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6 TIPS ON HOW TO GIVE YOUR SKIN A RE-FRESH WHILE WORKING FROM HOME

Editorial Team
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6 TIPS ON HOW TO GIVE YOUR SKIN A RE-FRESH WHILE WORKING FROM HOME

While we are all making the effort to distance ourselves from others, it’s important that we continue to look after our health with new routines that help boost our wellbeing.

One area in need of a little TLC right now is our skin – and what better time to introduce a new skin care regime than now, when many of us will be skipping our morning make-up rituals for an extra 20 minutes in bed before working from home?

The next few weeks may provide a useful time to start a new routine, which once established will have long term benefits to our skin. With the help of  Dr Daron Seukeran, consultant dermatologist from sk:n clinics, here’s 6 tips on how to give your skin a re-fresh while working from home. 

DOUBLE CLEANSE & EXFOLIATE 

Even though you’re not wearing make-up as much at the moment, your skin will still need a good clean in the evening after collecting dirt throughout the day.

If you’re still using a little make-up for those work video calls, first remove it by using a make-up remover such as micellar water or a cleansing balm.

The next step is to do a second cleanse to ensure a thorough clean. Double cleansing preps the skin and allows for better absorption of active ingredients in the next step of topical treatments.  It’s best here to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip all the natural oils off your skin. 

Oily skin types may need a foaming face wash and those with dry skin should consider a cream or lotion type cleanser so as not to cause too much irritation to the skin.

Exfoliate once or twice a week for a deeper clean. Exfoliating washes or creams containing salicylic acid (which is a beta-hydroxy acid) are best for oily skin types. For drier skin types, chemical exfoliation containing alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic or glycolic acid are best.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES AND LIPS

The skin around the eyes and lips is fragile and sensitive, and needs treatment just like the rest of your face. Use an eye cream and lip balm before you go to sleep for a good round of nightly TLC.

Eye creams hydrate the skin, and some contain active ingredients such as caffeine, hyaluronic acid or peptides to reduce fine lines while others include brightening ingredients to reduce dark circles such as kojic acid, and vitamin C. 

It’s also a good idea to incorporate a lip moisturising balm into your routine. Vaseline or Shea butter, in particular, are great at locking in moisture and preventing dryness.

DON’T FORGET YOUR MOISTURISER 

With spending more time inside it’s so important to remember your moisturiser as this will really nourish your skin.

Moisturising daily helps keep skin well hydrated and maintains the barrier function of your skin. Those with dry skin who are not acne prone may want to use a thicker moisturiser or oil based one. However, those with oily skin who do suffer from acne should stick with lighter moisturisers which are non-comedogenic to prevent blocking pores. Don’t forget the neck and décolletage when applying all these treatments and moisturiser, as rogue wrinkles can appear here over time.

As a bonus tip, apply moisturiser as soon as you’re out of the bath or shower, whilst your skin is still damp. That way you’ll lock in extra moisture! Hey, who said we didn’t look out for you?

APPLY AN ANTI-AGING TREATMENT 

Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to wrinkles. We have pals who are lining up around the block for Botox, but they don’t use under eye-cream. Crazy.

With the extra time you may now have, why not dedicate half an hour in the evenings to supporting your skin against ageing? Collagen is stimulated most at night-time when we’re asleep as the skin repairs itself, so it’s the perfect time to use an anti-ageing treatment.

Using retinol is scientifically proven to increase collagen production and increase cell turnover. When using a retinol product it’s important to start slowly, incorporating it a few days a week initially before increasing it to daily use. Should you introduce it too quickly, the skin can suffer irritation, redness and peeling.

REMEMBER TO HYDRATE 

If you’re working from home, it’s easy to get distracted with your workload and forget to drink regularly – especially without colleagues offering to make a round every so often. But, in order to help your skin glow you need to make sure it’s hydrated from the inside out.

The phrase ‘8 by 8’ is useful at keeping track of how many glasses of water you consume before the end of the day; simply drink eight glasses of water by 8pm and you’ll have had your fill for the day. However, there is no need to over hydrate as this will not add any benefit.

If spending time in your garden (should you be lucky enough to have one), it’s important to use a good sun cream with an SPF over 20. Sun exposure can cause changes in pigmentation, lines and wrinkles and generally play havoc with the condition of your skin, as well as causing an increased risk of skin cancer.  So, whatever your skin type, keeping your skin safe in the sun should be a top priority.

