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5 IDEAL STEPS TO MAKING YOUR HOME FEEL BRAND NEW ON A BUDGET

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL STEPS TO MAKING YOUR HOME FEEL BRAND NEW ON A BUDGET

As we enter the second week of Lockdown 2.0 with no honest end in sight (you don’t actually believe this thing’s finished on December 2nd, do you?), we don’t mind saying that we’re already sick of the sight of home’s four walls.

Indeed, 2020 has seen our relationship with our domestic spaces change irrevocably and infinitely. Things will never be the same again, it seems, and with the majority of the population housebound for the foreseeable future, and working from home now the norm, Brits are looking for simple, cost effective ways to make their homes feel fresh and clean.

Because if we’re going to be spending this much time in each other’s company, we might as well all make an effort, right? If you’re looking to do just that, then here are 5 IDEAL steps to making your home feel brand new on a budget.

SPRING (OR WINTER) CLEAN

Perhaps it’s called a Spring clean because chilly Winter months rack more clutter than any other time of year. With work and a certain amount of schooling being brought home for lockdown, the domestic space’s propensity for chaos and clutter has only increased.

In some ways, Winter is the worst time of year for bringing mess into the home. Coats slung over the backs of chairs, shoes piled chaotically by the door, scarves haphazardly thrown in just about every direction – these adornments may look charming and festive in Pinterest photos, but in reality, they’re just an added mess (and distraction) that no one needs.

You owe it to yourself and your sanity, then, to invest in some decent storage for your winterwear – coat stands and shoe racks can be found fairly cheaply, and Facebook marketplace pros can sometimes even find items like these free of charge! 

LET THE LIGHT IN

If you live in a climate affected by low-winter light-levels, then you’ll know that the darker months can affect your mood negatively. Letting the light in, and finding smart solutions to maximise the natural light that your home receives, can go a long way to making your place feel fresh and new. And that’s why you’re here, right?

Firstly, make sure that any sources of natural light (ie. windows) are fully exposed, with nothing blocking them. The sun’s rays are such a precious resource at this time of year; don’t waste them with stacked books or a poorly positioned lamp obscuring things. Some interior design experts also recommend hanging a mirror opposite your biggest window to bounce light around the room and give the illusion of more space. We’ve certainly found that helps.

Even your doors can play a major role in letting the light in and making your room look smaller or larger. Dark wood contributes to a traditional, cosy ambiance whilst lighter shades lend a more modern appearance. 

Or, if you want to push things further, then the experts at Oakwood Doors advise ‘’trying to let as much light into your living space as you can often gives the illusion of more space. A lack of light can make even the largest areas appear to be smaller and tighter…external sliding doors allow light to flood into your living space. Without installing new windows or light fittings, purchasing a sliding door is a fantastic way to light up your home’’. 

Without installing new windows or light fittings, purchasing a sliding door is a fantastic way to light up your home, and many retailers now offer sliding door kits that make installation more manageable for the average homeowner.

WALLPAPER OVER THE CRACKS

Sometimes, the most simple solutions are also the most effective. If you’re looking to breathe fresh life into your interiors, then a fresh lick of paint or new wallpaper can totally reinvigorate a room. Suddenly, those walls you’ve been staring at, looking for answers whilst working from home, will feel vibrant and inspiring, hiding any old chipped paintwork or out-of-date styles in the process.

If this sounds like your sort of thing, then rather than waffle on, we’ll redirect you to our tips on 5 stylish wallpapers IDEAL for giving your home a fresh look for more!

UPCYCLE

Speaking of breathing new life into your home, let’s talk about upcycling. Maybe it’s the hipster in us. Is a possible environmental sustainability at its heart? Or perhaps the current economic climate and state of confusion over our country’s collective capital makes it a necessity. But whatever the reason, ‘upcycling’ has taken the design world by storm in recent years.

Upcycling – repurposing old bits from around the house and casting them in new, exciting roles – not only provides an opportunity for homeowners to show off their creativity but is an easy way to spruce up our home on a budget. Got some old pallets in the garden – turn them into a coffee table. Indeed, with a little creativity and ingenuity, you can revamp your homes furnishing with minimal expense.

