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5 LIFESTYLE CHANGES & SAVINGS TIPS THAT MIGHT JUST CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Editorial Team
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5 LIFESTYLE CHANGES & SAVINGS TIPS THAT MIGHT JUST CHANGE YOUR LIFE


Hands up. Who likes to worry about things like unexpected bills and emergency expenses? We’re not surprised the answer isn’t exactly affirmative. Indeed, an unanticipated, expensive problem can throw your entire world out of whack. And no one wants that, right?

Unfortunately, not many of us are lucky enough to have the money left over at the end of each month to build a rainy day savings account quickly. By the time you’ve finished spending on your mortgage or rent, your bills, and a little fun, too, most find that there’s nothing left for saving. 

Perhaps it’s time to reassess your approach to your finances and make a change. Here’s how; our 5 lifestyle changes and savings tips that might just change your life.

GET REAL

First things first, if you want to make a real difference to your cash situation, you need to be real with yourself. Real honest. Real, real frank with the situation. Take a really long look in the mirror. That’s enough, but you get the picture.

That means giving your outgoings an audit and seeing if there’s anywhere you could make adjustments or any seemingly frivolous spending which could, for now, be trimmed.

Gather all your bank statements and spending information and make a list of your necessary and unnecessary expenses. From there, you’ll be able to see where your biggest problem areas are so you can start to make changes. 

GOALS & TARGETS

Having a clear plan in place for saving, with goals to reach and targets you wish to buy, can make things more manageable. Structure and reason works here, make no mistake. So, instead of simply sticking a fiver in your piggy bank every so often and hoping for the best, try to devise a saving plan which you can stick to. 

That could be as simple as putting 10% of your wages each month, to investing a little money now with the hope it’ll gain you more later down the line.

MAKE SAVING SIMPLER

Budgeting can sometimes be a challenge, but saving doesn’t have to be tough. Once you’ve spent the time looking at your budget and figuring out how much you can afford to put away at the end of each month, you can make your saving strategy a little simpler. 

You can do this by setting up automatic payments from your current account to your savings account. By doing this, you don’t even have to think about the transaction; it all occurs behind the scenes. 

Most bank accounts will allow you to do this, and the quicker you get the money from your pay into your savings account, the less likely you are to spend it. Automating your savings means that by the time you look at your bank account after being paid each month, you’ll know how much you can afford to spend without ignoring your savings. 

START SMALL LAND THINK BIG

You don’t need to make a million changes to your lifestyle overnight to be a good saver. All you really need is to make small changes with a big goal in mind. You could start by cutting out that one last pint at the pub, when you don’t need it anyway, and incrementally increase those sacrifices. 

You can also try targeting problem areas with your spending one at a time too. Focusing on things like problems with eating out too often before you start looking at issues with over-spending on tech means that you won’t be trying to make too many major changes in your life at once. Rushing into changes too fast isn’t sustainable. Slow and steady wins the race, hey?

UNSUBSCRIBE 

Finally, if you’re prone to falling victim to temptation every time you get an email or text message from a brand you like, unsubscribe from them. Don’t follow them on social media, and make sure that you remove yourself from their mailing list. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. 

If you don’t want to unsubscribe, make sure that you at least implement a 24-hour rule on any purchase that you’re tempted to make based on a marketing message. Allow the idea of purchase percolate for a day, return to it, and then deem if it really is necessary.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHEN BOOKING A LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY

Editorial Team
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HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHEN BOOKING A LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY

It’s a sad fact, but the excitement and escapism of going away on holiday can sometimes be tempered somewhat by concern over its costs. You’re reclining on golden sands, and all you can focus on is how much each and every second in the sun is affecting your bank balance. 

We’ve all been there. Fortunately, there are ways to bring the cost of your dream holiday down, and this all starts before you even set off, during the booking process. 

From DIY breaks to all-inclusive packages, there are tried-and-tested methods of saving considerable amounts of cash out there. From waiting until the last minute to book to harnessing the proper power of price comparison websites, here’s how to save money when booking a last minute holiday.

KEEP A CLOSE EYE OUT FOR ONLINE DEALS

Last-minute booking websites represent a fast route to bagging a bargain, but you have to have patience, restraint, and skillful timing to get it right. Most list highly competitive deals which are kept right up to date, with rates altering regularly in line with supply and demand.

Don’t cheat yourself into the misconception that you’re backed into a corner. That, of course, is what they want you to think. We’ve all seen that warning when booking a room to the wire; ‘hurry! there’s only one room left’. Yeah, sure, we believe you guys. 

There’s no need to take ‘last minute’ too literally. To make sure you get the very best deal, keep an eye on the sites you’re eager to book with in advance of that – holidays tend to drop in price around 8-10 weeks before departure, although if you’re gutsy then waiting as long as possible can really pay off. 

Price comparison websites are a really useful tool, too. They’ll do a lot of the legwork for you, comparing hundreds of holidays across numerous sites. 

CONSIDER ALL TYPES OF HOLIDAY, ESPECIALLY ALL-INCLUSIVE

Now is not the time for snobbery and sweeping assumptions about the sort of holiday you feel fits your personal brand.

Are you used to booking your flights and hotels independently? Perhaps you’re a package holiday kind of traveller and would never normally dream of doing everything yourself? The world of last minute holidaybookings can be incredibly exciting, as you could end up choosing a new style of holiday which you’d never attempted before. As such, your usual rules simply shouldn’t apply. By keeping yourself open to all types of holiday – self-catering, all-inclusive, and everything in between – you’ll maximise your chances of finding a real bargain. And in the process, you might discover something new about yourself, too.

It might seem a little counter-intuitive, but all-inclusive breaks can often provide the best value. Tour operators will have already shelled out for hotel rooms and planes, meaning they’ll do their best to sell every last place in order to avoid losing money. 

And just because you’re on such a holiday doesn’t mean you automatically turn into the type who wrestles people for the sun loungers at 6am.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND REGARDING DESTINATION

A lesson for life, perhaps; keep an open mind and a flexible approach and you’ll be richly rewarded. If you don’t mind where you go for your holiday (up to a point), then you’re more likely to get a brilliant deal. And perhaps a surprise or two about the fascinating cultures found spread far across the globe. 

By broadening your horizons in terms of destination, you’re casting that proverbial net a little wider, opening yourself up to a greater bounty of last-minute bargains, too. We’ve heard the Danakil Depression is nice this time of year.

BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR DEPARTURE DATE

If you’re in a position to be a little flexible (we’re sensing a pattern here) with your departure date then you’re likely to get a better deal. Hotel, flight and package holiday prices can vary greatly depending on the date you jet off, so it’s well worth searching a variety of dates to see if this makes a difference to your overall holiday price.

Industry experts have also suggested that the day on which you actually book your holiday can make a difference. With many deals released by companies on a Monday night, Tuesday afternoons are reportedly the best time to snap up any special offers.

BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR DEPARTURE AIRPORT

The UK isn’t all that big, and you may live in relatively close proximity to more than one airport. A degree of flexibility (hammering the point home, hey) regarding your departure point can pay dividends when you come to booking a last-minute break, with prices sometimes considerably lower if you fly from another regional airport.

It’s also worth bearing in mind additional costs, which can also fluctuate depending on your departure airport. For example, your actual flight might be cheaper from one airport but parking charges, lounge fees and even the price of any pre-flight indulgences such as a strong coffee might all be higher, minimising or even cancelling out any overall savings.

THE BOTTOM LINE

On the whole, if you can be flexible and patient then you’re well on your way to snagging a purse-pleasing last-minute holiday. Remember: be savvy about how you search, keep an open mind as to where you might spend your well-earned time off, and try not to look too smug when your break costs much less than you expected.

