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5 IDEAL WAYS TO CELEBRATE ROYAL ASCOT AT HOME

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO CELEBRATE ROYAL ASCOT AT HOME

Last month, and due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it was announced that Royal Ascot 2021, this year taking place between the 15th and 19th June, was going to be downsizing somewhat. To ensure that social distancing can be maintained, tickets are now only available to the Royal Enclosure and Queen Anne Enclosure, and the whole event likely to be limited to a daily capacity of between 4’000 and 10’000. 

The sad news is that the Village, Windsor and Heath Enclosures at this year’s Royal Meeting won’t be open as usual, with tickets for those areas carrying over into 2022. Considering the event usually draws in almost 300’000 people over the weekend, it’s safe to assume that nabbing a ticket is going to be difficult. It’s also going to be hugely expensive. Looks like we’ll be celebrating at home again this year! 

Not to worry. Last year the races were live-streamed and it was all about ‘Royal Ascot at Home’, which turned out to be a fun, inclusive event. We also saw people fundraising in support of Ascot’s #StyledWithThanks to help those affected by COVID-19, raising over £400’000 for The National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal, NHS Charities Together, The Care Workers Charity and the Berkshire Community Foundation. Bravo!

We’ve got our eye on the Royal Ascot At Home’ activity hub to see what may be going on later this year, and we’re hopeful for a repeat of the same fun, fundraising and fancy dress. However, if you’re keen to get planning ahead and you’re hosting your own party this June, here’s 5 IDEAL ways to celebrate Royal Ascot at home.

DELICIOUS BITES & AFTERNOON TEA 

Guess the number of Cornish Crabs which were served up to racegoers during the mid June race extravaganza two years ago? Country Life reports that figures released from Royal Ascot in 2018 said the number of crabs totalled at least 8,000. Wow! And they’re not the only crustaceans that attendees seem to like, with 3,500 fresh lobsters also ending up on punters’ plates.

This is alongside 5’000 kg of salmon, 2’400kg of beef sirloin, 5’000 Angus steaks, and 7’000 rumps of English lamb. Yep, though the festival is nominally about horse racing, we think it’s fair to say that it’s as much about the food.

And did you know that Royal Ascot’s fine dining restaurants are run every year by internationally renowned chefs? From Raymond Blanc to Brett Graham, Simon Rogan and more, the event’s chefs in residence this year claim 10 Michelin stars between them. 

Though it’s only likely to be horse racing pundits, investors, royalty and celebrities enjoying the amazing food on offer, the home hub we mentioned earlier has some fantastic recipes online to recreate racecourse dishes. Check out this awesome recipe for confit of salmon with cucumber, cauliflower and horseradish sauce from Raymon Blanc, which would be a real crowdpleaser, even if you’re only cooking it for friends at home! 

However, for us, afternoon tea washed down with some bubbly is the way to dine during Royal Ascot week. Did you know that, in 2019 (a regular year), 240,000 hand-made afternoon tea cakes were served during Royal Ascot? That’s not all; 120,000 buttermilk scones topped with 1,200kg of Cornish clotted cream and 60,000 finger sandwiches were also enjoyed by guests. 

A very British tradition, afternoon tea is the height of refined sophistication, but it’s a pursuit which is very rarely held at home. This year, Royal Ascot is the perfect excuse to host such a party at home to celebrate the event.

The menu, it seems, has been written.

Read: How to throw the best afternoon tea party in 5 IDEAL steps.

SET UP A CHAMPAGNE HOME BAR

If you hadn’t noticed, we’re really enjoying throwing stats at you right now. Guess how many bottles of champagne were consumed in 2019? A whopping 56,000.

As such, it would be rude not to uphold the very British tradition of getting slaughtered on fizz at the races. Moët & Chandon, Lanson and Veuve Clicquot are, of course, the champagnes of choice for connoisseurs at Ascot. 

However, you can still indulge in champagne without the hefty price tag. Some of our favourite cheap tipples include Champagne Leon Launois Brut NV at just £21.95 and Veuve Monsigny Brut from Aldi (yes, you read that right) for just 12.99 is an award-winning fizz from the “small, consistently excellent Champagne house Philizot & Fils”. If you’re looking to splash a little more cash, then may we suggest the Hambledon Classic Cuvée for £30? A cracking English fizz if ever there was one. 

THE BETS ARE ON

Of course, one of the main focuses of the Ascot fun is the horse racing and betting itself, and having a flutter at the races is part and parcel of the fun. Looking through the national papers and selecting which horse you fancy backing, usually decided by the absurdity of the name, is a Great British tradition. 

It’s tempting to simply pick the favourite each race, as they have the best chance of winning, but here in the UK, we love an underdog, right? Ascot atually sees some of the lowest numbers of odds-on favourites actually winning among any of the UK’s major racing events.

Though you can use online bookmakers to bet at home, with Royal Ascot betting offers and free bets hoping to lure you in, it can be just as fun to set up your own bookies at home, with a family member as the bookmaker.

Create your own bet slips, using the odds you find online, and then it’s up to the family if they play with imaginary money, a few copper coins, or that fiver your favourite aunt and uncle have sent since you were six. Perhaps you could allocate a festive prize for the winner to keep things interesting!   

If you’re not one for a flutter, there are lots of other enjoyable racehorse themed games you can play at home. Last year saw Ascot TV presenter Rupert Bell set up a Royal Ascot Quiz, which was great fun! This year, we hope it’s happening again. Check back here in June to find out.

HAT PARTY

The Ascot dress code is stricter than for other racing events, and each enclosure has a different set of guidelines about what you should wear. Formal daywear is required as standard, with dresses and skirts of modest length recommended. Full-length trousers or jumpsuits below the knee are also advised, with jackets and pashminas also permitted.

But most importantly, and most iconically, hats (or a headpiece with a solid base) should be embraced wholeheartedly! Interestingly, fascinators and novelty headwear are not permitted. 

All of this may sound stiflingly prim and proper, but how often have you had the excuse to dress up quite so extravagantly of late? Embrace the guidelines with your friends at home, and have a glamorous day of it! 

GARDEN GATES OPEN

Since Royal Ascot 2021 is held at the height of summer, it’s the perfect excuse to throw a garden party. As the focus of the races and festivities falls al fresco, set up an outdoor projector to enhance your at-home Ascot experience. And don’t forget the speakers; a proper surround sound affair will give the immersive experience you’re after. 

The bandstand is another huge part of Ascot – the tradition of racegoers singing around the bandstand like one huge, merry choir is a massive part of the fun. May we suggest constructing your own mini bandstand with some speakers? Or, perhaps enlist your most musically gifted friend to play some tunes for your own at-home bandstand singalong. 

Hey, that sounds so fun, do you mind if we tag along?

Read: 7 tips for making a success of your Summer garden parties.

As rules change and evolve daily, do keep an eye on the latest Government announcements regarding what’s permitted in terms of inter-household mixing.

ORGANISING A FAMILY TRIP IN 2021: HOW TO PREPARE AND HAVE A GREAT TIME

Editorial Team
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ORGANISING A FAMILY TRIP IN 2021: HOW TO PREPARE AND HAVE A GREAT TIME

If you’re organising a family trip then you’re likely feeling two things; excitement at the thought of spending quality time exploring new places with your family and overwhelming dread at the planning and logistical nightmare. Traveling with a family requires 5 times the planning, and this figure goes up when there are kids coming along on the trip. 

Here are preparation tips on how to make the trip fun and memorable instead of disastrous.

PACKING 

One of the first and trickiest things to do when planning is packing. Packing too much or too little, or packing the wrong things…they all have consequences. 

The first thing to remember about packing is to make a list of all the things you’ll need on the trip. Then pack them well ahead of time starting with the things you don’t use every day and can afford to pack. Since it’s a family trip, a good idea is to have everyone else make a list of what they’ll need to pack and combine all these lists into one super list. 

Here are tips on how to pack a suitcase in a way that maximizes space:

  • Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This way there’ll be more space for all your clothes, picking out one item won’t mess up the others, and rolled clothes have fewer wrinkles than folded clothes.
  • Shoes take up a lot of space, so stuff small things like jewelry, ties, socks, and underwear in them to make up for it. Then pack them on their sides.
  • Use the bundle method where you fill a pouch with soft clothes then wrap larger clothes around the pouch to make a bundle. 
  • Try helpful products like packing cubes, packing folders, or expandable bags. 
  • Zip up your suitcase, then sit on it. This will compress the clothes and give way to more space. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Having a great time on a family trip also depends on picking the right mode of transportation and preparing for it. 

By Air

If you’re traveling via plane, book your plane tickets ahead of time. This will allow you time to look for cheaper flights that offer family discounts or kid discounts in order to save you money. Try to book an early morning departure, as there are fewer crowds and shorter departure times. 

Also, because it’s early in the morning the kids will most likely still be tired from being up early and nap on the plane. Definitely avoid flights with long layovers. 

By Road

Family road trips can be lots of fun. But the confined space could also mean more conflicts because there are more people. Before the trip, look up the best route on your GPS. You need to know the fastest, safest, way to get to your destination. Also, a road trip means you’ll take longer to get to your destination, so make sure to plan pit stops.

Consider traveling in an RV. Going on a family road trip in an RV is not only a super fun experience but also a super cheap one. Think of all the fun camping activities! Before you embark on the trip with your RV it is important that you consult RV travel guides so that you know what to expect and the right items you’ll need to purchase for a smooth trip. You’re literally saving on hotel costs because the RV is both a car and a home.

RESEARCH LOCATIONS

There’s nothing worse on a vacation than spending time and money to get to a location and being extremely disappointed by it. If you’re in charge of planning the family vacation, avoid the potential angry looks from your family and arguments breaking out by researching locations before you commit to visiting them. 

