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MAXIMISE YOUR HOME’S WORTH: GETTING THE MOST FOR YOUR PROPERTY SALE

Editorial Team
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MAXIMISE YOUR HOME’S WORTH: GETTING THE MOST FOR YOUR PROPERTY SALE

Ideal for getting the most from your property sale.

Though the housing market is a little topsy turvy at the moment, the wheels keep turning. And here’s a statistic to bring those looking to sell some optimism; on average, 1.2 million houses are sold in the UK every year. Is yours going to be one of them?

For those keen to be part of that statistic, it’s certainly sensible to make sure you’re getting the maximum value for your property sale, and that you’re doing all you can to ensure your home is at its full potential for viewers.

So if you’re wondering how to make sure you’re getting the best value for your property sale and want to know some insider secrets on selling your home, you’ve come to the right place. Indeed, if you’re looking to sell your home and want to make it stand out among the rest of the properties on the housing market right now, then read on; here’s how to maximise your home’s worth, IDEAL for getting the most from your property sale.

IT’S ALL ABOUT TIMING

In the words of Tolstoy; ”the two most powerful warriors are patience and time’’. And while it’s doing War & Peace a serious disservice to apply this sage advice to the contemporary housing market, he would’ve kinda had a point. Indeed, knowing if it’s a good time to sell, and resisting the urge to hurry, can have a significant bearing on the price you command.

If there aren’t many houses like yours up for Property sale in your area, then embrace this blessing; it’s a seller’s market in this instance, and this gives you the upper hand. So, do endeavour to check out your competition before you decide to sell.

If you’re in a hurry to sell, you probably aren’t considering any major updates to your property, but some small changes can still have a big impact.

SET THE RIGHT PRICE

As well as checking asking prices in the area, you should check how much similar houses have actually sold for. Be realistic when making comparisons, as overpricing your property may put people off. 

Compare the market (without resorting to singing that song) and ask yourself some searching questions. A similar property may have the same number of rooms, but is it decorated to a higher standard? Does it have something your property doesn’t? Be honest with yourself here.

MAKE YOUR HOUSE SHINE

Try and figure out who you are selling to and make your property appeal to those people. For example, if you have a rental property for sale, make sure you can provide a good history of tenancy. If you have an investment property for sale, the buyer will want to spend as little as possible on bureaucracy, so make sure this element is quick and manageable from your end. 

Make sure your house is spick and span, too, putting extra effort into the areas you usually forget about. Remember to look up, get down, and inside places you don’t normally go. 

Go the extra mile and consider staging your home inside; viewers want to see a place they can imagine living in. If your home would be perfect for a family, consider putting a bed or a cot in the spare room. Making the home feel homely by baking bread or putting a pot of coffee on just before they come round is a classic estate agent trick, sure, but it really does work. 

Bear in mind that anything with the potential to negatively detract from viewers being able to see themselves living in your house is a bad thing – so remove clutter and think about moving the furniture around (or even removing it) so the house looks bigger. Should you have photos of you and yours all over the house, it will be hard for anyone to imagine living there themselves, so pack up your personal belongings and put them out of view. The secret here is treading the line between personal and impersonal.

IMPROVE THE KERB APPEAL 

The first place which comes under scrutiny is the home’s exterior. As such, the facade needs to be faultless so the first thing you should do is check your kerb appeal and make adjustments where you find it wanting. 

What is the first thing people see when they arrive at your home? The front garden, the front door, the state of the front windows…make sure it’s all looking perfect.

Tidy any rubbish, clean your front door, repair anything which has seen better days. Consider making minor improvements like repainting woodwork or fixing that wonky door handle; it all counts. 

NEGOTIATING THE BEST PRICE FOR YOUR PROPERTY SALE

Finally, be bold but smart when negotiating. Don’t be afraid to decline the first offer and ask for a little more, but equally, know when the price is right.

Maybe there are items you don’t really need that you could include in the property sale which give you an edge over competing properties? Do your homework here and you stand yourself in better stead of maximising your home’s value. 

Do try to be flexible with your moving dates and have somewhere lined up. If your onward purchase is all set, you’ll be more appealing to potential buyers. 

Most importantly, ask yourself, what is my house worth? And don’t be afraid to hold out for exactly that. 

5 GADGETS TO HELP YOU WORK FROM HOME BETTER

Editorial Team
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5 GADGETS TO HELP YOU WORK FROM HOME BETTER

Ideal for those looking to make working remotely work for them.

Whilst almost every aspect of our lives has changed in recent months, our professional responsibilities remain. That’s not to say roles and duties haven’t shapeshifted and adapted – and will continue to evolve – at a fast pace. Nope, this is a period of cosmic change, and those who adapt, survive. 

What’s definitely clear is that our hastily assembled home offices, now we’ve had a moment to recalibrate, have prompted us to explore new software, devices and organisational skills that promise to save us time and improve overall efficiency. Of course, this is no easy task and some explorations have led us to dead ends.

Nevertheless, there’s no need to be disheartened – trial and error, and all that – as there are a number of gadgets that can, and have, proved a huge benefit for personal productivity and increased efficiency in the home office environment. If you’re not sure where to start, then check out these; our 5 gadgets to help you work better from home, IDEAL for those looking to make working remotely work for them.

A SMARTWATCH

Smartwatches have been on the market for a while now, but often they aren’t marketed to professional industries, rather to tech geeks and competitive exercisers. But in our opinion, they can add real value to the working day, too.

Research has found that prominent distraction for many workers is, predictably, their smartphones, first and foremost. With one small device, we can access news from around the world, communicate with our loved ones and explore never-ending social media feeds. Simply put, we can ignore our work for hours on end and decrease our productivity and efficiency, even when unintentionally, because of the distraction of smartphones.

Modern smartwatches can similarly provide us with some of those features, but they also tend to minimise the risk of distraction. Home workers can keep an eye on any important notifications that may warrant a quick break, but lessen the frequency of non-urgent breaks as the smartwatch interface isn’t so immediately addictive. In fact, they tend to have a clinical feel more conducive to concentration. So, put your phone in the other room, and delegate to your wrist instead.

NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES 

If your household has multiple people working in the same space, or if you have any children or dependent loved ones at home, it can be difficult to concentrate without distraction. Over time, this can prove a disaster for maintaining our work-life balance and structure – especially when making those all-important client calls which don’t benefit from interruption (yep, we’ve all laughed at the videos of kids crashing their parent’s Zoom meetings, but we perhaps wouldn’t want the same fate for ours).  

In this instance, it’s a good idea to consider noise-cancelling headphones which can allow you to focus your attention on the one task at hand, without interruption. Of course, make sure someone’s keeping an eye on the kids before you put the headphones on!

A QUALITY DESK LAMP

Now, working in your kitchen, living room or spare room can be an all-round tricky task, and more often than not this is due to the physical conditions – whether this is a crowded setup, noisy environment or an uncomfortable chair. Yet, whilst some of these elements can be difficult to fix, ensuring a good quality light source is relatively simple.

Dim or generally dark lighting can prove counterproductive to home working as it causes our brain to produce more melatonin which leaves us feeling sleepy. Of course, it can be difficult, if not near impossible, to complete our work to a high standard when we feel this way. So whilst we’re not suggesting that you re-do your lighting fixtures, it’s a good idea to purchase a desk lamp at the very least.

AN ALARM CLOCK OR SMART SPEAKER

Taking too many breaks can severely decrease our productivity, but we all know what it’s like when working from home; the washing needs hanging up, the fridge is calling your name, you need to go get milk…

On the flipside, a common pitfall when working from home is forgetting that we should still allocate ourselves usual breaks or lunch periods – and whilst motoring on and working without one might feel productive, it can be harmful to our mental and physical wellbeing if we neglect a regular stretch of the legs and rest of the eyes. 

By introducing a regular alarm, either via a digital clock or smart speaker, you’ll be able to ensure that a healthy schedule is maintained through reminders to take a break from the screen from time to time. Bear in mind the 20-20-20 rule here, which recommends that you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, to prevent overexposure to your screen without pause, as well as medical advice that getting up every 30 minutes may cut your risk of death, too. A smart speaker which reminds you to do so sounds absolutely perfect here!

SLEEP TRACKERS

Managing a healthy, balanced attitude to sleep hygiene is important for all aspects of our lives and it’s not hard to understand why. A consistent sleep schedule allows us to wake up with more energy and a subsequent positive outlook, whilst a poor one can leave us feeling run-down and unmotivated. Yep, they say that waking up at the same time each day is the quickest path to all sorts of benefits, like improved concentration and stronger immunity. 

To ensure that you’re reaping those benefits, it’s important to take an active role in your resting habits. Now, if you heed our prior advice on investing in a smartwatch then you’ll likely be able to enjoy the device’s built-in sleep tracking software, however, if a smartwatch isn’t to your taste, then there are some great alternatives available.

For example, sleep monitors are electronic mats that sit under your mattress and investigate your sleeping patterns. As morning rolls around, they’ll be able to provide you with an analysis of how you slept, an overall health report and inform you as to whether any sleep apnea was detected. When synced with apps like Sleep Cycle, you can ensure you wake up at exactly the right time to maximise the potential of that all-important REM sleep, ensuring you’re at your most well rested and ready to take on the day when you wake.

