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GROWING FRUIT & VEGETABLES IN THE GREENHOUSE? HERE ARE 6 COMMON ISSUES & HOW TO AVOID THEM

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GROWING FRUIT & VEGETABLES IN THE GREENHOUSE? HERE ARE 6 COMMON ISSUES & HOW TO AVOID THEM

For keen greenhouse growing enthusiasts, May represents an exciting time in the cultivating calendar, with the fruits of the first half of the year’s labour richly rewarded. 

Strawberries can begin to be harvested, French beans and lettuce start to look good, and early season tomatoes appear plump and sweet. There are even herbs like basil and coriander to sow, ready to perk up many a future meal. There really is no better feeling!

This, of course, is in an ideal world, where gnats are kept at bay, temperatures are consistent, and root-rot remains purely a concept, rather than an ever-present threat.

Today, we’re considering some familiar problems which can affect the fruits, vegetables and herbs we’re growing and ways to both prevent them from happening and to mitigate their impact if they do occur. With that in mind, if you’re growing fruit and vegetables in the greenhouse, here are 6 common issues and how to avoid them.

OVERWATERING

Though there’s always a temptation to water daily, as this feels like you’re making a difference to your plant’s health, too much water will effectively drown your plant’s roots. What’s more, overwatering can leave your plant prone to infection, as you block the flow of oxygen to the roots and create an anaerobic environment ideally poised to allow disease to thrive.

To recognise if you have overwatered, check to see if any leaves are yellowing, drooping or falling off; all telltale early signs of trouble.

It should be noted that overwatering typically occurs in soil, and hydroponic growers don’t tend to experience this as frequently. Tomatoes, for instance, work particularly well in a hydroponic setting, particularly when using an ebb and flow system which allows for the swift release of excess water.

Anyway, if a plant has been overwatered, the first step to mitigate any issues is also the most obvious; don’t water it again until the topsoil is dry to the touch. Should there be obvious standing water in your pot, try to drain it off by tipping the pot gently. You could also increase the amount of ventilation close to your overwatered plant, as wind can help the soil dry more quickly. The same goes for moving your plant to a warmer part of the greenhouse.

If you’re not using soil, then over watering in a hydroponic system is simply corrected by altering the frequency of watering.

UNDERWATERING

On the flip side, too little water will again result in a wilting or drooping of the plant’s leaves, but ultimately, this tends to affect all of the plant. Once the roots completely dry out, there is very little time to salvage the plant, especially if it is a fully grown one, and this is particularly true for aeroponic systems – strawberries, lettuce, basil, mint and parsley, chiefly – where plants rely on regular misting.

If a plant has been under-watered…. then firstly, water it, but be carefully not to drown the soil and roots. Deluging the plant can lead to those issues we described above that are caused by overwatering. Instead, water the plant in small increments until adequate saturation is established and see how it responds. Make sure you spritz the leaves, too.

Above all else, really listen to your plants to find out what they need.

A PH IMBALANCE IN THE SOIL

The pH of your substrate or soil has a direct impact on what nutrients the crop can absorb confidently, and this level varies depending on your substrate or soil, and the type of fruit, vegetable or herb that you’re growing. 

In general, you want the pH to be between 5.5 and 6.5 in organic substrate or soil for your plants to thrive. Here’s a breakdown of the pH level of more popular greenhouse growing fruits, vegetables and herbs:

  • Tomatoes require a little above average pH of between 5.8 and 6.3 hydroponically, but when rooting in soil, 5.5 to 7.5 should do it.
  • For soil, lettuce requires between 6.0 and 7.0 pH. Hydroponically, 5.5 to 6.0 pH will suit it best.
  • Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil, between 5.5 and 6.8. Should you be growing them hydroponically, 5.8 to 6.2 is best.
  • Basil requires a soil of between 6.0 and 7.0 pH. Hydroponically, it should be slightly more acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 pH.

As you can see, each plant enjoys a slightly divergent pH to the next, with hydroponic pH levels generally lower than soil levels. You should always check the specific plant and variety’s ideal pH before sowing. 

It’s a smart move to check the pH of your nutrient solution or soil regularly and if you can, test any ‘run-off’ you may have as this can give you a good indication of what’s happening at the root zone. The experts at Progrow advise that you should invest in a pH test kit or a Bluelab pH pen to do this, and make it part of your daily routine when in the greenhouse watering and maintaining. 

OVERHEATING

As anyone who has stepped into a greenhouse on a sweltering summer’s day in the UK will attest, these spaces can get seriously hot and humid. Though warm-season crops do enjoy a certain amount of heat, anything exceeding 32°C (around 90°F) is going to do your plants some damage, with the optimum temperature sitting at around 27°C (80°F).

If you do think things are getting too hot in your greenhouse, keep doors and windows open during the daytime to ensure decent ventilation, making sure you close them once the sun sets.

CLEANLINESS

Having a clean and tidy greenhouse is important for several reasons. Firstly, a cluttered greenhouse will block the natural flow of light and ventilation in the greenhouse, inhibiting your crops’ chances of growing to their full potential. But even more importantly, a clean greenhouse is one that doesn’t foster bacteria, pathogens and disease, all of which could wreak havoc on your crops. Dirt can also attract pests (more of that later) who will feast on your crops and undo all of your hard work spent cultivating your plants. It could also encourage algae and mould to form; and you don’t want that.

You should regularly jetwash and sanitise your greenhouse, at the very least between every growing season, but ideally, more often than that. You’ll have to take your plants out of the greenhouse to do this, so ensure it’s a mild day before doing so. If you’re using soap to wipe down greenhouse windows, doors and surfaces, make sure it’s chemical-free and doesn’t leave a residue.

PESTS

Just because you’ve got your greenhouse door tightly shut doesn’t mean that insects, aphids and other pests can’t get in. Regularly check for signs of tiny laid eggs in your soil, and if you do identify an infestation, it makes sense to remove the offending plant entirely from your greenhouse to avoid cross-contamination or the problem spreading.

Fungus gnats are particularly attracted to the moisture of potting soil and the humidity of indoor growing, so keep an eye out for them. The adult fungus gnat is purely a nuisance, aesthetically, but the eggs of its larvae present a genuine problem, as they lay them into the top part of the soil and the larvae then set about digesting your roots. If you see any flying black insects around the base of your plant (particularly when you are watering), then they need to be eradicated fast.

Horticultural soaps, derived from plant oils and free from chemicals, are surprisingly effective against pest infestations, and bring the huge benefit of not containing harmful, undesirable chemicals. 

It should also be noted that most insects, caterpillars and slugs love damp conditions, so make sure surfaces are scrupulously dry. Sticky traps around your plant pots will deal with adult flies and hungry slugs, too.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you want your mealtimes to be blessed with a bounty of fresh produce grown in your greenhouse, then it’s so important you pay attention to each crop’s root zone. 

Keeping your greenhouse clean, paying attention to watering cycles, monitoring and maintaining pH levels, and checking for pests and diseases regularly should keep you in good stead. Attention to detail goes a long way and the sooner you identify a problem and treat it, the healthier your plants will be.

If you’re looking to grow herbs like chives, dill and basil indoors, then check out these great tips on how to grow your own herbs at home.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING REGULAR SCREEN BREAKS EXPLAINED

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THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING REGULAR SCREEN BREAKS EXPLAINED

It’s one of modern life’s greatest truisms; that the majority of us spend way too much time in front of our screens. Required for work, play, entertainment, communication and learning, it’s recently been suggested that our smartphones are now like our second ‘homes’ – and that without them, we feel a kind of existential crisis.

You can say that again. It feels like all this time spent in front of screens will either lead to the next evolution of man, or the need for a large part of society to be bespectacled. We think a little of each sounds likely.

Today, we’re looking at the dangers of exessive screen use, as well as some ways to mitigate both that use and the damage it might be causing. With that in mind, here’s the importance of taking regular screen breaks explained.

HOW TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME CAN DAMAGE THE EYES

Over 38% of people in the UK have reported that increased screen time during the pandemic has left them with eye issues or associated posture problems. Hunching, straining, squinting…it all leads to problems which could be mitigated if we made an effort to look away from our screens more and position them in a more ergonomically effective way.

There are various items you can purchase to make your desk as comfortable as possible; a laptop riser stand, external keyboard and mouse, an orthopaedic seat and footrest are a good place to start. These will help not only your posture, but also your eyes, as your screen will be at a comfortable height and a certain amount of squinting will be mitigated.

Read: 7 ways to prevent digital eye strain

There is also an ongoing debate as to the damage that blue-light exposure can do to the eyes. Some maintain that it is the actual light coming off the screen that does the damage, while others note that it is the length of time spent at the screens that does the damage to the eye. The overriding and accepted principle is that overexposure to screens can cause damage to the retina – leading to poor eye health.

So, how do we spend less time away from screens whilst still maintaining a comfortable, convenient quality of life? Let’s find out…

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER 

They say that to truly conquer your vices, you first have to acknowledge them. So, try to be mindful of your screen time, which (for us, anyway) has reached pretty shocking heights during this extended period of social isolation and lockdown.

Knowledge is power, here, and recognising that you’ve been using your phone too much is the first step in reducing your time spent swiping, scrolling and clicking. You could set limits or reminders or even use monitoring apps to prompt you; iOS and Android have built in Screen Time management tools.

GET YOURSELF OUTDOORS

Spending time outdoors is a great way to break up your screen time. The eyes are able to relax and yet also react to the normal movements of the outside world, and the sights and activities of the outdoors. This is especially important for children, with the rise in myopia (short-sightedness) being linked to high levels of screen time in conjunction with the much reduced time spent outdoors. As such, it’s vital to set the tone by taking yourself outdoors and away from your screen with the same frequency you’d like your children to adopt. 

You don’t have to hike up hills or go from couch to 5km – this article is about getting away from screens, not getting swole. Remember this is not a push to exercise, it is about allowing the eyes time to recuperate in a normal outdoor environment.