Soon, you’ll be hearing “Out with the old, in with the upcycled ” when it comes to revamping your interiors. Your heard it here first.

ACCESSORISE

Just as the secret to a great outfit lies in the accessories, so the perfect ‘Insta-ready’ room is all in the finishing touches, too. Ornaments, pictures, house plants – these are just a few great ways to squeeze in a little extra décor and add character to a room. 

Online marketplaces like Etsy are a great place to find unusual adornments for your home that are one-of-a-kind and out of the ordinary and ideal for that visual intrigue you’re seeking. From bookends to cushion covers, wall prints to hanging baskets, these unique additions can introduce a fabulous twist to your tired décor. 

And if those finishing touches are going to take the form of some tastefully chosen art, then do check out our tips on how to choose the best art for your home. Good luck and we’ll see you at yours when lockdown is over?

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN RENTAL IN 2020: THE IDEAL DOS & DON’TS

Editorial Team
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COMMERCIAL KITCHEN RENTAL IN 2020: THE IDEAL DOS & DON’TS

Yep, we understand the enormous implications of ‘in 2020’, but we just couldn’t bear to write ‘in the time of a Global Pandemic’ once again.

This year, there’s no doubt that the UK economy as a whole has suffered, but the restaurant industry has been particularly hard hit. Coronavirus has closed countless restaurants, both temporarily or permanently, and ever shifting Government guidelines – should we stay or should we go, now? – have made things even tougher. 

Indeed, huge national chains and some of our favourite independents alike have had to permanently shut their doors this year, and it’s a tragedy. However, if you’ve visited your local highstreet lately, you may have seen the painters in old or newly closed shop fronts, preparing for a new restaurant opening. Surprising as it may sound, across the country and the wider world, new restaurants are still opening in the midst of the pandemic, in an attempt to avoid financial ruin and keep staff on payroll. 

Whether you’re a restaurant pivoting to takeaway, looking to expand and diversify, or even if you’re opening a new place, then here are the IDEAL dos and don’ts regarding commercial kitchen rental.

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN RENTAL: DOS AND DON’TS 

If you are an independent restaurateur, you’ll usually want to allow yourself anywhere up to six months (and often, longer) to find a new premises, from the initial viewing to having things fully set up. 

DOS 

Pivot to takeaway, for now

Go out for a late night walk during lockdown, and the only people you seem to see out are Deliveroo and other takeaway drivers awaiting collection. Dozens and dozens of them, in fact, and whilst it’s a little unnerving, it’s suggestive of a shift in our eating habits. This was the case even before restaurants had to shut up shop for the month. Back in February (remember those heady days?), it was reported that the UK’s takeaway sector was growing faster than any other in the hospitality industry.

For now, focusing on takeaway might be where the smart money is, since this revenue stream is more immune to the effects of coronavirus and its subsequent restaurant closures.

Create a competition for your tenancy 

While you may love your current location, nothing is stopping you from simultaneously negotiating on several other positions, more so when dealing with a lease renewal. Playing one landlord against another may even help you to create options, bargain on the fine print, and potentially come away with better terms at the end of it. 

Inform each landlord that you have been receiving other exciting proposals. It’s a strategic move designed to make your landlord earn your ongoing tenancy, rather than the other way round. 

Begin the site selection and planning process early 

If your commercial kitchen is already up and running, your lease renewal process should start at least twelve to fifteen months before the current lease runs out. 

By beginning early, you will have enough time to conduct negotiations, complete the paperwork, and look for alternative locations. Doing all of this well in advance flips the power dynamic from seller’s to buyer’s market. Sometimes, food business start-up success is found in manipulating these power dynamics in your favour.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that the negotiations will ultimately work in your favour. Early talks, therefore, make it possible for you to also account for Murphy’s Law. As in, what can go wrong will go wrong.

