Menu
Home Blog Page 256

7 TIPS FOR MANAGING MONEY & DEBT DURING COVID19

Editorial Team
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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. 

10 IDEAL WAYS TO BID FAREWELL TO MONDAY MORNING BLUES

Editorial Team
-
0
10 IDEAL WAYS TO BID FAREWELL TO MONDAY MORNING BLUES

It’s a feeling which has long crippled the country’s collective labour force each and every Monday morning. A feeling the past weekend has gone too soon and the next is so far from reach. A sense you’ve overindulged, under exercised and generally let vices win.

But with the country on lockdown, the clocks changing and #wfh the current modus operandi, it’s understandable that everyone’s feeling a little out of whack this morning.

It’s important to step into the new week not defeated, but with a new purpose and vigour. So, here are 10 IDEAL ways to bid farewell to Monday morning blues.

SET YOUR ALARM TONE TO SOMETHING PLEASANT

Don’t make the mistake of having an aggressive, abrasive alarm tone, mistaken in the belief that the annoying sound will force you to wake up swiftly. Why not switch to the alarm which wakes you up with Radio 4 News, or if the news is getting you down right now, birdsong or the chimes of a harp?

Try setting your alarm an hour earlier and don’t just hit the snooze button, actually get up. The peace and serenity of the morning can be great in recalibrating after a messy, confusing weekend in self isolation. Indeed, researchers from Roehampton University found that ‘morning people’ who get up earlier lead happier, healthier and more productive lives than those who prefer to lie in.

WEAR SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GREAT

Just because you’re stuck indoors doesn’t mean it should necessarily be a week wearing jogging bottoms and a vest. Though no one’s judging you if you do, we’ve found that getting dressed smartly on Monday morning can set the right tone for the day.

Put something on that gives you a spike of confidence to kick off the week with a positive mindset. Try slogan t-shirt, matching bra and undies set, rock a form-fitting power suit, or sport a sultry red lipstick; it’s all about making a little extra effort, for yourself, not others.

EXERCISE

Just because you’re not going to be seeing a gym for a while, doesn’t mean exercise should be off the agenda. Indeed, it’s easier than you might think to achieve a solid, all-encompassing home workout.

Exercising can be incorporated into practically any daily activity and it’s easy, too. Squat at the fridge, take the stairs if you live in an apartment block, walk-lunge on your way to the bathroom or follow one of the myriad home fitness Youtube channels currently doing the rounds. Since Joe Wicks yesterday announced all profits from his home workout videos will be donated to the NHS, might we suggest his channel?

Though it doesn’t have to be a morning thing, it’s a great time to do so, as it will set the tone of the day; you’ll notice a sunnier disposition post workout that makes early exercise a good idea.

HAVE A TREAT

Monday mornings don’t have to be ascetic. Instead, make Monday morning for controlled indulgence. Have your freezer stocked with croissants or doughnuts for cheat’s breakfast on a day when so many will be braving their bran flakes. Or, treat yourself to a coffee (and an extra ten minutes in bed).

Alternatively, give yourself something to look forward to at lunchtime or the end of your day, like a properly wholesome meal rather than something fashioned from roast dinner leftovers (not knocking such a meal, but maybe save that for tomorrow?). It’ll make waking up much, much easier.

CALL OR TEXT SOMEONE YOU LOVE

A morning text or call from a family member or friend is (just about) the best thing you can receive when you wake up. In these troubled times where there’s the huge physical distance between us, don’t let emotional walls form too.

Not only does it let you know that they’re thinking about you while they prepare for a busy morning ahead, but it also spreads the love and causes a knock on effect of more phone calls, messaging and general emotional generosity. Calling or texting someone you care about can give your morning the positive boost it needs.

SOUNDTRACK YOUR MORNING

Taking your mood from grrr to great is often just a matter of getting engrossed in a new album you’ve downloaded or podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to. It can change your whole outlook and help you steady yourself for the day ahead. With the right groove in your ears, the first few strokes of the keyboard can even feel quite graceful.

HAVE A SMOOTHIE

Coffee is a great pick-me-up, sure, and one we couldn’t do without, but you shouldn’t allow it to become your be-all-end-all. Reach for a smoothie loaded with Ginseng for energy instead, or a blend a detoxifying ingredients like lemons, cranberries or seaweed.

DO SOMETHING KIND

Doing something kind for someone else is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. And just because you’re behind a screen indoors doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Donate remotely to a food bank or charity, spread some love for the NHS online, message an elderly neighbour to check they’re ok…engage in some karmic redistribution and you’ll find life being kinder to you, too.