Creating a professional space in our homes will never be simple. However, by investing in a few choice gadgets we can begin to see some clear structures take root. Of course, to ensure that this thriving working environment is maintained, and your investment is protected, it’s vital that you consider a quality insurance policy.

5 HOME OFFICE PURCHASES TO MAKE THIS SUMMER

Editorial Team
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5 HOME OFFICE PURCHASES TO MAKE THIS SUMMER

Ideal for those looking to increase productivity and comfort as they continue to work from home.

This week marks a return to the office for many in the UK, with mixed emotions about the safety and efficiency of such a decision. Others, though, look set to continue #wfh for the foreseeable future, and while we’d love to say it’s all PJs and PM pinacolodas, actually working from home can be stressful and woefully inefficient. 

A lot of this is down to the fact our home office spaces aren’t war ready. Hell, they’re not even fit to host a Zoom call, let alone day a day of deadline meeting and decision making. Fortunately, there are a few simple adjustments to your space and routine that you can enact to make things as comfortable and cooperative as possible. Here are 5 home office changes to make this summer, IDEAL for those looking to increase productivity and comfort as they continue to work from home. 

LEVEL UP YOUR DESK

First things first, let’s take a look at the hub of the action, where the magic hopefully happens, or at least, will happen soon. Your desk needs to be a devoted workspace, at the correct height and with good back support from an upright, sturdy chair. We’ve seen too many images of makeshift desks assembled on stacks of books or workers perched on the side of their beds, laptop actually in their lap…and we’re concerned. 

Instead, consider investing in an ergonomic stand-up desk and an adjustable desk converter. 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.

LAPTOP STAND

If you’re working from a laptop rather than desktop, as most of us have been, then there are three affordable purchases you should make the ensure your typing and mouse manipulation isn’t causing eye, back and wrist strain. 

For most, it’s not feasible to work standing for the whole day, and a mixture of standing and sitting to work is recommended by ergonomics experts. When you are completing tasks at your desk, on a chair, it’s still essential your laptop is at the correct eye height. 

Firstly, a laptop stand which raises your screen to the appropriate height – and stops you hunching over or straining your eyes – is essential. This means the screen should be at least 50 centimetres from your eyes (around arm’s distance) and slightly below eye level.

BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD

Once your device is elevated appropriately, you’ll be able to sit back in your chair properly, bottom and spine against the chair’s back at a right angle, which affords you far better levels of comfort throughout the day and reduces the risk of injury. 

Typing, then, needs to happen from a manageable distance away from the computer, so you’re also going to need a portable, Bluetooth keyboard. You can find an excellent Bluetooth keyboard on the market for under £30, and having one allows you to rest your wrists on your desk a couple of inches in front of your keyboard and at right angles (or slightly below) to your elbows, which is the best position to avoid repetitive strain injury to your wrists. 

The beauty of this purchase is that once you’ve got a durable Bluetooth keyboard running on batteries, you can even use it to complete work with your smartphone acting as a word processor on flights, trains and in coffee shops. Just watch that hunching and squinting!

BLUETOOTH MOUSE

Finally, for efficient and productive laptop work, you’ll need a Bluetooth mouse. Using one without a wire works well in the home office setting, as you can position the mouse fairly far from your body (half a forearm’s length on the desk is ideal, wrists supported, or around 5 cm from your keyboard), meaning your shoulders aren’t scrunched up when working.

Of course, a wired mouse is suitable here, too, but a Bluetooth version affords you more freedom. What is certain is that if you’re in this #wfh for the long haul, it’s time to ditch the touchpad on your laptop; it’s woefully inefficient and ergonomically unsound.

MIRRORS OR AN ARTIFICIAL LIGHT SOURCE

We hate the say these words, but the days are getting noticeably shorter now. That’s tragic, as no one has enjoyed the summer to its full potential this year. It’s vital, then, to ensure your home office is getting a decent amount of sunlight while working. It goes without saying that natural light fosters productivity and efficiency, as well as promoting well-being, so do endeavour to allow some into your office.

This can be achieved by hanging a couple of mirrors to bounce the light around the room, or by always having a window open to feel more connected with the outside world – provided, of course, that there is a source of light and fresh air in the first place. If there isn’t, it’s probably a wise move to find a new home office space or be sure to supplement your current one with artificial light. 

You should, however, make sure the natural light source is controlled; align your workspace such that 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. 

YOU DESERVE A BOUQUET

If you’re missing the appearance and aroma of summer flowers on your daily commute, then you should introduce some floral arrangements or bouquets to your home office space. 

Whilst the air-purifying, productivity-boosting effects of a few houseplants is debated, what can’t be denied is the mood-boosting quality of that natural aesthetic in the home. This is even more pertinent since we’ve all been seeing less of the outside world during this weird sort of semi-lockdown-limbo.

If you’re new to the houseplant game and are looking for something low maintenance, then turn to aloe vera or cacti, which only require weekly watering during spring and summer and monthly in the colder months. That said, they need abundant natural light, so if your home office space is dark and dingy, perhaps go for something else. Speaking of which, Devil’s Ivy is incredibly adaptable to low and high levels of sunlight, and is a better bet for something manageable in a less bright room. 

Or, how about the spectacular looking Red Aglaonema, which boasts gorgeous leaves bordered in bright pinks and reds, a colour, incidentally, said to stimulate productivity. This guy responds best to plenty of natural light, but can cope with lower levels, too. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whether you’re keen to continue working from home or are simply still not permitted to return to your office which isn’t covid safe yet, remote working in home offices looks like a trend that’s here to stay. That shouldn’t mean it’s an uncomfortable, distracting experience. Instead, embrace a few small purchases and adjustments, and you’ll find this #wfh thing isn’t so bad after all.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO GET HEALTHY & LOSE WEIGHT POST LOCKDOWN

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO GET HEALTHY & LOSE WEIGHT POST LOCKDOWN

Did you spend lockdown in a malaise of Tiger King binging, TikTok viewing and urges to raid the fridge with an enthusiasm usually reserved for 5* hotel breakfast buffets?

You aren’t alone.

48% of people gained weight during lockdown. That’s a huge number, for sure. And whilst we’re inclined to look on the bright side, and say that means over half of folk maintained or lost weight, we’ll hold back on being contrary right now. We’ve an article to write, and wrongs to right. Our inner Brandon Flowers can wait…

Anyway, stress has certainly played a considerable role in perhaps our recent greater propensity for comfort eating, as has a lack of access to facilities like gyms, swimming pools, fitness classes, and sports clubs. The Nation’s PE Teacher can only do so much, right?

But as lockdown eases, and the new normal is cautiously welcomed, it’s time to shake off those extra quarantine pounds and return to your happier, healthier self. 

So how do you get healthy and lose weight post lockdown? Here’s a start; our 5 IDEAL ways to get healthy and lose weight post lockdown.

DON’T CRASH DIET 

Crash diets, sometimes called fad diets, are notoriously popular. 

Why? 

Well, at first, they might show results quicker than more sustainable diets. But here’s the thing; they only ever work briefly. Temporarily. For a short time. And we’re here for wholesome, reliable solutions, only.

The problem is, a crash diet just isn’t sustainable. It’s going to induce a cycle of hunger and cravings that invariably leads to rebound weight gain and a potentially unhealthy relationship with food. Crash diets can also slow your metabolism and put your body into starvation mode. Not good for weight loss — or for your health.

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO DIETING

A government drive against obesity and a government drive to have us eating half priced McDonald’s three days week…what could possibly go wrong? It all feels a bit extreme and a lot haphazard, don’t you think? Instead, and in contrast with our leaders, let’s take a measured approach to our meals.

The best way to diet is instead to focus on the positive aspects of food and drink, rather than on denial and self-loathing. Find foods you love to cook and eat that are also healthy, and embrace an attitude of relishing in fresh produce, its preparation, appearance and the eating of it! 

Sure, these are just words, and it’s action that you need. Do yourself a favour, then, and check out our tips on the best, most sustainable ways to stick to a healthy diet for more inspiration. 

DEVELOP YOUR HOME GYM

Gyms and leisure centres are starting to open their doors, and that’s great for some people. But for many, for now, exercising outside or at home is preferable.

If you’re confident in getting back to the gym, then these places need your support. But what if, in our post-lockdown world, you aren’t ready to head back to the gym yet?

Well, it’s time to stock up on home gym supplies. 

During lockdown, the cost of home gym equipment skyrocketed. The lack of supply vs intense demand meant it became unaffordable to buy home gym supplies. But now as lockdown eases, and demand lowers, newfound availability of products means you can start to deck out your home gym for a reasonable price. Once the nights draw in and the days get a little gloomier, you’ll relish the fact you kitted out your living room with dumbbells, a pull-up bar and the rest. 

Or, you can even create a free home gym with items you already own; result!

FIND AN EXERCISE ACTIVITY YOU LOVE

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a powerful calorie burner and great for endurance. Swimming is also a fantastic option for weight loss, and tennis is known to help shed the pounds. 

But what if you hate HIIT, swimming and tennis?

