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7 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO BERLIN FOR THE FIRST TIME 

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7 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO BERLIN FOR THE FIRST TIME 

The late, great David Bowie once remarked that Berlin was: “the greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine”, and Germany’s capital city is still very much one of the most iconic and important places in the world. 

With so much vibrancy in its cultural and historical heritage, it has proven to be one of the most popular destinations for travellers from all four corners of the globe. For those looking to tackle Berlin for the first time, here are our 7 top tips to keep in mind. 

BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER 

There are so many reasons why a traveller, student, recent TEFL graduate or even retiree might choose Berlin as the destination for their adventure, but the weather certainly isn’t one of them. 

Whilst the German capital can have some absolutely spellbinding summer days, it’s more likely that you’ll become closely acquainted with overcast clouds and the odd drizzly shower on your trip here. No wonder Berlin is often referred to as ‘The Grey City’, though that might actually refer to the granite builds that define its skyline.

Anyway, that rather downbeat weather is a common sight the locals have gotten used to over the years, and one which no one lets dampen their mood or cramp their style. One of the best tips we can therefore offer up is to always plan your attire with the weather in mind, and ensure that you have plenty of backup plans indoors just in case the rain goes against you.

Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash

ENJOY THE GREEN SPACES 

If the sun does deign to shine, however, then Berlin is blessed with some amazing green spaces, earning it another apt nickname: ‘The Cities that Trees Built’. There are over 1,000 parks in Berlin to choose from, and all of them offer a great spot to unwind during a trip; some of the best include the Landwehrkanal, the Tiergarten, Treptower Park and Tempelhof Field (an archaic runway turned public park!) for a place to chill out and have a picnic with the locals. 

Berlin is famously known as one of the greenest cities in the world with its plethora of repair and recycling centres, food rescue programs and sustainable farming methods, as well as its excellent use of green spaces. 

For something particularly unique, we just love Preußenpark (also known as Thaipark), which hosts up to 100 Thai street food vendors in a beautiful tree-lined park in Berlin’s Wilmersdorf district. The local Thai population have been meeting here for more than two decades, and every weekend, you’ll find delicious homemade curries, spicy salads, and plenty of takeaway Thai sweets being served up here. The most popular time to visit is on Saturdays, between 2pm and 5pm. Heaven!

Photo by Serj Sakharovskiy on Unsplash

FOODIE BERLIN

Open-air Thai feasting isn’t the only foodie highlight in Berlin. In fact, in recent years the city has started to gain a serious reputation in the fine-dining world for intricate, ultra-modern takes on traditional German delicacies, and we’re very much here for it. 

Perhaps the finest realisation of this vision is at chef Marco Müller’s 3 Michelin starred Rutz, which uses sustainable practices and progressive cooking techniques to get the very most from local produce, all infused with that Berlin swagger.

Another fine dining restaurant well worth checking out is Cookies Cream. Despite the name, this isn’t an ice cream shop with cute branding and a devoted teenage following. Instead, it’s one of Europe’s most highly regarded vegetarian restaurants.

The speakeasy feel of the entrance, where you enter through back streets and a car park before finally knocking on a back door/fire exit, feels properly illicit. The clublike doorway shouldn’t come as a surprise; the owner learnt his trade running underground raves, and the vibe indoors is industrial, too. The food, however, is refined, sophisticated and fun to boot. 

Cookies Cream is just one part of a brilliant vegetarian food scene in Berlin, one of the best in the world. Whether you’re a vegetarian, pescetarian, flexitarian or a plain ol’ carnivore, you’ll be satisfied in the city!

GET ON YOUR BIKE 

As we mentioned, Berlin has made a real effort to revamp itself as a sustainable and green city in recent years. One of the biggest drivers behind this has been the real concerted effort the city has made in transforming the pedestrian and cycle networks, both of which has led to Berlin having the fewest number of cars per person amongst the major German urban areas. 

500,000 daily bike riders account for over 13% of the total traffic in Berlin, with the city boasting 710 bicycles per 1,000 residents. This means, if you’re keen to fit in (and keep fit!) with the locals, cycling is the way to get around. 

Even in the wet and the wind, the city is packed out with cyclists making use of the paths that are built into the pavements and a number of roads that are reserved exclusively for bikes. So, not only does a bike represent great value for money, a good amount of fitness and a real authentic way of tackling the city, it’s also the most convenient mode of transport going in the heart of the city! 

Photo by Raja Sen on Unsplash

EMBRACE THE NIGHTLIFE

Berlin, and Germany on the whole come to think of it, has a reputation for not being short when it comes to partying once the sun goes down. 

With daytime and public drinking being as socially acceptable as having a takeaway latte on the go, Spätis (small and local convenience stores that are known for staying open especially late), are the best way of ensuring you’re topped up with as much world-famous German beer as possible. 

There are events on almost every single day in Berlin away from all the major landmarks, so keeping an eye out on Facebook or Instagram for the latest goings-on is always a good tip. 

In Berlin, the best events tend to happen post-midnight. Everything from restaurants, bars, comedy clubs, Biergartens and movie theatres are all open until late, so the options are as close to endless as you can get in the nightlife capital of the world.

For club-lovers, the notorious Berghain (which had been closed for some time) is now finally opening back up. That said, it remains formidably difficult to enter, and that’s putting things mildly.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other places to get down and dirty in Berlin. For wild weekends spent in warehouses, check out ://about blank, a multi-room venue that hasn’t even been legal for that long! Funkhaus is another favourite for the 24-hour reveller, whilst Theros is the place to go for ground-shaking techno tunes. Alternatively, you could just follow your ears; there’s always the rumblings of a party in the distance in Berlin.

Photo by Serj Sakharovskiy on Unsplash

LGBTQ+ BERLIN

For LGBTQ+ travellers, Berlin is an inclusive, welcoming place. For starters, the city is home to Schoneberg, the first and largest gay village in the world. During the day, head to Schwules Museum, which is one of the most culturally significant documenters of LGBTQ+ history out there. 

Next, why not head to Neues Ufer for an afternoon coffee at one of the city’s oldest devotedly gay cafes (a favourite of David Bowie during his Berlin exile), and then end the evening on the dancefloor. Depending on your stripes, Prinzknecht caters to a leatherclad crowd, whilst WOOF is hugely popular with bears and otters. Or, you could do both!

ENJOY YOUR OWN STYLE 

Rest assured; Berlin is a city that grabs creativity with both hands – so wear and act however you like. There are no dress codes or need to worry about conservative modesty in Berlin. Liberal self-expression is something that Germany has fought and worked for so powerfully over the years, and it is something that they truly embrace in their capital city especially. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Berlin is a character in itself with all of its charms and idiosyncrasies, making it a destination that a visitor should be able to embrace themselves, as they would hope it does to them. A willingness to enjoy the maverick quirks and eccentricities of Berlin and its people is definitely needed at times, but these are, in our opinion, what really helps give the city its sparkle as one of the most interesting places to visit in the whole of Europe. Viel Spaß! 

TOP TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT HAIR DAMAGE & BREAKAGE FOR STRAIGHT HAIR

Editorial Team
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TOP TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT HAIR DAMAGE & BREAKAGE FOR STRAIGHT HAIR

If you want healthy hair, then sometimes, defence is the best form of attack. Indeed, to have tresses that look properly taken care of, you shouldn’t focus only on nourishing, caressing and brushing your hair lovingly; you also need to take preventative steps to avoid damage to those lovely locks of yours, strengthening them in the process.

Unfortunately, many people don’t realise the importance of proper hair care until it’s too late. In such circumstances, it really is a case of ‘’hair today, gone tomorrow’’. 

Not us, though; we subscribe to the former Augustinian friar and theologian Martin Luther’s wise words, when he pronounced that ‘’the hair is the richest ornament of women’’. Take care of it today, and everyday, with these top tips on how to prevent hair damage and breakage. 

USE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT 

You cannot just use any equipment and expect great results when it comes to your hair. This is particularly true where heat is concerned. Think hard about using hair straighteners, hairdryers, and curling tongs every day. You may need to consider using these products in moderation if you want long healthy hair. 

This is because styling tools that deploy heat, such as hairdryers and straighteners, will likely damage your hair if used regularly. Even more pertinently, should you suffer from fine or dry hair, be aware that excess heat can weaken your locks further, and your hair could experience damage and frizz from exposure to such high heat levels. 

You can also use heat protection spray to prevent your hair from getting damaged when using equipment that has a heating element in it. Use straighteners or curlers on the minimum setting because using them at a maximum temperature just damages your locks even more. If you need to use a hairdryer, keep it six inches away from your hair and avoid using it on one spot for too long, constantly moving the air around to avoid scorching. Go further, and invest in a heat protection product to prevent damage.  

You can also use shampoos, conditioners, heat protection sprays, hair serum, or oils for extra protection against using equipment on our locks too much. These items have been developed by professionals who understand how their tools work so that you can trust them when using them with your hairstyles at home. 

TARGET SPLIT ENDS EARLY ON 

Split ends won’t disappear of their own volition. So, as soon as you spot a split end, snip it. This will prevent the hair from breaking and splitting further up the strand. You need to be targeting those ends before they become an issue that is harder to fix with just a pair of scissors. 

Split ends can cause a lot of trouble, so it is best to prevent them before they happen. Make sure you are targeting split ends early on as a way to prevent hair damage and breakage. It can be tempting but don’t go crazy with scissors!

Only cut the damaged bits off because too much cutting will leave your hair short and weak which could be damaging in itself. While split ends themselves may not directly cause women’s hair loss, they can lead to other issues that may contribute to hair loss.

Once the split ends have been snipped, you will want to keep them from coming back. This is where targeting split ends early on once again comes in handy. If you are targeting those damaged strands before they get too bad, it will be much easier for your hair to grow back healthy and strong instead of dealing with breakage all over again down the road. Talk about (s)nipping something in the bud!

There are various types of hairdressing scissors out there, so you’ll need to make sure which ones fit your needs. 

KEEP YOUR HAIR MOISTURISED 

You need to keep your hair moisturized if you want to prevent hair damage and breakage. This can be done by observing the following steps: 

  • Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner.
  • Find high-quality hair oil or serum.
  • Make sure to apply the product throughout the entire length of your hair, from the roots to the tips. 
  • Try a deep conditioning treatment once a week.
  • Avoid shampoos and conditioners that contain sulphates (chemicals used as cleansing agents) as these can strip your hair of the natural oils needed to keep your locks healthy.

These steps should help keep your hair healthy, strong, and free from damage. Moisture keeps the hair shafts flexible, which makes them less likely to break. On the flip side, If your hair isn’t packed with moisture, the cuticles will open up, letting in the air’s moisture and causing frizz.

Moisture also prevents split ends from occurring by keeping strands together at their tips instead of splitting into two or more parts where they meet with other hairs on their way down towards scalp level. This is especially important when working with straight styles because without proper hydration such as using oils before blow-drying then doing so may result in more heat damage than needed.

