Menu
Home Blog Page 236

5 SIMPLE CHANGES TO REJUVENATE YOUR BEDROOM

Editorial Team
-
0
5 SIMPLE CHANGES TO REJUVENATE YOUR BEDROOM

Ideal for creating a soothing and energising domestic space. 

More of us are working from home than ever, and the boundaries between bedroom and office are becoming increasingly blurred. Here at IDEAL, we’ve been guilty of working from the comfort of our beds rather more often of late. And were not the only ones – according to recent research, one in four say they have logged on for work while still in their pyjamas, in bed. We’re actually surprised that number isn’t even higher.

Stop. Right. There. Close that laptop, swap the jim jams for something equally as comfortable, and move onto your sofa. Because if there’s one space we shouldn’t be working from, it’s our bed. In fact, it’s the worst thing you can do. Research suggests that frequently working from your bedroom can negatively impact your work, productivity and sleep. It’s time to reclaim bedrooms for what they are meant for; sleep. 

The bedroom should be a relaxing space, meant for rest and recharging. So, here are 5 simple changes to rejuvenate your bedroom 

MAKE SURE EVERYTHING HAS A HOME

During Lockdown, we whiled away (perhaps) too much time watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix. We now consider ourselves experts when it comes to decluttering (we are writing this article after all). 

Advocated by Marie, the first step to rejuvenating your room is to declutter and the best way to do this is by ensuring everything has a home. Or, its right place, if you will. So, if your bedroom is full of ‘stuff’ that doesn’t appear to have any proper home and there are clothes draped here, there and everywhere, then it’s time to do something about it. 

Savvy storage solutions should be deployed in the bedroom; there’s all that space under the bed you can make use of, particularly if you use vacuum clothing storage bags, which can be shrunk to eliminate any air from inside. The foot of the bed is also a prime location for storage, perhaps consider a beautiful trunk or ottoman which is hollow within? Double it up as a seat to pull on your shoes, put out your clothes for the next day or display something.

BRIGHTEN AND LIGHTEN 

One sure fire way to rejuvenate a tired space and breath new life into the bedroom is by brightening and lightening it up. Making the most out of what little natural light we have in the coming months is the right place to start; since we’re spending more time indoors, we need to make the most of our windows and the natural light that flows through them. So, make sure you’re not storing any items directly in front of natural light sources; you want to make the very most of the good stuff while it’s here. 

Rather than go on, it might save us both some time if we directed you to your article on ways to brighten your home. Check it out!

RESET YOUR BED 

Just like buying a new outfit can refresh your look, investing in some new linen can rejuvenate your entire bedroom’s appearance and give you a better night’s sleep. Don’t be parsimonious here; considering the average person spends 33 years in bed, it’s worth investing in some good quality sheets. Steer clear of any polycotton (polyester and cotton mix) and instead opt for linen rich in cotton which promotes breathability and softness. 

Further dress your bed with some coloured cushions for a pop of colour. We’re fans of Paoletti in crushed velvet which you can buy from Yorkshire Linen to intensify your room’s look. This tactile texture, calming and cuddly, is ideal for the bedroom; phew, we feel a lie down coming on. 

ADD GREENERY 

When it comes to rejuvenating your interiors and brightening up your bedroom, a little greenery can add that final flourish to your space. Indeed, adding a plant to your bedroom can also transform it from a stuffy space into a tranquil, calming one. 

Not only are they a pleasing addition to your bedroom visually, but they bring some reputed stress-relieving qualities, too, and as such, are ideal for adding to a space where relaxing and recharging is the priority. Wondering what plant to introduce here? There’s an article for that, too; our 4 IDEAL plants to place in your bedroom. 

CREATE A ZONE FOR WORK

If you’re living in a shared house with flatmates and no comfortable communal space, using the bedroom as a home office may be the only solution right now. For a successful office/bedroom setup, a clever use of space is key.

Creating an area in your bedroom solely for work is important, preferably in the corner of your room, next to a window. If you have the space to create a ‘work zone’ with room dividing shelving, then for your sanity’s sake, please do. Those cube display shelves from IKEA are perfect for the job. Or, make your own green screen by pimping out a clothes rack with hanging or climbing plants.

If you’re limited on space, a narrow floating shelf is a good alternative to a desk as it won’t protrude too much. Consider introducing pattern wallpaper or painting the wall behind your desk a different colour to really differentiate and compartmentalise areas. Not only will this provide a visually stimulating backdrop to your office space, but colour can cleverly play with the perception of space, adding depth to the room. 

DIFFERENT TRIBES, DIFFERENT VIBES: 5 OF THE BEST CASINOS IN LAS VEGAS FOR DIVERGENT TASTES

Editorial Team
-
0
DIFFERENT TRIBES, DIFFERENT VIBES: 5 OF THE BEST CASINOS IN LAS VEGAS FOR DIVERGENT TASTES


Different strokes for different folks, different tribes for different vibes…it seems to sum up the universal appeal of The City of Sin, right? Because you can be anyone in Las Vegas, and find any entertainment to suit your tastes, if only you look (and spend) hard enough.

Vegas, it has to be said, is a juggernaut of a place, imposing, intimidating, exhilarating and infuriating in equal measure. If you’re planning on a trip to strut the Strip, then it’s best to compartmentalise a touch, to get the most from your experience. Today, we’re breaking things down a little for you, with these tips on 5 of the best casinos in Las Vegas for divergent tastes.

BEST FOR FOODIES: CAESAR’S PALACE

Las Vegas is one of the world’s premier places for fine dining, attracting top notch chefs from all over the globe keen to cash in (and serve up) on the city’s hunger for opulence and indulgence. Here you’ll find three-star Michelin level restaurants rubbing shoulders with more down-to-earth diners, all-you-can-eat buffets and globe trotting menus, all within a chip’s throw of each other.

They say that it’s easy to leave Vegas broke, but you certainly won’t leave hungry, and it’s at Caesar’s Palace where the latter part of this maxim is most aptly realised. Indeed, there aren’t many places in the world where you’ll find Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, Bobby Flay and Nobu Matsuhisa all under one roof. In fact, there aren’t any such places except Caesar’s Las Vegas. There’s also the Forum Food Court and Bacchanal Buffet for those looking for the quintessential, all-you-can-eat Vegas dining experience. Better pack a pair of elastic waisted trousers for this one.

BEST FOR COCKTAIL CONNOISSEURS: THE COSMOPOLITAN

Where better place in the world to enjoy a cocktail than in Las Vegas, the City That Never Sleeps, in a casino resort which (poetic licence at the ready) was named after a cocktail; the Cosmopolitan. Even if you’re not a fan of the famous marriage of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime, you’re sure to find something quaffable in one of the resort’s world-renowned bars.

Of the seven bars here, the pick of the bunch is perhaps The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, which offers haircuts out front while out back, a prohibition-era hidden lounge serves up vintage whiskey to guests reclining in plush leather armchairs. Be sure to try the house special Golden Dram, containing White Label scotch and bitter orange; delicious! Or, if you’ve just won big, how about an Old Rip Van Winkle, aged for 25 years and available for a modest $25’000.

For a different vibe altogether, more glitzy and less underground, try The Chandelier; three levels of opulence which will have you thinking you’re in a particularly gauche art exhibition. Such surroundings combined with their signature drink, a nod to Alice In Wonderland aptly named ‘We’re All Mad Here’, and you’ll truly feel like you’re tripping. Mind the stairs on the way down!

BEST FOR SWIMMING: MANDALAY BAY

We’re sure we don’t need to tell you twice that Vegas gets hot. Really hot. Yep, the temperatures are truly sweltering and in the summer months are consistently over 40°C. Even in October, when the heat is said to subside, average temperatures still regularly reach heights of 27°C. Okay, so we ended up telling you about five times, but anyway…

As such, you’ll need somewhere to cool off; and it shouldn’t always be in the air conditioned halls of the major casinos. That would be too easy. Enter one of the world’s foremost famous aquatic playgrounds: Mandalay Bay Beach. 

Sitting on 11 acres of prime real-estate in Sin City, the Mandalay Bay Beach is a manmade city made of water within a city. There are 8 different pools in total, including a 1.6 million gallon wave pool which can generate huge waves off up to 6ft; try riding one of those after one of Vegas’s famous all-you-can-eat buffets. If water sports aren’t you’re thing, for a slower pace, there’s a lazy river with a mellow current where you can gently float along on a rubber ring.

Oh, and there’s also a beach with 2700 tons of real Californian sand – yep it is quite literally a beach in the middle of a desert.

If you’re after there places to cool off from the sweltering heat, here are 5 of the best pools in Las Vegas for your perusal.

BEST FOR PENNY SLOTS: ARIA

If you’re looking for a slice of the action but don’t want to bet the big bucks, you might want to try low stakes penny slots. But before we go into that, let’s clear things up, the name “Penny Slot” is something of a misnomer. Don’t let the name fool you, penny slots don’t actually have a penny slot. Instead, you slide a dollar into the machine and get a hundred plays. 

All the casinos have penny slots, but for a top notch experience, we suggest Aria. It happens to have of the largest slot-machine floors on the strip and the floor is alive with a machine symphony of slot sounds  – most modern machines have around 400 sound effects. Wow.

Should you be looking to make your own luck, according to Vegas insiders, machines closest to pedestrian traffic are often set up to win, in order to lure other onlookers in. Whether this is true or not, who knows.  

Remember that these machines are built to be both fun and addictive. As with any form of gambling, the slot machines, both online and physical, should be approached with caution.

BEST FOR ELVIS IMPERSONATORS: PLANET HOLLYWOOD

Phew, how about some real, stereotypically, quintessentially Vegas fun? Yep, it would be a crime to leave the City of Sin without catching a performance from its most famous ever resident. And at Planet Hollywood Resort you’ll find the premier Elvis impersonator show in the world; ‘All Shook Up’.

Considered the ultimate tribute show to The King, performances start at 6pm daily, with tickets starting at $34. Backed by a three piece band, you’ll see a high-octane, hour and a half extravaganza of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits. So, put on your blue suede shoes, hit the strip and make for Planet Hollywood with haste. Viva Las Vegas, indeed.

