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7 WAYS TO ADD A TOUCH OF SEASONALITY TO YOUR DECOR

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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7 WAYS TO ADD A TOUCH OF SEASONALITY TO YOUR DECOR

 

Ideal for accessorising your home in different ways every season

What day is it again? 

Much was made earlier in the year (it was this year, right?) of the global pandemic’s ability to warp our sense of space and time, and things have only got stranger since. 

Reports suggested that our very perception of time has shifted during COVID-19, with a study published in Science Daily finding that ‘’social and physical distancing measures put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted people’s perception of how quickly time passed compared to their pre-lockdown perceptions’’.

With more time set to be spent indoors in the coming months, disconnected from the natural world’s nostalgic reminders of the passing of time, this year and next, it’s imperative that you bring a little seasonality indoors to keep you anchored and in tune with the world.

With that in mind, here’s 7 IDEAL ways to add a touch of seasonality to your home. 

PLANTS, FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Perhaps the easiest way to add a touch of seasonality to your home is via the introduction of seasonal plants. They bring colour and freshness, as well as a reminder of the time of year, and have even been suggested to improve air quality along the way (though the science surrounding that one is still up for debate).

For Summer, succulents and cacti are adorable on windowsills, whilst monstera look great when placed next to the sofa. For Autumn, we’re rather fond of dried flowers.

Come Winter, cherry poinsettias (also referred to as the Christmas Star) adds a real sense of festivity. And of course, most of us already have a large evergreen conifer like a Fraser, Balsam or Douglas Fir or a Colorado Blue Spruce in our homes over Christmas! 

Many people think that wreaths are just for Christmas. However, a wreath is a simple way to showcase the best seasonal foliage while adding some flair to your front door all year round.

Consider creating a display of seasonal fruit. A basket of fruit not only looks good, but it also tastes delicious. In Autumn, we can’t resist a spread of apples, pears, plums and figs, all begging to be picked and eaten. Phwoar.

SEASONAL ORNAMENTS & TRINKETS 

An obvious way to add a touch of seasonality to your home is via the careful placement of seasonal ornaments and trinkets. 

A jar of seashells is so symbolic of Summer, don’t you think? The guys at Uniquely Coastal who specialise in beach and coastal decor suggest bringing a beach house ambiance to your home. Think glass buoys, driftwood coasters, hanging paddleboards and decorative lobster pots as lamps.

Go further, and deploy a bowl of conkers to herald the changing of Summer to Autumn. Aside from looking lovely, folklore has it they also keep spiders away! Apparently the oil or scent puts the spiders off; dotting them around your home may just keep the critters from invading as the seasons change. 

A display of squashes and pumpkins is also great for Autumn; just make sure they don’t rot on your watch! For Winter, some pinecones set the tone tactfully. And let’s not forget those sparkly reindeer on the living room shelf and a mess of fairy lights in a vase. Magical stuff indeed.

SEASONAL SCENTS 

Channelling the energy of a specific time of year ought to extend far beyond the visual appeal of your house; you can exploit all the senses here, and smell plays a huge role in bringing the comfort of the season into your domestic space. 

Candles are the obvious go-to, but they’re not the only vehicle for improved aroma; diffusers, popery and incense can all do their bit, too. In terms of succinct scents of the season, early Christmas spices work well, as do the emergent fruits of the season, such as apple, plum and blackberries. Walnut and hazelnut are equally evocative of Autumn and give off a fantastic aroma to boot. For summer, zesty citrus and tropical smells bring that fresh, exciting ambience.

THE SEASON’S COLOURS

After summer’s never-ending orgy of bright yellows, grass-greens and the azure of a twinkling ocean, it’s time to move into maroon, dark green and orange as Autumn rolls into view. Earthy, rich shades take precedence as the season shifts, while Winter, of course, invites reds, forest greens and tones inspired by jewels into the home.

The way you introduce these new tones is up to you but we wouldn’t recommend repainting with abandon. As time marches on, seasons are fleeting and it’s one hell of an ask to be changing your home’s colour scheme that often. You can, however, bring in throws and cushion covers of the requisite colour to add a temporary change in tone. Which brings us to our next point… 

REPLACE SOFT FURNISHINGS  

Anything from new cushions in seasonal hues to bedspreads and throws can give the requisite seasonal ambience you’re after. Take Autumn, for example. Practically and aesthetically, the emergence of Autumn should coincide with you warming your room with thicker sheets and more tactually minded throws.

Winter is the ultimate time to bring texture and warmth to the home. Not only because of that inevitable drop in temperature, but also as indoor aesthetics, and the comfort they bring, start to take on greater importance during the shorter days and longer nights. Introduce velvet cushion covers, thick, fluffy throws and flickering candles to create a warm Winter ambience. 

CHANGE THE LIGHTING 

The way you illuminate your home should also change in tandem with the shifting seasons. With Winter comes shorter days and as such, cosy and ambient mood lighting is necessary. Since we get more use out of our lights in the Winter than any other season, consider investing in your lighting scheme to see you through until Spring. Layered lighting with luxury lampshades, which reliably emit warm, ambient hues, can help to achieve “peak cosiness” while still keeping your interiors stylish in Winter.

In summer, we’re rather fond of those large round white paper lanterns to bring about an airy, flowing feel to the room, or simply letting the sun do its thing. The days are long enough, after all. 

Spring is all about welcoming in as much natural light as possible into your domestic space, to herald the end of the darker days and to celebrate the hope of brighter months to follow. As such, it’s a time for decluttering, paying particular attention to removing any items which are blocking the flow of natural light through your home. A couple of carefully placed mirrors may also be hung, to bounce Spring’s natural light around and emphasise a lightening in mood and aesthetic.

CHANGE THE FURNITURE 

As the season’s change, the way your home performs changes too; rearranging your furniture seasonally to take advantage of natural light is one of the most simple, surefire ways to make the most of the season.  

By the middle of December, the sun will be setting shortly before 4pm, having only risen eight hours previously. Come this time of year, we’re all on a carefully-rationed sunshine diet. As such, whilst the sun is up, it’s important to embrace as much light as possible. Consider moving your bed, sofa or favourite armchair next to a window so you can bask in any sunlight streaming through the windows. 

Also, with Winter comes a lower sun, meaning its glare when you’re during the day is often increased. Indeed, even though Winter is the darkest season, the light coming through the windows can become a bit of a nuisance as the sun is lower, with its excessive glare making it hard to your TV and computer screens. Changing your furniture around, then, to optimise its potential in relation to the sun’s glare is a good idea. If you have the patience, that is! 

4 ESSENTIAL TYPES OF FLOUR IDEAL FOR YOUR LOCKDOWN LARDER

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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4 ESSENTIAL TYPES OF FLOUR IDEAL FOR YOUR LOCKDOWN LARDER

Wait, what’s that smell? Is that your bread burning? Quickly, go check. This can wait…

Phew, glad you’re back with us. Lockdown has turned us all into amateur bakers, keen to fill our days with kneading and shaping, our homes with the aroma of baking bread and our lives with some kind of focus beyond fretting.

It seems like the country has gotten pretty ambitious about its baking, too, the bloomers and banana breads seen all over Instagram scratching just the surface of what we’ve been attempting. Back in June, the Guardian reported that historic mills had been boosted by the flour shortage brought about by COVID-19 panic buying, with hungry, bored Brits splashing out on heritage grains in an attempt to fill some kind of existential hole. 

Now, it’s our cupboards that are full of the stuff. But if you’re keen to get your hands dirty again, as Lockdown 3 looks likely to define the early part of 2021, then why not broaden your horizons, skillset and palate even further? With that in mind, here are 4 essential types of flour IDEAL for your lockdown larder.

FIRSTLY, SOME FACTS

Before deciding on the various flours you’ll need for your next ambitious baking project, firstly, some facts. 

Let’s look at those numbers and terms you see on the side of your packet. In short, the milling or sifting process and its yield is used to generate these numbers; and evaluates the amount of flour that can be gotten by milling 100 kg of wheat. It ideally outlines the number of grains that can be used to get a certain quantity of flour.

This is represented by a percentage; for example, if you get 75kg from 100kg of wheat, then you may see 75% on your flour packet. Wholemeal will show close to 100% (since barely any germ and bran has been removed in the process) while plain flour is generally closer to 70%.

How are you able to determine grain to flour ratio during milling? Well, wheat is divided into several types; they vary as per the sifting rates used to obtain each indicating just how finely the flour has been ground.

These gradients include; “00”, “0”, “1”, “2”, as well as those commonly referred to as ‘strong’ flour and the wholewheat we already mentioned (which has had no bran removed, and is made from the entire grain), the largest number being the coarsest, roughest grind with the largest particles. These figures determine the best use for the flour, which we’ll explore now.

DOUBLE ZERO (00) FLOUR 

“00” – referred to as double (or doppio) zero flour – is the finest refined flour available and therefore used for making very fine wheat flour products. If you want to make pizza or pasta, in particular, then you may consider using this type of flour; it’s pliable and refined in order to promote the best possible water absorption ration. All these technicalities lead to springy, slightly chewy dough, and the ability to roll it ultra-fine for items such as ravioli. 

In fact, Italian chefs insist that double zero flour is essential for making fresh, homemade pasta. Next time you’re craving spaghetti carbonara or tagliatelle bolognese, why not try making your own?

TYPE O FLOUR

Looking for the best type of flour to make focaccia? Then type 0 flour is what you should go for. It is a fine to medium-fine ground flour which makes it the best for making loaves, bread rolls and biscuits which require a medium crumb, and ideal for products with short leavening times, where you want a bit of a rise from your dough but don’t want a deep flavour to develop. Type 0 is the equivalent of French T55 flour, incidentally.

STRONG FLOUR (BREAD FLOUR)

Strong flour is made from ‘hard wheat’ and is ideal for baked goods which require a solid structure. The high protein content of strong flour (upwards of 12%) means it can be used to form an elastic dough and can take plenty of kneading, which develops the gluten content further. All of this leads to the desirable springy texture of bread and those air bubbles bread lovers so savour when they tear apart a loaf.