Researching includes reading online reviews to make sure places are safe, clean, and kid-friendly. You wouldn’t want to subject small children (or yourself for that matter) to the view at a nudist beach because you didn’t do your research. It also includes finding out the admittance prices of site visits beforehand. This way you can budget for them, book a place online in advance and even find family discounts or children discounts.

BE FLEXIBLE 

While you should absolutely have a detailed plan and itinerary for the family trip it’s best to leave a few gaps. It’s tempting to keep every single day action-packed in an attempt to see all the sights and experience all the feelings, but resist this temptation. Instead, schedule time for resting and just lazing about. A relaxed family is more likely to bond with each other.

Also, the best adventures are not planned. Leave a day or two where you ask the locals about the best spots to visit and the best restaurants to eat at. Or simply spend that day intentionally getting lost and figuring out your way back together. 

BRING SNACKS

Not just for the kids, but everyone else. It’s scientifically proven that people are more prone to unpleasant emotions like anger and being judgmental when they’re hungry. To facilitate a pleasant family trip, pack enough snacks to last the trip because it’s unlikely there’ll be snacks readily available at every location when anyone needs them. This comes in handy especially if a family member has food allergies or if you’re trying to eat more healthy food as a family. 

This includes fluids, especially water. If you’re traveling by car there’ll, unfortunately, be more stopping for the bathroom, but it’s important to stay hydrated.

Packing your own snacks and beverages will save your budget, because rest stops, food joints, and restaurants can be very expensive. 

BRING ENTERTAINMENT 

Children have very short attention spans and a lot of energy. They’re also not easily impressed by things like picturesque sunsets.  It’s best to pack a few of their favorite things like toys, coloring pages, or an iPad with their favorite shows for when they get fidgety and threaten to ruin the trip for the adults. 

Pack entertainment for the adults too. You won’t want to be on the move chasing the next breathtaking sunset or climbing hills to the top every single time. So remember to pack things like board games, puzzles, cards, or interesting books for downtime. Playing games together will also be a cherished memory from the trip. It’s not all about swimming with sharks.

Family trips to spend quality time with family should be a priority. Your trip will either end in tears and possibly trauma or cherished memories. It all depends on planning and preparation!

THE IDEAL SLEEP ENVIRONMENT FOR DOGS: HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG SLEEP BETTER

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL SLEEP ENVIRONMENT FOR DOGS: HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG SLEEP BETTER

As the old saying goes, ‘let sleeping dogs lie’. But what if your dog is neither sleeping nor lying, and is instead restless and agitated throughout the night? Since your dog is likely your best friend, this will undoubtedly be a cause for concern.

It may also be the cause of a restless night’s sleep for you, too, but rest – hmm, perhaps not the right word – assured, there are things you can do to help your dog sleep better through the night. 

From perfecting your dog’s bedtime routine with walks, toilet breaks and dinner time, to getting the temperature just right, here’s how to help your dog sleep better with the IDEAL sleep environment.

ROUTINE IS EVERYTHING

Before we look at the ideal sleep environment for your dog, let’s first consider their pre-bed routine, which is so important for ensuring a good night’s sleep for the whole house.

Dogs are creatures of habit, to put it mildly, and whilst they may not be able to tell the time in the human sense of glancing at the clock, they know the time through that incredible doggy intuition they possess. 

Incredibly, according to the American Kennel Club, this isn’t conjecture. They tell us that ‘’a recent study reveals that animals have neurons in their brain that are activated when the animal is waiting for an expected outcome. They aren’t so much telling time, as judging time.’’

It doesn’t matter whether their ‘bed time’ is 7pm, post dinner, or at 11pm when you turn in. What matters is the predictability and consistency of the time. Like we said, dogs are creatures of habit, and a random bedtime is the worst thing for their sleep.

Remember that dogs follow a polyphasic sleep cycle, sleeping four to six times a day and for around 14 hours in total, so it’s important that you ensure your dog is tired out enough through regular walking and exercise to achieve a longer night time snooze.

With their evening meal, pre-bed walk and bathroom break falling at the same time each night, too, your dog will start tying it all together, and soon learn to begin feeling tired by association. What’s more, and just like humans, your dog will begin to produce melatonin – the sleep hormone – at the same time every night, regulating their sleep cycle. 

In some cases, vets may advise melatonin supplements for your dog, but this is something which requires consultation first, prior to administration, to be on the safe side.

SEPARATE SLEEPING QUARTERS

Consistency is king. So much so, that we’ll repeat the mantra once more; dogs are creatures of habit. And though it may be tempting to snuggle up with your pup in your own bed once in a while, this unpredictability of routine won’t help them sleep well.

According to the experts at Lords & Labradors, who are currently running the awesome campaign Be a Doggy-Do-Little, aimed at helping raise awareness of how best to help our precious pooches sleep more soundly, ‘’It’s also a good idea to avoid slipping into the habit of letting your furry friend share your bed. While it might be tempting to snuggle up, allowing your pup to sleep next to you can have a negative effect on the quality of sleep for you both, so it’s best that you stick to your separate sleeping quarters.’’ 

We couldn’t agree more, and speaking from experience, it’s best for all concerned if you maintain separate sleeping quarters. Speaking of those sleeping quarters… 

SLEEPING LIKE A DOG

Whether it’s in a crate, on a specifically designed memory foam mattress or a rug on the floor, dogs just love to bed down in soft, padded spaces which have ample room for stretching out, so ensure that you provide this. Covering their sleeping area with a blanket or drop-down cover provides privacy and protection from light, which dogs really value when they’re snoozing. It also offers protection against any draughts.

THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE

Speaking of draughts, though humans sleep best when the room temperature is between 16 and 18°C (60-65°F), dogs prefer things a little warmer, though of course that depends on several factors inducing the thickness, and even colour, of their coat and their age and breed. Accordingly, you should consult with your vet about the ideal temperature for your dog. 

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD IS FEELING ANXIOUS

Editorial Team
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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD IS FEELING ANXIOUS

Challenging circumstances, change and even wondering why the sea appears blue can all weigh on young minds. When you see your child feeling stressed, it’s only natural to want to sweep in and solve their problems. 

But sweeping in and smothering isn’t always the best approach, and there are many ways to approach such a situation. Sometimes, a delicate touch is best.

Feeling worried is all part of growing up. When children get stuck in their anxiety and struggle to get out of it, it can make them feel more isolated and alone. If your child is struggling with anxiety, there are some helpful suggestions and strategies provided by Brush-Baby about what you can do. Here they are:

WHAT CAN CAUSE CHILDHOOD ANXIETY?

Like adults, children have to cope with a broad range of situations resulting in worry, fear and ultimately, anxiety. Unlike their parents, children aren’t as emotionally developed and so may struggle to separate their stressors from each situation. It’s sensible to first get to grips with the most common causes of anxiety in the young before figuring out what you can do to help.

For children and adolescents, anxiety can be caused by:

  • Experiencing a lot of change in a short space of time, such as moving house, losing a loved one or school
  • Feeling overwhelmed by a situation at school, work, exams or their peers
  • A distressing or traumatic experience, such as being bullied or experiencing abuse. Ultimately, anything that makes them feel unsafe
  • Experiencing a parent’s anxiety or family stress 
  • Having to manage responsibilities that are not appropriate for their age and developmental stage, such as caring for a family member

RECOGNISE WHEN IT HAS BECOME A PROBLEM

However, it should be acknowledged that some anxiety is normal, and recognising when it’s become a problem is key. The NHS, in their article about anxiety in children, cautions that ‘’Anxiety becomes a problem for children when it starts to get in the way of their everyday life.’’ They go on to suggest a few signs that anxiety has become more prevalent include:

  • become irritable, tearful or clingy
  • have difficulty sleeping
  • wake in the night
  • start wetting the bed
  • have bad dreams

MANAGE ANXIETY, DON’T TRY TO AVOID IT

It is incredibly difficult to see your child unhappy. You have seen them in all of their best moments and all of their worst, and when anxiety rears its ugly head, you may want to remove all the stressors that trigger it. 

Learning how to tolerate anxiety and function as best as they can throughout their day will encourage children to overcome their anxiety in their own way, which is also, often, the most sustainable way. This is because it gives your child the tools going forward to cope with stressful situations.

Talk about what makes your child feel anxious in a sensitive and delicate way, and how those situations make them feel. Come up with strategies that can help them feel safe and reduce their stress. Some popular strategies include:

  • Journaling or drawing
  • Going out for a walk or exploring nature
  • Talking with someone they trust 
  • A “safe space” they can go to 
  • Exercise such as swimming, kayaking, HITT, tennis, football or climbing

Ultimately, whatever encourages your child to feel less anxious or helps them control their worries will help them overcome those anxieties over time. Check out the Child Mind Institute’s useful tips on doing just that for more.

AVOIDING SITUATIONS MAY REINFORCE ANXIETY

It may seem counterintuitive to confront things head on that make your child feel anxious, but avoiding certain situations may only serve to reinforce their anxiety. 

If your child feels uncomfortable about a situation, they might cry because they don’t know how else to express their feelings. But removing your child from a stressful but ultimately harmless situation may prolong the cycle of fear, and change becomes more challenging. 

It’s important to respect your child’s feelings, but at the same time, don’t place undue emphasis on overreactions. For example, if they are terrified of going to the emergency room but have a twisted ankle, it would be unwise not to take them! Instead, be empathetic, listen, and help your child to face their fear with courage.

Remember, you are there to help your child through any situation that is too much for them to do independently. So, don’t amplify their feelings by simply agreeing, but encourage them to see why it’s essential to overcome them. 

HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Life can be uncompromising and at times overwhelming. Imagine that feeling as a child. 

