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6 IDEAL WAYS TO DEAL WITH INDOOR PLANT PESTS

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL WAYS TO DEAL WITH INDOOR PLANT PESTS

If ever there was ever a time when we needed to bring the outside in, it’s now. Months of government imposed domestic downtime await, and houseplants might just be the greatest tool in your arsenal to keep you grounded and connected with nature.

Houseplants aren’t only visually arresting and a reminder of the beauty beyond your four walls; there’s also some evidence of houseplants bringing a positive impact to your well-being, too. Dr Antonis Kousoulis, director for England and Wales at the Mental Health Foundation recently suggested (via the Metro) that ”studies show a positive link between nature and a reduced risk of mental health problems, improved mood and increased life satisfaction’. 

‘Being in nature – however we may be able to experience it – brings lots of mental health benefits and it is possible to bring nature to your home with houseplants, which are known to boost feelings of wellbeing and reduce feelings of anger’’. 

What’s more, some houseplants have air purifying properties perfect for smooting the edges and soothing the inhabitants of all those home offices which have recently cropped up around the country.

As if we needed an excuse…

However, if you have a love for houseplants and take pleasure in looking after them, pest infestation is something you can’t escape. And the more you care for your plants, the more you might notice their propensity to house unwelcome guests.

Identifying the pest from the onset and nipping the issue in the bud can be quite difficult. Usually, by the time things are visible, the rate of infestation may have spiked. Better to go into this thing well informed and well equipped, to avoid irreparable issues later down the line. With that in mind, here are 6 IDEAL ways to deal with indoor plant pests.

USE OF PESTICIDES 

There are a wide range of pesticides available for use in the home, but they, of course, come with considerable caveats. Indeed, why invest in all those air purifying plants if you’re going to spray pesticides about the place? If you do go down this route, it’s best to specifically identify the pest at large and choose a targeted chemical to spray, ensuring it won’t do damage to the plant in the process, and the efficiency of a more focused pest removal is maximised.

That said, you might want to use natural insecticides…

USE ORGANIC PEST MANAGEMENT 

If you don’t want to use toxic chemicals, you can opt for natural techniques to keep pests at bay. Some of the most popular and effective ‘natural’ sprays you can make from items around the home include soapy water, ideal for dehydrating aphids and spider mites. You can also fashion a spray of pyrethrum, a natural insecticide made from dried chrysanthemum flowers which stops flying insects in their tracks.

Some experts also suggest sticking a couple of garlic cloves in the soil of houseplants; much like vampires, it also repels insects. Some even swear by using cinnamon to control pests; covering the top layer of soil with a dusting of cinnamon powder can keep fungus gnats at bay. Perhaps the most effective, natural-ish solution, is isopropyl alcohol…

USE ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 

Any plant you bring home might have arthropods lurking in its buds or soil. No plant is safe. Take a swab and dip it in a formula of 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with water at a ratio of 1:2 and remove any bugs available on the plant using it. Alternatively, spray the leaves gently with the solution.

WASH THE PLANTS SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE 

Rinsing plant leaves with warm water shortly after purchase goes a long way to getting rid of plant pests. Following this, experts recommend that you isolate the new plant for a couple of weeks, keeping it away from other houseplants to avoid the potential spread of pests. Once the fortnight is up, it’s safe to introduce your latest plant to its new housemates.

USE CLEAN, PASTEURISED POTS 

If you are housing a new plant, you must ensure the space (as in, the plant pot) is clean and ready to receive its new inhabitant. It’s essential you sterilise the pot prior to use, and ideally, use new soil rather than the stuff given to you by the shop, to ensure no interlopers have entered your home uninvited.

NATURAL SOLUTIONS 

The natural world is a wonderful thing, and even in the home, symbiotic relationships can be encouraged between your various houseplants. As such, consider choosing plants that contain properties that repel pests. Plants such as lavender and Mexican marigold, for instance, repel pests and insects, and can kill the nematodes. Check out this extensive list of pest-controlling plants for more.

Drying out the plant’s top two inches of soil can deter adult pests from laying their eggs. If there are lots of adult pests flying around the plant, repot the plant in pest-free soil. You can also add parasitic nematodes, which are small round worms, to the soil. They are harmless to the plant, but feed off the larvae of pests.

You should also take time to prune the dead leaves of your plants, as they provide a home to pests. Be aware that it’s usually the underside of the leaf that harbours plants, so be scrupulous. Prevention is usually better than cure, after all.

Go further in your plant care, and check out our tips on how to keep your houseplants alive for longer.

5 WAYS TO HAVE A BETTER PERIOD

Editorial Team
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5 WAYS TO HAVE A BETTER PERIOD

Here at IDEAL, we’ve really enjoyed Bodyform’s recent ad which highlights our womb stories; covering everything from endometriosis to menopausal hot flushes, first periods and even nipple hairs. It’s highlighted many of the unseen and unspoken truths about our wombs that woman experience everywhere, all the time.

The week of your period can be the most challenging time of the month, with anxiety and depression, mood swings, irritability, bloatedness and breast tenderness all familiar territory. While people experience periods in different ways, there are some ways to manage and even embrace yours, so you can feel your best you can during your menstrual phase. Here are 5 ways to have a better period.

KNOW YOUR CYCLE

We all know that our periods bring about hormonal changes that affect our mood, appetite, complexion, energy levels and so much more. Did you know that there are four phases of your menstrual cycle? When we learn about the changes happening to our bodies, we can see how they might affect other parts of our lives.

To experience the benefits of being in tune with your cycle, brush up on the different cycle phases, and find a tracking method that works for you -whether that is an app or just a traditional calendar – to understand which stage you’re at.

Your cycle begins with your period, or the bleeding phase, which lasts anywhere from 4-7 days. Since bloating is usually associated with this phase, avoid consuming too much salt or alcohol. This is when you’ll feel the most cramping and physical symptoms of your period. You may also get more food cravings, have less energy and be more withdrawn. This could be a great time to lay low and do some organising. Getting stuff crossed off your to do list at work and home will help you get in a better mood!

ALLOW YOURSELF TIME TO REST

Your period is triggered when your progesterone levels drop, causing the lining of your uterus to break down and shed. During this phase, your hormones and energy are at the lowest they will be during your cycle, while your body clears out what’s no longer needed and prepares for new growth.

This time requires rest and replenishment, and by trying to push through and force intense workouts or peak productivity, you risk depleting your body of nutrients and energy needed for your upcoming cycle, which can lead to inflammation, burnout and increasing your risk for continual PMS, cramping, bloat and painful periods.

While it can be tough to do in today’s ‘always on’ culture, scheduling some downtime and allowing yourself to sleep in, nap, or simply be without guilt will work to restore energy, reduce period pain and have a healthy cycle.

OPT FOR A SUPERIOR PRODUCT

Conventional period products (tampons, pads, etc.) are often expensive and contain known toxins, including aluminium, alcohol and fragrance additives. But perhaps worst of all, they’re bleached in the production process, leaving behind traces of dioxin and other toxins in our bodies that can lead to cramping, painful periods and hormone imbalances like endometriosis.

Using a menstrual cup like Saalt, which is made with a non-toxic, ultra-soft silicone formula, eliminates the need for toxic period products and saves you money (1 cup can last up to 10 years) while cutting down on environmental waste in the process. 

Read: Five of the best sustainable tampon alternatives that could be better for you and the planet

EAT FOODS PACKED WITH BENEFICIAL MINERALS

Because your hormones are at their lowest levels during your period, it’s crucial to replenish and remineralise with foods that work to keep your energy and mood stable while your brain adjusts to the downshift in your cycle. Foods loaded with iron and zinc, such as beef, lamb, seafood, beans, nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables are deeply restorative to your blood and kidneys, working to remineralise your body and replenish nutrients lost due to bloodshed.

FAVOUR GENTLE MOVEMENT/EXERCISE

While it may seem counterintuitive, it’s important to avoid high-intensity workouts during your period, which put additional strain on your adrenals, causing you to pump out more stress hormone cortisol in order to sustain enough energy during your workouts.

Over time, this can lead to excessive estrogen (which makes it more difficult to manage your weight) and adrenal dysfunction that compounds period pain and other hormonal imbalances.

Cycle-syncing your workouts by doing more high intensity exercise during the first half of your cycle (follicular + ovulatory) and gentle, low-impact activities like walking, stretching, and restorative yoga the second half (luteal + menstrual) supports your hormonal fluctuations, puts less stress on your adrenals, boosts your metabolism and energizes your body. And that’s what we’re all after, right?

7 IDEAL TIPS ON MANAGING YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE DURING CORONAVIRUS

Editorial Team
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7 IDEAL TIPS ON MANAGING YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE DURING CORONAVIRUS

It’s official; we are more stressed than ever about the current, COVID affected job market. In fact, in a recent survey, three-quarters of Brits said they ‘felt stressed about trying to find a new role in the current job climate, with a third putting their search on hold due to COVID-19’.

For those fortunate to have held onto their jobs, managing expectations about adapting their roles and responsibilities to fit into the ‘new normal’ has proven equally difficult to cope with. The home office and the home have blurred their boundaries, and there’s a danger that the nation’s workers are taking on more work than they can manage, just to keep hold of their jobs. 