It should be noted that due to this high protein content, strong flour shouldn’t be used for delicate biscuits and cakes, as it makes them incredibly tough. 

WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR

This type of flour is considered to be the best nutritionally. This is because during the milling process, a slow speed of grinding is more easily maintained, ensuring the nutritional content of the flour remains intact. 

Wholewheat flour contains a higher percentage of protein, making it produce more gluten which in turn produces more strength in your bake. It is often mixed with lighter, more refined flours to restore nutrients lost in the latter’s milling process. Though generally used as an alternative to processed flours by those watching their weight or trying to eat more ‘cleanly’, wholemeal can lend a depth of flavour and distinctive taste to your baking products, too.

THE JOY OF ANTICIPATION: 6 THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO RIGHT NOW

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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THE JOY OF ANTICIPATION: 6 THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO RIGHT NOW

Ideal for harnessing a little hope, improving our wellbeing and combatting these stressful times

Feeling a little glum? You’re not alone; in fact, it was reported back in August that depression had doubled in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic, and we’d imagine that figure has only gotten worse since. 

Yep, it’s hard to feel positive at the moment, with little to look forward to on the immediate horizon. Things we’ve keenly been anticipating, like weddings, holidays and birthdays, now sit in limbo, and organising just about anything feels fraught, relying on caveats and under the constant threat of cancellation. 

Psychologists, however, stress that having something to look forward to is essential to our wellbeing, able to make us more optimistic, resilient and motivated. With that in mind, we’re thinking about the joy of anticipation today, with these 6 things to look forward to right now, IDEAL for harnessing a little hope and improving our wellbeing.

PLAN A TRIP

Many of us don’t want to risk booking a trip right now as we don’t know what even the immediate future holds. However, one thing we can do is plan a trip and plan it properly; that sense of escapism can work wonders when the calendar looks bare, don’t you think?

We all have the time on our hands right now to take a deep dive and really research a place, getting underneath its skin (virtually speaking of course) and laying the groundwork for a more enriching experience once we’re able to actually travel again.

So, immerse yourself in research, watch travel programs of the place you want to visit, read books, pore over maps…hell, you could even cook a few local dishes! More practically speaking, you could use the time to brush up on the local lingo of your chosen destination; there are several free apps, such as Duo Lingo, Babel, Drops and Memrise, which make learning a new language fun. 

Whether you simply want to perch on a stool and slurp street food or dine in Michelin starred restaurants, rent luxury villas or stay in a more humble homestay, take a city break or lay on the beach all day, planning your trip in detail will truly enhance the experience once you’re there.

TREAT YOURSELF

When the postperson or Amazon delivery person knocks, there’s always a rush of excitement. What could it be this time? And how can I already have forgotten what I ordered only yesterday?! It’s like Christmas every day in the IDEAL house, and there’s certainly something to be said for delayed gratification; the researching, reading reviews, browsing and ordering is all an enjoyable part of the experience. The arrival of the item simply seals the deal.

So, why not treat yourself? We’re not saying blow your budget regularly, but consider giving yourself some ‘pocket money’ each week, fortnight or month, to spend on an item just for you. This measured approach to spending can actually make each little treat more gratifying. Go on, give it a try!

PLAN YOUR EXERCISE

Exercise, even during the Winter months, is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing. Even planning a set time to exercise, and meeting it, is something you can look forward to throughout the day, giving the seemingly endless procession of similar days some narrative and meaning.

Currently, government advice is that we should exercise locally where possible, but we can travel to do so if needed. So why not plan to exercise by exploring your local park or nearby beauty spots? You can find local walks (make them runs, if you dare) on sites like Ramblers UK. A change of scenery is something we can all look forward to, wouldn’t you agree?

SET UP A FORTNIGHTLY SOCIAL 

“So what have you been up to? ‘’Uhhh nothing much”, as so many conversations are going nowadays. Yep, there’s not much to report on at the moment, with casual banter and mindless chit chat suffering as a result. 

However, socialising (albeit virtually) and spending time with loved ones is so important. Even if it’s over Zoom, it feels good to hang out with people who care about you and have your best interests at heart. Instead of speaking day in day out, why not set up fortnightly meets on Zoom instead, or arrange a call for every Sunday evening? It will give you something to look forward to and also buy you enough time to build up some items in your conversational repertoire…result!

MEDITATE & REFLECT

You can reduce your stress and find more joy by calming a racing mind once in a while. But how can I do that, you blurt out so fast that we can barely keep up? Well, why not consider meditating and simply reflecting for a few moments each day? Though it seems like the least productive thing you could do, there are few practices more capable or realigning your perspective than ‘taking a moment’.

There are apps you can download on your phone to facilitate participation in guided meditations whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed or need to slow down. Some of the best include Calm, Headspace and Insight Timer, and all have free versions available. Check out our guide to the best mindfulness and meditation apps of 2020 for more!

WRITE STUFF IN THE CALENDAR

It wasn’t so long ago that we cherished a blank weekend on the calendar. Looking at all those blank empty days now, filled with nothing, fills us with nothing but a sense of despair. It shouldn’t have to be this way; go get a pen and fill your calendar up!

From the arrival of your next parcel to when your new favourite show is starting again on the TV, all the way to global holidays like Thanksgiving and Diwali, whether it’s a mundane happening or something hugely cherished, filling up that calendar again can bring some narrative back into your days. And that’s what you’re here for, right?

8 IDEAL TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR OWN ALLOTMENT AT HOME

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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8 IDEAL TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR OWN ALLOTMENT AT HOME
8 IDEAL TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR OWN ALLOTMENT AT HOME

If you are lucky enough to have a garden at home then you also have an amazing opportunity to grow your own food. Though it may not necessarily represent a lean, green route to self sufficiency, it can be a fantastic new hobby that provides fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for you and your family, as well as benefits for both your body and mind.

Having a home allotment comes with a lot of hard work, but it can be incredibly rewarding. With the right amount of planning and preparation, and the correct equipment and resources, anyone can grow their own crops. And honestly, what could be better than heading outside to pick something you’ve spent your time nurturing, and having it on your dinner table within minutes? 

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, become more at one with the seasons, or simply love the taste of fresh, homegrown produce, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 7 IDEAL tips for making your own allotment at home.

PLAN, PREPARE, AND RESEARCH

Growing food is actually very simple to do, but if you are going to be successful and grow high-quality crops all year round, then you will need to do some planning and research. Growing your own food successfully in the UK relies heavily on the seasons, with the fluctuating weather patterns dictating what grows and when. 

Before you embark on any sowing of seeds, it would first be prudent to get familiar with the UK’s distinct food seasons, month by month, and the accordant times at which these crops get planted. BBC Good Food has a useful visual ‘seasonal calendar’ which shows when crops are at their peak; do check it out.

It is also important to make sure you are using high-quality seeds or microgreen seeds to ensure you are growing the best possible produce that has the best chance at growing in the conditions presented.

DIY BASICS

Fortunately, you don’t need to fork out a bucketload on gardening equipment to make your home allotment a success.

Although the natural assumption is that you need to spend big to successfully cultivate crops at home, this simply isn’t the case; you can still get great results with just a few essentials. Before you get started, make sure you’ve got the following basics: 

  • A trowel.
  • Gardening gloves.
  • A rake.
  • Seeds or seedlings for your favourite flowers, herbs and vegetables. 
  • Bamboo stakes to support your vegetables as they grow. Certain varieties, like vine tomatoes or climbing peas, will need something to grow against — you can find out whether your plants will need support on the packaging. 
  • Some compost, to prepare the ground where you’re planning to plant your veggies. You can buy compost that’s formulated specially for growing vegetables. 
  • A watering can with a fine sprinkler head. You can also use a hose pipe for this. 

Once you’ve got the basic equipment ready, it’s time to start digging. But before you get out there in your wellies, tweed jacket and the frozen ground won’t budge, you should bear in mind that it’s best to wait until the weather warms up a little bit: late March or early April is usually a good time to start planting most veggies, as there’s less risk of frost.

SET THE CONTROLS FOR THE HEART OF THE SUN

Much like humans, most crops simply love to bask in the sun’s glow. As such, you’ll want to pick the sunniest spot you have available in your garden for sowing your seeds, or for allocating a spot for your designated raised bed area. 

The majority of varieties will need at least six hours of sun a day, but if you don’t have any sunspots in your garden, then don’t worry. There are still plenty of vegetables that will grow in partial shade, including salad greens, beetroot, radishes, and beans. 

SOIL SAVVY

Once you have found a sunny spot for your veg patch, you’ll need to get the ground ready; break it up with a spade or trowel, and make sure that you remove any weeds or large rocks. Then, you should mix in some compost or soil enricher, as this will provide your vegetables with the nutrients they need to grow. The ordinary soil found in most gardens is usually fine for growing veg this way but, if you find that you have especially rocky or stony ground, then you might get better results by building a raised bed. 

RAISED BEDS

Raised beds (sometimes referred to as raised planters) are a small area with wooden borders which is then filled with compost. Many home allotments will need to utilise raised beds for the majority of their growing needs. Fortunately, these are simple to construct, and much cheaper to build than to buy pre-made, but will require some DIY skills to make. 

These jobs may feel challenging, but there are lots of resources available online to help you complete the work successfully. The skills you develop will come in handy as you continue to grow your own food, however, allowing you to fix fences and sheds yourself as the years go by.

Read: What vegetables, fruit and herbs thrive in raised beds?

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS 

Here’s the thing; the vast majority of home allotments aren’t able to support an entire family’s food needs. Farming is highly skilled work, and the yield required to sustain the needs of several people simply isn’t feasible from home, in the hands of a layman. 

But that shouldn’t deter you; there are so many benefits to be found beyond the economics of the operation; fresh, delicious food, having a project and a purpose, and huge physical and emotional advantages, too.