SCREEN FREE ZONES

Domestically, it’s a good idea to create screenfree zones in the home. There are, of course, times when you need to be glued to a screen; for most of us, during the working day for instance. And that’s fine. But there are other occasions when phone or tablet use has become habitual, and it’s having a detrimental impact on our lives. If you value your sleep, and you really should, then you should keep devices away from the bed, preferably charging in another room. We all know the negative effects of a blue light on a good night’s rest, so be vigilant before bedtime, particularly.

Equally important are meal times; a part of the day when we can unwind, chat with family and appreciate the simple things in life like a great meal. If you’re fork in one hand and Tinder in the other, well, that’s not a good look during dinner. Don’t let phones disrupt this special, humble time. By enacting these small, positive changes, you’ll notice your screen time decreases significantly.

FIND INDOOR ACTIVITIES THAT DON’T REQUIRE SCREENS

Board games, cards and charades, mini football, table tennis and even a round on a virtual pinball machine – all the games we know and may have played before our screens came so omnipresent.

Embrace the old school and try to enjoy some recreational time that doesn’t involve scrolling through Twitter or watching videos on TikTok. These older games require more movement and hand–eye coordination, as well as boasting a sense of distance, visually. All this is good for eye health and as such these games compare favourably to screentime.

Cooking is another wonderful way to get away from your screen. Dust off your old recipe books instead of relying on your phone for recipes, and savour the process of making something from scratch and giving your brain a workout, too! As we said earlier, make sure you have dinner sitting around the kitchen or dining room table instead of parked in front of the TV.

If you do have to remain at your desk because you’re working on a screen, then you should endeavour to look away and into the distance regularly, giving your eyes a rest in the process. Shift your focus to something else other than the screen. You could use the 20-20-20 rule which recommends that you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Don’t wait for your eyes to start burning or your neck to feel the strain as a warning sign that your screentime has become a problem. Regular breaks, taking yourself outside, relishing in the old school and alternating your entertainment so that you don’t spend all day looking at a screen could well do wonders for your peace of mind. Good luck!

7 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRANSPORT COSTS

Editorial Team
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7 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRANSPORT COSTS

Having a car as your main form of transport gives you the freedom to move from A to B whenever you like. It saves time and can be very helpful in emergency situations. With a car, you can be flexible, and you don’t have to rely on anybody else to get to your destination. 

A car provides you with a great deal of independence, however, it can also cost you a pretty penny. Cars need constant upkeep which includes costs such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and, in many cases, financing as well. 

At the end of the month, all of these costs add up, taking a big chunk out of your expenses. Fear not, some of these costs can be mitigated; here are 7 things you can do that will help you save money on your transport costs. 

CHANGING INSURANCE 

Once you settle for an insurance rate, you rarely consider changing it. But there are many ways in which you can lower your car insurance, simply by changing (or threatening to change) it. 

For starters, you can ask your insurance company whether they have any deals on group insurance. Some companies also offer discounted insurance policies to drivers who have a lower yearly mileage compared to the average person. If you also have home insurance, make sure to use the same company as this is another way to obtain a discounted price.

Or, you can grin and bear the bureaucracy, and change insurance, taking advantage or special offers designed to entice new custom. Let your current insurance company know that you’re considering changing policy provider in advance, and they might even offer you new incentives to stay.

CARPOOLING 

Carpooling isn’t just great for your wallet, it’s great for the environment, too. If you are planning a long journey or you frequently drive to the same location, carpooling is a great option to save on fuel. For example, if you commute to work every day with a 40-minute drive, it’s worth asking people in your area whether they need a lift into town as well. 

If you are driving to another town for the weekend, you can post on Facebook groups or carpooling sites and find passengers who need a lift. This saves you quite a bit of money for petrol and it also helps cut down on carbon emissions. Not only this, but it’s also enjoyable to have someone in the car keeping you company and helping with directions. Of course, we should mention that having a stranger in your car can be risky – please exercise caution.

LEASING A CAR 

More often than not, monthly lease payments are cheaper than monthly car payments on finance. Unless you are buying a collector’s item, a car is one of the worst investments you could make. As soon as you buy a brand-new car and take it out for a spin, your asset will depreciate in value. 

Therefore, car leasing is a great option, especially if you are only planning on living in a certain area for a limited time. If your work has asked you to relocate to a foreign country, buying a new car and then having to sell it over a short period of time probably won’t be financially viable. It certainly won’t be economical with your time. In such cases, leasing can represent a stress-free alternative.

DRIVING SAFELY 

One of the easiest ways that you can cut down on car expenses is by driving safely. If you are safe on the roads, you are less likely to end up in an accident, which also means that you won’t have to go and get your car repaired at a mechanics. What’s more, your insurance premiums will be lower.

However, it’s not just about having a traffic accident, it’s also about saving money on petrol because driving at a more accelerated speed wastes petrol. If you abide by all of the speed limits and drive at a reasonable pace, you can also save money on your fuel costs. 

SAVING ON FUEL 

The more you use your vehicle, the more fuel you will have to deposit. However, a lot of petrol stations offer reward programs and point systems to help you save along the way.

If there is a station that you tend to pass on the way home or on your way to work, it’s worth asking if they have any sort of loyalty program.

Another way to cut down on fuel costs is by downloading an app that will alert you to the lowest petrol prices within your radius. The price of petrol can be quite volatile at times so it’s always best to double-check when the price is low and fill your tank to the brim. If you have a hybrid car, try to use local charging points to your advantage. 

CLEANING YOUR CAR 

Cleaning your car on a regular basis is a great way to ensure that there is minimal cosmetic damage. If debris and dust are not washed off routinely, it can cause the paint to peel, and therefore, the value of your car to depreciate. 

Keeping your car in good shape is also an easy way to increase the resale value of your vehicle.

WALKING OR TAKING PUBLIC TRANSPORT 

As vehicle owners, we’ve all been guilty of driving down the road for what could have easily been a 10-minute walk. Cars provide you with a great deal of convenience, however, driving to your destination isn’t the only option. 

If you are going somewhere close, it may be even worth getting your bicycle out of the shed and cycling down. If your destination is a bit further out, you could also opt for public transport instead. If you have an event to attend in the city centre, driving can be more of a nuisance than it’s worth. You have to consider traffic, parking, and petrol money, too.  

Humans are creatures of habit. Once you get into a routine, it can be hard to change your ways. But just because you have a car, doesn’t mean that you can’t choose to take the bus or even walk every once in a while. 

Check out these tips on ways you can play your part in saving the environment for a different perspective on car use and other harmful daily habits.

5 FIRST STEPS TO BECOMING A FASHION STYLIST

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5 FIRST STEPS TO BECOMING A FASHION STYLIST

Lockdown, furlough, restrictions, and distancing….we’ve all had a lot of time to think about our priorities and goals lately. If you’ve decided that fashion is your calling and you’re wondering how you can become a fashion stylist, then this guide is for you. 

So, what exactly does a fashion stylist do? Hopefully, if you’ve decided you’d like to be one, then you already have some idea, but to save any blushes, a fashion stylist is a professional who organises and takes charge of a person’s visual aesthetic. In exchange, of course, for money.   

As the Independent explains, a fashion stylist also helps people get “the most from their wardrobe and dressing to suit their colouring, body-shape, personality and lifestyle.” 

Today, being a fashion stylist isn’t just about helping celebrities and the rich and famous create a signature look. In fact, as the Mirror points out, “Even Marks & Spencer has got in on the act, providing free stylists for customers.” All of this means that becoming a fashion stylist is more accessible and inclusive than ever…you just have to know where to begin.

And that’s where we come in. If your goal is to pursue a career as a fashion stylist, then here are 5 first steps to becoming a fashion stylist.

IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS 

A fashion stylist is all about helping people look and feel their best, and you’ll have to invest your time and energy into helping clients gain new perspectives, insights and confidence, not only into their clothing choices but also their life.

This means really understanding who they are as a person and what they want from life. Finding a good stylist is a lot like finding a good therapist; the help one gives can extend far beyond the agreed brief. Therefore, your soft skills need to be on point if you’re to succeed in this game, with clarity of communication, social intelligence and emotional intelligence all vital in this job.

On another note, opportunities in the fashion industry come from knowing people who have the right connections. This means that it’s essential that you attend every social gathering in the industry that you can and start building links with people, flexing those communication skills and nurturing bonds which could be with you for your whole career. 

START BY LEARNING THE BASICS

You don’t need formal training or qualifications to become a stylist, but if you have studied fashion or previously worked within the industry, then this will certainly stand you in good stead moving forward.

Knowing different types of fabrics, colours, body types, personalities and skin types is paramount for any individual seeking a successful career. In this industry, it is vital to self-educate yourself on design, the history of a whole range of styles, and the type of fabric you (and others) prefer using and wearing. 

As an example of what’s out there, the London School of Fashion offer an undergraduate degree in Fashion Styling and Production, and many other top universities in the country provide similar courses. 

Alternatively, the Open College of the Arts offer a flexible 4-9 year degree in Textiles, which you can complete whilst working (and training) as a fashion stylist.

If you’re looking for something more manageable, there are plenty of short online courses out there. The London College of Fashion, for example, hosts a short course, Fashion Styling Online, which lasts for three weeks and costs £465.

Getting some field-specific exposure, experience or education can help give you that edge within the industry, potentially putting you ahead of the pack. That is why it is essential for anyone looking to pursue fashion styling as their career to seek an established stylist agent, where you can volunteer for first-hand work experience or complete an internship program. 

SEEK AN INTERNSHIP OR A SENIOR STYLIST

Nonetheless, it is essential to take guidance from an agency or senior stylist whose work you admire. If you’re keen to emulate or learn from a particular celebrity’s style, you can look up their stylist in the global Moda Database, a celebrity stylist contact list, and request an internship or meeting, in order to learn a thing or two from their sense of fashion. 

When you undertake an internship program, it sharpens your skills and improves your contacts within the industry, giving you the ability to execute a design from an idea to a finished product. It also exposes you to the day-to-day life of a stylist and helps you understand how to interact with your clients. All in all, this is perhaps the most essential part of the early process of becoming a fashion stylist.