Want more money saving suggestions? Check out these insider tips for bagging cheap flights and continue this glorious run of penny pinching.

5 ALTERNATIVE WEDDING DRESS IDEAS

Editorial Team
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5 ALTERNATIVE WEDDING DRESS IDEAS

Ideal for non-traditional brides or who love to break conformity.

Hey brides! Yes you. The ones who don’t want to spend time scrolling through the same stock images looking for inspiration. The ones who don’t want to spend the best day of their life in an identikit outfit. The ones who find pleasure in going against the grain. For those brides, it’s time to do wedding season differently. 

Indeed, princess-esque wedding dresses aren’t for everyone. Tiaras even less so. And there shouldn’t be any shame in that! With that in mind, here are 5 alternative wedding dress ideas, IDEAL for non-traditional bridges who love to break conformity.

A WEDDING JUMPSUIT

…because a dress shouldn’t be your only option. We came here to throw around some ideas, right? To think outside the boring box? Well, if you’re a bride who’s not all bells and whistles when it comes to the ‘big day’, then simply say no to the dress all together. 

Elegant yet affordable jumpsuits have been breaking wedding tradition for a while now and we’re very much here for them. This shouldn’t be viewed as a pale substitute; a stylish and sleek statement jumpsuit can truly steal the show when done right. 

It’s a sustainable purchase, too. With a wedding jumpsuit, you’re bound to wear it again. And again. Pair your jumpsuit with an elegant watch, such as the Tommy Hilfger Carly watch from H.S.Johnson, with rose gold and blush pink tones, and you have a real bridal showstopper. Or, consider a watch with white straps if you’re embracing a more traditional (though not ever so) all in white ensemble. 

And the best big of that oh so stylish timepiece? You’ll get to the church on time. 

FOCUS ON THE SHOES NOT THE GOWN

If ever there was an excuse to treat yourself to a pair of expensive shoes, then it’s your wedding day. We’re sure you’re inclined to agree. Put it this way; you only wear your dress once, but shoes you can wear time and time again, regardless of how dressy or unique they are.

If you do need to balance the budget for your special day, go big on your footwear and opt for a more affordable dress. Something simple and unadorned like a sleek slip dress that you can pair with the shoes of your dreams, no matter how simple, sophisticated or completely outrageous they are. 

There’s a lot to be said for prioritising investing in a well-made pair of designer shoes that will, with the right love and care, last a lifetime, rather than a dress which will only have one big day out before being banished to the attic. 

EMBROIDERED 

Who said that plain and non patterned was the only way to wear it on your wedding day? Whimsical and elegant in equal measure, embroidered gowns are a great way to channel an alternative vibe with your wedding attire. Consider a head to toe colourful floral motif atop a white gown for a spring or summer (or that blessed bit in between) wedding. Think astrological star signs embroidered on a striking dark gown to channel a celestial celebration. Or, make it meaningful to you like Angelina Jolie’s veil covered in embroidered doodles by her six children in bright Crayola colours.

LADY IN RED

Need a refreshing change from the scores of white wedding dresses? While tradition dictates that brides should wear white on their wedding day, it’s certainly not a colour for everyone – especially if you’re a messy eater and have spent most of your wedding budget on food and drink. 

Fear not messy eaters and enthusiastic drinkers. You can eschew Western tradition altogether and rock red instead. Gorgeous red gowns have been the customary choice within many cultures, from Chinese to Indian, for centuries. In China, the colour is auspicious and wearing a red dress for your big day means good fortune, happiness and prosperity. And we all want a bit of that for our happily ever after, hey?

WHO WEARS SHORT DRESSES?

With so much focus on the train during the all important aisle walk, it’s often forgotten that actually, this is the least important (see: least photographed) part of the dress. And let’s face it, the risk of an embarrassing fall and all that material dragging along the ground and grass can be pretty debilitating.

A short wedding dress is a statement, for sure, but one which can look just as elegant and beautiful as something longer when deployed correctly. In fact, mini dresses are now a trendy alternative to traditional gowns, and we just love it.

7 IDEAS FOR CREATING THE IDEAL CHILL-OUT SPACE FOR YOUR KIDS

Editorial Team
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7 IDEAS FOR CREATING THE IDEAL CHILL-OUT SPACE FOR YOUR KIDS

We’re living in topsy turvy times. Sure, on the one hand self isolation and lockdown has led to parents getting to spend so much more quality time with their kids. On the other, it’s been incredibly trying to keep everyone (both adults and children!) entertained and tolerant during this time.

Indeed, even at the best of times, anyone with young children will know that clutter eventually takes over the house unless the children have a space to call their own. Don’t succumb.

Because of this, many families dedicate a room as the playroom or activity area (if the kids are older). This provides an excellent space for kids and teens to be together and away from the adults; a win-win situation for all involved if ever there was one. With that in mind, here are 7 ideas for creating the IDEAL chill-out space for your kids.

INCLUDE COMFORTABLE SEATING

As anyone who’s attended a decent afters will attest, chill out areas are only as good as the soft furnishings within them. 

Many parents turn to bean bags – seen here on comfysacks.com – when it comes to their seating needs. With a variety of colours, styles, textures and sizes to choose from, parents can create the ultimate space for their kids to kick back. 

Bean bags provide a great space to watch a movie, play a video game, hang out with friends, or read a book. What’s more, their introduction to a room provides flexibility; they’re a lot easier to move in and out of storage than a sofa, that’s for sure!

HAVE PLENTY OF STORAGE

Speaking of the S word and depending on the size of the room, designating a storage area for toys and furniture is an excellent way to minimise the inevitable clutter of your chill out space. 

For example, storage benches that serve as seating options should be considered if the room is on the smaller side. If space isn’t an issue, then place a few cuter bins throughout the room to hold different sizes of toys when the children are done playing with them. Simples.

CHOOSE NEUTRAL PAINT COLORS

Just because a room is designated as a child’s playroom does not mean it has to be overtly, overwhelmingly colourful. We’ve seen too many rooms ruined with lavish colourscapes, pictures of dinosaurs and clashing Powerpuffs pictures. Tone things down a little; you kids will thank you, too. 

Instead, choose neutral colors that can transition with your children’s ever changing tastes easily. This will allow the parents to adjust the décor of the room instead of having to repaint the entire bloody space every year. Visit your local hardware store to pick out sample paint colours to help you visualise your space most succinctly.

ACCOMMODATING KIDS OF DIFFERENT AGES

Many families have kids in different age groups. This can create problems when designing your shared space. Luckily, with a bit of creativity, this issue can be overcome. 

It’s all about compartmentalising. You can easily designate a corner of the room to the smaller kids by including a little table with chairs or a colourful sofa that’s low to the ground and easily clamberable. This will allow your smaller kids to have their items sprawled out near their table while letting the older ones to have their own separate space by the T.V and games console, for instance.

USE SHELVING UNITS AND BASKETS

Use shelving units to both create more space and as a way to decorate the room. Shelves can house books, toys, and other accessories that children use throughout the day. What’s more, they also provide easy visibility when trying to locate bits’n’bobs, and offer the opportunity for an easy cleanup once kids are in the rhythm of putting things back after use.

Large and decorative baskets add to the look of the room as well as housing odds and ends when it comes to toys and game pieces. Baskets also make for easy cleanup, especially for smaller kids, making for great storage when it comes to stuffed animals and dolls.