Some home farmers think that their home allotment could become a revenue stream for them and their home. Keep realism at the forefront of your thinking; it is almost impossible to make a consistent profit from home farming. Don’t begin your farm with plans to sell your vegetables, just think about providing some beautiful, fresh produce for you and your family. If you have excess vegetables, you can give them to friends and family so that they can enjoy them, too. It is very hard to produce enough food to sell from a home garden.

SHEDS ARE THE HOME FARMER’S BEST FRIEND

One of the most important resources for a home allotment owner is a well-constructed garden shed that can be used to store equipment, supplies, and the food you grow. Tidy allotment, tidy mind, as the ol’ saying goes…

Having a dry space that is protected from the elements is important if you want to keep your tools in good working order, free from rust, damage and potential theft. You will also need a space to store compost or seeds through the winter months. 

If you need a shed, then you should look at the garden shed price range from Shedstore.co.uk. They have a huge range of high-quality sheds, in sizes and shapes to suit just about any garden. Shedstore’s garden sheds are made from the best materials, so you can rest assured that they will last many years and serve you and your home farm well. 

MAKE YOUR OWN COMPOST

Compost will become one of your most precious resources, but it can be expensive to buy. Make sure you plan for space to make your own compost when designing your home allotment; a great way to reduce your environmental impact and supply your garden with some much needed homemade fertiliser.

Composting is easy to do but does take some time to make. You can save food waste and other organic waste to develop your compost and make it rich in nutrients that your vegetables will need to thrive. There are fertilisers and additives that you can use to further enrich your compost and soil, but you should only use natural and organic varieties for nourishing plants and vegetables that you and your family plan to eat to make sure they are safe.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you are serious about growing your own herbs, vegetables and fruit, then it’s a project which doesn’t respond well to half measures. Weeding, feeding, and watering will take up a lot of your time and energy, but this will help you to grow the healthiest crops and get the most you can from your farm. 

With the right research and preparation, anyone can start a small home allotment and begin growing crops for themselves and their family. It will require hard work and dedication to get the best results, but the feeling you get from eating food you have grown yourself is worth the weeding, feeding and occasional disappointment, too.

When you sit down to your salad of freshly grown lettuce, with new potatoes dug from the ground and a garnish of parsley you’ve just picked, it’ll all be worthwhile!

6 OF THE BEST WAYS TO TRAVEL LIGHT ON YOUR NEXT TRIP

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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6 OF THE BEST WAYS TO TRAVEL LIGHT ON YOUR NEXT TRIP

Ideal for those looking for a footloose and fancy-free jaunt.

After the year we’ve all had, and the extra burden it has left on our collective shoulders, what we’d give for a holiday. A quick jaunt to the continent, free from stress, baggage and fuss, might be just the tonic right about now.

If only it were that easy; restrictions mean holidays require several extra stages of planning to get them off the ground, if they’re to fly at all. That said, if you are intent on getting away for a few days, then travelling light, footloose and fancy-free is surely the way to go. Shedding that baggage, both physically and metaphorically, sounds so liberating after 2020’s relentless march of doom and gloom.

If you’re keen to come along and join us for the ride, then please, pack light. Here are some tips on doing just that; these 6 of the best ways to travel light on your next trip.

PACK INTERCHANGEABLE CLOTHING

Just because you’re trying to travel light shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice your own personal style in favour of functional items (well not too much, anyway). Rather than packing a new outfit for each day you’re travelling, consider packing interchangeable clothing that you can mix and match throughout your travels. If you’re travelling for a week, you should be able to get away with three days worth of interchangeable outfits, freeing up much more space for all of your other necessities.

Fortunately, there’s always room for accessories. Wrap items such as bangles and necklaces within your clothing to instantly jazz up any outfit for the evening without taking up any extra space in your luggage. 

FIND A SECURE STORAGE SPACE FOR YOUR LUGGAGE

If you’re planning on packing a little more because you’ll be moving from location to location, you may want to consider a different option. Rather than carrying your suitcase with you wherever you go, you could choose a secure storage space for your luggage at each new place, freeing you up to move with abandon throughout your sightseeing tours of individual cities. 

Travelling light in this way needn’t cost you a fortune, with European capital cities in particular often providing solutions for those looking to take a load off for a while, so they can see the city without baggage. If you’re in Rome, for instance, the service Radical Storage allows you to leave unused and unwanted left luggage in Rome for as little as five euros a day! This means you won’t have to compromise as much when choosing what to pack as you won’t be carrying it around with you all day.

UTILISE THE SPACE IN YOUR SUITCASE

Large and bulky items such as shoes can take up a lot of space in your suitcase, leaving you with very little wiggle room for other essential items. While you should always try and compromise when it comes to how many pairs of shoes to pack (some of us simply can’t do without a day and evening pair, at the very least!), you can utilise the space they take up, too.

Use the insides of your shoes to store smaller items like jewellery boxes, underwear, socks, and even chargers for your electrical devices. Not only does it help save on space elsewhere in your suitcase, but it will also help your shoes keep their shape while you’re travelling. 

IDEAL tip: after stuffing your shoes, put them inside a shower cap to prevent them from marking your clothes.

CHOOSE LIGHTER CLOTHING WHEREVER POSSIBLE

If you’re travelling somewhere with a warm climate, packing bikinis, shorts, and tank tops won’t take up much space. However, if you’ll need to pack larger items of clothing, try and opt for lighter materials that can be packed in tighter and won’t weigh the bag down too much.

Should colder climes demand thicker items and more layers, you may want to avoid packing knitted articles of clothing, as these can be very heavy and take up a lot of space. If you need at least one warmer item of clothing such as a coat, consider wearing it on your travels rather than packing it. And remember; thermals are lightweight and insulating!

BRING TRAVEL SIZE ITEMS ONLY

While it might be a bit fiddly, transferring your toiletries to travel-sized bottles can save loads of space in your suitcase. You may also consider downsizing items such as your first aid bag to only the essentials, and you could buy a travel sized hair iron to help save space and reduce the weight of your bag, too.

6 MORE TIPS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

Other packing light tips:

  • Roll your clothing before packing. This not only stops creases, but will also utilise the space in your suitcase to its full potential, filling nooks, crannies and crevices.
  • Wear your sun hat or beanie rather than packing it. Squeezing it into a suitcase can cause it to lose its shape.
  • Pack one adapter plug and bring cables rather than multiple chargers with large plugs. Simply interchange which device you need to charge.
  • Make your items more compact by packing them into a plastic bag and then removing the air. This will make the size of your luggage much smaller and allow you to pack more.
  • Keep earrings and other delicate jewellery in your purse or wallet. That way you can avoid them falling out of your suitcase or being caught up on clothing.
  • Consider buying some of the things you’ll need when you arrive. Sunscreen, for example, can be purchased upon arrival and used while you’re there. Choose a smaller sized bottle to prevent the chance of waste.

As you can see, there are many ways to pack lighter when travelling. Which is your favourite hack?

10 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE BLACK FRIDAY 2020 SALES

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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10 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE BLACK FRIDAY 2020 SALES

It’s that time of year again. Black Friday (27th of November) and Cyber Monday (30th of November) are just around the corner, and shoppers have never been more eager to bag a bargain. Of course, Black Friday is going to look a little different this year, but with retailers keen to get Brits spending in the run up to Christmas, the discounts are set to be more tempting than ever.  

Once reserved for keen shoppers in the States, here in the UK, Black Friday has slowly infiltrated the public consciousness, with the national spend over the sale-focused weekend creeping up annually. In 2019, total retail spending during Black Friday was forecast to reach 8.57 billion British pounds and the average Black Friday spend per person in the UK in 2018 was £346 – the highest average in Europe.  

Yep, Black Friday 2020 is sure to bring some amazing offers that you won’t want to miss, but before running into the sale season, full steam ahead, there are a few things to think about to help you plan your bargain hunting this year. With that in mind, here are 10 IDEAL ways to make the most of the Black Friday 2020 sales. 

WHAT WILL BLACK FRIDAY LOOK LIKE THIS YEAR? 

You might have heard that 2020 has been a little, shall we say, unprecedented. No doubt this epic sales weekend will see some major differences, too. Although we have traditionally regarded Black Friday and Cyber Monday as their own separate entities, we’re set to see a merge of the two this year due to the online-first, simplified shopping best practice that has taken over due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown.  

As well as taking place predominantly online, we can also expect to see other changes, including bigger reductions. This year, much of the retail industry has been hit hard, and it is essential for many businesses to entice customers into buying their products during what has traditionally been the most profitable time of the year. Retailers know that many customers have come into hard times throughout 2020, so they’re going to have to reduce prices more than ever to get virtual footfall they need this Black Friday weekend.  

One recent survey has forecasted that retailers are likely to see a seasonal sale boost from 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent in 2020. Yes, any boost at all is a positive sign, but since retailers usually expect to see an increase like we saw last year (4.1 per cent), this year’s predictions look daunting.  

Because of lower predictions, we are likely to see an increase in deals, especially in the lightening offer/flash sale categories. So, it’s time to get a strategy in place so that you can easily find and make the most of, such epic deals.  

SO, HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE MOST OF THE DEALS? 

It’s never wise to approach Black Friday weekend without a game plan, even if you are navigating the world of discounts via your laptop at home. So, here’s a checklist that will help you make the most of 2020’s best discounts.  

START EARLY  

It’s never too early to start you Black Friday and Cyber Monday prep. Whether you’re looking for a new TV or a collection of Christmas presents for your loved ones, start early and test the waters before the big sales kick in. Some retailers begin advertising their Black Friday sales as early as October – so make sure you’re already keeping an eye out for the best deals.  

OPT FOR ONLINE 

It remains uncertain how many in-person shops will manage Black Friday this year, with there being limits on the number of people able to enter shops at any one time and the definition of what qualifies as an ‘essential shop’ (and therefore, allowed to stay open) seemingly dependent on how many MP pals you have. Instead of contending with the confusion, stay safe and shop online.  