Creating unrealistic expectations for your child can serve to enhance feelings of stress. Kids feel more confident when they know that you will never ask them for anything more than they can handle as their parent or guardian. Remember, failure is ok. In fact, it’s to be encouraged as a learning experience. Remind your child of this and set them free!

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO TALK

Sharing our problems with those who we trust helps us to move on from a situation and your child is no different. Like you, they need the space to speak and work through their feelings with someone trustworthy.

Avoid leading questions like “are you worried about” or “is X making you feel,” as this will feed into a potential cycle of stress. Instead, ask open-ended questions that they can flesh out with an answer on their terms, such as “how do you feel about X.” 

Body language and your tone of voice can affect a conversation, so be gentle, kind and understanding in the way you approach such discussion, as well as what you say.

BE A ROLE MODEL

For most children, their parents are their absolute role models. You’ve been there from the moment they first opened their eyes, learned to walk and said their first word. From their first day at school to celebrate their successes, you’ve been present at every single big life event. 

Children are incredibly perceptive. The best way to teach your child to handle anxiety is to show them how you cope with your own. Let them see how you manage it, who you talk to and let them see you getting through each moment. After all, you’re their greatest role model!

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP SHOULD THE SITUATION WORSEN

Should your child’s anxiety seem to be worsening, or if it’s been persistent for some time, then consult with your GP for advice. Alternatively, Young Minds have a free parent helpline, which can be reached on 0808 802 5544, from Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4 pm.

They may suggest a referral to Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS), who can, in turn, help you gain access to counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and anxiety medicines, if they think it’ll help. You might also want to check out this article on BetterHelp about finding child counsellors in your local area for more advice on the topic.

Overcoming anxiety can be challenging for your child. But with the right coping strategies in place, you can help your child overcome their obstacles.

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

MENTAL WELLNESS: 6 TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS THROUGH FOOD

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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MENTAL WELLNESS: 6 TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS THROUGH FOOD

Your diet plays a crucial role in mindset management, and you may be surprised to hear that there are several food groups which have been linked to both stress reduction and stress exacerbation. In fact, stress and food are inextricably linked. Nutrition, good or bad, can make a huge difference to our wellbeing, and it’s only recently that scientists have begun to truly understand these connections.

BBC Good Food explains that “Eating a balanced and healthy diet is key to helping our bodies to manage the physiological changes caused by stress. An important part of any stress response includes identifying and reducing the causes of stress. Adrenal function is significantly influenced by blood sugar levels’’. As such, a lot of the dietary advice related to reducing stress through food is aimed at stabilising blood/sugar levels.

But there are other links between stress and diet beyond sugar. Recently, scientists have become increasingly interested in the link between fermented foods and healthy gut bacteria, and its potential for improvements in wellbeing. On the other side of history, herbal teas have been championed for their soothing effects on the soul for centuries. 

All in all, it’s a fascinating subject, and one we’re keen to explore further. Let’s dive in; here are 6 tips for managing stress through food.

UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOOD AND STRESS

We’ve touched on the relationship between food and stress levels in the introduction, but crucial to reducing yours in accordance with a healthy diet is to first understand the deep links between the two.

Many of us make a beeline to the corner shop when stress is high, and rest assured, this isn’t a purely random impulse. Harvard Medical explains; “Once ingested, fat- and sugar-filled foods seem to have a feedback effect that dampens stress related responses and emotions. These foods really are “comfort” foods in that they seem to counteract stress — and this may contribute to people’s stress-induced craving for those foods.’’

So, ‘comfort’ food really does provide short term relief. But in the long run, such unhealthy foods can cause further stress, with extreme fluctuations in blood sugar and salt levels, as well as the impact of high levels of saturated fats, causing neurotransmitters to hit ‘higher highs and lower lows’, according to Dr Gary Wenk, via Health Hub. 

A better approach is to enjoy a balanced diet with only moderate amounts of sugar, salt and saturated fats, to help you moderate your mood in tandem.

Read: 6 ways to boost your mental wellbeing via your diet

COMBAT STRESS THROUGH GOOD NUTRITION 

Getting good nutrition and maintaining a healthy diet is key to managing stress levels, and this thing isn’t only about avoidance and denial.

Though managing stress through diet focuses largely on stabilising levels of sugar in the blood, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health via Everyday Health, foods containing Omega-3 have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Avocados, oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, nuts and seeds all contain generous amounts of the stuff. 

If you feel like you’re not getting enough Omega-3 in your diet, through conventional means, supplements are available. Which brings us to our next point… 

Read: 5 potentially stress-busting supplements

CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS 

Over the past decade, our understanding of probiotics in the field of health care has increased. An extensive amount of research has been conducted regarding the health benefits of probiotic foods and supplements, particularly in relation to probiotic effects on gastrointestinal health.   

As Harvard explains, “The gut has been called a “second brain” because it produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain does, like serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid, all of which play a key role in regulating mood. In fact, it is estimated that 90% of serotonin is made in the digestive tract”. 

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that exist naturally in foods like yoghurt and kimchi, and most people agree that the best way to ingest and benefit from these probiotics is through the food that we eat. However, they’re also available in both pill and powder form, and can help your gut bacteria remain replete and healthy, which, in turn, may have the potential to help you better manage stress.

Read: What you should know about cooking with CBD oil.

EAT REGULARLY & ROUTINELY

Very Well Mind explains that “We need to eat regularly throughout the day and not skip any meals in order to maintain blood sugar levels, but also make sure that we are not physiologically hungry”. 

If we’re stressed and hungry, we’re more likely to go for that pre-packaged food which fills us up fast but doesn’t satisfy us for long, leading to unhelpful, cyclical behaviour where we target more processed food in order to feel full again, faster.

It all starts with not skipping breakfast. Skipping breakfast makes it harder to maintain blood sugar levels and causes you to snack throughout the morning. Start the day with a nourishing breakfast rich in protein and fibre to keep you feeling full and energised all the way through until lunch. 

What’s more, try to keep your meal times consistent, and have lunch and dinner at roughly the same time each day. Doing so helps keep your metabolism consistent and may even quicken it. According to Gerda Pot, PhD, a visiting lecturer in the Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division at King’s College London via Time, “adults consuming calories during regular meals—at similar times from one day to [the] next—were less obese than people who have irregular meals, despite consuming more calories overall.” 

Pot goes to explain that ‘’Many metabolic processes in the body—such as appetite, digestion, and the metabolism of fat, cholesterol, and glucose—follow patterns that repeat every 24 hours’’.

And we’ve already established just how important managing those glucose levels is.

DRINK MORE WATER AND OPT FOR HERBAL TEAS INSTEAD 

Carbonated beverages like sodas and artificial juices might feel refreshing, but they do your body more harm than good. Stimulants like tea and coffee, whilst fine in moderation, can affect your metabolism and circadian rhythm, too, and as we just mentioned, that may cause problems with mood regulation.

Instead, replace them with water. It may not sound as exciting but apart from keeping your body hydrated, it also helps carry oxygen throughout your body, regulate your temperature, and cushions sensitive tissues like your brain and spinal cord, among others.

Should you need an exciting drink, then herbal tea is ideal. A popular household choice across the world for those looking to enjoy the potential benefits of various essential oils on mood and mindset, some of the best herbal teas for stress relief include peppermint, chamomile, lavender, kava and valerian, though it should be noted that scientific opinion is divided on just how effective these actually are in aiding relaxation.

STRESSED OUT EATING 

When we’re stressed, we make poor nutritional choices that increase our stress levels.

We’ve learnt that it’s our body’s hormones telling us to give into our cravings when we feel stressed. Sometimes, we emotionally eat when we’re in a stressed state. But as Health.com highlights, ‘stressed’ is ‘desserts’ spelt backwards. In the same article, Dr Julie Upton elaborates, suggesting some simple sugar swaps to lessen those stress-causing ingredients, including sugar-free gum, biscotti instead of biscuits, and soy milk instead of full fat. Thanks, doc!

As BBC food highlights “Try not to reach for food when you are in a stressed state. Stress diverts blood flow away from your digestive system, which you don’t want when you are trying to digest your food. You may experience bloating, gas and become prone to discomfort”, and we couldn’t agree more.

Now, breathe.

THE BOTTOM LINE

if you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress, depressed or struggling to cope, help is available beyond diet adjustments. Speak to your GP and visit the NHS website for more.

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

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF DEALING WITH ASBESTOS

Editorial Team
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The presence of asbestos remains one of the most common hazards. In the UK, this construction material still poses a problem, especially in older homes and commercial buildings. Strict compliance with safety guidelines is critical to minimise the health risks – both for buildings occupants and workers. 

Identifying the location of asbestos is the first step to resolving the problem. And since it’s a nationwide concern, you’ll find professional and licensed removal companies around the UK. For those who live in the South East, a local expert company that conducts samplings, surveys, and removals, such as AIONE Asbestos Removal in East Sussex is recommended. Working with a local company is best because the process requires a detailed approach, as well as regular updates and maintenance. 

Extensive knowledge of the safety guidelines and precautions isn’t only the responsibility of experts but also building managers and occupants. In line with that, here are specific areas to consider when dealing with asbestos. 

DO CONDUCT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION BEFORE STARTING REPAIRS OR RENOVATIONS

If the repairs or improvements are likely to be intensive, you need to investigate first if asbestos is present. There’s a high chance if the building is older and constructed before 2000. Conducting a survey will determine hidden asbestos, and prevent accidental disturbance. 

Read: What stagnant water is and why it’s dangerous

DO AVOID DAMAGING OR DISTURBING AREAS THAT MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS

In general, removal isn’t necessary if the area remains in good condition. The problem begins when asbestos gets damaged or disturbed and released into the air. In homes that contain asbestos, experts may recommend mitigation measures instead of removal. But, if the deterioration is extensive, there may be no other choice but to remove and refurbish the area. 