USE WALL SPACE TO ADD FUN FEATURES TO THE ROOM

If your kids like to use chalk or play with magnets (hey, who doesn’t?), then consider using some wall space to create an area for just that. Once in place and visually sectioned off, your child can colour and draw on that area of the wall with chalk. This saves a lot of room and money because you don’t need to purchase a chalkboard to place in the room. And there’s something a little thrilling about being allowed to draw on the walls, right?

You can do the same thing for magnets (obviously, you must buy the proper material for the magnets to adhere to). This keeps magnets contained in an area and keeps them off of kitchen appliances. To think, all those rude words will finally be moved off the refrigerator; heaven!

PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT

If your kids are around the same age, you can get away with making an area specifically for their age group. Indoor tents are popular for kids under the age of 10, giving a sense of ‘a den’ that all kids love so much. Visually, too, it can provide a welcome centrepiece to the room.

Colourful furniture can also be a focal point in any room. For example, a red sofa with fun pillows makes for a comfortable and relaxing look. A table with various colored chairs, a wall mural, curtains, an accent wall, and others can provide colour and fun to the room, too.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Creating a devoted kids’ chill-out space at home can be done on any budget. All it takes is a little nous, some elbow grease and a lot of creativity. Good luck!

Check out tips on homeschooling, entertaining and staying sane with teenagers during a lockdown for more inspiration on getting through these testing months as a family in one harmonious piece!

5 IDEAL PLACES TO PLAY GOLF IN THE SOUTH-WEST UK

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL PLACES TO PLAY GOLF IN THE SOUTH-WEST UK

For those who have proclaimed golf to be ‘nothing more than a good walk spoiled’, we feel a sense of pity.

Whether you play for fun or are taking things more seriously, it’s a cracking sport for so much more than a stroll. While certainly a leisurely pursuit, golf also requires great skill to become proficient in, as well as the right kit, of course, and is a sport where the old adage ‘practice makes perfect’ carries some weight. 

And although you can find some incredible golfing destinations as far flung as Florida or Fengcheng, some of the very best are actually found on terra firma. Today, we’re honing in on the land of pasties, cream tea, cider and more; here are 5 IDEAL places to play cold in the south-west UK.

PERRANPORTH GOLF CLUB

This Cornish delight occupies a beautiful spot with stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean, and is something of a hidden gem in golfing worlds. With rolling, hilly fairways and a landscape that can often be challenging, it’s one that once enjoyed will never be forgotten, and you’ll certainly be back for more. 

Check out the views from the 5th and 14th, some of the best we’ve seen teeing off anywhere on the planet, and once you’ve finished your game, take a drink in the clubhouse and enjoy the spectacular vistas that surround this beautiful part of England.

ROYAL NORTHERN DEVON 

This is where English golf first came to be, a superb traditional links course close to the charming town of Westward Ho! Yep, you read that right; the exclamation mark is genuinely part of the name. 

Considered the ‘St Andrews’ of England, it offers a selection of challenging holes in a wonderful location; just watch out for the sheep that roam openly across the course. Quaint, sure. A hazard? Perhaps. No other course in England boasts the historical importance of Royal Northern Devon, and it’s certainly worth a visit just to say you’ve played where it all began in England.

TREVOSE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 

The most southern links course in the region, Trevose is a very special site with some spectacular hills and fantastic greens to get amongst. This is a course where you might want transport rather than walking owing to some of the more demanding gradients, so check out Best Reviewer’s Best Electric Golf Cart reviews for some ideas on what might be ferrying you about during your rounds here. 

Trevose is a course that attracts people of all levels of experience, and one that has enough variety to make it pretty challenging in places, even to seasoned putters. All together now; ‘fore!’

BURNHAM AND BERROW 

Located further north than the other links courses in the region, Burnham and Berrow is a delightful course in the beautiful Somerset countryside, and is as varied and testing as any in the region. 

The elevation changes here are quite spectacular, and it is one well suited to honing your teeing and putting skills to perfection. This is certainly not a course to enter with complacency though, as this course is a real challenge for even the very best players.

ST ENODOC 

Overlooking the famous fishing town of Padstow, and within the exclusive town of Rock, St Enodoc is considered by many seasoned players to be among the greatest golf courses not just in the South West or the UK, but in the entire world. 

Indeed, few courses offer a combination of such spectacular landscapes and glorious greens and fairways. Amusingly, the 6th has a bunker famously named Himalaya, and once you get caught out by it, you’ll see why. Perfectly kept and beautifully presented, if there is a must-visit golf course in the South West, this has to be it. 

That’s our pick of the five golf courses in the South West of England that should whet your appetite for the game when in the region. There are many more that you may also appreciate here, so why not plan your trip now and take in some of the most beautiful golfing locations in England.

IDEAL HOME HEALTH: 4 FREE, ONLINE THINGS WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK, 06.04.20

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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IDEAL HOME HEALTH: 4 FREE, ONLINE THINGS WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK, 06.04.20

How you doing over there? Everyone ok? We hope you’re staying happy, healthy and most importantly, home. We can’t wait to see you on the other side of this. You know that, right?

We’ll let you in on a secret; the urge to binge on biscuits and Breaking Bad is stronger than ever, and of course, that’s fine. We hope no one’s blaming us for wanting to hibernate until this thing’s all over. But if we’re to emerge blinking into the sunlight when the drawbridge is finally lowered on lockdown looking fit and chiselled, a little effort’s going to be needed.

Fortunately, with the right tools and motivation, a home workout is an eminently achievable and surprisingly fun thing to do. What’s more, so much out there requires no financial commitment whatsoever. So, here’s our tips on finding your IDEAL home health and workout heaven; our 4 free, online things we’re into this week, 06.04.20.

THE BODY COACH TV

There were tons of home workout videos, streams and Youtube channels out there even before everyone’s front room became their gym. And finding our favourite in the most famous fitness face around might seem a little pedestrian. But like so many others during this totally strange period, Joe Wicks has shown himself to be a card carrying comrade when times have got tough.

Indeed, in face of lucrative TV offers, the health and wellbeing megastar has pledged to keep his classes available for free, daily, on Youtube so as to reach to widest possible audience. That’s not all; Wicks will be donating all of his profits from these sessions to the NHS. What a guy!

Tune in for your session with ‘the nation’s PE teacher’, designed to be done at home with little or no equipment, every day at 9am here.

YOGA WITH ADRIENE

This self imposed sedentary lifestyle has given rise to a whole load of aches and pains we thought we’d confined to the past. If you’re the same, or if you simply want to get more flexible, then we can’t recommend a daily yoga session highly enough. 

The reasons to take up yoga are vast and true and the good news is this; you don’t have to be able to twist into pretzel shapes and contort your body something holy to enjoy the physical or mental benefits of a good yoga session. Yep, even if you don’t know your downward dog from your happy baby, a world of stress relief, mindful focus and surprisingly effective exercise awaits. And christ, do we all need a bit of that right now.

Again, Youtube is home to so many great guided routines when you can’t take yourself outside. Our favourite is the perennially popular Yoga With Adriene. Sessions are conducted in a peaceful, encouraging way and are available at various ability levels. Great stuff! Check out her videos here. All together now; namaste.

HEADSPACE

Your mind needs a good workout during this tricky time, too. The constant, rolling news of disaster and dismay is enough to cause distress in even the calmest soul. If you find yourself at home with the days stretching ahead, make sure you don’t neglect your mental health. 

Though it might be the last thing on the priority list during a tough time, introspection and self-care is vital for a balanced, nuanced understanding of fast moving world events.

Use the downtime to good effect, and make the most of it by ‘taking a moment’.

Indeed, just ten minutes a day can do wonders in realigning your perspective. If you’re new to the wonderful world of meditation, there are plenty of apps offering guided meditations and mindfulness exercises which have free versions.

