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THE 5 BEST ORGANIC SKINCARE PRODUCTS IN 2020 FROM SÖND

Editorial Team
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THE 5 BEST ORGANIC SKINCARE PRODUCTS IN 2020 FROM SÖND

…IDEAL for those looking for a glowing, chemical free complexion.

Only in recent years have we become truly aware of our skin’s sensitivity to the environment and the chemicals in our face care products. People are finally wisening up to the contents of their tubs and bottles and are making wise, well informed choices about their purchasing habits. After all, who wants to rub a lot of chemicals into their supple, fragile skin? 

Accordingly, new companies dealing with organic skincare products are emerging and our faces couldn’t be happier. One such company is Sönd, who harness the power of alkalinity and the healing powers of salts in their products. We can’t get enough of the organic skincare from Sönd and with this in mind; here are 5 of their best organic skincare products in 2020 IDEAL for those looking for a glowing, chemical free complexion.

CLEAN SLATE CREAM CLEANSER (PRICE £19.50)

The clean slate is an organic skincare product that uses cocoa butter and shea oil to clean away any impurities and makeup thus soothing and keeping your skin calm. One of its benefits is that it’s suitable for all types of skin, working for those who are suffering from skin sensitivity, eczema, acne or rosacea. An inclusive skincare product, then, which just happens to smell and feel fantastic; count us in.

STRENGTH TRAINING SERUM (PRICE £28.00) 

This strength training serum helps your skin cells to regenerate while fixing any discolouration. It also restores your skin’s elasticity as it strengthens your skin’s defences. Popular with those who want a product that soothes the skin and protects it from pollutants in the environment, your skin should stop feeling dry and tight after regular use of this serum. What’s more, any makeup you apply looks will hold on to your skin well, looking bright and radiant. Many Sönd customers regard this as something of a ‘secret weapon’. 

SIDEKICK DAY CREAM (£22.00)

An alkaline skincare product that leaves your skin feeling happy, this day cream has proved to be one of the best Sönd’s skincare products because it keeps your skin hydrated for up to 72 hours. Yep, three whole days. It works by creating a barrier that defends the skin against irritation, of which in the modern world’s atmosphere, there’s so much. This Sidekick Day Cream is recommended for those whose skin is of a particularly delicate disposition, and it’s suitable for dry and oily skin types. 

MIDNIGHT FEAST NIGHT CREAM (£26.00)

The Midnight cream is best for those who suffer from rosacea, acne or a tired, weary complexion. This guy goes deeper into your skin to provide wholesome nutrition that will have you noticing near immediate changes when you start using it. Its powerful and unique alkaline nature activates cell repair and functions and it’s packed with a silica salt, hemp oil and coconut that soothes and plumps your skin. No irritants here, just deep, organic overnight work.

JUMP START SILICA SUPPLEMENTS (£22.00)

Sönd’s Jump Start supplements contain a blend of the alkaline silica salt together with vitamins D3 and E in order to provide optimal conditions for your skin to replenish cells, iron out blemishes and simply radiate that all important healthy glow we’re chasing. A turbo-charge of collagen production, make no mistake.

 

THE IDEAL SPEAKEASY: 5 QUICK & EASY COCKTAIL RECIPES FOR YOUR GREAT GATSBY PARTY

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL SPEAKEASY: 5 QUICK & EASY COCKTAIL RECIPES FOR YOUR GREAT GATSBY PARTY

The classic American cult novel, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, celebrates its 95th anniversary this year. As anyone who has seen the motion picture will attest, the story depicts an intoxicating time full of vibrant colours, glamour and rebellion; a time of legendary fashion and illicit parties held in speakeasies. Indeed, some of the best cocktails came out of these dry times, becoming timeless favourites still beloved today.

With the spirit of the roaring 20s in mind, why not host a dinner party with these simple cocktails and celebrate in true ‘old sport’ style? With our beaded flapper headpieces, cocoon (faux) fur coats, and tuxedos firmly donned, and with the music of the Jazz Age playing, we welcome you to the IDEAL speakeasy. Here are 5 quick and easy cocktail recipes for your Great Gatsby party.