4 UK WEDDING VENUES BOASTING HERITAGE & HISTORY

Editorial Team
-
0
4 UK WEDDING VENUES BOASTING HERITAGE & HISTORY

Ideal for those looking to tie the knot in style.

First of all, if you’ve landed here, might we assume that congratulations are in order? And, though it might be brave, also that our invite’s in the post? We couldn’t be happier for you, you beautiful thing.

And now, it’s imperative you find a venue that you deserve, and that’s fitting of this fawning introduction, too. In our humble opinion, some of the UK’s best wedding venues are those with a dash of historical charm. Britain’s rich history is often encapsulated by its buildings, with structures ranging from castles to country houses each bursting with character and intrigue. Boasting period features, walls that tell a thousand stories, and gardens you could lose yourself in for days, these structures are perfect for a quintessentially British wedding.

Whether it’s a summer celebration basking in the grounds of a manor house or a winter wedding spent sipping mulled wine in a medieval castle, there’s a historical venue in the UK for every type of ceremony. Here are 4 UK wedding venues boasting heritage and history.

SANDON HALL, STAFFORDSHIRE

For couples who want a grand yet homely venue, country houses are the way forward, and one which should certainly be on your radar is Sandon Hall in Staffordshire. The ancestral home of the Harrowby family, the hall was remodelled into a Georgian House in 1776, and is set in 400 acres of picturesque parkland.

Sandon Hall features ten rooms of incredible opulence, with the conservatory to the drawing room and library to choose from, all of which are licensed for weddings. This makes it an ideal year-round venue, with an interior which seats up to 120 people (do bear in mind that for now, wedding parties must not exceed 15 attendees, but we were discussing plans for next year, right?).

Those seeking a traditional church wedding are in luck, as the country house also boasts a 13th century All Saints church. For outdoor ceremonies, the venue offers tipi receptions, complete with an open fire and plenty of space for a bar and dancefloor. Secluded enough to make you and your guests feel like you’re in your own little world, Sandon Hall the ideal historical wedding venue.

BLENHEIM PALACE, OXFORDSHIRE

The only palace in the UK not owned by the royal family, Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire, is home to the Dukes of Marlborough. Noted for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the birthplace of Winston Churchill — having been constructed between 1705 and 1722 as a gift for John Churchill – it is designed in the rare and short-lived English Baroque style of architecture. This is manifested in the great masses of stone used in its design, from the grand portico entrance on the north front to Egyptian temple-influenced towers on each corner of the central block.

Inside, the palace features a grand staircase, a great hall complete with a luxurious ceiling painting, and a chapel, while outside you’ll find a vast landscaped park, formal gardens and woodlands. Hosting weddings throughout the year, guests can have their ceremony in any one of a number of rooms in the Palace, including the Orangery, the Long Library and the Great Hall, as well as in marquees on the South Lawn. Oozing in grandeur and history, Blenheim Palace is a magical wedding venue, befitting of your special day, and certainly something worth spending the wedding budget on.

LEEDS CASTLE, KENT

Many brides-to-be dream of their fairytale wedding, complete with a regal setting, and tying the knot at Leeds Castle lets you live out this fantasy for real; for a day, at least. Situated just outside of Maidstone in Kent, rather than in Yorkshire, confusingly, a castle has existed on the site since 1119, though much of its present structure dates from the 19th century. The former residence of both King Edward I, and Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Leeds Castle is located amidst 500 acres of gardens and grounds, with features ranging from a maze and a grotto, aviaries and a vineyard.

The castle itself rises majestically from its surrounding moat, with weddings taking place in the Ceremony Room that adjoins the Library. A banquet-style dinner is served in the castle’s largest room, the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, which offers magnificent views across the moat, before you get the party started in the lavish Heraldry Room. Alternatively, guests can choose to tie the knot in other locations within the grounds. The most popular places to do so are the Maiden’s Tower, a 16th century stone building adjacent to the castle, in Leeds Castle’s glorious walled gardens, or a 17th century Kentish timber-framed structure known as the Fairfax Barn.

HOPETOUN HOUSE, EDINBURGH

Located in acres of spectacular Scottish countryside on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun House is one of Scotland’s most luxurious stately homes. The romantic venue can host both wedding ceremonies and receptions, with the Adam Stables accommodating up to 160 guests and the Adam Ballroom able to host up to 250. 

When the last champagne bottle has been popped, family and friends can retire to the State Apartments and Tapestry Rooms. The Wedding Manager and award-winning event caterers Heritage Portfolio are on hand with expert advice to ensure a fairytale wedding day.

Now you’ve got some venue ideas, how about doing a little research on the best wedding entertainment?

5 TIPS FOR THE IDEAL HOME OFFICE DESK SETUP

Editorial Team
-
0
5 TIPS FOR THE IDEAL HOME OFFICE DESK SETUP

Hey you! We see you squinting at the screen, leaning in, hunching those shoulders and generally sitting in a way which is inevitably going to do harm to your back. No, we haven’t taken control of your webcam. Neither are we behind you…you looked round to check, didn’t you?

Instead, we’re simply making an educated assumption, based on the fact that nearly 24 million Brits are currently working from home, often in hastily cobbled together arrangements featuring ironing boards, book stacks and a collection of plugs which would have an electrician shocked.

With home offices less ergonomically design-focused than your standard office (your dog fronting the HR department probably isn’t going to install that new wrist supporting keyboard you’ve been coveting), those who are currently #wfh are having to adapt to their surroundings in inventive ways – from using software for asynchronous work all the way to the most creative of furniture solutions.

Your desk needs to be a devoted workspace, at the correct height and with good back support from an upright, sturdy chair. With laptops on laps, as we hunch over to read and type, we’re placing greater strain on our neck and shoulders, and risking injury. We’re in this for the long haul, so here’s 5 tips for the IDEAL home office desk setup.

INVEST IN A STANDING DESK

When it comes to working from home, standing desks are a saving grace; an antidote to the ever increasing sedentary lifestyle so many of us lead and its associated risks. With the stroll from tube station to office now eliminated because we’re working from home (for some, the only exercise of the day), getting moving has never been more pressing.

The best way you can encourage a little movement and flexibility in your home office setup is by installing a standing desk, which helps burn off calories and keeps those limbs nimble. Getting your blood flowing and increasing your metabolism can only be a good thing, and when combined with a light exercise regime, can give a big lift to your physical health.

Many experienced home office workers set an alarm to remind them every fifteen or thirty minutes to take themselves for a short walk around their home; the smallest effort can make a huge difference to your health, and we’d recommend following suit.

OR, FULLY CUSTOMISE YOUR DESK 

To meet your specific work needs, consider customising your desk. An ergonomic stand-up desk, like we mentioned, is great when combined with an adjustable desk converter which can be positioned at the exact correct height for to match you at the correct sitting and typing posture.

This may provide you with better flexibility and enable free movement while working, and is increasingly believed by scientists to be massively beneficial to those at risk from an overly sedentary working day.

Should you be making the permanent shift to home working and want things to be perfectly aligned, consider an online builder to customise your home office desk to the nearest millimetre. This free online tool will help you to visualize the desk and work through the measurements in precise detail. And the best bit? A four-position memory keypad comes as standard, with more settings available (at a cost, of course), meaning that you can switch between standing and sitting desk heights easily.

A LAPTOP STAND

That said, not everyone has space for a desk. If you’re working from a laptop rather than desktop, as so many of us have been, you might be causing yourself eye, back and wrist strain by leaning into your screen excessively and manipulating your keyboard and mouse at an uncomfortable angle. As a general rule of thumb, your screen should be at least 50 centimetres from your eyes (around arm’s distance) and slightly below eye level.

Consider investing in a laptop stand to mitigate some of these concerns. These neat little structures lift your screen to a more appropriate height (though not with the accuracy of a customisable desk, mind) and go some way to preventing you hunching over or straining your eyes. 

For those who find themselves frequently on the move or working remotely, it’s essential to ensure ergonomics are not compromised, even with portable devices. If purchasing a top-notch laptop isn’t feasible, consider exploring options to rent laptops for specific work trips, which can provide access to high-performance, high-resolution machines (less eye strain!) without the high upfront cost. Luckily, most laptop stands are suitable for all models of laptops. They are also foldable and lightweight, which makes carrying them around a breeze.

WIRELESS ACCESSORIES

Sit back, take a load off, your screen is now at the correct height. Adjust your bottom and spine against the chair’s back at a sturdy though flexible right angle; doesn’t that feel better? Or, if you’re standing, we salute you! That’s pure dedication to a life less sedentary right there.

Now, all you have to worry about is the two devices which enable you to complete your work each day; your keyboard and your mouse. You’ll find that your keyboard may now be at a slightly awkward position.

If you’re serious about this working from home thing, typing needs to happen from a manageable distance away from the computer, with wrists rested on your desk a couple of inches in front of your keyboard and at right angles (or slightly below) to your elbows. This will help you avoid a repetitive strain injury. It’s best here to invest in a Bluetooth keyboard, so you can position your keys in the ideal alignment to your body and hands.

It’s best here to invest in a Bluetooth mechanical keyboard, so you can position your keys in the ideal alignment with your body and hands. It’s also important to keep said keyboard well maintained as you tend to use excessive force on keys that are sticking or broken. Kinetic Labs has some keyboard care accessories and replacement parts available if you need them.

If we’re going the whole hog, then a Bluetooth mouse will certainly do no harm either. Ideally, your mouse should be half a forearm’s length from your body, with your wrists supported on the desk. Again, a wireless version of this office standard allows for greater flexibility. Just remember to invest in some batteries!

NATURAL LIGHTING

Someone is going to have to face up to it; the days are getting significantly shorter now, and a chill has entered the air. Tragic, we know, since we haven’t properly enjoyed this year’s summer. For productivity and peace of mind’s sake, equally, it’s imperative that you make the most of the natural light while it’s here, by positioning office desks in a way which makes the most of them. 