Just because we’re in the throes of a Global Pandemic – or more importantly, because we’re in one – doesn’t mean you should let the Man grind you down or exploit you. Instead, here are 7 IDEAL tips on managing your work-life balance during coronavirus. 

PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS

The temptation to overextend ourselves is so strong whilst working from home. We’ve chores to complete, more meals than usual to consider, and of course, deadlines to meet which seem to have an added sense of urgency due to the pandemic. 

Take a pause. A moment. Stop trying to do everything. Focus on the tasks that you are good at and delegate the others, whether that’s around the home or in the virtual office. If you are not good at digital marketing or finances, for instance, outsource those tasks to co-workers or a international virtual assistant. Should cooking dinner not be your forte but you’ve got a chef in the family currently on furlough, then….do we need to spell it out?

Work smarter, not harder, as they say.

PLAN YOUR DAY

Learning how to manage your time is crucial for taking back control of your work-life balance. Instead of living each day flying by the seat of your pants, planning is key to boosting efficiency and productivity. Set work hours for yourself and do everything in your power to stick to keeping within them. Otherwise, before you know it, you’ll be working until midnight every night, the temptation stronger than ever since you’re working from home.

So, before you start your day, spare a few minutes to plan your whole day, as meticulously as you can bear. Write it down on paper or note it on your phone, with a to-do list as the focal point. You will be amazed at how planning your day will help you get more work done and reduce stress. 

PRIORITISE YOUR TASKS

You may well have 40 tasks on that to-do list we just extolled the virtues of. Ideally, you need to prioritise those tasks from most important/urgent to least important/urgent. That way you can tackle the urgent tasks first and complete the least important ones in due course. You wouldn’t want to waste a precious hour labouring over something minor, now would you?

TRUST YOUR COLLEAGUES 

‘’If you want something done right, do it yourself’’. Never was there a mantra more harmful to the stressed out home office worker.

Indeed, if you feel like you are racing against time, wondering how your day went by so fast, then you are probably not delegating enough. One person can only do so much, after all. By delegating properly and efficiently, you are able to focus on the more urgent tasks and handover the others. 

Use technology to assign those tasks and encourage teamwork between you and your partners, via collaboration-encouraging, communication-streamlining platforms such as Slack, perfect at keeping colleagues connected, Chanty, ideally suited to smaller businesses, Microsoft Teams for larger corporations, and Flock, which is similar to Slack but claims to run faster. Choose your poison.

KNOW YOUR PEAKS AND TROUGHS

Are you a morning person or are you more productive later in the day? If you are a morning person, it’s best to tackle the tough and high-concentration tasks early doors, leaving the afternoon free for more imaginative, creative and free-form activities. Should the reverse be true, then pace your day so that you hit your peak in the afternoon; perhaps giving you the perfect excuse for a lie in? 

Should you find it really tough to get going in the morning, check out our 8 expert-approved ways to become a morning person, and turn your day around!

LEARN TO SAY NO

If you’re the kind of person that finds it hard to say no to your boss or teammates when they ask for help, you’ll know the feeling of finding your proverbial plate overflowing. 

It’s all about learning when and how to stick to your guns. Indeed, there’s no need to respond straight away when someone asks you for help with a task; and don’t allow anyone to pressure you into doing otherwise. Instead, inform pushy colleagues that you’ll get back to them and take a moment to take back control of your time. This is where working from home is a blessing; it gives you that extra bit of distance and therefore assistance in saying no gracefully.

Give permission to yourself to put your foot down, with refusal delivered in a firm but friendly manner, and you’ll soon notice people in the office are treating you with more respect, not less. If not, then a little reasoning goes a long way. Remember, it’s better to do a few things well rather than burning the candle at both ends trying to get too much done.

TAKE BREAKS

Remember to take breaks throughout your workday. And no, not those types of break where you try to tackle the household chores. Instead, make time for yourself, to recharge and replenish, to take a walk or to meditate. It’s been suggested that these ‘micro breaks’ are actually hugely beneficial to productivity and workplace contentment. 

According to the Wellbeing Thesis, ‘’research found it is important to take mini-breaks throughout the working day. Mini-breaks help to support your wellbeing and increase productivity. A mini-break is a few minutes away from your work; this may be chatting with someone who is in the room with you or getting a drink.’’

If you find it difficult to pull yourself away from work, set regular reminders on your phone to do just that; doing so can break that trance like state we all fall into, and prompt you to recharge for a moment.

WHY YOU SHOULD SWITCH TO A SMART THERMOSTAT: THE IDEAL GUIDE

Editorial Team
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WHY YOU SHOULD SWITCH TO A SMART THERMOSTAT: THE IDEAL GUIDE

Ideal for saving the planet and your money, too.

Have you had the heating on yet? What temperature do you set the thermostat to? How do you get those damned timers to work properly? 

Yep, us Brits love to discuss our central heating setups, perhaps even more than we like a chinwag about the weather or a water cooler debrief of Saturday’s Strictly. But let’s be honest, for a nation so conversant in thermostats and febricity, we don’t actually use ours to its full potential. Features are left unloved, dials not twiddled and ultimately, energy is wasted. 

Don’t be that guy. Your device can do so much better than that. With this in mind, here’s the IDEAL guide on why you should switch to a smart thermostat, IDEAL for saving the planet and your money, too.

SO, WHAT ARE SMART THERMOSTATS?

Once open a time, the self appointed controller of heat in the household would simply turn a few knobs on the radiator when Winter rolled around, and that would be that until Spring. 

Smart thermostats (also known as WiFi thermostats), on the other hand, are programmable thermostats designed to control home temperatures automatically and responsively. They feature relatively advanced technology which makes them stand out from conventional kinds of thermostats.

FEATURES OF WIFI THERMOSTATS

But what is this advanced technology you speak of? Below are some of the main features of WiFi thermostats;

Remote access – a fully functioning WiFi thermostat should have remote accessibility. It should come with an app or be able to be controlled online, from afar (or from your bed, if you’re feeling lazy!).

Automation – these thermostats also need to be able to interact with other smart devices. This allows for effortless home automation, potentially opening the door to voice controlled heating, amongst other perks. 

Thermostat learning – this element helps the devices to learn your routines and habits so that they can make adjustments to your heating and temperature settings automatically. Some might find this part a little invasive; we find it pretty useful!

Alerts – the best WiFi thermostat features the ability to alert you when temperatures drop or rise. This feature is especially beneficial when you are on vacation or away from home for any reason. 

Geofencing – this is a home away function that allows your device to track your geolocation when you are close to home so that it can adjust the HVAC settings before you walk in.

Movement sensors – the best intelligent thermostats come with movement sensors to detect activity or movement around the house. This feature helps with scheduling and keeping particular parts of the house warmer or cooler in line with room occupation. 

REDUCED ENERGY BILLS

Incredible stuff, but won’t this come at a huge cost? 

Well, not really. In fact, one of the main advantages that WiFi thermostats have over conventional ones is that they actually facilitate your home consuming less energy. This is especially the case with programmable thermostats. 

In short, they are energy-saving because they allow you to schedule when the thermostat goes on and off, depending on your schedule. This means that the device doesn’t have to keep running throughout the day, hence saving energy costs. 

WiFi thermostats also allow you to use the correct temperature zoned, which reduces unnecessary energy consumption. And the more it learns about your behaviour, the more your heating can be fine tuned to be as energy efficient as possible.

In addition to reducing your energy costs, these devices also allow you to monitor the amount of energy you’re using, coming with a monitoring system that keeps track of your energy consumption. This means that if there are any changes that increase your energy consumption levels, you can find out and make the necessary adjustments. 

©[ROSSHELEN] VIA CANVA.COM

EASE OF CONTROL 

WiFi thermostats, like the name suggests, are compatible with smart devices. This means that you can sync them with your smartphone via a dedicated mobile app. After linking the device to your phone, you can monitor and control it using the app, wherever you are. 

For instance, as long as you have fully functioning WiFi, you can adjust the heating and HVAC settings directly from your phone. This element also allows you to manage your device even when you aren’t home; you can make changes to the temperature changes in your house when you are away on holiday or at work, priming your pad to be the perfect environment when you walk through the door. This is much easier than manually managing your conventional thermostat.

WiFi thermostats also have built-in learning functions. These elements allow the device to learn your habits and when the heating needs to be on and off. The aspect also allows the device to make changes to the schedules accordingly. By doing so, the device can self-adjust, and you do not have to make changes to the settings of the device manually. This level of intelligence and adaptability means you never have to lift a finger to achieve your preferred home ambience.

ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLINESS

WiFi thermostats also boast a lower carbon footprint than conventional controlling methods. In fact, it’s been said that smart thermostats can reduce your heating costs by 31%; and a reduction in usage of a third certainly translates to a lighter load on the environment. 

Indeed, according to Outrider, ‘’smart thermostats provide the means to make intelligent choices that cut down on the use of fossil-fuel energy sources by learning our heating and cooling preferences’’. An addition to the home which makes life more comfortable, saves on bills and lowers your carbon footprint…what’s not to love?