DO HIRE CONTRACTORS THAT ARE TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED IN DEALING WITH ASBESTOS

Before hiring a contractor for renovations and repairs, make sure that they are trained to work with asbestos. The contractor needs to comply with safety guidelines, especially when it comes to wearing protective clothing. When hiring an asbestos removal company, it’s essential to verify their licence to operate. Also, a permit may be required before the work begins. 

Read: 4 IDEAL ways to combat air pollution at home

DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE LIMITED ACCESS AREAS IN THE SURVEY

When conducting an asbestos survey in a building, it needs to be thorough and complete. Even areas with minimal or limited access to occupants should be included. Overlooking these locations poses legal consequences for the building owner, since it may endanger the occupants later on. 

Read: 5 tips for dealing with asbestos in the office

DON’T OVERLOOK UPDATES AND PLANS FOR ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT

If there’s already a maintenance plan in place, make sure to follow it as recommended. For example, if removal isn’t required, at least there should be periodic inspection and review. If the survey company recommends adding a protective layer to the area, make sure to follow this recommendation. In case of removal, it needs to be done as soon as possible to prevent further contamination. 

Adopting safety measures and understanding the right way to manage asbestos is the only way to minimise risks. It’s the building owner’s responsibility to educate occupants and ensure that workers or contractors follow the recommended guidelines when dealing with asbestos. 

6 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE FRANCOPHILE IN YOUR LIFE

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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6 GIFT IDEAS FOR THE FRANCOPHILE IN YOUR LIFE

With trips to the continent currently prohibited and relationships feeling a little frosty with our European neighbours, it can be hard for those in thrall to France to feel a connection right now.

Should you have a loved one in your life who adores French food, wine, perfume and fashion, then, fortunately, you’re blessed with options on what to gift in order to evoke memories of La République. 

Wait, wait! That doesn’t mean you should rely on your own ideas only! Instead, here are some unique suggestions; these 6 gift ideas for the Francophile in your life.

HELP THEM MASTER THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING

Perhaps the Francophile in your life adores all things gastronomic, and arguably, French cuisine is the very best in the world. The good news for you is that there are a whole host of incredible English language tomes on French cooking, from beginner to advanced, ideal for learning more about the history, technique, ingredients and dishes, both national and regional, of this amazing country.

Some of the most influential French recipe books ever written include:

  • Larousse Gastronomique – the culinary reference book for all things ‘classical’ in the cooking world, and an absolute mainstay on any top chef’s bookshelf. Indeed, according to chef James Martin, ‘‘Larousse Gastronomique was a bible for me 20 years ago, and even today, it is still such a source of inspiration’’ 
  • Grand Livre de Cuisine: Alain Ducasse’s Culinary Encyclopedia by Alain Ducasse – This one includes 44 recipes for lobster alone, and the world famous chef doesn’t take any prisoners in terms of ingredients or technique. There are no corners cut here, no half measures, and the book is all the better for it.

And for a more approachable book for those who are more culinarily curious than fully-fledged aficionado, these are fantastic:

  • Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child – So famous and beloved that a film was made about it (Julie and Julia), the book is credited with changing the way the US cooked and ate forever. The French onion soup and quiche lorraine are iconic.
  • The French Kitchen by Michel Roux Jr. – Head chef of La Gavroche and former Masterchef: The Professionals judge, Michel Roux Jr’s French Kitchen focuses on family recipes rather than fine dining, with traditional techniques taking centre stage. Lovely stuff.

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for dining in Paris on a budget.

GIFT THE SCENT OF PARIS WITH PERFUME 

No, not the waft of croissants or freshly baked baguettes; though bottling up that scent could be a wonderful gift, too! No, we’re talking about perfume, here.

One of France’s most famous perfume and cologne brands, Parfum de Marly, might be just the ticket if you’re trying to evoke the nostalgic smells of Paris without a visit to a boulangerie or the bottling of canal water. Indeed, according to the founder Julien Sprecher, ‘’Each essence has its own personal olfactory experience, which leaves a trace of French elegance.’’

A luxury niche cologne for men like Parfums De Marly is ideal for capturing that French je ne sais quoi in scent, and evoking nostalgia for another visit to France once restrictions are lifted. Until then, you’ll have to make do with this invocation of the famous perfume cellars of Versailles. Hey, it could be worse! 

VIRTUAL TICKETS TO PARIS FASHION WEEK 2021

Paris Fashion Week is one of the key dates in the annual fashion calendar, but this year, a large part of it (if not all of it; hey, we’re not Nostradamus) is set to occur online. 

Though it’s hard to predict what the state of the pandemic will be tomorrow, let alone in September, you can still guarantee attendance, at least virtually, for your fashion-obsessed loved one. Starting on Monday, September 27 and ending on Tuesday, October 5 2021, tickets are available online for both physical and virtual attendance. 

SEASONING SMARTS WITH FLEUR DE SEL GUÉRANDE

To accompany those French cuisine cookbooks you’ve gifted, why not add some salt to your gift box, too? Nope, this isn’t some kind of French luck charm (unless the recipient spills it, of course), but rather, a present of some of the most revered salt in the world.

Sometimes referred to as ‘white gold’, Fleur de Sel from Guérande (a coastal, medieval town in Brittany) is harvested by hand in the region’s salt marshes, and boasts large flakes and a minerally flavour which lingers long on the tongue. It’s not cheap, due to its labour intensive harvesting, but you’ll be richly rewarded when your France obsessed loved one learns to use it with aplomb! 

UNDERSTAND TERROIR, TORREFACTION & TANNINS WITH A GUIDE TO FRENCH WINE

‘’Would you like some wine with your salt, madame?’’ 

We thought you’d never ask. French wine needs little in the way of introduction, with many considering it the world’s best and the region of Bordeaux, in particular, producing arguably the most acclaimed (and some of the most expensive) claret on the planet.

Come to think of it, French wine needs a lot in the way of introduction, with the terminology, terroir, growing regions and tasting notes so vast and complex you could drown in them. What a lovely way to go that would be. 

Two of the best introductions to French wine are:

  • French Wine for Dummies – Sure, to buy this for a loved one is to implicitly suggest that they’re a ‘dummy’, but in actuality, this a great book for demystifying some of the sometimes impenetrable concepts surrounding wine.
  • Wine Folly by Madeline Puckette – Full of visually arresting infographics, the book features more than 100 wines, all colour coded and replete with fascinating insights into their growing methods, tasting notes and more.

Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Wines.

BRING THE EIFFEL TOWER TO YOUR HOME WITH TRINKETS

You don’t have to spend a small fortune on specialist salt and perfume to welcome France into your home until you can go there. One of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Eiffel Tower, is available in an astonishing array of trinkets, from fridge magnets to keyrings, wind chimes to clocks, and more. For the Francophile in your life who loves a thrifty gift, an Eiffel Tower souvenir is perfect!

To get you nostalgic about the capital city, why not check out our hotel review of Jules et Jim, the IDEAL place to stay in Paris’ trendiest neighbourhood.

HOW TO MATCH YOUR SMARTWATCH WITH YOUR OUTFIT

Editorial Team
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HOW TO MATCH YOUR SMARTWATCH WITH YOUR OUTFIT

Smartwatches; the clue’s in the title, hey? Or at least, that’s what you’d think. But all too often, wearing a sometimes clunky, cumbersome piece of technology is anything but smart, in terms of how stylish or otherwise you might look when wearing one.

That is, in the wrong hands, of course. Or should we say, on the wrong wrists? Nope, we’ll stick with the first one. In the wrong hands, a smartwatch can look weighty without being substantial, techy without being trendy, and ill fitting and jarringly matched with the rest of an outfit.

But how do you match your smartwatch with your outfit? Since the majority of smartwatches are unisex, you need to be dexterous, both in the smartwatch you choose and the clothes and accessories which go with it. We’re here to help with that dexterity; here’s how to match your smartwatch with your outfit.

MATCH THE FORMALITY OF THE WATCH WITH YOUR OUTFIT

Smart watches aren’t simply square-faced, black-strapped affairs which present the time in a digital format and allude to the fact you’re something of a go-getter.

In fact, the benefits of smartwatches extend far beyond their interconnectivity and implication. They are, if truth be told, highly versatile in terms of the formality they bring, with some built specifically to go with suits or smart dresses and some more appropriate for sports. 

Dress watch brands have got in the act, with Tag Heuer’s Connected and Asus Zen’s Watch 2 leading the pack in terms of fantastic smartwatches you can wear to a formal occasion.

If your budget allows, invest in a range of different smartwatches for different occasions. For semi-formal occasions, Moto 360 2nd and 3rd Gen are sleek but not overly sporty and distracting, with a simple, analog face but still boasting GPS connectivity. Incidentally, the Moto 360 Sport is an affordable watch for those into fitness tracking and fashion.

MATCH THE STRAP TO THE FORMALITY OF YOUR OUTFIT

There’s a surprising amount of versatility in smartwatch strap design, too. Ideally, you should correctly match your smartphone’s strap with the colour scape of what you’re wearing, especially when in dress wear or attending a formal occasion. 

As a general rule, leather straps are considered to be more formal than metallic ones, with many leading smart watch brands boasting exchangeable straps in both levels of formality to allow for versatility and adaptability. In addition, black leather straps and brown or navy dress wear shouldn’t clash, and vice versa. 

On more casual occasions, you can go with deliberately rugged, roughed, or worn in leather straps that perfectly fit different clothing, including jeans, leather jackets and T-shirts. And for those looking for something equally laid back but a little sporty, too, metal watch bands for Apple Watches provide a sleek and contemporary alternative to complement any style.

LEATHER SHOULD COMPLEMENT LEATHER

A little more on leather; if wearing a smartwatch with a leather strap, then other additions to your outfit should ideally be made of leather, too, for the full, coordinated and synergetic effect.