ESTABLISH YOUR PORTFOLIO

As a fashion stylist, you need to show your work to any potential employer using a detailed portfolio. A good portfolio will help you to showcase your range of skills and demonstrate your creative sensibility to a potential client. That’s why, if you are a student, you need to take your assignments seriously as you can use them to showcase your ability to your future employer or client.

Furthermore, you can set up an online portfolio. This entails putting up your work on an online digital platform to market your styling. The further you spread the net on the net, the more clients you could land.

ALWAYS STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST TRENDS

Any fashion stylist knows that fashion isn’t constant; it keeps evolving, shape-shifting and streamlining. That is why as an aspiring professional stylist, you should stay up to date with the latest trends emerging both locally and internationally.

Interestingly, one of the best places to get your style ideas is from Netflix. As Elle explains, “TV style is influencing shoppers like never before, driving us to buy the styles featured on screen in droves. Unlikely ones, too, with no direct link to catwalk trends”. Hey, an excuse to sit around watching Netflix for hours? Count us in!

Any aspiring person in the fashion industry should attend the launch of a new designer collection or upcoming fashion shows to get a feel for how things work and what’s on trend during any particular season. The primary purpose of attending such an event is to keep in tune with the latest fashion trends, but you may also make contacts and build working relationships, as networking opportunities at launches do present themselves.

Remember that people want to work with a stylist who is unique and original, not one who just follows established fashion rules, so adopt an attitude of ‘always learning’ if you’re keen to make the best impression possible. 

Read: 5 ways to stay abreast of men’s fashion and lifestyle trends.

THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A FASHION STYLIST

Though it sounds like hard work, there are some huge perks to becoming a professional stylist:

Flexibility: As a fashion stylist, you don’t have to work in a traditional office as you can also work at home. You become free to schedule your working hours depending on your client and their needs. Using an online platform, you can work with clients who are abroad and are not in a position to simply walk into your office, giving you further reach.

Creative work: The job helps you flex your creative muscles, designing new images, visiting other fashion studios and websites and appraising their designs, attending fashion shows, and looking out for new trends. 

Pays well: Being a professional fashion stylist can be a well-paying career. In London, the average salary for a fashion stylist is around £27’000, with bonuses and perks, in many cases, taking that figure significantly higher.

THE BOTTOM LINE 

The demand for the services of fashion stylists has expanded hugely in recent years. Once the preserve of celebrities and VIPs, many now seek styling for weddings, birthday parties or simply a wardrobe makeover. If this sounds like your dream job, we hope you’ve found some inspiration on getting started.

5 JOBS IDEAL FOR TRAVELLING AND WORKING AT THE SAME TIME

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5 JOBS IDEAL FOR TRAVELLING AND WORKING AT THE SAME TIME

While travelling has been put on hold for the past year due to coronavirus, some countries are beginning to open their doors again. If you’ve been itching to see the world and make some money while doing so, then who can blame you?

In fact, many travel experts predict the ‘workcation’ to be the emerging travel trend of the next few years, with freshly vaccinated folk desperate to make up for lost time and experience new and exciting destinations first hand.

Should you be planning on exploring and earning simultaneously, then you’ve come to the right place for inspiration; here are 5 jobs IDEAL for travelling and working at the same time.

BECOME A TRAVEL BLOGGER

Travel blogging is an excellent way to travel and work at the same time. While you won’t make money straight off the bat doing this kind of work, it’s something you can lay the foundations for, build and nurture before you set off.

Many people construct their own blogging sites and make money from brand partnerships and affiliate marketing, and this kind of autonomy over the flow of assignments allows the blogger to exercise control over their time, and ultimately, work from anywhere (with a wifi connection, that is!).

Once you’ve built an audience, you can take your blog wherever you go and even make a passive income.

Potential earnings: £500 – £5,000 per month

TEACH ENGLISH

If you’re reading this, you likely speak English with a fair degree of fluency. Sometimes that’s all you need for a rewarding career abroad. As such, you may find the most enjoyable path to working abroad is via achieving qualification to teach English as a second language.

While it’s not as simple as rocking up to a school and doing your A,B,Cs, qualifications and teacher training are available to give you the confidence you need to stand up in front of a class and explain the past perfect continuous tense with vigour and aplomb.

Some companies require the TEFL certification, but it should be noted that some organisations will actually pay for you to take the required courses once you’re installed in your new location. 

Whether you plan to travel widely or live in one place for a set period, teaching English is a great way to make decent money while seeing a new country. Depending on where you go, you may need to get a qualification like a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), so you should look into this first.

Potential earnings: £1,000 – £3,000 per month

Read: 6 Ways To Watch Your Wellbeing While Travelling For Work

HOSPITALITY

Hospitality is one of the biggest industries in the world, with around 10% of the global adult population working within it.As such, there is always demand for chefs, waiters and bar staff, pretty much anywhere in the world, but particularly in areas popular with tourism.

Perhaps you want to base yourself in an area for a while and get to know the locals, or maybe you want to travel around and work as you go? Whatever the case, the advantage of kitchen or bar work is that the tasks and job description will be fairly universal.

It should be noted that hospitality is a tough industry; it’s physical work and you’ll spend long hours on your feet. That said, it’s also hugely fulfilling work, and a trade built on camaraderie and teamwork. If you’re opting for a kitchen job, though, it’s a good idea to enroll in Online food hygiene courses so that you’re safe, qualified and in-the-know when it comes to prep and safety.

Potential earnings: £500 – £2,500 per month

Read: 5 signs that now is the IDEAL time to change career

A FLIGHT ATTENDANT

As long as you’re not afflicted by vertigo or aviophobia and you are between the heights of 4’11” and 6’4”, becoming a flight attendant could be your channel into the world of getting paid to travel. Training is typically paid and on-the-job, meaning your adventure could start moving almost as soon as you set that ball rolling.

With flights beginning to reach a level of frequency enjoyed in pre-pandemic times, there will likely be an increasing demand for flight attendants soon. So, what are you waiting for?

Potential earnings: £1’000 – £2,500 per month

WORK ON A BOAT

If you love being on the water, the wind in your sails and enjoying a sense of freedom only brought on by the open waves, then working on a yacht or boat is another great way to travel and make money at the same time.

Many yachts, cruise ships and ferries require an onboard crew and staff for everything from maintenance to deckhand stewards. Yacht life can be an exciting way to experience a bit of luxury while seeing some amazing sites that are off the beaten track.

Potential earnings: £500 – £3,000 per month

All those potential earnings we mentioned need careful control if you’re going to enjoy a comfortable life whilst working and travelling. Check out these 5 IDEAL tips for managing your finances as a digital nomad for some top advice on that.

7 THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH INSTANT COFFEE OTHER THAN DRINK IT

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7 THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH INSTANT COFFEE OTHER THAN DRINK IT

Hmmm, perhaps we need a positive adjective in there before ‘things’. Because really, you can do just about anything with instant coffee. You could scatter it across your bed. You could sprinkle it into your ear. You could try to juggle with three single granules…

But today, we’re talking about some smart, inventive uses for the stuff. 

Because whilst it’s a joy to sit back and enjoy a cup of steaming coffee after spending a few hours working non-stop, if we’re being honest, instant coffee hasn’t always our favourite cup of Joe.

However, in the last few years, the instant coffee game has been upgraded, with brands recognising the growing demand for a good cup of coffee on the go. So good in fact, that we’re even using powdered coffee in a whole host of unconventional ways. Of course, this includes cooking with coffee (which works great!).

With that in mind, here are 7 things you can do with instant coffee other than drink it.

USE IT IN DESSERTS 

Intriguingly, many top chefs favour instant coffee over the freshly brewed stuff in their sweet treats, as it packs an easily quantifiable dose of concentrated flavour and doesn’t mess with the liquid to solid ratio of the dessert.

But if you are going to eat it, you’re going to need to buy the best instant coffee around. The burnt tasting, highly synthetic stuff just won’t do here. 

These recipes by celebrated chef Tom Aikens elevate instant coffee to a fine art. He uses it in his panna cotta, coffee ice cream, coffee jelly and even dusted over his coffee brulee. 

We’re also fond of using it to make instant coffee popsicles. Simply mix your instant coffee with some hot water to ensure that the coffee crystals are melted and blended before you add room temperature or cold water. Pour the coffee into popsicle moulds and freeze.

DRY RUBS AND MARINADES

If you haven’t done so, give instant coffee a try when you’re marinating meat. Make some instant coffee and use it as part of your marinade, bringing depth of flavour and an earthy nuance to your meat dishes. Simply mix a cup of the stuff with a little olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, black pepper and thyme, and leave to penetrate for a couple of hours.

Or, you can add instant coffee to your favourite dry rub mixture. The instant coffee will help with achieving that much-sought-after crust on your steak or chop, and help the Maillard reaction – the complex chemical shift in grilled and roasted foods that brings heaps of flavour – to take place. It also acts as a natural tenderiser.

SAUCES 

Yep, it seems like just about everyone’s secret ingredient to their ‘famous chilli’ is a small square of dark chocolate. Well, adding a little instant coffee to your sauces acts in a similar way, enrichening and deepening its flavour. 

In fact, a few years ago, Sainsbury’s ran a whole ad campaign encouraging shoppers to add instant coffee to their bolognese. This #littletwist may (no, will) have offended the pasta purists, but the logic is there; sales of both instant coffee and jarred bolognese sauce increased after the ads aired. 

Oh, you thought we meant logic in terms of flavour rather than sales? Nope, there is no logic there. Although, Heston Blumenthal did extol the virtues of adding a sprinkle of instant coffee to your Risotto alla Milanese, after seeing a Michelin-starred Italian chef doing it. Now we’re just confused.

Do what you like.

HAIR TREATMENT 

If you want to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss, some experts believe that using instant coffee as a home hair treatment solution might help. 

