens. That’s some breaking of the fourth wall stuff right there. You might want to see to that. People in glass houses…

But let’s focus. If you’re reading this then you’re probably of an era when children’s games were full of imagination, energy, activity, fun and friendship. And most importantly, done outside, in the fresh air and with abandon.

The Mirror recently reported that “The average child spends more than four-and-a-half hours per day on electrical devices – and just 40 minutes outside”. In other words “based on a 12-hour day, children are spending more than a third of their time looking at screens, and just 6% outside”.

Though their names and rules may vary from country to country, even town to town, most traditional children’s games needed little more than imagination and invention, passed on from child to child, from generation to generation, through word of mouth not Whatsapp or Snapchat. And there’s a real beauty in that. To keep the dream alive, and to get the little ones outside, here are 5 IDEAL old-school games to get your kids off their screens.

Hopscotch

Once upon a time, the sunset on a residential street was defined by a hopscotch court chalked on to the pavement and players ignoring their mother’s calls of ‘dinner time’. Players took turns to throw a marker, usually a small stone or bottle cap, into a series of numbered squares, then hopped and jumped up the court and back, collecting the marker on their return. The marker had to land cleanly in the chosen square and players who hopped onto a line, missed a square or fell over, had to go again. The first player to complete all the numbered boxes was the winner.

More recently, a new playground craze of ‘scooter hopscotch’ has emerged, which sees kids hop on the back wheel of their scooters along the court – to very mixed results, we should add!

A kid’s scooter, such as the Yvolve range, is essential here, as larger model’s aren’t nimble enough to manage the small spaces. If you’re kid is going to start performing tricks, be sure to kit them out with all the safety gear; helmet, elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads.

Conkers

An autumn seasonal favourite for generations of children armed with the fruit of the horse chestnut tree, conkers had to be carefully drilled and threaded with a string or bootlace, before two wily combatants went head-to-head. While one holds out their conker dangling on its string at arm’s length, the other used theirs to strike. Some rules allowed for another go if the first missed or if strings got tangled, some were more rigid; one shot only, and if the target conker survives, the roles are reversed and the attacker becomes the target. And so it goes on until one of the conkers disintegrates.

Conkers which have claimed several opponents are known by the number they have vanquished, for example, a ‘sixer’. All kinds of myths did the playground rounds about how to create the ultimate unbeatable conker, most involving soaking in vinegar and baking in the oven. Some (us) were even known to insert stealth nails into their conker. Goggles at the ready, kids!

Clapping

There are countless variations of clapping games, found in cultures all around the world. Usually, they involve two players facing each other and completing a clapping sequence as an accompaniment to a sung rhyme. The memorised sequences, sometimes very complex, involve players clapping their own hands, slapping against the palms of their partners, slapping their thighs and many more crossover or high and low moves. Memory, coordination and teamwork are just three of the benefits here.

Blind Man’s Bluff

A game popular in the 1800s (ah, the good old days when life expectancy was under 40 and kids worked in factories) which still survives today. One player is blindfolded and spun around to disorientate them. This ‘Blind Man’ then walks around with their hands out in front of them until they bump into another player. If they manage to identify the other person from the feel of their face, hair and clothes, the blindfold is removed and someone else has a turn. If not, then the game carries on.

Kick The Can

All you need is an old tin can, perhaps with a few stones inside, to enjoy this one. A child is chosen to be ‘it’ and the rest run off and hide while ‘it’ covers their eyes and counts to a set number, often ending with a cry of “Ready or not, here I come!”. ‘It’ must then find and tag the hiding children who, once caught, are put in ‘jail’ –a predesignated holding area.

The constant risk is that a child might dash from their hiding place and, before they can be tagged, kick the can. This means one of the prisoners, or in some versions, all of them, are released to rejoin the game. Only when ‘it’ tags all the other players is the round over and another can begin. Lovely stuff. Take us back to those heady, carefree days, please.