SHAMPOO YOUR HAIR CORRECTLY

In order to shampoo your hair correctly, experts recommend that you actually need to do it twice. The first shampooing is used to cleanse the scalp, whereas the second shampooing should be done when you have more shampoo in your hands, worked up into something of a lather. 

This will provide deep cleansing and allow for proper penetration of moisture into each strand of hair which can prevent breakage over time. It’s also vital to thoroughly and comprehensively wash off all the shampoo or conditioner you’ve used, leaving no residue remaining overnight, which runs the risk of causing dirtiness or greasiness by morning. 

When washing your hair, always use a shampoo that is meant for your scalp type. If you have an oily scalp, use a shampoo that is designed to cleanse the scalp and remove excess oil. 

BRUSH YOUR HAIR REGULARLY 

Make sure to carefully brush your hair every day. This will help to distribute the natural oils evenly throughout your hair, and it will also help to prevent damage and breakage. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush, and brush from the bottom of your hair up to the top (doing so from top to bottom can cause more breakage and compound knots to the bottom of your hair). Take your time and be gentle; you don’t want to cause any further damage, after all.

When your hair’s wet, it is more prone to damage and breakage. That’s why it’s important to take special care when brushing it when wet. Make sure to use a wide-tooth comb, start at the ends of your hair and work your way up. Don’t brush too harshly, or you could damage your hair further. 

EAT YOUR WAY INTO BETTER HAIR HEALTH

They say that ‘you are what you eat’ and this is never truer than when considering your hair. Nope, you won’t suddenly grow spaghetti strands in place of your locks, but rather, your diet can play a major role in your hair health. Aside from Vitamin D, it’s also important to get sufficient Vitamin C, found in broccoli, oranges and more, as well as protein and biotin, found in eggs, and omega-3, prevalent in oily fish like salmon and mackerel. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Those locks of yours aren’t luscious by luck. Instead, proper hair care involves both proactive and reactive steps. We hope you’ve found inspiration for healthier washing, drying and brushing methods today!

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO A GREAT WEDDING BEAUTY REGIME

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO A GREAT WEDDING BEAUTY REGIME

First things first, you are beautiful, right now and forever. However, in the lead up to your Big Day, when you know all eyes will be on you and people are guaranteed to be snap happy, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look your very best. It’s perfectly valid to want to feel as confident as possible on your wedding day.  

Indeed, if there was ever a time to take up a good beauty routine, it’s in the lead up to your wedding. With that in mind, here’s our IDEAL guide to a great wedding beauty regime.

TEETH: SMILE FOR THE CAMERA

TEETH WHITENING 

According to research, the state of our teeth has a huge impact on our confidence. If we’re not happy with the appearance of our teeth, it can have a negative effect on our self-assurance, and on our wedding day, we all want to feel as confident as possible. As such, teeth whitening has made it to the top of many wedding prep lists.

If getting your teeth whitened professionally is out of the question, then a trip to the dentist for a clean and a polish, followed by a good oral hygiene routine, can give you a brighter smile. And if you’re looking for a great whitening toothpaste, we’re fans of Colgate’s Optic White Renewal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste.

There are home whitening kits available. However, as the Independent explains “at-home kits can’t use any concentration stronger than 0.1 per cent of hydrogen peroxide, while dentists can use six per cent, the effects won’t be as dazzling as dental treatment.” 

That said, at-home treatments can still give you a much-needed confidence boost without the hefty price tag of getting your teeth whitened by a professional. When it comes to home teeth whitening kits, Spotlight’s Oral Care teeth whitening system set, priced at £39.85 from Lookfantastic.com, has been touted as one of the best money can buy. 

If you’re going to get your teeth whitened by a professional, a word of warning; do not leave it until the last minute. It’s important to give yourself enough time to complete and recover from the treatment, since just-whitened teeth are prone to sensitivity – imagine not being able to sip that chilled, fizzy glass of champagne on your wedding day! 

To make an informed decision on the best procedure for you, check out our article on the main factors to consider when choosing the right teeth whitening product or treatment here. 

CONSULT WITH A COSMETIC DENTIST 

Consult with a cosmetic dentist with as much lead time as possible if you have any chips or crooked teeth that you’d like to fix before your big day. They can advise you on the best cosmetic dentistry procedure suitable for you, from full mouth dental veneers to dental bonding. 

Dental veneers can also be used for improving the appearance of damaged teeth; from cracks, chips and scrapes to misshapen teeth, veneers can cover unsightly areas and closely resemble a natural looking tooth. There are various porcelain veneer options available, including traditional veneers, minimal-prep veneers like Lumineers, ultra-thin veneers, and CAD/CAM computer-engineered veneers, each varying in thickness, preparation required, and customisation. A cosmetic dentist will be able to advise you on which option is best suited to your unique needs.

As Elleven Dental, who some consider to be the best dentist in London, tell us, dental bonding, on the other hand, is considerably cheaper and is one of the most straightforward ways of treating damaged, decayed or discoloured teeth. The procedure uses tooth-coloured resins in order to make them stronger and fill in any tiny cracks present in the teeth.

SKINCARE GOALS: FOR THAT GLOWING BRIDAL LOOK

PRIORITISE SLEEP 

We all know that weddings can be stressful and sleeping can be hard when you’re trying to juggle so many plans. To make things worse, wacky wedding nightmares are a real thing, and one that can make sleeping even harder. Moreover, a lack of sleep, particularly when happening regularly, causes the stress hormone cortisol to be released, which in turn encourages inflammation in the skin, leading to flare-ups in conditions like acne and eczema. 

Lack of quality sleep can wreak havoc on our looks, making skin look tired, complexion pale, and our faces prone to wrinkles and bags, equally. When the fix is so simple, to sleep more, it’s surprising we’re not all doing our best to catch those all-important 8 hours each and every night. 

When you skimp on sleep, the blood vessels under the thin skin of the eye can expand and cause fluid to linger, causing your eyes to have that well known, much-feared darkened or puffy appearance. 

Since your skin replenishes and repairs itself overnight whilst you are in a deep slumber, the more sleep you get at night, the better you will look and feel. So get enough sleep to ward off eye bags, keep well hydrated (more on that later) and if possible, sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce extra fluid pooling under the eyes.

EAT WELL

The path to radiant, glowing beauty begins within. If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your diet and drinking sufficient fluids, you’re going to show it, make no mistake.

In fact, your body is able to retain water much better via the inclusion of certain ‘watery’ food in your diet; tomatoes, courgette, cucumber and watermelon are all perfect for giving you a dose of the good stuff.

The potential anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil, oily fish (salmon, mackerel…you’re well versed in the roll call by now) and walnuts also make them an excellent addition to a diet which so covets supple skin. And any food which helps boost collagen (eggs, pulses and beans, in particular) is ideal, too. 

Reducing sugary, high glycaemic index foods, such as white bread, potatoes, white rice or pasta, in the weeks leading up to your big day is advisable, too. 

DRINK WATER 

Helping to keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated isn’t only about moisturising externally; it also includes drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet. Being dehydrated due to a lack of water can cause the skin to look flaky and dry, and can also harm skin health. 

As such, ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Similarly, try avoiding consuming too many sugary and alcoholic beverages in the weeks leading up to your wedding. These types of drinks can dehydrate and aggravate the skin, and can cause breakouts to occur.

Instead, add a few cups of green tea to the mix. Blessed with loads of anti-oxidant properties, you’ll be wedding-face ready in no time.

MANAGE STRESS

We’ve already touched on stress and the effect it has on our skin. It’s clear, then, that one of the key components necessary for a glowing bridal complexion is to manage stress. So, let us direct you to our article on 4 IDEAL tips for stress-free wedding planning!

SKINCARE PRODUCTS TO USE

Everyone’s skin is different. It can take weeks – even months – for a new skincare regime to work. As such, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to try out new routines and products. The best thing you can do is to consult a dermatologist for a personalised skincare plan that will help you achieve that glowing bridal complexion you’re seeking. 

Read: 7 simple steps, IDEAL for a glowing complexion

HAIR GOALS

PLAY IT SAFE 

First things first, don’t try a new hairstyle before your wedding day – if you hate it, well, there’s always a wig, we suppose. 

When it comes to dying your hair, now is probably not the time to experiment or do anything drastic. Even if you regularly dye your hair blue, play it safe and stick to a similar shade of blue to your usual hue. 

It’s probably wise not to try anything too trendy with your haircut in the run-up to your wedding day – we wonder how many brides regret those 70s perms? 

WHEN TO CUT & DYE

It’s recommended that a bride should cut her hair about a month and a half before the Big Day. This will give you a fresh and clean looking cut, ensuring dead, split ends are gone. When it comes to dying your hair, it’s recommended to book in for your final colour 1–2 weeks pre-wedding so the colour has time to settle and so your colourist can make any adjustments if necessary.

BROW TO THE BRIDE

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to get great brows, consider microblading. This non-intrusive beauty technique is where your eyebrows are tattooed on with a fine blade to create hair-like strokes. To ensure your brows are fully healed and looking perfect formed for your big day, you should have your first appointment at least three months before your wedding.

EXERCISE GOALS

A DAILY WORKOUT GOES A LONG WAY 

We’re not even going to insult your intelligence with a long bit about the importance of exercise for both mental and physical health, and the impact it can have on your ‘beauty’, both inside and out. 

But we will, however, reassure you that even if you’re seriously pressed for time with wedding planning and life in general, it’s eminently possible to fit in a daily workout. You just have to reframe how you think about exercise; it needn’t be an hour-long slog on the treadmill. Instead, try a session of high-intensity interval training, a hugely effective way of burning fat, and all doable in less than 20 minutes. 

By making changes to your daily routine, you can also fit in an extra workout while barely registering it; take the stairs not the lift, jump off the bus a stop early and walk the remainder of the way, embrace cleaning the house as a way of being on your feet and in motion…all simple ways of burning a few extra calories.

What’s more, hitting the gym in the lead-up to the big day is a great way to beat stress – that oh-so inevitable part of wedding planning. 

FINAL FLOURISHES

SCHEDULE HAIR & MAKEUP TRIALS

You want to make sure that you look beautiful and the way you envision yourself looking on your wedding day. In this case, you can best prepare for your big day by scheduling hair and makeup trials. It’s important that you and your stylist and makeup artist are on the same page and that you see eye-to-eye about your final look. 

During these trials, you can work through any kinks or misunderstandings and together come up with the way you want your hair and makeup to look on your wedding day. It’s also a chance to get to know these people and start to build a relationship and rapport with them.

And with that, we wish you all the best for your Big Day (we assume our invitation got lost in the post?).

5 WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR PERSONAL TIME IF YOU’RE SINGLE 

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5 WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR PERSONAL TIME IF YOU’RE SINGLE 

Valentine’s day is nearly here, and with it, a time for saccharine displays of sentimentality and callous consumerism. Can you tell this writer is single? Thought so…

And though February 14th might usually be a day spent resenting couples doing ‘couple things’ and getting into your PJs extra early, it needn’t also be a time spent sexless. Instead, Valentine’s Day and, in fact, every other day of the year can be as sexy and spicy as you make it, even as a singleton. With that in mind, here are 5 ways to spice up your personal if you’re single.

TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME SOLO SEX

Discovering what you enjoy sexually through self-exploration can be a great way to gain more confidence in your body and relieve stress, too. If you’re keen to learn more about that, then check out these 5 IDEAL reasons to self-pleasure tonight.

However, if you live with housemates, as Sinful points out “worrying that people can hear the buzz of your vibrator” can kill, well, the buzz of masturbating, both physically and metaphorically speaking. They suggest getting a quieter vibrator in such circumstances, which are specially designed for when you’re keen to keep your private life just that – private.

Indeed, vibrators – whether quiet or buzzing – are still pretty much the most reliable sex toy for bringing you to orgasm, enabling the user the feel a sense of control and powder over proceedings. Which means if you are using one in a shared flat, for instance, you may want to keep those moans in check, too…

Read: 6 amazing tips for improving your sex life today

AUDIO EROTICA

“Just erotic. Nothing kinky. It’s the difference between using a feather and using a chicken.” This famous Terry Pratchett quote is what comes to mind when we think of audio erotica, in other words, porn for your ears. 

It’s even been touted by Vogue as the next wellness trend, a place where sexual wellness and desire meet storytelling, all ending in ultimate satisfaction.

Audible has a whole archive dedicated to audio erotica. We’re fans of sex toy brand SmileMaker’s audio series ‘Bedtime stories’, which is based on sexual fantasies sent in by female writers from around the world. 

Other places to get your audio erotica fix, as suggested by Glamour, include Dipsea, which is often touted as the Headspace of Erotica and full of plot-driven aural titillation, and Quinn, where users can upload their own narrations and guided masturbation sessions.

We’re also fans of Vibease, which is a vibrator that you can sync with the erotica stories. Their app has a carefully curated and comprehensive collection of erotic genres to tickle (quite literally) your fancy. We particularly love their smart vibrator which is disguised as lipstick. Though really, there’s nothing to be ashamed of here!

READ A SAUCY ROMANCE NOVEL 

Sometimes you just can’t get on board with someone’s voice on Audible, and when it comes (or rather, doesn’t) to audio erotica, that sense of a stranger narrating proceedings can be a bit of a buzzkill. Enter romance novels that you can buy from just about anywhere. 

If you’re a fan of Jane the Virgin, you may have recently gotten into the genre of hot and steamy romance novels, with the series carrying the torch for this saucy, sexy genre in style. There’s no school like the old school, hey?

Or, do you remember that episode from Friends? You know, the one with the vicar, chimney sweep, burnin’ loins (not its official title!). 

As Rachel so rightly puts, “There’s nothing wrong with a woman enjoying a little…erotica. It’s just a healthy expression of female sexuality”. While we’re not all fans of 50 shades of Grey reading an erotic, romance novel can be a great way to spend an evening. Or day. Or both…

SEXTING ON DATING APPS 

Sexting (whoa-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh), it isn’t sex, it’s the next best thing! 

If you do feel like you need a helping hand in spicing up your personal time, then there’s a world of stimulation at your fingertips in a whole different way to what we’ve so far covered. Indeed, on the internet’s many dating apps you’ll find willing participants in consensual, remote sexting, able to satisfy your craving for human contact without the actual contact.

When it comes to sexting on dating apps, Bustle suggests that you “be honest about what you’re looking for.” This is crucial, to ensure that boundaries aren’t crossed. Once you’ve established your motives, it’s time to get your hands dirty! 

DO IT IN PUBLIC: WEARABLE SEX TOYS 

App-controlled or remote control sex toys… We know what you’re thinking. What if someone hears the vibrator? What if you can’t control yourself and someone hears you? What if, what if, what if…

But using a sex toy in a public place, be it a restaurant or in a bar, gives you a dirty little secret, and then there’s that thrilling notion, knowing that you may very well get caught. Indeed, wearing a vibrator in public takes the thrill of exhibitionism to a whole new level, don’t you think?  

The secret, once again, lies in stealth, so prioritise a vibrator that’s quiet. The We-Vibe Jive is a leader in its field, and boasts “whisper-quiet vibrations’’. You simply slip this secret vibe inside and control it via an app. Simple.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Valentine’s Day, and any other day, in fact, needn’t be a stimulation, titillation free affair, even if you are single. Instead, there are various ways to spice up your personal time and have some fun, solo. We hope you’ve found some satisfaction today!

7 IMPORTANT LEGAL DOCUMENTS YOU SHOULD KEEP SAFE DIGITALLY

Editorial Team
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7 IMPORTANT LEGAL DOCUMENTS YOU SHOULD KEEP SAFE DIGITALLY

Throughout our lives, we will accumulate so much paperwork, the majority ultimately destined for the shredder. However, there are some important documents that we need to keep safe and secure, primarily those that prove our identity and ownership of assets. 

Digital technology now makes it easier than ever to store these documents safely. The best practice would be to store a copy of such documents digitally, on your computer or memory bank, backed up in a cloud-based system and as a hard copy at home. 

Ideally, in terms of physical storage, copies should be kept together in a waterproof, fireproof safe. But perhaps even more importantly in our increasingly automated world, copies are much safer kept as a digitised version. But what copies matter most? Here are 7 important legal documents you should keep safe digitally.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE 

Your birth certificate is an official record of your date of birth and nationality. Its legal importance is paramount as it is the first document that proves your identity. You will need this to obtain other important documents throughout your life such as a passport and driving licence. 

Your birth certificate is also the first official evidence of your name and will be used to prove your age when applying for a marriage licence or health care. Birth certificates are often the target of thieves as they can be used in identity theft, which is why many people are now choosing to keep theirs stored digitally as a precaution against loss, damage or theft of the original copy. Do note, however, that the original copy of your birth certificate is usually required for passport, driving licence and marriage certificate applications. 

PASSPORT

Applying for a passport is a lengthy business. There are many security measures, in-depth checks, and phases of verification involved, all of which must take place before a passport can be issued. 

These stages are designed as failsafe ways to reduce fraud, identity theft and, in more serious cases, terrorism. Therefore, once you have received your passport it’s best to keep it safe and at hand. There is nothing worse than needing it for identity or travelling purposes and suddenly realising it has been mislaid. Another thing to note is that a damaged passport cannot be used for travel so be sure to take care of it.

Whilst a digitised copy can’t be used to travel, it’s useful to have information such as your passport number to hand in digital form, in case you need to use the information for other document applications. Having a digital copy of your passport also speeds up the process of renewal significantly, in the case of an emergency. 

Read: 7 IDEAL tips on what to do if you lose your passport

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXAM CERTIFICATES

Many folk go through all the rigour and resolve of academia only to lose their degree certification and never give it much thought again. 

A rookie error, if ever there was one. It is essential you keep your exam and qualification certificates safe as these are proof of your dedication to the subjects you have studied and the qualifications you have achieved. 

Generally speaking, you will need to show proof of these when applying for any further courses and for future jobs. Getting replacement copies can be time consuming, and you will need to know the name of the examining body to do so. Having them reprinted can be expensive so it is best to keep your originals safe and digitised as a backup.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT 

Every responsible adult should have a Last Will and Testament. It is a sensitive topic and often ignored but a will is there to ensure your wishes are adhered to after you pass away. People often think the only purpose of a will is to record who will get your money and possessions after you die, where in fact it’s a lot more than that. It should include many other important details such as who you would like to be the responsible guardian for your children and pets. 

However, as stated by Wills Trusts LPA, who are expert will solicitors in Dursley, writing a will is not as simple as you believe and you cannot just write one yourself and trust that it will hold up in court. For this reason, many people choose to use a professional will writing service, to ensure that everything is above board and legal and their wishes will be upheld. 

Research online wills to get an idea of what you should include or speak to an expert. As E.L.M Legal Services tell us, ‘’If you don’t make a Will or if it’s not done correctly, the law decides who gets what from your estate.’’ And this can often end up in an erroneous distribution of your property. 

Be sure to store a copy somewhere accessible. If you store your will in a locked cabinet or box, make sure you share the combination with your family. A digital version is essential, too, as a backup.

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE AND DIVORCE PAPERS

Singletons, move on to the next point…

If you have taken your spouse’s name after getting married, you will need to provide a marriage certificate when applying to change your name on all your legal documents, including your passport and driving licence.

You will also need this when opening a joint bank account or applying for finances or mortgages. If you were to suffer from a medical emergency, a marriage certificate can save valuable time for your spouse when decisions need to be made regarding your treatment and health. 

If you are in the process of getting divorced be sure to keep your decree absolute safe. This is a court-issued document that proves your marriage has legally ended. You will need this if you wish to marry again and in the separation of finances.

Local city councils will have digital copies of your marriage certificate; for a fee, you can order a new one line. Having a backup digital copy, however, is always useful to ensure your information is correct and may even be needed in some countries when checking into hotels as a couple.

INSURANCE CERTIFICATES

Insurance certificates provide you with proof of any policies you hold. Without them, it’s difficult to prove the existence of a policy you have taken out. Keep them safe and to hand just in case you need to make a claim. They will include all the necessary information set out in your policy including limitations and conditions relating to a claim. Important insurance documents may include but are not limited to health and life insurance, household insurance and car insurance. 

It is good practice to keep a copy of these with a designated family member (or access to the digital file) in case you ever become incapacitated by illness or injury. 

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY

Who knows what the future may hold? A Lasting Power of Attorney can offer you peace of mind that your affairs will be taken care of should you fall ill. 

Any adult over the age of 18 that has the mental capacity to make decisions on finances, health care and estate can appoint a trusted individual, such as a family member or friend, to make these decisions on their behalf should they lose their mental ability and be unable to make the decisions themselves in the future. 

The LPA will cover health, wellbeing, and financial affairs. This means they can make decisions on your treatment and care if you are to fall ill and can manage your money and bank accounts on your behalf. Those sensible enough to make an LPA will also have the foresight to create a digital copy and keep it in a secure place online.

THE BOTTOM LINE

By keeping organised and your important documents safe you will always be ready to adapt to any situation that arises. Be it a medical emergency or a last-minute getaway knowing where your documents are will make the situation as stress-free as possible. By keeping these documents safe from damage, destruction, and theft we are ensuring we are prepared for all situations.

MOVING INTO A NEW HOME: HOW TO GET YOURSELF SETTLED IN QUICKLY 

Editorial Team
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MOVING INTO A NEW HOME: HOW TO GET YOURSELF SETTLED IN QUICKLY 

For many of us, moving to a new home is incredibly challenging. In fact, some studies have shown that moving home is often considered to be more stressful than divorce. 

That doesn’t mean a high stakes, high tension home move is guaranteed – there are, in fact, many ways to reduce your stress and help you and your family feel settled without too much time and hassle. 