THE BOTTOM LINE

Switching from a conventional to a smart thermostat is certainly a move worth considering. Of course, the main downside is the investment in the device itself, but considering the average cost of one is around £150, the move soon makes financial sense. Good luck, and what temperature do you like to set yours?

Top image: ©[ROSSHELEN] VIA CANVA.COM

5 KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PLANNING AN EXTENSION TO YOUR HOME

Editorial Team
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5 KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PLANNING AN EXTENSION TO YOUR HOME

Ideal for those who feel like the walls have been closing in lately.

Are you dissatisfied with all the clutter at home? Have you spent this government-imposed time indoors longing for more space? Does lockdown have you feeling like the walls are closing in? Well, there is a solution; knock those walls down.

If only it were that easy. But planning a home extension is a simultaneously exciting and daunting experience, and to make the process as seamless as possible, you will need to consider a wide range of factors, get to grips with some complex legislation, and use some serious powers of foresight to get the job done. 

That said, the benefits of building outwards are vast. Choosing to extend your home is a great way to add space for a growing family and on top of that, doing so also adds value to your property should you be intending to sell up in the future.

With that in mind, here are 5 key considerations when planning an extension to your home, IDEAL for those who feel like the walls have been closing in lately.

PLANNING PERMISSION 

The first step to successful planning of any extension is finding out whether you need to apply for planning permission. Not all extensions require it, but it is crucial that you take the time to find out before you begin any work as failing to do so could result in you being asked to remove the extension. This outcome would be devastating, since by then, you will have spent lots of time and money on building. 

The eco building experts at ARBTECH recommend taking into account the biodiversity of your project, less you incur any fines. It would be wise to listen to them.

To find out, the government recommend contacting your local planning authority (LPA). You can do so on the Ministry of Housing’s Planning Portal. Via the site, you can also apply for planning permission.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Whether you need planning permission or not, you will need to abide by current building regulations for the extension to be legal and valid. The good news is that the majority of trades are able to self-certify their own work; these trades include Gas Safety engineers (you can check yourself on the Gas Safe Register), FENSA window fitters, NICEIC electricians and many more. 

However, if you are doing the work yourself or the tradesperson you are employing cannot self-certify, then you can work with your local building controls department (LABC) to request that their officers come out and certify the work for you. You can find the closest officers to you here. 

PASSING A RESIDENTIAL NOISE SURVEY

One of the most technical sides of building an extension is ensuring that it passes a residential noise survey. To get this done, the airborne and impact sounds caused by the building and its work are measured by a tester to ensure that it meets Part E (resistance to sound) Building Regs. According to Nova Acoustics, a residential noise survey should include advice on the layout of the proposed housing along with detailed instructions for the sound insulation the property needs.

To pass this test, you will need to install specific sound insulation to reduce the levels of noise that pass through the doors, floors and walls of the property. This would usually be done using the services of a nearby plasterer – this isn’t a job that’s easy to DIY.

Airborne tests focus on the level of airborne sound that passes through the walls such as talking, television noises and the radio. Impact tests focus on the level of noise that passes through the floors when there is movement or impact from walking, moving furniture or dropping items. 

These tests must be completed for all extensions, and you will need to engage with an official tester who will measure the sound transmission in decibels and inform you whether your work has passed or failed the test. Once you have passed the sound test, you can inform the planning office who will move forward with your application.

SELECTING THE RIGHT DESIGNER

Surprisingly, the law doesn’t actually make it obligatory to employ an architect to draw up the plans for an extension. Whilst there is no legal precedent for this, you may find the whole process more manageable if you do have accurate and detailed plans to hand. However, as architects are an expensive option, you will need to shop around to find the best fit before you part with any cash. 

According to the government’s official website, ‘’the Architects Registration Board regulates the architects’ profession in the UK to ensure that good standards of conduct and practice are consistently maintained’’. It’s therefore sensible that you find (or cross reference) your architect on the official architect’s register to ensure they have passed necessary scrutiny.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Another vital aspect of any building work is to have a confident project manager in place with a detailed and realistic project plan. This person could be you, a builder or other professional you hire. 

The role of a project manager is to ensure that all deadlines are being met, costs are kept to a minimum, and any issues are mitigated for so that the project is not thrown off track. Projects that do not have a clear leader often end up going over budget and past deadline because there is no single point of contact for queries.

THE BOTTOM LINE

In short, if you are planning a new extension, you must take the time to follow the correct processes so that you end up with a home that is built well and meets all the regulations that are associated with building works. 

You do not have to go on this journey alone, and your local planning office will work to support you with answering questions and providing information about regulations and guidance that you need to follow. 

Taking the time to adhere to all the requirements and regulations will result in an extension that can be enjoyed without the worry of having to redo any of the hard work that you have already put in place. Only then can you realise your dream of greater space in your home!

Should you have loftier ambitions and are looking to build your home from scratch, then check out our tips on doing just that.

5 IDEAL REASONS WHY YOUR BUSINESS’ WEBSITE SHOULD BE MULTILINGUAL

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS WHY YOUR BUSINESS’ WEBSITE SHOULD BE MULTILINGUAL
REASONS WHY YOUR BUSINESS’ WEBSITE SHOULD BE MULTILINGUAL

They say that the world is shrinking. And even though it sometimes feels like a divisive, polarised place, in reality, we’re more in tune to what’s going on in far flung locations than ever before.

The rate of globalisation in the e-commerce industry, in particular, is growing exponentially. Cross-border transactions and website reach which traverses continents both have the potential to be an absolute game-changer for many brands, serving the needs of a worldwide demographic rather than something overly niche and local.

But how do you truly expand your reach and capitalise on this new way of doing things globally? Well, the foundation of this for so many online brands is the implementation of a multilingual website. 

Of course, British and American English remains the dominant language of the internet, but it is by no means hegemonic. With Mandarin, Spanish and Hindi all used widely in the online sphere, broadening your brand’s voice will undoubtedly help you to increase your company’s exposure. On the flip side, by failing to provide your products or services in other languages, you’re narrowing your potential market considerably. 

If we’ve caught your attention and you’re keen to explore further, then here are 5 IDEAL reasons why your business’ website should be multilingual.

ADAPTABILITY

Nike is arguably the biggest sporting brand on the planet, and that’s because of its ability to understand local audiences and adapt its content to the needs and cultural norms of each target country. 

Such flexibility and fluidly enables a company to react to ever changing world events and shifting landscapes with nimbleness and precision. Because of this, flat-pack giant IKEA has also acknowledged the need to tweak their messaging away from their Swedish values to other European audiences and further beyond to Africa, Asia and America.   

EXPAND YOUR AUDIENCE TO NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING USERS

Did you know that only a quarter of all active internet users are native English speakers, according to Statista data? That means some 2.7+ billion non-English speaking consumers are sitting there, clicking away and waiting to interact with your brand. 

A multilingual website that covers Spanish, French and German, as well as Asian languages including Mandarin, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese, can open your brand to new segments of the market which will have a dramatic impact on your bottom line.

Of course, with such opportunities come new challenges, and you’ll need to diversify the way in which you deliver your product or service to reach new markets in one piece and to the high standards you’ve set. But you love a challenge, right?

TRANSFORM BOUNCE RATES AND CONVERSION RATES

Speaking of bottom lines, if you have discovered that your bounce rate (when someone alights on your website only to leave it rather than clicking on some of your other pages) is surprisingly high, it might be because you are attracting plenty of overseas organic search traffic who find your site to be impenetrable. 

If your website is only in English, you may well have overseas visitors leaving your site from the same page they landed on (i.e. bouncing). Multilingual websites can improve a user’s confidence in your offering, which can help to optimise conversion rates too. Ultimately, all of this translates into income.

ENHANCE YOUR BRAND’S IMAGE AND TRUST

In hyper-competitive markets, it can be difficult for brands to provide a point of difference from others in their industry. In reality, whatever product or service you provide may well be available elsewhere, and it might even be cheaper or of better quality. That’s the nature of the globalised world; there’s always someone ready to overperform or undercut you.

Multilingual websites can add immeasurable credibility to your business, establishing it as a truly global brand – even if you don’t serve all four corners of the globe. And in providing such credibility, you can separate yourself from the pack, displaying the inclusivity of your brand. In the modern world, an open arms approach online translates into growing sales.

TAKE A CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH TO GET A LEG UP ON YOUR COMPETITORS

When you translate your website into multiple languages, it’s essential to appeal to a user’s needs and challenges. Localise your content and contextualise it to resonate with new visitors to your site. In doing so, you’ll broaden your appeal. 

Each language has its own cultural differences. Some are more direct and up-front, while others are more subtle and focus on solving problems rather than fixating on price and discount. Should you be dexterous enough to not only provide multiple language options but also respond to cultural demands, then the world is your bilingual bivalve. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Translating your website into a multilingual platform is more cost-effective than you might think. It’s certainly cheaper than many other forms of digital marketing, helping to drip-feed new channels of organic search traffic to your site and expand into markets you never even thought you could access. Good luck!

6 MENTALLY STIMULATING THINGS TO DO AT HOME DURING LOCKDOWN

Editorial Team
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6 MENTALLY STIMULATING THINGS TO DO AT HOME DURING LOCKDOWN

Ideal for those looking to fight off the boredom and keep their brains sharp in the coming months.