Well, just like with fad diets, if you commit to an exercise schedule you dislike, your attitude to working out becomes negative. And fast. You learn to dread that part of the day, and there’s a danger you’ll take every opportunity you can to avoid it.

This isn’t going to get you back into shape or improve your health. 

It’s essential, then, to find an exercise routine you truly enjoy. Fortunately, there are so many options out there to help you get active. You can do team sports, take up martial arts, you could try gymnastics, go kayaking, rowing, or take cross-country walks. ‘Getting fit’ isn’t all about hitting the treadmill with a manic glare in your eye.

Everyone is different — they have exercises they love to take part in, and those they despise. Common options, like jogging or cycling, tend to be the ones most people go for. But jogging and cycling are also quite unengaging as activities — particularly if you use a static machine — which makes them difficult to stick with long term. Instead, find your motivation and cherish it!

Know what you hate but not what you love? Experiment with exercise. Try different activities until you stumble across the kind of thing you like to do. The goal is to find an exercise you’re excited to be a part of and look forward to as part of your weekly routine. 

GET YOUR PROTEIN FIX

Once you start exercising, you’ll begin to feel great. That is practically guaranteed.

Exercise produces so many benefits for both mind and body, from helping to lower your resting heart rate to releasing the happiness-chemicals called endorphins. 

But to really reap the benefits of exercise, you’ll need to make sure you’re giving your body the fuel it needs to improve. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to follow the couch-to-5K program but not making any progress or starting to lift weights but not growing bigger muscles.

The thing about working out is that progress follows the 80/20 rule: It’s 80% diet, 20% exercise. To see benefits to your exercise programs — to grow and improve — you need to be consuming the right fuel in your diet.

When you exercise until your muscles hurt, your body is breaking down muscle tissue. Following your workout, it starts to heal those muscle fibres and make them stronger so you can work out harder next time. This is how you increase your ability to lift weights and up your endurance.

To achieve ideal results, your body needs protein. Protein is what’s used to repair muscle. Most of us don’t get enough protein from our diet to heal our bodies well enough to see maximum progress.  

We’re sure you know what’s coming next; you’ll need to adapt your protein intake. There are a few ways you can do this. You can opt to increase your intake of protein-rich foods — meats, fish, nuts, beans and dairy products. You can take protein supplements like protein bars or protein shakes. Or you can do both!

But how much protein do you need?

Weightlifters tend to follow the rule of at least 2.2g per kilogram of body weight per day. So an 80kg person would need to consume 176 grams of protein per day. Research says this is quite high, and you can see progress on as little as 1.6g of protein, which would be 128 grams per day for an 80kg individual. But that’s still a lot, which is why so many people opt to supplement their diet with protein shakes or bars. 

5 IDEAS TO MAXIMISE SPACE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAS TO MAXIMISE SPACE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM

Ideal for those spending more time at home during lockdown and beyond.

Believe it or not, but the UK is still officially in lockdown. Actually, we could think of a better L word to describe the current situation; limbo. So many folk right now don’t know if they’re coming or going, whether they should be eating out or dieting in, hitting the high street or hibernating at home…

In fact, another L word we’re all too familiar with recently is ‘living room’. Yep, we know it’s two.

For sure, we’ve been seeing a lot of our living room lately, and the more we seem to be using it – for work, for lunches, for kicking back when locking down – the more the space becomes cluttered and full of ‘stuff’.

When you’re spending so much time in one room, that’s the last thing you need. Instead, you want your living room to feel well-decorated, spacious, light and bright. Here’s how to make it just that; our 5 ideas to maximise space in your living room, IDEAL for those spending more time at home during lockdown and beyond.

REMOVE THE CLUTTER

If you’re looking to maximise space, then first it’s essential to minimise clutter. Living rooms can accumulate so much ‘stuff’ at the best of times, but now, since so many of us are also using these rooms to #wfh from, the amount of debris has gone through the roof. Actually, we wish it had gone through the roof, and into the attic. There, it could be stored safely and out of sight.

But we digress. Clutter can easily make a room look disorderly and smaller than it is, bringing the walls and corners in, and tripping you up at every turn. A recipe for injury and irritation, for sure. To help you better organise your clutter, you could try using the following household apps:

Decluttr App: With Decluttr, you can sell games, books, DVDs and more. The best part is that you can send all of your items free of charge. The app offers users plenty of support to help them manage their orders and make some extra cash, too. If you don’t want to lose any of your old books, DVDs or music in the process, you can first make digital copies of them to save space.

Tody App: Tody helps you to organize your household chores; it’s the perfect solution for organising your clutter, creating to-do-lists, and ensuring your home is nice and tidy.

Camscanner: This works as a scanner, but using your smart phone’s camera, and enables you to digitally store all of your documents (and rogue papers, certificates, recipes…you name it) on your phone. Do note that some iPhone’s ‘Notes’ app has a similar feature, if that’s easier for you.

ADD MIRRORS 

One super-easy way to achieve at least the illusion of space is to use mirrors. Be careful not to choose something too big for the room, but rather something that’s in proportion to how much space you have. Grand mirrors are beautiful, and excellent for creating space, and though they’re expensive, they are a worthwhile investment to add a touch of luxury. Or, something smaller, but placed cleverly to reflect natural light around the room, is also a way to maximise space.

ONE LARGE ART PIECE

If you’re looking to maximise space in your living room whilst keeping the room’s aesthetic artistically intriguing, it is better to choose one large scale art piece as opposed to lots of smaller pictures. A cluster of smaller decorative pieces can make a room seem fussy (unless you have ample space) and overblown, and we’re here to encourage the opposite, right? 

Remember to take measurements before you start shopping around. Looking for affordable artwork from local artists? The following resources are ideal for choosing artwork for your home:

Saatchi Art: Another platform for artists to sell their pieces and keen folk like you to buy them, but with an added twist. Here, you use the app’s ‘augmented reality’ feature to picture how the artwork would look in your living room. Wow!

Vango: The Vango app allows you to browse a range of art from affordable to expensive. With the view feature, you can even preview what it will look like in your home, just like the Saatchi app.

Wydr: The Wydr app is a little bit like Tinder, but for art, swipe left or right to find the art piece of your dreams!

TRY LOW-SLUNG FURNITURE 

To make a room feel bigger, try purchasing furniture that’s slung low to the ground. Low furniture helps to create the illusion of vertical space, as eye level interruption is minimised. Futons are ideal for this, as they sit on the floor without much elevation, and are super comfy and versatile to boot. Though it’s a little studenty, beanbags serve a similar purpose. Do make sure you supplement all this low slung furniture with a couple of higher standing pieces – perhaps a small but proudly standing coffee table – otherwise things are going to look, well, a bit weird.

Another savvy space saving tip is to prioritise furniture items which double up as a storage space, such as a footstool or poof with storage inside, or an ottoman which is both a bench and a chest to stash larger items. 

SMART STORAGE

Smart storage space is vital if you want to make a room appear bigger. Choose storage solutions that add a sense of elegance and style to the room, as well as being functional, to cover all bases, physically and metaphorically. For some beautiful storage, take a look at the chest of drawers on tylko.com for inspiration; a sleek, modern piece which fits upright against a wall, not taking up any more space than it needs to stand. 

Floating cabinets are also a great way to create more space. As the name suggests, these are cabinets which appear to be floating, (because of how they are mounted to the wall) and as such, are great space savers and a cheap, healthy path to some low level hallucinations. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Just because we’ve all decamped to the living room for lockdown and beyond doesn’t mean this space should become crowded, cluttered or claustrophobic. Instead, via some simple storage solutions, unobtrusive furniture choices, tactical placement of mirrors and with the help of technology, we can enjoy a spacious feeling space from here on in. Good luck!

5 CHEF’S WORKFLOW HACKS TO MAKE COOKING AT HOME EASIER

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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5 CHEF’S WORKFLOW HACKS TO MAKE COOKING AT HOME EASIER

Though some might argue that the bedroom has its fair share of earth moving experiences, we think it’s safe to say that the kitchen is both the most important and the most volatile part of the house. 

Hear us out. It’s the engine room of the home and family, and where the magic truly happens. In most homes, the kitchen is its hub and a hive of activity, bustling with delicious food and the most meaningful of interactions. However, it’s also a combustible place, full of danger posed by sharp knives, open flames, cross contamination and the rest.

Sometimes we’re ashamed by the amount of destruction we cause in the process of cooking a meal. For the sake of our sanity, our kitchen, our health and the deliciousness of our dinner, we’ve consulted the professionals on this one; here are 5 chef’s workflow hacks to make cooking at home easier.

SECURE YOUR CHOPPING BOARD

First things first and before we get slicing, dicing, julienning and brunoise-ing – let alone before any food is actually cooked – it’s essential we set up our workspace correctly so cooking is easy, simple and safe.

This all starts with securing your chopping board correctly. Much like the ritual of putting on your apron, this represents a statement of intent at the start of the cooking process before each meal, and signifies you’ll be doing things properly. All you need to do is divide a jay cloth or piece of kitchen towel into four, wet them a little, and place each piece under the four corners of your board. Alternatively, you can place a folded dishcloth underneath. All this means is that when you’re wielding a sharp (also essential for safety reasons) knife, your board won’t slip and slide around beneath you. No professional kitchen chef would do without securing theirs.