DESIGN TIPS FOR DECORATING A HOUSEBOAT

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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DESIGN TIPS FOR DECORATING A HOUSEBOAT

When someone asks you to picture a ‘home’, nine times out of ten, a house or perhaps a flat will be called to mind. These buildings come in many different styles, from massive mansions to cosy cottages, but in general they do have a lot in common. They have front doors, windows, a kitchen, bathroom, living space and at least one bedroom – and they are all on land. 

Yet your home does not have to be on land if you prefer it not to be. Some people find that living in a houseboat is the ideal solution for them. Of course, living on the water won’t suit everyone, not least because your home is literally going to be moving around as you try to go about your daily business, but there are many benefits to enjoying a home like this, including the fact that it’s cheaper than a traditional house and you can move it where you want to, enjoying a luxury cruise like experience every day of the year!

If you have a houseboat, you’ll want to decorate it so that it feels more like home. With that in mind, here are some of the design ideas you can put in place. 

HAVE GOOD LIGHTING 

On deck, you generally won’t have to worry about lighting – you’re outside, after all, and the natural light should be enough. However, it can be very dark below deck on a houseboat; even if you do have windows, the way the boat is made means it can have low ceilings and not much light can get through. 

Therefore, you’ll need to add as much good lighting as you can. Use window blinds that completely retract to get as much sunlight in as you can, for example. Plus, you can add some lovely standing lamps downstairs – just make sure they are fixed to the floor, however, so they don’t get damaged (and you don’t get hurt).

For that extra nautical theme, you might want to invest in some marine lighting, and speaking of not getting hurt, some sturdy furniture is a must, too…

BUY STURDY FURNITURE 

As we’ve said, a houseboat is not going to be still or stationary all the time, and this is especially true in inclement weather. This means you have to choose any furniture you want very carefully, indeed. A lot of people actually tie their furniture down to prevent it from moving too much when the water is rough or when the boat is on the move, and this is something you’ll need to consider. 

The best way to ensure this works well for you is to choose sturdy furniture. Heavy furniture is less likely to be dislodged as the boat moves and less likely to be damaged if it does. Remember to also exercise caution when placing glass objects about the home as these could cause a lot of harm when they break. 

MAKE THE MOST OF THE VIEW 

When you live on a leisure boat, one of the things you’ll probably like best is the view. You can enjoy spectacular views from the cosy comfort of your houseboat, and so it makes sense for your design ideas to take this into account and maximise the potential of that view. 

To start with, make sure you put some comfortable – and attractive – seating on the deck of your houseboat so you can while away the hours outside if you choose to. Inside, check that your furniture is facing the windows, or at least could offer you a chance to enjoy the view if you want to. 

Bug Off! Common Summer Pests and What To Do About Them

Editorial Team
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Bug Off! Common Summer Pests and What To Do About Them

Spare a thought for our Aussie cousins on the other side of the world. Whilst here in the UK, we start flapping our arms and exiting the picnic blanket the moment the whisper of a wasp is detected, al fresco dining down under has to compete with black widows, paralysis ticks, tiger snakes and the rest.

Suddenly, the threat of some fruit flies doesn’t really feel worthy of an article.

But just because your life isn’t in danger doesn’t mean that the insects and bugs found on these shores aren’t a nuisance. Indeed, as we all know, flies, wasps and other things with wings tend to make a beeline (ahem) for summer garden parties, causing annoyance and potentially ruining appetites.

However, this year – quite rightly – we’re being urged not to kill flies, wasps and other bugs that come into our homes. As Yorkshire Live reports, “this summer you’ll probably see fewer flies and wasps than ever coming inside to buzz around your head”. They go on to explain that “That’s because the UK’s flying insect population has declined by as much as 60% in the last 20 years”. 

Paul Hadaway, the director of conservation at Kent Wildlife Trust says via The Natural History Museum, “These declines are happening at an alarming rate and without concerted action to address them we face a stark future. Insects and pollinators are fundamental to the health of our environment and rural economies”.

It seems that we should be encouraging bugs to thrive. As such, it’s time to put down the rolled up newspaper, pick up the smartphone, and find some more humane ways to keep those bugs at bay.

However, if you want to stop them from invading your home, we don’t blame you. Here’s what to do about common summer pests.