Depending on who you believe, you can either brew up a cup and spritz it onto your hair when it’s already wet, leave for twenty minutes then wash off. Or, you can use the instant coffee raw and unbrewed, massaging it into a wet scalp and luxuriating in its exfoliating properties. Remember to wash it all out afterwards, of course. 

EXFOLIATION

Speaking of which, exfoliation is a crucial step in many people’s skincare regime, and, you guessed it, can be done with instant coffee. 

Daily exfoliation removes the older, dead cell on the skin’s outermost layer, improving both its texture and colour and leaving your skin looking radiant. 

It’s simple to make a DIY coffee scrub at home; you just need some instant coffee, brown sugar and some avocado oil or refined coconut oil (all of the organic variety, of course) and then mix to the desired consistency. If you have oily, acne prone skin, use less oil and add some honey, which has antibacterial properties, or replace with lemon. 

If you have sensitive skin, this one’s probably not for you.

CAT REPELLENT

Cats may be cute, but if they are not your cats, they can be a problem, disturbing your plants, doing their business in your yard, and scattering rubbish about the place. But did you know that you can get rid of stray cats by mixing instant coffee with dirt and soil. Cats hate the strong smell of coffee and will avoid visiting your garden if you sprinkle it around. 

INSTANT COFFEE FOR YOUR PLANTS

We’re actually kidding with this one. It’s one of the most common gardening tips around – simply apply instant coffee to your droopy plants and it will instantly perk them up. Rumour has it that it’s because of the antioxidants and nutrients found in instant coffee, but we’re afraid this is simply an old wives’ tale. Don’t do it! 

Instead, read these 7 simple steps to keep your houseplants alive for longer. 

If you’re going to stick to drinking the stuff, check out our article on 6 of the best summer coffees, IDEAL for a caffeine hit when the weather’s hot, here.

6 DESIGN & DÉCOR IDEAS FOR THOSE STILL WORKING FROM HOME

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6 DESIGN & DÉCOR IDEAS FOR THOSE STILL WORKING FROM HOME

Although permanent moves back to the office still hang in the balance thanks to fluctuating pandemic struggles, Covid-19 continues to spark an interesting debate about the future of the workplace, nonetheless.

Some of us can’t wait to get back to our cosy ecru cubicles, whilst others want to return to an office that feels more fit for the future. Some of us, on the other hand, would be quite content to stay at home forever. Some, further, don’t have a choice as many businesses have moved completely to remote working and have said goodbye to their office spaces for good. 

If you’re part of the latter group, then you need to make your working from home space a place you actually want to be. To help, we’ve pulled together these 6 design and decor ideas for those still working from home.

CREATE A VISION BOARD 

Working from home can feel a little isolating, especially if you’re a solopreneur rather than a remote worker in a salaried position. With no colleagues to vibe with in person or on messenger systems, cabin fever can set in quickly. To mitigate against this, creating a vision board with pictures of friends, family, goals and aims can be a real motivator during those tough days when it’s you against the world. Find out how to make one at Mindvalley. 

Read: 5 of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of the office when working from home

BUILD A TRENDY GARDEN POD

Summer is nearly here and no-one wants to be stuck indoors. Enter the trendy garden pod – a stylish and practical solution to your working from home woes. Garden pods come in all shapes and sizes. However, please be sure that your pod is designed with windows and other features that maximise natural light. Otherwise, you’ll effectively be working in a dark, dank shed. Which no one wants. Speaking of which…

CREATE  A SHOFICE (SHED OFFICE) 

”Shoo! Leave me alone, we’re trying to get some work done here, go bother your brother!’’

Whilst a ‘shoofice’ certainly ticks a few boxes, the real term is ‘shofice’, and is an amalgamation of ‘shed’ and ‘office’. Anything for a tenuous segue, hey? 

Converting an existing or new shed into an office is surprisingly easy. First of all, you’ll need the actual structure, of course. If you don’t have a shed in your garden, this how-to guide by Shedplans.org will help you build your own. Alternatively, ready assembled garden sheds are available, though you’ll pay for the convenience.

After that, the primary considerations are lighting, electricity, heating and insulation, the latter two being essential during the UK’s long winters, with the upcoming stretch of summer the perfect time to bed in and properly assemble the structure.

Read: 5 home office changes to make this summer

PAINT YOUR WALLS TO INSPIRE CREATIVITY & WELLNESS

Orange is a stimulating colour that has a vibrant look and ‘feel’. It’s a great choice for your home office space, helping to keep you energised as you hop from one Zoom meeting to the next. However, if a space is too orange and on the brighter end of the spectrum, then you might feel like you’ve just walked into a room designed by Sainsbury’s marketing team. Accordingly, approach such shades with caution. 

When it comes to designing a space that promotes wellness, try green for your home office or whichever room you choose to park yourself in with your laptop for the day. Green is a restful colour for your eyes, so it’s a good choice for when you need a break from staring at Slack messages.

JOIN CO-WORKING SPACE 

Ok, this one isn’t so much a design tip. Instead, we’re telling you to go and enjoy someone else’s design and decor skills….

Working from home can get lonely, make no mistake. It can feel pretty overwhelming to be working at your kitchen table, only to expect yourself to then spend the evening relaxing in the very same place as soon as you slam shut your laptop.

What? You don’t slam? Anyway, enter the co-working space….

The design experts at 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, who offer co-working facilities and hot desks for start-ups and small companies, tell us that most co-working spaces are designed specifically to boost creativity and productivity, from ergonomic and adjustable chairs to the colours of paint on the walls. 

Here at IDEAL, we love green co-working spaces as a concept. These workspaces often incorporate green living walls and abundant real flowers and plants into their design. As such, they offer a fresh and oh-so-vibrant atmosphere while helping you feel closer to nature too. Speaking of which…

ADD LOTS OF PLANTS 

Whilst the air-purifying, productivity-boosting effects of houseplants is debated, what can’t be denied is the mood-lifting quality of that natural aesthetic in the home office. Indeed, surrounding yourself with as many plants and flowers as possible is great for bringing a bit of cheer and positivity to oyur space.

If you’re new to the houseplant game and are looking for something low maintenance, then turn to aloe vera or cacti, which only require weekly watering during spring and summer and monthly in the colder months.  

Check out our article on the best air purifying plants for your home office for some inspiration!

7 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS NOW THAT WE CAN GO ABROAD AGAIN

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7 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS NOW THAT WE CAN GO ABROAD AGAIN

The footage of journalists flying in their droves to Portugal earlier this month was strangely reassuring; holidays are back (with all the restrictions and caveats in place, of course).

The good news for all the avid travellers out there is that international holidays are now possible once again, should you be keen to travel to the aforementioned Portugal, Gibraltar, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and a couple of others. And if none of these destinations takes your fancy, then not to worry; the UK’s green travel list is set to expand on 7th June.

We can’t wait! But given how long it’s been since some people last left the UK, you might need a refresher on all the essential travel tips to make sure your journey goes smoothly. And that’s exactly what this guide is here to help you with. Here are 7 essential travel tips now that we can go abroad again.

CHECK WHAT THE CURRENT REGULATIONS ARE

The easing of travel restrictions hasn’t simply returned everything to normal. Many countries that you can now visit are still dealing with the virus, and there could well be restrictions and requirements on entry and exit, self-isolation and the provision of a negative COVID-19 test.

It’s worth checking the UK government’s guidance on travelling abroad before booking a holiday anywhere. You’d also be wise to do some research on your destination of choice to see what the regulations are like over there. In many cases, a staycation on home soil is still the safest option.

SORT OUT SOME INTERNATIONAL MONEY

Many people have grown accustomed to using their cards everywhere nowadays, especially after the pandemic and the huge surge in contactless payment usage. However, this might not always be an option where you’re travelling to, so it’s worth sorting out some money before you go.

If you’re not too fussed about where you go on holiday, you may want to use the exchange rate as a basis for where you visit. This is especially useful if you want to travel ASAP and, therefore, can’t wait to see if the rate will improve over the coming weeks and months. As long as the destination is on the government’s approved list, this could be an excellent way to add some excitement to your first post-COVID-19 trip abroad.

BE CAREFUL WHEN PACKING LIQUIDS

Rules regarding travelling with liquids have been in place for quite a few years now, so you’re probably still aware of them. However, you might need a reminder of the specifics, especially given how important it is to follow these rules.

All liquids must be packed in transparent, resealable plastic bags that are contained within your hand luggage. No container may hold more than 100ml, and only a maximum of one litre is allowed per passenger. However, these rules may differ slightly depending on where you’re travelling to, so it’s worth checking what’s okay before you go anywhere.

For smokers and vapers, lighters are permitted but only one per person. It must also be kept in a resealable bag. The same goes for e-liquids, with the same rule about each container not exceeding 100ml.

GET TO THE AIRPORT IN GOOD TIME

Most people don’t enjoy spending several hours in an airport with nothing to do but wait for their flight. It can be even more agonising if things get delayed. However, it’s still better than the alternative of trying to rush through the airport, stressed and sweaty, so you don’t miss your flight.

It’s easy to forget how much you have to do before you can board a plane, which is why it’s worth arriving in good time. This is particularly pertinent with the extra checks required due to the global pandemic.

PACK THE RIGHT PLUG ADAPTERS

Given how reliant we can be on technology when on holiday, there are few things worse than travelling abroad and discovering that your plugs don’t match the sockets available. Places like the US and most of mainland Europe, for instance, use two-pronged plugs, so before you head to your destination, you’ll want to make sure you have suitable adaptors. Otherwise, you won’t be able to charge your phone or tablet unless you find a shop that sells them at your destination.

You can look here for more information on which plug types are commonly used in various countries around the world. That way, you know what kind of adaptor you’ll need before you travel, so you can make sure it’s packed along with your other essentials.

SORT OUT YOUR INSURANCE

Travelling abroad without insurance is never a good idea. You don’t know what might happen during your holiday, and you don’t need a lack of cover making things worse. It can be scary enough falling ill or having an accident in a foreign country without the fear of medical costs hanging over your head. In short, for peace of mind and pocket, make sure you sort out travel insurance in advance of your trip.