For instance, with a leather strap, your shoes, handbag and other accessories should match the wrist band, in colour and levels of distress. If you are required to be in business wear, you can start by matching your trouser belt with your shoes, and then pick a smartwatch that matches both. 

If this all seems like a lot of watches and potentially, animal cruelty, then rest assured that faux leather replacement smartwatch straps are available.

SMART WATCHES FOR WOMEN

If you’re keen for a female-specific smart watch, which tend to be a little more dainty on the wrist than their gender-neutral or male equivalents, then the tech experts at Good Housekeeping offer a couple of interesting recommendations beyond the usual Apple Watch series and Samsung Galaxy’s popular Active range. 

Firstly, citing great value, they recommend the Metropolitan from Timex, suggesting that ‘’the 36mm case width and 20mm silicone strap combine for exceptionally lightweight design and the watch face is made out of high-impact resistant Gorilla Glass’’, which make it both elegant and durable.

Good Housekeeping’s rundown also points to Kate Spade’s Scallop 2, which boasts a ‘’heart rate sensor and built-in GPS, plus the NFC (near field communication) mobile payment feature (which) comes in handy when shopping. Meanwhile, Google Assistant voice activation lets you take calls without reaching into your Sam Bag for the phone.’’

But that’s not all; the Scallop 2’s ‘’choose your look’’ feature allows you to change the themes and colours of the watch face to match your outfit or mood. Problem solved!

Read: 5 Ways A Smartwatch Can Make Your Life Easier.

CONSIDER OTHER MATCHING JEWELLERY

Some consider the smartwatch to act as a piece of jewellery in and of itself, and because of this, it’s essential that you consider whether it complements or clashes with your other jewellery choices on any given day.

Particularly if you’re wearing a metallic strap, try to ensure that the golds, silvers or coppers of your necklace, earrings and bracelet don’t clash with the strap.

If you’re keen to coordinate further, then make sure rings, belt buckles, and other ornaments are complementary, too. Jewellery is best when it works in synergy; consider your smartwatch part of this collection, rather than an item which exists on its own.

KEEP THE FACE SUBTLE

Yes, we’re all about the statement smartwatch. After all, they’re an investment and as such need to be a piece that you’re proud to wear on any occasion. That said, wearing a smartwatch with an oversized screen and its LED light blaring is a big sartorial no-no.

Versatility, which is found through keeping things subtle and not showy, is the key here. Subtlety of course takes many forms, but as a rule, keep the bling minimal and the golds and silvers reserved for accessorising rather than making up the main body of the piece. Most importantly, keep the watch face size harmonious and in accordance with your wrist size; in general a standard face should be 26-29mm and a mini watch’s 23-25mm in diameter.

Check out these 5 gadgets to make you work from home better for advice on smartwatches and other items which can boost your productivity and focus when in the home office.

7 TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR PARENTS IF YOU LIVE FAR AWAY

Editorial Team
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7 TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR PARENTS IF YOU LIVE FAR AWAY

Caring for elderly parents can be tough. However, caring for loved ones that live far away presents an even more diverse set of challenges, particularly in these tough times. 

As the Guardian points out, there has been a break-up of traditional living patterns. Once it was the norm for generations to live in one large house together, or a single road away, and certainly in the same town. However, job mobility and rising house prices mean that many modern families tend to live further away from each other. As such, it takes a considerable amount of  “time and effort to travel to see each other”. 

How do you take care of your ageing parents from far away? There are certainly a few steps you can take to make sure your parents are as healthy and comfortable as possible. With that in mind, here are 6 tips for caring for your parents if you live far away.

A LIVE-IN CAREGIVER CAN HELP

Life expectancy in the UK has risen over the past 50 odd years, from 71 in 1960 to 81 in 2018. As such, senior citizens in the UK may need some level of professional care in their later years to ensure they can continue to live in a dignified and independent way. 

According to the live-in care experts at Home Touch, live-in care is an option to consider should you live far away from elderly loved ones but still want to ensure they retain their independence and autonomy, as well as granting you peace of mind, too. 

They elaborate that live-in care offers a large amount of flexibility in the type of assistance a carer can provide; ‘’The carer assists with chores, supports personal care like bathing, dressing, and toileting, prepares food, and keeps them safe. They also offer a friendly face, a chat, and a little company. Depending on needs, live-in carers can also manage more complex tasks. They can manage incontinence, administer medication, and sensitively supervise your loved one to ensure safety day and night.’’

CONSIDER SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES

Another excellent option for your elderly parents is senior living communities. These communities provide a supportive environment with various services and amenities that enhance quality of life.

These communities range from independent living to assisted living and specialised care facilities. As the guys at Koelsch, who offer senior living communities near Chandler, Arizona, report, independent living is ideal for active seniors who benefit from services like housekeeping, meal preparation, and social activities. Assisted living offers more support with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, while still promoting independence. Specialised care facilities, like memory care units, cater to seniors with specific health needs, such as dementia, providing a safe and secure environment with trained staff.

Choosing a senior living community ensures your parents are in a safe, engaging environment, reducing isolation and offering social and recreational activities. Visiting several communities and talking to staff and residents can help you find the best fit for your parents’ needs and preferences, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support. Check out this community to get an idea of the amenities (and pricing) involved.

ENCOURAGE MOBILITY

Helping your parents stay mobile is a key way in which you can help them live independently in their golden years.

As the World Health Organisation point out, retaining mobility is essential as you get older, and staying physically active is the best way to achieve continued mobility, and as a result, independence.

Maintaining a gentle but committed exercise routine, taking a daily walk, counting steps for added motivation, or even setting regular fitness challenges can be a great way to prioritise exercise. Even gardening or a spot of pilates can do wonders for an elderly person’s fitness. You can help facilitate this from afar by designing a simple exercise programme for your elderly parent, or investing in a step counter and teaching them how to use it next time you visit. 

If you’re keen to learn more, check out these ideas for the elderly to keep fit, which is packed full of useful suggestions.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

It might be hard for your parents to maintain their house on their own, with some DIY issues complex or physically hard to reach. If you live far away, you can help out by arranging for a house cleaning service to visit your parents a few times a month. 

When you visit, make sure you volunteer to help out with maintenance tasks about the home, rather than leaving problems to chance. DIY and cleaning can become particularly burdensome as strength and mobility naturally decreases with age; this is a good way to provide support when you do visit.

EXPAND THEIR COMMUNICATION HORIZONS

It’s good to talk. It’s also incredibly important for elderly parents to keep connected with you, both for their physical and mental health. Unfortunately, right now, the UK is going through something of a loneliness epidemic, and this is particularly affecting the elderly. 

A large part of this is due to the ubiquity of modern technology in communication and conversation, which has served to somewhat isolate those not up-to-speed with the technology involved. It’s your job, then, to educate your elderly loved ones on how to use video calling technology, email for photo sharing, and text messaging. In doing so, you’ll broaden their horizons in terms of how to communicate from afar.

Should that not be possible, then the UK’s largest charity for older people, Age UK, also offer free training courses in computer literacy for the elderly. Check out their dedicated website and find out if your nearest Age UK offers training courses. 

Read: 6 Ways To Remotely Support Elderly Loved Ones Who Are Feeling Lonely.

HAVE SOMEONE VISIT THEM EVERY WEEK

Do you know your parents’ neighbours? Are there relatives living in the same city as your elderly parents? Do you have friends still living in your hometown?

Make sure someone visits your parents every week. It could be an old friend, a family member who lives nearby, or a neighbor. This way, your elderly loved ones will not feel lonely and abandoned, which will help them stay healthy and independent for longer.

Get in touch with those who do live closer to your elderly parents, and see if they could pop round for a chat, a cuppa and provide some support and company at times when you can’t. Alternatively, Age UK offer befriending services, both in the form of telephone calls and face-to-face meetings, which involve volunteers lending a hand to combat loneliness in the elderly. 

PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR HEALTH

Some elderly people have a tendency to ignore their health problems until it is too late to fix them. Because of that, you should do your best to encourage your parents to visit their GP regularly, and when you visit, you could accompany them. Become familiar with their medication routines, and phone up regularly to remind your elderly parents to take care of their health. 

As we said earlier, every little helps, and we hope this article did just that.

Splitting Up The Spoils: How UK Law Decides Who Gets Your Pension When You Divorce

Editorial Team
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Splitting Up The Spoils: How UK Law Decides Who Gets Your Pension When You Divorce
Ideal for those looking to navigate the choppy waters of divorce without capsizing…

Ah, the age-old conundrum of splitting assets in a divorce – it’s like trying to divide a pizza when one person claims they did all the cooking, and the other says they bought all the ingredients. And when it comes to pensions, UK law has a unique recipe for slicing up that financial pie.

Now, let’s sprinkle in some statistics. According to most estimates, 42% of marriages in the UK end in divorce. Considering that there are around 20 million married individuals in the UK, that’s a whole lot of pensions being split like a financial game of Jenga. Using, erm, KitKat fingers, if we’re dragging out the extended metaphor to its natural conclusion…

Anyway, let’s first clear up a common misconception: contrary to popular belief, the process of divvying up pensions is not as simple as dividing them 50-50. In fact, there are three (or four, depending, ironically, on how you divvy it up) primary methods used by UK courts to determine who gets what from a pension pot during a divorce, and these are those…

Offsetting

Picture this as a game of Monopoly, where you trade assets instead of properties. One spouse keeps their entire pension, while the other gets assets of equivalent value, such as property or investments. This method can be useful if one party is particularly attached to their hotel on Mayfair (or, you know, their house).