It’s also a health-conscious move for your eyes; recent analysis regarding an office’s impact on health found that employees who sit within 10 feet of a window reportedly had 84% fewer eyestrain instances, headaches and blurred vision symptoms. Wow! And that’s not all, a study reported in Forbes concluded that fresh air can make the workforce 11% more productive. Harness this energy via windows in your home office and watch the creativity blossom.

That said, it’s smart to ensure that the natural light in your home office is managed properly; align your workspace or desk in a way which means the sunlight doesn’t disrupt your work by being too bright or creating shadows. Having a light source directly behind, overhead, or in front of the screen creates a glare on it, which only leads to strain. Instead, position your screen in such a way that the light source comes from the sides or below. 

5 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIP

Editorial Team
-
0
5 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIP

Ideal for leaving 2020 in the dust.

Oh, the open road. That feeling of unbridled freedom. The four doors of the car rather than the four walls of home. The windows rolled down, the breeze in your hair, the classic rock on the radio and a sense of adventure in your soul. COVID-19, lockdowns and Boris’ U-turns all turned to dust in the rearview mirror, replaced by your own self-isolation on the other side of the world.

We’ve got goosebumps just thinking about it. And although 2020 has been cruel, we’re entitled to dream just a little of better times ahead, right? With wide open roads, mind-blowing expanses and some of the most jaw dropping scenery you’ll ever set eyes on, Australia is one of the best places on the planet for a road trip. If you’re planning yours and are looking for inspiration or are simply after some escapism, then read on; here are 5 tips for planning your Australian road trip, IDEAL for leaving 2020 in the dust. 

CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL 

Australia is blessed with such diversity of landscape. From rugged coastlines to ochre-red rock formations, heaving urban centres, hulking boulders and the never ending outback, this country has it all. This vastness and variety also calls for some focus on your itinerary; it takes several weeks to drive across the country, and you don’t want to be spending all your time at the wheel, we’d wager.

Australia’s Highway 1, also known as ‘The Big Lap’, circumnavigates the entire country and is the longest national highway in the world, clocking in at nearly 10’000 miles. Some take a whole year out to traverse this road, and if you’ve got the time to do so, then awesome! But not many are fortunate enough to be blessed with months on months of obligation free time.

Instead, consider breaking things down a little. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is about as spectacular as it comes. A coastal road stretching 200 miles, you’ll find untouched beaches and unkempt cliff edges aplenty, as well as perhaps the world’s premier surfing mecca, the seaside resort of Torquay. Whilst on this drive, you’ll be able to take in The Twelve Apostles, an incredible collection of rock formations in the ocean which are surely a contender for the most striking natural wonder in the world. Set aside three or four days to truly appreciate this one.

Another hugely popular drive down under is the road between Cairns and Brisbane, along Australia’s east coast, which takes in some of the pinnacles of Australia’s natural beauty, including the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll need a minimum of two weeks to get the most out of it.

An even more exhaustive (and a little exhausting) road trip takes you from the north of Australia to the south, cutting right through the centre of the country. Along the Stuart Highway, from Darwin to Adelaide, you’ll traverse nearly 2000 miles of road and is the perfect chance to experience Australia’s vast, iconic outback.

Or, you could take the shorter (though still hugely impressive) 10 hour drive from Melbourne to Sydney, taking in the sights along the way. Basically, what we’re trying to say is, Australia is blessed with so many fantastic road trips; choose your poison wisely, or do the lot, and we’ll see you in a couple of years!

VISAS & LICENSE

Once you’ve figured out the trail and how long it will take you, you can decide on how long you want to stay. The standard tourist visa (ETA) allows for stays of up to 3 months (90 days). Other options include stays of up to 6 and 12 months, if you’re really throwing yourself behind the wheel for a long haul. Do be aware that there are certain requirements of a 6-month tourist visa, though. Working is strictly prohibited and you must show proof of funds in your bank account; enough to sustain your trip.

Here’s some good news; you can drive in the land down under using your UK driving licence, but only if you remain a temporary overseas visitor. If you have an overseas licence in a language other than English, all you’d have to do is have it translated by a NAATI translation service. Should you intend to stay and have a permanent visa, you can drive with your UK license for the first 3 months that you’re in the country. Within this time, you must get a local licence if you want to remain on the road. Seems fair. 

THE RULES OF THE ROAD

Though this article all sounds like plain sailing and smooth driving up to now, you’ll need to get to grips with the rules of the road and be mindful of driving laws in Australia if you’re to enjoy a safe, enjoyable trip. Like us, the Aussies drive on the left, and though it may seem like a laid back country, laws on overtaking are strict, as are penalties for not wearing a seatbelt.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol will see your licence can be suspended, at the very least. As Sydney based law firm Prime Lawyers warn ”drink driving offences are considered serious offences…with convictions attracting heavy fines, long periods of licence disqualification and possibly a gaol sentence”. That’s jail to you and I. 

In a notable difference to British driving law, and important to bear in mind, they also highlight that ”police can charge someone with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) where it is believed that the person is or has been driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. Police do not need the assistance of any devices or a known blood alcohol content to prove a charge of DUI”. If you find yourself in this position, consult Prime Lawyers or another law firm for assistance.  

Should you be keen to enjoy some Australian wine, which is admittedly excellent, take it easy or don’t drive at all.

STAY ON THE SEASON’S SUNNY SIDE

Despite what many of us Pommies may think, it’s not all ‘schooners, sunshine and barbies’ in the land down under. Australia is a massive country and has different climates all over, and it would be foolish to assume it’s going to be 30 degrees and blue skies everywhere you go. 

If you’re planning on visiting more than one region, plan your trip accordingly. The best time to traverse the Northern part of Australia, which includes Queensland and The Great Barrier Reef, is from April to October, which is the beginning of the dry season. Come during the wet season and you’ll be faced with torrential downpours and many of the roads close due to floodings – not ideal road trip conditions, that’s for sure. 

The best time of year to drive the Great Ocean Road, along Australia’s south eastern coast, is late summer, between March and April, when the weather is warm and settled. The same goes for the drive between Melbourne and Sydney.

For the mammoth Stuart Highway route, you should avoid the early summer months, between December and February, as temperatures are extreme, and at night, often freezing. You do not want to be caught in the outback, broken down, in such conditions. Better to hit the road any time between May and October.

WATCH THE WILDLIFE

Wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and possums, to name but a few. It’s estimated that four million mammals are killed by cars each year after being hit by a vehicle on Australian roads. Most collisions happen during the hours between dusk and dawn as many species of Aussie wildlife are most active at this time and visibility for drivers is lower. 

The best way to avoid hitting wildlife is to simply not drive at dawn, dusk and through the night. Instead, set up camp, have a barbie, and enjoy a night under the stars. Also, please, don’t litter while enjoying the great Australian outdoors; it’s illegal, bad for the environment and attracts native wildlife to the roads – the last place they should be hanging out.

If you do hit an animal, get in touch with a qualified wildlife rescuer – the injured animal has a better chance of surviving if you do so. Before you set off on your trip, add the numbers of wildlife rescue groups in the areas you’ll be travelling to your phonebook so you can call for assistance. If unfortunately, the animal passed away, check it’s pouch for a little joey then move the animal away from the road – it may attract scavengers which could lead to more collisions. And on that rather macabre note, we hope you have a great trip!

4 HISTORIC WEDDING VENUES IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Editorial Team
-
0
4 HISTORIC WEDDING VENUES IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Ideal for the quintessential wedding in the Great British countryside.

Your wedding day is one you want to remember forever, a day of joy and good cheer which you hope goes down in the history books of your life. Unless, of course, the marriage ends in acrimony, but that should be the last thing on your mind at the moment. For now, everything about it has to be memorable, from the flower arrangements to your bridal dress, the best man’s speech and your dad’s questionable dancing. 

Though it’s all these finer details which make the bigger, beautiful whole picture, it’s the frame which really defines the day. That is why picking the best venue should be at the top of your priority list when it comes to wedding planning. Thankfully there are plenty of incredible places in the United Kingdom that can offer you the perfect Instagram-worthy wedding venue on your special day. 

Whether you live in the area or fancy somewhere spectacularly rural for your big day, here are 4 historic wedding venues in South West England, IDEAL for the quintessential wedding in the Great British countryside.

ST AUDRIES PARK

This is the perfect wedding venue if you are looking for a natural aesthetic for your special day. Get hitched here and you will be surrounded by the splendour of Somerset’s Quantock Hills (an Area of Outstanding Beauty) and the manor house’s 100 acres of land. You may even see some deer grazing the grass; St. Audries is, first and foremost, a deer park. Perhaps this presents the perfect reason to enjoy some venison on your wedding breakfast menu? Just sayin’. As if that wasn’t enough, the venue also boasts sea views over the Bristol Channel. 

Should you choose to house your wedding ceremony in the Georgian Orangery and you can make use of their grand banquet hall, which seats up to 130 guests for the party element of your wedding. If you book this venue you can get the entire house to yourself and up to 250 guests. There are also 41 bedrooms to choose from if you want to give your guests the option to crash after the ceremony.

CLEVEDON HALL

There are many reasons why this wedding venue should be on your shortlist. Firstly, this manor is massive, hosting 25 bedrooms for your guests if they want to stay the night after the festivities. Clevedon Hall also comes with a team of event management experts who can not only help plan your wedding, but can also provide catering. Hey, who said this wedding planning thing was stressful? Not here!

With this option, you also get the entire house to yourself for you and your guests, which means the whole focus will fall on you. The hall comes equipped with a chef who has trained at Michelin level, so you can rest assured that your guests will be eating sophisticated, memory-making food. Surrounded by two and a half acres of land from all sides with a perfectly manicured garden, this is the perfect frame for a fairytale wedding.

KNOWLE MANOR

This is a beautiful manor inside Exmoor National Park, which straddles West Somerset and North Devon. Defined by moorland, woodland, rivers and coast, you truly couldn’t get any more scenic if you tried.