Lockdown 2.0 has begun, and with it, a regression into our pyjamas and onto our sofas until this thing all blows over. Of course, we exaggerate, apart from the regression part, perhaps. Suddenly, we’ve got an awful lot of time indoors on our hands, and there’s a danger of us simply shutting down, switching off and hibernating until Spring. Without the proper mental stimulation, that is.

Indeed, we owe it to ourselves to keep our minds active and fertile as Winter approaches, so we can emerge from this trying time sharp, focused and perhaps even with some new skills up our sleeve. With that in mind, here are 6 mentally stimulating things to do at home during lockdown.

COOK NEW RECIPES

Those cooking books you bought with honest intentions but haven’t used beyond flicking through the pictures? Well, it’s time to dust them down and learn some new recipes. Indeed, now is the perfect time to flex those culinary muscles and get to grips with some new ingredients, cooking styles, cuisines, and ultimately, cultures too. 

With more time on our hands, allow lockdown life to offer its own sense of escapism at meal times. Why not try out a new country’s cuisines a couple of times a week? We understand that finding esoteric ingredients is tough right now, and some of the more obscure kitchen equipment from across the globe will be hard to get your hands on, but with diligent recipe reading and one-shopping-trip-a-week planning, you can have yourself a trip around the globe via your tongue instead.

A learning experience and adding new dishes to your repertoire; what’s not to love?

HOST A TRIVIA NIGHT WITH YOUR FAMILY

Combining mental stimulation, learning of new facts, a competitive spirit and the chance to socialise with family from afar…what’s not to love? Seeing as we’re not going to be, erm, seeing our family for the foreseeable future, then hosting a quiz night with them sounds like a great way to stay mentally stimulated (and fill those gaps in conversation) with your loved ones.

Simply compile some trivia questions for adults (or find them online, of course), and encourage every participant to download both a conference call platform – Zoom functions well – and simple software which lets you make quiz templates, fill in the answers as teams, and have them totted up automatically. We’re fans of the simplicity of the Kahoot app, which makes organising quizzes a doddle.

BREATHING EXERCISES

Stop what you’re doing. Take a deep, lengthy inhale through your nose. Count to five, letting it flow deep down into your belly. Now exhale. Aaaahhhh.  

Are you feeling a little more relaxed already? Breathing exercises, simple and easy to do at home and for free, are one of the most effective ways to relax, immediately taking you out of a stressful situation and allowing you to realign your focus and regain some perspective. You can do them standing up, sitting down, lying on your bed…yep, the possibilities are endless.

Indeed, according to the American Institute of Stress via the Independent, ‘’abdominal breathing for 20 to 30 minutes each day will reduce anxiety and reduce stress. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness’’. Do your brain and favour and take a few.

If you’re looking to take things further, then gifting yourself ten minutes each day to sit in silence and practice breathing can also work wonders in beating stress. We’re big fans of guided meditation apps, which help give you the tools to tackle stressful situations with confidence, with most of the key players offering free versions during this time of crisis.

LEARN A LITTLE

Whilst it’s fine just to sit back and veg out if that’s how you cope best, if you do feel the urge to engage in a spot of self improvement, too, then that’s great. There are loads of free online courses out there, primed and ready to get you educated on a new subject or adept at a new skill. 

The Open University are offering thousands of free courses and interactive videos in everything from Sports Psychology to Politics, from Law to Languages and more. If that wasn’t enough to satisfy your insatiable appetite for academia, Harvard University also have a catalogue of great, coin-free courses on offer, too. 

START A BLOG

Writing down what’s on your mind and starting a blog can help you process what’s been going on while you’re stuck at home, and might even provide you with a second income if you play your pens right. Doing so can also help you tap into that creative side of yours, flexing parts of your brain which might otherwise lay dormant whilst socially-distanced stimulation runs low. 

Though, of course, having an outlet for your thoughts and feelings is enough, if you do intend to turn your blog into something profitable, check out this really useful article from Save the Student on how to make money from blogging.

PLAY JIGSAW PUZZLES 

The wellbeing benefits of taking up a new hobby have been well documented. And while you might scoff at the idea of doing jigsaw puzzles to fill the time, they too have been attributed with boosting wellbeing and stimulating the mind, particularly in those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Indeed, research in 2014 suggested that regularly tackling jigsaw puzzles resulted in enhanced spatial skills. Yale University has also posited that doing them builds collaborative and cooperative skills. Wow! As such, why not consider making it a couple’s or family activity by having a big puzzle to complete together. Your relationship might even benefit!

Speaking of which, and since we’ve come to the end of our article, why not check out our advice on the ways to reignite the spark in your relationship left cold by lockdown.

5 WAYS TO EXERCISE DURING THE CURRENT LOCKDOWN

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5 WAYS TO EXERCISE DURING THE CURRENT LOCKDOWN

 

Ideal for those missing the gym and looking for alternatives.

Nobody knows when lockdown 2.0 restrictions will recede. Sure, early December is pencilled in, but if there’s anything these unprecedented times have taught us, it’s that the government will find surprising new ways to break their promises. It only takes two U-turns to form a circle, after all, and the powers-that-be have been running in them for a while.

Best to get your genuine running shoes on, then, to stay fighting fit, forward thinking and focused during a hugely frustrating time. Moving around and staying active isn’t just important for staying in shape. It also helps with mental wellbeing, something that is essential during these strange, emotionally exhausting times. 

Thankfully, you don’t necessarily need to go to the newly shuttered gym, swimming pool or fitness class to get yours. Here are 5 ways to exercise during the current lockdown, IDEAL for those missing the gym and looking for alternatives.

RIDE A BIKE 

If there’s any exercise on this list that sits (literally) above the rest, it’s this one. Not only is it low impact, which helps put less pressure on your body compared to, say, running, but it also provides an excellent full core workout. Perhaps most importantly, in this current situation, it gets you out of the house to enjoy some fresh air without bringing yourself to the attention of the authorities. 

When it comes to cycling, ensure you select the right bike for the job. If you plan on getting going off-road – and frankly, what a welcome respite from the chaos that would be – then a hybrid bike makes sense. There are specialist unisex and men’s hybrid bikes available which makes sure your ride is a comfortable one. 

Alternatively, if you can’t face the inclement weather but still want to benefit from riding, the home exercise bike market has come on leaps, bounds and pedals in recent years. At the budget end of the spectrum, you can secure a sturdy, comfortable fold-up version for use at home for around £150 online, which come complete with a screen to monitor distance, speed, heart rate and more. Not bad for the price, hey? Or, at the premium end, community based exercise bike and software platform Peloton provides some serious motivation when you need to push through those last few rotations.

CALLISTHENICS

Resistance training performed via callisthenics (that is, using your body weight to provide the resistance) is a great way to keep your strength up during the downtime, without having to invest in any expensive dumbbell sets. The good thing about these types of resistance exercises is that you can perform them pretty much anywhere. 

Of course, certain exercises will require a little bit of creativity, but you can perform the likes of squats and push-ups from the comfort of your home. If you’re keen to harness the power of the ultimate callisthenic exercise, then invest in a pull up bar which you can affix to your door frame; brilliant for building arm, shoulders, back and core strength.

VIRTUAL FITNESS CLASSES

Okay, it’s not as social as meeting up with some friends and going to your local spin or yoga class, but it also doesn’t put you at risk of financial punishment for your actions, so there is that. Nevertheless, virtual fitness classes are a great way to find the ideal workout routine to follow while at home. 

YouTube is populated with an endless selection of fitness classes and courses you can follow, from eight-minute ab workouts to dance-based exercises and of course, ever more popular guided yoga sessions. That, or you could check out GymCube, whose platform has over 700 virtual workout sessions, easily filtered into intensity, calorie-burn and more.

CLEANING AROUND THE HOUSE 

Sure, we might be scraping the barrel here, but even by doing that scraping, we’re burning some calories…

People often overlook the fitness benefits gained by cleaning. Others may view it as a cynical marketing (or partner’s) attempt to make us do more than is strictly necessary. Most will simply see it as a chore that needs to be done and one that doesn’t have any advantages other than keeping your house free from clutter and dirt. 

However, you can easily burn a few hundred calories from mopping the floor, sweeping, and cleaning the windows. To drill down on the digits a little, it’s said that 30 minutes of washing dishes with moderate intensity – however that looks – burns around 187 calories for someone weighing around 9 stone. This is especially the case if you make a few minor adjustments when performing your cleaning routine — for instance, some lunges when vacuuming can really make a difference. 

GARDENING 

In relation to the previous point, garden maintenance can also double as exercise. If you throw in some squatting while weeding, this will help strengthen your glutes and core, while carrying around a watering can and other tools can tone your arms. Indeed, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention via Michigan State University, gardening does count as exercise, and doing so for just two and a half hours a week ‘’can reduce the risk for obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, depression, colon cancer and premature death’’. And that’s not to mention its positive impact on your wellbeing.

THE IDEAL TREATS TO KEEP YOUR DOG HAPPY AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER

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THE IDEAL TREATS TO KEEP YOUR DOG HAPPY AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER

How grateful are we for our furry friends this year as Winter rolls into view? Whilst their presence is, of course, always so welcome, with Lockdown 2.0 and the prospect of months spent indoors without company around the corner, the gratitude we’re feeling for our pets is currently at fever pitch.