Consult with other tenants

It’s always advisable to talk to other tenants when you are negotiating a lease renewal. Consult with those in the building who have recently gone through the same process. Your goal here is to establish how the renegotiations with the landlord went and whether the building owner was open to the idea of providing further tenant incentives, e.g., new rents. 

Discuss renewal enticements 

Perhaps without good reason, many commercial kitchen tenants fear or neglect to engage their landlords in negotiations over the contract.

But if your lease is about to expire, you may want to ask yourself (and your landlord) the kind of enticements that your landlord may be willing to give to a new tenant. Think about the inducements that the next person renting that space may get, e.g., tenant allowances and free rent for a few weeks, and then firmly ask for those, too. 

DON’TS

Don’t maintain false optimism 

As a restaurant owner, if you know your business isn’t doing well at the current location but continue to engage in lease renewal negotiations, it might be time to question whether a move might be wise. Though a new location might bring new footfall or simply breathe a new lease of life into operations, it may not solve more underlying issues. Tread carefully.

Don’t broadcast your success 

Broadcasting your kitchen’s success prematurely might lead to your landlord attempting to raise your rent. It’s not uncommon for some landlords and agents to want to take advantage of commercial kitchen owners. They understand that moving the business is an expensive move and that it takes time to set up at a new location; as such, be wary of them playing off that reluctance to move. 

But if push comes to shove, which may happen at some point, companies such as Occupyd offer stopgap solutions and can find a new commercial kitchen space to rent quickly.

Don’t settle for a lease length you deem inappropriate

When setting up a commercial kitchen for the first time, it’s typical for the landlord to offer a lease length of around five, eight, and in some cases, up to ten years.

However, when the time to renew the lease comes around, don’t automatically settle for a lease length of the same duration. Take the time to consider your plans.

Some of the questions to ponder include whether you intend to retire or sell the business to someone else later down the line. Don’t allow yourself to unnecessarily get locked into a lengthy lease if you have ambitions for expansion and growth.

DON’T STOP BELIEVING

Finally a word of encouragement; don’t stop believing! 

If you’re keen for more guidance, check out our tips on 4 IDEAL market research methods for food businesses. And once again, good luck!

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR EXPOSED BRICK WALL

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR EXPOSED BRICK WALL

Exposed brick interiors have been trending for a while now, popular in hip new restaurant openings, underground bars and inner-city apartments, all keen to channel a particular urban aesthetic in the most simple way possible.

That said, this aesthetic is just as easy to achieve at home. For many older houses, there is a beautiful brick wall sitting behind the drywall, just waiting to be exposed. This look can give your house real character, evocative of a certain timelessness and modernity, all rolled into one. 

The biggest challenge for homeowners who choose an exposed brick interior isn’t in the exposing, per se, but rather, in the taking care of their brick walls. Bricks are sensitive, brittle and porous and each of these characteristics presents their own set of challenges. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL tips for taking care of your exposed brick wall.

HANGING OUT

Artwork and other decorative items, tastefully chosen and hung, can truly make a house a home. But when you have an exposed brick wall as your interior design centrepiece, that becomes somewhat challenging to properly pull off. While some may believe that drilling directly into the bricks is the best way to do hang art, this is, quite simply, the wrong approach. The bricks can crack when drilled into and this will cause its own set of problems.

Instead, drill into the mortar and use anchors to hang whatever you need to. Ensure that the drill is set to the lowest speed possible to avoid vibrations that can make the mortar come loose. Alternatively, hiring professional drilling services can mitigate these concerns, as the process – both physically and metaphorically – will be in the hands of an expert.

REPLACING MORTAR

Speaking of which…bricks are held together using mortar and if that mortar deteriorates, it could bring about a whole host of issues including the weakening of that section of the wall. To ensure this doesn’t happen, the mortar should be replaced when it deteriorates.

If you know how to work with mortar and can do this yourself, start by preparing the work area. This includes laying a tarp below the area you’ll be working on. Next, clean the entire wall so you have a better idea of what areas you should work on. There are various ways to clean your brick wall, and these are material specific, so ensure you choose one that applies to the types of bricks you have. Check out Do It Yourself’s useful guide to 4 types of brick cleaning products for more on that.