MAKE SURE YOUR CONNECTION IS STRONG 

Blink and you might miss it. Be sure to double-check your internet connection and browser speed before you start your virtual bargain hunting! It can get just as competitive (we’ve all the seen the videos of folk fighting over TVs, right?) online after all, and you don’t want your browser to crash the moment before you click ‘buy’. 

BOOKMARK PAGES IN ADVANCE  

A tactical approach is sure to win out this Black Friday. So before the weekend sales commence, create a list of all the people you want to buy for and all the items you want to buy. When you’re happy with your list, bookmark all of the items beforehand to save time during the actual Black Friday rush.   

SET A BUDGET 

Setting a budget is always crucial when it comes to Black Friday. But this year, when being sensible with your money in the face of tantalising deals is more important than ever, be sure to make a strict budget and stick to it.  

AVOID IMPULSE PURCHASES 

It may be tempting when you see what looks like a fantastic deal pop up unexpectedly, but try to avoid impulse buys. Stick to the plan, and give every sudden temptation careful consideration. Do you really need a third TV for your bedroom?  

FOLLOW YOUR FAVOURITE SHOPS’ SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS  

You may think that you’ve already seen all the deals out there, but many shops advertise last-minute discounts via Twitter or another one of their social pages. As you’re shopping, turn on notifications for your favourite shops so you don’t miss anything. 

CHECK PRICES BEFORE BLACK FRIDAY 

It might not seem necessary, but if you double-check the prices of the items you want to purchase before Black Friday, you’ll have more confidence in the offers and be sure that you really are getting a great deal, rather than the same price as usual, dressed up as a discount. 

DOWNLOAD APPS 

Some retailers offer app-exclusive deals, so it’s a good idea to check apps out as well as the websites. What’s more, this way you’ll be able to have two bargain hunting devices on the go at once, maximising your chances of bagging a fantastic deal! 

BE KIND AND CONSIDERATE  

Last but most certainly not least, remember to be kind and considerate and don’t allow the shopping stress to get the better of you—it’s meant to be fun after all! Sticking to online shopping is strongly recommended this year, but if you do decide to venture to the shops, be sure to follow health and safety guidelines carefully and be considerate of other shoppers and staff. Put those elbows away, that mask on, and take things easy!

Everyone deserves to be treated after the year we’ve had, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer a great opportunity for some retail therapy. As long as you plan, budget, and shop responsibly, Black Friday 2020 is sure to offer some amazing retail opportunities. Happy shopping! 

5 POSITIVE HABITS IDEAL FOR DEVELOPING RESILIENCE DURING TURBULENT TIMES

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 POSITIVE HABITS IDEAL FOR DEVELOPING RESILIENCE DURING TURBULENT TIMES

Alexa, tell us a synonym for unprecedented. 

2020 has been so many things, but perhaps unparalleled, unrivalled and downright bizarre best sums it up. The deepest recesses of Winter await, and collective discontent could well follow, but that shouldn’t mean you let your own personal, psychological resilience suffer. Indeed, the best thing you can do right now is stay focused, firm and forward facing to tackle the challenges which lie ahead.

Amy Morin, a licensed social worker, psychotherapist and author at Psychology Today, believes each and every day presents a chance to develop what she refers to as a client’s “mental muscle”. And it’s this emphasis on taking proactive steps to keep on top of your mental health which is so important right now.

While she advises that brief exercises, performed consistently over time, should help her clients to build mental strength and resilience, she also suggests that negative emotions (such as feeling sorry for yourself, giving up easily, or surrendering your innate power) can be destructive towards any mental strength-building regime on which you have embarked.

Fortunately, there are stratagems and routines which you can adopt to keep yourself on the straight and narrow, and able to cope with whatever life throws at you. It’s all about adopting a healthy mixture of discipline and downtime, and always taking note of how you’re feeling and dealing with this fast changing world.

If you’re keen to learn more, then read on; here are 5 positive habits for developing resilience during turbulent times.

PARK THOSE UNHEALTHY BELIEFS IN FAVOUR OF POSITIVITY

Ever feel like a quick flick through Instagram, marvelling at the far flung locations that your friends have been visiting, seems to bring you down? Or, a doom scroll through Twitter, unsurprisingly, brings the gloom on hard.

In psychotherapist Amy Morin’s TEDx talk, “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong”, she says researchers have found that envying your friends on Facebook actually leads to depression. Studies have since suggested this could well be true.

And that’s just one of the traps that our minds can set for us. She identifies three kinds of mental beliefs that can make us less effective and rob us of our mental strength. “The first one is unhealthy beliefs about ourselves… The second is unhealthy beliefs about others… [And] the third is unhealthy beliefs about the world…But you can’t afford not to give them up, because sooner or later you’re going to hit a time where you need all the mental strength you can muster”.

A positive step you can take, then, to park those unhealthy beliefs in favour of positivity, is to take a step back from social media. Set limits on your daily use, delete the apps on your phone and only have them accessible via desktop, take an account ‘holiday’, and keep enlightened and aware of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter et al’s risks. Or, go all out, and delete your social media accounts entirely; the world may start to look and feel like a much brighter place.

ALWAYS STAY TUNED IN TO THE 4Cs OF MENTAL TOUGHNESS

Knowledge is power, as they, say, and stability and resilience in the face of adversity is best realised by keeping aware of exactly how you’re feeling, noticing what’s going on, what’s going wrong, and having the tools to fix it.

The 4Cs of Mental Toughness – Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Confidence are a useful start in keeping track of your changing mood. While an individual may possess one or more of these characteristics, you really need to possess all four in combination to move smoothly through a rather rough, tough patch.

Of interest is the fact that Prof Peter Clough’s psychometric tool, the MTQ48, has been developed to measure these four key aspects of mental toughness – meaning you can actually find out how mentally tough you are, and work at improving your weaker areas. Quantifiable progress in resilience? Yes, please!

In essence, you need to have control over your life and feelings, by feeling comfortable in your own skin and not letting others dictate your emotions.

Key to a healthy outlook, you also need to be in a near constant process of setting goals and working steadily towards them; the ‘commitment’ aspect of the 4 Cs in practice. 

The third C refers to challenge; and it’s crucial you nurture drive and motivation if you’re to put your best foot forward in the future. And finally, there’s your self-belief or confidence – we all know how important that is when trying to feed back into a more holistic sense of health and happiness.

The good news is that these aspects can be worked on. Much like you’d do press-ups to build muscle, so you can flex your mental muscles with a few simple daily routines. Here are three of them:

START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL

Back to those unhealthy beliefs for a second. It’s important to put things in perspective, and temper your negative views about yourself, others and the world if you’re to be more mentally resilient going forward. 

But how to achieve that mindset? Research in the journal Neuroimage, among others, reveals that tallying up your blessings in the form of a gratitude diary will raise your happiness quotient. Done on a daily basis, this positive habit will see you sleeping more deeply and enjoying a stronger immune system, if the science is to be believed.

FAKE IT ‘TILL YOU MAKE IT

Not feeling confident? Don’t stress. Instead, throw your head back, stand tall, smile and go after the things you most want in your life – as if you were more successful, more financially stable, more popular, and all those good things that are really rather frivolous. 

A paper in Psychological Science revealed that smiling, as just one example of positive expression, can in fact “reduce the intensity of the body’s stress response, regardless of whether a person actually feels happy”. It really can put you ahead and lift your spirits to walk the talk.

BE MINDFUL

Seat yourself quietly and embed yourself in the present moment. The amazing practice called mindfulness meditation, in which an individual focuses purely on the here and now, has been found to reduce stress and to encourage a more compassionate inner dialogue with yourself. Some have even called the ancient discipline a ‘superpower’, with the NHS saying that ‘’awareness of this kind also helps us notice signs of stress or anxiety earlier and helps us deal with them better.” 

After the incredibly stressful nature of 2020, we’re certainly willing to give it a shot!

Should you be seeking more resilience building, wellbeing boosting exercises which you can do daily, then check out our article on 5 IDEAL wellbeing exercises to include in your everyday. You won’t regret it!

*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*

WHAT WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK – 23.11.20

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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WHAT WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK – 23.11.20

5 IDEAL things to get you through a winter spent indoors…

Here we go again. Lockdown 2.0 is upon us, and its predicted three week residency feels optimistic. Instead, the current COVID-curbing measures overstaying their welcome is all but guaranteed. Rather than spending our days checking the news, getting tied in knots trying to keep up with each and every U-turn, we’ve decided to take back control of our sanity and settle in for the month, all with good intentions in place to keep busy and healthy in November.

To help us find the right balance between productivity and peace of mind, here’s 5 things we’re into to get you through Lockdown 2.0.

LAPTOP TABLE DESK BY LAVOLTA

Ideal for working from home this winter.

Hey you, eye squinter, shoulder scruncher, back bender…that slouch of yours just isn’t sustainable. Indeed, the lack of ergonomic home office options has wreaked havoc on the nation’s collective posture; and it’s that big curvature of the spine, in a C shape from neck to lower back, which is causing so many problems

This lockdown we’re going to be doing things differently, making sure our posture is sorted so we can get on with work with renewed vigour and a steely focus. Surprisingly, it’s not your chair/stool/desk-in-bed which is causing issues. According to the experts, it’s the height of your screen which makes home workers so prone to bad posture. 

Ideally, you want your laptop screen to be at eye level (whether you’re sitting or standing). If you’re looking down while you work, you’re going to be bending over, leading to the risk of developing bad posture and injury. Having your laptop at proper eye level also means you can rest your forearms and wrists on the surface in front of you as you type, elbows bent at a 90 degree angle and with your back straight.

To achieve this posture with precision, we love Lavolta’s Laptop Table Desk, which is adjustable and enables you to sit at your desk with the screen at exactly the right height to be level with your eyes. You can also modify the desk’s height so you can work standing up; ideal for fighting off the dangers of sedentary working.

£32.00 from Amazon

SCENTED CANDLES BY HUS & HEM

Ideal for brightening up a cold, dreary evening.

The only thing that’s going to make this late Autumn and the onset of Winter bearable is by dialling up the domestic cosiness to 11 and hibernating until this thing is all over. 