FOLLOW A ROUTINE

What makes Monday blues even bluer? Being disorganized, running late for the living room, forgetting to charge your phone and maybe even your pants. Hey, it happens. Oh, that’s just us? Moving on, then….

Have an organized routine in the morning, regardless of the fact you’re at home, to keep yourself on schedule and on the ball. It makes such a difference to feel sharp and alert when facing down the barrel of five days at work before more prolonged letting down of the hair.

CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE

It’s easy to bathe in resentment on Monday mornings, especially with all the memes circulating like vultures, “If Monday was a person, I’d punch it in the face.” …“Not sure if it’s the end of the World, or just Monday” …”Shortest Horror Story: Monday“… you know the story.

We’re certainly guilty of posting a Monday meme once or twice, but waking up with a positive outlook could be the answer to brightening your day. Remember that Monday is a fresh start so welcome positivity, smile, and tell yourself that it’s going to be the best day ever.

4 IDEAL TIPS ON FINDING A MODERN SOFA THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Editorial Team
-
0
4 IDEAL TIPS ON FINDING A MODERN SOFA THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Visually striking, colourful or monochromatic, with essential lines or with a vintage look, made in metal and fabric or wood and leather. In short, there isn’t just one style of modern sofa, but it’s a category of furniture that encompasses a whole host of variables.

As such, if you just rush into the first furniture store you find, or pick one online that you happen to see on a TV program, you’re unlikely to end up with a sofa that both fits your bottom perfectly and the overall aesthetic of your house. Instead, take your time, and don’t get that credit card out until you’ve read these; our 4 IDEAL tips on finding a modern sofa that’s right for you.

MEASURE WELL

Sorry to get all DIY Dad on you, but it’s vital that you do some measuring before you set off on your sofa search. Though it may seem pedantic, a little fussing at this stage will save serious hassle in the long run.

Inspired by the old carpenters’ adage, to “measure twice and cut once”, when you’re looking for a designer sofa for an interior, you should measure the spaces available twice and buy only once. 

Skip this step and you might end up wasting time and money because you find yourself having to replace the furniture that’s just arrived. And this isn’t simply about fitting your new sofa through the door. It’s all about striking the right balance between full and empty spaces and making sure the overall look of your interiors is synergised.

SOFA KING COOL

Depending on where you live, in tropical, humid climes, or somewhere cooler, your sofa choice should take the weather into account. This is particularly pertinent where material is concerned. 

No one wants to park their bottom on a leather sofa in a hot country; to put it bluntly, that bottom will soon be sticking to the seat with sweat. You’ll want a sofa material that doesn’t absorb too much heat, such as cotton or polyester. Equally, in colder countries, a warming material is essential, as well as a sofa with a deep, puffy fill which you can really sink into. Of course, one with throws and cushions aplenty is great for the long, Great British winter.

AESTHETICS OR LONGEVITY?

Okay, you’ve taken your measurements and checked them not twice, but three times. You’ve considered the material keenly. Then you go and buy a gleaming white sofa and watch in dismay as your kids jump all over it in their dirty shoes and look on aghast as your friends drop pizza all over it while watching the match on TV. 

Perhaps there’s something else you need to bear in mind before throwing away your hard-earned cash. Ask yourself whether you value aesthetics or longevity more right now. If it’s the latter, then it’s essential to choose stain-resistant or easily removable and washable coverings, unless of course you live alone, don’t want guests and would never, ever dream of eating dinner whilst lounging on your sofa. In that case, and if you want something with longevity and that adds aesthetic value, a leather Chesterfield couch might be for you. The leather material ages beautifully and it gives off an old English vibe to the room.

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?

We’ve been speaking as though every sofa purchase is made with the domestic setting in mind. Fear not, hospitality sector, we’re here for you, too. Indeed, when you have to buy one or more sofas for your bar, pub, restaurant, or accommodation facility, then the stakes are higher and you need to be even more careful; say for example, for a hotel lobby, it would be business-wise to shop 5 piece modular sectionals. For a neighbourhood pub, a low-slung, slightly beat-up two-piece, L-shaped leather sofa fits the old school, homely aesthetic perfectly.

Planning is fundamental when margins are tight, and making use of interior design experts in this case almost becomes mandatory. Even a single armchair can be an element that can make the difference in a hotel lobby.

In such situations, it’s paramount to rely on companies with a proven track record, capable of offering intelligent solutions. One example is Natus modern sofa by Albaplus, a modular sofa that combines superb quality, functionality and style. Do your due diligence for similar companies in your area and we await our invite to try out your new chair together.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION TRULY UNFORGETTABLE

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION TRULY UNFORGETTABLE

So, you’re planning your big day? Firstly, congratulations! Secondly, calm down, take a moment and breathe. There, that’s better. 