Here are some practical tips to help you settle into your new home and ensure that you’re super organised during your move. 

LEAVE THE HEAVY LIFTING TO THE PROFESSIONALS

‘I can manage this’, you snap, before the beloved family heirloom smashes into a thousand pieces on the floor. Indeed, someone, somewhere right now is arguing with a loved one about moving house, struggling under the weight of a box and clinging onto it in a way that would have Occupational Health grimacing.

So, first things first, it’s essential that you’re working with experienced moving companies when shifting all your stuff to a new location, rather than your famously clumsy kid brother or an over ambitious partner keen to carry everything and likely dropping half of it.

To avoid both injuries and flared tempers, leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. To check your tradesperson is certified and reliable, you can see if they are TrustMark certified and a member of the appropriate Trade Association. 

MAKE A LIST OF EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Getting your new home into a liveable state can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by writing a list of everything you need to do, and ordering it by importance. 

Some tasks, such as painting or putting up your artwork and pictures, are less urgent, while others, such as telling your doctor and bank about your address change and getting furniture, should take priority. Work out what you need to do straight away and what can wait, and then the project will feel more manageable. 

You could even apply something popular in the corporate world, the Eisenhower Decision Matrix, to prioritise tasks. The core principle behind the matrix is that tasks of ‘urgency’ and ‘importance’ deserve distinguishing and separating in order to help you manage your time more effectively. 

Daily tasks are divided into columns – important and urgent, important but not urgent, not important but urgent, not important and not urgent – and are then prioritised in terms of what you should do yourself and what you should delegate or abandon. Moving house never looked so optimised.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR A SYMBOLIC FIRST SLEEP

Now that you have a list of tasks in order of priority, you need to jump right into the elements that will restore that sense of ‘normality’ after your move as quickly as possible. For example, if you don’t have a safe space to sleep, including a comfortable mattress and bed, then you need to get that as soon as possible. 

That first sleep in your new home is hugely symbolic, whatever the state of the property and your progress in unpacking. Fortunately, companies exist who can have you sleeping on a new mattress the day you move in. MattressNextDay are one such company; you can view their memory foam range here alongside pocket sprung options, divan beds and more.

You don’t want to be tumbling into your bed surrounded by dusty boxes, that’s for sure. So, endeavour to create a calming atmosphere in the bedroom as a matter of priority, by setting up your bed with fresh sheets and pillows and minimising the clutter in here for your first night. 

REDIRECT YOUR BILLS

In the early stages of moving to a new home, it’s easy to get mixed up and overlook an important bill. There are many different providers and accounts, which can mean that it’s hard to keep track. Paper bills can easily get lost in the clutter that comes with moving to a new house. If you forget to pay a bill when it’s due, then this can lead to expensive late payment fees that can quickly mount up and take the shine off that ‘new house’ glow.

This is a rather long-winded way of saying that you’ll also want to get your mail redirected, ideally before you move in. ​​The Royal Mail runs the official UK redirection service for the princely sum of a minimum £33.99. Yep, all that just to receive more bills; proof yet again that the world is trying to shaft us at every turn. A necessary evil, unfortunately.

Similarly, setting up new utilities before you arrive at your new gaff is important, too. You’ll want to ensure you have hot water, heating and electricity from the off, so set up utilities in your name, in advance – from the day you move in – so you’ll be accurately paying for your usage and not the previous occupants’. Items such as your TV licence and internet provider can usually be simply switched over to your new address, so check out the feasibility of this in advance, too.

Read: Moving house? Stress free relocation in 5 simple steps

THE BOTTOM LINE

Moving house is one of life’s most stressful events, but it’s also one that’s fulfilling, rewarding and defining. Settling in quickly is essential to avoid disruption and to start off your new life on the front foot. Good luck!

6 IDEAL WAYS TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR WARDROBE

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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6 IDEAL WAYS TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR WARDROBE

Though the demise of ‘fast fashion’ is still some way off, it’s certainly true that millennials and Generation Z are thinking about clothes differently, with a ‘buy less, buy better’ mentality nurturing more sustainable shopping practices.

Research last year conducted on behalf of the RSA and reported on by the Guardian indicated that just under a third of those aged between 18 and 24 had been recycling and reusing clothes more since the pandemic began, with over a third of female shoppers intending to buy fewer clothes moving forward.

It’s a change that chimes with our modern times. With growing concern over fast fashion’s impact on the environment, coupled with a sharp recent rise in the UK’s cost of living, the idea of upcycling, repurposing and reinventing our wardrobes is gaining traction fast. 

So, why not make it your new year’s resolution this year to not buy any new clothes in 2022? Instead, here are 6 IDEAL ways to breathe new life into your wardrobe. 

CUT

Sure, it might feel almost remiss to suggest removing any centimetres during wintertime, what with the exposed legs and arms not exactly being conducive to comfort in the chilly British weather. But with the shortest day of the year already behind us, and with a year of not buying new clothes pledged, we’re already looking forward to spring just a little.

Indeed, with a snip here and a chop there, you can transform an item of clothing that’s long been forgotten into a whole new outfit. Why not create some stylish shorts from an old pair of jeans? Or, turn an old skirt you no longer like the length of into a midi or mini skirt?

Don’t stop there! If you’ve got a top that no longer inspires you, reinvent it. Cut the collar to create a sexy off-the-shoulder number or cut off the bottom to create a crop top…the possibilities are endless!

SEW & ALTER

If you find such brinkpersonship with the scissors a little too daring, then why not take things a little more slowly and make smaller alterations instead?

Though it can be kinda cathartic, you don’t actually have to chop everything up to change the look of an old garment. All you need is a little savvy with the sewing kit, and you can add new straps to a strapless top, a collar to a collarless shirt, a new seam or cut to the back of a dress, or even badges and buttons on items that previously had none.

For a new year’s craft project which will keep you occupied and sticking to those Dry January pledges, consider learning how to sew with a sewing machine. Doing so will increase your ability to breathe new life into your wardrobe no end!

At which point, you can get properly creative with your old clothes. You could even consider cutting up two items of clothing and sewing the opposing parts together to make a third totally unique item. However, before you make your first cut, learn how to make a proper hemline, unless you’re going for the frayed, rough-around-the-edges look.

Or, you could even start making your own clothes from scratch. Read more about doing just that here.

IRON-ON 

T-shirts requiring a new lease of life may not benefit from the brooch treatment in quite the same way. Indeed, the addition of pin-on jewellery can often lead to a mishapen t-shirt. Instead, consider adding a slogan to your plain old t-shirts by using iron-on letters and designs. 

In fact, slogan sweaters and T-shirts were all the rage last year, with growing dissatisfaction at the way the world was being run leading to political unrest and an increased desire for right-on self-expression. So, whether it’s a mood, a political message, or if you’ve got something to say and express, then wear it for the world to see. 

You could even buy a set of plain T-shirts and then personalise them with slogans and images of your choosing. Whilst we realise that we earlier cautioned against making new purchases, if you buy wholesale clothing rather than individual items, you’ll save heaps on cost and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint, as the clothes will make one journey rather than being shipped as single items. Every little helps.

EMBROIDER

Speaking of sewing, and if you want to add a flourish to your clothes without too much work (of course you do, that’s why you’re here!), then a little embellishing will be the needle to your thread. 

High time, then, that you took a trip to your local haberdashery where you’re likely to find a treasure trove of ribbons, buttons, sequins, lace and all sorts of items which you can dress your wardrobe up with. The key here is to think about ways in which you can enhance or contrast a feature of the garment you want to embellish.

One of our favourite ways to add a unique, trendy touch is with embroidery. From plain cami tops, cardigans and denim jackets to white canvas espadrilles, this simple technique can completely transform your clothes. If you’re new to sewing, you could always sew embroidered patches onto your clothes instead. We think this makes a fantastic hobby for a season usually associated with hibernation and replenishment.

BLING

We’ve all got a few jumpers that were once beloved staples of our winter wardrobes but have since grown a little tired and unloved. Rather than consigning them to the scrapheap, why not add some sparkle to your old jumpers with the addition of a brooch.

No longer reserved for your Grandma or eccentric friend in thrall to fashion a little too ‘vintage’, brooches can really help you personalise an outfit and breathe new life into old clothes. 

What’s more, brooches can add a splash of colour and that decorative touch which, in the right hands, can tie a whole outfit together and turn disparate elements into one cohesive whole. Adorn your cardigans and sweaters with just one for a subtle effect, or dozens of dazzling, jewel-encrusted design brooches for something all the more spectacular.  

EXTEND

Perhaps the most environmentally savvy, sustainable way to breathe new life into your old clothes is to extend their current shelf life, negating the need to buy any new items at all. In the spirit of not wasting anything, we won’t use up any more of your time. Instead, we’ll redirect you here when you’ve got a minute, to these 7 simple tips to make your clothes last longer.

We can’t wait to see your brand new, second-hand outfits in the flesh! 

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE RENTING A HOME

Editorial Team
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5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE RENTING A HOME

If you’re in the market for a new place to call home, you may be considering renting. Renting can be a great option, especially if you’re not quite ready to buy or don’t want to commit to a long-term lease. However, there are some things you need to know before signing on the dotted line. Here are five of the most important:

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

If you’re a tenant, it’s essential to understand your rights and the laws that govern renting in your country. Each country has their own specific rules that landlords must follow. As a tenant, you are entitled to live in a safe and clean home that is up to local building codes; if you are unhappy with the state of your home and your landlord is doing nothing about it, you could submit a housing disrepair claim.

By knowing what is required by law, you’ll be prepared should any issues arise between you and the landlord later on. When it comes to housing disrepair claims, it’s crucial to document everything and keep a record of all communication with your landlord. This will help you build a solid case in the event that a claim needs to be made.

UNDERSTAND YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

While the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property and making repairs, you’re generally responsible for taking care of everything inside it. You should also ask your landlord about anything else that might not be included in their lease agreement, like gardening or changing light bulbs. If you’re unsure what’s expected of you as a tenant, make sure to speak with them before signing your leasing contract, so there are no surprises later on!

ASK ABOUT UTILITIES BEFORE SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE

When renting an apartment or home, utilities may or may not be included in the monthly rent payment. Some landlords will include all utilities such as water, electricity, and gas, while others charge separately based on usage by each tenant. You should always ask about utilities before signing a lease agreement, so there are no surprises later down the line when those bills start rolling in!

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Landlords will often check a tenant’s credit score before approving a lease agreement. A low credit score could mean you won’t be approved or that you’ll have to put down a larger deposit. If your credit score isn’t great, start working on improving it now, so you’re in a better position when it comes time to rent. If you are struggling to maintain a good credit score, there are many agencies that assist people in improving their credit scores.