Given that the pandemic is still an issue, it’s worth getting a policy that includes COVID-19 related issues as cover, too. That way, should you catch the virus overseas and have to spend more time out there than intended, it will be slightly less of a problem.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE NECESSARY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Travelling abroad isn’t as easy as just hopping on a plane and going wherever you desire. To gain access to certain countries, you’ll need specific documents, such as a visa.

Something that many people may be confused about is what’s required for travelling to Europe in a post-Brexit world. Obviously, the ties between the UK and the EU were officially cut at the end of 2020, right before the country went into its third lockdown. So, a lot of people haven’t had the opportunity to travel to the continent since this significant change happened.

The good news is that you don’t need a visa if you plan on visiting an EU country for less than 90 days. However, there are some rules regarding passports and changes that may happen from 2022 onward which are worth familiarising yourself with. Even if this information isn’t necessary for you right now, it could prove vital for you in the future.

The fact that international travel is becoming less and less restricted is amazing news for everyone who’s been craving a bit of wanderlust. Before you jet off anywhere, though, just make sure you’re prepared for the trip with these tips. That way, there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises that ruin your much-deserved overseas break.

BELFAST BUCKET LIST: 7 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND’S CAPITAL

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BELFAST BUCKET LIST: 7 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND’S CAPITAL

With ongoing confusion in the UK about whether amber means go, stop or ‘’go but expect a knock on the door’’, that chance to hop on a plane and fly somewhere exciting this summer feels increasingly fleeting.

How does taking a flight or ferry somewhere a little closer to home sound? On the 24th May, travel between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland (as part of the Common Travel Area of the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands) will once again be permitted without the requirement of an essential reason. 

So, why not take the opportunity to visit Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and explore this exciting, historic city? 

It should be noted that some restrictions will remain in place after the 24th May, with a negative COVID test and a period of self isolation required to visit. That said, it looks likely that these will soon be lifted within the Common Travel Area, making a trip from London to Belfast one of the most effortless trips currently going. Keep an eye on the official Northern Ireland Direct Government Services website for the latest updates on rules and guidance.

With all of those caveats dispensed with, we just can’t wait to explore this amazing city, virtually at first, and then physically when restrictions allow. Let’s take care of the former today; here is our Belfast bucket list of 7 IDEAL things to do in Northern Ireland’s capital.

THE SHIP OF DREAMS

There is a saying in Belfast that ‘the Titanic was fine when she left’, and located on Belfast’s Maritime Mile is the iconic Titanic Quarter, the site of the former Harland and Wolff Shipyard that once employed over 40,000 workers. 

If you’re flying into Belfast City Airport, you might have got a birds-eye view of the Titanic Museum, shaped like a star to represent the White Star Line (the famous transatlantic British shipping company) and located right by the slipways where the legendary ship was built. 

Once inside, your self-guided tour takes you through nine interactive galleries, giving you a fully immersive experience and making you feel like you are on the Titanic. Without the sinking part, of course.

After your tour, why not jump aboard the SS Nomadic, which was the last White Star Line Ship left in the world and used to ferry first and second-class passengers off the coast of France onto the Titanic in April 1912. A few famous faces that have walked the decks of Nomadic include Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and Marie Curie. 

This is one of the most popular sightseeing stops on the local hop-on hop-off Belfast tour, and as an added bonus, your ticket stub will get you a discount off an adult entry ticket. 

FINN MCCOOL – GIANT’S CAUSEWAY

The Irish are regarded as some of the world’s best storytellers, and wherever you might end up, there’s bound to be a legendary story that’s been passed down the generations being told. One famous character is Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool), who is the lead protagonist in many Irish legends.

One of the most famous of these legends is the Salmon of Knowledge, the story of a mythical fish that, if caught, grants the lucky fishermen all the knowledge in the world. All they have to do is eat its flesh. 

Myth and mystique aside, most people know Finn McCool as being the engineer behind the Giant’s Causeway, which was built as a pathway between Ireland and Scotland so two feuding giants could partake in a battle royale to decide who was stronger. Nestled at the very tip of County Antrim, the UNESCO World Heritage Site saw just under 1 million people visit in 2019, meaning it is an unmissable destination during your time in Northern Ireland.

Tours to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast run daily throughout the year, guided by entertaining and informative guides who will take you to quaint little villages and breathtaking landscapes before reaching the Giant’s Causeway. The drive between the city and causeway takes just over an hour, but due to the stunning scenery on display, you might wish it were even longer!

WINTER IS COMING

“It is a big and beautiful world. Most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born and never get to see any of it. I don’t want to be most of us.” 

Due to the massive success of Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year who want to experience the mythical world of Westeros. You can leave Belfast in almost any direction and at some point on your journey, you’re bound to run into a filming location or two. 

Head south of Belfast and you hit Tollymore Forest, used in various episodes in the series including Season One – Episode One where Ned Stark comes across the dead stag and each of the Stark children receive their own direwolf puppy. Head east and you’ll eventually reach County Fermanagh, home of the Marble Arch Caves, and also home to the Brotherhood without Banners. 

Decide to go north? Well, this is where you’ll hit the jackpot on Game of Thrones filming locations, with several iconic episodes shot here. 

Why not join a Game of Thrones tour from Belfast to guarantee that you don’t miss an iconic Westeros kingdom? Along your journey up the stunning North Antrim coast you’ll pass through areas of outstanding natural beauty that were transformed into the backdrop for kingdoms such as Dragonstone, the Stormlands, Braavos and the Iron Islands. 

Finally, we can’t forget the crown and jewel of picturesque photos; The Dark Hedges, famously known as The King’s Road. Guests on the tour will have the opportunity to dress up in cloaks and helmets while armed with swords and shields for the ultimate photo souvenir.

BELFAST STREET ART AND MURALS

When you think of Belfast street art, the city’s political murals probably first come to mind. But in recent years, the street art on display has diversified, and Belfast has become a hub for extremely talented artists from all over the world to showcase their talents throughout the city; some even say it rivals Glasgow to its claim of being the UK’s capital of culture (an unofficial title, mind). 

Some of the most famous pieces of art are located in and around the Cathedral Quarter on large gable walls of popular bars and restaurants. If you are looking for an ever-changing, al-fresco gallery of art, then the International Wall of Murals is the place for you. The wall is divided by the Peace Line that separates the Republican Falls Road and the Loyalist Shankill Road areas, meaning the wall features various pieces of art that represents the views, opinions and causes of either community. 

A GOOD ‘OLE PUB CRAWL

If you didn’t pub crawl through the Cathedral Quarter, did you really experience Belfast? If you did, can you remember it?

Now, you may have already passed by some of the city’s most popular bars during daylight if you were taking in some of the street art, but you will get to enjoy an entirely different atmosphere in the evening. In fact, an after hours Belfast knees up is as much part of the city’s culture as any of the other sites we mention…as if we needed an excuse!

Don’t fret if you’re a little fussy about where you choose to enjoy a drink; the Cathedral Quarter caters to everyone’s social scene, noise tolerance and preferred level of boisterousness. If you’re looking for some live music, The Harp Bar never fails at showcasing local talent. Across from The Harp Bar, down a cobbled umbrella street, is The Duke of York, featuring a mirrored whiskey bar and a picturesque courtyard should you be keen on capturing some social media worthy snaps on your trip.

EAT ALL OF BELFAST

After a night on the pints (Guinness, natch), it’s time to indulge in some of Northern Ireland’s famous cuisine. If you are feeling a little bit worse for wear, an Ulster Fry is highly recommended to perk you up. An Ulster Fry includes an egg, bacon, sausage, black pudding and both potato and soda bread. Some fry-ups may also include baked beans, tomatoes and mushrooms – wahey! 

If you have more of a sweet tooth, you can always make your way down to St. George’s Market in the city centre and try a slab of Fifteens, a traybake that includes fifteen(!) of each ingredient, generally composed of digestive biscuits, marshmallows, condensed milk and desiccated coconut. Indulgent as hell, sure, but that’s what being on holiday is all about, right?

You can find an array of local delicacies at the market to suit everyone, from the pickiest of eaters to the more eclectic palate. Pick up a loaf of soda bread, some smoked Lough Neagh eel, a pouch of dried dulse (a type of wild seaweed native to Northern Ireland packed full of saline, smoky notes), some Kearney blue cheese, or even a bag of Yellowman candy, akin to honeycomb toffee and just as delicious as that sounds.

Should you be looking for fine dining, Belfast has a thriving, celebrated restaurant scene, and boasts three Michelin starred restaurants. Our favourite is EIPIC, headed up by chef Alex Greene, who you might recognise from BBC’s Great British Menu.

CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL

We sentence you to a guided tour of Crumlin Road Gaol; time to turn yourself in. The prison was built in 1843 and since its closure in 1996, is the only remaining Victorian-era prison in Northern Ireland. Throughout its 150 years, the walls of the gaol have experienced hunger strikes, escapes, and executions, and has housed murderers, suffragettes and both Republican and Loyalist Prisoners. 

Across the road from the gaol is the derelict Crumlin Road Courthouse, which held some of the most notorious trials of The Troubles. There is a tunnel that runs underneath the courthouse over to the gaol as the guards did not want to risk prisoners escaping while crossing the street. Sometimes, the prisoners had to wade through waist deep water between the two; there were no lights so they were in complete darkness. Cruel, shocking, and thankfully, a thing of the past.

You can walk the tunnel for yourself if you join in on a guided tour of the jail. Be sure to use your ticket from the sightseeing tour to receive a discount off an adult entry ticket. 

And with that, we wish you a fantastic trip!

Belfast is featured in our 5 IDEAL destinations in Europe for a romantic winter getaway. Sure, it’s a long way off and we haven’t even enjoyed summer yet, but winter is coming, right? Check it out! 