PLACE A PORTABLE BIN CLOSE TO HAND

Cooking cleanly, safely and efficiently is all about economy of movement. The fewer movements you can make to fetch ingredients, chop them, cook them, season them or dispose of them, the better. Every second counts in a professional kitchen, and those who stay grounded, with everything an arm’s reach away are the ones who cook best. It’s as simple as that.

When preparing your ingredients for a meal, have a large bowl or plastic tub right next to your board, so you can dispose of items easily without having to move. Once it’s full, take a short trip to the bin and repeat. Though it seems like the most minor change to your habits, the accumulative time saved really makes a difference. Suddenly, with efficiency improved, cooking starts to feel fun.

TIDY AS YOU GO

We’ll put this plainly; you need to tidy and wash up as you go. No one wants to see clutter and debris everywhere as they plate up their meal, knowing a huge cleaning up job awaits them when they’re full and satiated by dinner. There’s no more demoralising feeling. Do your best then, to wash up, clean and tidy as you go – pan by pan, spoon by spoon, spatula by spatula – to ensure there’s a minimal amount left at the end of your cooking. Sure, in a professional kitchen this is often done by a Kitchen Porter – the absolute heroes of the kitchen – but here, we’re afraid to say, it’s all down to you.

Though dishwashers (the appliance kind) are a godsend, if you’re cooking for one or two people, you should only have a few pans to wash, and doing this by hand is sometimes more time coherent. Water is a breeding ground for bacteria so do make sure you keep them in a dish drying rack or over a dish drying mat to dry completely. 

Aesthetically, a clear, tidy space equals an even tidier mind, and your cooking is sure to benefit.

MISE EN PLACE MASTERY

Mis en place – in French loosely meaning ‘everything in its place’ – is a phrase every professional chef will be familiar with. 

All this means is that you approach cooking in a meticulous, precise way. Lists are made, all ingredients and tools collected ahead of time, and you get as much of your slicing, chopping, marinating, mincing and the rest done in advance, too, in the most time-efficient manner possible. 

Then, everything is boxed up and put in its optimum position for ‘service’ – the salt is to the left of the stove, you’ve several tasting spoons in a tub of warm water, your pans are all lined up so their handles are facing the same way – making cooking as effortless as possible. Or rather, as effortless as it can be with twenty checks on the rail and a head chef demanding several simultaneously.

Master this mindset and the delicious dinners will come. 

COMPARTMENTALISE & CONDENSE

Speaking of boxing up pre-prepped ingredients, our final tip is one of space saving, both in cupboards and fridges. Do yourself a massive favour and invest in several sizes of plastic tub with corresponding lids; one litre and two litre, as well as the traditional takeaway size, are industry standards. Then, you can box up ingredients, both raw and prepped, in a way which slots into your fridge and cupboards with seamlessly and with ease. Simply label them up for easy access, particularly if they’re placed on open plan kitchen shelves, and, once again, you’re nurturing that meticulous mindset so important for safe, delicious cooking.

Should levels of a particular ingredient be depleting in its box, transfer everything into a new sized tub which corresponds to the amount you have left. Then, you can instantly recognise what ingredients are running low and what you still have in abundance.

5 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NASSAU PARADISE ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS

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5 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NASSAU PARADISE ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS

We admire the confidence, we’ll give you that. Because to name a place Paradise Island, you have to be pretty confident it’s going to deliver on that claim. And just off the Bahama’s most populous island New Providence and its capital city Nassau, and reachable by bridge or ferry in around twenty minutes, we can report that the ‘Paradise’ billing is more than justified. 

Here you’ll find white, soft sand beaches and shallow, clear waters lined with palm trees and looking out over the Atlantic; the Caribbean dream, no doubt. On top of that, the vast Atlantis resort and entertainment complex dominates the island, attracting the wealthy and the curious to a huge water park and one of world’s most prestigious manmade marine habitats. All of this adds up to plenty of options to keep you entertained, relaxed and refreshed. Let’s get to it; here are 5 of the best things to do in Nassau Paradise Island, the Bahamas.

KICK BACK ON COVE BEACH

Before we dive right into the more stimulating elements of Paradise Island, first let’s take a load off. Bahamians love to kick back, and Cove Beach on Paradise Island is the perfect place to do just that. The clue’s in the name, hey?

This lovely 1.5 km stretch of sand on the island’s north west boasts crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling or simply sunbathing. Do note that you need to be a guest of Cove Atlantis Hotel (Paradise Drive) to have full access to the beach, but there’s nothing stopping you settling on the sand through a public footpath to the side of the hotel. There’s also the Atlantis (which requires purchase of a day pass) and Paradise beaches nearby for more sand and surf.

Though much of the rest of the island has rather choppy waves and swimming isn’t always safe (Cabbage Beach, on the island’s south, suffers from this but is still great for strolling or reclining), Cove Beach’s location in a cove means it’s more protected from the elements. Make sure you pack your snorkel, or you can even go scuba diving further out to sea, via an arranged excursion.

RIDE THE SLIDES AT AQUAVENTURE

Or, if sea swimming is looking a little precarious and you’re in the mood for slides, then close to Cove Bay and part of the sprawling Atlantis resort you’ll find Aquaventure. This massive 141 acre waterpark features 20 separate swimming zones, 11 swimming pools, and more slides than you can shake a palm tree’s branch at. Though the Mayan Temple and Power Tower slides are some of the most daring in the Caribbean, Aquaventure also boats a lazy river for those looking for a more low and languid experience. 

Should you be staying in one of the associated resorts, entry to Aquaventure is free, but if you’re visiting the island, day passes to Atlantis, which include the water park and beaches, cost £129, giving you access from 9am to 4:30pm.

Right now, Atlantis Paradise is closed, but the park hopes to reopen soon. Do keep checking their website for updates.

GO SOUVENIR SHOPPING AT NASSAU STRAW MARKET

If you’re staying in the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island and want a glimpse into a different Bahamian way of life, then you should take a ten minute taxi ride back across Paradise Island Bridge onto New Providence proper to check out the famous Nassau Straw Market.

Here, the vibe is very different to the pomp and luxury of Paradise Island’s resort, with handmade Bahamian crafts, clothes and souvenirs on sale and bargains easy to find. As the name suggests woven straw souvenirs like hats and bags made by skilled weavers are the piece de resistance here; straw weaving is a long-standing Bahamian tradition and various islands have distinct styles of plaiting. Do make sure you pick one up on your visit.

Recently relocated indoors close to Bay Street, this is the perfect place to take shelter if winds are high or a tropical storm is brewing; remember to bring your bartering skills, as doing so is actively encouraged here! All part of the fun, we think, and a great glimpse at a different side of The Bahamas.

The Nassau Straw Market is open daily, from 8am to 8pm.

VISIT ATLANTIS CASINO

If you’re seeking spectacular modern architecture and design, as well as amazing glass sculpture designed by artist Dale Chihuly and of course, the thrill of a few table games and slots, then Atlantis Casino is one of the Caribbean’s premier entertainment and gaming venues. 

With 85 gaming tables where you can settle in for a game of blackjack, roulette or baccarat, amongst others, and nearly a thousand slot machines, you’ll find loads to keep you entertained here. Interestingly, the Cove Pool area of Atlantis Casino offers poolside gaming with views of the ocean; a welcome deviation from the windowless casinos you usually find!

Should you be keen on brushing up on your skills prior to play, Atlantis offers complimentary gaming lesson each day.

WONDER AT MARINE WILDLIFE AT MARINE HABITAT, ATLANTIS

We’ve perhaps saved the best ‘till last here. The Atlantis resort’s Marine Habitat is a world leader in sealife displays and marine conservation, and is the biggest open air marine habitat on the planet. Here you can see more than 50’000 aquatic animals with 14 lagoons showing off different species; we particularly love the ‘Predator Lagoon’ which boasts sharks and rays amongst others, but if you want to get truly up close and personal with the former, then Mayan Temple Shark Lagoon lets you ride a slide through the shark tank! You’ll be surrounded by glass, of course, but it’s totally thrilling nonetheless.

If you’re staying at one of the Atlantis partner hotels, entry is free. Otherwise, Guided Tour tickets cost in the region of £35, and after 6pm it’s free to enter. 

THE IDEAL RENEWABLE HOME: FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DEALING WITH SOLAR PANELS

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THE IDEAL RENEWABLE HOME: FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DEALING WITH SOLAR PANELS
SOLAR PANELS

‘Solar’ has been the watchword in sustainable home energy improvements for some time now, evoking a modern, green image in the minds of the consumer whenever it’s mentioned. And sure, installation certainly represents a large initial investment (around £7’000 on average) but in the long run, it’s an investment likely to pay off in droves. 

Solar panels are not only well suited for bringing down the environmental impact of your home; over time they may well also lower the cost of your energy use, too. With a suggested lengthy lifespan (at least 25 years) saving on bills and the planet certainly makes installation an appealing option. That said, there are several factors to consider before deciding on going down this route. With that in mind, here are some factors to consider when dealing with solar panels for your IDEAL renewable home.