Treating your dog isn’t simply about showering them with unconditional love whenever that surge of emotion hits, which, frankly, is often. It’s also a great way to reinforce positive behaviour patterns and slip in some extra nutrition, too.

Let’s be honest, here; dogs weren’t always domesticated like they are today. At heart, they’re still pack animals and retain much of their pack-hunting mentality. Much like their ancestors, dogs possess the concept of scarcity, meaning that, to them, food may always feel like a limited resource. That’s why most dogs will eat anything that looks or smells like food, given the opportunity.

This causes a problem: if your dog will eat pretty much anything, how do you know what treats are best to give them? With that in mind, here are the IDEAL treats to keep your dog happy and healthy this winter.

WHAT TREATS SHOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR DOG?

The dog treat industry is vast, meaning it can be difficult to choose the right treat for yours, with the paradox of choice lurking in every pet shop and on every supermarket shelf with a dedicated animal section. That said, some treats are better for your beloved pooch than others, while some are best avoided altogether. 

The best treats will provide your dog with nutrition as well as flavour, contributing to their happiness and health. Just like where the human diet is concerned, the healthiest dog treats are made with natural ingredients and don’t have any additives or preservatives –– these treats will keep your dog satisfied and satiated without causing them to put on unnecessary weight. 

The cooking process of the dog food is also important, as minimal processing and lower heat will retain the treat’s nutritional content. Treats that have been heavily processed won’t contain nearly as many nutrients as considerately treated, gently cooked, lightly processed foods.

USING DIFFERENT DOG TREATS FOR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS

Generally speaking and according to the experts, you should use different types of dog treats for different circumstances to help maintain your dog’s balanced diet.

Smaller treats should be used for training and rewarding good behaviour. When training your dog, you’ll be repeating specific actions to encourage them to obey commands and reinforce good behaviour, so using multiple small treats won’t impact your dog’s diet too greatly.

Larger treats should be reserved for stopping your dog from getting too hungry between meals and can be used to keep them occupied during the day. These treats typically contain a higher fat content than regular dog food – though fish-based treats are lower in fat – so their meals should be adjusted accordingly if they’ve had a lot of big treats over the course of the day. 

Whatever the situation, be mindful of how many treats you give your dog. Bestowing treats too much or too often could result in an imbalanced diet, which could lead to weight gain and heart problems. Opting for low-fat treats containing fish or lean meat (such as chicken, turkey or lean ground beef) can also help keep your dog’s diet in balance.

HOW CAN I FIND THE BEST DOG TREATS?

Typically, the more expensive and ‘up-market’ brands manufacture treats using a higher quality of ingredient, which is, in turn, more nutritious for your dog. However, this isn’t always the case. A more reliable indicator of quality than price is found in the actual ingredients list.

According to Which, ‘’The British Veterinary Association’s advice is that any commercially manufactured pet food in the UK that meets PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturing Association) guidelines would have complete nutritional requirements for pets’’. As such, be sure to check the list of ingredients in dog treats before making a purchase; it should all be there. 

Fish and meat are typically the highest-quality ingredients in dog treats and dog food. Over thousands of years of domestication, dogs have adapted to digest a wider range of foods, including vegetables, fruit, wheat and rice. 

Indeed, whether or not they should be classed as omnivores or carnivores is still open for debate. Either way, the bulk of a dog’s nutrition should come from meat or fish, which should be located at the top of any ingredients list, making up at least 55% of the contents of the treat. Generally speaking, the higher the meat content, the higher the treats’ nutritional value, though owners should cast a scrupulous eye over the finer print to assess the water content of the protein ratios.

Fish-based treats are some of the most nutritious for your dog. They’re high in Omega-3 fatty acids, low in fat and are highly palatable. Your pooch will benefit from the healthy nutrition they get from such treats and won’t get too hungry between meals as a result. They’re also suitable for BARF diets and are good for a dogs stomach.

WHAT ARE THE WORST TREATS FOR DOGS?

Most ‘budget’ dog treats contain preservatives, to extend their shelf life, and additives, to enhance their appearance and flavour. They’re also high in saturated fats and sodium (salt), which are bad for your dog if ingested regularly. Cheap ingredients, such as wheat, corn syrup and gluten, should also be avoided, as they can upset your dog’s stomach and they provide little nutrition. If a dog food is grain free, it will usually be stated clearly for the benefit of the consumer.

Rawhide is also notoriously bad for your dog. If swallowed, chunks of rawhide can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system leading to potentially fatal consequences. The pieces can easily become contaminated with salmonella or E. coli, posing a threat to both dog and owner. Although dogs instinctively chew – it provides them with simulation and relieves anxiety – rawhide isn’t suitable in any circumstance.

Consistently treating your dog with unhealthy snacks will lead to obesity and a myriad of other health conditions, including heart problems and diabetes. Consider investing in higher-quality dog treats to maintain your dog’s health and give them something even picky eaters won’t be able to resist. 

CAN I GIVE MY DOG HUMAN FOOD?

Dogs can eat some types of human food, but it’s best to restrict the amounts given, as dogs have different digestive systems to people. What might seem nutritious and healthy to us could make your dog ill.

As a general rule, avoid giving your dog processed foods – crisps, biscuits and sweets aren’t particularly good for us, so they’re bound to be bad for your dog. Instead, opt for small amounts of vegetables and fruit, including carrots, broccoli, apples, blueberries and watermelon.

WHAT FOOD CAN’T I GIVE MY DOG?

Never feed your dog chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocado, lemons, limes, macadamia nuts, onions or garlic, or any meal preparations containing these ingredients. All these foods are toxic to dogs and will seriously harm their health. 

You should never give your dog tea, coffee or alcohol. Dogs’ metabolisms are different to ours, meaning that even small amounts of caffeine or alcohol can cause a great deal of harm. If your dog is thirsty, ensure that they’ve always got plenty of fresh water available, and top up their water bowl regularly.

THE BOTTOM LINE

As humans, we typically know what foods are good for us, intuitively and intelligently. We can read the list of ingredients in any product, find out the nutritional content and make a decision on whether or not it’ll be good for us. Dogs aren’t able to make those same, informed decisions. That’s why it’s so important to choose nutritious and flavoursome treats for our precious pets, so they stay happy and healthy throughout their lives.

So what are the best dog treats? They’re those that you’ll feel good about giving to your dog. Treating your faithful companion to a nutritious and tasty snack will keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

HOW TO BUILD THE IDEAL GAMING SETUP IN 5 STEPS

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HOW TO BUILD THE IDEAL GAMING SETUP IN 5 STEPS

Whether you are a fan of PUBG or a champion Fifa player, gaming has provided real comfort (and distraction from the boredom) during the various lockdowns and periods of isolation we’ve all had imposed on us. 

With a new lockdown looming, it’s only natural that keen gamers are contemplating getting their gaming environment on point, holing up for months ahead, and playing right on through until Spring. Indeed, in order to take your gaming to the next level, having the right gear can make all the difference. 

Despite common misconceptions, creating a professional-level gaming setup really doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. That’s fortunate, since you need that arm to hold your console’s controller. Yet still, so many keen gamers are labouring under the assumption that the dream set up is just that, a dream. Rest assured, even on a modest budget, you can get this thing done; here’s how to build the IDEAL gaming setup in 5 steps.

IDENTIFY AND SOURCE YOUR GEAR

The first thing you need to do when building a gaming setup is to identify the gear which you want before you visit a store or look online. This will stop you from making impulse purchases that don’t actually add anything to your gaming experience, and potentially missing essential items in the process. Doing so also enables you to shop around in advance, comparing prices and finding discounts and deals on all the gear you need.

There are many specialised stores in the UK which exclusively sell gaming equipment but this tends to come at a cost. Sometimes, you’re paying for the experience of going to a dedicated gaming store to buy your goods. And whilst the free soft drink on arrival and chance to have a quick spin on the latest version of COD is certainly welcome, your gear will likely be severely marked up to compensate.

Indeed, the good folks at this computer shop in Weymouth explain that you’ll be able to source cheaper gaming equipment at a general computer store and may even be able to find some great second-hand bargains. Computer shops often sell barely-used or refurbished computers and accessories which are ideal for gamers working on a budget but which still provide all the specifications which you need to play your favourite games.

HD MONITOR

Your monitor is one of the most important parts of any gaming setup because there is no point having a computer with top processing and gaming specs if you are playing it on a fuzzy screen. Modern video games have incredible graphics, and in order to truly enjoy the experience to its full potential, an HD monitor is absolutely key. If you already have an HD TV in your home then you can link your computer up to that, but if not, invest in a quality monitor and it will really lift the whole gaming experience to another level.

CREATE A GREAT AUDIO SETUP

The best gaming setups are totally immersive and allow you to completely lose yourself in your game. And we all need a little escapism at the moment, right? Modern video games are designed to hit all of your senses as long as you have the right gear, and as well as an HD monitor, your audio equipment is key to creating the ultimate gaming setup. Invest in a top of the line sub and speakers, or if noise is a factor in your home, buy a great pair of gaming headphones. The noise of the Fifa crowd, or of bullets whizzing by as you complete a mission on Call of Duty, can really make the difference between a decent gaming setup and a great one.