Stressful, isn’t it? With so much trying on, trying out, tasting and testing, the lead up the your wedding day can be pretty full on. And sometimes, during the wedding planning stage, with so much focus on the service, the reception can be forgotten. We’re here to help you make it one to remember, with these 5 IDEAL ways to make your wedding reception truly unforgettable. 

IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE

‘Dinner and dancing’. If those two words don’t feature on your wedding invitation, then you can’t blame your potential guests for showing a lack of enthusiasm. But get the two right – and we’re going to go out on a limb here and say particularly the latter – and the only people forgetting your wedding reception will be those who drank too much. 

You want upbeat, dancefloor fillers which everyone knows the words too. No esoteric, 90s techno B-sides, here. If you can flail your arms about and have a singalong, then it’s ideal for a wedding reception. The wedding dancefloor is not the time to earn plaudits for your taste in music; stick to the classics.

IF FOOD BE THE FOOD OF LOVE

Obviously, so much discussion after the big day falls on the food. A superb, unique meal can separate the good wedding receptions from the great. Though a buffet may be financially more friendly, if you have room in your budget, a sit down affair with some level of choice is the way to stand out. 

Make the menu a classy affair by responding both to the seasons and your location, dishing up simple, seasonal sharing food. If you’re getting married in May, for instance, then asparagus has to be on the menu. Should you be tying the knot near the coast, locally caught seafood will have your guests cooing. 

GUEST LIST: NO SUCCESS WITHOUT SACRIFICE

If your budget is tight, you’ll have to make some sacrifices on the guest list. Though the dream is to invite everyone and their aunt, realistically, it’s only yours and your fiance’s actual aunt who should be attending. 

When divising your guestlist, make two; an A-list and B-list. The all important A-list consists of the VIPS, like your closest friends and family. After you send out invitations and receive the replies, you’ll be able to calculate the exact number of people coming and conclude how many more guests you can squeeze in. And here’s where the B-list comes in handy: you can invite “less important” people from this list.

GIVE A SMALL SOUVENIR

We’ve all been to a wedding where a small trinket, homemade goodie or gift has been left on your placemat for you to take home. And we all remember that day too, right? By providing a unique souvenir for your guests to take home, you can live long in their memories as a couple and the throwers of a great party.

A FINAL TOUCH

After the wedding day is over, make a wedding reception slideshow as small memorabilia for your friends and family. This gift will mean a lot to your friends, as you will be sharing something very special and treasurable with them. 

How to make a slideshow for a wedding reception truly unforgettable? SmartSHOW 3D is a great wedding reception slideshow maker, which will help you make a memorable video quickly and joyfully. You can create a great video featuring all your closest friends and family members and post it on Facebook for the whole world to see. Let this day stay in your heart forever.

IDEAL HEALTH: HOW TO KEEP YOUR EATING CLEAN DURING LOCKDOWN

Editorial Team
-
0
IDEAL HEALTH: HOW TO KEEP YOUR EATING CLEAN DURING LOCKDOWN

The recent outbreak of Covid-19 coronavirus has, understandably, caused widespread worry and anxiety. When this happens people commonly turn to comfort food. But sugary, fatty treats are the worst things you can eat if you want to keep your body, brain and immune system in good shape during this difficult time.

With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with GP Dr Clare Bailey to help you eat mindfully and reduce stress. Here’s how keep your eating clean during lockdown.

LOCKDOWN LOWDOWN

Dr Bailey says: “research now shows that our diet can also play a key role in managing stress and sleeplessness. The link lies in our gut; two to three kgs of microbes live in the digestive system, and amongst other things they produce neurotransmitters. 

These chemicals convey messages from the gut, through the nervous system to the brain – impacting our mood and anxiety levels.  80% of our serotonin (our happy hormone) is produced in the gut – so the healthier the gut the more emotionally resilient we are.” 

And the better we’re feeling, the easier it is to sleep, too. So, it’s vital to adopt a holistic approach to your health, creating a positive cycle of eating better, sleeping better and reducing stress. Combine these and you’ll also improve your body’s ability to fight infection.

THINK MEDITERRANEAN

Eating a low-carbohydrate ‘Mediterranean’ diet rich in different coloured fruits and vegetables will give you the best chance of getting the wide variety of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients your body needs. 

The high fibre content of such a diet (provided by wholewheat pasta and wholegrain bread, and plenty of beans and pulses) is a great way to boost your microbiome, the trillions of microbes that live in your large intestine and which are so important for your health. 