COST EFFECTIVE CONSIDERATIONS

There are plenty of reasons why any homeowner would want to make use of solar panels for their house. The biggest financial basis is that the use of solar panels can effectively reduce utility bills (by an average of £270 on electricity a year) as their presence ensures you are utilising free energy regularly. While it is only properly effective during the day, you can still benefit from the energy they produce after dark via net metering systems as well as proper solar energy and battery storage solutions. 

Of course, the fact that you’re doing your bit for the environment domestically is the other driving force behind purchase. Unfortunately, previous government incentives to install solar panels ended on March 31st 2019, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a smart move financially.

This is because the actual value of the panels give worth to your home which could go up over time. What’s more, when considering your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), your certificate will likely be promoted from a D to a band B through the installation of panels, which would likely amount to around £16,000 for your place’s value. Those lower (or sometimes, zero) bills we previously mentioned also make financial sense.

That said, there are quite a few things to consider for those who want to install solar panels in their home. Not everyone can effectively use such panels, which would make it a waste to invest in renewable energy if your home does not meet the requirements. When dealing with solar panels, here are some things to keep in mind…

SOLAR PANELS

CONSIDERING THE SOURCE

With the interest in such an investment growing year on year, there are many different companies out there clamouring for your attention and willing to sell and install solar panels in your home. While it can be quite helpful to have so many businesses focused on giving you what you want, some sources are better than others, both in terms of speed and delivery. There are even services out there that might be less honest about the viability of your house to absorb solar energy and install the panels anyway for more revenue on their part.

Do endevaour to find a reputable, reliable residential solar company here, looking into reviews and testimonials to find the best, most cost effective options for you. In general, it’s best to seek out companies who customise their offering for each individual client, as your home’s needs will be unique and the structure and geography different in each and every case. 

You should also ask for accreditation and certification of a company’s performance prior to purchase. As the experts at solar Manchester services Atlantic Renewables opine, you should ensure that your provider is ”fully accredited by the MCS, which is a quality assurance scheme supported by the Energy and Industrial Strategy”.

SOLAR PANELS

GETTING ENOUGH SUN

One of the most crucial prerequisites when it comes to considering solar panels is the weather where you live and the direction your chosen part of roof faces. If you live in an area where the sun shines brightly for most of the year, it is a good sign that you can make use of solar panels effectively. On the other hand, if the weather where you live is often cloudy and gloomy, it might not be conducive for solar energy.

You can still try to have solar panels installed to see if it can make a difference, but it will likely result in diminishing returns. Keep in mind that to make use of renewable solar energy, your home would have to be exposed to the sun for most of the year. Those living in the south of the UK, with a south facing roof, stand the best chance of maximising the potential of their panels.

With South East England seeing an annual average of 4.5 hours of sunshine per day (the most in the UK), Brighton and Hove and Chicester are savvy places to install solar panels, with the former generating 1230 kWh per panel yearly, and taking a predicted 7 years to pay off the installation in saved energy bills. On the flipside, Inverness and Glasgow represent some of the least smart places for solar panel investment, the latter taking an estimated 11 years to pay off installation.

CONSIDERING THE SPACE

Last but certainly not least, it’s vital that you ask yourself if you actually have enough space to accommodate solar panels. Most homes have such panels installed on the roof, but not every rooftop can accommodate such panels, or at least, an amount significant enough to be worthwhile when generating energy. Do bear in mind that solar panels can also be installed in the yard or garden provided there is enough space, but you’ll need a sufficient amount of surface area for solar panels to be effective.

In general, you’ll need at least 20 and upwards of 40 solar panels installed to generate enough electricity for your home, which will take up approx 20 square metres. Any less than that and the investment will be less sensible.

6 TIPS FOR BALANCING YOUR BUSINESS & YOUR BABY

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6 TIPS FOR BALANCING YOUR BUSINESS & YOUR BABY

There’s no question that having a baby is a life-changing event. Even pre-empting that statement with ‘there’s no question’ felt faintly ridiculous, but we’ll leave it there, to emphasise the seismic significance of having a new baby in your life.

Yep, aside from the obvious, that you’re responsible for a new life, it’s sometimes overlooked that taking care of a baby full time will have a knock-on effect on all other aspects of your life, too. If you run your own business, prepare for huge change here; even the most simple of tasks will become harder to manage, and the most complex…well, let’s just say things are going to get tricky. 

But that doesn’t mean giving up is an option; you’re a strong, independent woman, and having a child shouldn’t spell the end of your career. Nope, with this advice, you’re only just getting started! Here’s 6 tips for balancing your business and your baby.

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

First things first, looking after a baby and working is exhausting – there’s no two ways about it.  Not only do you have a whole other human to be esponsible for, but you also have to think of the business and its continued health. So what about time for yourself? For the health and prosperity of your baby, your business and of you, it’s vital you take some time for yourself, too. 

Finding the time to exercise as a new mum or dad and endeavouring to eat healthily are particularly important, of course, but simply giving yourself time to breathe, to meditate, to enjoy a bath or a few moment’s rest…it will do the world of good for everyone involved if you’re well rested and content.

WELCOME HELP

Speaking of help, don’t be afraid to ask for it! A new mother (or father) may often feel like they should be taking on all the childcare themself…hell, they’ll likely want to. But sometimes, it’s refreshing to welcome help to allow you to focus on your business, if it needs it. 

No doubt your child’s Grandparents will be eager to lend a helping hand, if it’s plausible, to let you and your partner get back on your feet. Or, if you have siblings or close friends living nearby, don’t be afraid to ask them either!

If you can afford it, don’t feel guilty paying for childcare – that’s what it’s there for and the positive impact of rested parents who have taken the load off for a while shouldn’t be underestimated! Childcare is an amazing resource that means you can keep your child happy and safe when you need time to be productive. Rotate days on and off if you have a more flexible schedule – this will allow you to spend more time with your baby and focus on your business in a balanced way.

OUTSOURCE

Within the daily roles and responsibilities which your business demands of you, there are some which are a little more monotonous than others. And though it’s only natural to want to micromanage every aspect of your business, there’s also a lot to be said for outsourcing the things that don’t bring you joy.

For tasks which are time-consuming but don’t necessarily require executive decisions, consider an outsourcing company, who can help with the heavy lifting. Consider using accounting and payroll software systems to make the monotonous task of managing your money and your employees a doddle.

Outsourcing can also help where you perhaps lack the skills and knowledge to be able to manage an aspect of your business effectively. For example, if IT is not your strong suit, bringing in an IT managed services provider to take care of this for you will give you peace of mind that, should something go wrong, the experts will be on it to get you back up and running as soon as possible. Doing so will save you time to invest in other, more important things, both in your business world and most importantly of all, your baby.

INTRODUCE YOUR BABY TO THE OFFICE

Taking your baby to work for those first introductions with your team is always a lovely moment, but why stop there? Making this a more regular thing isn’t such a bad idea; not only will babies enjoy the new environment and stimulation, but you’ll also give yourself time to get bits done about the office. Plenty of traditional 9-5 businesses are finding more flexible working arrangements for new mums and dads alike, should you need further help.

UTILISE NAP TIME

When your baby is asleep (which happens often during the first few months!), it’s precious time where you can really get your head down and work. If this is your only time to get on top of your deadlines, then use it wisely! Once they’re sleeping soundly, fix yourself a coffee, switch off all distractions (Instagram, we’re looking at you) and focus on your laptop for those few blessed moments of peace and quiet.

MAKE TIME JUST FOR YOU & YOUR CHILD

On the flipside, if you’re able to dedicate some downtime to work when your baby is sleeping, it’s only right that when you’re enjoying one-to-one one, parent-to-child time, you do so in the moment, without distraction. When you’ve set time aside to be with your baby, make sure it’s the most cherished, treasured quality time. No phones, no distractions and no worrying about work – emails can wait. Bliss!

10 TIPS ON HOW TO THROW A TRULY UNFORGETTABLE PARTY

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10 TIPS ON HOW TO THROW A TRULY UNFORGETTABLE PARTY

You’ve gotta fight. For you right. To throw and unforgettable parrrrttaaay. 

We all love one, right? It doesn’t matter whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, New Year’s Eve or just for the hell of it, us Brits will always find a reason to party. Yep, we love to show up to one, but when the tables are turned,  and you find yourself in the position that you have to organise one, it can be a little overwhelming. Suddenly, the sound of a night curled up under the duvet sounds pretty appealing. Us Brits hey…

But let’s face up to it; sometimes you have to do the hosting. There is so much to think about, from the guest list to entertainment to catering, and all these little details that you take for granted when attending a party suddenly seem so real. 

We don’t mean to panic you, and panic you shouldn’t. Although it is a big responsibility, the following tips will help you plan everything right down to the last detail. Then, you can sit back, safe in the knowledge you’ve done your duty and wait for the invites to roll in. Here’s 10 tips on how to throw a truly unforgettable party.

REALISE YOUR VISION

Before you can go about ordering food and planning the decor, you need to have a clear idea in your head of what your party will look like and what you want it to say about you. Yep, you actually have to consider some existential questions here. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to hosting. A party could be anything from a formal, dignified dinner party to a wild night out on the town. Make sure you are clear on what your party will be and don’t try to be too many things at once. 