The Scandinavians seem to know a thing or two about that, with the concept of ‘hygge’ taking the world by storm (or rather, gently and non-judgmentally suggesting itself to receptive audiences) in recent years. We’re sure we don’t need to explain, but the idea channels a spirit of taking pleasure in comfort and all things cosy – think warm mugs of cocoa, knitted jumpers, rugs and pillows and of course, candles – as a remedy to harsher conditions and attitudes. And we could all use a bit of that right now, hey?

We’re in love with Scandinavian design company Hus and Hem’s home fragrance range, and particularly, their scented candles. If we’re not heading out much in the coming month, why not bring the fragrances of the outside in, and light up one a Skog (forest) scented candle or diffuser? Just gorgeous.

From £18.00 at husandhem.co.uk

CALM APP SUBSCRIPTION

Ideal for finding inner peace and serenity.

‘Calm’….even the word seems to exude a sense of serenity, so welcome in this trying, turbulent time.

No wonder the mindfulness and meditation app Calm was the top grossing fitness and health app of April and May 2020. When lockdown kicked in, stress levels rose, and people sought DIY, at-home solutions to tackling anxiety. Testament to the fact that people worldwide are taking their mental health more seriously than ever, don’t you think? 

Particularly useful for entry level participants, Calm’s ‘7 Days of Calm’ feature will lead you through the basics of mindfulness and meditation in an approachable voice and agreeable pace. This guided course is made of seven sessions, ranging from three to twelve minutes – ideal for taking a quick break or relaxing at night. The app has a variety of breathing exercises, meditations, soothing sounds and even sleep stories by celebs to choose from (Harry Styles reading a bedtime story, anyone?) making it a good all-rounder if you’re not sure where to start or struggling to nod off each night.

Prevention is better than cure, as they say, and meditation has been suggested to help in the fight against depression, anxiety and low mood. As we enter a second lockdown with all the uncertainty that brings, taking a ‘moment’ to process the day’s events can work wonders for your mental health.

To find the best subscription for you visit www.calm.com

WOODEN CHESSBOARD BY JAQUES OF LONDON

Ideal for lockdown boredom.

Here at IDEAL we’ve been binge watching the Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, and it’s inspired us to get a chessboard and learn the best response to the Sicilian Defense ourselves. We’re not alone; sales of board games skyrocketed during the last lockdown and we expect a similar trend this time around. 

Chess is the king (or should we say, queen) of board games, and ideal for keeping your mind sharp and focused during the current downtime. If you’re looking for a home exercise routine of a different kind, then chess will give your brain a thorough workout; research has suggested that playing the game regularly improves memory, problem solving and even reading skills (in children), develops planning and foresight, and most comprehensively, has been said to significantly increase a player’s IQ after four months of playing.

If you are looking for a way to simultaneously pass the time and keep sharp during lockdown, then chess is the perfect addition to the living room. A board as a coffee table centrepiece can look great, too, bringing a touch of sophistication to your interior design. We just love the wooden chess board sets from Jaques of London, which come with handcrafted pieces in a gorgeous mahogany box. 

£21.99 from jaqueslondon.co.uk

NOMA GUIDE TO FERMENTATION

Ideal for showing some love to your gut.

A different type of planning and foresight, this. With some of Britain’s finest seasonal fruit and vegetables still abundant and the onset of the harshest grip of Winter still a little way off, now is a wonderful time to preserve current fine flavours for future, drab months. Some of the most delicious stuff to grow on terra firma is at its best right now, with beetroot, swede, red cabbage, girolles and pears all superb in November. 

Preserving the flavours of right now for a few weeks (or even months) later down the line can be a fantastic way to stay grounded and in tune with the passing of the seasons when time itself seems to be so warped by the strangest year of events. The Noma Guide to Fermentation, written by David Zilber and Rene Redzepi, is a glorious deep dive into the techniques, methods and timings of all manner of preservation techniques, from Lacto fermenting to pickling, all the way to making your own fish sauce and kombucha. 

If you’re keen to look forward, to brighter times in 2021, then getting to grips with these age old techniques is a great way to do just that.

£30 from Waterstones

7 Popular Casino Destinations In Europe

Editorial Team
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7 Popular Casino Destinations In Europe

Since the days of ancient Greece, people have loved to play games of chance. Roll the dice. Raise the stakes on possibility and prospect…

Forget the innuendo and implication; we mean gambling. And today, we’re considering the opportunities to do so in Europe, since it was on this continent that many milestones in the history of casino gaming were met. Indeed, France was the place where Blaise Pascal invented the roulette wheel, while Italy’s famous city of Venice is home to the world’s first modern casino.

Whether you’re a gambler or simply a voyeur to the spectacle, read on for some of the most popular casino destinations in Europe. 

Monaco

The city-state of Monaco is famous for several things; its annual Formula 1 Grand Prix attracts the world’s attention for one weekend a year, as does the Monte Carlo Rally, the Monte Carlo Open, and the Monte Carlo Masters. However, it’s arguably most famous for its casino – Casino de Monte Carlo, an iconic building that first opened its doors back in 1865.

Interestingly, the casino is run by a state-owned company and uses its profits to contribute to the principality’s budget. More interestingly, Monaco’s citizens aren’t allowed to gamble in the famous casino and by law, aren’t allowed in the gaming rooms.

Alongside its world class gaming rooms, the Casino de Monte-Carlo offers a wide range of other facilities, including restaurants and bars. Make sure you check out the iconic Café de Paris while you’re visiting, which has a glorious terrace seemingly always catching the sun. The casino also regularly hosts prestigious classical concerts, should you be wanting a side order of culture with your french fries. 

Malta

The Mediterranean island of Malta has emerged as one of Europe’s premier gaming destinations, with the Dragonara Casino in St. Julian’s leading the charge. Housed in a stunning 19th-century palace perched on its own peninsula, this elegant venue offers breathtaking sea views from almost every gaming table. The casino seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern gaming facilities, featuring everything from classic table games to the latest slot machines.

What makes Malta particularly appealing is its year-round sunshine and the fact that the gaming scene extends well beyond the casino floor. The nearby Portomaso Marina offers world-class dining and nightlife, while the historic streets of Valletta are just a short drive away. The casino itself hosts regular poker tournaments that attract players from across Europe, and its outdoor terrace bar is the perfect spot to celebrate a win – or console yourself after a loss – with a cocktail overlooking the Mediterranean.

Read: Where to find Malta’s real character

Vienna

Austria’s capital Vienna offers a uniquely refined gambling experience at the Casino Wien, located in the magnificent Esterházy Palace. This baroque masterpiece provides an atmosphere of imperial grandeur that’s hard to match anywhere else in Europe. The casino’s gaming rooms are adorned with crystal chandeliers, gilt mirrors, and frescoed ceilings that make you feel like you’re gambling in a museum.

Beyond the traditional gaming tables and modern slot machines, Casino Wien is famous for its poker room, which regularly hosts international tournaments. The venue also houses the excellent Cuisino restaurant, where you can enjoy modern Austrian cuisine between gaming sessions. 

What sets Vienna apart is how seamlessly the casino experience integrates with the city’s legendary coffeehouse culture and classical music scene – you can easily combine an evening at the tables with a performance at the nearby State Opera House or a late-night slice of Sachertorte at a traditional Viennese café.

London

London has a long history of casino gaming. In fact, back in the 19th century, King Charles II employed a man named Sir Thomas Neale to organise card games for him and his court. Neale also began acting as a de facto gaming regulator, ensuring only sanctioned games took place in the city. 

Today, London is home to many casinos of different shapes and sizes, including small slot parlours that only offer electronic games to larger venues that have large gaming floors with dozens of tables. 

The Hippodrome Casino, just off Leicester Square, is the biggest casino in Central London, with an 180-seat theatre with jazz and cabaret performances if the tables don’t tickle your fancy. Big names like Charlie Chaplin, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson have all graced the stage here. It also has its own dedicated virtual platform, too, where players can enjoy everything from digital versions of table games to newer hybrid formats like video poker and slingo online games.

However, people don’t only come here for the gaming and the high stakes. Instead, they come for the steak house, the Heliot. The restaurant has even previously been awarded the title of Best Steak Restaurant in London. This place serves some serious product; USDA prime steaks, aged for up to 6 weeks to allow tenderness and flavour to ripen. Aside from massive hunks of meat, the restaurant is also famous for decadent sides including the legendary Millionaire’s Mac & Cheese (topped with a poached duck egg and black truffle). There’s also Chop Chop, a Chinese restaurant doing all the good stuff well.

But it’s not just in the Hippodrome that you can have a feast and a flutter. On one of London’s most exclusive streets, you’ll find one of the capital’s most prestigious casinos housing one of the city’s best cocktail bars; The Palm Beach Casino on Mayfair’s Berkeley Street boasts one of London’s largest and most luxurious gaming floors. We’re fans of the bar here, which serves exquisitely crafted signature cocktails. 

Venice

The ancient city of Venice is home to the world’s oldest casino, making it a must-visit venue for those wanting to experience gambling’s rich history.

The Casino di Venezia is this important landmark. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, you feel the presence of its history the second you step foot through the door. In addition to the range of different games on offer, you will also find two restaurants – check out our article on Venetian specialities, by the way – and a regular programme of events to keep you entertained. 

That isn’t the only casino in Venice, though. The city also has a more modern option that’s modelled after Vegas-style facilities, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. But, no matter which one you choose, there’s nothing like turning up in style on a gondola – something you can’t do anywhere else. 

Lisbon 

Casino Lisboa is the tenth biggest casino in the world and easily the largest in Europe, covering a not too shabby 165’000 square feet of the city’s Theatre District, Parque Mayer. The casino boasts over 1’000 slot machines and 26 table games, but if you’re keen to escape the action for something a little more laid back, then just a half hour bus ride on the 728 is Pink Street. Here, revellers drink on the streets ‘till dawn, and some of Lisbon’s best dining options are walking distance away. 