Olive oil, common within the Mediterranean diet, helps reduce gut inflammation. Eat more of it via salad dressings (a 3:1 ratio with lemon juice is great) or drizzled over some cooked vegetables just makes all those veg, beans and lentils taste even better.

EAT FERTILISER FOODS

It’s possible to correlate a healthy diet with a healthy mind. Prebiotic foods form the foundation of a psychobiotic diet – a vegetable and fibre rich one that’s good for your brain, keeping your mood up and anxiety levels at bay. 

These foods act as the ‘fertiliser’ for the good bacteria and encourage them to proliferate, in time countering the effects of more harmful bacteria. Leeks, onions and garlic are all prebiotics. Rejoice!

FERMENT TO STRENGTHEN

Fermented foods like kefir, miso paste, kombucha and sauerkraut all help strengthen the good bacteria in the gut, while fruit, vegetables and whole foods rich in fibre feed the gut microbiome and allow it to thrive. Time to stock up on some kimchi, we think.

GROW THE GOOD BACTERIA

If prebiotics act like fertiliser for the gut, probiotics are the seeds – they help the healthy growth of ‘good bacteria’.  You can find probiotics in fermented foods like live yogurt, as well as kimchi and sauerkraut. With more time on your hands currently, at home and with projects on the mind, why not get into fermenting, curing and pickling?

If you take a probiotic supplement, make sure it is clinically proven.

CUT DOWN ON THE SWEET STUFF

It’s also important to try and avoid (or at least cut down) on processed foods like takeaways, as tempting as they may be during self-isolation, as these destroy the active healthy bacteria in the digestive system. If you are to order in, make sure it’s a healthy takeaway option.

Treat your microbiome with care; feed it well and it will look after you. Eating loads of sugary or processed foods, on the other hand, will just reinforce the “bad” microbes that also live down there. 

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TAKING THE IDEAL PORTRAIT PHOTO

Editorial Team
-
0
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TAKING THE IDEAL PORTRAIT PHOTO

Are you an aspiring photographer looking for insider tips to excel in the art of portraiture? Or are you hoping to add some individuality and professionalism to your #day29inlockdown posts? Amateurs and professionals alike, in search of new ideas and unusual forms to take your photos to the next level, have come to the right place. Learn how to make your portraits special, memorable and eye-catching with these 5 things you need to know before taking the IDEAL portrait photo.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

The best source of lighting is, of course, the sun. But make sure not to shoot under bright lighting – this may result in unwanted shadows on your model’s face and neck. 

There are two ways of avoiding them; either look for a big tree or building and hide in their shade or use a reflector, which is a surface used to redirect light. If your budget is tight, you can make an improvised reflector using tin foil.

If you’re shooting indoors currently because, well, it’s a lockdown and all that, and cannot use the natural light, purchase an off-camera flash to redistribute the light and shoot your model from a different angle to highlight their best features.

FIND THE GOLDEN RATIO

Time to get creative! Take close-up shots, use a new angle, shoot upwards – let your imagination run wild here. But whatever you do, never forget about the golden ratio, or its simpler version called the rule of thirds. 

Here’s how to harness its power. Divide the picture into nine equal squares by mentally drawing two vertical and two horizontal lines and place your subject along these lines and at the intersections. This technique will help you focus the attention of an observer on the main subjects and create a harmonious portrait.

Another unconventional way to take great portrait images without breaking the bank is to frame your subject with clothes, strands of hair, hands or other tools to emphasize one part of the body or face. This creates a deep and strong portrait, and allows the viewer to fill in the gaps.

THE EYES HAVE IT

Firstly, set a wide aperture – between f/2.8 and f/5.6 – to make the background a bit blurry and concentrate the attention on the model. Indeed, never underestimate the importance of your background; make sure it fits the atmosphere and has no foreign objects like electrical wires.

Secondly, always focus on the model’s eyes. You can set a perfect composition and lighting, choose the best location and the rest, but if the eyes are out of focus, it will immensely decrease the quality.

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Make your model feel as comfortable as possible: turn on some music to set the right mood, offer her or him a drink, and talk to your model to set a relaxing and confiding atmosphere. Your goal is to capture the essence of this person and in order to get there, you’ll need to get to know your model first.

Also, don’t diminish the importance of details like makeup, jewelry and accessories; they can either make the setting flawless and create a story or ruin the composition entirely. No detail is too small; discuss the clothing, hairstyle, even nail polish before the shooting day, so the model comes prepared.