We’re particular fans of British based guided meditation app Headspace, who have given free access to all the premium features of their fantastic platform to NHS workers for free for the rest of the year. Great stuff guys!

RGT CYCLING

RGT Cycling are one of the frontrunners in gamifying your cycling regime. If you have an exercise bike at home, then you can race other riders virtually, via your TV. During lockdown, this is the kind of escapism we all need. 

And as anyone who’s been working out at home will attest, it can be hard to find the motivation to really push yourself. This great cycling platform has recognised the need of keen cyclists stuck indoors going rotation crazy and has responded by making their usually ‘premium’ service free-for-all during this time.

Their advice to #rideitout certainly feels apt right now. Join the ride here.

6 PLATFORMS FOR HAVING FUN AND SOCIALISING WITH FRIENDS ONLINE

Editorial Team
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6 PLATFORMS FOR HAVING FUN AND SOCIALISING WITH FRIENDS ONLINE

Not being able to spend time in the physical presence of friends and family, for whatever reason, can be tricky. As humans, we crave that interaction, but when it’s not readily available, this can lead to introspection and feelings of isolation. 

That’s where the magic of digital technology comes in, with a plethora of apps and online services making interacting with others – even when not in the same room – significantly easier. Yep, we’ll go as far as to say that staying connected has never been more simple. From straightforward conversation tools to trivia resources, from gaming to globetrotting, here are 6 platforms for having fun and socialising with friends online.

KAHOOT!

Kahoot! is effectively an education app, deployed with enthusiasm by teachers the world over. That said, it also makes room for friends or family to engage in the fun and games, too, far from the constraints of the classroom. 

Though educators around the world have long used the platform for interactive classroom learning, more recently this has extended into the lounges and living rooms of families and friends around the world, particularly when hosting online quizzes. Its simple, mutiple choice based interface makes it perfect for combining a ‘pub quiz’ style situation with interaction via Zoom (of which we’ll speak more about later). 

SKRIBBL

Skribbl, in essence, offers a live drawing board, so you can play something similar to Pictionary or do a drawn charade game, but remotely via your screens. The person or team of people on one end simply scribble a picture, and their team-mates guess what the subject is. Then the other team does the same. 

The game can be a bit one-sided, much like 30 Seconds – but if the player or team not competing at the time takes a vested interest regardless, it can be a lot of good, collective fun. Of course, you have to navigate the limitations of drawing on a platform adjacent to the old school Windows ‘Paint’ program, but Skribbl is a laugh nonetheless.

NETFLIX PARTY

Watching a movie alone and, maybe, at the very least, interacting with others about the film with relevant hashtags on social media, can be an average experience at best. But when you’re gathered together in a virtual cinema, the event is given extra life.

Netflix have recently added a new feature, named Netflix Party, which affords those who interact with it exactly that – a virtual cinema experience with a handful or more of their closest friends akin to a party (or ‘Movie Night’ to those reading from across the pond). 

All you’ve got to do is settle collectively on a film (the hardest part of the process, we’re sure) and press play. Then, simply mute and unmute your sound function to drop in tidbits of conversation about the movie now and then. And at the end, perhaps everyone could offer their reviews? Now that sounds like fun!

MULTIPLAYER GAMES

MMOs RPGs, first-person shooters, simulations, puzzle games, card games…the world of multiplayer online gaming seems designed for times when everyone’s at home, on the sofa, but still keen on socialising remotely. 

Though Fortnite and FIFA are perhaps the world’s two most popular engagement games, some single-player games also have official or community multiplayer modes. The Sims and GTA are two great examples here. Though rumours about the official Sims multiplayer mode are rife but largely unrealised yet, there are some community patches that allow you to play the game with friends from across the globe.

If it’s RPGs – role playing games – you’re looking for, Diablo 2 offers a dark fantasy setting where the objective is to stop the chaos that was unleashed by Diablo’s return at the end of first game. The game has both single and multiplayer options, so you can choose whether you want to play solo or with friends. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, you might find this post about diablo 2 builds useful to help you build the character you will then take into the game and battle with. 

But there’s even more to the remote, multiplayer online gaming world than that. Indeed, if you’re into card or board games, there are many mobile games and websites available depending on what you and your friends like. Monopoly, Spades, Hearts – all of these games are available to play online on many different sites.

ZOOM

For the old school and purists out there, who simply just want to enjoy a good, wholesome chat and see a friendly face or two, there’s Zoom. You don’t have to play a game, you don’t have to dress up, you don’t have to do, well, anything. This one is great for simply facilitating the art of conversation. 

That said, you can use the audio and visual app to complement some of the other games listed in this article, such as Kahoot.

Zoom is like a next-level Skype, with a variety of backgrounds, the opportunity to share your screen, doodle on the platforms interactive whiteboard and much more. It’s multi-faceted and represents a good option for a second window when you have other apps on the go too.

VIRTUAL TOURS AND LIVE STREAMS

Many of the world’s best museums, art galleries and others offer virtual tours of their prized pieces and facilities online. As such, consider taking a globetrotting trip with family members by sharing your Zoom screen with coincided virtual tours. Also available online right now are live streams of some of the great wonders of the world, like the aurora borealis – or northern lights; share an awe inspiring experience all from the comfort of your living room!

If that sounds like your vibe, check out our roundups regarding more of the same below!

10 IDEAL VIRTUAL TOURS OF LONDON LANDMARKS
IDEAL ESCAPISM: VIRTUAL TOURS AROUND 10 AMAZING EUROPEAN MUSEUMS

4 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR WEBSITE’S KEYWORD OPTIMIZATION

Editorial Team
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4 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR WEBSITE’S KEYWORD OPTIMIZATION
4 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR WEBSITE’S KEYWORD OPTIMIZATION

For years now, keyword optimization and link building have been an integral part of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). However, regular updates in the search algorithm of popular search engines have been modifying these practices. For instance, just about any link would help rank better in search results a decade ago, but not now. Today there are more strict norms and attributes to identify a healthy link from a bad one.

An interesting quest is to know how to recognise the good ones and also help crawlers identify them. If you’re able to acknowledge and follow good practice, you may receive a boost in your website’s ranking in search results. With that in mind, here are 4 ways to improve your website’s keyword optimization.

SEEK EDITORIAL MENTIONS

Experts in digital marketing and marketing automation often refer to editorial links as Optimus Prime. Well, this has a lot to do with the preference that Google and other premium search engines give to such links. 

Typically, an editorial link would suggest that the hyperlinked content is worthy of criticism. As the representatives from a leading link building service agency opine, criticism is always good for business. Indeed, good criticism helps spread similarly positive appraisals, whereas bad criticism helps improve on the website’s shortcomings.

4 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR WEBSITE’S KEYWORD OPTIMIZATION

A MIXTURE OF SEO & DOMAIN AUTHORITY IS BETTER

Just as you should be busy securing backlinks for your website via an SEO agency, it is also vital that you carefully optimize the authority of the links to exploit the full potential of the process and result. 

Experts suggest that creating a mix of low, medium and high domain authorities for backlinks is a great opportunity for establishing your content’s worthiness. In many ways, you can’t put a price on value here. 

Those in-the-know also recommend that you have supporters from every category, from both those with leverage and sites a little more frivolous in their nature. Of course, at any and all levels, more supporters means better content that helps users.

DIVERSIFY THE ANCHOR TEXT

Another practice that can improve your link building results is the choice of anchor text. If link building agencies are to be believed, careful diversification of anchor texts increases the keywords that a website responds to.

Of course, this isn’t some form of the dark arts. In fact, much of SEO and link building relies on common sense and logic; more keywords mean you get to rank in more results. And results, simply put, will help you build your business online and beyond.