The manor itself is surrounded by 120 acres of lakes, trees, forests and the moors, perfect for strolling the morning after the night before, should your guests need to rid themselves of sore heads (we expect they might).  

Up to 50 of your wedding guests can sleep in the manor and there are 20 different bedrooms to choose from. What’s more, if you’re planning a particularly expansive affair, Knowle Manor is licensed for up to 60 guests in its Drawing Room, typically used for the ceremony, but if you are needing more space, you can also include the Palm House in your booking, which can host up to 120 guests.

Do remember that right now, there are severe restrictions on the number of guests permitted at weddings, due to COVID-19 safety measures. Currently, the number stands at just 15, but you were planning this wedding for after a vaccine is rolled out, right?

HESTERCOMBE GARDENS

This gorgeous wedding venue in the splendour of the Somerset countryside sits amid over 50 acres of land. Book Hestercombe, and you get exclusive access to the venue and its surroundings on your wedding day. Hestercombe’s natural landscapes alone should be enough to convince you; lakes, cascades, temples, rills, sunny pathways and never-ending lawns will be the backdrop for your happily ever afters, and who wouldn’t want that?

Hestercombe Gardens is licenced for civil ceremonies.

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS: GOOD VERSUS BAD PAIN EXPLAINED

Editorial Team
-
0
EXERCISE ESSENTIALS: GOOD VERSUS BAD PAIN EXPLAINED

Ideal for working out to your full potential without risking injury. 

You’ve heard the expression “no pain, no gain.” And whilst there’s certainly some truth in the motivational maxim, it’s also a risky idea when taken too literally.

In the arena of the gym, it’s often used to refer to the fact that you have to endure a bit of physical discomfort to improve your physique, both while exercising and afterwards. At the same time, you’ve also heard athletes talk about “battling pain” in their pursuit of performance. This type of pain usually relates to functional injuries of the body; stuff they can’t ignore. You shouldn’t either.

Whilst we wouldn’t want to throw too many quotes at you this early in the article, here’s another; Muhammed Ali once said ‘’I don’t count my sit-ups. I start counting when it hurts, and I feel pain because those are what really count and makes you a champion.“ 

Was he right? Let’s find out; here we explain good versus bad pain, IDEAL for working out to your full potential without risking injury.

GOOD PAIN EXPLAINED 

Good pain seems like a contradiction in terms. But people generally use the expression to talk about the kind of discomfort that will help you come back stronger, both mentally and physically. 

There are several different types of good pain that you can experience when you start straining. 

  • Lactic acid buildup. Physiologists think that muscles become engorged in lactic acid when trained hard, and this leads to discomfort. Byproducts of metabolism build up in the cells, creating that characteristic burning sensation you get in your thighs during spin class. Lactic acid pain is perfectly healthy, and just your body’s way of telling you that you’re pushing yourself hard. 
  • DOMS. DOMS stands for delayed-onset muscle soreness, and it’s that low-level ache you get the next day in your muscles following a workout. The cause of the pain is tiny tears and breaks in the muscle fibres that lead to inflammation. Again, the healing process is a good thing because it tells your body to come back stronger, leading to growth. That said, those DOMS certainly stick around; you can feel sore for a few days, especially after squats!
  • Aerobic stress. If you’re on the treadmill or exercise bike, you’ll also experience the discomfort of aerobic stress – something that usually manifests itself as general pain or tightness in the chest. Please note that this pain shouldn’t feel sharp or make it hard for you to bend over. Instead, it should just feel like you’re working hard and getting out of breath. 

Good pain is a sign that you’re pushing yourself and making progress on the fitness front. 

BAD PAIN EXPLAINED

Bad pain, however, is an entirely different beast and something you shouldn’t ignore. For instance, if you have pain and swelling simultaneously, it suggests that your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong.

As the seasoned professionals at Science of Rehab state, the key to managing pain is understanding it. How does bad pain make you feel? What triggers the pain? Which activities or movements bring on a flare-up? Answering these questions can help you create a better plan for your well-being, based on how your body responds to physical activity.

Similarly, if you go for a run and get stabbing pains in your chest, you should immediately seek medical attention to rule out severe conditions, like heart disease. 

If the problem is related to chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia or arthritis, light exercise is actively encouraged; the worst thing you can do is lay in bed all day with such conditions. That said, you shouldn’t ignore the pain; the NHS recommend choosing ‘an exercise that won’t put too much strain on yourself’, such as walking, swimming or yoga.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR SUPPORT

In terms of supplements that can help with pain relief and encourage recovery, many athletes swear by Glutamine, a naturally occurring amino acid that can be boosted via diet or supplementary tablets and powders. You’ll find glutamine in foods which are protein rich (the usual suspects: beef, fish, eggs, dairy and chicken) as well as dark green vegetables and fermented products, such as kefir, miso and kimchi. Omega 3 oil, available in capsules on the high street, is also well known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

L-carnitine and L-arginine are further amino acids which are adept at stimulating growth hormones and helping in muscle recovery. The general idea is to reduce the amount of pain people experience after bouts of exercise, encouraging them to keep their training regimes up; certainly worth a shot as part of your supplementary regime, don’t you think? 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Though a level of pain and suffering is often considered the holy grail in the quest for gains, if something doesn’t feel good, it probably isn’t. Real, proper, troubling pain is your body trying to tell you that something isn’t right, and shouldn’t be ignored. If you do, you risk injury. Go too hard, and you’re going home in an ambulance. 

On the flip side, that feeling of lactic acid doing its thing, and a subtle ache the day after a workout, simply means your body is recovering and getting stronger. It takes experience to be able to tell the difference but you’ll get there. Good luck with your next work out!

7 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT

Editorial Team
-
0
7 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT

Weddings, hey, who’d want one? Well, around 250’000 happy couples a year, actually. But let’s face it, big, blowout events do come with a reputation; of costs sending the couple into debt and meticulous preparation sending them into an asylum. 

No wonder the reception often seems to come as a relief. While the actual ceremony is perhaps the more significant, meaningful part of the day, it’s often the wedding reception that takes the most time to plan; the fine print here matters so much. In addition to the food, music, and decorations there’s one other extremely important point to bear in mind when planning your wedding – the entertainment!  

When it comes to choosing the right entertainment for your wedding, there are a few key things to consider to make your getting hitched go off without one. With that in mind, here are 7 tips for choosing the best wedding entertainment.

BUDGET 

We realise it’s uncouth to mention money so early on in the planning process, but it’s essential to get the financial side of things sorted before you sign any contracts or make any arrangements. 

Let’s put it bluntly; couples should decide on a budget for their entertainment and stick to it. It’s all too easy to get carried away when it comes to a wedding, and if you’re not careful, you’ll soon find yourself wanting double what you can afford and finding it incredibly stressful trying to decide what (or who) to lose from the line up.

Be resolute in the face of finances and stick to your original entertainment budget during negotiations.   

CREATE THE RIGHT MOOD

Without wishing to suggest a ‘mood board’ on your planning, you could do a lot worse than coming up with a few adjectives that you feel suit the style of the wedding you want to throw, to guide you entertainment decision making. 

Here are a few examples from our virtual board we just created, to get you thinking: wild, raucous, dignified, stylish, formal, casual, smart, sleek, elegant, decadent, chic. It’s up to you what you want your party to convey, but once you have defined it, make sure this definition carries through to every single aspect of the big day, from the invitations to the end-of-the-night entertainment. In doing so, guests will be fawning over your grand vision and the synergy you deployed to pull it off. And we all want fawning guests, right? 

CONSIDER THE CROWD

As the guys at Disco Logic, London wedding DJ experts, tell us, the hard part lies in finding entertainment which appeals to all of the diverse tribes typically attending a wedding. This is particularly pertinent when considering the tunes; though the happy couple may love death metal of DnB, it may not go down quite so well with Great Aunty Mavis.

As such, when choosing your wedding entertainment, of course, you want to choose something that you’ll yourself enjoy, but really, it’s just as important to consider the crowd.

For example, if 90% of your wedding party is elderly, you may want to pass on the mechanical bull. Similarly, if the majority of attendees are in their early 20s, having a load of vintage or historical themed entertainment might not work either. Whether you’re looking for guitarists for hire in Thailand or Dolly Parton cover acts in Shropshire, the key here is choosing acts that aren’t only appropriate for the setting, but for the audience too. Which brings us to our next point…

SPACE & SETTING 

The other key thing to consider here is the space you have to work with. Some wedding entertainment ideas can take up a lot of room, whereas others require very little, and it’s all about maximising the potential of the space you have available to you, realistically and smartly.

If the venue is smallish, you don’t want to overwhelm the floor with entertainment which saturates the guests, overpowers the space, and provides distraction rather than delight. In tighter venues, a simple dancefloor and DJ is often the most succinct way to get things rocking.

As Dexter, a skilled wedding band in Cheshire, tell us, ”if you have a band, you need to consider the size and acoustics of the room carefully.” It would be a shame for the group and their instruments to take up more space than the dancefloor, or be drowned out by chattering guests because of unsuitable acoustics. Sounds like they speak from painful experience!

These things matter. 

WHEN TO WOW 

Let’s throw some questions at the wall and see if they stick; why do you want wedding entertainment? Are you looking for something to add ambiance or do you want to keep the kids entertained? At which points might you need wedding entertainment? 

In terms of the ‘when?’, a great time to provide wedding entertainment is straight after the ceremony, when there is a bit of a lull and you’re busy getting your photos taken. A jazz band, juggler, magician or dancers, all represent a great conversation starter which guests can continue into the wedding breakfast. 