FEED YOUR SKIN

While following government advice at this time is crucial, it’s almost important to remember you can still exercise while keeping your distance from others, as well as ensuring you maintain a healthy diet.

Keeping up with exercise, even at home, will get your blood circulating and give your skin a healthy glow. With the weather improving why not enjoy spending your lunch hour in your garden to stretch your legs or even make a more conscious effort to open your windows to bring some fresh air into your home.

It may seem obvious, but a healthy diet with plenty of greens is also essential for a glowing complexion – and there is plenty of fresh food out there. Broccoli, for example, is full of skin-boosting ingredients such as vitamins A and C.

THE IDEAL KITCHEN GARDEN: HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN HERBS AT HOME

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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THE IDEAL KITCHEN GARDEN: HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN HERBS AT HOME


Suddenly, we’re all wondering how to get more flavour into our food with fewer trips to the supermarket. We think it’s safe to say that now could be the perfect time to start that kitchen garden you’ve been talking about for so long.

Whether you’re a green-fingered expert or a gardening novice, herbs are an easy and useful thing to have to hand to make home-cooked dishes even more delicious. They’re also compact, so you can experiment just as easily on a small balcony as in a large outside space.

With that in mind, and with the help of Waitrose Garden, we’ve listed six of the most common, versatile and easy to care for herbs. Here’s your IDEAL kitchen garden: how to grow your own herbs at home.

CHIVES

A delicious evergreen herb that will come back year after year. The slim, elegant dark green leaves can be snipped with scissors (or chopped with a very sharp knife to avoid bruising) and used as an addition to salads, soups and stews. The pale mauve pom-pom like flowers, which are also edible and look wonderful when sprinkled over a summer salad, are produced in early summer.

Position: full sun

Soil: fertile, moist but well drained

Sow: March to May

Harvest: July to September

ROCKET

Rocket stays true to its name, shooting out of the ground in no time. Indeed, you’ll be picking your first delicious peppery leaves within a matter of weeks. You can keep picking the large, lobed leaves as a cut-and-come-again crop over a long period; they look (and taste) gorgeous picked young, adding a spicy edge to mixed leaf salads. The flowers are edible too and look great as a garnish.

Position: full sun or partial shade

Soil: fertile, moist but well drained

Sow: April to August

Harvest: May to October

DILL 

A particularly fine-flavoured variety of dill that’s well known for its generous leaf production, Dukat dill is selected to produce more foliage before running to seed than most.

Dill has many uses, and provides a delicious flavouring to pickles or with vegetables, salads and fish dishes, and the pretty, feathery foliage looks at home anywhere in the garden, making a lovely foil to your flowers. If it’s allowed to flower, then these can be eaten too. They have a similar flavour to the leaves.

Position: full sun

Soil: fertile, moist but well drained

Sow: April to May

Harvest: June to September

ROSEMARY

A shrubby evergreen, rosemary’s highly aromatic leaves are traditionally used for flavouring meats including lamb, pork and chicken. A wonderful addition to the kitchen garden, they also make fine ornamental plants and can be grown as a low, informal hedge – ideally where you can brush past them and release their delicious scent.

Position: full sun

Soil: fertile, moist but well drained

Sow: Sept to Oct or March to May

Harvest: May to July

BASIL

A vigorous plant with large, scented, bright green blistered leaves, this particular Ocimum basilicum ‘Napoletano’ variety is only found in Naples and is highly prized for its flavour. No wonder it ends up on the finest pizza versions the world has ever seen.

Position: full sun, sheltered and warm or a sunny windowsill

Soil: fertile, moist but well drained

Sow: Sow indoors – February to April (for earlier crops). Sow outside – March to July (when the air temperature is above 10C). 

Harvest – June to October

CORIANDER ‘CONFETTI’

An unusual and extremely attractive ‘feathery’ herb with a slightly sweeter but distinctive coriander flavour and aroma than the original, this guy can be grown indoors all year round.

Position: full sun

 Soil: fertile, moist but well drained

Sow: all year round

Harvest: all year round

10 IDEAL WINE & PANTRY PAIRINGS

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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10 IDEAL WINE & PANTRY PAIRINGS

The IDEAL guide to pairing store cupboard essentials with wine.

Yep, we read it as panty the first time round, too. But this isn’t about finding comfort in matching lingerie in these uncertain times. That said, we hope you don’t judge us for a little fun today?