A DEDICATED ROUTER

Love online games? Don’t we all? Tired of the rhetorical questions? Yeah, us too. 

But if you answered in the affirmative to the first question, then it’s best to install a dedicated wireless router used only for game playing online. This will avoid issues with slow load times when other residents are using the household network, giving competitive gamers an edge and preventing unnecessary interruptions. You wouldn’t want to reach the iconic final life of Half Life 2 only for it to crash because your dad started streaming Netflix upstairs, now would you?

FIND THE IDEAL GAMING CHAIR

So you’ve sourced the focal point of your gaming set up; now, it’s time to get comfy. Top gamers spend a huge amount of time sitting down in front of their computer, and as everyone who works all day at a computer in an office knows, this can lead to various aches, pains, and strains. The best way to overcome this is to find the perfect gaming chair so that you can put in the necessary gaming hours in complete comfort. There are hundreds of different gaming chairs available and their features (and prices) vary widely. 

The best ergonomic gaming chairs are specially designed to support your back and neck and come with adjustable heights so that you will always be at the right height and angle to your screen to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and eye strain. 

You can also get chairs with swivel capability, massage function, and speakers built into the headrest. When it comes to buying a gaming chair, it is always worth trying them out in the shop before you buy one so that you know that it feels comfortable before you part with your money.

UPDATES NOT UPGRADES

If you’re looking for the ideal gaming setup but are on a limited budget, one of the easiest ways to breathe some new life into your gaming room is to upgrade your tech. Simply by focusing on parts of it which are lagging, rather than investing big bucks in a whole new piece of hardware.

Upgrading the hard drive of your PlayStation or Xbox for your gaming room means that you can improve on loading times, without having to invest in a new device. Likewise, adding more storage can make everything run more smoothly on your smartphone. Hey, it might even mean you have more room for all the newfangled apps that are released each day – during August 2020, 111 thousand mobile apps were released through Google Play Store. Wow!

THE BOTTOM LINE

The difference that a top gaming setup can make to your overall experience cannot be overstated. With the incredible advances in visuals, sound and playability in gaming in recent years, it is only right to give yourself the best setup to unleash the potential of these games. Source all of your gear and look at ways to reduce the cost of creating the best gaming PC. After that, find everything you need to create a comfortable, sensually immersive experience. Happy gaming!

HOW TO GET MORE COLLAGEN IN YOUR DIET & WHY YOU SHOULD

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HOW TO GET MORE COLLAGEN IN YOUR DIET & WHY YOU SHOULD

Ideal for a healthy gut and glowing skin.

The talk about collagen’s benefits is certainly nothing new, with its associations with youth and visual vibrancy well documented in the cosmetics industry. Indeed, this remedy for the signs of ageing has been widely used in hair and skin care products for decades, even though its genuine effects and the validity of its elixir-of-youth like properties have also been at the centre of some pretty heated discussions over the years.

However, whatever your dedication to beauty products, collagen remains an essential component of the body, responsible for healthy teeth, bones, joints and of course, skin. 

But how to make sure you’ve got enough of the stuff? The nutrition and well-being experts from Primal Harvest recommend that, while cosmetics may bring some ad hoc benefits, the most effective and long-term way to boost collagen levels is through ingestion and that it can be advantageous not only to your hair and skin, but also to those bones and joints we already mentioned.

That’s why a growing number of people start to pay more attention to ingestible collagen peptide powders and capsules, as well as collagen-rich foods. Read on to learn more about how to get more collagen in your diet and why you should, IDEAL for a healthy gut and glowing skin.

WHAT IS COLLAGEN AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?

Long story short, collagen is made up of essential amino acids, and is the glue that holds you together, as it binds tissues and cells, maintaining their integrity. It is the main structural and most abundant protein in your body, responsible for keeping everything in place. Whenever you consider how strong your joints or teeth are or how exceptional your skin elasticity is (what, you don’t do that?) you have collagen to thank for that.

Unfortunately, as we grow older, our bodies get worse at producing collagen, which leads to (among other things) hair loss, wrinkles, or joint pain. Additionally, a more modern version of consumption (toxins, pollution, stimulants, processed foods) also contributes to the detriment of collagen production. Finding other sources of the good stuff, then, whether via food sources or collagen supplements, is a contributing factor to staying healthy in later life.

There are numerous types of collagen, but people rely mostly on types I-III. You will find type I mainly in your skin, organs, and bones, type II in cartilage, and the third type of collagen in fibres in connective tissue.

THE BENEFITS OF ADDING COLLAGEN TO YOUR DIET

  • Improved Mobility – Healthy Joints and Strong Bones

Cartilage is a tissue responsible for supporting your joints, and collagen is essential for maintaining strong tissue. When your collagen synthesis and production decreases with time, people become more prone to developing degenerative joint disorders. According to several studies, consuming collagen in foods and supplements might help you deal with the joint pain that comes with age, improving your overall mobility in the process.

Since a large part of your bones constitutes collagen, the decrease in its production will also lead to bone mass deterioration, hence osteoporosis and other bone density issues often occur as we age, in tandem with collagen production falling. Some preliminary studies suggest that taking collagen supplements and introducing more collagen-rich ingredients into your diet may slow down bone health deterioration. 

  • Healthy Skin

Collagen is essential for proper hydration and making sure your skin stays shiny, elastic, and strong. That’s why, with age, your skin may get dry, wrinkled, and saggy; because collagen production slows with time. Research says that increasing collagen intake as you get older (whether in the form of collagen supplements or by combining them with the right food) can help you slow the cosmetic ageing processes.

  • Healthy Gut

Collagen’s amino acid profile also makes it beneficial for digestion and overall gut health. Collagen helps produce enough gastric juices for proper digestion while also preventing an excess of them, which can be harmful. 

Additionally, research indicates that glycine, an amino acid that supports collagen synthesis, is incredibly helpful in gut healing and preventing stomach ulcers. What’s more, this synthesis can also contribute to the recovery of intestinal and stomach lining. 

Last but not least, collagen is a hydrophilic molecule – which means that it has an attraction to water and acids. When you ingest it, it surrounds itself with water and stomach acids, moving other foods smoothly through your gastrointestinal tract, in turn, supporting the proper breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates.

  • Reduced Cellulite

Collagen boosting foods and supplements may also help you get rid of cellulite. How is that possible, we hear you ask? Well, cellulite is basically fat, pushing your skin out of shape, and collagen promotes proper skin hydration and strengthens connective tissues, making your skin more elastic and firm.

COLLAGEN-RICH FOODS

If you want to boost the production of collagen in your body, you will need to find healthy food products which contain different amino acids (e.g., leucine, lysine, proline, glycine), proteins used by your organism to make or synthesize collagen, or certain vitamins and minerals (e.g., vitamin C, copper, zinc, manganese).

To switch to a collagen-rich diet, you may want to include the following foods into your diet:

  • dairy
  • fish
  • eggs
  • lean meat
  • stock (sometimes referred to as ‘bone broth’)
  • potatoes
  • broccoli
  • cereals
  • citrus fruits
  • nuts
  • shellfish
  • strawberries
  • blackcurrants

Moreover, if you want to include more collagen in your diet, conversely, you also need to know what foods you should avoid. Too much sugar, refined carbohydrates, and other processed foods will negatively influence collagen production, no matter how much collagen-rich ingredients, supplements and ingestible collagen powder you consume. Food for thought, indeed.

THE COLLAGEN DIET – MORE THAN GLOWING SKIN AND A HEALTHY GUT

Maintaining the right amounts of collagen in your body is crucial to your overall health. Since you synthesise and produce less collagen as you get older, you’ll begin to notice several changes  – hair loss, dry and saggy skin, joint pain – which are related to this inevitability. 

You can decide to supplement collagen in the form of peptide powders or capsules, eat collagen-rich foods, such as fish, dairy, or lean meat, or consume products that contain amino acids and other nutrients necessary for collagen production and synthesis. Remember that whenever your health and diet is concerned, it’s vital you consult with your GP or medical practitioner before enacting changes.

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING WINES

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A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING WINES

Ideal for those looking to get to grips with beverage basics.

In the most basic terms, wine is an alcoholic beverage made from a fermented juice of grapes. But as we all know, it’s so much more than that; an age-old and refined process which translates into a high falutin, highly enjoyable experience when in conscientious, well chosen hands and on carefully trained palates.

When considering that drinking experience, the process of winemaking itself and the kind of grapes used define the taste experience. But drinking wine is more than just consuming an alcoholic beverage. To get to grips with the essentials, here’s our beginner’s guide to understanding wines, IDEAL for those looking to get to grips with beverage basics.

WINE BASICS

Wines are mostly made with wine grapes, which are sweeter, smaller, contain seeds, and have thicker skins than their fruit bowl dwelling cousins. For commercial production, there are a thousand wine grape varieties and each may vary when it comes to size, shape and wine calories, but only about a hundred of these varieties make up 75% of vineyards across the globe.

Such grape varieties are planted by wine producers around the world. These days, Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most planted wine grape. Other popular red wine grape varieties include Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Merlot. In terms of white grape varieties, they include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.