You want your party to have an impact, to be memorable and leave your guests with a smile on their face. But how you do this will depend on the purpose of the event, the guests you invite and their expectations. 

Without wishing to suggest a ‘mood board’, you could do worse than coming up with a few adjectives that you feel suit the style of the party you want to throw. Here are a few examples 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.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

One of the most important factors in any party is the location in which it is held. Perhaps you want the intimacy and informality of a house party, or the luxurious upmarket feel of a country manor. You could hire out a pub or a town hall, or you could even host it in a more unusual location such as a beach or on a bus.

Of course, your budget will play a huge part in your decision, but you don’t need to break the bank to throw an incredible event. Your guests won’t care how much money you spent, or whether the venue has something like a dedicated community hall booking system to make sure they didn’t double-book the room, but they will care about how the location makes them feel.  

It’s essential that as well as picking a memorable venue, you should also take care to make it convenient for attendees. If you are inviting guests from around the country, you want it to be as easy as possible for the majority to get to. There should be good access via road and public transport, and plenty of parking availability. Ensure that travelling guests have an accommodation option nearby, particularly if they are going to be consuming alcohol.

DECORATION

You don’t have to go crazy with glitter and confetti, but having some decorations at your event will set the mood and get everyone into the party spirit.  Add a bit of pizazz to your event through simple, tasteful table settings. The experts at Party Decorations UK tell us that the key here is to think back to your vision and how you could convey this through your decor. Balloons, signs, banners, colourful cups and tableware are all excellent options.

THE GUESTLIST

Who will you invite to your fabulous festivities? As a host, you are in charge of deciding which people will attend, and who doesn’t make the cut. You want to invite a large mix of people from different walks of life to spice up the party and spark interesting conversations. The key thing to avoid is having cliques of friends sticking together throughout the night and leaving those who don’t know anyone feeling awkward and alone. We don’t want any school disco vibes here, with girls and boys on separate sides of the dancefloor.

If inviting someone without a strong connection to the other attendees, offer them a plus one, so they don’t have to go it alone. Send out your invitations well in advance to ensure that attendees can put it in their diaries and refrain from making other plans. Though a little chaotic energy is welcome, if there are any troublemakers in your guest shortlist, who might cause a scene or disrupt the proceedings, consider whether it is worth the trouble of inviting them.

DON’T FORGET THE FINGER FOOD 

What will guests eat at your party? Will there be a sit-down meal involved, or will they just snack throughout the party? Whatever the format, you will need to ensure that your guests have enough nourishment to keep them dancing right through to the end. Enter finger food. 

Nope, not chocolate fingers, although they could also work. Instead, a finger buffet featuring small appetisers and canapes is a great way to keep energy levels up, so guests can graze as they chat and dance throughout the night. You could even provide the food yourself! A party with a selection of homemade, delectable canapes will certainly be unforgettable, and that’s why you’re here right? If you’re creating your own canapes, according to the experts, the most important elements to remember are taste, colour and texture. 

Make sure you have enough food to sustain all of your guests for the entire duration. If they get hungry, they might sneak off early to grab a takeaway on the way home. And that’s a damning indictment of proceedings if ever there was one.

CHEERS!

A lot of people like to have a drink at a party and let their hair down, so have an interesting array of beverages available for all guests, and even consider something a little more exciting than the usual options, such as a punch bowl or some exotic cocktails. Make sure you provide plenty of non-alcoholic options too. Many people don’t drink or will be driving home, so you don’t want them to feel left out.

PLEASE DON’T STOP THE MUSIC 

No party is complete without music, and the right playlist can make or break a night. Whatever your music tastes, you need to be thinking about what your guests will enjoy. Create a playlist well in advance featuring a variety of different artists and genres.

Cheesy pop anthems are great for getting everyone onto the dance floor, and make sure you choose popular songs that people know. If you are having a more dignified, formal event, you might prefer something a bit less in-your-face such as some classical or jazz music in the background to create the right atmosphere. And if you want to really go all out, consider hiring a band to play live music.

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU 

Will your guests be content to eat, drink and chat, or will you require some more entertainment to liven things up? There are so many options for pleasing your party invitees in unique and unusual ways. Why not hire a photo booth so guests can take silly pictures, or some garden games to get a competition going? Even something small like a deck of cards and a few games at the end of the night can be a real crowd-pleaser. If you have the budget for it, you could even hire entertainers such as magicians, musicians or comedians to liven things up.

BE THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS 

For all the frills and luxuries you can provide, the most important aspect of a party is a good host. Although you no doubt want to enjoy yourself too, your number one job is to ensure that everyone at your party has a good time. Do the rounds and speak to everyone throughout the night. Make sure everyone has someone to talk to and make an effort to introduce people who don’t know each other. Ensure that people have enough to eat and drink and make sure people get home safely, especially if they’ve consumed a little too much. You’ll know you’ve done a great job as a host when people thank you for a fantastic party.

MAKE THE END UNFORGETTABLE 

At the end of the night, you need to make sure things end with a bang rather than fizzling out. Perhaps end your music playlist on a floor-filler to get every single person dancing, or you could even end the night with some fireworks or other entertainment. Party favours are a great idea to leave your guests with lasting memories from the event. Perhaps a little bit of food or cake, or even take some Polaroids throughout the night for them to bring home a memento. Ensure that everyone has either a way to get home or some accommodation planned. If you are hosting at your house, you could offer up a spare room or sofa for anyone who needs it.

Hosting an unforgettable party takes a lot of work, but the results will pay off. By following these tips, you will be able to plan your event down to the last detail and create a memorable party that your guest will be talking about for years to come.

5 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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5 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Phew. This year has been a bit of a drag, right? And that’s putting things very mildly indeed. We could all do with some escapism right now, a place to take our mind off the world’s troubles, to rest, relax, and unwind. 

Let us introduce you to the Coconut Coast. Yep, even hearing those two words brings a sense of serenity; evocative of golden sands, clear waters, gently swaying palm trees and an overall sense of paradise on Earth. This 30 mile stretch of coastline, on the Dominican Republic’s easternmost tip, is more officially known as Punta Cana, and the tropical paradise boasts more watersports, luxury resorts and beach-based reclining than you could shake a palm tree’s branch at. 

If you’re looking for itinerary inspiration for your travels, and want a fantastic mix of active and at ease, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 5 of the best things to do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 

APPRECIATE THE NATURAL WONDER OF SCAPE PARK & HOYO AZUL

If you’re looking to combine natural wonder and high adrenaline activity, then Punta Cana’s Scape Park will suit you to the ground. Or should we say, suit you all the way to 45 feet under the ground; in Scape Park’s Hoyo Azul ‘Blue Hole’, you’ll find a 14 metre deep cenote sitting at the bottom of limestone and vegetation. A swim underground here is to cleanse the soul and enjoy the ultimate feeling of tranquillity, which is ideal before reentering Scape Park proper, where things get very active again.

Though Hoyo Azul is the main attraction, Scape Park is gorgeous throughout. Comprised of the Caribbean sea, underground cenotes, jungle and cliffs, for thrill-seekers the highlight of the park is the tree-to-tree zip lining here, which takes in the park’s splendid natural surrounds at high speeds. When you’re done, cool back off swimming in the underground caves. And repeat. What could be better?

ENJOY WATER SPORTS ON MACAO & BAVARO BEACH

Punta Cana is particularly famous for its water sports, with aficionados and amateurs alike heading to the Dominican Republic’s east coast for scuba diving and surfing, in particular. 

Playa Macao is around a 30km drive from Punta Cana, but the journey itself is worth it, full of spectacular scenery and natural wonder. Taxis should set you back around £20. That said, many head to Playa Macao for surf lessons, and there are a couple of surf schools here that will arrange transport from your hotel in Punta Cana to the beach and back. Macao Surf Camp is the leading place to get comfortable on a board here. 

Alternatively, even closer to Punta Cana is Playa Bavaro, which is a little more built up and connected to several of the coast’s major resorts, but no less beautiful. It has jet skis for hire, scuba diving excursions to take, and plenty of lovely little beach shacks and more fully-fledged (relatively speaking) restaurants grilling up the catch of the day. More often than not, this is lobster! We did say this is paradise, right?

SWIM WITH DOLPHINS

Speaking of activities which call to mind ‘tropical paradise’, before you dive into your grilled lobster lunch, how does swimming with dolphins sound? To get the chance to swim with dolphins in Punta Cana, your best bet is actually inland (only slightly) at Dolphin Discovery, a water park in Punta Cana town which offers the chance to frolic with these beloved creatures for a full 40 minutes, and even take photos with the dolphins at the end. Now, is that a camera or the dolphin clicking?

After your swim, learn about local conservation efforts, the dolphin’s nutrition and more in the park’s educational facilities.  

TAKE IT EASY ON SAONA ISLAND

Phew, if all the full-on activities in Punta Cana have got you needing to take a load off, away from the watersports and distraction of thrill seeking, then a day trip to Saona Island is where you should head. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, the shallow waters just perfect for snorkelling, and the surrounding sea replete with starfish and coral reefs.