GIN: THE LAST WORD

A sharp, yet sweet delight with a subtle green hue, this cocktail is ideal for those with a taste for a sweet, citrus fix. Requiring just a few ingredients, the complex mix of herbal, tangy flavours was created at the Detroit Athletic Club in the 1920s and spread across the country by vaudeville performer Frank Fogarty. Here’s the last word on the Last Word cocktail:

Ingredients

  • 45ml of your favourite gin
  • 15ml Green Chartreuse
  • 15ml Maraschino liqueur
  • 15ml fresh lime juice

Method

  • Mix the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously
  • Strain into a chilled Martini glass
  • Add either fresh cherries or a wedge of lime for garnish

GIN: BEE’S KNEES

This sweet, citrus cocktail was concocted to mask the smell and taste of prohibition bathtub gin. Although created to improve a bitter and less-than-pleasant homemade gin, the potential this recipe has when made with good quality gin speaks for itself. This drink is, indeed, the Bee’s Knees.

Ingredients

  • 50ml of your favourite gin
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 20ml fresh lemon juice
  • 20ml fresh orange juice

Method

  • Add gin and honey to a shaker and stir until the honey dissolves
  • Add the lemon and orange juice with ice and shake well
  • Strain into a Martini glass
  • Garnish with an orange zest twist

RUM: MARY PICKFORD

Originating at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, and made for silent movie star Mary Pickford during prohibition, this pale pink cocktail is mellow and sweet, striking a fine balance between the succulent fruity flavours and punch of the rum.

Ingredients

  • 60ml of your favourite white rum
  • 45ml pineapple juice
  • 7.5ml of grenadine syrup
  • 5ml of Maraschino liqueur

Method

  • Mix the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake hard
  • Strain into a chilled Martini glass
  • Garnish with cherries

BRANDY: SIDECAR

A 1920’s classic, this cocktail encapsulates precisely what a true sour should taste like. The origin of this zesty cocktail is debated; was it created in the Buck’s Club in London or perhaps Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, when someone arrived at the joint in a sidecar and the bartender crafted a drink appropriate for their entrance? Whatever the story is behind it, we’re certain that this is one of the best.

Ingredients

  • 45ml of your favourite Cognac
  • 22ml Cointreau
  • 22ml fresh lemon juice

Method

  • Coat the rim of a chilled coupe glass with sugar
  • Add ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake
  • Strain into the prepared glass
  • Garnish with an orange zest twist

VODKA: SOUTHSIDE

One of Al Capone and his gang’s favourites, this tipple has earned its righteous place in prohibition history — suspected to be named after the well-known Chicago district where the gangster ruled.

Ingredients

  • 60ml of your favourite gin
  • 30ml freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 15ml sugar syrup
  • Fresh mint leaves

Method

  • Mix the ingredients, including the mint leaves, in a shaker with ice. Shake to bruise the leaves
  • Strain into a chilled Martini glass
  • Garnish with mint sprig

So, there we have some of the most iconic 1920’s cocktails that are still very popular today. Get your glad rags on and throw your own Gatsby party. We assume our invite’s in the post?

5 IDEAL FINANCE TIPS FOR NEWLYWEDS 

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL FINANCE TIPS FOR NEWLYWEDS 

Congratulations on your big day! But if you thought that the planning, preparation and paying for your wedding was hard work, just wait until you try keeping a relationship for life harmonious. So often, the first forks in the road and subsequent disagreements are caused by matters of money. But with the financial implications of marriage often ignored, couples are often ill prepared for this. Don’t be those guys. With the help of Zoe Bailey, Director of Financial Planning at Tilney, here are 5 IDEAL finance tips for newlyweds.

BE OPEN ABOUT YOUR FINANCES

Let’s hope you’ve already been honest about the state of your bank balance and assets prior to tying the knot, but if you haven’t, you better start doing so soon. Indeed, before you begin looking at the different ways of combining your finances, it’s important to have an understanding of your partner’s financial situation, implicitly and without obstacle, as well as being open about your own. 

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to incorporating you and your partner’s finances. In fact, there are various ways of combining your money – from a joint bank account, a combined account for utilities, joint savings, or simply having both names on financial products i.e. the mortgage. Married couples can also transfer assets between themselves, known as ‘interspousal transfers’, without triggering a tax liability. This can be used to shift savings and investments into whichever partner is subject to a lower rate of tax or to make use of two Individual Savings Accounts allowances.  

DECIDE THE BEST APPROACH TO MANAGING YOUR FINANCES

Some couples prefer if just one person takes charge of the money and manages the family finances. If you decide this approach works best for you, then make sure you’re both aware of what your outgoings are and be clear on your budgets, as well as what the responsibility of managing the family money actually entails. 