Pension Sharing

This is the most common approach in terms of pensions and divorce, and the closest we get to that fabled 50-50 split. A percentage of the pension is allocated to each spouse, creating a clean break. Imagine taking a pair of scissors to your pension pot and snipping it into two separate pieces. Just remember, unlike cutting a cake, there’s no going back for seconds once the decision is made.

This method involves dividing the pension pot between the two parties. It can be done in a number of ways, such as transferring a portion of the pension to the other spouse’s pension fund or creating a new pension fund for them. This option can be particularly appealing if both parties have similar pension pots, or if one spouse has little to no pension savings of their own.

Deferred Pension Sharing

This method is similar to pension sharing, but it allows for a delay in the transfer of the pension until a later date. This can be useful in cases where the pension holder is close to retirement age and wishes to keep their pension intact until they retire.

Pension Earmarking 

A slightly less popular option, pension earmarking means that one spouse receives a portion of the other’s pension when it starts being paid out. Think of it as a “pension IOU” – you’ll get your share, but only once your ex starts reaping the benefits of their retirement fund. The downside? If your ex-spouse dies before claiming their pension, you might be left high and dry.

A Few Other Things To Keep In Mind 

It’s worth noting that pensions are only one piece of the financial puzzle that needs to be solved during a divorce. Other assets, such as property, investments, and savings accounts, also need to be considered. Additionally, there may be other factors at play, such as child support and spousal maintenance payments.

One thing to keep in mind is that divorce settlements are not set in stone. If circumstances change down the line, it may be possible to revisit the agreement and make adjustments. For example, if one spouse experiences a significant change in income or health status, this could impact their ability to pay spousal maintenance or child support.

As for advice, it’s crucial to be transparent about your pension assets during a divorce. Hiding them is not only sneaky but could land you in hot water with the courts. It’s also wise to seek professional guidance from an expert divorce lawyer to ensure you’re getting the best possible outcome. After all, navigating the murky waters of divorce can be challenging, but knowing how to secure your financial future can make the journey a little smoother.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the goal of any divorce settlement should be to reach a fair and equitable resolution for both parties. While splitting assets can be a messy and emotional process, it’s important to approach it with a level head and seek out professional advice if needed.

Just remember: even if love doesn’t last forever, a well-negotiated pension settlement just might.

*This article isn’t intended to constitute legal or financial advice. It is only intended to entertain. Always consult a qualified professional for legal or financial advice.*

5 WAYS TO SPEND BETTER QUALITY TIME WITH YOURSELF

Editorial Team
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5 WAYS TO SPEND BETTER QUALITY TIME WITH YOURSELF

At first, the subject matter of this piece might feel almost contrary. The UK is finally embracing new freedoms after months of lockdown, and friends are happily sharing pints, meals and meetings for the first time since last year. Why would we be looking to spend more time with ourselves? We’re sick of that guy!

Well, exactly. In the stress and strain of the previous year, and the claustrophobia associated with living in such close proximity to just one or two (or no) individuals, it feels like so many Brits have neglected to nurture the most important relationship of all; the one we share with ourselves.

With many feeling a sense of trepidation and anxiety about the UK’s lockdown ending, if you’re keen to take things slow and gradual as the country opens up, then join the club! Instead, we’re embracing the breathing space afforded by restrictions lifting to nurture our sense of self-worth and self-confidence. Here’s how; these 5 ways to spend better quality time with yourself. 

LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE THROUGH MEDITATION

It’s been a tough, confusing year for everyone, and it feels like perspectives and priorities have become woefully misaligned in a year which has been all about survival. 

As some good news filters through regarding vaccinations and dropping case numbers, allow yourself a moment to breathe. Actually, why not allow yourself several minutes to breathe, each and every day, in the form of a mindful meditation session?

Slowing down and being quiet enough to hear your inner voice is essential – this is where your instinct and intuition lies. If you want to find happiness within, this is a good place to start.

Though taking the time for a dedicated meditation session each day is best, if you can’t find time to sit quietly, you can even ‘take a moment’ when you engage in the more mundane actions of the day, like standing in line at the supermarket, brushing your teeth or even taking a walk. During these times, moments of clarity emerge.

Take cues from nature, from the sensory experience, and from focusing on one task with precision, in order to connect with your inner self more meaningfully. 

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for living mindfully and in the moment

REACQUAINT YOURSELF QUIETLY WITH NATURE

Just because acquaintances are throwing themselves back into shopping and socialising with abandon, doesn’t mean you have to, if you don’t feel you’re ready yet. Instead, why not reacquaint yourself with nature, and in doing so, make better friends with yourself in the process.

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.

Reconnecting with the natural world needn’t mean isolating yourself in the woods, trying to start a fire with no matches and writing the follow up to For Emma, Forever Ago. But rather, simply making the time to spend a few moments outdoors each day. 

Now the weather is warming up and 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. 

PRIORITISE SELF COMPASSION OVER SELF CRITICISM 

Let’s face it, we all criticise ourselves from time to time. In the name of spending better quality time with yourself, it’s essential that you own the fact that you’ll never be perfect, and see this as normal. This way, you encourage self-development by embracing your flaws.  

Believe it or not, our internal monologue has a huge impact on our stress levels, dictating our mood way more than we give it credit for. The thoughts running through our minds, and in particular the way we talk to ourselves – our self-talk – can impact incredibly on our wellbeing.

By developing positive self-talk habits, we set ourselves up to better deal with stress and anxiety. Often we are much, much harsher in the way we talk to ourselves than how we talk to anyone else; a product of evolution and risk avoidance, according to some psychologists.

PRACTICE PROACTIVE GRATITUDE

Giving thanks and truly meaning it is a huge aspect of mindfulness. Grounding yourself in gratitude helps you to respond to life’s rich tapestry with a more discerning and generous eye, and is good for nurturing a positive mentality and better relationships with loved ones. In fact, studies have shown that practicing gratitude and giving thanks can actually make you happier.

Of course, giving thanks all starts from within; you don’t necessarily have to express your gratitude out loud at first, or write gushing letters to everyone you know (although, that could be nice, too!). Some simply keep a gratitude journal of moments which they felt glad to have experienced each day while others observe something they’re grateful for with each breath of their meditation. However you choose to be more thankful is up to you. The method isn’t important; what matters is the positivity and awareness it brings.

SET ASIDE TIME FOR YOUR HOBBIES

Let’s face it, we all have things we love to do, over time – it could be, running, reading, making or listening to music, etc. Whatever it is that fuels your passion, focus on it, it’s very satisfying. 

If it’s possible; find a job or focus on projects that you’re passionate about, this way you feel fulfilled working and in turn feel true happiness doing what you love doing. But if you’re among people who work for money, be sure that amid all the obligations, expectations, and life goals, try setting time aside for your hobbies and passions – the things that make you happy are so important, after all. 

6 IDEAL TIPS FOR STARTING AN URBAN GARDEN

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL TIPS FOR STARTING AN URBAN GARDEN

It’s a chief complaint of city dwellers across the world, and one only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and a world still largely under lockdown. That is, ‘’I want to grow my own, but I don’t have the space!’’ 

For many, urban gardens are the solution to this protestation. The definition of ‘urban garden’ is fairly fluid, but in essence, it describes those who live in compact spaces, usually because they’re in the city, growing produce or plants on balconies or patios, in containers in a shared community space, or on rooftops. Often, the growing space is shared with neighbours who all do their bit to chip in and help.

When thinking about gardens, the assumption is that the focus falls on plants and flowers. However, urban gardening has increasingly come to refer to a ‘grow your own’ revolution in cities, which essentially involves the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, rather than flowers for decoration. There are a number of benefits associated with doing this, including healthier, organic fruit and vegetables available to you, fostering a sense of community and reducing that community’s environmental impact.

Evidently, you can have an urban garden for your own use, although some people choose to run these spaces as a small business, where neighbours can purchase fruit and vegetables from one another or share in both the crops and mental nourishment that this type of gardening provides. 

If you’re considering setting up your own urban garden but aren’t sure of the basics, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 6 IDEAL tips for starting an urban garden.

CHOOSE A LOCATION

First things first, your primary decision is going to be whether you set up your urban garden on private property, such as your rooftop, patio or front yard, or in the community. If you choose the former, you’ll likely be doing this thing alone or with just one or two neighbours. The latter, and it’s likely to be a larger, shared project with more participants and help, but also a greater divvy up of the crops.

Should you choose to start your urban garden in the community, then you’ll need to contact your local council to find out who owns the property, and if permission might be granted for your project.

Some common public spaces which have been turned into urban gardens successfully in the past include woodlands, disused land, gardens in schools, or unused land within social or council housing areas. The Community Land and Advisory Service offer help and support to urban gardeners seeking planning permission and other advice, and should be your first port of call, here.

Alternatively, you could rent an allotment, either on your own or with others. Though allotments are more fully-fledged on gardening and farming, and are therefore better supported for your growing needs, the waiting lists in the UK are notoriously long. Check out the National Allotment Society’s database for vacancies.

Regardless of the plot you focus on, it’s going to need access to water, storage or shed space, and most likely, electricity. You will also need public liability insurance, in case of injuries incurred on site.

The location of your urban garden is crucial for the overall health of your crops, and the direction it faces – in terms of both wind and sun – will dictate what you can grow. The majority of fruits and vegetables require a great amount of sunlight throughout the day to flourish. On the other hand, herbs and root vegetables require partial shade to grow. Choose a location that is appropriate for what you want to grow.

START SMALL

Liability insurance, allotment rental contracts, electricity installation…the dream and reality of urban gardening can diverge drastically and the commitment is massive. Urban gardens aren’t a fair-weather affair, but rather, involve constant upkeep, attention and problem solving to make work. 

If you’re not yet sure whether urban gardening is for you, then start small and compact to test whether you find it an enjoyable, fulfilling activity or one wrought with stress and headaches. 