BE PREPARED TO PAY A DEPOSIT

A deposit is a sum of money paid upfront by the tenant if something happens during their tenancy (such as damage), so they will not be responsible for those costs later on when it comes time to move out! To keep from being charged at all, make sure you leave your rental property in good condition and follow any rules set forth by the landlord after signing an agreement with them. Ensure everything is clean before leaving, and ensure nothing has been left behind, such as furniture items or decorations, because these could incur additional charges if left behind without approval first.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Renting can be an excellent option for those looking to live in an area where they don’t want or need property ownership. Still, you must understand the responsibilities involved with being a tenant before signing any lease agreements.

7 UNIQUE PROPOSAL IDEAS GUARANTEED TO WOW THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE

Editorial Team
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7 UNIQUE PROPOSAL IDEAS GUARANTEED TO WOW THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE

This just in and contrary to popular assumptions about the impact of lockdown on our romantic relationships; divorce rates have actually fallen considerably since the pandemic began. Indeed, in 2020, there were 103’592 divorces granted in England and Wales, which was a 4.5% drop on the previous year.

Perhaps those rumours of couples falling out of love during lockdown were untrue after all?

But what about those keen to tie the knot, rather than undo or tighten it? Well, the stats suggest proposals rose in response to tough times, too. As Hitched reported back in November 2020, engagement ring sales had soared by 40% during the first lockdown. We expect that figure might have risen further as the global pandemic drew into sharp focus just how important our loved ones are.

If you’re keen to be part of next year’s engagement statistics, but in the most inventive way possible, then here are 7 unique proposal ideas guaranteed to wow the love of your life.

PROPOSE 2000 FEET IN AIR

If you want to go above and beyond and take your proposal to the next level (which happens to be 2000 feet in the air), consider hiring a hot air balloon for half a day and proposing among the clouds. 

You can find companies that specialise in hot air balloon proposals, though this shouldn’t strictly be necessary; just explain your requirements to the company and they should be accommodating. 

Hot air balloon hire here in the UK is surprisingly reasonable, too, starting out at around £125 for around half an hour’s flight time, which is the standard length you’ll be in the air. Do be aware that the whole experience, including safety briefings, can take around half a day, but nonetheless, it still represents one of the most romantic proposal ideas imaginable.

Now, all you have to do is make sure your partner doesn’t suffer from vertigo in advance, and make sure that whichever one of the incredible diamond engagement rings out there that you choose to buy, you don’t end up leaving it at ground zero!

TAKE THEM ON A SCAVENGER HUNT 

A scavenger hunt proposal is an exciting, unique way to do things that shows a little more imagination than leaving the ring in a cake and hoping your partner doesn’t choke to death on it. 

Make things extra personal by designing a scavenger hunt around your favourite old haunts and places that have been symbolic in the progression of your relationship up to this key point. Each location could reveal a small prize, building up to the grand finale and the greatest prize of all; a lifetime spent together!

Read: Make sure they say ‘yes’ with these 5 steps to the perfect proposal

A TOUR OF YOUR FAVOURITE FOODIE SPOTS

Running with the idea of revisiting old haunts and condensing it into something more delicious, why not take your soon-to-be-fiancée on a tour of your favourite foodie spots?

Most couples have formed some of their most cherished memories over a meal, and dined out, no doubt, with enthusiasm. Arranging a tour of some of your favourite spots, perhaps just a plate at each place, is an amazing way to celebrate the journey of your love. 

Schedule in a seat at the restaurant which saw your first meeting, conversation, kiss, declaration of love, and so on. If you’re into something on the stilton end of the cheesy spectrum, then there are a few ways you can pop the question in a romantic restaurant. If you’re in a restaurant of the correct persuasion, you could even have the proposal written on a piece of paper in a fortune cookie. 

Otherwise, getting down on one knee in the middle of the restaurant is an open-hearted declaration of your love – you might even get a free drink out of it!

Of course, you should only attempt to pull off such a public proposal if you’re confident that the answer will be affirmative.

PROPOSE DURING A WILDERNESS HIKE

On the flipside of a very public proposal, why not organise a hike into the wilderness with nature as the only witness to you popping the question.

This option might only be wise if you both enjoy hiking, as nothing can ruin the mood more than making your partner hike into the middle of nowhere and then pop the question to a sweating, exhausted wreck. However, if you both enjoy a ramble, this could be a great option as you’ll be able to find a secluded, romantic spot to celebrate in style. 

If you’re stuck on a destination, check out these best one-day hikes in the UK for some inspiration.

HIRE A SKY SIGN WRITER

Hiring a sky sign writer, though certainly ubiquitous in romantic comedies, is actually an incredibly unique proposal here in the UK, seeing as a 60-year ban on the practice was only lifted two years ago.

This could be the corniest but also the cutest option available, and only you know if this is suitable for your partner.  

You first need to find a pilot or company specialising in skywriting (or, more commonly in the UK, simply pulling a banner from the tail of the plane) and provide them with the message you want them to write/display and the appropriate time. 

After that, all there is to it is to wait for the right moment and pop the question. You could, of course, combine this proposal in the sky with one of the other options on our list, such as the wilderness hike. Do make sure you organise the proposal for a clear day, otherwise, you might be disappointed! Costs range from around £300 to £600 an hour for this one.

HIRE A BARBERSHOP QUARTET 

This option may not be the best choice if you and your soon-to-be wife are timid, but if you enjoy bombastic displays of love, hiring a group of singers may be a brilliant option to shout about your love to the world, loud, proud and in perfect tune. 

You should choose a song that you know she will appreciate, such as the song playing when you first met or had your first kiss, or you could throw caution to the wind and pen your own ditty. You can set it up so that you are ready with the ring as soon as the singers reach a specific line in the song and really make it a proposal to remember, though this takes some pretty precision planning on the part of you and the barbershop quartet.

PROPOSE DURING A PHOTOSHOOT 

The majority of couples have a few photos of themselves around the house, but having professional photos of the two of you, framed and captured beautifully, is perhaps less common with the advent of smartphones and social media. Why not organise a ‘photoshoot’ for you and your partner, with the stated aim to capture a beautiful shot of the two of you. Of course, you’ll have an ulterior motive in mind…

Indeed, if you really want to capture the perfect moment, you could hire a professional photographer to take the shots. To add extra spice to proceedings, you should inform the photographer that you’re planning a surprise proposal halfway through the photoshoot, and that the photographer should be ready to shoot their reaction!

Good luck with your proposal and we hope the fact it’s unique, inventive and well-organised convinces your partner to say ‘yes’!

8 MUST SEE PLACES TO VISIT IN TURKEY IN 2023

Editorial Team
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8 MUST SEE PLACES TO VISIT IN TURKEY IN 2023

The latest travel trend predictions are clear; Turkey is due a bumper year in 2022. 

As a statement of some intent and a warm welcome to new tourists, the country’s megacity Istanbul is due to see Turkey’s fastest ever metro line open, connecting the international airport with the downtown neighbourhood of Gayrettepe. 

But that’s not all; several world-renowned cruise companies have now added Istanbul’s Galtaport to their global routes. With Turkey leading Mediterranean tourism in 2022, out-competing its rivals in terms of visitor numbers, and with the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture launching a new campaign touting ‘’Istanbul is the new cool’’, we can only expect The Land of Four Seasons to become even more popular this year.

Blending that ‘new cool’ with the most incredible heritage and history, here are 8 must-see places to visit in Turkey in 2023.

ISTANBUL

Of course, we had to start here.

Istanbul is a city rich in diverse culture and history. Straddling Europe and Asia, and enjoying influences of both continents but with a unique vibe all of its own, it’s also one of the biggest cities in the world, and certainly one of its most influential, with must-see attractions, thought-provoking museums and historical monuments all over the city to enjoy. 

Located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, here you’ll find one of the biggest religious structures in the world, the Hagia Sophia. Other must-sees include the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and so much more besides.  

Photo by Desert Morocco Adventure on Unsplash

Be sure to visit the Spice Bazaar, where you’ll find hundreds of stalls that sell spices, sweets, teas, dried fruits and other goods. Smaller than the Grand Bazaar (which is also well worth a visit, by the way) this shopping hub is also a great place to buy your family and friends souvenirs from your trip relating to Turkey’s incredible cuisine. 

The Asian side (or the ‘other side’) is a multicultural mix of Ottoman palaces, galleries, lively cafes and bars, many populated by trendy young Turks. Be sure to explore the Kadıköy district and its cool Moda neighbourhood, in particular, to experience a more laid back side to Istanbul and its culture.

While you’re here, actively seek out the famous, glorious balık ekmek, otherwise known as the best fish finger sandwich of your life. As SBS highlights, you can find the finest versions close to the old fishermen’s boats in Istanbul’s Eminonu district. Here, carts in the street peddle these delicacies day and night.

Read: 9 places to explore the culture and heritage of Istanbul, Turkey

BODRUM 

We know that Bodrum has something of a reputation as being a party town, but there are still plenty of quiet corners of the city that reflect the region’s authentic way of life, too. Sitting on Turkey’s west coast, Bodrum is a cosmopolitan place, famed for its whitewashed houses and windmills as much as for its hedonistic vibe.

That’s not to say it doesn’t pack a punch in terms of history and heritage. Bodrum Castle is a sight to behold, jutting out into the Aegean sea on its own cape and with incredible views, whilst Halicarnassus Mausoleum, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, is another must-see.

And if you are heading to Bodrum for a party, you’ll be spoiled for choice on its various bar streets and the thriving, thrusting club scene at the marina and beaches. Şerefe!

Photo by Mert Kahveci on Unsplash

KAS

Kas is the jewel in the crown of the country’s Turquoise coast; a bohemian, laid back town with a lively centre, great cuisine and a globally renowned scuba diving scene. 

This small seaside town on the Mediterranean coast is unquestionably one of our favourite places in the whole of Turkey. While it may not have the finest beaches in the south of the country, it has a mellow charm about it that is easy to fall in love with and impossible to forget. Shisha bars, coffee shops and charcoal grills line the cobbled streets, and those streets are perfect for strolling in the evening.

With more than 50 dive sites within just half an hour’s boat ride of the town’s port, and 15 accredited diving centres within it, Kas attracts keen divers all year round, though particularly from April to November. Assi Island, around twenty minutes from the port by boat, has a reef with octopus, barracuda and even sea turtles calling it home.

Back on dry land, we’re in love with the food of this part of the world, and Kas offers some superb Turkish cuisine. Lahmacun, those deliciously spicy minced lamb flatbreads, are found all over town, the finest made fresh to order and kissed with smoke from the tandoor. Of course, being a coastal town, Kas also has its pick of the Mediterranean’s bounty and you’ll find hawkers in the pretty central square peddling battered and deep-fried mussels and freshly shucked oysters. Heaven!

Photo by Atıf Zafrak on Unsplash

ANKARA

Ankara is the capital of Turkey, and a city steeped in history. With the country’s largest museum found here, as well as Atatürk’s mausoleum and the ancient citadel district, you’ll find many chances to dig deep into Turkey’s past in Ankara.