6 WAYS TO ORGANISE YOUR WARDROBE, ONCE AND FOR ALL

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6 WAYS TO ORGANISE YOUR WARDROBE, ONCE AND FOR ALL

It’s everybody’s dream to wake up to an organised wardrobe (hey, we have humble hopes here at IDEAL). You no longer have to rummage through piles of clothes to find the shirt you need or waste the first half of your morning mulling over the chaos you’ve created, which, when looked at with a particularly critical eye, is emblematic of the wider chaos your life has become.

If you’ve woken up and finally decided that today is the day you make this modest dream a reality, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Organising your wardrobe should neither be tedious nor should it be complicated. Instead, it can feel pretty fulfilling in the right, dexterous hands. Rather than being hopelessly devoted to the latest cleanfluencer’s doctrine or the KonMari method, proper wardrobe organisation is all about setting yourself up for success by organising in a way that suits your existing habits and needs. 

We all have idiosyncrasies in the way we like to fold, classify, hang and throw, but with these key tips, you’ll have all bases covered. Unless, of course, you’d like to leave some uncovered for your next ASOS spending spree. Here are 6 ways to organise your wardrobe, once and for all.

DONATE, KEEP, THROW

Is your wardrobe overflowing? There’s a huge chance that you don’t use around 50% of what you have in your closet. Before you start organising, what you need to do is be ruthless with your existing collection. After all, a good clearout is the ultimate way to make some space and, in turn, make organising so much easier.

Identify which clothes you can donate, which ones you should keep, and which you can throw out without regrets. 

Many people organise without first decluttering, and this automatically makes the whole effort more frustrating and expensive. You’ll be spending on baskets and dividers to keep things you don’t actually use, and that’s a waste of money and your valuable time. Simplify the process and give your closet space room to breathe by lessening its load from the off.

INVEST IN DRAWERS

No matter what your closet looks like, there’s always a way to add drawers to help you isolate different articles of clothing. You can invest in some tension rods and baskets to establish levels, or you can get a shelving unit that fits in your wardrobe. 

Whatever you go for, make sure that it has enough drawers for every subset of clothing you have, placing the most frequently used items near the top for easy access. The top two drawers could be for leisure clothes and underwear while the bottom ones are for your shirts and activewear. Be regimented and disciplined in the way you divide your wardrobe up to make outfit decision making feel almost automated.

USE DRAWER ORGANISERS

Now that you have drawers installed to separate your clothes, let’s dial down a little into the details. What you now need is to keep them from becoming a tangled mess – because once all the shirts or shorts get together in a group, they can start feeling a little too comfortable, as siblings do, and things can get chaotic, fast.

The solution? Buy some drawer organisers to give each shirt, undergarment and scarf a space of their own within their familial unit. Not only will this make it easier to find them, but their relative similar sizes make folding, stacking and categorising feel almost thrilling to those who just love to clean lines and right angles.

SPARE A THOUGHT (AND SOME SPACE) FOR YOUR SHOES

As the old German proverb cautions, ‘’Don’t throw away your old shoes until you have a new pair.’’ 

But what if you can’t find an old shoe or find room for a new pair? What then?

If scattered and misplaced shoes are the bane of your life, then firstly; you’ve got it easy. But more importantly, the solution is to get them off the floor. Purchase a small shoe rack that you can fit inside your closet, nestled in at the bottom, and utilise it. Doing so will free up some much needed floor space and give you a little peace of mind, too. 

Alternatively, there are space-saving alternatives available today that allow you to stack shoes on the wall like you see in shoe shops. Having a designated place for them that is as stylish as it is functional (and not to mention, visible) will encourage you to keep them off the floor and organised at all times.

HANGERS & HOOKS FOR YOUR YOUR BAGS

Like your shoes, your bags are easy to lose track of. By dedicating a space for them in your wardrobe, you can give them a home and decrease the temptation to just put them anywhere in the house that’s superficially convenient. As we mentioned earlier, automating your tendency to tidy is the best way to keep things as organised as possible.

Most closets have top shelves and empty vertical space where you can neatly tuck in your bags. Alternatively, get some hanging organisers, hooks, or peg boards that you can fit into the excess spaces in your closet. This could be behind the closet door or at the back of the wardrobe itself, where there’s room to hang them. However you want to do it, make sure that you’re keeping your most frequently used bags as the most easy to access. 

STORE AWAY SEASONAL ITEMS

Seasonal items tend to eat up a lot of space that’s better utilised for things you need now. Since there are clothes, accessories, shoes and bags that you won’t be using until next winter or summer, you might as well store them neatly away. 

One of the most convenient solutions to this is to place them in any suitcases you might have at home. Alternatively, vacuum pack bags, which you can shrink tightly using your hoover, are fantastic for storing seasonal items – whether that’s under your bed, in a cupboard or above a shelf – that you won’t need for a while. You’ll notice that swapping items as the season changes will make your wardrobe less crowded and, therefore, more manageable. 

CREATE A SYSTEM

Every man needs a code. And every organisation-obsessive needs a system. So, utilise drawers, hanging organisers and storage containers in a way that suits your preferences. Most importantly, everything should have its right place, where it always ‘lives’. That way, you can automate your clothes tidying routine into something slick, smooth and seamless.

If your organisational ambitions stretch beyond your wardrobe and you’re keen to cover the whole house, then check out these IDEAL home organisation tips for decluttering like a pro.

5 REASONS TO SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER

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5 REASONS TO SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER

COVID-19 restrictions have domesticated even the most outdoorsy, adventurous among us. How we used to love going for a hike, foraging for berries and engaging warmly with some local fauna.

Lately, the only hike we’ve taken is from bed to living room, the closest we’ve come to foraging is picking up some lettuce from Tescos, and the less said about the variety of wildlife in Zone 2, the better.

But as if by magic (or rather, the incredible work of the NHS), restrictions and the UK’s gloomy weather seem to be lifting simultaneously, and the Great British countryside seems to beckon us out once again. If you needed that little push to get you outdoors and into the sunshine, then read on; here are 5 reasons to spend more time outside this summer (as if you needed an excuse).

EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT

Getting some sun on our skin is critical for our health and wellbeing. We need exposure to the sun in order to produce vitamin D, which plays a vital role in keeping our bones strong and staving off a number of conditions, including depression, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

Of course, it’s important to wear suncream to protect your skin from damaging UV rays that can cause skin cancer and wear sunglasses to shield your eyes, but a little exposure to the sun – when done in a safe, mindful way – is key for staying happy and healthy.

BRING SOME VARIETY TO YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE

By this point, we all know how important it is for us to stay physically fit and active. Rates of obesity have been steadily rising in the UK for many years, and the condition leads to a higher risk of developing a host of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. While it’s, of course, possible to get exercise indoors, for example, at the gym, it’s often more fun to do so outside. 

After a lengthy lockdown and with an exercise routine potentially stagnating, adding some variety and intrigue could give you that extra push you’re seeking. And what better way to add some intrigue and unpredictability than by taking your exercise outdoors and into the elements?

Whether you enjoy playing sports, hitting the skate ramp, or going on an epic bike ride through the woods, spending time outdoors often means you get exercise simply through having fun. Just make sure to get yourself a helmet and padded shorts for skating to prevent any injuries if you fall. Not only are these kinds of outdoor activities good for your physical health, but they can be a fantastic mood booster, too. Speaking of which…

BOOST PRODUCTIVITY, FOCUS & CREATIVITY

Scientific research suggests that spending time out in nature does wonders for our well-being in myriad ways.

Interestingly, more time spent outside has been linked with increased levels of productivity, focus, and creativity, with some studies suggesting that productivity is improved by as much as 45% after just 29 minutes in the great outdoors.

This could be great if you’re struggling to concentrate when working from home – simply take yourself out for a stroll and return to the home office with a renewed sense of vigour.

DESTRESS & IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP

Now the weather has started to warm up and restrictions on spending time outdoors have been lifted, take yourself out for a quiet walk in the countryside and enjoy the stillness of it all! Research suggests that the brain produces more serotonin (the brain’s natural antidepressant) on sunny rather than darker days, and having the sun on your face can bring clarity and encourage self compassion in abundance.

With the evenings are getting lighter, why not endeavour to take your lunch break in a park or enjoy a brisk walk after work through some greenery? Research published by Cornell University in 2020 found that even 10 minutes in a natural setting can lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress, and it’s in those quiet moments that self reflection can occur. 

Sunlight also helps us sleep better by regulating our internal body clock, making it great for those who struggle to switch off at night.

GIVE YOUR EYES A REST FROM EXCESSIVE SCREEN USE

We think it would be contrary to write a long paragraph about the dangers of excessive screen use and keep you staring at a screen for longer. Instead, we’ll redirect you here; to the importance of taking regular screen breaks explained.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS VISIBILITY AND STIMULATE GROWTH

Editorial Team
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HOW TO INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS VISIBILITY AND STIMULATE GROWTH

The business world is overly competitive, the challenges business owners face regarding offering a unique product or experience are significant. Especially with the advent of extreme online consumerism, the chances that your product or experience are one of a kind are dwindling. So, what can businesses do to combat this?

One element to consider is the efforts surrounding visibility. Focusing on ways to prevent your business from being swallowed up in the sea of like-minded companies and stand out can help stimulate growth and create that stand apart vibe that is so critical in today’s market. 

CONTROL THE DETAILS

Some people fear the details while others thrive on them. Regardless of which category you fall into as a person, as a business owner, you must care about the details to survive. One of the first steps of creating visibility is to organize all the elements of your business operations and get the details streamlined. Technology can support this effort through both automation and improved efficiencies. Fleet management software is a great example of a product available to a specific industry that supports streamlining details. 

Prioritising getting visibility into efficiency means that these owners and managers can see the larger picture while also the breakdown of analytics in each category of operations. Sometimes there are impediments to growth that exist within operations that can only be exposed by changing up the process. Just because there are no obvious issues with the way things have always been done does not mean that there are not hidden ones. 

You should also look into the performance of your operations in the field, especially when it comes to your delivery fleet which has direct contact with the customers. Lots of companies have installed TMS software into their systems to make it easier to track and watch over the resources they use for their shipments. This type of software lets you keep track of your delivery fleet’s progress and also can give you analytical data on the customer experiences in terms of timing, tracking, communication, and billing.