Another ideal time for wedding entertainment begins with the first dance and carries on until the lights come up; a band or singer here is the obvious, failsafe choice, but your options shouldn’t be limited to the traditional… 

HOW TO WOW

There are so many options for pleasing your party invitees in unique and unusual ways: 

  • Fairground games: If you’re planning on having an outdoor wedding reception, a few country style fairground games scattered around can bring a lot of laughs, and they’re pretty easy to recreate. A coconut shy is one age old favorite that goes down well at weddings. This is where a wooden ball is thrown at a coconut that’s balanced on a post. Typically, a person gets three chances in which to dislodge it. If successful, they win a prize. Or, why not have a good old-fashioned welly throw for a few giggles? 
  • Magician show: Hiring a magician to entertain your wedding party will create some fantastic memories. And who doesn’t like a bit of magic? Fun for the whole family, this. 
  • Photo booth: These have become incredibly popular over the past few years and are a great way to capture some magical memories from your big day. They’re pretty versatile and come available in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and themes.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Game: Just because you’re marrying someone, doesn’t mean to say you know then inside and out. This is always a good one to play at the wedding reception and is sure to raise a few eyebrows. For added fun, have someone else design the quiz so you have no idea what the questions will be. 
  • Singing waiters: If you really want to surprise your guests, why not hire some singing waiters? These guys will look like normal waiters and serve food as you’d expect. Then, all of a sudden, when cued, they suddenly spring into song. 
  • Bouncy castle: A bouncy castle is always a winner when it comes to entertaining kids, both young and old. You can even get wedding themed ones these days. It’s a good way to tire out the young ones while providing something to keep the older ones occupied.   
  • Casino: Why not glam up and have a Vegas-style reception? Hire in some casino game tables and croupiers and load your guests with fake money. Then, you’ve got your own little Bellagio right there. 
  • Circus performers: There’s always a little air of mystery that surrounds circus performers as they dart around defying death. Why not add some thrills to your reception by throwing in a few hired circus performers. They don’t need to do anything too crazy like tightrope walking or lion taming, but a few fire breathers and sword swallowers never goes amiss.   
  • Edible mist orbs: If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary for your reception, how about adding an edible mist orb experience to the mix? This is where guests get the chance to tickle their taste buds with a variety of flavours, by sucking up a lungful of edible mist. How cool is that?    

REFER TO REFERENCES 

If you haven’t seen the entertainment in the flesh, then it’s hard to know what you’re letting yourself in for. And there’s nothing worse than something massively hyped up which turns out to be a let down.

It’s imperative, then, that you read reviews online of the entertainment you’re considering, to ensure it’s legit, professional and above all else, entertaining. You may also be able to find YouTube videos of the act, and testimonials from previous weddings, to give you an even better idea of what’s on offer.

And with that, might we expect an invite to your big day?

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO INTERIOR DESIGN FOR SELLING HOUSES

Editorial Team
-
0
THE IDEAL GUIDE TO INTERIOR DESIGN FOR SELLING HOUSES

If you’re keen to do some home renovations, the chances are that you are looking at the latest interiors magazines to see what is on trend. You might be eager to source that 1960s bold geometric wallpaper that you’ve always fancied for behind your log burner or maybe you are eager to flex your creative muscles in your bathroom and go for a kitsch 1950s feel? 

It has to be said that these sorts of design styles are sometimes, well, divisive. If you plan on living in your current property for the foreseeable future and don’t predict selling up anytime soon, then go for it. Be bold, be brave, and flex your interior design muscles.

However, if you are thinking about moving on to pastures new soon, you might be keen to get your home dressed for sale in an outfit which boasts a more universal appeal. The sorts of interior design hacks you use in this scenario are vastly different from the ones you would use to craft your own personalised living spaces, make no mistake.

In such cases, there’s no harm in playing to the crowd. Potential house buyers will be looking for that blank yet stylish canvas on which to make their own mark. They don’t want to see your favourite, esoteric colour scheme in the kitchen, your bold choice of natty floorboards in the living room, or your frankly chaotic approach to shelving in the kids’ bedrooms. 

To sell your home, you need to seduce your buyers with a potential lifestyle that gives them enough room to grow and build upon independently. By doing this, you’ll likely sell your home quicker and for a potentially higher price. With all this in mind, here’s the IDEAL guide to interior design for selling houses. 

KITCHENS

While the living room used to be the hub of a British house, it’s safe the say that the kitchen has now taken that baton. It’s the heart of the home, and the place where the real magic happens, sustaining family members with good food and better conversation and, as such, it deserves respect.

If you have an enclosed kitchen that cuts off the cook from the rest of the house, you should consider opening up the space. Yes, knocking down walls or extending is expensive, but you’ll likely claw back the money invested in the renovations and more. 

This is because open plan kitchen diners feel aspirational; homeowners can cook up a gastronomic feast in the kitchen while watching the kids do their homework on the dining table. Larger, more social gatherings can occur where guests can mingle together, or, you can catch up with pals over a coffee in your open plan living space. All of these domestic scenes ultimately equate to a higher house valuation.

When selecting your units, always go for something relatively neutral. While you may love the idea of a high gloss red unit, the chances are that your buyers will find this too bold or garish. 

Your interior design needs to be led by your head rather than your heart. A shaker style off white unit with wooden worktop is great if you have an older period property and want to make use of the old school features. Alternatively, a high gloss white unit with soft close drawers and granite quartz worktop might be more suited to your home. These high quality fixtures and fittings will allow your potential buyers to imagine themselves settling into your pad and making it their home.

LIVING ROOM

The living room needs to be comfortable and ooze cosiness. It doesn’t matter whether your room is vast or small, you can still dress it up, ready for sale. 

If you do have a larger space in your living room, make use of it, and take the plunge on one of those very comfy fabric corner sofas which you’ll have seen on many a Cribs or Kardashians episode. These vast cushion filled velvet or soft cotton sofas are sumptuous and add a touch of luxury to your pad. While you won’t be abandoning the sofa when you move house, you can still seduce potential buyers with an idea, image and lifestyle. Add a mixture of fabrics to create a highly texturised space, with soft furnishings like drapes, cushions, throws, and rugs to add visual interest to the room.

Accessorise the space with lamps, coffee tables, and footstools. If you are eager to be bang on trend, think about picking up some vintage pieces of furniture to add a touch of mid-century class to your living space. 

Even if your living room is small, you can add a classic 1960s nest of tables to make clever use of your space. Tiled coffee tables and oak floorboards are great for showing off that unique touch, too, without being overbearing in your choices. 

If you have a fireplace, make a feature of it. Should you be fortunate enough to have an antique cast iron Victorian fireplace, for example, get it cleaned and working. If your fireplace is more of a 1960s gas monstrosity, you should swap it for a wood burner to add a more pleasant focal point to your space. The chimney breast can then be wallpapered with some simple classic printed wallpaper to draw the eye.

BATHROOM

They say that it is the kitchen and bathroom that sell a house. We’ve already discussed the kitchen, so now it’s time to think about how you maximise the appeal of your bathroom, too.

While bathrooms tend to be small, they can still be perfectly formed. First things first; damage limitation. If you have some mould or grout discolouration, this can make your bathroom look a little grotty, so give it some elbow grease and get scrubbing. Deploy the same can-do attitude with streaky mirrors and glass, because these blemishes are the first thing potential buyers will notice. Check out our tips on 10 professional home cleaning hacks for more!

If you have the space, then adding a second bathroom to your property can boost your home’s value by about 5%. So, to improve your house’s immediate, cosmetic appeal and convey a sense of ‘worth’, it’s a good idea to try an squeeze in an extra bathroom, in ensuite form or even outside.

EXTERIOR

You should never neglect the exterior of your home when looking to sell up. Think about exuding kerb appeal so that your potential buyers’ heads are turned for all of the right reasons.  

If you have a front garden or driveway, make sure that you get the pressure washer out and get rid of any weeds. A clean and tidy driveway creates a great first impression, that’s for sure. Mow the lawn, cut back the triffids, and plant some colourful shrubs and foliage to add interest to your front garden area. 

When it comes to your actual home, paint the front door and clean the fascias of your windows; a clean and tidy front area looks so much better than a cobweb laden porch. If the paint is peeling on your front door, paint it. If the door has seen better days and the letterbox is falling off, consider investing in a brand new composite style door that is super secure and looks incredibly smart. With reinforced glazing and bespoke designs, these front doors last decades and can demonstrate to your potential buyers immediately just how much you have invested in your home.

THE BOTTOM LINE

When you are looking to sell up, you want to get the biggest bang for your buck to help fund your house move. By following these simple design hacks, you’ll be maximising your home’s potential in the eyes of viewers. And that’s what you’re here for, right?

5 TIPS FOR SLEEPING BETTER DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES

Editorial Team
-
0
5 TIPS FOR SLEEPING BETTER DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES

Ideal for improving your wellbeing with a good night’s sleep.

Call it what you like; unprecedented, turbulent, topsy turvy or unpredictable – the only single thing that is certain right now is the uncertainty. And that over-egged sentence and erratic punctuation have only served to increase our anxiety. Anyway…

What’s clear is that with this uncertainty comes stress and worry, which can be detrimental to our sleep and make existing woes seem worse. Indeed, it’s been reported that the first lockdown caused a sharp increase of insomnia across the UK, and with a second one surely on the way, Brits are investigating ways to sleep better with ever increasing frenzy. How do we know? Because you’re here, of course.

If you’re struggling to get some shut-eye and suffering from sleepless nights, then read on; here are 5 tips for sleeping better during uncertain times, IDEAL for improving your wellbeing with a good night’s sleep. 

IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP ENVIRONMENT 

Home is meant to be a place for relaxing, resting and recharging. However, with many of us now working here too, the function of the home itself is changing and our domestic environments have been disrupted. As such, the usual boundaries have become blurred, with rooms once assigned to very specific tasks now hosting all manner of activity. 

Is it any surprise you can’t sleep when your work computer, hastily assembled gym set up and piano you recently bought but haven’t touched are all visible from your bed? One of the best ways you can ensure a better night’s rest is by keeping your bedroom free from distraction. We’ve written a whole piece on how to create the IDEAL bedroom environment for sleep in 5 simple steps; do check it out.

PAMPER SESSIONS

While it may seem frivolous to pamper yourself in such times, it couldn’t be more important right now to indulge in a little self care, to realign and rejuvenate.