OLD OR NEW WORLD?

Countries that make wines are often known as New World or Old World. In short, Old World consists of European regions with histories of wine production, including Germany, France, and Italy. Such regions focus on “terroir,” which is the term used to describe the unique characteristics of the climate and soil – emphasised by minerals in the region’s earth, the weather, levels of sunshine and a certain sprinkle of je ne sais quoi – all of which provide wines with a sense of place and personality.

On the other hand, New World refers to newer wine-producing regions such as Chile, the US, and Australia; what these regions lack in heritage, they often make up for in exciting, innovative production methods and resultant intriguing flavour profiles. Such regions tend to have hotter climates, and use more esoteric labelling methods, preferring to list grapes instead of regions on their labels for recognition and to distinguish their product.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WINES

Wine may largely be arranged into five basic groups. Within every group, there are lots of winemaking styles and grape varieties. For the uninitiated, the five main groups are:

  • White Wines

When it comes to white wines, the flavours may range from light to rich, with colours anywhere from yellow gold, straw yellow, or yellow green. The variety of white wine comes from the different winemaking methods, number of varieties, as well as ratios of residual sugar. Primarily, white wines are from white grapes, which are yellow or green in color. Other white wines may be made from grapes with coloured skin. White wine grapes can also be used to make the currently in vogue ‘orange’ (or skin contact) wine.

  • Red Wines

Red wines are made from dark grape varieties and are perfect for heartier, more generous meals and occasions. Their actual colour may range from intense violet to brown for older red wine and brick red for mature wines. The juice from the majority of purple grapes is greenish-white; the red colour comes from anthocyanin pigments that are present in grape skins rather than the flesh.

  • Rosé Wines or Blush Wines

These wines are pink in colour because they’re allowed to stay in contact with red grape skins for a short period of time in comparison to red wines. On the spectrum between white and red, rosé is closer to the lighter side, due to its comparatively lower tannin levels. Some famous rosé wine varieties are Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir.

  • Sparkling Wines

These wines have significant carbonation that may happen as an organic part of the fermentation process or through a carbon dioxide injection after the process of fermentation. When you’re reading a sparkling wine label, you’ll also encounter some terms that show its dryness or sweetness. As so many will attest, sparkling serves as a celebratory sip.

  • Dessert Wines

The dessert wine got its name due to its sweeter taste and the fact that because of this, it’s often served after a meal, complementing the final course perfectly. Usually, an alcohol beverage like brandy is added to dessert wines so they can retain more of their natural sugars, which are used up during the process of fermentation.

KEY WINE DESCRIPTORS

  • Body – Refers to the wine’s viscosity and perceived weight. Full-bodied wines feel thick, and may likely coat the sides of the wine glass once you swirl. On the contrary, light-bodied wines are closer to water in texture, while medium-bodied wines lie somewhere in-between.
  • Tannins – For red wines, it’s all about tannins. A high level of tannin in wines is astringent, which can result in an inky and bitter flavour. Low tannin wines are soft and smooth and may be more drinkable depending on your preferences or tastes. The latter can work well chilled.
  • Acidity – A big deal for those who’ll prefer white wines because acidity makes such wines crisp and refreshing. If acidity is overdone, the wine can end up being overly sour. On the other hand, low acidity can make wine taste almost fatty.
  • Sweetness – Dry is the opposite of sweetness. A wine may also be off-dry or medium-dry.

TIPS WHEN SERVING WINE

Well, those are the basics. But there’s no point getting on top of the finer details until you know how to enjoy wine to its fullest potential. Just because you’re a beginner doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see to it that your wine is served at its best. To do that, you should pay attention to glassware, preservation, and temperature.

Below are some of wine serving tips you should know:

  • Glassware

Every wine has something unique to offer to one’s senses. Many wine glasses are shaped specifically to accentuate such defining characteristics, which direct wine to the key areas of the nose and tongue where they may be fully enjoyed. While wine can, of course, be enjoyed in any kind of glass, glasses designed for a certain type of wine may help you experience its nuances in a better way. 

  • Preservation

Whenever you have leftover wine, the key is preservation. As wines come into contact with air, it easily spoils. To reduce the process of deterioration, try using a fast vacuum pump to suck out any excess air. If there’s less air in the bottle, the longer the lifespan of the wine.

  • Temperature

Not to be confused with simply bunging some bottles in the fridge, a dedicated wine storage cabinet is able to hold your bottles at the ideal temperature – 5 – 10°C for white and 10-20°C for red – and humidity (70%) for longevity. Since wine is damaged by excesses of temperature and its fluctuation, if you’re taking your domestic wine bar seriously, an appropriate storage system is essential.

Whites and reds are consumed at various temperatures. However, going too far in either direction can limit how much you could enjoy the wine. A white wine that’s very cold may become flavourless and a red wine that’s very warm is often alcoholic and flabby.

THE BOTTOM WINE – SORRY, LINE

When it comes to wine, it’s all about enjoyment and you may choose how little or how much to learn about the process. Although finding the perfect wines best suited for your preferences can be challenging, discovering more about the rich variety of the wine world will better help you determine the difference between various types of wines available on the market. The key is to never stop enjoying wine until you find the perfect bottle for you!

5 TIPS FOR PLANNING A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION THIS WINTER

Editorial Team
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5 TIPS FOR PLANNING A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION THIS WINTER

Ideal for ensuring special occasions don’t go unmarked this lockdown.

With reports of the acceleration of the so-called second wave of Covid-19 and its resultant lockdowns, life is set to take a quiet turn once more. This was all very well in the Spring and Summer when we could gather outdoors and have BBQs, long walks in the countryside and enjoy the warm sun on our Vitamin D deprived faces.  

But, what of Winter celebrations like Bonfire Night, Thanksgiving and the biggie, Christmas? Things are looking likely to be more limited, make no mistake, but rest assured, there are still ways to plan a Winter celebration in 2020, virtually and remotely.

Yep, even if we can’t come physically together, we can still celebrate from afar. With that in mind, here are 5 tips for planning a virtual celebration, IDEAL for ensuring special occasions don’t go unmarked this lockdown.

USE ONLINE VIDEO SOFTWARE

Video calling is something we’ve all had to get used to, chatting to friends and getting serious with colleagues on messenger apps and on Zoom. Sadly, it looks like interaction is going to take that form for Christmas too, barring a Hollywood-style miracle. If we’ve learned one thing over the last 7 months it is that large groups are difficult to handle over Zoom or equivalent platforms; there’s always someone trying to butt in or failing to have their say, and no one there to properly manage it. In general, for the cohesion of proper conversation, either choose to chat in small groups or designate one member to ‘chair’ the meeting.

Zoom allows you to have 100 video participants (including the host) in an online meetup. However, if there are more than two participants, it will automatically end after 40 minutes. As such, it’s a good idea to have a vague plan in place for your party (nope, spontaneity and this brave new world don’t really go hand in hand) so it can move along accordingly.

Group Facetime allows you to add up to 32 people and doesn’t have a limit on minutes so you can have a little more say over how long your celebration goes on for. Although, let’s be honest; sometimes that time limit is a welcome reminder to keep things crisp and concise.

SEND GIFTS WELL IN ADVANCE 

There is a good chance you won’t be able to see everyone in person this year, especially those who live in different areas as travel restrictions will most likely be in some effect. The majority, if not all, of the gift giving is going to be done via post and ordered online, make no mistake, and only time will tell if the postal service and online stores can cope with this unprecedented demand. 

It’s advisable, then, to approach the buying and sending of presents with caution and a good degree of foresight, ensuring they arrive in good time before the huge Christmas rush occurs. Then, presents can be opened communally, online via conference call, giving some purpose to those Zoom chats which often run the risk of meandering aimlessly and outstaying their welcome.

Should you be looking for a unique gift idea this lockdown, there are a number of apps out there designed perfectly for such a thing. Cameo allows you to enlist celebrities, comedians, musicians, reality TV stars and even athletes to deliver personalised messages. Tribute lets you invite a group of people to upload video messages directly onto their platform, which then compiles them into one montage of clips for you. GiftCast encourages you to send a personalised video message instead of buying a card, posting it and relying on the Royal Mail to deliver it on time. You can also attach money as a gift to your virtual card, too.

ORDER FOOD & DRINK FOR DELIVERY

Your friends and family may be far away, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be eating disparate meals and drinking divergent beverages during your virtual hang out. Instead, having the same food to enjoy, whether you’ve cooked it yourself or it’s been delivered, can sew a narrative thread through your occasion.

If you want exactly the same food, order from an online chain on Deliveroo or Just Eat. Otherwise, devise an easily accomodating menu and ask people to order in the same food from a local takeaway. Whilst only a small gesture, this shared experience could go a long way to healing the hurt of government imposed distance.

THEME YOUR EVENT

Having a pre-arranged theme can pull an event together and allows you to create a backdrop against which you can choreograph the finer details of your party. In many ways, rather than being restrictive, a themed party focuses the mind of both organiser and attendee, pulling together a remote occasion into something more ‘fun’ than functional.