Now, the important avenue to explore is how you diversify your anchors. It’s quite reasonable to use branded and naked anchors, along with generic keywords when securing links contextually. And your keyword research helps a great deal in choosing the right anchors, though the definition of the ‘right’ anchor may see a significant paradigm shift as Google introduces AI search. Click here for more on the implications of that.

FOCUS MORE ON CONTENT QUALITY

Lastly, but most importantly, the quality of your content can either make or mar your link building efforts. For instance, no matter how good or naturally you include the anchor into your text, if the content is broken or difficult to read, it will likely receive no traffic. 

And since the traffic received on the guest posted content is low, you cannot expect referral traffic through the link to your website as well.

THE BOTTOM LINE

In the end, it all boils down to how smartly you curate your content and include links into it. Doing it on your own might sound achievable, but at the same time, you may need to invest a lot of time and effort into learning what works for you. 

What’s more, if you seek help from professionals, you may expect quicker returns on your investment, in terms of improved SERP rankings. And that’s what we’re here for, after all.

7 IDEAL TIPS ON LOOKING AFTER YOUR TREES AT THE RIGHT TIME

Editorial Team
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7 IDEAL TIPS ON LOOKING AFTER YOUR TREES AT THE RIGHT TIME

Spring can be a quiet time for developments in the garden. But right now – with time on your hands and an outdoor space at home a huge blessing – represents the perfect opportunity to be making the most of your garden. 

If you’ve got trees, early spring is one of the best times to get them into shape. Whether you have a domestic or commercial property, spending some time on tree work now can avoid problems later. 

Pruning can be used not only to reduce the risk of issues, but also to improve the look of the trees in your garden. Most deciduous trees should be pruned during this time as this is their dormant period. 

The trees that can be pruned at this time include oak, hornbeam and maple. With all of this in mind, we spoke to the expert tree surgeons at Kings Landscapes to bring you these 7 IDEAL tips on looking after your trees at the right time.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE IDEAL TREE SURGEON

While you might be able to carry out some basic pruning yourself, more complicated work, particularly if it’s to be done at height, should always be carried out by a qualified tree surgeon. 

Work carried out by a professional tree surgeon will ensure that your trees aren’t damaged, as well as avoiding the likelihood of any mishaps with surrounding property getting damaged. You also eliminate the risk of injuring yourself.

There are a few things that you can check for when you choose a tree surgeon:

  • Qualifications – check that the tree surgeon you’re considering is properly qualified. Tree surgeons must hold NPTC/Lantra Awards certificates for chainsaw use, but also check for other qualifications in arboriculture.
  • Insurance – make sure that any tree surgeon you consider is covered by public liability insurance. Contractors should hold at least £5 million of coverage.
  • Working to British Standards –  tree surgeons should work to at least BS 3998:2010 Tree work. 
  • Free quotes – you don’t want to end up with a bill that you can’t afford, so make sure that whoever you approach will give you a free, no obligation quote before they start work. Some tree surgeons will even provide an online tree surgery quote if you upload photos of the work needed. As much as saving you money, this is about an exchange of trust and decency.
  • Full ‘end-to-end’ service – it sounds obvious, but you don’t want to be left with a load of waste on your property when the tree surgeon leaves. Check that the company you choose will remove all waste from site or if you will need to hire a skip from a waste removal company. Some will even chip waste for use as mulch, or split logs that can then be used as firewood.

Some of the terminology around tree surgery isn’t always immediately clear to the layman. Let’s shed some light on a few concepts you’ll likely be hearing much more about…

CROWN LIFTING

Crown lifting is a technique for lifting the crown of trees (the bit with the leaves). Essentially, this involves the removal of the lower branches. 

Crown lifting is an effective way of allowing more light under the tree and into nearby buildings. It also prevents lower branches from obstructing pathways, or preventing people or vehicles from passing under the tree.

CROWN REDUCTION

Crown reduction is used to create a well-shaped tree by reducing the total size of the crown. It can also be used to remove diseased, damaged or dead branches. Generally, the crown size is reduced by between 10 to 30%. 

Crown reduction is quite an extensive form of tree pruning and is often used on larger mature trees that have substantial decay to their roots systems which may make them unstable. It can also be used to prevent a tree from encroaching on overhead cables.

CROWN THINNING

Nope, this isn’t that thing you’re using a caffeine infused shampoo to arrest. Instead, crown thinning is a less severe process than the aforementioned crown reduction. Here, secondary branches are removed in order to reduce the density of the crown. Thinning reduces the weight of the crown, as well as allowing more light to pass through. For this latter reason, it’s often used to reduce the amount of shade that a tree casts. 

Crown thinning will also reduce the risk of trees being damaged by strong winds, as it reduces resistance by allowing the wind to pass between branches. The health of the tree will also be improved by the removal of dead or damaged branches. Should you want to breathe fresh life into your garden, this is an excellent way to do so.

POLLARDING

Pollarding is a particularly heavy form of pruning primarily used to maintain the tree at a height much shorter than the one it would reach naturally. The initial pollarding can make the tree look quite bare at first due to the number of branches removed. However, regrowth soon appears. 

Annual pollarding is subsequently carried out in order to restrict the tree to the desired height. Pollarding can extend the life of a tree and will certainly prevent it from outgrowing the space that it is. 

HEDGE TRIMMING

There are two main types of hedge trimming. Maintenance trimming is carried out on more established hedges in order, as the name suggests, to maintain their shape. This is carried out at different times of year depending on what type of hedge you have. 

Formative trimming, on the other hand, is done in the first couple of years after a hedge is planted, and is designed to create and nurture its shape. Formative hedge pruning is normally carried out in late winter or early spring. 

It should be noted that if you need a tree surgeon to hard prune an overgrown hedge species such as hawthorn this should again be done in the winter when the plant is dormant.

ONE LAST WORD ON EMERGENCIES

If there’s one thing you can guarantee happening in the UK, it’s bad weather, and strong winds can be a disaster for trees. Although it’s rare for trees to be blown down completely, it is quite common for strong winds to cause damaged or broken branches. 

In such cases, it’s important to speak to a tree surgeon who understands how to carry out emergency tree work quickly and efficiently. That way damaged or broken branches can be removed quickly and safely, reducing the chances of them causing any further harm to either the tree or nearby property. Removal of these branches will also remove the risk of them injuring passers-by.

THE BOTTOM LINE

However many trees you have on your property, however old they are and whatever the species, speaking to a tree surgeon today is a great way to make sure that they look great well into 2020 and beyond. 

7 TIPS FOR MANAGING MONEY & DEBT DURING COVID19

Editorial Team
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7 TIPS FOR MANAGING MONEY & DEBT DURING COVID19

Let’s cut to the chase. No silly introductions. No puns. No frivolity.

Financial experts, money.co.uk have put together some really helpful guidance on spending, paying down debt, managing mortgage and rent payments, credit card debt and more. With that in mind, here are 7 tips for managing money and debt during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

CUT BACK ON SPENDING TO PAY DOWN DEBT

If you aren’t already in the habit of carefully constructing a monthly budget, this is a good time to get back to basics and make one. This starts with a calculation of your incomings and outgoings and looking for areas where you can cut out any non-essential expenses. 

For example, with gyms closed, there’s no reason to keep paying your gym membership. Most gyms these days offer free anytime cancellation or will freeze your membership. Similarly with sports fixtures being postponed, if you have a sports package such as BT Sport, or Sky Sports you could freeze the sports package until things get back to normal. Give all of your subscriptions an audit and identify what might be necessary during this time.