Make it a ritual each evening to take a time out from screens, news, and unwanted stimulation. Run yourself a hot bath and drop in essential oils; chamomile and lavender scents are particularly evocative of peace and tranquillity and will get you geared up (or more aptly down) for sleep. Light some candles, listen to some soothing music or pop on your favourite podcast. Turning your bathroom into your very own private spa needn’t be costly or difficult, but boy can it make a difference!

When you’re done soaking, you can delve into your skincare routine, luxuriating in the process as much as the result. Once you’re fully pampered out, make the evening extra cosy by putting on your favourite ladies nightwear or that new pair of PJs you treated yourself to. Phew, even describing it has relaxed us; we apologise if the rest of the article continues at a canter. 

NO LATE NIGHT NEWS

For some, the real worrying begins once head meets pillow. First, we start trying to process what’s happened during the day, then comes the nervousness about the future.  

Let’s cut to the chase; watching the 10 o’clock news or scrolling though updates about current events on our social media do no favours. So, endeavour to limit your exposure to the news and media, both in the time spent and the number of sources you’re getting your news from.  

Reading every single report from different sources can make you become more anxious, feeding into a cyclical feedback loop which comes with every refresh. While it’s important to keep up to date with current affairs, digging down deep in those negative Twitter spirals is almost certainly contributing to a state of anxiety.

SCREENS AWAY

What’s more, the light of a screen can mess with the sleep hormone melatonin and make you feel more awake, and subsequently, it’s recommended you should stop looking at screens at least an hour before bedtime. Concentrating on social media or even the latest episode in a TV drama can also add to this feeling of wakefulness. 

If you’re finding it difficult to ween yourself off your phone in the evening, take small steps at first. Place your phone in a different place in the room, away from your bedside table, and invest in an alarm clock instead. Move the TV out of your bedroom, and gradually place a time limit on phone use, starting at, say, 10pm and bringing it forward each day or week. Before you know it, that token evening screen time will be a thing of the past.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT & DRINK

Getting a good night’s sleep can benefit both your physical and mental health and you’ve got to prepare your body for bed in the right way via your diet. Avoid sugar or caffeinated drinks in the afternoon and evening, as this will wake you up more. Also, consider cutting down on the booze; you may think alcohol makes you sleepy, but it actually harms the quality of your rest.

If you do fancy a late night snack, avoid anything too sugary or heavy. Instead, porridge is a surprisingly sleep-healthy choice. This is because oats and dairy release chemicals that increase your desire to sleep. Who knew? And if you’re craving a drink, try a herbal sleep tea; anything containing valerian does the job well.

THE BOTTOM LINE

A perfect night’s sleep is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, particularly in times of turbulence and uncertainty. Follow these five suggestions, and you may well notice a marked improvement in those all important Zzzeds. Good luck!

HOW TO HANDLE BACK TO WORK ANXIETY: 5 IDEAL STEPS

Editorial Team
-
0
HOW TO HANDLE BACK TO WORK ANXIETY: 5 IDEAL STEPS

Just as we packed our work bags, donned a tie for the first time in months, steeled ourselves for the commute and kissed our partner goodbye, the news came in; government encourages Brits to work from home, again. We’d almost made it to Pret for our pre-work croissant, but a quick heel turn, and we retreated home to hastily reassemble our kitchen table office.

Many workers aren’t so lucky to have this luxury, with a physical presence necessary to get the job done and oppressive employers putting the heat on staff to return to work regardless of the risk. Such uncertainty and pressure are, of course, going to cause inevitable worry. This is a turbulent time, but rest assured, there are tools available to help lighten the load somewhat. With that in mind, here’s how to handle back to work anxiety in 5 IDEAL steps.

PRECISION PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

It’s the uncertainty which kills us. And let’s face it; the ebb and flow of traffic and train rides in the capital can be some of the most unpredictable around. You can only expect one thing; chaos. Even with distancing measures loosely in place, the tubes are still busy, so it’s prudent to plan your journey closely to take the mental load off a little each morning and evening.

Do remember that a face mask is now compulsory on trains unless you are exempt, and it’s a good idea to carry hand sanitiser, too. Try to travel at quieter times if possible by looking first online and assessing live updates for busier stations, such as Clapham Junction, Waterloo, Victoria and Kings Cross trains, to check trains are running properly and delays aren’t causing additional issues. In general, quieter times occur between 8:15am and 4pm, and after 5:30pm, on weekdays.  

If anxiety levels are running particularly high, consider consulting with your employer about working different hours to avoid the crowds. In such turbulent times, some flexibility from your work should be expected…

SPEAK TO YOUR BOSS

Speaking of which, it is usually productive to let your boss know that you are feeling anxious about returning to the office. They will be able to reassure you regarding the steps they have taken to make your place of work a COVID-secure environment which should help to alleviate any concerns.

Should your employer be inflexible about the issues you present, then you should remind them that they may be breaking the law. You could also do worse than pointing them in the direction of this useful article on ways to encourage a productive working environment. Disclaimer: it was written by us.

CONSULT WITH CO-WORKERS

There is power in the union, so, join one. Should this not be feasible, then ‘strength in numbers’ is still incredibly powerful at work, so it’s certainly worth speaking to your co-workers as it is likely that there will be at least one other person feeling nervous; a problem shared is a problem halved for you, and a problem doubled for that pesky boss of yours. With collective pressure, you can enact change within your employer’s policies, and also provide invaluable support and a sense of community in the face of uncertain, unprecedented times.

Be aware that most people suffering from anxiety ‘’meet the definition of disability in the Equality Act (2010) and the Disability Discrimination Act (1995, as amended). This means that people with mental health problems are protected from discrimination and harassment and are entitled to reasonable adjustments to adapt their job or work’’, according to the Mental Health Foundation. This means you should expect your workplace to support you without judgment.

REWARD YOURSELF

It may sound a little simple – flippant, even – but a great way to reduce anxiety in any given situation is to give yourself something to look forward to which will help you to stay positive and focused during the day.

No one gets the most from life with an empty calendar. Instead, reward yourself for getting through this deeply challenging time. This could be anything such as buying new clothes, treating yourself to a takeaway or going out for a few drinks with friends after work; don’t let the ascetic gods guilt trip you!

BREATHING EXERCISES

Another widely deployed method in reducing anxiety is to learn and utilise a few breathing exercises when times get tough or overwhelming. These can be used in situations where you might be feeling anxious, such as on the train or when you walk into the office for the first time; fortunately, there’s plenty of advice online about the most helpful methods. We’re big fans of guided meditation apps, which give you the tools to tackle stressful situations with confidence. Do give them a go.

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

7 IDEAL TRAILS WORLDWIDE FOR EVERY HIKER’S BUCKET LIST

Editorial Team
-
0
7 IDEAL TRAILS WORLDWIDE FOR EVERY HIKER’S BUCKET LIST

Ideal for embracing the great outdoors and reclaiming your reclaim your sense of adventure. 

Are you an avid hiker who loves spending time outdoors surrounded by the beauty of nature? With COVID-19 restrictions making the great expanse of the even greater outdoors feel ever more appealing, more and more of us are pulling on our hiking boots and setting off on trails ready to be inspired and invigorated in equal measure.

From lowering stress levels and enhancing overall wellbeing to strengthening your connection with the natural world and even being great for heart health, research has consistently posited that hiking has countless benefits, and the experience it provides can have a soul enriching impact on your life. 

Together with Vacayou, who offer exciting and well-priced vacation packages without the hassle, here are 7 IDEAL trails worldwide for every hiker’s bucket list.

INCA TRAIL, CUSCO

Cusco is a city rich in history and culture. The Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Pichu is 26 miles of glorious views and unmatched beauty, a high altitude course full of tropical scenery and fascinating wildlife. And the views; oh, the views. Usually hiked over 4 days and 3 nights, this glorious ascent of the Andes mountains is as much about the journey as the destination, though when you reach the peak, at the world famous Machu Pichu, all of the climbing at high altitude will be worth it. 

The Incan citadel high in the Andes mountains is cloaked in mist, cloud and mystery, with lush vegetation surrounding and enclosing the ruins and making for some spectacular views. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, make no mistake. 

This trail isn’t for the last minute traveller and needs to be booked well in advance. In order to preserve the trail, the Peruvian authorities have capped the number of people allowed to trek it to 500 per day, including the tour guide and porters. So make sure you plan your trip in advance if you want to get that llama selfie you’ve always dreamed of. 

TUSCANY’S MOUNTAINS, ITALY 

Boasting unparalleled grandeur and elegance, Tuscany’s rolling hills are some of Europe’s premier hiking landscapes. The region boasts a vast network of hiking trails, with the most popular trekking areas perhaps the hills of Casentino and Florentine. The mountains in Tuscany’s north provide the variation in topography that any great hiking destination needs. 

Whilst the diversity of terrain is why this Italian region is so popular with walkers, the hearty, sustaining Tuscan food reliably available at every pitstop along the pathways is what keeps hikers coming back for more. We’re big fans of cinghiale in umido – a deliciously rich wild boar stew with a strong flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Buon appetito! 

BRYCE CANYON, UTAH 

Renowned for its unique trails, such as the Queen’s Garden and Tower Bridge, Bryce Canyon is an aesthetic wonderland for passionate hikers. The scenic sites, spacious campgrounds and instantly recognisable crimson rendered rock formations make for unique vistas at every turn. The Rim Trail hiking path is the premier route here, though be warned; the terrain can be treacherous and investing in some proper walking boots is essential.

The best time to visit this national park is during the months of May to September when the weather is warmest and the terrain full of wild flowers. Autumn is also a beautiful time to come when the place comes alive live with the shades of the season. With the winter comes snow and instead of pulling on the hiking boots, visitors can go snowshoeing instead.

SIRENUSE TRAIL, AMALFI COAST 

The Amalfi Coast is spectacular and dramatic, and here, the Sirenuse trail which goes along the slopes of the Sorrento peninsula is widely regarded as one of the most attractive walks in Europe. What’s more, owing to its (relatively) manageable terrain, short distance (around 7 miles) and year round agreeable weather, this is a walk you can take comfortably during any season. 