After that is done, it is time to remove the mortar. This can be done using a chisel. All that remains is to prime the surface, apply new mortar and replace the bricks. If the bricks are too old to be put back where they came from, don’t be shy about replacing them. Be ruthless; this is the structure of your home we’re talking about, after all.

Most houses use standard brick dimensions but it is always a good idea to measure so you know the exact brick size you need. 

In addition to the size, you might also want to consider the colour and style of existing bricks so the new bricks do not look out of place and jarring, visually. In their brick dimensions guide, Armstrong Supplies outline that the standard brick size in the UK can be simplified into a 3:2:1 ratio, with the standard being ‘’215 x 102.5 x 65mm. There is then a 10mm allowance for the mortar joints so the standard size for brickwork is 225 x 112.5 x 75mm’’.

PROTECTION AGAINST DUST AND HUMIDITY

Although bricks are quite sturdy, they are also porous. This presents several problems, two of which are being susceptible to humidity and also, to dust. The former can lead to deterioration of the bricks as well as mould issues. To prevent this from happening, use an acrylic-based paint or sealant to your interior brick wall. 

As for dust, using a microfibre cloth or the brush attachment that comes with your vacuum cleaner will work well. If the walls are too grimy, for example, after moving into a new house, use some water with a mixture of mild dishwashing soap and salt in a 1:1 ratio. Then apply this mixture to the wall and wait for 10 minutes. You can then use a sponge to wipe the wall, sit back and revel in the results.

EFFLORESCENCE

Efflorescence is a white powder that starts to appear on brick walls after several years. Although it does not have a detrimental effect on the integrity of the wall, it is still a nuisance if it gets on your clothes. Keep in mind that although efflorescence often forms on exterior walls, it can also develop on interior brick walls.

The best way of removing efflorescence is to scrub the wall using a brush with hard bristles and a mixture of water and bleach. Horizontal motions work best, but do your best to avoid the mortar as the hard-bristle brush can damage it. 

If the surface has a lot of efflorescence, you can use chemical cleaning agents (acidic agents are best) that are diluted according to the instructions needed. Do not forget to use protective gear, such as gloves, safety goggles and a mask. Also, remember to soak the surface in water prior to cleaning, so the cleaning agent doesn’t soak into the wall, and rinse the surface as you clean so the cleaning agent is not on the wall for longer than is necessary.

PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE

Water damage can be caused by water splashes and rising damp, and exposed brick certainly isn’t immune to this. In areas where a lot of water is used, especially in the kitchen, water can splash onto the brick wall and when it soaks into the mortar, it can cause the foundation of the wall to break down. Fortunately, this issue can be fairly easily solved by using a sealant, as we mentioned earlier. 

When water seeps from below, it causes rising damp. When the water evaporates, it leaves salt crystals that can break down the mortar. It is therefore important to take care of this problem before it becomes a bigger issue. 

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY & THE IDEAL WAYS TO DO JUST THAT

Editorial Team
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WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY & THE IDEAL WAYS TO DO JUST THAT

This just in; poor sleep leads to loneliness. According to a study from UC Berkeley, folk who are regularly sleep-deprived feel more isolated and are less likely to engage with others, avoiding close interaction in much the same way as those suffering from social anxiety. 

That’s not all. The study further revealed that people who don’t get their fair share of Zzzeds are more socially unattractive to others and suggested that ‘’even well-rested people feel lonely after just a short encounter with a sleep-deprived individual, triggering a viral contagion of isolation’’. 

Fascinating stuff. But aside from the fact that sleeping less might be losing you friends, why else is it so important? To answer that question, here are 5 IDEAL reasons why you should make sleep a priority, and the best ways to do just that.

FIRSTLY, HOW MUCH SLEEP DO YOU REALLY NEED?