As current events continue to push us into uncertain times, many of us have been denied our everyday pleasures. But for those that find solace in a glass of wine (f*** dry COVID, amirite?!?!?!) the excuse for enjoying one with dinner somehow feels cheapened if the dinner is, well, baked beans on toast again. 

Don’t let snobbery stop you. It’s fine to enjoy a glass with a lowkey meal, in your pjs, out of a mug if you wish. We’ve teamed up with Winebuyers to bring you this IDEAL guide to pairing store cupboard essentials with wine.

BAKED BEANS ON TOAST 

A national favourite, baked beans contain a reduction of sugar and vinegar that forms the base of the sauce. Look for fruit-driven reds from warm climates such as a Chilean Merlot or Aussie Shiraz.

Lorosco, Reserva Maipo, Merlot, 2017 £8.12 

Grapes: Merlot /ABV: 13.5% 

Intense, fresh, and fruity aromas of blackberries and plum combine with soft, toasty notes and sweet vanilla in this Merlot. Medium-bodied, soft tannins and a pleasant finish make this an ideal companion for a comforting plate of beans of toast. 

CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM INSTANT NOODLES 

Wine and soup can be tricky to pair – liquid overload! – but wine-friendly flavourings of chicken and mushroom are easy to match. Try pairing your soup with a lightly oaked Chardonnay as it complements both meat and vegetables.

La Reverence, Chardonnay, 2018 £8.09

Grapes: Chardonnay / ABV: 13% 

Pale and golden straw-like in colour, with rich summer fruit aromas and peach and melon flavours on the palate, which are balanced by a fresh, crisp finish.  

The combination of grapes from Roussillon and Minervois give this wine a buttery, fresh, and mineral profile.  

TUNA PENNE IN TOMATO SAUCE 

Picture a glossy and spiced tomato sauce flecked with tuna, mixed with penne pasta. What started as a cupboard raid is now a feast. This dish requires a red wine but nothing too tannic. The light tannins in Beaujolais are perfectly suited to the oily nature of the fish. Its medium body suits a richer tomato sauce.  

Oedoria, L’Exception, Beaujolais Rouge, Beaujolais, 2017 £11.40

Grapes: Gamay / ABV: 12.5%

Intense in colour, this wine combines fruity aromas, smooth tannins and a pleasant structure. Well-bodied, well balanced and an excellent example of a fuller flavoured Beaujolais.  

FROZEN PEA SOUP

The natural sweetness of peas is brought to life with the aromatic and bright expressions of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Its crisp and herbaceous nature pairs well with grassy ingredients like peas. 

Ward Valley, ‘Triple Block’, Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 £10.50 

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc/ABV: 13% 

Intensely aromatic and immediately appealing, the bouquet combines passionfruit, green melon, lime peel and feijoa aromas. The palate is equally gorgeous with a bright, fruity intensity and vibrant mouthfeel with a long finish. 

PESTO PASTA 

The simple but assertive elements of pesto – pine nuts, basic, parmesan cheese and olive oil – pair with a wine that’s similarly effortless and flavourful in equal measure. To really emphasise that bright, herbal quality, you’ll want to go for a white without too much fruit. The wine should have similar restraint and this Austrian Grüner will do just that. 

Eschenhof Holzer, Wagram, Grüner Veltliner, 2018 £12.00

Grapes: Grüner Veltliner / ABV: 12%

An uncomplicated style, with fine acidity and fruit flavours resulting from the rich clay soils. Peach, red apple and hints of spicy pepper characterise this vegan and organic dry white. 

TINNED RICE PUDDING 

Tinned rice pudding is stalwart of forgotten nooks and crannies in cupboards across the country. But we all need a little dessert right now. Pair a vanilla milk rice pudding with a sun-drenched and similarly sweet Sicillian Grillo for a nostalgic treat. 

Caruso E Minini, Naturalmente Bio, Grillo, Sicilia £18.00 

Grapes: Grillo/ ABV: 13% 

Organic and vegan-friendly with vintage notes of oak and acacia, this Sicilian white boasts the perfect mix of intensity and elegance. 

BILTONG 

Cured meat is a globally common way to extend the life of food. Biltong requires ripe and moderately structured wines. Look for oaky Cabernet Sauvignon from the new world to match the heavy spice of the meat.

U By Undurraga, Central Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 £9.68

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon / ABV: 13% 

Elegantly perfumed aromas and a fresh, floral palate characterise this Chilean red. Smooth textured, with fruit tones, well-balanced acidity and an elegant finish, this is just delicious. 