Saona is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from the Dominican Republic’s main island, and it takes around an hour and a half by catamaran from Bayahibe, a resort area around an hour from Punta Cana (day trips from Punta Cana take around 10 hours in total). It’s part of the government-protected nature reserve and the East National Park (Cotubanamá), which also includes the incredible Playa Palmilla beach. Look for Punta Cana boat tours which also take in Palmilla on route to Saona for the full tropical paradise experience.

Saona island is especially famous for its Sea Turtle Sanctuary in Mano Juan, which is doing great work (the scenery’s not half bad, either!). That, or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Saona’s best beach, Canto de la Playa, on the island’s south-east tip. Heaven!

INDULGE AT THE CHOCO MUSEUM

For something totally different but no less enjoyable, Punta Cana is home to a museum of chocolate, the ChocoMuseo. That’s all the boxes of ‘paradise’ ticked, then. This cute little shop provides visitors with a display and guided talk on the history of the Dominican Republic’s cacao production, with the chance to see real cacao beans and pods in action, along with a series of samples to really get you thinking about chocolate deeply. 

The longer, immersive ‘From Bean To Bar’ talk (which lasts around two hours) is definitely worth booking in for. There’s also a chance to take a short lesson in making chocolate truffles, for those who want to get truly hands on. A lovely opportunity to enjoy a morning or afternoon offering something a little different in Punta Cana, we think.

Should you be planning a more expansive exploration of the Caribbean, check out our 10 IDEAL ports of call on your next Caribbean cruise.

5 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

Travel Team
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5 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

The resort city of Palm Springs and its neighbouring eight cities which make up Greater Palm Springs has long been a playground for the rich and the famous. Housed in Southern California’s Colorado Desert, its iconic modernist, mid-century architecture, palm tree-lined boulevards and surrounding Coachella Valley have an aesthetic all of their own. The area’s ‘chillosophy’ is also legendary; this is somewhere so well suited to kicking back and letting go.

Though it’s certainly not the only reason to visit California, the Palm Springs area is most famous now for the globally-renowned, hipster-friendly Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival which takes place in April. But for visitors not keen on celebrating the world-famous marriage of music and dust, Greater Palm Springs is actually most vibrant and alive later in the year, between November and late March, when temperatures dip (slightly) and it welcomes second home-owning retirees, partygoers and celebs escaping LA, which is just a two hour drive away. 

If you’re visiting and looking for itinerary inspiration, then check out our 5 IDEAL things to do in Greater Palm Springs, California.

ESCAPE THE HEAT AT PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM

We’ve only just got here and we’re already heading indoors! But when you appreciate the sweltering Palm Springs temperatures, you’ll understand why. Any and every excuse to enjoy some shade, a breeze or even air conditioning, should be taken.

Inside the Palm Springs Art Museum, it’s a cool and consistent 23°C, with a light and airy design perfect for those moments of desert respite. But that’s not the only reason you should visit this fantastic collection of galleries (28, in fact) and sculpture gardens; inside houses collections from some of the world’s most influential, highly regarded artists, including Picasso, Gormley and Warhol, to name but a few.

Head back outside when you’ve cooled off to the gorgeous Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, which incorporates native flora and fauna with modern sculpture by the likes of Fletcher Benton and Betty Gold.

On Thursdays between 4pm and 8pm, the museum is free to enter. Palm Springs Art Museum is temporarily closed due to the ongoing health crisis, but they intend to reopen in Fall.

Image by Gary Bembridge

SEE THE DESERT ON HIGH ABOARD PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY

Though Palm Springs is the focal point, Greater Palm Springs is actually made up of nine cities in total; the aforementioned Palm Springs, along with Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. All are within an easy drive of each other, only taking half an hour from most northern Palm Springs to the most southern Coachella. 

Anyway, to take in the whole awe-inspiring vastness of the area, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must. Taking you through the Chino Canyon, this is a breathtaking, hair raising journey which reaches an elevation of 8’516 feet (at the Mountain Station). Just imagine the views!

Check the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway official website for updates on their reopening plans.

Image by Glenda and Ken

SEE NATURAL WONDER AT JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

A 40 mile drive from Palm Springs will take you to Joshua Tree National Park, which represents the point where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet. It’s this coming together of two distinct ecosystems which make the park so iconic in its stark beauty; well worth a visit to see the surreal image of the Joshua Trees (native to the Mojave) themselves against the backdrop of vast desert behind, the tree appearing to be praying to the sky above.

After a brief period of closure, The Joshua Tree National Park has now reopened to the public, with new safety measures in place. 

SIN & SINATRA IN CATHEDRAL CITY

Frank Sinatra loved Palm Springs, and it became his adopted home. As such, fans of Ol’ Blue Eyes regularly make the pilgrimage to the desert to set their own on the place he was buried, which is found in the Desert Memorial Park Cemetry in Cathedral City. For those wishing to pay their respects, the park is open daily. Whilst previously the park was open 24 hours a day, new opening times have recently been announced; 7am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and 7am to 12pm at the weekends.

The Cathedral City also boasts Greater Palm Springs’ main Casino resort complex; Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Though it opened in 2001, three years after his death, we’re sure Frank Sinatra would’ve loved a few mimosas around the Blackjack tables here. It’s particularly famous for its range of slots, of which there are currently nearly 1500 on the floor.

SHOP YOUR HEART OUT IN EL PASEO SHOPPING DISTRICT

‘’The Rodeo Drive of the Desert’’. With a title like that, we’re sold. Great Palm Springs is certainly an affluent area which is boosted by a large influx of big spenders each winter season, and on El Paseo Shopping District, you’ll find boutique and designer shops selling one of a kind pieces. In the heart of Palm Desert, this one mile strip incorporating around 200 businesses isn’t only for clothes shopping; there’s also several art galleries and some cracking restaurants, too.

But back to the shopping! The open air Gardens on El Paseo is perhaps the focal point for fashionistas, with stores from Tommy Bahamas, Trina Turk and more found here. Or, simply stroll the strip, where you’ll find everything from Burberry to Gucci, Anthropologie and Ralph Lauren, rubbing shoulders with independent boutiques. Best keep that credit card somewhere easily accessible! 

Most shops in El Paseo Shopping District have now reopened, with social distancing measures in place.

4 INTERESTING ZONING IDEAS FOR YOUR GARDEN

Editorial Team
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4 INTERESTING ZONING IDEAS FOR YOUR GARDEN

Ideal for those looking to freshen up their outdoor space.

If being stuck at home during a glorious summer has done one thing, it’s given us all a greater appreciation of any outside space we’ve been blessed with. Unlike most areas in your home, your garden offers plenty of freedom to be creative and adventurous, allowing you to experiment with change relatively cheaply. Indeed, your garden can be re-designed, re-tooled and re-purposed for relative pennies if you think outside the box.

And one of the best ways to maximise your outdoor space, giving you something fresh and new to enjoy, is by creating zoned areas within your garden; sectioning pieces off to create unique and individual areas which still contribute to the garden’s aesthetic as a whole.

In this article, we’ll explore some simple, manageable ideas for zoning that you could introduce to your own garden, no matter the size. So if you’re thinking about getting your fingers green and playing around with your outdoor space, consider these; our 4 interesting zoning ideas for your garden, IDEAL for those looking to freshen up their outdoor space.

USE LEVELS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

One of the easiest ways of zoning areas in your garden is to create new and contrasting levels, utilising the vertical instead of the horizontal. This is especially true if you have a smaller garden that you want to maximise space in, as building upwards rather than out won’t impact on those valuable square metres at ground level. Vertical zoning is also really intriguing visually, and not at all difficult to implement.

Indeed, it’s a lot easier to achieve than you might first think. Even a raised decking area can serve to create a new level that’s detached from the rest of your garden space, allowing you to segment areas out there for your specific, divergent needs.

This could be for a single outdoor dining table or, thinking bigger, a gorgeous teak garden set, creating the perfect spot for a BBQ, a seating area to relax on in the afternoon sun, or even just a new play area for the kids. Oh, the possibilities!

And if you’re not in the market for decking, the same can be achieved with patio stones or even raised planters. Yep, the sky’s the limit! Actually, perhaps you don’t want to build quite that high.

MIX UP YOUR MATERIALS

If layers and levels aren’t really your thing, you can take zoning more literally with a range of different materials to create separate, distinct areas in one all-encompassing space. This is a great way of introducing different themes, styles, flora and even welcoming some wildlife to your garden without it becoming too messy and unmanageable, maintenance wise. You could, for example, begin with a traditionally laid patio, perfect for hosting, which leads seamlessly into a green space with plants, followed by a stoned dry garden at the end – a place to get away from it all and relax. 

There’s really no limit to the number of zones you can create with different materials, as long as they all are distinct and serve a different purpose. This will give your outdoor space some personality and variety without being too complicated in its upkeep.

BRING THE INSIDE, OUTSIDE

If you really want to take zoning to the next level, the best idea is to create a completely separate outdoor space with all of the comforts of the indoors. Whether it’s under a canopy, a gazebo or in an isolated outbuilding (shed, ‘man cave’, summer house…call it what you like!) it’s a great way of maximising what you already have and providing a home away from home.