Any savings you make from cutting back plus any money you had ear-marked for travelling or other leisure activities that you can’t participate in can be used to pay down debt. It may be small, but every little helps.

HOW DO I MANAGE MORTGAGE OR RENT PAYMENTS?

On 17th March the government announced that all mortgage providers must allow homeowners to take a three-month payment holiday if they’ve been affected by coronavirus in any way. 

Speak to your lender about taking advantage of this. It’s important to keep in mind that when you take a mortgage payment holiday, the three-month period will be added to the end of your term rather than it simply being forgotten.  

For example, if you have 20 years left on your mortgage, the term will increase to 20 years and three months. Be aware that during those three months, interest still accrues, so your mortgage repayments after will increase slightly. 

BUT WHAT IF I’M RENTING?

To help renters having trouble keeping up with payments, the government introduced emergency legislation that protects renters from being evicted for at least three months. It’s also important to speak to your landlord and see how they can accommodate you during this difficult time. 

You can also apply for Council Tax Support through your local council’s website to have council tax payments deferred for a period of time. 

WHAT ABOUT CREDIT CARD DEBT?

Credit card debt can creep up on you, even in the best of times. It can be increasingly stressful if you’re facing a drop in income or the loss of your job. 

According to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules, lenders and debt collectors should treat people who are struggling to make payments “with forbearance and due consideration’’.  This means that if you can’t make a payment this month because your income has fallen they should work to help you. 

Several banks and credit card providers have instituted measures such as payment holidays to help you through this period. Some providers are increasing credit limits on credit cards and overdrafts if you depend on them for everyday expenses. While some are waiving their fees for missed payments if you have coronavirus-related financial problems.

CHANGE IN PERSISTENT DEBT RULES

During the outbreak, the FCA has also made changes to its persistent debt rules, which means that credit card providers can’t cancel your card until 1 Oct 2020. 

Other steps you can take is to avoid paying interest on your debt by transferring your balance to a 0% balance transfer card. However, due to the financial situation right now these deals may not be available for long, so apply as soon as you can. 

SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BORROWING MONEY?

Borrowing money when you’re already struggling with debt is probably a bad idea.

Right now we don’t know how long the coronavirus situation will last. Getting into more debt may get you into a debt cycle you can’t get out of even when things return to normal. It’ll be difficult for a while, but the good thing is everybody is in this together, even then lenders. They know why you’re struggling so if you contact them, they’ll find a way to help you out. 

WHERE CAN YOU GET FREE DEBT HELP?

If you want to speak to someone to get free debt help, you can speak to one of the following debt charities.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Nobody should feel like they’re in this alone. Getting advice can help you to prioritise your debts, set a realistic budget, plan how you will pay off your debts, and communicate with your creditors. We hope we can all get through this together.

4 IDEAL TIPS FOR WRITING THAT BOOK YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS FOR WRITING THAT BOOK YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO

As millions of people across the globe self-isolate, this unprecedented (editor; we need a new word) period presents a unique opportunity for us to dedicate time to ourselves and practice some self-care. Well, we think that sharing stories and putting pen to paper can be one of the most therapeutic ways for us to make sense of this difficult time. 

The good news is that popular self-publishing platforms, including emerging AI book publishing tools, offer endless opportunities to tell your unfiltered story in your own words. Indeed, self-publishing gives budding authors a new avenue to success, by removing traditional barriers and dramatically improving the efficiency of the publishing process. 

This extended period of downtime offers a chance for anyone who’s been thinking about writing a book or documenting their life story, or that of a loved one, to put pen to paper (or rather fingers to keys). 

With the help of Rutger Bruining, CEO of biography-writing service StoryTerrace, a company built on helping people to write their life stories, biographies and memoirs, here’s 4 IDEAL tips for writing that book you’ve always wanted to. 

WRITE WITH PASSION 

The most important part of all; write from the heart. Think back to your school days; there was no fun found in writing about a subject which didn’t interest you for an essay, nevermind several hundred pages. Go into a new writing project without enthusiasm and this lack of passion will leap off the pages. 

Very few people have an exact idea of what they want to write when they begin, and the plot, theme and content will likely evolve as you write. But writing with passion is what will keep your ideas fresh and unique, and will get you to that finish line. 

Stuck for somewhere to start? Your own life story, or the story of your parents, might be the best place to look! 

BUILD AN OUTLINE 

Again, your book is likely to fluctuate, transform and evolve as you write. And that’s fine. But actually reaching ‘the end’ of your book is pretty impossible with no clear pathway – you need to have a good idea of where you’re going to act as a structural device throughout the process. 

Devising a solid foundation and structure will help you fill in the gaps and give you that push to progress when you hit an inevitable bout of writer’s block.

BREAK YOUR BOOK DOWN INTO SMALL BITE  SIZES

Or as some aficionados might call it….’chapters’. 

We’re joking a little, but the idea of sitting down to write hundreds of pages in a few sittings is not only unrealistic but takes the joy out of writing. Your book is a huge collection of sentences, paragraphs and chapters – write in small chunks, with consistency, and before you know it you’ll have hundreds of pages drafted.

Slow and steady really does win the race here. Don’t rush to finish your book before the lockdown lid is lifted.

KEEP A SCHEDULE 

The key to getting your book moving, flowing and ultimately finished boils down to consistency. It’s easy to write when you feel like writing, but you must set yourself a realistic and achievable schedule which sets aside some time every week for you to write, even if you don’t feel like it. 

You won’t always be feeling energised and inspired to write, and even if you only manage a single paragraph or some editing in your allotted time, this is still progress. Stick to the schedule and you’ll have a much greater chance of finishing your book. Only when your book is penned and polished can you start to consider whether you’re ready to hire a book publicist to get your words read by the masses.

Check out our other tips on fighting off boredom during lockdown to keep you inspired and busy during this, erm, unprecedented time…

…’unparalleled’! There it is.

LOCKDOWN LARDER: 5 EASY, DELICIOUS MEALS YOU CAN MAKE FROM YOUR STORE CUPBOARD & FREEZER

Joseph Gann
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LOCKDOWN LARDER: 5 EASY, DELICIOUS MEALS YOU CAN MAKE FROM YOUR STORE CUPBOARD & FREEZER


Ideal for self isolation, quarantine and lockdown.

If you can’t face watching Jamie Oliver’s daily teatime briefings to a worried nation seeking reassurance, then perhaps the dulcet, delicious tones of IDEAL magazine might put you in a better frame of mind? We can certainly help you put a nutritious dinner on the table, too, using what’s leftover, lying around or in the pantry.

Let’s not beat about the bush here, these five dish ideas are designed to be quick, easy, healthy and made from basic stuff you’ll likely have in the cupboards. With that in mind, here’s our lockdown larder: 5 easy, delicious meals you can make from your store cupboard and freezer.

TINNED SARDINE RAGU WITH SPAGHETTI

It might sound odd but it’s damn delicious – trust us – and a cheaper, healthier alternative to your standard red meat ragu.

Start with a sofrito; a mix of diced vegetables used in many Italian recipes to form their backbone. Though the ‘holy trinity’ of white onion, carrot and celery is standard, you could use fennel, leek, shallot, even red peppers as the base; needs must, and all that, and if it keeps you from going outside, then sacrificing a little authenticity is ok.

Anyway, gently fry off your sofrito mix in a confident glug of olive oil until softened but not coloured. Grate a little garlic into the frying pan if that’s your thing. At the same time, set up a pan of salted boiling water.

Next, add tinned sardines in tomato sauce to the sofrito, along with a touch of extra passata and a dash of chicken stock. Season with soy sauce, salt and a pinch of sugar, and simmer until it reaches a ragu like consistency (this should only take around 10 minutes) with the subtle sheen of fat that the best ones boast.