Cultivating a small herb garden at home, on a windowsill, balcony or patio, is the perfect place to start, and will give you a flavour of things to come.

Read: The IDEAL Kitchen Garden: How To Grow Your Own Herbs At Home.

CROP ROTATION

If you do catch the gardening bug (not real bugs, though you may well need to protect against them at some point), it’s time to consider a larger project. Once you have decided your location as well as what to grow, you can start planning your garden beds. Whilst once upon a time, urban gardening and allotment use involved a three or four year rotation system to ensure the soil’s diversity, avoid pests, and maintain your crop’s overall health, these days, many choose a more freeform affair.

Though it’s a complex subject matter and hinges on your chosen produce, generally speaking, each year sees separate beds dedicated to three or four subgroups of vegetables. Here’s a fairly standard breakdown of four plots, divided according to preferred soil conditions:

  • Potatoes, tomatoes and peppers
  • Beans and peas
  • Brassicas and leaves 
  • Root vegetables and onions

Each year the beds change accordingly, to ensure the diversity of soil, though some crops, like rhubarb and asparagus, are perennial, and grow all year round. Because each crop requires a different pH level of soil (more of that later) rotation is a wise move.

You can decide between raised beds, which are more eye-catching but also more prone to drought; or sunken beds, which are optimal to use in very dry areas given their gathering moisture properties. Your garden beds should be separate from each other and properly organised according to crop so that you make the most of the space that you have. 

The gardening pros over at Harper Nurseries suggest investing in the best urban gardening gear is essential, and recommend that if you were to choose just one type of bed, then raised wooden containers are a safe all rounder, as they are ‘’known to be frost-proof, which boosts plant growth, especially in chilly areas.’’ In the UK, with urban gardeners often contending with the elements, this will be reassuring.

TEST YOUR SOIL

Without the right soil, no plants will grow, and it can be frustrating finding out that your soil is not good enough after you have already planted your seeds. To prevent this, you must test your soil to avoid disappointment later. 

Consider factors such as the soil pH, whether there are risks of contamination nearby and whether it possesses the appropriate nutrients to support your crops. Most garden centres sell pH testing kits cheaply – above 7.0 pH and your soil is alkaline, below and it’s acid. Generally speaking, 6.5 is the ideal pH for all-purpose growing.

When the pH is very acidic (below 5.0 ish), most nutrients in the soil become unavailable to crops. Many keen urban gardeners remedy acidic soil by adding lime to it. On the flip side, a soil which is too alkaline causes certain nutrition deficiency in crops, too. Adding an acidifying element, like sulphur or iron sulphate, can remedy this.

CONSIDER TRANSPLANTS

Transplants essentially mean that you are removing a plant from its roots to a new location. Though cultivating a crop from seeds can be satisfying and therapeutic, and the range of produce available to you is wider, transplants often produce more predictable results, and are more resistant to bugs. That said, they can introduce weeds to your garden.

Should you opt for transplants, it’s essential that you ‘harden’ them when introducing the plant or crop to your garden. Most transplants have been grown in highly managed conditions, such as commercial greenhouses with temperature controls, and placing them in your garden may bring about temperature fluctuation, shock and wilting. To harden your transplants, gradually expose them to cooler, drier conditions before planting them properly in your urban garden.

ENJOY THE CULTIVATING AS MUCH AS THE HARVEST

Urban gardening is as much about the journey as the destination, with many gardeners citing the mental health benefits as the key driver of their devotion. Though the harvest can be hugely satisfying, with food picked straight from the ground tasting wonderfully fresh, there’s also huge joy to be found in the journey itself. 

For more, check out these 5 IDEAL ways gardening can help your mental wellbeing.

WHEN IS THE IDEAL TIME TO MOVE IN TOGETHER? 6 POINTERS

Editorial Team
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WHEN IS THE IDEAL TIME TO MOVE IN TOGETHER? 6 POINTERS

The global pandemic has led to the concept of ‘turbo relationships’ gaining more traction. That is, an intensifying of a couple’s bond and a quickening of the pace of a relationship’s natural development.

For many couples who chose to move in together during lockdown rather than spend it alone, the decision has led to firmer commitments about living together in the long run.

Some, on the other hand, are wondering how to negotiate a retreat to living separately once again; a conversation, we think, which will be fraught with awkwardness. Others still have decided that rekindling a love left cold by lockdown might be more effort than it’s worth.

With a recent – though largely anecdotal – report from relationship therapists via Cosmopolitan suggesting that ‘’the majority of people in turbo relationships are actually experiencing really positive outcomes from shacking up quickly’’, you might be wondering when or whether you and your partner should take the plunge and move in together. With that in mind, if you’re wondering when the IDEAL time to move in together is, here are 5 pointers to help you reach your decision.

THE STATS

According to a survey from Stanford University, 25% of couples move in together after four months of dating, while half of couples do so after a year. By the second year, 70% of couples take the plunge. 

For most people, dating for longer than two years and living apart may seem odd, but there could be specific reasons why this isn’t appropriate. Some may suggest that leaving it that long can result in some sharp shocks when the couple eventually do live together, as there is no substitute for the relationship dynamic of cohabiting. Others, however, believe this cautious, gradual approach to be more wholesome and sustainable.

TEST THE WATERS

Signing rental agreements with someone you’ve only known a short while and may still be trying to impress may seem hasty to some. But some people have been happily married after having known each other for less time. 

Remember that each couple is different, but testing the water is a good idea before taking the plunge completely. 

If you haven’t spent lockdown together as a couple, with all the trials and tribulations that it’s introduced, then going on holiday together can be a good test of what you might be like as a cohabiting couple. The pressure cooker of a foreign trip – and potential stresses – reflect what it would be like to live together. They often say that a holiday can make or break a relationship, so this might be a sensible step to take on your journey together.

Manage Expectations First

Thinking of moving in with your partner? Not until you’ve agreed on the temperature of the thermostat, never to leave wet towels lying around and who pays which bills.

According to research from Yale who polled the nation’s couples, on average Brits argue five times a week about ‘house rules’ with the most common being around cleaning and leaving lights on. Twenty things couples should discuss before moving in together, according to the couples polled who live together include:

  1. Cleaning duties    
  2. Wiping down surfaces  
  3. Turning lights off when leaving a room  
  4. Leaving wet towels lying around 
  5. Who pays which bills 
  6. How often to change bedding    
  7. Wearing shoes around the house  
  8. Double locking the door at night    
  9. Thermostat temperature
  10. Eating in bed   
  11. What to watch on TV   
  12. Not leaving house keys by the front door
  13. How to load the dishwasher correctly   
  14. Locking the windows  
  15. Where to store valuables  
  16. What time bedtime should be  
  17. Whether to get smart security 
  18. Whether its ok to leave items in the car 
  19. Time off the morning alarm
  20. Putting the BBQ/garden tools in the garage at night  

Relationship expert Sarah Louise Ryan comments that “with over 59% of British couples arguing at least 5 times a week about “house rules” whilst it’s not sexy, it’s important to iron out the division of tasks and each other’s expectations around how things run around the house for relational wellness.”

“I always suggest couples spend one night a month (and they put it in a shared calendar) talking about the practical aspects that keep things ticking so it doesn’t dim the flame on date night. Topics such as home security would fit perfectly into the etched out time so if it’s not so sexy for couples it doesn’t dim the desire on date night” says Sara.

FINANCIAL MOTIVATION

Some people move in together for financial reasons. People don’t do this purely to save money on the gas bill but do so if the cost of two properties is exorbitant compared to how much time is spent in them. Rather than viewing this as a cynical move, consider that thrift and foresight is sexy in the right hands.

Changes to living situations – if one of you happens to need to move anyway – are often the spark needed to instigate cohabitation. As rent has increased, particularly in the UK’s big cities, many people use moving in together as a test in itself. As you don’t really know someone until you live with them, it doesn’t matter if you take that step six months in or six years in, there will still be adjustments to be made. 

Saving money and testing if your relationship has longevity? Count us in!

ADJUSTING TO A NEW LIFE

There are many adjustments that couples need to make when moving in together. One of the most significant is double-sided. Your ‘me time’ will become ‘us time’ which means you’ll have to carve out space for yourself where you would previously have planned relationship activities. But on the flip side of this, you’ll always have someone there to depend on for the small moments throughout the day. While you will be losing the little moments of your own space and time, you’ll be gaining little moments with someone else. Lovely stuff.

IT’S NOT FOR EVERYONE…

There are others who choose to never move in together. A host of married celebrity couples live apart. The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco lives away from husband Karl Cook as they are working to build their dream home together, so will move in when it’s ready. Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband, producer of American Horror Story Brad Falchuk, live apart so he can co-parent his children at his own house. Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton lived in two houses that were joined together. Technically living together, they each had their own ‘wing’ of the house.   

THE BOTTOM LINE

The answer to the question ‘when is the ideal time to move in together?’ isn’t actually as straightforward as it may sound. Some couples meet and move in together within the same season, others do so within the year, and some decide to wait. Regardless of how long they’ve been together, moving in together takes a new skillset and more adjustment than living apart. Each couple will probably realise when the time is right for them.

4 IDEAS FOR EASY DESSERTS THAT ARE IDEAL FOR GARDEN PARTIES

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAS FOR EASY DESSERTS THAT ARE IDEAL FOR GARDEN PARTIES

What a curious dichotomy garden party desserts are. Boasting the capacity to be absolute crowd-pleasers and a celebratory end to a meal, they often fail to ignite, the spotlight long burnt out in favour of drinking, chatting and frivolity. 

For the host, it’s a fine balancing act. You want your guests to be satisfied but not so full they’re unable to move (you do want them to leave, don’t you?). You also want the dessert to be easy and quick to serve, ideally, with no last minute cooking, adjustments or delays which can lead to guests’ attentions wandering. 