FINISHING TOUCHES

However good your photography skills may be, there’s no shame in taking advantage of the miracles of modern technology with a portrait editor – PhotoWorks is our favourite. No matter how professional your photos look, an effective editing tool will take them to another level altogether.

In terms of this portrait editing software, once you’ve opened the picture in the program, go to Portrait Magic and enhance the quality of the photo in one click. Highlight the lips or the eyes, smooth out the skin, and remove the eye circles in a heartbeat.

Another useful feature of this portrait photo editor is the Face Sculpt tool. Let’s be honest, we can all name a few things we’d rather change about our facial features, maybe the nose is not Hollywood-like, or eyes are a bit too far apart or eyebrows are too thin – this tool will help you correct it. 

Though you have all of these tools at your disposal, exercise a little restraint. Don’t go overboard – there is nothing better than natural beauty, after all. 

IDEAL ESCAPISM: VIRTUAL TOURS AROUND 10 AMAZING EUROPEAN MUSEUMS

Editorial Team
-
0
IDEAL ESCAPISM: VIRTUAL TOURS AROUND 10 AMAZING EUROPEAN MUSEUMS

Needing to cancel travel plans, reorganise your daily routine and stay at home? In order to combat the cabin-fever that has already set in for so many of us as a result of being cooped up at home with cancellations all over the calendar, why not continue to stay curious and explore some places that you haven’t managed to visit yet? 

We’ve teamed up with Holidu, the search engine for holiday rentals, to give you a little IDEAL escapism today. Here are the best virtual tours around 10 amazing European museums.

LE MUSÉE DU LOUVRE, PARIS

We begin our online travels in the City of Light. Even if Paris has lost its status as the most visited city in the world in recent years, its museums remain immensely popular.

The Louvre is the world’s largest art and antiques museum, holding world famous pieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Victory of Samothrace, and is actually the most popular museum in Europe on Instagram, exceeding 4 million posts! Take a look around the Louvre from the comfort of your sofa, and begin planning your Paris trip when this thing cools down! 

Website: louvre.fr

STATE HERMITAGE MUSEUM, ST. PETERSBURG

Next up, we fly east over Europe in our lovely little virtual plane and land in St. Petersburg. The imperial capital of Russia for nearly two centuries, Peter’s Ciyy is also home to the largest museum in the world in terms of exhibits. The State Hermitage collection comprises more than three million works of art and artefacts of world culture, all of which can be viewed virtually on their extensive online platform.

Website: hermitagemuseum.org

BRITISH MUSEUM, LONDON

London might look pretty barren right now, save for those forced to keep working by an inept government, but the museums are looking pretty great virtually. Is this the future? We hope not. 

Anyway, what better way to dive into history than by using the resources on offer at the British Museum. Older than the United States itself, this museum contains one of the most important collections in the world, illustrating the evolution of humankind from its beginnings to the present day. Scroll through the ages as you explore art, history, religion, conflict and more. Then reflect on how modern day greed may laste waste it all. 

Website: Britishmuseum.withgoogle.com

RIJKSMUSEUM, AMSTERDAM

Hop on a ferry and we’re off to the Netherlands, more specifically to Amsterdam, where the Rijksmuseum is located. If you’re finding the name difficult to pronounce, it simply means “Amsterdam State Museum” and is the most important museum in the country, both in terms of the number of visitors and the number of works on display. It is dedicated to the fine arts, crafts and history of the country. 

Website: google.com/partner/rijksmuseum

MUSÉE D’ORSAY, PARIS

Our second trip to the French capital (sorry for the logistical nightmare; we should’ve done this in the same visit) brings us to the Musée d’Orsay, a museum which holds the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works in the world. The online collection allows you to feast your eyes upon a variety of pieces, from oil paintings to canvas works, to themes surrounding impressionism and French history. 

Website: google.com/partner/musee-Dorsay-paris 

MUSEI VATICANI, VATICAN CITY

No art lovers’ trip around Europe is complete without a visit to ‘Musei Vaticani’. The Vatican Museums, located in The Vatican City, a city-state located in the heart of the Italian capital of Rome, hosts a grand collection of public art and sculpture which was gathered by the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries. Whilst many of us might be finding God during uncertain times, we’re happy enough exploring the Vatican virtually instead.

Website: Museivaticani.va

MUSÉE D’ART MODERNE DE LA VILLE DE PARIS, PARIS

Oops, here we are again. Actually, it’s hardly surprising that Paris offers us three wonderful museums to explore, considering its such a cultural heavyweight. Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, or MAM Paris for short, holds a collection of 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art. Browse the online archives to view the works of the most prominent of artists, such as Henri Matisse, Robert Delaunay and many others. 