When on Pink Street, be sure to visit Sol E Pesca and sample a few snacks of conserva – tinned sardines, horse mackerel or octopus (to name but a few) on bread – paired with a beer and a spot of people watching. Also, enjoy a drink or two at Pensao Amor which is full of both locals and visitors alike, with its colourful decor and reliably noisy atmosphere. Aaah, that’s better.

Baden-Baden

Or, perhaps the Kurhaus of Baden-Baden in Germany could be for you? This is actually a casino and spa resort set in Germany’s Black Forest, and that sense of seclusion brings something completely different to the gaming experience than all the bright lights and noise of some of our previous offerings. The architecture itself is worth the visit alone, with Corinthian columns lining the entrance to welcome you in.

It’s certainly an elegant, sophisticated place to play. Film star Marlene Dietrich described it as the most beautiful casino she had ever seen, and she may well have been right. On offer within the hallowed walls are poker, blackjack and roulette, and if you do suffer a big loss, a trip to the spa may soothe your sins.

5 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON BUYING NEW CLOTHES

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON BUYING NEW CLOTHES

Ideal for those seeking a fresh start and fresher wardrobe in 2021.

What a year it’s been. We could all do with a fresh start, a different approach, a makeover or a new look to signal a turning point as 2020 draws to a close. Wouldn’t it be nice to simply click our fingers and a new outfit appeared? Perhaps throw in a winning lottery ticket and immortality and we’re set…

Perhaps that wardrobe makeover you’re after isn’t quite so far fetched. In fact, you might not even need that winning lottery ticket to make it happen. Fortunately, there are platforms and places, and tips and tricks you can employ to bag a whole new style on the cheap. Here’s how; our 5 ways to save money on buying new clothes, IDEAL for those seeking a fresh start and fresher wardrobe in 2021.

CUSTOM DESIGNS

‘New’ needn’t mean the latest (see: most expensive) catwalk designs and trends. Instead, why shouldn’t ‘new’ simply translate as unique, fresh and exciting?

Instead of spending the extra cash on t-shirts and tank tops with the latest trending designs, you could simply buy plain items and repurpose that additional money on printing your very own prints and slogans. And what could be more unique than having your own, truly one-of-a-kind piece of clothing?

Fortunately, there are plenty of companies out there ready to help with the more functional aspects of realising your vision. You just focus on your wardrobe’s artistic direction. The experts at Teejunction.com.au suggest you should prioritise companies who specialise in digital rather than screen printing, the former being a more modern, efficient way of doing things. 

They say that ‘’digital printing offers no minimums or setup fees. Soft water-based inks let you print full-colour art onto most apparel’’. Unless you’re planning on mass producing a whole new look for the nation, single items done via digital printing are your best bet.

CHARITY SHOPS

You’d be amazed at what gems you can find in the charity shop. But it does pay to go thrift store shopping with focus. There are so many charity shops out there brimming with designer clothes – if that’s your thing – particularly in affluent areas like Clapham Junction and Kensington High Street in London. When you have fickle citizens and rapidly changing styles, stuff gets thrown out with regularity, and charity shops reap the benefit. Go figure.

Vintage outlets are also a treasure trove, selling carefully curated second-hand garments that don’t cost the earth. There are huge, multi-floored affairs in Brighton, Bristol and beyond where you can unearth some incredible finds.

For those who want to go on a cheap shopping spree for unique items, there is no better place to head than a kilo sale. You can usually buy your weight in vintage clobber at these retro shopping fairs and pay as little as £15 for 1kg of clothes – bargain.

ONLINE BARGAINS

Thrift shopping in affluent locations is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding designer clothing at a reduced price. As well as looking for pre-loved clothes and accessories on charity shop shelves, save yourself a bit of rummaging by browsing online with retailers like Zalando, TheOutnet and Deuxieme. Zalando offer deep discounts that can’t be matched by even the cheapest discount stores, TheOutnet offer up to 75% off new designer clothing, while Deuxieme slashes prices on gently worn goods from high fashion brands. Wow.

OUTLET ME AT ‘EM

If those are still feeling a bit too pricey – because let’s face it, designer brands don’t ever come dirt cheap – research your nearest factory shops and outlet stores. Stores that sell sample clothing and shop seconds will take anything up to 70% off of the original price, and while you might be buying things that are from a past season, you’ll still be able to rep big name brands without eating into your holiday funds.

If you want to find current trends at brick-and-mortar stores and save money at the same time, you should set your sights on stores like TK Maxx (or TJ Maxx depending on where you live) or department stores, such as Macy’s in the States, or supermart own brands, like George at Asda. Their prices are often much lower than the regular retail price, and you can often get the same things as you would at regular stores.

USE AN APP

The rise of the internet has opened up more ways to save money on clothes than ever before. If you’re not a fan of going to thrift shops and dealing with crowds jumping on all of the latest clothing deliveries, you might want to consider using an app such as Vinted or OpenBazaar instead. 

These programs serve to connect buyers directly with sellers who want to get rid of items like clothes or other things quickly and without any intermediaries. Apps are usually the best money-saving opportunities when it comes to getting high-quality clothing – you should give them a try if chasing after the best deals is your thing!

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whilst we’d all love to splurge and spend without a care in the world for our bank balances, we hope we’ve reassured you that you can still kit out your wardrobe on the cheap. Good luck!

6 WINTER SKINCARE MISTAKES YOU COULD BE MAKING

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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6 WINTER SKINCARE MISTAKES YOU COULD BE MAKING
6 WINTER SKINCARE MISTAKES YOU COULD BE MAKING

And the IDEAL ways to remedy them.

The onset of the festive season usually heralds a shopping spree; we buy Winter woollies, cosy coats and thick tights, and charge off into the night insulated and excited. This year, as we’re sure you’ve heard, it’s looking a little different. We’re buying candles, cosy loungewear and subscriptions to all the online streaming services instead, hunkering down for a period of hibernation which has no apparent end date decided. 

But all this time spent indoors, with central heating and comfort eating, may well not be the best thing for our skin. Yep, it’s time to invest in our Winter skincare routines, and that effort starts here, with a little learning. Here are 6 Winter skincare mistakes you could be making, and the IDEAL ways to remedy them.

FORGETTING TO ADAPT 

While we all want to break out of lockdown, rush into the open arms of strangers and snog as many of them as possible (erm, just us?), for now, and for so many, it’s our skin which is having a breakout instead. 

Spending most of our time at home, with routines up in the air, means that many of us have abandoned our skincare routines. Any sense of normality has left the building, don’t you think?

Indeed, for many of us, our faces have already forgotten the outside world, something that Elle.com are dubbing the ‘indoor face’. It seems that lockdown has affected our skin; from heightened stress levels to using too many facemasks, all the way to not getting enough Vitamin D…and it’s all having a detrimental impact on our visages. 

Don’t neglect to adapt to these new times to compensate. Indeed, working from home doesn’t mean forgetting your skincare routine; don’t forget to cleanse and moisturise as you normally. Just because you’re not going out and braving the elements doesn’t mean your skin is protected from environmental factors. Indeed, inside your home, your skin is still exposed to dust, central heating (more of that later) and even steam and grease from cooking which can play havoc with all skin types.

Be cautious when using toners which alcohol; they strip the skin of natural lipids and proteins that moisturise our skin. Ideally, prioritise clean beauty brands; in these turbulent times there’s comfort to be found in taking back control of the products we’re using.

Speaking of alcohol, it’s wise to invest in a nourishing hand moisturiser to protect your hands from sanitiser and the constant washing which the new normal demands, too.

6 WINTER SKINCARE MISTAKES YOU COULD BE MAKING

NOT GETTING ENOUGH SUNLIGHT & SKIPPING SPF 

As we spend more time indoors, our exposure to that vital Vitamin D is falling. This isn’t something to be taken lightly; we need Vitamin D most at this time of year, and during these turbulent times. Indeed, the NHS suggests that due to coronavirus, ”It’s important to take vitamin D as you may have been indoors more than usual this year. You should take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D a day between October and early March to keep your bones and muscles healthy”.

Vitamin D is also incredibly important for our skin, to boost its repairing qualities, prevent skin prematurely aging, and more. According to the Insider, ‘’healthy vitamin D levels might help prevent skin from prematurely aging but too much sun leads to accelerated skin aging. Some studies have found that vitamin D can help treat skin conditions like dry skin, psoriasis, or eczema’’.

During the darker months, consider taking a supplement should you not be getting enough sunlight. Along with taking supplements, you should read some tips for improving skin radiance, which will really help in the winter months.

On the flip side, if you are getting outside sufficiently, for exercise, strolling or even illicit socialising, do make sure you remember to wear sunscreen – yep, even in Winter – as UV rays can lead to premature aging and skin damage at any time of year.

6 WINTER SKINCARE MISTAKES YOU COULD BE MAKING

LETTING STRESS GET THE BETTER OF US

We’re sure we don’t need to reiterate, but reiterate we will; it’s a stressful time to be alive. And Winter has a tendency to make matters work, with many suffering Seasonal Affective Disorder and low mood to varying degrees as the colder, darker months roll into view. In fact, in 2014, the Independent reported that 1 in 3 people suffer from SAD. We’d imagine that ratio is significantly higher right now.

But what does this mean for our skin? Well, low mood, anxiety and stress can cause us to have breakouts. Stress can cause your body to produce more of the hormone cortisol, which in turn causes glands to produce more oil. All of this leads to breakouts, acne and other skin problems. 

Prevention is most certainly better than cure, here, and it’s best to keep on top of stress (and the causes of stress) to prevent the subsequent skin problems. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered; check out our tips on free stress relief strategies you can try at home.

DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE, ALCOHOL & SNACKING 

We’re all opening the fridge door a lot more than usual, making that extra coffee to distract us from current events, comfort eating a little more often, and pouring that extra glass of wine to smooth over the cracks of another fraught evening. We all need these simple pleasures right now in our life. Our skin, unfortunately, doesn’t. 