LINGUINE AGLIO E OLIO 

Linguine, anchovy, garlic, chilli flakes and parsley; the perfect dish where every element balances another and takes ten minutes to make. Fresh Portuguese reds with fruity flavours serve this dish well without dominating. 

Herdade Do Mouchão, Mouchao Dom Rafael Red 2015 £15.99

Grapes: Alicante Bouschet, Castelao, Trincadeira, Aragonez / ABV: 13.5% 

Possibly the world’s leading producer of Alicante Bouschet, the Dom Rafael red has enough punch and fruit to handle but not overbear this classic linguine. 

INSTANT RAMEN 

If a tasty ramen dish is your pantry pick, pair with lighter lagers, Sake, or a white wine with body and ‘spice’, as the velvety texture complements the noodles and broth. 

Tatsuuma-Honke Brewery, Isaké Classic ‘Junmai Ginjo’ £26.50 

Grapes: N/A / ABV: 14.5%

Born from a collaboration between a French Sommelier and a Japanese Saké expert, this wine is carefully designed to pair perfectly with dishes such as ramen. Made with a unique blend of Saké rices, flavours of melon, peach and walnuts are on the palate with a long, intense finish. 

TINNED JACKFRUIT

This delicious and versatile vegan staple lends itself well to recreating meat-like textures and absorbing BBQ flavours. Pair with richer styles of sparkling rosés to complement its sweet taste. The thing we look for when pairing is freshness and this sparkler is laden with strawberry fruit.

Comte De Bailly, Crémant De Bourgogne, Sparkling Rosé From Veuve Ambal £11.99

Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay/ ABV: 12%

Clear, light rosé with a fine, persistent mousse. Fresh aromas of raspberry and redcurrant pair perfectly with sweeter jackfruit. 

5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE A BARISTA-STYLE COFFEE AT HOME

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE A BARISTA-STYLE COFFEE AT HOME

Once upon a time us Brits would settle for a cup of instant granules, burnt with boiling water and brought down to barely warm with some ice cold milk. It’s 2020 and those days are long gone. Artisanal coffee shops serving coffees from across the globe, with flavours advanced with bean specific technique, have raised the game exponentially.

In the UK we drink an average of 95 million cups of coffee a day and with 65% of this enjoyed at home, being able to create the perfect coffee at home is at the top of many peoples’ wish list. With the help of Irene Ippolito, Marketing Manager for illy, here’s our 5 IDEAL tips on how to create barista-style coffee at home.

GET FRESHLY ROASTED COFFEE BEANS

One of the first thing any coffee connoisseur will tell you is that there are two main types of coffee beans; the Arabica (sweeter, softer taste) and Robusta (strong, full-bodied). Finding the right coffee bean for you is essential to prepare the perfect beverage every time. It’s all personal preference, so get familiar with both and decide which you prefer.

KEEP IT FRESH

Don’t forget that coffee goes stale. Ideally, you want to drink it within a month of being roasted to savour that fresh taste. Instead of having a big bag of coffee in the back of your cupboard going stale, many now opt for a very modern solution; a coffee subscription service. Take a look for different subscription options to determine the frequency, bean and blend you’d prefer to receive!

If you buy your beans whole you can choose to only grind what you need, when you need them.

Read: 5 of the best speciality coffee subscriptions

IT’S ALL IN THE GRIND

The grind of your coffee will greatly influence the end result, as it impacts the amount of contact time between the hot water and the beans. Grind it too fine and you will have a bitter coffee, whilst grinding it too coarsely will give you a watery blend. Invest in a quality coffee grinder or machine to ensure every cup tastes like it was made by a professional barista. If you’re looking to gain even more expertise, you could even consider a barista course.

STORAGE WARS

Many underestimate the importance of proper coffee storage and its effect on taste. It must be stored in a cool, dry place but never in the fridge or freezer, as the defrosting process can actually damage the coffee beans, making them lose their original flavour. Keep coffee in an airtight container where you’d normally store your other cool dry goods.

USE A FILTER

Water hugely affects the taste of your cup of coffee, as it makes up 90% of the drink. Tap water can contain impurities such as minerals, metals and salts that can alter the taste, so the best thing to do is to use filtered water to give your coffee the best flavour.

Phew, after all that, we need a freshly brewed cup of the good stuff, which is, you’ll be pleased to hear, full of surprising benefits. Care to join us?