Website: mam.paris.fr

TATE BRITAIN, LONDON

If British art is your kind of thing, then Tate Britain is the ideal art museum for you. Well, you’re in luck! The online portal offers virtual tours around the rooms showing a chronological display of Britain’s greatest artists of all time. Easily click your way through the collection in order of decade, allowing you to see a clear overview of British art from 1545 to the present day.

Website: tate.org.uk

VAN GOGH MUSEUM, AMSTERDAM

Back to the land of the Nether, and here we visit the art museum named after one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art – Vincent van Gogh. Dedicated to the works of the great artist, this museum has an amazing online section allowing you to access resources including the life and works of van Gogh and a wide variety of child-friendly resources to keep the younger ones entertained and educated! 

Website: vangoghmuseum.nl

MUSEO NACIONAL CENTRO DE ARTE REINA SOFÍA, MADRID

Finally, we end our cultural European tour in Madrid, the beautiful capital of Spain for our final foray. The Museo Reina Sofía is Spain’s national museum of 20th century modern art, named after and dedicated to Queen Sofía. The online website offers a wide array of online content, including a multimedia section with hundreds of videos and audio pieces which give you visual and audio tours of the exhibitions from within the museum. 

Website: museoreinasofia.es

For an extra dose of escapism, check out the 7 IDEAL destinations we can’t wait to visit once this thing’s all over. Bon voyage!

7 OF THE BEST HEALING CRYSTALS AND WHERE TO PLACE THEM AT HOME

Editorial Team
-
0
7 OF THE BEST HEALING CRYSTALS AND WHERE TO PLACE THEM AT HOME

Ideal for bringing some serenity to your self isolation space.

Semiprecious stones and crystals have been used in healing for thousands of years. Skip to 2020 and they’ve never been more needed. In times of crisis, we need to make our homes as peaceful and zen as possible.

And though the power of stones and crystals isn’t exactly scientific, some of that ‘good energy’ sounds pretty needed right now. The UK seems to agree; in the last 30 days, 14,800 people in the UK have searched Google for “healing crystals” in an attempt to not only discover apophyllite’s meaning, but also learn how other types of stones affect people’s moods.

With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with British online marketplace OnBuy.com who have analysed almost 100 varieties of stones and crystals to put together a helpful guide to choosing the right ones to bring peace to your home. If you’re planning to hop on the bandwagon and use healing crystals, you may find this information useful; here are 7 of the best healing crystals and where to place them at home, IDEAL for bringing some serenity to your self isolation space.

THE LOFT: APACHE TEARS

Apache Tears were once believed to heal grief and trauma, old and new, and are particularly useful if you live in an old property which holds negative energy from previous owners. Apache Tears are thought to be nourishing, grounding and gentle, and cleanse the aura to protect against negativity. Placing them at the top of the house will allow that protective energy to radiate over the home.  

Aside from affecting your mental health, Apache Tears are also known to clear your body from toxins and create a balance in your energy system. If you’ve been experiencing discomfort in your adrenal glands, kidneys, or stomach, placing Apache Tears in your home can help. Moreover, this crystal can also stimulate strength and vitality, and provide sustenance.

THE BEDROOM: HOWLITE

Known for its calming qualities, Howlite encourages you to “live and let live.” At its core, it promotes acceptance, eases stress and encourages you to make peace with the day. This crystal can also formulate ambitions, stimulate your desire for knowledge, and strengthen memory. Some enthusiasts even suggest that Howlite may also balance the calcium levels in your body, and might even reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis. Whilst the jury’s still out on that one, it certainly won’t do any harm.

In turn, Howlite is said to bring about true rest and is the perfect gemstone for the bedroom; especially if you suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders. Howlite is said to be a calming crystal because it eliminates stress and anger, and having some in your bedroom will potentially improve your sleep health in the long run.

THE BATHROOM: AQUAMARINE

Associated with water, Aquamarine has a cooling energy, which calms anger and soothes the soul to a relaxed yet present state. This can help you to connect to your inner wisdom and to seek truth amid conflict. Devotees believe that this crystal can also heal emotional trauma, relieve stress, and calm the heart.

People who suffer from nightmares can also benefit from aquamarine as this crystal is known to ward off fear. And for those of a shy disposition, having aquamarine around your home will enable you to talk easier with friends and family as well. After a long day, with worry on your mind, a soak in the bath supported by Aquamarine will wash away negative attachments; making way for converted energy. When decorating your bathroom with aquamarine, you can place several pieces around your tub or use aquamarine for your sink.