For foodies, this is a wonderful place to explore Turkey’s gastronomy. The citadel is home to dozens of restaurants housed in restored Ottoman mansions, here you’ll find places serving mezes, kebabs and more. As Ankara is only a short distance from the Black Sea, the city is famous for its fish restaurants.

The city is located at an altitude of 3000ft above sea level, so the climate here is quite arid. On hot summer days, the temperature can top 36°С. However, due to the dry climate, heat is tolerated much more easily than in cities with humid climates. In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing and snow isn’t uncommon.

Photo by Francesca Minto on Unsplash

Ankara is also the most popular stop-off for tourists visiting the world-famous Cappadocia. Speaking of which…

GÖREME

Goreme (also known as Cappadocia) is a picturesque village surrounded by steep slopes, providing residents and travellers alike with jaw-droppingly beautiful views of this rocky wonderland. 

The rock formations sparkle in the sun to such an extent that they have been named the ‘Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia’. As well as this, tourists can visit the cave churches, castles and open-air museums of the village. And of course, they can see the most famous experience of all here; the spectacle of hot air balloons rising above the rocks daily.

While you’re here, consider walking through the Ihlara Valley. This is a 15km trek through the red-walled gorge that lies between Ihlara village and Selime. Formed by the Melendiz River thousands of years ago, it’s one of those rare regions of the planet that seems completely untouched by the modern world. Exploring the surreal landforms of this valley, with churches carved into its walls, will blow your mind – it’s thought that it once had more than four thousand dwellings and over one hundred churches.

This is a leisurely trail, so take time to appreciate the chirping birds, the beautiful foliage, the poplar and pistachio trees and the sound of the rushing river that runs through it. Stop for lunch at one of the cabanas by the Melendiz River and make sure you check out the interior of Agacalti Kilise (The Church Under the Tree).

ANTALYA

Antalya, Turkey’s fastest-growing city and the gateway to the country’s glorious Turquoise Coast (sometimes referred to as the Turkish Riviera), boasts a cosmopolitan vibe, temperate climate, and a fantastic mix of beach life and urban charm. With the Taurus Mountains as a backdrop, there’s so much for nature lovers to enjoy on their doorstep.

Phaselis, in the heart of Antalya, is a history buff’s dream come true. The harbour city of Phaselis, founded in the 7th century by immigrants from Rhodes, has a long and illustrious history. Check out this amazing Phaselis, Kemer traveler guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip here. Phaselis is also surrounded by natural treasures, making it the ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern Antalya proper. 

What’s more, the food scene in the city is superb, with a healthy focus on seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, and grilled seafood taking centre stage. That Mediterranean diet you’ve heard so much about? It’s here, but with flavours turned up several notches via dry spices, chilli and a little local flair!

Of course, kebabs and other freshly cooked flatbread dishes – like gozleme and lahmacun – are also found here in abundance, and are reliably spectacular. Put simply; you’ll eat extremely well in Antalya.

Read: Touring Turkey? Here are 5 top health and safety tips

Photo by delihayat from Getty Images

THE POOLS OF PAMUKKALE

Taking a dip at this UNESCO World Heritage site in Turkey will cleanse the soul and refresh the mind. At Pamukkale, a town in western Turkey famed for its most incredible scenic spectacle, water cascades from natural springs down white travertine terraces and into thermal pools below. 

Pamukkale translates as ‘cotton castle’ and when you see it, you’ll understand the nickname, as the ‘turrets’ of the travertine terrace faces are white and appear almost fluffy. The water is warm and rich in minerals, and visually, it’s utterly surreal. Just magic.

Photo by Victoria Rokita on Unsplash

THE LYCIAN WAY, TURKEY

Regarded as one of the world’s best hiking trails (and certainly one of longest, at over 350 miles), the Lycian Way is renowned for its ancient ruins, picturesque fishing villages and secluded beaches.

The best part about this hiking destination is that it boasts a mix of scenic burial monuments and Mediterranean views that could enrapture even the coldest soul. If you’re to tackle the whole thing, do earmark at least a month in your calendar! 

Along The Lycian Way, you’ll find small hotels and local guesthouses offering typical Turkish cuisine to give you fuel for your hike. Most will provide a typical Turkish breakfast of eggs, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, olives, local honey and jams, oranges, pomegranates or whatever’s in season, all served with fresh bread and Turkish tea or Turkish coffee, the latter of which will certainly give you that all-important caffeine-boost ahead of a day’s walking.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Turkey boasts a vibrant culture, world-famous food, and magnificent scenery that ranges from sun-soaked beaches to towering mountains, all of which are sure to take your breath away.

11 Of The World’s Finest Racecourses 

Travel Team
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11 Of The World’s Finest Racecourses 

Horse racing has long existed as a thrilling spectator sport and as an activity to wager on. The sport is especially popular in the UK, where it is second to football in popularity, but has a large following in the USA, France, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and Malaysia as well. Japanese sports fans also love a horse race, so much so that some even camp outside in the queue for major horse racing events. 

A day out at the races is a chance to socialise and, if you’re into horse racing traditions, to don your favourite hat, dress or suit. Below is a look at some of the world’s best racecourses and why they’re such key fixtures in the annual racing calendar.

Belmont Park, USA

Belmont Park is the home of the famous Belmont Stakes, which is the third jewel in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (the other two being the Preakness Stakes and the Kentucky Derby), and sits in Elmont, New York. Head to the track for this famous race and you can see up to 12 horses battle it out in the race for a purse of $1.5 million. The Triple Crown has only had 13 winners in more than 100 years, so catching the race live is your opportunity to watch one of the best horses of all time. 

The park has a capacity of 50,000 and is undergoing modernisation. It’s a popular destination and has plenty of transport links to it. You can reach the venue by car, train or subway. 

Meydan Racecourse, Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is home to the opulent Meydan Racecourse, a symbol of the city’s love for luxury and sport. Opened in 2010, it replaced the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse and has quickly become synonymous with the Dubai World Cup, one of the richest races in the world. The Meydan facility is nothing short of spectacular, with a 1.5-mile-long grandstand and a capacity to accommodate over 60,000 spectators. The racecourse is not just a sporting venue but a testament to modern architecture and the spirit of Dubai.

Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong

In the heart of Hong Kong’s New Territories lies Sha Tin Racecourse, a modern marvel that contrasts with the traditional Happy Valley. Opened in 1978, it hosts the Hong Kong Derby and the Hong Kong International Races. With a capacity of 85,000, it’s a testament to the city’s passion for the sport. The backdrop of verdant mountains and skyscrapers makes Sha Tin a unique venue, reflecting the vibrant fusion of nature and urbanity that characterises Hong Kong.

Aintree Racecourse, England

Venturing back to the UK, Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool is synonymous with the Grand National, a race that has etched itself into British cultural lore. The course’s fences, like Becher’s Brook and The Chair, are legendary for their difficulty and the dramatic moments they’ve produced. Aintree’s history and the sheer test of endurance the Grand National represents make it a pilgrimage site for jump racing aficionados.

Flemington Racecourse, Australia

To visit Flemington Racecourse, you’ll have to jet out all the way to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The racecourse is the home of the famous Melbourne Cup Carnival which takes place each year in late October or early November. Around 300,000 visitors attend the event. On any given day of the festival, there will be around 80,000 to 90,000 people.  

The biggest race of the festival is the Melbourne Cup, also nicknamed “The Race that Stops the Nation”, and is such a big race in the Australian calendar that Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in the country. Riders and their horses are racing for $8.4 million and will cover 1.99 miles to cross the line first. Other big races during the festival include the Victoria Derby (Derby Day), the Victory Oaks (Oaks Day) and the Mackinnon Stakes (Stakes Day).

Getting to the racecourse is easy. The racecourse has its own train station, open only on race days, or you can take a tram to the racecourse from Melbourne central business district (CBD). Ridesharing is also possible, although on busy race days it’s better to just walk to the venue if you’re within a reasonable distance to do so.

Caulfield Racecourse, Australia

Melbourne, Australia, is not only home to Flemington but also to the Caulfield Racecourse, affectionately known as ‘The Heath’ by locals. This is the site of the Caulfield Cup, a key lead-up race to the Melbourne Cup. With a triangular-shaped track that offers a unique challenge to jockeys and thoroughbreds alike, Caulfield provides a different flavour of racing experience down under.

The Curragh, Ireland

Ireland’s contribution to the world of horse racing is embodied in The Curragh, located in County Kildare. This flat racing venue is steeped in history, with racing dating back to the 1700s. The Irish Derby, a race that has seen many of history’s most celebrated horses emerge victorious, is the jewel in the crown of The Curragh’s racing calendar. The rolling plains of the Irish countryside provide a stunning setting for this historic racecourse.

Longchamp Racecourse, France

Paris, France, boasts the historic Longchamp Racecourse, known locally as Hippodrome de Longchamp. Situated in the picturesque Bois de Boulogne, it has been a centrepiece of French thoroughbred racing since 1857. The course is renowned for hosting the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, a race that draws the crème de la crème of European thoroughbred royalty. With recent renovations enhancing its grandeur, Longchamp remains a beacon of French elegance and racing heritage.

Tokyo Racecourse, Japan

Japan’s passion for horse racing is epitomised by the Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo. It is the country’s most prestigious flat racing venue and hosts the Japan Cup, one of the richest and most prestigious races in the world. The course features an enormous grandstand, one of the largest in the world, and cutting-edge facilities that make it a favourite among racing enthusiasts.

Read: 11 must-try foodie experiences in Tokyo

Ascot, England

Next, a little history lesson, to help you learn about horse racing betting, etiquette and form. The origins of this prestigious racecourse in Berkshire date back to 1711, when Queen Anne rode out of Windsor Castle and discovered a patch of land perfect for horses to gallop on full pelt. 

The monarch’s discovery led to the foundation of Ascot, which, today, holds major events in the (British) horse racing calendar such as the Royal Ascot festival, where horses will contest the Royal Ascot Gold Cup, the festival’s flagship race. The racecourse hosts an additional 21 horse racing events. 

It’s possible to drive to Ascot and park at the racecourse, but you’ll need to book a parking spot beforehand. Trains also run frequently to Ascot from Reading, Guildford and London Waterloo. You can even fly by helicopter to the racecourse.

Churchill Downs, USA

Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA is the home of the biggest race in the US racing calendar and the first jewel in the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby (Run for the Roses). 2024’s Meeting will be the 150th edition of the race and will place $5 million up for grabs, with $3.1 million going to the winner. The race is contested over 1 and a quarter miles. 

Attend on derby day and you’re likely to be one of around 150,000 people who will also be at the racetrack. What an atmosphere there will be! The venue offers on-site parking on a first come first served basis, but ideally, it’s better to avoid driving and either hop onto one of the many buses that pass by the venue or to take a taxi or rideshare.

The Bottom Line

The popularity of horse racing means there are lots of different racecourse around the world to accommodate fans of the sport. Other fantastic racecourses you should place on your horse racing bucket list and try to tick off include Cheltenham, home of the Cheltenham Gold Cup; Happy Valley, in Wan Chai district of Hong Kong; and Saratoga, in Saratoga Springs, New York.