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST TRAVEL BACKPACK

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST TRAVEL BACKPACK

Are you making meticulous plans for a proper ‘travel’? You know the type; it spans several countries or even continents, its mantra is ‘no shoes and no news’,  it involves swapping stories and beers with people from all walks of life…oh yes, we love that type of trip too.

If you know what we’re talking about, then you’ll also know that a sturdy backpack that walks through thick and thin with you will be your greatest companion on your adventure. But how to choose the best one? This certainly isn’t a decision to be taken lightly.

With so many options to choose from, and with the weight of the world (well, your world) set to be on your shoulders, it’s important to make this purchase count. Here’s how; our IDEAL guide to choosing the best travel backpack.

SIZE MATTERS

You might have seen those travellers lumbering under bags bigger than themselves. Should they topple, they’d likely be stuck, horizontal and stationary, like a turtle. Size matters, sure, but you don’t want to be carrying your whole life around with you. Kinda impacts on that whole carefree, spontaneous vibe, don’t you think? 

Huge bags are bound to put a strain on your back and could lead to injury, as well as contributing to a nervous weievery timerytime you board a flight.

Instead, show a little restraint with your bag’s size. By following some of the standard measurements out there, you’ll find the right size for you. 

Generally speaking, backpacks come in a range from 25L to 65L. If you’re planning a more compact trip, then ideally choose a 25L backpack; the perfect size for adapters, headphones, jackets, and a good run of outfits. Backpacks between around 35L and 45L are better suited to longer holidays, and a 65L is ideal for a proper, fully fledged adventure. Of course, you’ll want to try the bag out for size before purchase…

FEEL THE BURDEN

When testing a bag out for comfort on the shop floor, an unfair impression is likely; it’ll be empty and the full capabilities of the straps won’t be shown. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this bag, through thick, thin and all things in between, so you need to make sure it’s properly comfy and secure on your back. It’s a fair investment too, and as such should be tried out in person, in a shop. In general, pick backpacks with thick shoulder straps and waist belts, according to ergonomists.

Ask the assistants to fill it up with whatever debris or surplus items they can find so you can assess the full weight of it before buying. To make it as comfortable and secure as possible, always remember to wear it on both shoulders (none of that single slung, looking effortless stuff please) and have it hoisted high up the back; straps should be adjustable on anything half decent. Also, if your bag comes with a chest or waist strap – or even better, both – then that’ll ease the burden on your shoulders considerably.

LOOK FOR A BACKPACK WITH AN ADJUSTABLE BACK SYSTEM

Now, let’s hone in on the details. Bags with adjustable straps tend to make your movements easy without leading to discomfort or cramp on your shoulders. Ideal for graceful movements through crowds, we think, and great for withstanding the pressure of a journey accumulating both ever more memories and physical stuff.

Adjustable backpacks are available in a range of different styles and materials, usually deploying either a velcro strap belt or a comfortable grab tab belt which you can pullover whenever you want. The latter fits the contours of the body well, and the mechanism is designed in such a way that you cannot feel the pressure of bags. The dimensional straps help in balancing the overall weight of the backpacks and also maintaining your spine’s posture. 

Check out the range of strap adjustable backpacks on offer at Backpacks Global for a good idea of the range on offer.

PICK UP THE RIGHT BACKPACK TYPE

As we all know, with every travelling type and as quick as the terrain changes, so does the needs of your backpack. Can you imagine carrying a backpack with wheels on a hike? Hell no! Or, using a tote as your only bag on a three month excursion across Southeast Asia? It just feels wrong. Picking the most specific backpack to suit your needs, then, is a smart move:

  • Female-specific backpack:

For female travellers, there are specially designed backpacks which are designed to lessen the burden on the chest area. These bags are available in more shaped and contoured straps with fully adjustable straps on the front side as well as along the waist.

For shorter travellers, backpacks with a short back system are also available, which help avoid the person feeling overloaded. 

  • Backpacks with wheels:

Backpacks which also come with a towing handle are well suited to those who might suffer from mobility issues or are prone to exhaustion. Such a design allows the bag to glide behind you as you walk. Such flexibility can go a long way when you’re on the move regularly.

  • Rucksack:

Rucksacks are particularly useful for hikers who need to have a comfortable and sturdy bag to endure some rugged terrain and a little rough and tumble. Since these bags come with multiple zip pockets, velcro strap pockets, and some top-loaded mini pockets to hold on to the necessary gear, they’re ideal for adventures into the wilderness.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Though your destination and travelling partners are, of course, the key components of your trip, and the ones most likely to make or break your adventure, it would be foolish to be caught out on something like your backpack. Choose it wisely, and it’ll be a proverbial load off your mind.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO COOK WITH HEMP SEEDS

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO COOK WITH HEMP SEEDS

Often associated with marijuana and the free loving spirit of the 60s, the cannabis sativa plant is actually a varied beast. One strain of the cannabis sativa plant famed for its low content of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC (the element which gets you feeling squiffy) is hemp.