THE LOUNGE: AMBER

Amber carries the energy of the sun. The warmth and wellbeing qualities connected with the gemstone make it favourable for the lounge, as this is a room where people seek comfort and restoration. Amber can lift spirits and offer comfort therefore, it’s best-placed near the sofa to encourage rest and recovery. 

Additionally, amber also balances emotions, attracts good luck, and eliminates fear. Amber can also dissolve any negative energy around your home, making the space more relaxing and calmer.

THE KITCHEN: JADE 

Green Jade carries the energy of the Earth. Wholesome and nurturing, Jade is suited to the kitchen – oftentimes called the heart of the home. This gemstone draws the abundance of nature into your home, helping to promote physical prosperity and wellbeing.

What’s more, jade stone benefits the formation of harmonious connections, fostering relationships with good energy; perfect for families who cook together. Though we wouldn’t rely on it to bring home the bacon (and cook it), its presence certainly won’t do you any harm.

THE DINING ROOM: UNAKITE

Like Jade, Unakite works to support a healthy alignment of physical, mental and spiritual bodies. A gemstone that champions well-being overall, Unakite supports the physical body by purging toxicity from old negative emotions, like anger and resentment, and bad habits like over indulgence. This makes it the perfect stone to include in the dining room or any eating space.  

THE OFFICE: FLUORITE 

Fluorite is a great support for the mind, whether it needs to work, study or memorise and understand specific patterns. A key addition to any office, Fluorite is particularly effective for those who get confused or distracted easily, as it wipes the mind free of mental clutter. A healing crystal sure to bring focus and clarity, which enables you to focus on the task in hand. 

Should you be seeking some more solid, scientifically backed ways to look after your wellbeing during this time of crisis, then check out our tips on how to stay fit and healthy during self isolation.

5 IDEAL HEALTHY TAKEAWAY OPTIONS THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
-
0
5 IDEAL HEALTHY TAKEAWAY OPTIONS THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE

Okay, time to fess up; who’s created some truly weird dinner combinations in the past week? Tinned sardines with marmalade, anyone? Melted Christmas Quality Street over ice cream for dessert? Suddenly, even the cheese set on the mousetrap looks appealing. 

During this trying time, with supermarket shelves scantily stacked and getting a Glastonbury ticket easier than an Ocado slot, it can be tempting to turn to takeaways with increasing regularity. And that’s just fine; we’ve got the eat, after all, and many UK restaurants are offering take out options which we would’ve killed for in simpler times.  

But that doesn’t mean you should give in entirely to the pretence of staying healthy and maintaining a balanced diet during self isolation and lockdown. Indeed, restaurant take out and delivery doesn’t have to be calorific. Check out these for something more sustainable; our 5 IDEAL healthy takeaway options the whole family will love.

VEGAN RESTAURANTS

Around 1.2% of the UK population are vegan (as a comparison 3% of Americans are). And with each year, this number is rapidly increasing as we learn the health and environmental benefits of avoiding meat and dairy.

Fortunately for both those who follow a plant based diet and families keen to keep their diet varied, there are many vegan restaurants that create delicious food that your whole family will enjoy. Check out the hugely useful app and online resource Happy Cow to check out all the vegan restaurants near you doing takeout and delivery.

BESPOKE RESTAURANT TAKEOUT 

This is an incredibly trying time, and we’re certainly not judging you for seeking solace in a sirloin. But even your meat shopping and takeaway choices can be conscientious and health driven. In fact, many London restaurants, as well as plenty nationwide and even more across the pond in the States, are offering bespoke, home cooked versions of their classic dishes, using their usual access to high quality domestic produce.

Michelin starred Brat in Shoreditch, for instance, have turned their dining room into a temporary ‘deli and farm shop’, selling their iconic, wood fired anchovy flatbreads as well as the usual premium beef they serve in their restaurant.

So, if you’re in the mood for restaurant standard food, particularly when you’re craving meat, consider healthy restaurant food to go, knowing that the ingredients are of high quality rather than any mass produced garbage. Result!

MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANTS

A diet high in fruit, vegetables, olive oil, nuts and fish – the ‘Mediterranean Diet’ to many – is consistently said to be one of the healthiest around. If you are to order in, then, keep things healthy by ordering Greek, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Moroccan or Lebanese, to name but a few. Pour yourself a responsible glass of something light and drinkable, perhaps crack a window, and that’s a cheap vacation right there.