MODERNISE YOUR ADVERTISING

If the ways in which you advertise your business do not fall in line with the ways in which your target market seeks out your products or services, then you face almost certain failure. By modernizing your advertising efforts, you are creating a new perspective from which you view your own business, aka, visibility. The internet is typically the first place that consumers go to find what it is they are looking for and a professional looking website is your businesses best chance to make an impactful first impression. 

Social media is another modern pathway to visibility and growth. Creating an account for your business on even one of these platforms increases your overall reach exponentially. In turn, your opportunity for target market input on your efforts increases also. Yes, this can be a double-edged sword, however on the same wavelength as the internet, social media is one of the first places people visit to research brands, services, or products so a strong presence matter. 

Read: Want to start a digital coaching business? Here are some useful tips

UNDERSTAND THE INNATE VARIETY IN LEAD GENERATION

In the pursuit of amplifying business visibility and stimulating growth, grasping the inherent diversity in lead generation is essential. What are leads in business? Well, the process is a complex one, encompassing a spectrum of strategies that vary in effectiveness depending on the industry, audience, and unique selling points of your business. While traditional avenues like networking and referrals remain relevant, they must be complemented with digital strategies such as SEO, PPC, content marketing, and email campaigns to reach the modern consumer effectively. Tailoring your approach to match the preferences of your target market, underpinned by a thorough understanding of their behaviours, can significantly enhance the impact of your lead generation efforts.

Data analytics is the linchpin of an effective lead generation strategy, providing insights that allow for the refinement of tactics and more efficient resource allocation. Beyond just acquiring new leads, it’s crucial to nurture these potential connections with personalised communication and valuable content, fostering trust and guiding them towards becoming loyal customers.

As the digital landscape continually shifts, staying updated with the latest trends and being willing to innovate are key to maintaining a fresh and effective approach. By blending a variety of methods, both traditional and digital, and focusing on continuous innovation and relationship building, businesses can create a dynamic lead generation process that not only captures attention but also drives sustainable growth.

INVEST IN NETWORKING

Building a strong professional network is crucial to the success of your company. If you dedicate time towards expanding your network, you are creating the opportunity to learn from your peers instead of exclusively competing with them. Local networking is also a great way to expose your brand inside the bubble in which it exists. Gaining insight from business owners that operate within the same community as you can help you recognize that you may face some common challenges as well. 

One of the main points of seeking out these connections is to learn. This is a good opportunity to enhance your active listening skills and practice the art of learning more by speaking less. Of course, input and participation are valued and expected however for the purposes of visibility it is typically best to hear what others have to say so that you can then apply their teachings to your own business.  

HOW TO TRULY RELAX ON HOLIDAY THIS SUMMER

Editorial Team
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HOW TO TRULY RELAX ON HOLIDAY THIS SUMMER

Phew, it’s been one stressful year, and we could all do with a break right about now, don’t you think? But here at IDEAL, we’re a little worried that after so long on home soil, we’ve rather forgotten exactly how to holiday properly. 

This year, you’ll find us quarrelling at the airport about who’s packed the passports, regretting not wearing enough layers for the freezing cold flight, checking our phones relentlessly poolside about the latest government corruption scandals, and being so overwhelmed by all the exotic food on offer that we just end up eating banana bread…

Scrap that. Hold that noise. Let’s start over. Holidays are, of course, meant to be relaxing and calming experiences. But as we all know, holidays can turn out to be surprisingly stressful if you don’t put the right measures in place. 

Indeed, according to research published in 2019, Brits say that “they sometimes feel it’s not worth going on holiday because it’s so stressful before they head off, or after they get back and try to settle into their day-to-day lives once again”. And that was before all the bad business of the past 15 months began.

But listen, let’s go full circle and start at the beginning again; we all need a break right now. So, here’s our ideal guide on how to truly relax on holiday.

KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE 

First things first, you need to make sure that you don’t have anything to worry about back home while you’re away, and that means arranging your property before setting off so you know it’s going to be well looked after.

If that means getting a neighbour to come and visit regularly, to water plants or make sure you haven’t been burgled, then make those arrangements. Enlisting the help of friendly neighbours to keep their peepers on proceedings in your absence is a good way of achieving a certain serenity while you’re away, as they can keep you posted on goings on. Within reason, of course; ‘house still not burgled’ isn’t a necessary daily update while you’re tanning by the pool. 

If you’d rather not hand out a spare, consider upgrading your home security system with a smart lock door. These clever locks allow you to unlock the door remotely, using your smartphone from the comfort of your sun lounger. You can grant temporary access to your neighbours with expiring codes or set access codes for specific days and times.

Or, if you’ll only gain peace of mind by installing a professionally monitored home security system (checked up on by a third party rather than yourself – you want to chill out, remember?), then do it!

That way, you’ll be able to relax more completely and comprehensively while you’re on holiday, which was the whole point of the exercise, after all.

Read: 5 tips for keeping your home safe during summer holidays 

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ANTICIPATION 

Some might call it preparation. We, however, like to call it anticipation. A few weeks before your holiday, swap your bedtime book for an Eyewitness or Lonely Planet guide to your chosen destination. Start researching the restaurants you want to go to and the bars which will play host to your dance moves. Read up on the main sites of the city or town you’re visiting and its history, so you’re fully informed and intrigued by what’s to come. 

Because, let’s face it; not having a clue about the place you’re visiting can be stressful. 

Moreover, holidays are precious, and you don’t want to be wasting time while you’re on them having to research, coordinate, book tours and make reservations. Keep those tough decisions to a minimum when you’re actually on holiday by getting them sorted beforehand. 

It’s worth bearing in mind that while an itinerary isn’t set in stone, it’ll help structure your trip and give it a purpose – but feel free to switch activities around if they don’t fit in with your day!

DON’T FEEL PRESSURED BY THE MUST-SEES 

Sometimes, being in a particularly famous or revered holiday destination brings with it its own distinctive pressures. We might feel that we have to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris or La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, enduring the queues and the chaos to do so.

If you’d prefer to stroll the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin or while away the hours in the tapas bars of El Raval, then it’s your trip! Don’t feel pressured by the must-sees; you won’t see them properly through the crowds, anyway.

MANAGE YOUR MONEY 

Sometimes, we can’t enjoy or relax on holiday because we’re thinking too much about our budget and how much we’re spending. There is always a certain stressful element, financially, to going on holiday, so make sure you budget a little in the weeks preceding your trip so you’ve got extra spending money whilst on it! Doing so will free your mind of those nagging financial worries which can sometimes sadly blight a holiday.

The main thing here is to ensure that you are actually able to afford the trip, and that you have put aside whatever finances might be necessary for that to be the case. As long as you do that, you should find that you’re more relaxed about how much it’s costing, allowing to do whatever you want to without worrying.

Read: 5 IDEAL ways to manage your money while travelling 

UNPLUG FROM YOUR WORK & YOUR DEVICES 

Relaxing is difficult in our digital world, and sometimes a holiday loses a fair amount of its purpose if it’s simply spent staring at the same old device as you would be on your sofa at home. And don’t get us started on your boss emailing you while you’re away…actually, if you’d like us to, we will start on your boss for you; just send us their details.

Anyway, a recent survey of 2’000 people found that Brits take a whopping 46 hours to truly feel relaxed on holiday, with our ‘always on’ culture the primary culprit in those stress levels carrying through from work into the first days of our trip. So, however hard it might feel, set that Out Of Office automatic reply before you shut down your work computer for the last time before your trip, and stick to it resolutely. 

Go further, and relish the time away from your screen, full stop, leaving it at the hotel or your villa while you go on a jaunt or to a restaurant. Yep, we hear you wondering out loud about how you’ll find your way back to the hotel in an unfamiliar city….well, why not embrace that feeling of getting lost!

Read: 4 IDEAL ideas for a stress free holiday

INDULGE IN A BIT OF LUXURY 

There really is nothing like a bit of luxury to truly help you relax.  Of course, luxury comes in many guises. From five star hotels to everything-arranged experiences tailor made to your wishes, luxurious and indulgent holidays can truly help you relax.

Let’s accept it – whisper it, even – but sometimes, it’s nice to simply be herded, catered for and looked after. Enter those much maligned all inclusive holidays – sometimes not having to think is the most luxurious experience of all. 

However, we can’t all afford to stay in those luxurious five star resorts or all-inclusive trips. The trick, we think, is to find a bit of luxury wherever you can. 

You don’t have to spend a fortune to find lodges with hot tubs or hotels with private pools. Instead, you can actually dip in and out of luxury in order to suit your budget and timetable. Many luxury hotels now allow non-staying guests to enjoy their fancy breakfasts and access their spa facilities. Known as ‘day stays’, this has become a huge travel trend in recent years, allowing people to enjoy the hotel for up to 70% off the rate you’d pay for an overnight stay and enjoy the hotel’s amenities all the same. 

Or, you could simply pretend that you’re staying at the hotel and sneak in to the pool area to spend a “surreptitious afternoon’’ of luxury hotel amenities – champagne taste on a beer budget? Count us in! 

Read: 5 IDEAL apps you need to download before your next holiday

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CUSHION

No, we don’t mean bringing a travel cushion with you for the flight, although it will help you relax on your journey. What we mean is having a little extra time at the end of your holiday when you’re back home to get yourself organised and ready to enter the ‘real world’ again.

In fact, studies suggest that it takes three days for our sleeping patterns to get back to normal after all the late nights and lie-ins that we have on holiday. Indeed, many people struggle post-holiday to get back into the swing of things at work because they don’t grant themselves that ‘cushion’ we mention. 

So, perhaps arrange your holiday so you return to the UK on a Friday evening or Saturday morning, granting you the weekend to recover before that dreaded return to work.

Check our our article on 4 IDEAL tips for planning the perfect summer holiday for more tips!