It could be something as simple as a colour theme, a seasonal salute or one that celebrates a certain cuisine or country. If you’re planning on hosting an online ‘dinner party’, then prior to the big day, all agree to cook (or deliver, as we already mentioned) the same food and enjoy it together online. Here at IDEAL we recently had a Greek Themed party, complete with meze, moussaka and Mythos Beer, with a Zoom background of a Greek Island scene and a little dimotiki playing in the background for good measure. Shots of ouzo may also have played a part, though we can’t quite remember that part of the party…

IT’S ALL FUN & GAMES

If there’s anything we’ve learnt from the last lockdown, it’s hard to have a coherent conversation with a group of people online, especially if some keep freezing and lagging behind. Games and quizzes can give a much needed structure to the online party experience.  

An app that has grown in popularity in the pandemic is Houseparty which allows you to play different types of trivial games which are essentially different versions of Pictionary and Heads Up. We’re also big fans of Kahoot (actually a learning app) which has a large number of ready-made quizzes and also lets you make your own template. 

If quizzes aren’t your thing but you’re still after some structured fun, Smule is the social singing app that lets you enjoy millions of karaoke songs. What a way to celebrate!

Far From The Madding Crowd: 6 Of The Best Things To Do In North Ibiza

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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Far From The Madding Crowd: 6 Of The Best Things To Do In North Ibiza

Mention you’re off to the island of Ibiza for a holiday and assumptions of wild nights which bleed into mornings and ears bleeding louder from relentless beats will naturally be made. Phew, we’re exhausted just writing that.

Indeed, as the old saying probably goes, after a holiday in Ibiza, you usually need another one to recover from it. But that’s not to say that the island’s entirety is dedicated to such exploits. In fact, the Ibiza’s north is known for its bohemian vibes and laidback lifestyle which feel so far removed from the pace and volume of Ibiza’s most stereotypical strips. If you’re seeking that kind of solace, then here are 6 IDEAL things to do in North Ibiza.

Sant Llorenc

The traditional village of Sant Llorenc, 12 miles north east of Eivissa (Ibiza Town) is about as slow paced and laid back as you’ll find in Ibiza. It’s defined mainly by an attractive, whitewashed 18th century church and stunning views into rural Ibiza, and is well worth a visit if you’re looking to take things low and slow. Just a few minutes beyond the village is the Can Pere Mosson Country Park, an area of woodland boasting tangled footpaths and picnic areas perfect for decompressing.

San Juan Market

Though nightclubs define southern Ibiza, as with so many Spanish towns and villages, much of the rural life here revolves around markets. San Juan market, open every Sunday from 10am to 6pm in the village of San Juan is no exception. Every week the village’s streets are taken over by stallholders selling trinkets, handmade crafts and snacks, as well as live music and a buzz of a more serene bent than the island’s usual associations.

The market is particularly popular for its plethora of eco-friendly products and organic, home-made food and drinks. Do keep your eye out for local artists and sculptors showing off their work, especially. The charming local art gallery onsite serves up a delicious, seafood heavy paella.

Cala Xuclar

In the relatively secluded and peaceful north eastern side of Ibiza sits Cala Xuclar, a horseshoe-shaped bay which is said to be the last vestige of proper sand-based solitude to be found on the White Island. Something to savour, then.

Should you be looking to escape the tourist throngs and enjoy some respite from the 24 hour madness of Ibiza Town (it’s about as far from here as geographically possible within the island), then it’s to Cala Xuclar you should head. Here, rocks and fishing huts surround white sand and clear, shallow waters just perfect for a dip.

San Miguel

Around 7 miles north of Ibiza Town is the fishing village of San Miguel, which boasts dramatic cliffs, and dense forest, both of which open out onto gorgeous azure waters perfect for swimming. It’s no surprise that San Miguel is a popular tourist resort, particularly when considering its proximity to beautiful Benirras beach – which sees a popular weekly drumming session – but that statement doesn’t mean it’s overly crowded or obnoxious; there’s a good energy in the air, sure, but it’s still laid back and charming. 

What’s more, there are some wonderful, simple fish restaurants to be found here; don’t leave without trying the island’s speciality, Bullit de Peix, a garlicky fish stew baked in a clay pot and flavoured with saffron. You’ll find it – and many other spankingly fresh fish dishes – on the menu at Port Balansat, arguably the island’s best fish restaurant with views over the water to match.

The area surrounding San Miguel has some gorgeous luxury villas with pools and as such, it’s the ideal place to base yourself if you’re looking to explore Ibiza’s more chilled out side.

Image © Restaurante Port Balansat

Es Portixol

If you’re seeking something seriously secluded, then the bay and beach of Es Portixol are for you. To reach this isolated, serene spot, you have to take a thirty minute hike along a rugged coastal path with stunning views of the water and rocks which characterise Ibiza’s north. Once there, the pebble beach and crystal clear waters are your reward, ideal for swimming and soaking up the silence. 

Playa Cala Xarraca

Another beautiful bay that is a must visit is Cala Xarraca; famous for it’s warm crystalline waters and popular amongst snorkellers. Unique to this bay is a natural mud bath which is said to have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties – ideal for soothing your skin, unwinding and relaxing. A lush green landscape surrounds the bay with rugged pathways for walking and exploring. There is one family run restaurant here, named after the bay and serving up fresh fish and other local delicacies.

Canal D’en Marti

Finally, the compact port and cove named Canal D’en Marti is where you’ll find us seeing out our holiday, reclining on the rustic jetty which dips into the shallow (though rocky) waters. Close by there’s a cute restaurant serving fresh fish grilled simply, and a short walk away you’ll find an attractive watchtower, Torre d’en Valls. At this laid back, leisurely place, you could be as far away from Amnesia, Pacha et al as can be.

HOW TO CHOOSE A HOME EV CHARGER: THE IDEAL GUIDE

Editorial Team
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0
HOW TO CHOOSE A HOME EV CHARGER: THE IDEAL GUIDE

If you are thinking of buying an electric car, firstly; good on you for doing your bit to help reduce your climate footprint. But secondly, it’s imperative you think about where you’re going to charge it. The electric car needs to be regularly charged using a cable, which will ensure that the batteries have enough power to deliver the driving capacity needed to get you from A to B. 

If you have a garage or some off-street parking, then the obvious choice would be to charge your electric vehicle at home. Indeed, the majority of the electric car owners use an EV home charger to charge their cars. Although the public charging network is on the rise, we’re still perhaps a couple of years off it meeting demand.

For electric car owners, then, a wall box charger is the best option as it will charge the car much quicker than a regular three-pin plug. Here’s our IDEAL guide on how to chose a home EV charger.

WHAT IS A HOME WALL BOX CHARGER?

A dedicated home wall box charger is a unit that is installed in the garage or in the area where your car is parked. It is connected to the home’s main electricity, and most of these devices will charge your car at a much faster pace than the normal three-pin plugs, the latter of which is limited to 3kW, compared to a wall box charger’s 7kW.

There are also other benefits of choosing a home wall box charger; not having to use an extension cord that may be unsafe, and the ability to control charging remotely via an app. 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOME WALL BOX CHARGERS

There are many companies in the market today that offer home wall box chargers. However, before choosing one, you need to consider a range of factors like price, ease of installation, cable type, and compatibility with your home. 

As per the European Commission directives, all-electric cars have Type 2 plugs and cables, and you can choose between a tethered and an untethered wall box. A tethered device means that a charging cable is attached to the wall box, and it plugs straight into the car. An untethered plug box comes with a standard plug into which you have to connect your cable; a little more complicated, perhaps.

WIRING REGULATIONS

To ensure the safe and compliant installation of your home EV charger, it is crucial to adhere to the wiring regulations specific to electric vehicle charging. These regulations outline the necessary wiring standards and requirements for the installation process, ensuring the proper functioning and safety of the charging system. By following the wiring regs for electric vehicle charging, you can have peace of mind knowing that your charging setup meets the necessary standards and minimises potential risks. 

It is recommended to consult a qualified electrician familiar with these regulations and to use only certified cables to ensure a smooth and compliant installation.

CHARGING SPEEDS

The basic home chargers start at 3kW (the maximum of a three pin plug’s output, remember), and more advanced units deliver 7kW of power. Recent additions to the market (and with a cost to match) are able to provide as much as 22 kW, and generally speaking, the charger’s price goes up as you move up the power bands. A 3.7kW wall box will fully charge a standard Nissan Leaf (considered the best value EV on the market) in 13 hours and to cover a distance of between 150 and 200 miles, roughly.

CHOOSING THE BEST EV CHARGER

In terms of choosing the best EV charger manufacturer, Pod Point has been around for a decade, and has sold tens of thousands of charging points across the UK. It can connect to Wi-Fi and offers smartphone connectivity, and is, therefore, a viable choice for modern times. You can find the location of their charging points via Zap Map.

Exploring the market further, EO Chargers has sold more than 10,000 chargers in over 30 countries across the world and has options for both tethered and untethered connections. The EO Mini is the smallest fast charger on the market now. 

Rolec EV makes a wide range of home chargers across various price ranges. Their main product is the WallPod: EV HomeSmart, and is the cheapest home charger available in the market today. 

Be aware that all of these models require a slightly divergent installation process and it’s wise to consult with an expert prior to purchase to determine its suitability for your unique domestic situation. Good luck!

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