SMOOTHIE BARS

If you’re not feeling up to battling the queues and police escorts to access your local Waitrose, and your usual smoothie diet is under threat, then don’t fret; high street smoothie purveyors across the land are offering take out and delivery services of their usual blends of fruit and veg. And right now, we could all do with keeping our immune system fighting fit and are nutrition and nourishment at optimum levels.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUTCHERS, FISHMONGERS, GREENGROCERS & FARMERS

Many of your city, town or village’s producers of great local, seasonal food will have recently set up delivery services to help get food to you in this time of crisis. And if there’s one positive to come from the crisis so far, it’s a population waking up to the importance (and fragility) of the food supply chain. Indeed, it’s been an eye opening experience regarding how much food we currently waste.

Suddenly, citizens are realising that the convenience of supermarkets isn’t the only shopping option out there. Support your local butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers and farmers (as well as your whole community by staying home and away from the supermarkets) by ordering deliveries and vegetable boxes. The quality of the produce is likely to be much higher, and you’ll be giving back to your community at a time of need. Absolutely essential.

HOW TO PROVIDE THE IDEAL HOMESCHOOLING FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
-
0
HOW TO PROVIDE THE IDEAL HOMESCHOOLING FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS


Studies carried out by mentalhealth.org have found that 286,000 children in the UK are estimated to have Special Education Needs, many of which will be affected by the recent closures of all schools in the UK. Parents will be hugely concerned for their children’s educational development, as well as making sure that they are giving their children the right level of support. 

With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with Nicola Anderson, Head of Customer Support at leading online tutoring service MyTutor, to offer this advice on how to provide the IDEAL homeschooling for children with special education needs.

FIND READING THEY ENJOY

Even for children without reading problems, the books on the school syllabus don’t exactly spark passion in students. But if your child can find books they find exciting, it’s far more likely that they’ll be enthusiastic to engage with homeschooling, in turn helping them improve their reading skills. 

Whether it’s crime fiction, graphic novels, books about artists or a book of jokes, encouraging them to find literature they’re keen on returning to can be a huge help.

PERSONALISE THEIR LEARNING

People with learning difficulties often learn best by using learning styles other than just staring at a book and copying things out. 

Visual learning, for example, works by the student remembering information better by creating mind maps and illustrations whereas auditory learning involves students picking up information by listening. Learners who respond well to this type of study style benefit from having things explained to them by a person in front of them. What’s more, in the student’s own time, they can also use audiobooks or watch videos to help them learn. 

And a physical (kinesthetic) learning style is when the student’s body is engaged, not just their mind. This could mean writing out equations in the air, or using repeated actions to signify acronyms or key dates. 

If your child has specific learning needs, exploring different techniques and seeking support for your SEN child can help tailor their education to their strengths, making learning more effective and enjoyable. Get your child to try a few different methods out and find what works best for them.

KEEP A DEDICATED STUDY SPACE AND GET ORGANISED

This sudden change in routine can be destabilising to your child’s learning. Avoid some of this disruption by helping your child be as well-organised as possible. Start with a timetable and folders with all of their subject syllabuses printed and sorted.

Keeping an organised desk space in a quiet corner of the house is key. This is the place they’ll keep their books, notepads, timetable and pens – everything they use to learn. Especially if they suffer with anxiety, having a space at home where they know they can sit down and concentrate – and enter ‘study mode’ – can make a big difference to how well they can focus and retain information.

TAKE REGULAR BREAKS AND BOOST THEIR CONFIDENCE

If your child is working extra hard to revise their course material and push through their reading difficulties, it can be tiring. By weaving in regular breaks to their studying – every 45 mins (or more or less depending on what works for them) – they’ll feel less daunted when they sit down to start, and more likely to get through everything they need to work on that day.

It’s also worth reminding your teen that reading and academic study are only one facet of life’s rich tapestry, and there are lots of other things they can be good at and proud to achieve. Your child might be really good at sport, at art, building things, cooking – whatever they’re good at and enjoy will help them feel proud of themselves. Encourage a diversity of interests and goals.

GET SOME EXTRA HELP

With the extra organisation and work that gets asked of teens, a one-to-one tutor can be one of the best ways to provide the support they need – especially for those kids who need a little extra help (and for you, the parent, who still needs to run a home and complete their own work). 

A tutor can be a lifeline for kids with subjects they may have fallen behind in, particularly adept at boosting confidence and responding to specific learner needs. What’s more, they can also help out with making a revision timetable and revision notes that fit their learning style. Some of the most credible, reputable platforms to find the ideal tutor for you include MyTutor, Tutorhub and Tutorful.

1...255256257...394Page 256 of 394

Company

WHO we are
SAY HELLO
ADVERTISING

Read More

Ideal
Travel
Food & Drink
Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Social

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

Copyright © 2026 IDEAL Magazine