Researchers are still figuring out exactly what happens in our bodies and brains while we catch those also important zeds. What is clear is that sleep is the key to locking in memories and trimming unnecessary details accumulated from the day that can clutter your thinking and cause you to feel lethargic.

Yep, sleep is a powerful thing; when you’re sleeping, your brain gets rid of information you no longer need – freeing up brainpower for the details and memories that matter. Incredible.

It’s not only in the mind. When you sleep, you give your body a chance to rejuvenate itself, too. On the flip side, regularly skipping sleep can:  

– Negatively impact your immune system: sleep deprivation decreases your body’s ability to fight infection.

– Alter the ‘hunger hormone’, ghrelin, and increase the risk of obesity.

– Make you irritable and stressed, impacting on your relationships and overall outlook on life.

– Interfere with productivity and memory (interestingly, too much sleep can also affect your memory negatively)

– Increase the risk of medical problems such as heart disease or Type 2 diabetes.

To avoid these risks, most healthy adults should aim to sleep 7 to 9 hours a night, with babies, children and teens requiring even more. That said, these are only rough guidelines and several factors are at play which determine exactly how much sleep you should be getting. 

Should you find that your relationships with your partner, family, friends and colleagues are suffering because you’re restless and sleep deprived, then here’s how to take control of your sleep hygiene.

HOW TO MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY

Need to fit more sleep into your life? It’s not actually as hard as you might think. Here’s a few simple hacks that you can try tonight and onwards into the future:

– Start small: Consider going to bed just 10 to 15 minutes earlier at first. In cases where you nap during the day (hey, it works for some), push your bedtime back another 15 minutes.

– Make your bedroom environment more conducive to sleep: ensure the mattress you’re using is comfortable enough for your sleeping position. If you’re a side sleeper, consider investing in the best mattress for side sleepers. Should you suffer from back pain, seek a mattress which ranges between 6.5 to 7.5 for firmness.

– Limit naps: To make sure you get both quantity and quality sleep, reduce daytime naps to a maximum of 20 minutes.

– Reduce caffeine intake: If you’re an avid coffee drinker and your sleep isn’t getting any better, try to avoid caffeine anytime after midday so you can feel sleepy when bedtimes roll around.

– Make it a habit: Work on a bedtime routine and try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time daily. This can work wonders for getting your brain into a routine where it knows when to start releasing that lovely sleep hormone melatonin at just the right time

THE BOTTOM LINE

Getting a good night’s sleep has been proved to enhance our mood, social engagement, and cognitive function. Without it, as the study by the University of Berkeley suggested, we cannot nurture a thriving social life, and our mental as well as our physical health may well suffer. Do everything you can to sleep well, soundly and deeply, and you’ll live a fruitful life when you’re awake, too!

5 TIPS FOR EXERCISING OUTDOORS THIS WINTER

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 TIPS FOR EXERCISING OUTDOORS THIS WINTER

Ideal for those keen to keep fit in fresh air.

We’re set for a Winter largely spent indoors, if official predictions and projections are anything to go by. Seeing as gyms and fitness centres were some of the last businesses to reopen at the end of July following the first lockdown in Spring, common sense suggests that, since they are currently shut again until the end of November, we might be waiting a while to enter one again. 

All is not lost for fitness fanatics. Exercise outdoors is one of the few reasons to actually venture outside currently, and that fresh hit of crisp, cold air can do wonders for the soul, don’t you think? With that in mind and to make things as comfortable as possible, here are 5 tips for exercising outdoors this winter, IDEAL for those keen to keep fit in fresh air. 

GO ON A WINTER WALK,  HIKE OR BIKERIDE 

Fortunately, for the time being, Government guidelines permit you to drive somewhere for the purposes of exercise. Rallying the troops (from your household, of course) or going at it alone for a Winter hike gives you the chance to take in some local scenery, spend quality time with your family, burn off some lockdown calories and have an exciting day that costs next to nothing,

Living in the UK, we’re lucky enough to have an abundance of beautiful rural locations, charming towns and coastal paths that are all worth exploring. That said, we all know the weather can be inclement, to put it mildly. Best be prepared, then, with a thermal mug, hand warmers, and more… 

BE PREPARED FOR LOW TEMPERATURES 

Scandinavians say that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. And who should we listen to if not the Scandinavians when it comes to cold weather advice? 