8 HOBBIES TO KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP

Editorial Team
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8 HOBBIES TO KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP

Cognitive decline is one of the most concerning aspects of getting older. And somewhat peversely, as life expectancy rises, so the rate of dementia follows suit. According to a report by The Guardian, “Dementia is the biggest health crisis of our time…as statistics show the condition was the primary cause of death in England and Wales last year.”

Phew, that was a rough start. Want to hear some better news? Some studies suggest that we might be able to give our brains a workout and have fun at the same time by taking up a new hobby or two. 

The benefits of taking up a hobby are well documented. Not only can they keep our brain sharp, warding off those senior moments we all sometimes (even in our youth) suffer from. But hobbies can also have a hugely positive effect on our mental health. Indeed, studies have shown that they can help relieve stress, make us happier and give us a new sense of purpose with our leisure time. Oh, and they can be super sociable, too. What’s not to love?

With all this in mind, here are 8 hobbies that help keep your mind sharp. 

CROSSWORDS

‘‘One word. Five letters. The second and last letters, D and L. The clue is ‘perfectly suited’…’’ (see the end of the article for the answer.)

Crossword puzzles come in all sorts of levels of difficulty, sizes and shapes, from quick to challenging, and clear to cryptic. What they all have in common is their ability to keep the mind fresh and focused, by extending our logistical and literacy skills.

Indeed, research by the University of Exeter Medical School and Kings College London found that practitioners of word puzzles maintain brain function as they age, especially when it comes to attention, reasoning, and memory.

Ideal tip: Make doing the crossword part of your daily morning routine. Buy a crossword puzzle book or do the one in your daily newspaper while you enjoy your coffee and cereal. 

CODING

We know what you’re thinking; coding isn’t exactly a fun hobby. However, you’d be surprised by just how many people who start coding soon become passionate about it. 

From the sense of accomplishment when solving a really complicated problem and becoming part of a coding community, all the way to the pleasure of making things that are useful to other people, coding can be fulfilling in more ways than one.  Moreover, if you’re looking for something to challenge your grey matter, then this is it.  

As highlighted by the FDM Group, the benefits of coding on our brains are incredible. They explain that “Coding can help you improve your logical thinking skills by allowing you to see problems from a new perspective”. 

Ideal tip: For those that have never tried coding before, start with a small computer like a Raspberry Pi, which is wonderful for beginners with its easy-to-use functionality. 

CHESS

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

Learn how to plan moves, make difficult decisions and get creative with playing styles, all while improving at one of the world’s most universally loved and respected past times. 

Some even believe that these skills – of foresight and planning – can be applied to life outside of chess, too. Getting into chess is easy; look out for chess clubs in community centres or get invested by watching chess-related media like Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit. 

SUDOKU

This deceptively simple Japanese numbers game has been said to help brain function, with a study in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry finding that increased playing of sudoku led to better brain function in the over 50s. What’s more, Everyday Health have recently reported that ‘‘a brain game like sudoku…can help delay dementia and Alzheimer’s’’. Wow!

When the rules of sudoku are understood, the game is incredible for problem-solving, logical thinking and memory, all of which could potentially boost brain functionality.

READING

If you’re not a numbers type of person, then the good news is that reading can keep your mind sharp, too. A study found that people who engage their brains in an activity such as reading are 2.5 times less likely to develop the degenerative disease Alzheimer’s.

Reading is perhaps the world’s most beloved hobby, and certainly one of the healthiest; it’s educational, informative, entertaining and oh-so relaxing. 

Ideal tip: Become a bedtime reader. According to The Sleep Council, ‘‘39% of people who are in the habit of reading before they go to sleep, sleep very well’’. So, get into the habit of reading a chapter before bed to better both your brain and your sleep. 

JIGSAW PUZZLES

Ideal for logical thinking, reasoning and pattern recognition development, puzzles are a lifelong hobby that everyone can enjoy. 

Today there are so many intricate puzzles out there to really give your brain a workout, from fully 3D models to optical illusion puzzles. 

Or, you can attempt one of the biggest puzzles in the world from Grafika, which has 54,000 and covers 190 sq ft. The puzzle comprises 50 paintings by artists ranging from van Gogh to Klimt, Arcimboldo to Brueghel or Monet to Leonardo da Vinci. It should be noted that it will set you back £399 and can be pretty (very) frustrating to complete. Or, you could just stick to a more achievable one picture painting of the Mona Lisa instead. 

Ideal tip: Make puzzle night a regular activity with friends and family. 

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

According to one study discussed in Country Living, learning a new language can boost your IQ by a whopping 9.71%. Moreover, it may also help prevent cognitive decline. 

As the British Academy highlights, “language learning engages an extensive brain network that is known to overlap with the regions negatively affected by the aging process”. Alongside this, “learning a new language can people who speak other languages often exhibit more empathy and a global mindset” and allegedly can even make us appear more attractive. 

Ideal Tip: Learning a new language is now more accessible than ever thanks to apps like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, which have revolutionised the way we learn languages. The free versions, which although limited in scope and reach, provide an opportunity to get some beginner words under your belt.

COOK NEW RECIPES 

Now this is a hobby everyone can get on board with – we all have to eat after all! When trying new recipes, you get to give your brain a little workout, learning new techniques, skills, ingredients and dishes. And according to that Country Living research we just mentioned, trying new recipes every week can boost your brain by 4.17%. 

Ideal Tip: Consider signing up for a recipe box that lets you expand your cooking repertoire with ease. You can either order boxes with all your ingredients, like with Gousto and Hello Fresh, or you can just get the dry ingredients with Simply Cook, and buy the fresh food needed separately. 

Do be aware, however, that you are paying for the convenience. These boxes aren’t necessarily good for your wallet when compared to buying the same ingredients at the supermarket.

Not one to usually direct you away from our website, but food writer Jack Monroe is such an authority on meals that won’t break the budget, so let us send you to Cooking On A Bootstrap. The recipe section is deep and broad; go get it!

THE BOTTOM LINE

Your brain is a muscle, and just like the rest of the body, it needs a workout to keep it healthy. Push your boundaries and try and to do different things – challenging yourself is key to keeping your mind sharp! 

Oh, and the answer was ‘IDEAL’, of course. Isn’t it always?

HOW TO TELL WHEN YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT PROPERTY

Editorial Team
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HOW TO TELL WHEN YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT PROPERTY

How do you know when you’ve found a home that truly counts as commitment-worthy? Finding ‘the one’ can be a demanding and tiring process, with hopes, ambitions and dreams liable to be squashed when flitting from property to property without finding what you’re really looking for.

You may be after one of many new homes on a modern development, or you might be trying to find your ideal period property? Perhaps you know exactly what you want, or maybe you’re hoping your dream property will come to you in, well, a dream.

For those people struggling with the latter, what are some signs you can identify to know when you’ve really found the one? Here’s how to tell when you’ve found the right property.

IT EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

You’ll have preconceived expectations about every property you visit, whether they’ve been derived from photos you have seen, descriptions you have read or just preconceived views about the general location. 

The right property should make you feel something immediately, as soon as you first set eyes on it. As you enter and explore, your expectations should be exceeded. You’ll know very quickly whether it’s one to investigate further or whether it’s time to cut your losses and move on. If all the other places that you’ve been looking at no longer appeal to you, then you may have just found the one. 

Read: 5 IDEAL steps to buying your dream home today

YOU CAN IMAGINE YOURSELF LIVING THERE

If you’ve found the right property for you and your lifestyle, you should easily be able to imagine yourself living there. Perhaps you can envision yourself sitting reading a book in one room or being perched on the sofa watching a film in another? Or maybe you see yourself hosting a dinner party in the home’s kitchen or dining space? These would all be good signs that a property is a good fit for you and your lifestyle – whatever you may want to do with the space.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS ACCESSIBLE

As Highcastle Estates, an estate and letting agents in Stratford, tell us, another important factor is accessibility to local amenities and easy access to your current (and future) commitments. The ideal house will offer a reasonable commute to your workplace, leisure facilities that allow you to enjoy your hobbies and perhaps within the catchment zone of a local school if you have (or are planning to have) kids. You may find a brilliant property, but if the location isn’t quite right, it might not be a viable option. 

IT SUPPORTS YOUR FUTURE

Buying a house is a significant commitment and one that requires plenty of thought and planning. You shouldn’t just be buying a house that appeals to you now, but also one that will support your future and the future of your loved ones. If you are planning to start a family, finding a property that can become a family home should be a fundamental consideration. If you’re approaching retirement, finding a house that will allow you to have a comfortable later life will be equally important.

Read: 4 areas of your property you should personalise first

BINGE ON SOME PROPERTY BUYING TV PROGRAMS

We’re talking about such daytime TV stalwarts as ‘A Place in the Sun’’ and ‘Escape to the Country’, but how can watching these TV programs help me know if I’ve found the ideal home, we hear you ask?

Well, let’s take the premise of this type of show; they are both reality programs about buying dream properties. The programme helps house-hunters find their ideal home, with the host encouraging potential homebuyers to uncover and discover why they want to move, what they’re looking for and which part of Britain (or somewhere abroad) they’ve got set their heart on.

By watching these programs, you will begin to understand what you like and don’t like about a property too and start to question more deeply about what you really want. Then, once you’ve found the ideal property, you’re more likely to know straight away that it’s the right one. Plus, any excuse to sit down infront of the tele for an hour or two is welcome, hey?

Finding your dream property is a challenging task, but with enough luck and endeavour, you should find yours. What would your ideal property look like?

6 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON YOUR LUXURY HOLIDAY TO KAUAI, HAWAII

Editorial Team
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6 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON YOUR LUXURY HOLIDAY TO KAUAI, HAWAII

The 137 island chain of Hawaii presents so many options to intrepid travellers that narrowing down a holiday into one succinct itinerary can be tough.

When planning a trip to Hawaii, most tourists assemble on the island of Oahu. Known as ‘the Gathering Point’ and home to the capital Honolulu, this is the world’s gateway to the Aloha State and where the main international airport is found. Alternatively, they head for one of the world’s great road trips, the Hana Highway on Maui island, which winds its way to the volcano Haleakala.  

The island of Kauai is sometimes overlooked in favour of these heavy hitters, but those that embrace the Garden Isle find a place of pure paradise awaits. Remote, scenic and with luxury accommodation and dining options abound, it’s a place to indulge, splurge and get away from it all, make no mistake. While you’re on the island, here are 6 of the best things to do on your luxury holiday to Kauai, Hawaii.

ENJOY EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO HAWAII’S ‘FORBIDDEN ISLAND’, NIIHAU

Whilst it feels somewhat remiss to be leaving Kauai as soon as we’ve arrived, if you’re seeking serenity on your Hawaiin adventure, then Kauai grants you access to Niihau, known as the ‘Forbidden Island’.