Wasps 

While we’ve already warned against killing bugs for the good of humanity, here’s some more reasons to never swat a wasp; sure, it’s inhumane, but you might inflame the situation, too. 

According to Somerset Live, “A swatted wasp releases a chemical that is picked up by other wasps and they see it as a call to arms and come flying to the scene with stingers at the ready’’. 

Now that catastrophe has been averted, let’s talk about preventing them from arriving on the scene in the first place.  

Repelling wasps is a good first line of defence; prevention is better than cure, and all that. A tried and tested trick is to hang up crumpled brown paper bags, which gives the illusion of wasp nests and sends a message to other wasps that the territory is occupied. 

If you’re having a picnic and are keen for something a little more concrete, then covering food is the best way to deter wasps a – mesh food covers, which act like a tent, are ideal here.  

The Kent-based pest control company Pest Control 4U emphasises preventive measures against wasp infestations, especially in the summer. Regular property inspections to seal potential nesting sites and maintaining tightly sealed bins are recommended. They also suggest the use of wasp-repelling plants like thyme and spearmint in gardens. If a wasp nest is found, they strongly advise against disturbing it and recommend seeking professional help from their team for safe and effective removal.

Hornets 

Hornets are really just a different type of wasp, but one which seems to look and feel more menacing; even their name elicits fear in spheksophobes. Actually, hornets are generally considered to be less aggressive than wasps, if unprovoked. That said, their stings are more painful than typical wasp stings, due to the different chemicals found in hornet venom. 

Leaving them to it, then, seems to be the most obvious solution. But if their presence is causing a downer at your summer garden party, then the experts at Shield Pest Control recommend that, if ‘’they are present in sufficiently large numbers to be a nuisance’’, then there’s likely a nest present in your garden, at which point, it’s sensible to call in the professionals to remove it in an environmentally responsible way.

Flies

To deter flies from coming into your home, keep basil and mint on your windowsill. Why? They hate the smell of these herbs. You can pick up a pot of basil in Aldi for just 67p while Tesco charges £1.30 for a medium size basil or mint pot, as the Mirror reports.

If you don’t have the space for a row of pot plants on each and every windowsill, then you can stop flies entering your house using a simple bag of coins, too. Think that sounds like an expensive solution? Here’s the good news; 1p coins work just as well as larger denominations!

Read: Our IDEAL guide to maintaining a pest-free home

Fruit Flies

These little critters deserve a separate subtitle. Often seen hovering above a fruit bowl or drifting around the kitchen sink, come summer these teeny tiny pests seem to appear from nowhere. 

Put simply, fruit flies are attracted to exposed, ripened fruit that’s started fermenting; they just love that just-off, sweet-smelling scent!

If you want to be extra careful (and ruin that still life, fruit bowl aesthetic you’ve been cultivating), then the solution is simple; put your fresh produce in the fridge to keep fruit flies at bay.

Ants 

We’ve all experienced an ant-infestation at one picnic or another, and we all know just how fast a single interloper can turn into a mass invasion. 

A few simple, natural methods are at hand to repel ants from joining you at the picnic blanket or dinner table. Firstly, consider setting a decoy for the ants; leave some sugary food or drink in a spot away from where you’re eating, drawing the ants to it and away from you. 

Alternatively, you can create a barrier around your dining area using chalk or talcum powder; this is enough to confuse hungry, curious ants.

Finally, ants are repelled by acidic aromas (they have sweet fangs, after all); wipe down your dining area with vinegar or lemon juice to keep them away.

And in the spirit of environmentally responsible solutions, check out these 10 ways to make your garden wildlife friendly. We can’t wait to be invited to your bug-free picnic!

5 Fun Summer Math Activities for Kids

Editorial Team
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5 Fun Summer Math Activities for Kids

Don’t we all love summer? Summer is usually the best time to whip out barbecue stands and picnic baskets. More importantly, it’s an excellent period for children to put their feet up and relax without worrying about school. But don’t flip your textbooks shut just yet.

While summer may be the best thing after sliced bread, it doesn’t mean that kids have to hang up their learning boots. Children can still learn math online and outdoors whilst having fun at the same time.