Rest assured that the cold weather shouldn’t get in the way of your usual outdoor exercise routine. The only rule is to make sure you’re prepared for low temperatures; after all, you’re looking to keep fit, not get sick. 

To keep warm in cold weather, follow these two rules:

Use appropriate winter attire 

Focus mostly on protecting your extremities, i.e., those parts of your body that stick out. A hat, gloves, and warm socks are essential to protect your sensitive body parts. However, if you still get cold while outside, there are many other accessories that will further improve your comfort, for instance, professional thermal clothing. Water-resistant/waterproof gym wear is also a good idea when exercising outside in Winter.

It rains a lot in winter, so if you’re running through soft muddy trails you’ll have to get the right pair of running shoes. Trail shoes are the best shoes for running on uneven terrain as they have a deep tread, good grip and offer ankle support. If you want to improve them even more use some specialized shoe insoles. Those can be found online in shops like Protalus, and the best thing is they have a guide that helps you pick out the most suitable ones for you.

Wear layers 

Typically, it’s recommended that you layer up to keep the heat close to your body; the more layers, the bigger chance you will stay warm for longer. However, make sure never to put cotton fabric as your first layer; wetness created by sweat takes the warmth out of the body and can cause chaffing. Thus, use a material that you won’t sweat through for the base; natural fibres like 100% cotton, or even hemp, are best.

CONSIDER A WINTER SPORT

When lockdown lifts, consider getting into a socially distanced or solo Winter sport to bring some intrigue and excitement to what can sometimes feel like a tired routine. Cross country on frosty ground, ice fishing, or ice skating are just a few ideas, or if you live close to snowy climes (or an airport!) then why not hit the slopes and give skiing or snowboarding a go?

EQUIP YOURSELF IN THE RIGHT MINDSET

It’s easy to fall into the trap of not doing anything when cold and rainy outside, committing yourself to the sofa and hibernating until Spring. Indeed, when it’s grey, gloomy and the days are short, it can be hard to motivate yourself to get up and exercise.

Remember, it’s natural – human, even – to feel this way; the reduction in hours of sunlight can hamper our motivation. The National Institute of Mental Health (via Bustle) reported that ‘’sunlight affects your internal clock, or your circadian rhythm…which can change the serotonin levels in your brain’. 

‘Changes in your serotonin levels can result in all kinds of symptoms…some of which include low energy, losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, feeling sluggish, and feeling the urge to hibernate. So getting less sunlight can actually make you feel tired and lazy’’.

Fortunately, there are tools available to you which can help you tackle this tendency towards Winter low mood and its effects on motivation. Check out our tips on how to beat the Winter blues for more!

EXERCISE INDOORS

If the weather really is appalling – and let’s face it, much of the British Winter tends towards this term – then there’s no shame in leaving the running shoes on the rack and instead exercising indoors. 

Doing so needn’t cost you a fortune in new equipment; there are hundreds of exercise routines available on YouTube which don’t require any ‘stuff’, just your motivated self and a bit of floor space. Or, simply climbing and descending the stairs repeatedly can help you work up a sweat. 

Don’t use the cold weather outside as an excuse not to exercise at all. Anything that gets the heart pumping indoors is better than wallowing around in inactivity and sorrow. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

It’s easy to be put off by the blustering winds and biting cold, but getting out there is all in the preparation and attitude. Wrap up warmly and wear decent footwear, a hat and gloves, those extra layers we mentioned…once you’ve made the effort, you might even find you enjoy it! And remember, outdoor exercise increases exposure to daylight and Vitamin D, which is much needed, now more than ever. Good luck and we’ll see you for a few laps of the park tomorrow.

If you’re looking for more motivation, check out our article on 5 IDEAL ways to help you become a morning exerciser!

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Editorial Team
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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

Editorial Team
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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!

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