WHAT YOU SHOULD & SHOULDN’T KEEP IN YOUR WALLET OR PURSE

Editorial Team
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WHAT YOU SHOULD & SHOULDN’T KEEP IN YOUR WALLET OR PURSE

Everyone has a vocal checklist when they leave their house, don’t they? All together now; ‘’Wallet, phone, keys.’’ A familiar refrain, for sure.

Leave without your keys, and you’re shimmying up a drainpipe to get back into your gaff. Head out sans phone, and you might actually have to make eye contact with someone in public. And you don’t want that.

But today, we’re focusing on the first item. Because get caught short without your wallet, and you’re in all kinds of hot water. 

What you carry in your wallet can get you into – or get you out of – trouble, make no mistake. In the right hands (as in, your own) your wallet is your best friend when you hit the town, the high street or the shopping centre. In the wrong ones….well, it just doesn’t bear thinking about.

But think about it we shall; here’s what you should and shouldn’t keep in your wallet or purse.

FIRST, THE WALLET

They say it’s good luck to buy a wallet with your first paycheck. Should you have just received yours, or you’re buying one without superstition in mind, what should you be looking for?

Firstly, let’s talk about functions; you want a wallet that has space for cash, a small pocket for a few coins, and several spaces for cards, at a minimum.

When talking about style, the classic leather (or pleather, preferably) wallet is the way to go. Anything textile or containing velcro risks making you look a little juvenile – that paycheck we mentioned, did it come from your paper round? You get the picture. 

Generally speaking, as the guys at Bullsheath leather wallets for men tell us, classic wallets are segmented into either bifold, trifold or ‘minimalist’, which is essentially a sleeve for holding cards, sometimes with a small clip attached for notes. These are generally preferred for those donning slick suits who don’t want that bulge of a bi or tri fold, but don’t offer much leeway, space wise. For everyday use, bifold is perhaps best.

Colour wise, we’d recommend sticking with black or dark brown. There’s plenty of opportunity to spice up your outfit with pops of colour, but perhaps your wallet isn’t one of them.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KEEP IN YOUR WALLET

So now that we know what your wallet should look like, let’s talk about what you should – and shouldn’t – be keeping in it.

  • Cash – You always want to have some cash on you. If it’s just a regular day, then enough for at least for a meal and a taxi fare is a good ballpark figure. If you’re going out, bring some extra, just in case.
  • Bank cards – Your debit card should be with you at all times, and preferably two different types (like a Visa and a Mastercard) so you have payment options for different stores. If you’re an impulsive spender, you might want to leave the majority of your credit cards at home unless you’re going for a targeted purchase.
  • Loyalty cards – Because you wouldn’t want to miss out on that free ninth cortado, right? Any sort of loyalty card you have to present at a shop to get a discount, you might want to have with you. Should you be keen to streamline your wallet’s density, then enquire about substituting any loyalty card you carry with an app version for your phone.
  • ID – Depending on where you live, it’s most likely legally required to have an ID card with you at all times when you’re out. A simple government-issued ID with a picture and your address should be enough, although often, your driving licence will suffice, which, incidentally, you should carry in your wallet, too. You don’t want to bring along your passport unless you’re travelling, though.
  • Emergency contact information – Imagine this scenario; something happens where you get hurt or you’re unconscious, and you end up in the hospital (sorry you had to imagine that). Who would you want the hospital to call? Their names and numbers should be written in your emergency contact list and put in a visible place in your wallet. No need to write your name down, since you’ll have your ID in there.
  • Business cards – If you often give out business cards, you should have a separate small case or microwallet where you keep only your business cards, and any cards you might be given. But if it’s a rare occasion that such an exchange occurs, you can keep one or two cards in your wallet, just in case, or make a digital business card that people can scan right off your phone to theirs.
  • Receipts – Get in the habit of taking all of your receipts out of your wallet as soon as you get home and putting them in a dedicated spot where you can access them for reference, a return or an exchange, or to complete your tax return. Don’t let receipts build up in your wallet, as they’ll be the first things to get discarded in a clearout.

AND, WHAT YOU SHOULDN’T…

  • Several credit cards – Carry one, at most. A would be thief can quickly drain your bank accounts should they happen across a wallet containing several credit cards.
  • Cheques – Yep, some people do still use cheques…..but you do not want to keep blank cheques in your wallet in case it ever gets lost or stolen. Doing so makes it incredibly easy for someone to fill them out and steal your money that way. 
  • Foreign currency – If you’re on holiday, then this is another matter, but if you just got back from a trip and you still have some foreign bills knocking around, it’s just clutter, frankly. Sure, you might want to show off those ‘just been on my hols’ stripes, but that’s what Instagram is for.
  • Insurance cards – Medical insurance, car insurance, home insurance… not only might these cards reveal personal information about you which could lead to you having your identity stolen (ie. your social security of National Insurance number), but all of this information should be available online, anyway.
  • Spare key – You should not, at any cost, keep a spare key to your house in your wallet. If it was ever to get stolen, someone now has your name (via your bank cards) and your house key, and you’re a prime target for theft. Instead, invest in a key safe only accessible by pincode, and install it somewhere discreet near your property.
  • Condoms – Hey, credit to you for taking precautions, but you shouldn’t really carry condoms in your wallet. Yes, it’s a good idea to always have some with you, but the wallet is no place for them since they can get hot or damaged here, and as a consequence, lose their integrity over time.
  • List of passwords – Hey, we all know someone who does it, right? Everyone knows how hard it can be to remember a list of random passcodes and passwords, but if you keep a list of all of your pin codes in your wallet right next to your credit cards, you’re giving someone the thumbs up for someone to go crazy with your cards. If you’re having trouble remembering them, save the pin codes as contacts under weird names on your phone.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Having a tidy and organised wallet will not only make your life easier, but it will give the impression of a grown-up, put-together adult who knows what they are doing. Fake it ‘till you make it, hey?

Did you know that your wallet is one of the most bacteria-laden everyday items going? Check out our guide to the 7 everyday items you might not be sanitising enough to learn more!

8 THOUGHTFUL, AFFORDABLE GIFTS TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION

Editorial Team
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8 THOUGHTFUL, AFFORDABLE GIFTS TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION

‘Thank you’. It’s a humble, simple utterance that can mean so much when delivered with sincerity. But sometimes, the grateful may want to go further when showing their appreciation…and the best way to do this? A small, heartfelt gift.

This thing needn’t be showy or overblown. In fact, such gestures can sometimes lead to awkwardness and misunderstanding. Instead, a personal and unique gift is perfect, whether it’s handcrafted, written from the heart or simply carefully sourced and impeccably wrapped. If there’s someone in your life particularly deserving of gratitude right now, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 8 thoughtful, affordable gifts to show your appreciation.

SEND THEM FLOWERS 

The act of giving flowers to express love, appreciation, condolences or congratulations has existed for thousands of years, with evidence of flower giving appearing in the literature and art of Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece.

To this day, a beautiful floral arrangement is a tried and tested way to express gratitude, and can be done from afar and on a last-minute basis should the need arrive. Some florists now even offer a same day flower delivery service for those customers who may have, shall we say, left things a little late. Hey, we’ve all been there!

PEN A HANDWRITTEN THANK YOU NOTE 

Handwritten letters are perhaps the most simple yet heartfelt way to show your appreciation for someone. Receiving a letter in the post has a romantic and nostalgic vibe to it which is impossible to resist, with the words seemingly resonating so much more strongly than if they were written on a Whatsapp message. As a last minute gesture or as something planned in advance, a handwritten note can’t be topped.

Read: Travel-themed items you can give to your friend who loves traveling

PAINT THEM A PICTURE 

If you’re skilled with a paintbrush rather than a pen, then why not draw your loved one a picture to show them how much you care? This gift ticks all the boxes – it costs next to nothing, is incredibly thoughtful, you don’t necessarily have to order online and wait for anything to arrive, and it can be framed and packaged beautifully if you’re really keen to show your appreciation.

While you’re at it, why not direct the receiver to these handy tips on adding artwork to your home, so they can learn more about maximising the impact of your hand drawn piece.

TEACH A SKILL

Should current social distancing rules permit it, then sharing a skill with a loved one is a wonderful, completely free gift which carries so much meaning. If you’re a fantastic cook, why not spend the afternoon teaching your friend or family member some of your favourite recipes? Perhaps you’re an expert piano player? Showing a loved one a few notes or tunes on the keys represents a kind, gentle gift with loads of heart.

Read: 7 thoughtful gifts for the gal pals in your life

RECYCLED HOMEWARE PRODUCTS

These days, designers are doing wonderful things with recycled plastics and other materials otherwise headed for landfill, turning them into coasters, rugs, cushion covers and all sorts of homeware items that make the ideal, affordable gift.

If you have an eco-conscious loved one in your life, this represents an incredibly thoughtful gift. After all, what better way to show your appreciation than endeavouring to preserve the planet for someone?

A PERSONALISED SCENTED CANDLE 

Customised candles can also help you let an important person in your life know that you appreciate them. Homemade candles which you curate yourself, using aromas you know that special person loves, is a wonderful way to add a personalised, hands on touch to your gift giving.

According to The Healthy, the eight smells that are scientifically proven to raise your mood are pine, citrus, sunscreen, freshly cut grass, floral notes from lavender and jasmine, rosemary, peppermint, and baby powder. Why not incorporate some of these scents into your personalised candle?

FRAME A PHOTO OF YOU TOGETHER 

If you have a particularly cherished photo of the two of you together, sharing a fond memory or a joyous moment, then why not get the picture framed as an affordable, thoughtful way of expressing your gratitude and love?

A reminder of your shared affection each time they see the framed photo…what could be better!

A CHARITABLE DONATION

Try thinking outside the box in terms of your present by giving the gift of good karma instead of an item only guaranteed to gather dust in the attic. Kind souls will love to receive a gift of a donation to their favourite charity. The world of philanthropy is vast and gifting such positivity is as thoughtful as you can get, don’t you think?

THE BOTTOM LINE 

The smallest gestures often have the biggest impact. Without bling or bravado, the true essence of gift giving is realised; and that’s showing appreciation and gratitude to a loved one.

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