Put your spaghetti in to boil for 7 minutes, and turn off your ragu, allowing it to cool in the pan (in our humble opinion, this one tastes even better lukewarm). When the pasta is done, pull it out of the boiling water with tongs and into the ragu pan; bringing a little of the pasta water into the ragu is welcome. Mix thoroughly, and top with parmesan. Yep, we love the cheese and fish combo. Don’t @us.

FREEZER FRIED RICE

Fried rice is the leftover lover’s dream. The good news is this; the finest fried rice benefits from the leftover rice being a day old (and a day cold), since the time spent in your fridge dries it out agreeably, allowing for less clumping in the pan or wok. This one really is a no brainer, then.

What’s more, you can use a selection of what’s kicking about in your fridge or freezer, diced fairly finely. We particularly like courgette, carrot, cabbage, peas, sliced onion and sweetcorn to provide the body, with sliced spring onions and chillies added at the end.

Simply crush a skin-on clove or two of garlic under your palm, and add to a couple of tablespoons of cold oil in your wok. Bring up to a strong heat then remove the garlic before it browns. There you have it; perfumed oil perfect for coating all those grains.

Add your cooked rice and the vegetables of your choosing to the wok and stir fry gently (you don’t want the grains to break down, rather to each be coated individually with oil) until the rice is heated through thoroughly. This could take up to ten minutes.

Prepare a seasoning mix of soy and oyster sauce, white pepper and sugar (just a little, oyster sauce is already pretty sweet), taste to check the balance is right. Then, make a well or space where the wok’s surface is exposed, and add your seasoning to the pan; allow it to caramelise slightly. Mix through the rice mix, add those spring onions and chillies, and serve.

FROZEN PEA RISOTTO

Many chefs say that frozen peas are, in fact, better than the freshly podded sort. This is because they’re picked at the height of their ripeness, and frozen immediately afterwards, locking in that sweet burst of freshness rather than the starchy effect you sometimes get from a podded one.

Should you have some knocking about in your freezer, and don’t anticipate any injuries or soreheads that need tending to, then go ahead and knock up a delicious pea risotto. The other essential ingredients you’ll also likely have lying around; arborio (or other ‘risotto’) rice, chicken stock – hey, the cubes are fine, we’re in a crisis here – and parmesan cheese. Should you have shallots and garlic to hand, and some white wine, then it’s luxury living all the way to the dinner table. Check out our tips on the IDEAL risotto to truly lift that plate.

CHICKPEA & FROZEN SPINACH CURRY

A tin or jar of chickpeas, another of chopped tomatoes, some spice rack standards and some greens…these are the key components of a nourishing, healthy chickpea curry created from what’s lying about at home.

Start with a mixture of garlic, ginger and white onion, in a ratio of roughly 1:1:5 (but hey, in these tough times, who’s counting?) blitzed in the processor or pounded in the pestle and mortar to a paste.

Gently fry that paste in plenty of vegetable oil for ten minutes, then add a ground spice mix including coriander and cumin seeds, cayenne pepper, turmeric powder and garam masala; we’ll defer to the UK’s beloved Queen of Indian cooking, Madhur Jaffrey, for the ratios here. 

Once fragrant, add a can of chopped tomatoes and a tin of drained chickpeas. Simmer until the chickpeas are tender and the curry has a nice slick of oil. You’ll know when it’s done, as the spices will have lost their rawness, and the flavours matched, mingled and married into a homogenous unit.

Add some frozen spinach leaves and mix through the curry before turning off the heat. You’ll want to eat this one the next day if you can wait that long; it categorically tastes several notches nicer.

SPICY BAKED BEANS & POTATO CAKES

If you’re feeling lazy or your store cupboard is getting bare, canned baked beans and hash browns is a fine meal in itself, and provides a fair amount of nutrition for such an indulgent feeling supper.

But if you do want to make things from scratch (and let’s face it, you’ve probably got the time right now), you could do much worse than cooking up some spicy homemade baked beans with potato cake. Check out Gordon Ramsay’s simple, delicious homemade spicy baked beans with potato cakes recipe for this fancified version of a store cupboard staple supper.

Not one to usually direct you away from our website, but food writer Jack Monroe is such an authority on cooking store cupboard based meals for pennies – simply essential during this tough time – that it would be dishonest not to send you on to their website, Cooking On A Bootstrap. The recipe section is deep and broad; go get it!

6 HEALTHY FOODS YOU NEED TO ADD TO YOUR DIET NOW

Editorial Team
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6 HEALTHY FOODS YOU NEED TO ADD TO YOUR DIET NOW

Ideal for achieving a balanced eating regime.

First things first. Let’s leave that pseudoscience at the door. A smoothie of tumeric and blueberries won’t defeat a pandemic. That said, as we grow older, we tend to realize the impact that our diet has on our bodies and overall sense of wellbeing.

We’re not just talking about the increased flatulence of a keen pulse based diet, either. Nope, putting thought into what you put into your body and ensuring we eat more nutritional foods than junk can lead to a multitude of long and short-term benefits. With that in mind, here are 6 healthy foods you need to add to your diet now, IDEAL for achieving a balanced eating regime.

RAW HONEYCOMB

Honeycomb is a bunch of hexagonal wax cells that form the interior of a honey bee beehive. Not only is it delicious, but it’s nutritious, too, and full of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and vitamins C, B12 and B6, D, E, and A. 

Since raw honey is packed with nutrients it can sooth a sore throat, and helps promote heart and oral health. Additionally, research suggests that raw honey improves symptoms of fatty liver disease and normalises liver function. Moreover, it can give your immune system a much-needed boost.

When choosing the right raw honeycomb, it’s vital to opt for one that’s pure and natural. Amazonian honeycomb is quite delicious with unique floral and herbaceous notes. You can pair the honeycomb with cheese and fruit and even add it on warm bread if you’re looking to try something different with your morning toast.

PRAWNS & SHRIMP

Shrimp is the most popular seafood in the United States, and the average consumer eats 4 pounds of shrimp (that’s nearly 2kg of prawns, in British parlance) every year. Not only is it delicious, but it’s an excellent source of vitamin D and protein, making it a great food when you’re looking to lose weight. 

Due to their abundant protein, as well as other nutrients such as magnesium, selenium, and calcium, shrimp promotes bone health and may lead to osteoporosis prevention in older adults.

While the variety of shrimp on offer out there is vast, wild-caught shrimp is generally considered the tastiest. Farmed shrimp may be fed with processed food and raised in unsanitary conditions that may potentially jeopardise your health. 

KALE

Calling kale a superfood would be an understatement. Packed with myriad nutrients and minerals, this vegetable is one of the healthiest greens out there due to the fact that it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. Its high nutrient content and low-calorie content includes vitamins A, K, B6, and C, manganese, and calcium.

Apart from that nutritional content, kale also contains plenty of powerful antioxidants such as Kaempferol and Quercetin, which have properties that help protect your heart, lower blood pressure and help prevent inflammation.

Kale is also loaded with vitamin C and has approximately 4.5 times more of the vitamin than other vegetables. It’s perhaps one of the best sources of vitamin C, which helps aid in collagen production. Lastly, kale also helps lower cholesterol and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease.

GREEK YOGURT

Different from regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is creamy and rich with more carbs, less sugar, and a slight tart taste. It’s an excellent source of protein, especially if you’re not too fond of meat. Protein provides your body with energy and helps transfer valuable substances, such as oxygen, across cell membranes. Greek yogurt also contains other nutrients, such as B-12, iodine, and calcium.