You may think that hydration is only important during the hotter months; however, it’s crucial that you hydrate just as much during the winter season, too. Not only is water good for your health overall, but, in wintertime, it can often be even more necessary as water vapour is lost through your breath, causing you to lose valuable moisture. And guess what? Coffee and alcohol are diuretics, leading to dehydrated skin. And all that sweet, salty comfort food? You guessed it; that’s also leading to dehydration.

Make sure you balance out diuretics like caffeine and alcohol with plenty of water, and opt for decaffeinated coffee or tea when possible, too. Doing so will keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

It’s not just drinking pints of water which will help. Endevaour to hydrate from the inside out, getting plenty of vitamin C and omegas. You can also moisturise from the outside in, and protect your skin using an oil based moisturiser with vitamin A, C and E if the skin is particularly dry. 

6 WINTER SKINCARE MISTAKES YOU COULD BE MAKING

CENTRAL HEATING HASTE, HOT SHOWERS & BATHS 

Your environment also plays a major role in keeping your skin properly moisturised, so as the conditions outside change, the environment in your home must shift as well. Heating systems used during the colder seasons blast hot dry air throughout our homes making it difficult for our skin to maintain moisture. Sustain a sufficient amount of moisture in the air in your home with a humidifier or dehumidifier, and prevent your skin from drying out.

And despite the fact hot showers and warm baths have helped us massively reduce our stress levels recently, the heat isn’t always ideal for our skin, with prolonged exposure to hot water irritating and drying us out. According to Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer, ‘’hot water causes damage to the keratin cells that are located on the most outer layer of our skin — the epidermis. By disrupting these cells, it creates dry skin and prevents the cells from locking in moisture’’

On the flipside, a cold shower can bring benefits, since cold water ‘’tightens and constricts the blood flow which gives your skin a healthier glow’’. Whilst we’re not saying you should forgo those hot showers and warm baths entirely, it might be worth dialling down the heat a couple of notches if you’re concerned about your skin.

8 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY GIFT IDEAS FOR 2020

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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8 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY GIFT IDEAS FOR 2020

Ideal for the eco-conscious loved one in your life.

Hey, we wouldn’t want to put a downer on the festive season before it’s even begun (Boris’ job, surely) but we need to talk about Christmas waste. Nope, not the excess stuff you spend flushing down the Boxing Day toilet after too much indulgence, but rather, the troubling environmental footprint of the season.

Two separate reports detailed in Environment Focus (one from The Bank Of England and one based at the University of York) found that firstly, ‘’the average UK household spends an extra £800 in December, with purchases of food increasing by 20%, alcohol by 30% and books by 85% over the average month’’. 

What’s more, it was suggested that ‘’three days of Christmas festivities in the UK could result in as much as 650 kg of CO2 emissions per person’’. 

While many Brits are willing to overlook this excess in favour of tradition and an annual letting down of the hair, others are increasingly concerned about consumerism’s impact on the environment. 

Should you be looking to buy greener gifts this year, or have a friend or family member whose passion concerns conservation and the environment, then read on; here are 8 environmentally friendly gift ideas, IDEAL for the eco-conscious loved one in your life.

SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Cosmetics and self-care products are hugely popular Christmas gifts, each and every year. And it can’t be denied that makeup, creams, shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, and other beauty products can make great gifts. The waste the beauty industry produces, on the other hand, isn’t so great.

Fortunately, you can increasingly find sustainable personal care products that are vegan, non-toxic, and cruelty-free on the market. What’s more, beauty products which purport to be sustainable have an all-encompassing approach, which means waste reduction not only in the product, but in the production methods and packaging, too. Not only will the person you are gifting look good, but they will also be grateful for the positive impact such products represent for the environment.

SOLAR POWERED CHARGERS

The necessity of phones in our daily lives is unavoidable, even for the eco-minded members of the household. While the energy consumed during the charging periods may seem small, the daily plugging of phones in chargers can amount to a massive number of kilowatts annually. 

Such energy is eventually translated into emissions of carbon dioxide. With solar battery chargers and power banks, people can get a clean and consistent supply of energy. It is also cost-efficient, so it won’t break the bank or the planet. Result!

STYLISH TOTE BAGS

Because a trip to the supermarket can still be stylish, right? To take single-use plastic out of the shopping cycle, why not gift your eco-conscious loved one a fashionable tote bag this year? Fortunately, there is a tote to suit any occasion and taste, whether it’s a funky, foodie focused affair such as those available from trendy London restaurants like Ikoyi, Lyles and Bao, or a Glastonbury or Harry Styles tote bag for the music lover in your life. This is why plastic-free gift ideas can be practical and stylish for all the family.

COMPOST BIN

Because thrift and thoughtfulness is the best gift of all…

For those who have a backyard or grow plants at home, this is a wonderful gift idea. By allocating a separate bin for compost, you can turn organic waste into nutrient rich soil and fertilisers for plants, meaning having a composter at home can vastly reduce food waste at home and use it to put back into the environment. What’s not to love?

According to Wrap UK, ‘’a single home composting bin can divert 150 kg per household per year of organic waste from disposal’’. What’s more, they cost as little as £15. Never has saving the environment felt so thrifty.

RECYCLED HOMEWARE PRODUCTS

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

Some brands are doing wonderful things with glass gin and whiskey bottles, turning them into lamps, soap dispensers and even trinket boxes. So, seek out shops and suppliers committed to recycled, repurposed materials to give the eco-conscious loved one in your life.

REUSABLE CANDLE CONTAINERS

Whether you preferred scented or fragrance-free, candles certainly bring an undeniable cosy ambience during the Winter months. And we’re all in need of a little comfort right now, don’t you think?

Either way, instead of throwing away old candles and candle containers, refillable candles are a more sustainable option and a great gift idea to boot. All you have to do is make sure it is all melted entirely, and reuse the container again. Talk about giving the gift of ‘mood’ this Christmas.  

THERMAL REUSABLE COFFEE CUPS

This one is for all coffee lovers, of which every family has a few, right? It’s no secret that cafes and coffee shops produce huge amounts of waste, with single use paper cups accounting for 6.5 millions trees being cut down to produce 16 billion cups used across the world each year. Good lord.

With thermal refillable cups, people can enjoy their daily caffeine dose at a better temperature for longer, and with less of an environmental impact. You can also complement it with collapsible silicone straws, if you’re going all out.

GREEN TOYS

So far the gift ideas we’ve suggested have had a rather adult, responsible bent. But fear not; if your kid is an eco-warrior, then firstly, well done on your parenting. Hopefully, the future is in better hands. 

But more significantly in the ultra short term, you and the little one will be pleased to hear that many exciting brands now offer alternatives to plastic toys using recycled materials. One such company is Green Toys, who make toys from recycled plastic milk bottles. What’s more, the packaging is also fully recyclable, and all their toy choices are safe, non-toxic and contain no BPA, PVC, phthalates or external coatings, making Green Toys safe for all ages.

If you’ve not yet had your fill of green gift ideas, then we’ve saved all the clothing suggestions for a whole other article. Check out our 5 IDEAL Christmas gift ideas from sustainable clothing brands for more!

7 IDEAL DOG BREEDS TO BEST SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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7 IDEAL DOG BREEDS TO BEST SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE

Congratulations! You’ve decided to take the plunge and bring a new pet into the family. You’re finally ready for the responsibility and magic of dog ownership, but you’re also responsible enough to realise that you should find a dog breed that fits your overall health and the type of lifestyle you lead. We’re proud of you.

You may ask why? A dog’s personality is linked to its genetic breed and this may well affect the impact that your new dog has on your life (and on the flipside, your effect on its wellbeing, too). It is important, then, to make sure that you and your pup are the perfect match. 

If you’re keen to learn more, with the help of The Pampered Pup, who provide Dog DNA Test Kits, here are 7 IDEAL dog breeds to best suit your lifestyle.

DOG BREEDS FOR CHILDREN

The best dog breeds for homes with children will depend on a few factors, such as the age of the kids, living situation and activity levels of the household. 

In general, you will want to look for a dog that can be easily trained, has a gentle demeanour, and is good-natured. The best dog breed for families with kids should also be able to keep up with a fast-paced atmosphere and not get overwhelmed by lots of (sometimes somewhat clumsy) attention. 

If you want a dog that fits in well with your large family, you won’t go wrong with the following: French Bulldog, Alaskan, Malamute, Dachshund, Pug, Beagle, Poodle, Boston Terrier, Papillion, Boxer, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever.

DOG BREEDS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

While many senior citizens are active and agile, others may be relying on a walker, cane, or wheelchair to get around. If you are looking for a dog breed best suited to a senior citizen, carefully examine the atmosphere in which you or they live. A low-maintenance dog will often be the best choice, and provide wonderful companionship to those in their golden years.

Check out the following breeds if you are picking a dog for a senior as these breeds are popular choices for this age group: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodle, Maltese, French Bulldog, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Greyhound, Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier.

THERAPY AND SERVICE DOG BREEDS

A service dog can help a person who is dealing with various physical health challenges, young or old. Some service dogs can predict when their owners are about to have a seizure while others help their handlers get from one place to another. 

A therapy dog can help someone who is struggling with an emotional or mental issue, such as PTSD, stress disorders, or anxiety issues. As such, such a dog should always have a strong work ethic, a friendly demeanor, and a calm disposition. 

The following dog breeds are the best at being trained to be a therapy or service animal: Golden or Labrador Retriever, Pit Bull, Poodle, German Shepard, Border Collie, Pomeranian, Boxer, Great Dane.

DOG BREEDS FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

When you lead an active lifestyle, you want a dog that can keep up with you. Some breeds are much more enthusiastic than others when it comes to participating in long walks and fun hikes in the woods. A high-energy dog breed is the type you will need if you want to take your dog with you on adventures. As a bonus, more exercise will help an excitable breed behave better. 

Look for the following breeds: Bernese Mountain, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, Dalmatian, Terrier, Border Collie, Beagles, German Shorthaired Pointer.