Chilled desserts that are easy to prepare ahead of time, making the most of seasonal fruit or possessing pick-me-up potential, are just perfect, then. With that in mind, here are 4 ideas for easy desserts that are IDEAL for garden parties.  

FRUITS OF THE SEASON

A wonderful way to encapsulate the here-and-now is to use one of Summer’s hero ingredients; seasonal summer fruit. Let’s face it; the warmer months are all about berries, and serving a dessert which showcases them to their full potential is quick, easy and healthy. All boxes ticked, then.

The pavlova, the stalwart of many a garden party and a celebration of the fruits of the seasons, is a stalwart for a reason. The wonderful thing about a pavlova is that it’s not only a showstopper, but it’s an adaptable pudding too. 

Indeed, this billowing cloud of cream and meringue can be topped with the fruits of the moment – think strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or a combination of all in the Summer, and later on at the tail end of the season, it’s time to celebrate fruits like peaches and plums.

To celebrate the Autumn harvest, the delicate sweet flavour and aroma of figs is perfect. In terms of prep, the wonderful thing about pavlovas is that the meringue can be baked a day before your party, then you can fill it with fruit and cream on the day. 

ZESTY & REFRESHING 

Speaking of cheesecakes, a lemon cheesecake is always a crowd pleaser and oh-so-simple to make. In fact, citrus desserts, in general, are ideal for garden parties as they are not only refreshing and uplifting, but can serve as something of a palate cleanser, too.

Corrie Cooks, who advocates making a baked version of cheesecake in your instant pot, tell us that cheesecake originates in Ancient Greek Cuisine, with historians believing that cheesecake was served to the athletes during the first ever Olympic Games as a form of energy to get them through the competitions. 

The Vintage News reveals that “The first earliest recorded Greek cheesecake recipe was made by the writer Athenaeus in 230 A.D. This is the oldest known surviving Greek recipe. The recipe itself was pretty simple: pound the cheese until it is smooth mix it in a brass pan with honey and spring wheat flour, heat the cheesecake “in one mass”, allow to cool, then serve.”  Fascinating stuff.

Sorry, we got sidetracked there; back to garden parties, which we’re sure the Ancient Greeks are ace at. For a delicious, fuss-free recipe, we recommend a no-bake cheesecake like this No Bake Didsbury Gin Citrus Cheesecake from Masterchef Winner Simon Wood.

For another easy, citrusy dessert, a zingy lemon posset served in individual pots and paired with sugared-shortbread is a simple recipe that anyone can pull together. Finally, as fun to say as it is to eat, another zesty dessert ideal for garden parties is the lemon syllabub, where cream meets alcohol in a quintessential summer sweet treat. 

Or, and if you’re keen for things to get even more boozy, a vodka-spiked lemon sorbet provides a light and refreshing end to a summer meal.

ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

Classic and oh-so-easy to make, ice cream sandwiches can be put together well in advance and stored in your freezer. Who doesn’t like scoops of ice cream in between cookies or cake? Or both….how about both? 

The wonderful thing about an ice cream sandwich is that there are a million flavour combinations out there. Look to some of London’s best ice-cream parlours and restaurants for inspiration. We adore the Darlish Baklava Ice Cream Sandwich that they serve at Beranjak, while ChinChin Dessert Club have a great selection of ice cream sandwiches flavour combinations. 

CONCENTRATE ON COFFEE 

Here at IDEAL, we love an after-dinner coffee. It signifies an end to a brilliant meal and just seems to round things off perfectly. However, making cups of coffee en-masse for guests can quickly get out of hand. So why not combine dessert and coffee so people can get their caffeine fix which is often needed after a long, languid meal. 

A traditional Italian Tiramisu, which literally translates to “pick me up”, is ideal here – coffee, cream and booze will delight your guests, for sure. 

Or, you could try something a little more inventive; try an Espresso Martini Pavlova. Yes, you can have fruit-free pavlovas, and they’re quite delicious! Think a light chocolate meringue rolled with whipped cream that has been laced with coffee syrup and vodka.  A coffee panna cotta or even a cheesecake would work well here, too. Decisions, delicious decisions!

5 FOOD SHOPPING HACKS TO HELP ON YOUR JOURNEY TO ZERO WASTE

Editorial Team
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5 FOOD SHOPPING HACKS TO HELP ON YOUR JOURNEY TO ZERO WASTE

Did you see that dolphin swimming in the canals of Venice? Did you notice the mercury dipping after years of incremental increases? Did you see nature frolicking in our absence, living its best life whilst we spent the last year indoors?

Nope, neither did we. In fact, claims of ‘nature healing itself’ in 2020 were dramatically over exaggerated, with experts reporting in August of last year that lockdown had had a ‘negligible’ effect on global temperatures.

According to Professor Piers Forster from the University of Leeds, it’s going to take more than the public locking down temporarily to arrest the dramatic effects of climate change. He says that ‘’Although temporary changes can help, you need to reduce CO2 permanently to make a dent in global warming.”

Yep, wholesale changes are needed, and this all starts with making moves towards a zero waste lifestyle. This doesn’t mean selling all your belongings and going to live off foraged berries somewhere remote for the rest of your life (although, actually, that sounds rather appealing right now). 

Rather, it means making cumulative, purposeful changes with the goal of reducing your carbon footprint to zero. As the guys at www.beeco.green explain succinctly, this thing isn’t going to happen overnight; ‘’Zero-waste living is a journey, not a destination’’, as they say.

But how do you do just that? Well, according to a 2019 UN report on climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that ‘’Efforts to curb greenhouse-gas emissions and the impacts of global warming will fall significantly short without drastic changes in global land use, agriculture and human diets’’, and so it’s to our food shopping and eating habits that we’re looking today.

Some of the biggest ‘everyday’ changes you can make involve the way you interact with food, from the shopping and storing to the preparing of ingredients and the disposal of waste. With that in mind, here are 5 food shopping hacks to help on your journey to zero waste.

GO VEGAN

The amount of meat we eat is unsustainable and irresponsible, and something’s got to give. In fact, according to a 2018 report into man made impacts on the environment, avoiding meat and dairy is the single best thing you can do for the planet. This is because meat and dairy specifically accounts for around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

Making efforts to reduce your meat consumption is a start, but if you’re keen to live green and quicken your journey to a zero waste, then eating vegan is the best way to go. 

Read: 7 IDEAL tips to help you on your journey to veganism in 2021.

KEEP IT LOCAL, KEEP IT SEASONAL

Another way to reduce your diet’s impact on the environment is to focus more of your shop on food what is currently in season and grown locally. If you have a hankering for asparagus in November, for instance, then it’s probably going to have travelled a really long way to reach you; that’s air miles racked up and a carbon footprint well and truly trodden.

Instead, go for foods that have taken the least possible distance to your door. They’re going to be fresher, taste better and potentially contain more nutrients, too. What’s more, if these ingredients have been grown locally, they may not need to use any plastic packaging between being picked from the ground and being sold to you at the farmer’s market or greengrocer. Which brings us to…

PLASTIC, PACKAGING & PURCHASING POWER

Does every banana really need to be sheathed in plastic when it has a peel to protect it? Do you need a plastic bag to carry your sandwich which already comes in a plastic container? Does each bundle of berries need a separate tub to transport it from the grower to your fridge?

In the UK, in 2019, the biggest ten supermarkets produced a whopping 896,853 tonnes of plastic, with 2.1bn plastic bags sold in these retailers. 1.58bn of these bags were “for life”, which are meant to be used time and time again. Clearly, they aren’t.

It seems that both the consumer and the supermarket need to change their behaviour, here. When buying your fruit and veg, opt to buy loose rather than packed to reduce your plastic consumption, and make an effort to shop at markets that don’t use plastic. 

Make your voice heard by only supporting retailers who are trying to eliminate their use, taking a rucksack to the shops instead of paying for a bag, by boycotting places which, despite all the warnings, still aren’t acting responsibly. You can refer to Greenpeace’s plastic use by supermarket rankings to keep informed and make smarter consumer choices.

And if your local shop or favourite supermarket has refill stations, then take your own containers and help eliminate your own single-plastic use altogether.

GET FAMILIAR WITH FOOD LABELLING

According to scientists, around a third of all food produced in the UK is wasted, which is, frankly, a shocking statistic. When shopping for food, endeavour to buy only what you need, to avoid having an excess of ingredients which go past their best before you can eat them. 

Speaking of which, follow the ‘use-by’ date on products, rather than the ‘sell-by’ or ‘best before’. As the Guardian points out, ‘’The use-by date concerns safety (ignore it and you could get food poisoning), while the best-before date is about quality (you’re probably fine to eat it afterwards; it may just no longer taste or look as good).’’

Some cynics have pointed out that the ‘best before’ label is simply a manipulative marketing ploy by major food retailers to encourage us to throw food out before it’s necessary, having to buy more than we need as a result. Instead, focus on ‘use-by’ dates, and if it makes sense within your weekly shop’s budget, only buy what you need on a specific day or week.

And all those bits that you thought you had to throw away, such as peels, pips, stalks and offcuts? You can even turn them into something delicious; check out these tips on what to do with the bits you normally throw away. 

GROW YOUR OWN

The positives of growing your own produce at home are plentiful. You can exercise control over the pesticides, growth hormones and other chemicals used in crop production. What’s more, you can eliminate plastic use by simply strolling into your back garden and picking what you need with your hands. 

Though it takes an extraordinary dedication for a UK resident to be totally self-sustainable on food grown in their own garden, a huge part of the benefits of ‘grow your own’ concern nurturing a mindset which is more respectful and appreciative of the earth. Doing so feeds into a more holistic approach to food shopping and consumption which can, in the long run, cultivate a more all encompassing zero waste mindset. And that’s what you’re here for, right?

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