MAKE THE MOST OF TAX BENEFITS

While, of course, the primary objective of tying the knot is romantic, many couples recognise marriage as a tax efficient arrangement as well. And there’s nothing wrong with that. One tax perk comes in the form of marriage allowance, which is available to couples who are married or in a civil partnership and where neither person is a higher rate tax payer. The lower earner can transfer £1,250 of their annual tax free personal allowance to their partner – creating a tax saving of up to £250 a year – more than enough to cover a Valentine’s Day candlelit dinner for two in future years, hey?

‘TILL DEATH DO US PART

The tax benefits of marriage are not solely confined to the couple’s lifetimes. Though we don’t want to get morbid here, one of the biggest financial gains comes in the event of death. Unmarried couples can pass assets valued up to £325,000 upon death, but anything above this is subject to 40% inheritance tax. Therefore, if a partner is left a house that far exceeds this value, for example, they could end up having to sell it. However, a deceased spouse / civil partner can pass an estate of any worth to the surviving spouse without immediate tax consequences. It’s worth knowing, certainly.

 

 

BUYER’S GUIDE: THE BEST CHEF’S KNIFE MATERIALS

Editorial Team
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BUYER’S GUIDE: THE BEST CHEF’S KNIFE MATERIALS

…IDEAL for the budding cook in the family.

Ask any professional chef for tips on becoming a better homecook and invariably, reliably, the answer will be the same; get a sharp, suitably sized knife, stat. You know what they say, that a bad workperson always blames their tools? Never was that statement more apt than in the kitchen.

And sure, a varied set of knives will certainly do no harm (actually, they’ll do a lot of harm in the wrong hands, but you know what we mean), with a serrated, pairing and filleting knife all indispensable in the chef’s armoury. But if there’s just one blade you’re going to invest in today, which is versatile and appropriate for nearly all tasks on the chopping board, then it’s got to be a chef’s knife. The clue’s in the title, hey? Anyway, material matters so much here, so without further ado, our buyer’s guide: the best chef’s knife materials, IDEAL for the budding cook in the family.

KNIFE BLADE MATERIAL BASICS

Most of a knife’s inherent qualities are determined by the materials they are made up of, not in the hands of the human holding it. Many blades are manufactured from alloys, meaning their metal is combined with other materials to fortify them, making the blade lighter and, ultimately, better. Therefore, when buying a knife, you should check the type of materials the knife is made from as a priority. This is the only way you can be assured that you’re buying a high-quality knife. 

What’s more, some knife materials are task appropriate, as we’ll now learn…

HIGH QUALITY CARBON STAINLESS STEEL

The connoisseur’s choice of chef’s knife material, this. Many chefs favour knives made of carbon steel because they can achieve the required sharpness with just a few strokes against a sharpener, since a thinner blade can be produced from carbon steel to make it have a steeper and sharper edge. Indeed, a combination of carbon and steel makes the knife sturdy and easy to sharpen. Aside from this, the knife has an edge that lasts long.

That said, you should avoid using such a blade on bones, frozen food, and shells. Reserve that for a heavy handled cleaver. Also note that hand washing them after use will help the knives to stay in perfect condition; dishwashers are the enemy. 

DAMASCUS STEEL

Damascus steel knives, renowned for their distinctive water-like patterns, offer a blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality. These blades are crafted through an ancient technique of layering steel, which results in exceptional edge retention and sharpness, ideal for precision cuts in the kitchen. While they require careful maintenance, including hand washing, regular honing, and avoidance of harsh tasks like cutting through bones, a well-cared-for premium Damascus kitchen knife set is a durable and visually stunning set of tools that can elevate the culinary experience for any chef or enthusiast.

LAMINATED STEEL

This is also called pattern-welded steel and is defined by its method of layering two different varieties of steel. Most of these knives have tough steel incorporated to support the outer layers and deploy sharper steel in its core and edge. Be aware that with laminated steel blades, there’s a danger here of over-sharpening, with the blade visibly disappearing after a few meetings with the whetstone.  

Because many of these knives have different combinations of alloys and metals, their maintenance depends on the specific type of knife. Hence, you should check the maintenance requirements of the knife with the provider before purchase. 