Wondering how to give your kids a summer blast and make them learn at the same time? You’re certainly on the right page. We’ve collated some of the best math activities for kids to try out this summer. Let’s get down to brass tacks! 

Ice Cream Counting

Who loves ice cream? Every kid does! Whether your kid is a toddler or a high schooler, they’ll definitely enjoy an ice cream cone now and then. Thus, it makes sense to turn their favorite dessert into a fun avenue for learning.

What you need: Brown construction paper (for the cones), colorful pom poms, and a pair of tongs.

How to play: With a pair of scissors, cut about 15 to 20 small triangles out of the brown construction paper to form pretend ice cream cones. Your kid can chip in for this part, but if they’re below the age of 10, you might want to get them a pair of child-friendly scissors. Next, write the numbers 1-20 on the cones and then place them into a plate or bowl. 

Once everything is ready, kids can build their own “ice cream” by adding corresponding pom poms to the cones. For instance, if a cone is labeled “4,” they can add up to four pom poms. This fun activity would help to build a child’s counting skills.

P.S: After each session, be sure to reward your kids with a real ice cream cone.

Flower Math Activities

Flowers attract beautiful things. Bees, butterflies, you name it. However, beyond the aesthetic appeal of these plants, they can also be used as an inspiration to boost learning and create a fun summer for kids.

What you need: White cardstock and colorful pens.

How to play: To start this activity, you need to whip out your inner Picasso. First, cut the cardstock into sizable rectangles. Using colorful pens, draw bold flowers on the left side of each rectangle, increasing the number of flowers as you go. For instance, you could draw one flower on the first rectangle, then two flowers on the next, and so on.

Once you’ve done this, laminate each rectangle, and you’re ready for takeoff. Have your kids count the flowers on each rectangle, write the accurate number, and spell out the number on the right side.

This activity would help children recognize numbers and boost their counting and writing skills at the same time.

Fun fact: While this is a great summer activity, it could also fit right into spring.

Counting Seashells

Heading to the beach this summer? It might be time to try out another fun counting activity with your kid. Heads up: this activity may involve a mini scavenger hunt for seashells. However, if you aren’t feeling up to it, you can always use playdough instead of actual seashells.

What you need: Seashells (or playdough), a plastic mat (or paper), and some colored pencils.

How to play: Write out a specific number on the plastic mat and use colored pencils to draw some artificial sand. If you’re using paper instead of a plastic mat, you’ll need to laminate it to enhance the durability. In the same vein, if you’re at the beach, you could just pour some sand onto the mat instead of drawing.

Next, ask your child to count seashells according to the number on the mat and then place them on the sand. Easy-peasy! This game teaches your kid how to count and improves their fine motor skills.

Outdoor Counting

Summer is all about going outdoors. From fun lemonade stands to family walks on the beach, outdoor activities never seem to end. So, why don’t you add this fun math activity to your bucket list?

What you need: Colored chalk, a large area of asphalt/concrete, and a few pebbles. 

How to play: Using colored chalk, draw a large grid of about 30 squares. Next, write 5’s on the top row, 4’s on the second row, and so on. Make sure you leave the last row empty as your players need to stand there. Next, have each kid stand in an empty square on the last row and throw their pebbles into each numbered box. If the pebble goes off the grid, they lose their turn. After throwing a pebble, each player can check the numbers where it landed and add them up. Once they’ve exhausted their pebbles, the player with the highest score wins the round.

This activity is a great one because it teaches kids the concept of numbers and counting while keeping them energetic at the same time.

Online Games

Sure, summer is all about going out. However, your kids’ summer doesn’t have to be outdoorsy all the time. If you’re trying to improve their relationship with math, you can still homeschool math online by getting them online games. Thanks to the internet, there are tons of fun online games that could teach kids essential math concepts all summer.

Alternatively, you could also hire a math tutor who knows how to engage students on a deeper level and make each math lesson a fun ride.

Final Thoughts

With tiny notes of summer in the air, it’s normal that you want your kids to have a blast without completely forgetting their studies. Fortunately, these great summer activities will certainly teach your children important math concepts and ensure that they still have a fun summer.

We hope you find the tips useful. Good luck!

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