Privately owned and managed by conservationists the Robinson family and only accessible to family members, relatives and invitees, in recent years the island has experienced a phased opening of sorts. You can now take a private helicopter here (run by Niihau Helicopters, Inc) for a half-day tour. With just 170 residents, if you’re after the luxury of solitude, this could be the place for you.

Contrary to this being a billionaire’s playground (as private islands are so often depicted) Niihau is somewhat different; the island is dedicated to preserving Haiwaain traditions, heritage and nature.

LUXURIATE IN SECLUSION AT KAUAI’S SECRET BEACH, KAUAPEA

Not content with having a ‘forbidden island’, Kauai also boasts a ‘secret beach’, Kaupea, located on the island’s north side. The beach is known as being secret (paradoxically, we acknowledge) because it’s only accessible via an unsigned, unmarked, unpaved track which is famously slippery and treacherous, making access difficult. 

Make the effort, however, and you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous spectacle of sand and surf. At almost a kilometre long, and with high cliff walls, you’re sure to find your own little spot of serenity here.

Alternatively, there are some incredible luxury vacation homes in Kauai, with one overlooking the Secret Beach opening up recently. Boasting a private path to the beach and panoramic views of the ocean, this is the height of luxury on the island. And you did say that’s what you wanted, right?

TAKE A PRIVATE HELICOPTER RIDE OVER THE NA PALI COAST… 

Hey, whilst you’ve got that private helicopter we mentioned earlier all to yourself, you might as well make the most of it! 

So, next, we’re heading to (or rather, over) the Na Pali Coast, a gorgeous 17 mile stretch of sand and sea on Kauai’s north shore. Since there is no access by road on this coast, car travel is largely out of the question here, so it’s more common than you might think to appreciate the beauty of this rugged coastline from on high.

There are four distinct colours that you’ll see from your formidable vantage point: the royal blue of the ocean, yellow of the beach, brown of the mountains, and green of the trees. An insider’s tip is to wear black clothes during your helicopter tour, since it will reduce a significant amount of glare on the windows and improve visibility during your flight. Alternatively, you could take a doors-off helicopter tour, which is pretty terrifying but the visibility is unparalleled. 

If you’re keen to dismount and actually put your feet on terra firma, then a private yacht tour of the Na Pali coast might suit you better…

…OR EXPLORE THE NA PALI COAST BY PRIVATE YACHT

There are two things that you should keep in mind while taking a private yacht tour to the Na Pali Coast. Firstly, timing. Don’t go in June and July as the winds are too strong, making severe seasickness a real threat. Local knowledge recommends packing ginger ale, saltines, and Dramamine motion sickness tablets for a boat trip all year round, as the waters can get choppy.

For the ideal yacht trip, with fine weather and calmer seas, consider checking out the Na Pali Coast in the latter stages of August or later, avoiding monsoon season in the process. Be aware that these aren’t the best waters, any time of year, when it comes to snorkelling.

With all that small print out of the way, visiting the Na Pali Coast and its State Wilderness Park by yacht allows you to enter this most gorgeous part of Kauai from a fabulous vantage point, gaining access to exclusive coves not available to those on foot. 

DINE ON DECADENT & DELICIOUS HAWAIIAN DELICACIES AT 5 STAR TIDEPOOLS

The food of Hawaii is as diverse as it is delicious. Savouring the sea’s bounty and taking elements from the cuisines of Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines, who came in numbers to the island in the 19th Century to work the sugar cane and pineapple fields, dishes are punchy, fresh and packing plenty of citrus and spice.

Perhaps the premier fine dining spot on the island is Tidepools. Here, the restaurant’s dining room is set in a series of thatched bungalows (air hale pili in Haiwaan) that seemingly float over a koi-filled lagoon. Quite the idyllic setting, but rest assured, the food more than matches its majesty. On the menu, you’ll find locally caught fish cooked with respect to Hawaiin traditions but with a modern eye for detail. 

Expect hamachi sashimi with chimichurri and ponzu, a Kauai style poke with kukui nut, macadamia crusted mahi mahi served with forbidden rice, and our favourite, seared Hawaiin ahi fish (a type of yellowfin tuna). Just fabulous, and a real glimpse into the melting pot of culinary influences and the freshest local ingredients that come together to produce this celebrated cuisine.

Read: 12 dishes to try in Hawaii

SAVOUR THE SUNSET OVER THE WAIMEA CANYON & THE WAIPO’O FALLS

Dubbed the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, Waimea is one of the most spectacular wonders of nature in Kauai. Scrap that, in the whole of Hawaii. Scrap that, in the world… We got there in the end.

The canyon (which boasts waterfalls and views of the Pacific Ocean; take that Arizona!) stretches for over ten miles, plunges 3,500 feet deep, and has a mile-long width at some points. Two popular lookout points offer the best views, Puu Ka Pele and Pu’u Hinahina, the former providing a glimpse of the Waipo’o falls and the latter offering the finest views of the canyon itself. 

For a luxurious holiday with a difference, why not visit the canyon and falls at sunset, which begins at around 6pm. The view is more opulent than anything a 5 star hotel can provide.

12 Of The Best Chinese Restaurants In London

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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12 Of The Best Chinese Restaurants In London

Chinese New Year is here and Londoners everywhere are dusting off their chopsticks and looking for somewhere to celebrate. We here at IDEAL love our Chinese food, from Sichuan to Hunan via Xianping and beyond. Whilst we haven’t been able to travel the length and breadth of China to compile this list, we’ve done our best to eat our way around London. Humble, we know, but someone’s got to do it. So, here are 12 IDEAL Chinese restaurants in London.

YAUATCHA, SOHO

A lesson in understated elegance, this chic dim sum and teahouse exudes sensuality and the dim sum is exquisite – perfectly light and refined, and as good as any we’ve eaten anywhere in the world. Although dim sum is the main event, there’s brilliant seafood cooking too, and the crispy duck is miles away from your uber sweet, uber dry, Uber delivered fare.

IDEAL For: Dim sum and tea
Website: www.yauatcha.com
Address: 15-17 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 0DL, UK

XI’AN IMPRESSION, ISLINGTON

Service is, to put it bluntly, blunt. But it’s all worth it for the hand pulled noodles; the biang biang (onomatopoeic, apparently, from the noise they make when being slapped on a surface), fiery with chilli and a healthy taste of iron from Chinese greens, are simply spectacular.

IDEAL For: Shan Xi street food
Website:  xianimpression.co.uk
Address:  117 Benwell Rd, Islington, London N7 7BW

From the same folk: Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles, 62 Wentworth St, London E1 7AL, UK,

A.WONG, VICTORIA

Now with a shiny Michelin star above the door, A.Wong has come a long way since its opening in 2013. This ‘upmarket Chinese eatery’ (their words) is actually refreshingly welcoming, inclusive and reasonably priced, considering the level of cooking going on here. Dim sum takes centre stage at lunch with a dedicated menu. At dinner, the lights dim some, the mood gets a little more sultry and dishes more complex. On our last visit, the sea urchin udon was a particular highlight.

IDEAL For: Modern Chinese food and intricate dim sum
Website: awong.co.uk
Address: 70 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DE

From the same folk: Kym’s, 19 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR, UK

HAKKASAN, FITZROVIA *closed*

*As of February 2025, Hakkasan Hanway Place is permanently closed.*

Deep pockets required here, but deeply satisfying dishes too. Cantonese cuisine – a broad term we know – is the name of the game here, with premium protein leading the way; black truffle smoked wagyu beef with Japanese abalone anyone? See past the excess though, and you’ll find stellar cooking and an atmosphere of pure class.

IDEAL For: Michelin starred Cantonese Cuisine
Website: hakkasan.com
Address: 8 Hanway Place, London, W1T 1HD

BANG BANG FOOD ORIENTAL, COLINDALE

Ok so this one isn’t exactly one restaurant. Bang Bang Oriental is London’s largest Asian Food Court and is home to around 27 different restaurants with a seating capacity of 450. It’s not all Chinese food here, but some of the best stuff you can find is. They’re hosting a huge new year event, too. Expect sizzling woks, lanterns, Chinese New Year traditions and loads of fun.

IDEAL For: Trying Everything
Website: www.bangbangoriental.com
Address: 399 Edgware Rd, London NW9 0FH

BARSHU, SOHO

Sichuan food has a reputation for incendiary heat and we’re glad that Barshu, in Soho, doesn’t hold back on this promise/warning, depending on which way you look at it. There’s some serious brow mopping happening here, but that’s just fine with us. Their fragrant chicken under a pile of chillies is just that – you have to dig through a mountain of the humming, radioactive red ones to reach any protein. And it’s bloody great.

IDEAL For: Spicy Sichuan specialities
Website: barshurestaurant.co.uk
Address: 28 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 5LF

SICHUAN FOLK, THE EAST END

Searingly hot Sichuan cooking isn’t for the faint, but the brave-hearted, and it can get really rewarding when done right. Hotpots haven’t generally taken off in the U.K with the same fervent reception as much else of the Asian repertoire, but the hotpot at Sichuan Folk, with its rip roaring spice levels, could change all that.

IDEAL FOR: Sichuan hotpot
Website: sichuan-folk.co.uk
Address:  32 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR

HUNAN, PIMLICO

Lauded by London food critics for some time now, Hunan offers a slightly different proposition to other Chinese joints in the capital. There’s no menu, just a selection of (very) small plates sent from the kitchen, tailored to your needs only in the sense you specify allergies and the level of spice you can handle. With the usual paradox of choice so common in Chinese restaurants not present here, all you need to do is sit back, occasionally open your mouth, and enjoy the ride.

IDEAL for: A surprise meal designed for you
Website:www.hunanlondon.com
Address: 51 Pimlico Rd, Belgravia, London SW1W 8NE

SILK ROAD, CAMBERWELL

Cheap and cheerful, this place, but that description just doesn’t do it justice. A.Wong, the newly anointed king of regional Chinese food in London, is a huge fan of this purveyor of North-Western Chinese fare, and that does say something. There are Muslim influences here, with spices not often seen in other regional cooking of the country (garnered from the Silk Road that ran through the region, hence the name). While the room may not be nearly as exotic as the cuisine, it’s a damn good place to eat, and damn reasonable it is, too.

IDEAL for: Xinjiang food at a fantastic price
Address: 49 Camberwell Church St, Camberwell, London SE5 8TR

ON CAFE (NOW DUMPLINGS & BAOS), CLAPHAM

At On Café they do two things: Chinese dim sum and French patisserie. To have both in the same setting may seem a little odd, but it totally works. Think about it, both dim sum and patisserie chefs are highly trained and masters of their art. The two are hard to perfect and both take dexterity to make.

This charming Asian style cafe in the heart of Clapham Common serves up some of the best salt and pepper squid in the capital. And because this place is BYOB, you’ll be pushed to spend more hat £20 a head.

IDEAL for: For dim sum that will get you hooked 

Website: dumplingsbaos.business.site
Address: 31 Clapham Park Rd, London SW4 7EE

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