INDEPENDENT DOG BREEDS

It’s okay to want a dog even when you lead a busy lifestyle, as long as you make sure to pick a breed that can deal with your absence. While every dog requires time, love, and attention, some breeds are more low-maintenance than others. 

These breeds include the following: French Bulldog, Greyhound, Chihuahua, Maltese, Bullmastiff, Shar Pei, Whippet, Basset Hound, Shiba Inu, Chow Chow.

DOG BREEDS FOR SMALLER HOMES

You may want a cute furball to call your own, but you also accept that you don’t have a lot of space for one. If you’re considering getting a dog but live in a smaller home, then your best bet is to stay away from the larger breeds or breeds that are high energy. Some smaller dog breeds with high energy levels are considered okay to live in small homes or apartments as long as they get enough playtime, indoor or out. 

Look for these breeds if you want a dog but reside in a smaller home: Basset Hound, American Eskimo Dog, Australian Terrier, Pug, Pomeranian, Bichen Frise, Maltese, Pekingese, Bolognese.

DOG BREEDS FOR COLD WEATHER

If you are living in an area that gets a lot of wet snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, you should consider a dog breed that is more familiar with this climate. The right dog breed will have a dense coat that will keep them warm and a preference for being outside in the cold. 

The best breeds for cold climates are as follows: Akita, American Eskimo, German Shephard, Bernese Mountain, Chow Chow, Newfoundland, Alaskan Malamute, Great Pyrenees, Keeshond.

4 IDEAL REASONS TO REVAMP YOUR BUSINESS’ BRAND IMAGE FOR 2021

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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4 IDEAL REASONS TO REVAMP YOUR BUSINESS’ BRAND IMAGE FOR 2021

Whatever your industry, profession or company, as we near the end of 2020, there’s an acceptance that the way we do business is going to look very different from here on in.

Of course, times will be tough and waters choppy, but if you’ve been feeling like lately your company’s brand image is lacking, dated or not in keeping with the times, perhaps 2021 presents an opportunity? A blank slate, an empty page and a fresh start await!

And with those new beginnings, might it be time to boost your brand awareness and reach out to new clients? With that in mind, here are 4 IDEAL reasons to revamp your business’ brand image for 2020.

CUSTOMERS WILL BE LOOKING TO REFIND THEIR SENSE OF FUN

In these unprecedented, troubling times, it’s been increasingly hard for brands to know quite how to pitch themselves. Too functional, and the message is lost in a sea of seriousness, Try to ride the wave with a frivolous, light hearted approach, however, and your company can come across as disrespectful of the gravity of this life changing year. 

But with the discovery of several potential vaccines showing encouraging results and a certain orange man set to be removed from office, 2021 may well claw back some of that lost sense of fun.

Certainly, there are plenty of brands out there who have recently felt the need to do the same, and to remind themselves and their customers exactly what they are all about. Recent campaigns from games companies such as Tencent, PokerStars, and EA have all focused on putting the fun back into what they do, all the while being as diverse and open to new ideas and experiences as possible. 

This overriding mindset change is definitely something you should be considering for your own business’ brand revamp in the months ahead.

A VERY DIFFERENT WAY OF CONSUMING

The Global Pandemic has changed the way we shop and consume forever, with online shopping going from strength to strength, contactless payments and deliveries now standard, bricks’n’mortar establishments having to adapt at lightning speed, and sanitary and safety concerns at the forefront of everyone’s minds. 

Whatever industry you’re in, it’s vital that you adjust to new consumer behaviours shaped by COVID, and that your branding reflects the fact your company is nimble, flexible and ready to tackle the demands of modern times. A brand image revamp might be the perfect way to communicate that your company is coping with the changes and is ready for a diversify the way people consume your product.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADAPT WITHOUT SACRIFICING YOUR CORE VALUES

A sudden change in branding can be jarring to consumers. Just look at the reaction to Gmail’s updated logo or Instagram’s new layout in the past couple of weeks; let’s just say the fresh looks – no doubt the result of hundreds of hours worth of meetings and mood boards – weren’t met with widespread critical acclaim.

Abandoning your company’s important value systems and associations which you’ve spent years building could be catastrophic in such unpredictable times for your industry. A simple, subtle rebranding exercise represents an opportunity to adapt without sacrificing those core values.

A COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT

One of the temptations small businesses fall prey to when revamping their offering is making wholesale changes rather than evaluating what already works for them, as well as what could make things better in the future.

Many a corporate brand has made exactly the same mistake, with some of the biggest market-leading companies in the world getting it badly wrong. That said, a brand revamp can be an incredibly cost effective way to make a big impact when done well.

Some excellent examples of firms that got the balance just right are Burberry who pivoted from being a streetwear brand to a high fashion label, all without sacrificing their brand aesthetic, and Apple, who have built their brand all around the idea of being user friendly.

Make your new image as approachable and as outgoing as Apple’s, in order to entice tentative new customers into your store or website, and you may well reap the rewards in loyal custom for years to come.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Many customers, consumers and clients will emerge blinking into the harsh light of 2021 keen to change previously held brand loyalties, sample new products and experience new ways of doing business. It’s up to you to appeal to this desire for fresh starts with a carefully choreographed brand revamp. Good luck!

5 REASONS TO GIVE A STARBUCKS GIFT CARD THIS CHRISTMAS

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 REASONS TO GIVE A STARBUCKS GIFT CARD THIS CHRISTMAS

…the IDEAL gift for a Secret Santa, raffle prize or card under the tree for a distant relative.

It can be a nightmare to buy presents for those you don’t know much about. Socks? Toblerone? Usually, if you’re tasked with buying raffle prizes or Secret Santa gifts, or even for a relative you perhaps don’t see much of, then it’s best to play it safe, to find something which anyone and everyone would appreciate, regardless of age, gender and interests.

That’s where festive food and drink comes in. Today, we’re thinking about your favourite high street coffee shop, and the delicious treats they serve. Who wouldn’t want that waiting under the tree?

With that in mind, here are 5 reasons to give a Starbucks Gift Card this Christmas…the IDEAL gift for a Secret Santa, raffle prize or card under the tree for a distant relative.

THE FESTIVE MENU

Every year, the media goes crazy about the Starbucks festive menu announcement, and this year was no exception. Magazines and newspapers got excited (us included) over the original festive trio of Toffee Nut Latte, Gingerbread Latte and Eggnog Latte which returned to stores recently, signalling something of a return to normality after a turbulent few months.

The menu also featured a decadent sounding Truffle Deluxe Hot Chocolate and the old faithful Eggnog Latte to complete the menu. Oh, and for the first time, vegans can enjoy a vegan whipped cream on top of their festive drinks. Amazing.

Christmas just wouldn’t be Chrsimtas without a seasonal sandwich to go with your drink. Alongside the usual turkey and cranberry sandwich, this year Starbucks are offering the Friends inspired ‘The One with the Gravy Layer Sandwich’ or ‘moist maker’, if you will. 

The ‘Red Ross’ inspired holiday sandwich features a top layer of pulled ham hock and turkey, and a bottom layer of smokey butternut crush, red cabbage and a slice of cheddar cheese, with that all-important moist middle slice “steeped in turkey and cranberry gravy”. There’s also “The Very Merry Vegan” beetroot wrap filled with butternut squash fritters and red cabbage with a vegan maple mustard mayonnaise. Our mouths are watering!

FOR HOME-OFFICE USE

With a national lockdown in motion, shops closing and popular high street coffees costing upwards of £5, drinking those aforementioned favourite festive drinks might be harder (and more expensive!) than you think this year. Luckily, Starbucks sell their own coffee beans and brand syrups, too, allowing customers to make their favourite coffee from the comfort of their own home office. But how do we do that, we hear you ask? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered; here’s an article on how to recreate your favourite Starbucks Christmas coffees at home. You’re welcome. 

MERCHANDISE 

We have a friend who buys a Starbucks mug from every country she visits, from the airport, perhaps for posterity’s sake. Yep, call her crazy (we certainly do, in a loving, teasing sort of way) but for some, a collection of Starbucks is a wonderful way to commemorate a trip. The Starbucks “you are here” mug range is sold in airports and coffee shops all around the world, from Hong Kong to Sweden and beyond, and the ‘artwork’ on the mug is unique to the city which that particular Starbucks is located in. Lovely stuff.

Aside from mugs to commemorate trips, you can also purchase products travel mugs and, of course, there is official Starbucks holiday season merchandise, too. In the past, we’ve seen red and white cups with snowflakes, reindeers and other illustrations of that ilk (or should that be elk?) adorn their festive offerings, and this year looks set to continue that illustrious tradition. Expect to see more millennial colours this festive season, with Starbucks’ ‘Glitter Pink Swirl Cold Cup’ featuring the traditional green and red hues with a touch of pastel pink hues. 

THEY’LL USE IT 

Even if your colleague, friend or relative doesn’t like Starbucks themselves, perhaps because of some of the scandals they have been caught up in (remember when they didn’t pay corporation tax?), there is no doubt that they’ll use the gift card, even if they don’t believe in the company.  

There are hundreds of Starbucks shops up and down the country and sometimes convenience wins out over everything else (not to mention UberEats now deliver Starbucks straight to your door). And the company does have a social corporate responsibility program – that has to count for something, right?  

IT’S AN EASY OPTION

So, why a Gift Card? Gift cards don’t always have to be used as a personal gift; they can also be used as an incentive for employees within a company to drive sales performance and bring teams together. Gift cards can also be used for raffles, sales prizes or rewarding people who have done small jobs for you who aren’t allowed to accept cash tips. You can give a gift card to anybody from friends and family to customers and suppliers of your business. In short (well, not that short, it took us a paragraph), a Starbucks Gift Card is an easy, simple, convenient option.

With various voucher values available to choose from at giftvouchers.co.uk, a Starbucks gift card could be a main gift for somebody who’s obsessed with the brand and its coffee, or a small token or Secret Santa gift for somebody that you’d like to play it safe with when buying for. 

And with that, we hope you have a lovely Christmas!

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