In addition to this, Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that reduce stomach issues and improve your immune system. Research suggests that probiotics are also good for your mental health by impacting cognitive function and how your body responds to stress. They also produce and express neurotransmitters that can affect mood, sleep habits, or appetite.

AVOCADO

Avo seems to get a bad rep from boomers who believe that, when spread on toast and paired with a poached egg, they have the ability to stop us buying a house.

Anyway, avocados are fantastic sources of potassium, folate, niacin, magnesium, pantothenic acid, and vitamins K, B-6, E, and C. Additionally, they also contain beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein. Lutein, in particular, is excellent for your eyes as it provides antioxidant protection that helps minimize damage, especially from ultraviolet light. 

Apart from this, vitamin K, which avocado contains, is necessary for bone health by decreasing urinary excretion of calcium and improving calcium absorption.

While fats contribute to the majority of calories in avocados, these fats are quite beneficial and help you feel full. They contribute to a healthy immune system, skin health and help enhance the absorption of fat-soluble minerals, vitamins, and various other nutrients.

OATMEAL

Packed with fibre and nutrients, oats are potentially one of the best whole-grain foods you could include in your diet. A popular food for breakfast, oatmeal lowers your blood sugar, and can contribute to weight loss and reduce the risk of heart disease as part of a balanced diet.

Oatmeal also contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols, that are full of avenanthramides.

Avenanthramides lead to multiple benefits for your health by improving the blood flow, reducing itching and inflammation, and boosting the production of nitric acid, which lowers blood pressure.

Oatmeal also contains soluble and insoluble fiber, both. The former helps stabilize your blood sugar and lower cholesterol while the latter improves intestinal health and reduces constipation.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Above all else, eating a balanced diet, full of colour and variety, is what will see you right. Don’t skip on the pleasure of eating in the name of any fads. Instead, enjoy a meaningful dinner time and rather than avoiding the odd treat, make sure you take pleasure in the healthy stuff, too. It’s all about eating mindfully and with purpose. Bon Appetite!

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

5 HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO USE IN YOUR HOME WORKOUT

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO USE IN YOUR HOME WORKOUT

Ideal for those keen to keep fit during lockdown.

Since covid-confinement closed all gyms and had us working out from home, sales of home gym equipment have surged. However, a lot of us aren’t fortunate enough to have the space for, or access to, our own set of dumbbells. Anyway, they’ve all sold out now, so fitness enthusiasts across the country are getting creative. 

Fortunately, it’s possible to create a gym within our home using furniture and other household items. Indeed, with a proactive mind and can do spirit, we can have fun and get fit using only the objects around us.

So, with the help of Eastnine coach Ania Gabb, here are 5 household items to use in your home workout, IDEAL for those keen to keep fit during lockdown.

STAIRS 

You thought stairs were those things that you climbed in the gym that didn’t get you anywhere, right? Think again! The ones in your house or apartment block can be used as a form of cardio and also as a raised platform for conditioning work. Who said working out at home was impossible?

See how many times you can run up and down the stairs in one minute. You can also use the second step as if it were a PlyoBox – jumping up and stepping down. What’s more, the steps in your gaff can also be used for knee lifts, as well as raised lunges and push-ups. Is there anything they can’t do?

CHAIRS

Not just for parking your bottom on, chairs of all shapes and sizes around the house can be used for so many exercises. Yep, these guys are versatility furniturefied; you just have to put your mind to it. 

Tricep dips, raised push-ups, reverse lunges, jumping jacks, step-ups (if someone’s holding the chair, that is!), leg raises and single leg squats….these are just some of the exercises you can do with a chair. Check out Live Strong’s tips on the best full-body chair workout you can do.

FOOD

Don’t have dumbells? Shops sold out of free weights before you could get some in? Want to use your anger towards stockpilers of gym supplies as motivation for getting stacked? Well, you can remedy all of these things with some store cupboard essentials. 

Bottles of water and baked bean tins can replicate dumbbells, a plastic bag filled with vegetables can be used for lifting, and a large bag of potatoes could even be deployed for front squats. As we said before, get creative, and channel that inner neanderthal vibe.

BOOKS

Everyone has that one heavy book which has presented a pain in the backside (and back) whenever moving house or rearranging the Feng Shui of your room. Well, now’s the time for it to finally come in handy. And in handy is the correct term here. 

Take the book in both hands, and use it for squat-press and abdominal crunch exercises. In between reps, you could even have a little read. Talk about killing two birds with one really heavy book!

BED SHEETS

Resistance bands are all the rage these days, providing a wide diversity of workout opportunities to the user. But without them, in the domestic gym setting, bed sheets can work as a substitute. These can be tied to your door handle or locked at the top of your door to create a TRX based workout.  

To support Brits during their time at home, Eastnine has launched a brand-new home-based training plan filled with strength and stretch sessions, aimed at adding structure to long days spent at home.

IDEAL SURVIVAL GUIDE: 5 TIPS FOR COPING WITH PMS DURING QUARANTINE

Editorial Team
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IDEAL SURVIVAL GUIDE: 5 TIPS FOR COPING WITH PMS DURING QUARANTINE

Most women will experience symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) at some point in their lives. Symptoms include behavioural, physical and emotional changes in the week leading up to that time of the month, and whilst there’s not always an easy cure for PMS, the current climate of social distancing and working from home presents a great opportunity to review how your lifestyle can affect your symptoms.

With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with expert gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta, clinician for women’s intimate health care provider Intimina, to lend our top 5 tips for coping with PMS during quarantine. 

CHART YOUR CYCLE

You don’t always need medication for PMS, as long as you’re aware of your symptoms and respond accordingly. So whilst at home, chart your cycle and symptoms on an app – or, in a good ol’ fashioned paper diary – so that you can recognise patterns, anticipate your symptoms and review their severity. Look particularly at whether there’s anything which makes them better or worse.

BE AWARE OF YOUR DIET’S IMPACT

Your diet can play a part in that overall sense of balance, both in your physical and mental wellbeing. During PMS, symptoms to watch for include anxiety or depression, mood swings, irritability, bloatedness and breast tenderness. 

Consider the impact of diet on these symptoms – for example, a salty diet may make you feel more bloated or swollen, certain foods will impact your sleep, and caffeine may affect your mood. Watch your diet whilst at home for this extended period and see whether alterations affect your symptoms over a cycle.

SLEEP HYGIENE

Now represents a really useful time to conscientiously consider your sleep hygiene as this can also affect the severity of your symptoms and mood. Use the opportunity of working at home to monitor your sleep habits, particularly in getting into the rhythm of the perfect bedtime routine – for example, avoiding heavy meals and excessive screen time before bedtime. You may find a regular bedtime with a period of reading before sleep relaxes you more in the second half of your cycle, with a real impact on how severe your PMS symptoms are.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH

It’s very easy to turn to regular medication to treat PMS, but the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends considering cognitive behaviour therapy (take a look at what’s available online), exercise – perhaps a run (if it’s currently permitted by the powers-that-be) or home exercise class – and taking vitamin B6 as alternatives. Now is a great time to trial these options and monitor how they affect your symptoms.

MANAGE WITH MINDFUL MEDITATION

Staying at home at the moment means there’s less opportunity to travel and eat or drink out. That should stop you from being in the moment. One of the best things you can do right now for your state of mind is to practice meditation and mindfulness to manage any stress you’re going through. Be mindful of how this affects your PMS; and if you follow these tips, you may actually see an improvement in your PMS symptoms during this time.

INTIMINA is offering 15% off its entire range. For more information and to explore Intimina’s full range of products please visit www.intimina.com. 

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