Once cultivated, the hemp plant – below 0.3% in dry weight – has many historic uses in society; used in clothing as a sustainable alternative to cotton, as a potential biofuel and even a replacement for paper. 

But what of the seeds themselves? Well, these can be deployed in many meals to add crunch, bite, nutrition and more. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to cook with hemp seeds.

THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CANNABIS SEEDS

But first, let’s look at the potential nutritional benefits of cannabis sativa and hemp seeds in your diet. From a health perspective, it’s prudent to seek out the hemp seeds which are raw, shelled and grown with no GMO or pesticides. Be mindful you shouldn’t attempt to plant or grow these seeds (illegal in the UK to do so) but rather use the seeds in your cooking.

Hemp seeds have plenty of nutritional benefits, composed of 32% carbohydrates, 80% fiber and 23% protein as well as lipids. These seeds also boast calcium, potassium, magnesium (improving the quality of sleep), zinc, phosphorus and vitamins A, D and E. They are particularly rich in linoleic acid, better known as omega 6, and alpha-linoleic acid, which is also called omega 3. Their balanced content of omega 3 and omega 6 can contribute to the strengthening of the immune system and helps to take care of the cardiovascular system.

What’s more, the present amino acid arginine can help dilate blood vessels and reduce hypertension to prevent heart disease. Cannabis sativa seeds are also an excellent source of plant-based protein. Anyway, if you’ve decided to get creative with them, we bet by now you’re wondering how to include these seeds in your diet? Well, here’s a start…

USE SEEDS AS A SALAD GARNISH

With their nutty flavor and crunch when toasted, cannabis sativa seeds can be added to many dishes for both textural intrigue and an agreeably, lingering aftertaste. Consider first toasting a handful in a dry pan over a medium heat until they give off a nutty aroma, then peppering over a simple salad at the last minute, to retain their crunch and vitality. Ideal, we think, as a replacement for sesame seeds in an East Asian inspired dish of zest and crunch.

SPRINKLE OVER YOUR MORNING YOGHURT & GRANOLA

Yep, we understand the connotations of a yoghurt, granola and hemp seed breakfast. It’s all a bit health food shop, hey? We assume that you’ll be heading for a morning chakra realigning session next. And that’s just fine by us. 

But should you want to add another layer of intrigue (and nutrition) to your daily breakfast, then a sprinkle of hemp seeds over your wake up bowl will do just that. Alternatively, you can simply use the seeds as a healthy office snack on their own throughout the day.

MAKE INTO A MILK

If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, not a lover of dairy or just fancy changing things up, then here’s some good news for you; it’s easy to make hemp seed milk at home.

All you need is the seeds themselves – shelled ones allow for much greater convenience as you’re going to need a good quantity here and you’ll negate the need for straining – as well as some water and unrefined sugar (many prefer coconut sugar, honey or agave nectar for this) to taste as hemp seeds are nutty and a little bitter. After you’ve gathered your hemp milk ingredients, you blend until thoroughly mixed and milky.

Hey presto! You have hemp milk.

CANNABIS SEED OIL SALAD DRESSING

Cannabis sativa seed oil – different from cannabidiol oil (CBD) incidentally – contains omega 3 and omega 6 in a balanced way. This oil is rich in nutrients and has very little saturated fat. It reduces the formation of blood clots and helps in the recovery of good heart health after heart disease.

Accordingly, you can use cannabis sativa seed oil in a salad dressing as a replacement for your regular olive, rapeseed of whatever other oil you use. We wouldn’t, however, recommend frying with it; hemp seed oil has a low smoke point.

USE CANNABIS SEED POWDER AS A GLUTEN FREE FLOUR

Cannabis sativa seed powder even makes it possible to design gluten-free flour for all your baking needs. Fancy that? This cannabis flour or protein is obtained from the pulp residue, resulting from the pressing process of the seed giving the oil. You might want to buy this powder pre-processed, rather than buying the seeds and doing the work yourself, as it’s a fairly labour intensive process.

Good stuff indeed. Care to invite us round for tea once you’ve tried out our suggestions?

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. 

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