This can be as simple as laying some outdoor rugs or adding some garden sofas and a coffee table, to recreating a complete living room vibe in your back garden – with lights, a fireplace, and blankets. This leisure space can become the prettiest, most intimate area of your garden – a private chill zone to escape the rest of the world!

ADD SOME PRIVACY

Whilst of course we’d all love our gardens to be open and expansive, there’s much to be said for creating quiet, secluded spots within an open space, too. And sometimes, necessity dictates a little privacy, especially in the urban setting where space is at a premium and outdoor areas sometimes overlap. 

A private area, cordoned off from the rest of your garden, can be really effective in traditional terraced properties, where usually neighbours on all sides can look down on your space. By adding in some wooden screens, trellises or sculpted plantlife, you can easily create an area which is hidden from view, allowing you to enjoy your outdoors in a calm, secluded way.   

The most natural way to increase your garden’s privacy is through tall shrubbery, plants or trees. Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia Murielae) which on average stands at four metres tall and just requires some sturdy canes for support, is one of the best options available, with the thick shrubbery offering privacy and shade effortlessly.

What’s more, it requires little upkeep; just trim each June or July and water judiciously when the plant re-emerges. Magnolia Grandiflora is another smart choice, whose glossy, generous leaves act as a screening tree when left to do their thing.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Regardless of the space you have available, there’s plenty of options to create interesting zoned areas that help bring your garden to life. Hopefully, with some of these ideas in mind, you’ll be able to build a relaxing outdoor area to enjoy this summer and beyond.

How To Turn Your Yoga Videos Into A Business: 5 Simple Steps

Editorial Team
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How To Turn Your Yoga Videos Into A Business: 5 Simple Steps

Do you know your downward dog from your warrior? Can you hold a Scorpion Pose for longer than might appear humanly possible? Do you set your intentions for the day cross-legged and flexible, rather than while sitting on the toilet? Well, perhaps you should be sharing your love of yoga with the world, or better still, making money from it. 

Right now, it’s a little more complex, with gyms and studios only just reopening and social distancing required in any group sessions. Making web-friendly yoga videos, it seems, is the future, with many practitioners keen to be able to enjoy yoga lessons from the safety of their home, and many teachers looking for new and innovative ways to oblige.

The good news is that creating insightful and valuable videos for online use is not that expensive and time-consuming. Indeed, you can establish a real online yoga studio with just a few investments, and before you know it, you’ll be snapping at the constantly peddling heels of Adrienne, Kassandra et al. With that in mind, here’s how to turn your yoga videos into a business in 5 simple steps.

HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT IN PLACE

Offering yoga classes online mainly comes down to preparation, practice and perhaps most importantly, possessing the right equipment. Let’s think about the latter point first.

Having the correct equipment for teaching yoga at home, both in terms of the practice itself and its filming, is vital if you’re to display enough professionalism to convince viewers to show you continued loyalty. 

In terms of the filming, all you need to record good-quality videos is either a fairly modern phone or digital camera, and a laptop to edit your material. Be aware that built-in microphones in cameras often capture an excessive degree of background noise. Therefore, an external microphone may be helpful if you want your voice to be clear and understandable. When teaching yoga, that level of clarity is so valuable.

It’s also a worthwhile investment to buy some extra data space and memory cards, as high-quality videos can eat up virtual storage space. There’s also a risk of losing your yoga video files, which would be disappointing. As such, downloading this data recovery software might be prudent, too. 

The only physical equipment you’ll need to perform your yoga routines seamlessly is a mat and some loose fitting (but not too loose!) clothes. More important than anything tangible, though, is nurturing your own unique style which will charm new viewers and keep regular ones faithful, too…

NURTURE YOUR OWN UNIQUE STYLE

We doubt we’re the first folk to have noticed that there are a lot of guided yoga videos out there and online. While a case of ‘the more, the merrier’ is certainly fair when yoga is such an inclusive discipline, if you’re hoping to make any money from your videos then it’s vital you create a unique style and voice to stand out from the crowd.

So, let your personality shine in your videos; yogis value relentless positivity and enthusiasm, but that should be tempered by a laid back, loving approach. No one wants screaming, dancing and shouting when they’re trying to get all zen, right? Get your tone of voice and style right (and unique) and you give yourself the best chance of seeing the subscriptions, likes and follower counts increase.

EDITING

You don’t have to use expensive editing software in order to edit your yoga videos. You can, of course, but if you’re not a pro editor, then you probably won’t maximise the available functions of a given program, and its potential will be lost. Try to find easy-to-use and intuitive programs that will not take much time to learn and will enable you to start video processing almost right away, allowing you more time to focus on the practices themself.

Movie Maker on Windows and iMovie on Mac all offer a free video editor entirely capable and sufficient for recording your yoga videos. Both these pieces of software allow you to add transitions, trim the clip, and make it look sparkling fresh and professional. 

Though of course you should focus your attention on performing in front of the camera, and bring focus to the here and now (very mindful, that), you should also put some faith in the editing process, too, as this gives your video a final look, makes it professional and shows that you take delivering the best content to your viewers seriously.

UPLOAD AND INFORM

When you’re all done with editing the video, and it feels satisfying to you and informative to others, it’s time to upload it online and inform your students and followers that it’s out there. Upload it to the video-sharing platform of your choosing, prioritising the more mainstream channels at first for maximum exposure.

On services like Vimeo and YouTube, you have an opportunity to create a private link only for those who have bought access to your account. For payment purposes, you can create an account on PayPal and have those details available via email. That said, there’s also money to made via the oft’ repeated ‘like and subscribe’ model; this data represents cold, hard evidence that you have a following (and value to advertisers) so don’t neglect organic avenues of generating interest, too.

Also make sure that you have a channel open for regular dialogue with your followers. Feedback is extremely important because it allows you to develop your brand, improve your content, and eventually gain new viewers who will contribute to your passive income in the future.

5 IDEAL HACKS TO HELP MUMS FIND THE TIME TO WORKOUT

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL HACKS TO HELP MUMS FIND THE TIME TO WORKOUT

As a mum, finding time to maintain a regular fitness routine when you have children to look after can be a challenge – whether it be taking care of a newborn, caring for a toddler, or providing endless lifts for school children.

Research from the recent Total Fitness Real Life Ready report revealed that 42% of parents to young children would like to be fitter, however only 19% regularly working out. There’s a big discrepancy there that needs to be adjusted.

Indeed, for all the mothers out there’s continued happiness and health, it’s important to set aside time for yourself so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Firstly, a reframe; understand that working out needn’t be a chore. Instead, take advantage of some of the daily roles of childcare and turn these situations into an opportunity to exercise. 

To explain how you can fit in a workout while looking after children, we’ve teamed up with Steven Virtue, Fitness Content and Programming Manager at Total Fitness, the North’s leading mid-market health club, to give you these 5 IDEAL hacks to help mums find the time to workout.

MAKE NAPTIME EXERCISE TIME

While we get that you probably want to have a nap too, for mums with a newborn baby or toddler, naptime provides the perfect opportunity for you to fit in a quick workout, whether you’re at home or on the move. Home workouts are a great alternative if you can’t make it to the gym, with a variety of fitness DVDs or online routines available – simply find one which suits your fitness level and with an instructor enjoy spending virtual time with, and you’re good to go.

If you prefer planning your own workout, create your own HIIT circuit (high intensity interval training), using weights and dumbbells where you feel comfortable to raise the intensity. HIIT training is an excellent calorie burner and can be squeezed into as much or as little time as you have – perfect for while your child is napping. Check out our tips on how to a HIIT workout at home with no equipment for more advice.

TURN WALKING INTO A WORKOUT  

If you’re out and about, going for a brisk walk or jog with your child’s pram (they’re in the pram, obvs) allows you to fit in a cardio workout while they enjoy their morning or afternoon nap. This helps to strengthen your core and arm muscles whilst you push the pram and allows you to get some fresh air as you exercise. Whether you’re nipping to the shops or taking a stroll around the park, turning your walking routine into a gentle exercise will keep you active.

COMBINE PLAYTIME AND EXERCISE

Whilst your toddler or school child is enjoying their playtime, join in and make this a time for you to be active as well. Whether it’s going for a bike ride, playing football or an afternoon at the local playground, keep yourself fit by spending quality time with your children and enjoy the health benefits it has to offer. Indeed, a ‘workout’ needn’t be a sweaty session on the treadmill; reframe how you view keeping fit. If it raises the heart rate, it counts.

ZUMBA

Zumba routines are a great way to involve your children in your routine since they will love dancing around the room with you, and that’s a guarantee. Not only is it super fun for all the family, but you will also burn fat as you move. Alternatively, why not make working out an educational experience, asking them to count your reps – perhaps throwing in some multiplications – as you do various exercises. This is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst spending quality time with your little ones.

FIND A WORKOUT BUDDY

It can be difficult to find the motivation to work out on your own. An easy solution is to buddy up with one of your family members or friends – preferably someone with a child themselves and who has similar fitness goals to you. Plan in play dates, so whilst the children play together safely, you can both fit in a quick exercise routine to help you stay active. If you fancy going outside, take a trip to the local playground or park together. Walking remains a great way to increase cardiovascular fitness, burn calories and strengthen joints, and is easy to fit into your daily routine. 

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