That’s not to say you won’t feel challenged or rewarded; there are some hefty ascents and visually, the path looking out to sea and over Li Galli (or, the island of the Sirens) is breathtaking in its vistas. Stunning stuff.

PERITO MORENO GLACIER, PATAGONIA  

If you only hike one glacier in your life, this would be the one to pick. Patagonia itself features multiple hiking routes beloved of trekking enthusiasts, however, arguably the best trail is Perito Moreno, boasting a truly majestic landscape.

This sheer, snowcapped walk is dramatic as it comes, and requires both a guide and some serious experience on your feet. Come armed with both and you’ll be repaid with ice tunnels, glaciers and a sense that actually, your trials and tribulations eventually turn to dust and irrelevance. Or maybe that was just us!

When you get to the glacier, wait around for a while and you’ll likely see huge chunks of ice dramatically fall into the sea. However despite the fact many of the world’s glaciers are melting, this is one of the only ones in the world that is actually growing instead of shrinking.

RED ROCKS LOOP TRAIL, ARIZONA 

The moderately challenging Red Rocks Trail in Sedona, Arizona, is 8 miles of life affirming walking and vast, expansive views to match. Rather than being a single, A to B affair, the Red Rocks Trail is several interconnecting, overlapping routes, allowing you to choose the difficulty level which your stamina and the (sometimes stifling) weather allows. If you’re to choose just one, the Eagle’s Nest Trail is just 3 miles and takes in some of the iconic, clay-red natural sculptures at their best.

We’re also big fans of The Oak Creek Canyon Trail with boasts views of the iconic Cathedral Rock rising in the distance and the soothing sounds of the babbling creek in the background. It’s a wonderful hike that winds through narrow canyons that slice into the Red Rocks. And if you’re after the perfect spot for a picnic, the banks of Oak Creek Canyon are the ideal place to take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.

THE LYCIAN WAY, TURKEY

Regarded as one of the world’s best hiking trails (and certainly one of longest, at over 350 miles) the Lycian Way is renowned for its ancient ruins, picturesque fishing villages and secluded beaches.

The best part about this hiking destination is that it boasts a mix of scenic burial monuments and Mediterranean views that could enrapture the coldest soul. If you’re to tackle the whole thing, do earmark at least a month in your calendar! 

Along The Lycian Way, you’ll find small hotels and local guesthouses offering typical Turkish cuisine to give you fuel for your hike. Most will provide a typical Turkish breakfast of eggs, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, olives, local honey and jams, oranges, pomegranates or whatever in season served with fresh bread and Turkish tea or Turkish coffee, the latter of which will certainly give you that all important caffeine-boost ahead of a day’s walker.

THE BOTTOM LINE

For many, hiking is not only physical, but also incorporates a spiritual element, a sense of not simply getting from A to B, but of disconnecting from daily life’s turbulence and turmoil. In a world currently defined by such upheaval, taking yourself for a long stroll could be the act of self care you’ve been yearning for. Happy walking!

5 Ways To Frame Your Face Without Wearing Makeup

Editorial Team
-
0
5 Ways To Frame Your Face Without Wearing Makeup

Ideal for bringing out your best features while going au natural. 

This year has significantly impacted our beauty routines – it’s been reported that women across the world are wearing less makeup and cosmetics sales are down. Here at IDEAL, we’re all in agreement; there’s not much point in putting a full face on for a Zoom meeting or Skype date, even less necessary when we’re behind a mask, and it’s been a liberating experience getting out the ol’ brush and bronzer with much less frequency. 

If, like us, you’re forgoing the makeup for the time being and are after alternative ways to frame your face then you’ve come to the right place, here’s an article on doing just that; our 5 ways to frame your face without wearing makeup, IDEAL for bringing out your best features while going au natural.

FOCUS ON YOUR BROWS 

Perfectly pruned and groomed brows can instantly transform and frame your face, pulling your very best features into focus. Indeed, the transformative power of a well-sharpened eyebrow (let alone two of them!) shouldn’t be overlooked. 

If you have sparse areas or were a child of the 90’s early noughties and over plucked your brows, tweezing with impunity, and you’ve been left with nothing but thin, rainbow shaped arches, then consider using a brow serum at night. This will help condition, strengthen and will thicken your brows, ideal for that face framing we’re seeking today. 

For a double whammy of facial framing, consider a brow and lash tinting set, which can really draw attention to your eyes. And might we say how beautiful they are?

FACE FRAME WITH HAIR

This one may require a bit of salon sorcery or some home cutting experimentation, but the results can be all encompassing. Yep, with the correct face framing layers, you can really transform your entire face. It all starts with the right haircut, which can draw attention to your eyes and even highlight your chin and cheekbones. Moreover, layers can add volume, texture and definition. 

In terms of style, fringes are particularly adept at accentuating your facial features and highlighting your natural bone structure. A full fringe, in particular, can shape your face and enhance your cheekbones. If you’re not sure if a fringe suits you, now is probably the best time to experiment on your look, with upcoming lockdowns meaning the usual exposure (and potential embarrassment) won’t happen. Use the time wisely to fine tune that new do.  

Finally, we know we’ve harked on about the 90’s and early 00’s already, but one trend that has recently made a comeback is face framing tendrils which can give that contour illusion without makeup. Again, now is the ideal time for experimentation.

HAIR ACCESSORIES AND HATS 

Hair accessories and hats are another great way to frame your face (or hide that lockdown hair you’ve just experimented with). Moreover, during this lockdown era of low maintenance looks, adding a hair accessory is oh-so-easy and immediately looks like you’ve spent more time on your hair than you actually did. Just like finding the perfect hairstyle, different accessories can enhance different facial shapes so play around until you find a look that flatters and frames your face well.

Now the days are getting colder, bring out those hats and scarves, to frame the top and bottom of your face. These are great for the winter months, when your skin needs to breathe thanks to the weather, and makeup isn’t always a good idea. A wide brimmed hat can also cast a real defining shadow on your face, so why not invest in one? 

TRY A TEETH-TWEAKMENT

Simply put, a brighter, whiter smile can keep your face looking radiant and glowing without any need for further finessing. At a basic level, you should truly put the minutes cleaning, polishing and shining those teeth to make not only your mouth, but your whole facial structure, truly glow.

Another thing to consider is orthodontic treatment. While it’s super obvious that braces and other orthodontic treatments affect the look of your teeth, it can also impact the way your face looks. Indeed, an underbite, overbite or crooked teeth can contribute to the shape of your face and its symmetry, causing your cheeks, lips and sometimes chin to look uneven. Reversing this lack of symmetry is a more complete way to face frame than everyday brush ups via make up.

USE JEWELLERY 

Jewellery is another great way to frame your face without the use of makeup, all the way down to your neck and collarbone. A lovely necklace, as well as a good pair of earrings, can make all the difference in how your face looks in the mirror, and when deployed with a lightness of touch, can frame your face in just the right way. 

For example, tragus earrings can be employed to help bring out your cheeks and ears, and give them a cutoff point before your hairline starts. If you have short hair, this is a great technique to harness. Combine this with a drop necklace that helps to lengthen your face shape, and if you’re more of a round or heart shaped face person, people will be tricked into thinking your features are much bolder! 

Colour can bring out your eyes, too. For brown eyes, warm metals like rose gold are brilliant at accentuating them, and chunkier pieces in earthier tones can really highlight dark eyes, too. Purple jewellery is said to be the ideal match for green eyes, with silver and grey also pairing well. For those with blue eyes, orange emphasises their beauty most adeptly. Oh, the possibilities!

WOW WITH GLASSES

Glasses can dramatically change the shape of your face. Choosing a frame that complements the shape of your face is probably the most important decision when selecting new glasses (aside from actually being able to see of course). 

For the most flattering specs for your face, it’s a good idea to figure out the shape of your head. Generally speaking, the shape of your sunglasses should be the opposite shape of your face. For example, if you have a strong jawline and broad forehead, then you’ve probably got a square shaped face so frames with a rounded edge are for you. 

However, if you’ve got a round face shape, go for square frames to add definition. Contrast is king here. The only exception is if you’ve got an oval face shape, then anything goes and you can get away with pretty much any style. Lucky you! If you’re unsure of your face shape then just pop into your opticians as these guys are trained to be conversant in various face shapes and the right glasses to frame them.

THE BOTTOM LINE 

It feels like we’re entering a new era, of wearing less make up and bringing our natural beauty to the fore. If you’re keen to cut down on the cosmetics but still maximise your gorgeous, unique face, then these 5 face framing tricks are a great place to start. We’ll see you on the catwalk!

DON’T LET THE SHORTER DAYS MAKE YOU SAD: 5 WAYS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
-
0
DON’T LET THE SHORTER DAYS MAKE YOU SAD: 5 WAYS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME
5 WAYS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME

Ideal for making the most of daylight hours and the darker days of winter. 

As we round the corner into the final months of the year, it’s been lost on no one that the days are getting shorter and the evenings drawing in with an ever increased enthusiasm. Though there’s often a temptation to declare this an ominous sign of oncoming doom and gloom, we like to think there are some positives, too. 

A chance to show off a whole new winter wardrobe, perhaps? Or, to enjoy Pumpkin Spice guilt-free, and to get ready for cosy evenings in front of the TV with a blanket. There’s something about that crisp chill in the air which is kinda romantic, don’t you think?

That said, the novelty soon wears off. The fact that there are fewer hours of sunlight in the day demands proactivity to keep things bearable. You can expect a jump in your household bills as lights are switched on earlier and the heating needs to be run more regularly. Any little jobs you have been doing outside will need to be done earlier, as light starts to disappear earlier. And the darker evenings have an impact on emotions for a lot of people – it’s going to be harder for some of us to find the enthusiasm that seemed to be on tap all summer long.

It’s a little-known fact that houses in the UK were built to maximise heat, a scarce resource on our shores; that’s why heatwaves can be unbearable. What they often don’t do is maximise another scarce resource; light. And with seasonal affective disorder stirring, it’s a matter of prioritising self care to do what you can to keep your home feeling brighter. Don’t let the shorter days make you sad; here’s 5 ways to brighten your home.

REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE 

By the middle of December, the sun will be setting shortly before 4pm, having only risen eight hours previously. Come this time of year, we’re all on a carefully-rationed sunshine diet. As such, whilst the sun is up, it’s important to embrace as much light as possible. 

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

When it comes to moving furniture, as a rule of thumb, you usually want to avoid placing things in front of windows where possible. Doing so blocks out light and can make a room feel dingy. However, if space permits, consider moving your bed, sofa or favourite armchair next to a window so you can bask in any sunlight streaming through the windows. 

If you’re working from home, as so many of us are right now, keep curtains open, crack a window on milder days, and work outside if the weather permits it. Every little helps here.

5 WAYS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME

REDECORATE OR RENOVATE 

Aside from the layout, the physical structure of your home can be changed to maximise light’s potential, too. If you’ve been considering a renovation, look seriously at aluminium bifold doors which allow more light and, when opened, can create an ‘outside, inside’ vibe. Keep them closed when it’s raining, by all means, but more sunlight can only be a good thing when the weather is less inclement.

Or, you could redecorate your home to brighten it up and bring in that much needed lighter feel proactively. White and various off-white shades are more adept at reflecting natural light than darker tones, and as such, a simple lick of paint could make all the difference to your outlook.

REFLECT THE LIGHT WITH MIRRORS 

Mirrors aren’t just for checking your reflection before you head out – they can play a major part in making your home feel more spacious and increasing the feeling of lightness when you need it most. 

Set them up in strategically-chosen areas and a mirror can be a truly beneficial ally against the winter blues. A large ornate glass stretching across the chimney breast will catch and reflect plenty of light. Or, a landscape, widescreen mirror hung on a wall opposite your largest window can make a room double in size, visually. 

Equally, make sure that sightlines around your house are clear and unbroken; Autumn may be a month where clutter is permissible, but don’t let it block out light.

5 WAYS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME

TRY BRIGHTER LIGHT BULBS 

It’s thought that one in three people has some measure of SAD. And for those susceptible to the condition, it is recommended that they sit in front of bright, boxy lamps which can knock out up to 10,000 lumens. 

Replacing all of your lights with these lamps is neither practical nor desirable, but it may be worth replacing your current lightbulbs with brighter LED bulbs. Some of the latest crop of bulbs can produce 5,000 lumens and more, which is bright enough to make a difference. Or, you could invest in a dedicated SAD light, of course; many converts say that an early morning blast of the good stuff, for just a few minutes each day, has had a marked improvement on their seasonal moods.

EMBRACE THE DARK

Ok, so this one may not brighten your home physically, but mentally, your home will seem a brighter, lighter space if you simply embrace the dark months and prime your home accordingly. Shifting your outlook and appreciating everything that the colder months have to offer might be one of the greatest tools in the fight against a bleak Winter, so cosy up, get some cocoa in, and ramp up the comfort levels in the places you spend the most time.

That’s your bed and the sofa, then. Tactile changes make a particularly strong impact; extra throws, rugs, cushions and pillows create that added sense of warmth and comfort which the colder weather and darker days demand. Visually, you can also invest in items that bring that warm ‘glow’ (the Danish have a word for it, we’ve heard) to your house; flickering candles and lamps which give off a golden light both work brilliantly. Hey, we’re in this thing for the long haul, we might as well get comfortable! 

5 WAYS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME

THE BOTTOM LINE 

There’s a lot to love about the darker months, but they can take a toll on the emotions when approached carelessly. Make your home a brighter space now, and you can confidently face down the season with a little added resilience. We’ll see you on the other side.

WEDDING PLANNING 101: IDEAL ELEMENTS IN THE RUN UP TO YOUR BIG DAY

Editorial Team
-
0
WEDDING PLANNING 101: IDEAL ELEMENTS IN THE RUN UP TO YOUR BIG DAY

No, not 101 considerations, though we wouldn’t be surprised if it came to that. Praise the colon, because today we’re talking about just a few of the key ones. 

If you’re planning a wedding, then we don’t have to tell you twice that you have a pretty big task on your hands. Yep, you have a pretty big task on your hands; there are all sorts of different aspects to the big day that you’ll need to plan with precision to make sure your getting hitched goes off without one.

This, of course, can feel like a lot of pressure and it’s not all too surprising that many people get a little overwhelmed at some point or another during the process. Avoid this; every moment of this is meant to be a special time, and even the planning stage can create amazing memories for years to come! 

First and foremost, your planning process should be fun. Second, don’t get burdened with making everything ‘perfect’ and don’t place unnecessary emphasis on tiny details; such stress can lead to post-wedding blues which simply don’t set the tone right for the rest of your life together. This is a day that is about celebrating your love and the lead up to it should be as positive and enjoyable as the event and happily ever after, too. 

So, just the compendious considerations today; our wedding planning 101 and the IDEAL elements in the run up to your big day.

PLANNING SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOU

Here are some reassuring words; you’re not alone when you’re planning a wedding. Though it might feel like every detail falls on your shoulders from a great height and at terminal velocity, there are whole industries built around weddings and there are countless professionals and services whose sole professional purpose is to help people plan their wedding day. Phew. 

So, take a look at your options and see if any appeal to you. These, in particular, can take a load off:

  • A Wedding Planner – the most commonly used wedding planning service is that of a wedding planner. Clue’s in the title, hey? 

These are people whose entire career revolves around planning weddings. They know the ins and outs of what makes a wedding work and what doesn’t work quite so well. 

They also often tend to have trusted relationships within the industry which they can call on to secure favours and better rates. Of course, their services come at a cost. But if you’re looking to minimise stress around the wedding planning process as much as possible, this could definitely be a justified investment that’s worth making!

  • Online Wedding Planners – if you haven’t considered using an online wedding planner yet, now is definitely the time to look into it. 

This service will highlight all of the key and most common elements of a wedding day and will put you in touch with companies and professionals in the areas you want help sourcing. For example, such a service can guide you to florists, catering companies, venues and much more. This can be incredibly useful, as not only do you get exposure to a wide range of options, but you can easily compare them and get quotes from those you’re most interested in, all in one convenient place. 

In these turbulent times of COVID-19 and its subsequent restrictions, these online services look likely to be increasingly popular as face-to-face meetings are made more difficult by safety measures.

CREATING AN ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST

If you’re worried about missing out on any of the essentials – and by that, we mean the really important stuff which requires arranging well in advance – it’s a good idea to create an essentials checklist. 

This will help you to tick off the things you deem most crucial to your big day going well. Prioritising is the name of the game here. Remember, these things may vary, but here are the essentials:

The Venue

Wedding venues should be one of the first things you decide on, as the choice of location will determine so much of the big day. Once you know your venue, you can create a guest list that the venue can realistically accommodate, you can start planning venue decorations, and you can start planning appropriate outfits. 

Let’s break this thing down. Now, the first big venue related decision you’re likely to make is location. Where do you want to get married? Would you like to stay close to home? Do you want to get married a little further away? Would you consider holding your wedding overseas?  

When deciding on a location, consider whether you want everyone in your life to be able to attend, or whether you’re happy having a smaller and more intimate event. Weddings close-to-home tend to be more accessible for your nearest and dearest who live nearby, whilst hosting one further afield may reduce your guestlist, as not everyone will necessarily be able to afford flights, get time off work or secure childcare. A tactical decision to be made, potentially? 

Of course, right now and for the foreseeable future, COVID restrictions are in place on the size of weddings; currently, guest lists are limited to 15 attendees, but it’s changing with each and every government U-turn. Who knows what will be permitted tomorrow?

Once you’ve chosen a location, you can start looking at venues in this location. There are countless types of wedding venues, but some of the most popular tend to include:

  • Religious venues
  • Manors
  • Hotels
  • Barns
  • Beaches
  • Much more!

Choosing a venue that is used to holding weddings is likely to help your day run more smoothly, as the venue staff will know how to run things. However, don’t let this limit your options. You can get really creative with your venue if you want.

Finally, in regards to venue, you need to consider availability. Many popular venues have waiting lists and whether you secure the venue you’ve set your heart on will depend on whether you’re willing or able to wait or not. If you do want one of these difficult-to secure-venues, make sure to get on the waiting list as soon as possible!

A Cake

A wedding cake is inarguably a traditional element of so many weddings. They date all the way back to the 16th and 17th centuries, originally starting out as “bride pies” rather than cakes. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the plum cakes and fruit cakes with icing sugar that we more commonly associate with weddings rose in popularity.

Now, it’s important to remember that the wedding cake you choose is entirely down to your personal choice. If you like the traditional, tiered fruit cake – great! But if not, you can have quite literally any cake for your big day! For us, it has to be a layered cake of cheese (not a cheesecake, incidentally).

With regards to the price, a number of factors, such as the size of the cake, the complexity of the design, the ingredients used and the demand for the specific cake maker will sway the cost. Remember that you can spend a fortune on the cake if you want, but if you don’t want to, you don’t have to really splurge.

Of course, if you’re looking for perfection, it’s recommended that you do use a professional baker to create your cake. However, you can go DIY and bake your cake yourself if you’re looking to save funds. The cake can be a beautiful centrepiece, but often, many slices are left over at the end of the big day; a bit of a waste if big money has been spent, we think.

Your Outfit

Well, we wouldn’t be doing our job properly unless we redirected you to IDEAL tips on how to choose your perfect wedding dress. We’ve said it all over there, and won’t waste your (or our) time by repeating it here. Click on before you check out!

These are just a few areas to focus on that will help to get your wedding planning process kickstarted. Hopefully, some of the above advice will come in useful for you, so much so that we expect our invite in the post!

1...235236237...394Page 236 of 394

Company

WHO we are
SAY HELLO
ADVERTISING

Read More

Ideal
Travel
Food & Drink
Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Social

We’re an online destination, IDEAL for your daily dose of all things lifestyle, from travel to wellbeing and everything in between.

Copyright © 2026 IDEAL Magazine