STAINLESS STEEL

These knives are an alloy of iron combined with nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and carbon, produced using stamped manufacturing, rather than the more labour intensive forging (the latter is generally assumed to be a marker of superior quality). As such, they are affordable and easy to service. That’s not to say these aren’t quality knives; those made using a high quality stainless steel will be sharp – at least temporarily – and require little maintenance. 

As a general rule, handles will be less well supported, and often just made from the same material as the knife. These are decent all purpose kitchen knives (the type you might find in a holiday home) but shouldn’t be relied on for intricate, fine chopping.

CERAMIC 

For professional use, and even for the keen home cook, ceramic blades should be avoided. Though their fragility isn’t conducive to any labour intensive chopping (even just a kg of onions for your next home cooked french onion soup), the extreme sharpness of a ceramic blade, however fleeting, is ideal for lowkey, task specific stuff, like slicing through butter or use behind a bar, for limes and lemons. Yeah, that’s all.  

If you’re looking for a brand which is sustainable and possesses good blade retention, check out Kamikoto knives. Great pride is taken in the aesthetics, functionality, and quality of the product. Manufactured using an alloy of carbon and steel and having forged blades, these are a worthwhile investment for those looking to take their cooking to the next level.

7 IDEAL STEPS TO ACNE FREE SKIN

Editorial Team
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7 IDEAL STEPS TO ACNE FREE SKIN

 

Acne is a common skin condition where oil, dirt, and bacteria block the skin’s pores, leading to white and black heads. But we didn’t need to tell you that right? As anyone who lived through their teenage years looking in the mirror can attest, acne can cause self-consciousness at best and scarring at worst. 

Acne mostly develops on the face, neck, chest, and back, where there is a high concentration of oil glands, and in some cases, a few blemishes are inevitable. That said, it is possible to have a clearer complexion if you follow a good skincare routine in addition to acne treatment, and here’s how; our 7 IDEAL steps to acne free skin.

GO FOR GENTLE PRODUCTS 

Let’s get into it. Many sufferers of acne choose harsh scrubs and chemicals to deep clean their skin, and labour under the misconception that this will exfoliate the skin and rid it of spots. However, most of these products make the skin dry or cause irritation, thereby making skin conditions even worse.

Instead, opt for gentle products such as alcohol-free cleansers, lukewarm water, and face-cleansing products that are designed for sensitive skin and help you fight acne naturally. It’s also a good idea to avoid scrubbing the skin as it spreads bacteria from the pores and can cause inflammation.

CHECK YOUR DIET

Not all causes (and solutions) of acne are the result of external forces. Indeed, your diet may also be causing problems with your skin. In particular, high glycaemic foods are known to alter the body’s hormonal balance, thereby increasing oil production and resulting in an increased risk of acne. What’s more, food which falls into this category, such as chips, processed meat and white bread, also lead to large increases in blood sugar over a short period, which is linked to facial inflammation. But the good news is that, on the flipside, there’s stuff you can include in your diet which is good for your skin, such as non-starchy vegetables, lentils, and legumes.

READ LABELS WHEN IT COMES TO COSMETICS 

In the fight against acne, it’s good to hone in on the problem with precision. Therefore, you should choose products that are specifically meant for oily skin. If the product does not indicate the type of skin it’s intended for, be scrupulous; check to ensure that it does not contain any oil.

While scrutinising that label, prioritise mineral-based products, which have a gentle, purifying quality. For other products which will come into contact with your skin, such as toiletries and sunscreen, seek those which are non-comedogenic, meaning they have specifically been designed not to clog pores. 

CLEAN YOUR FACE BEFORE YOU SLEEP 

Complicated, extra skincare regimes should be treated with caution, as constant application of product to your face (and the excessive touching that entails) can cause more harm than good.

Keep it simple here; washing your face before going to bed is one of the best routines for all skin types. Since makeup covers pores and prevents the skin from recovering after exposure to the weather and other harmful elements, it’s essential that you remove it prior to bed. Combine this with a gentle face cleanser to remove makeup and any dirt and after patting your face dry, apply a moisturiser to hydrate the skin all night long. Simples.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT SKIN FROM THE SUN 

Despite the abundant myths, sunbathing does not clear up the skin. In fact, excessive exposure to UV rays increases the risk of wrinkles, sunburn, skin cancer, and rapid ageing of the skin. Sensible, then, to avoid sunbathing for regular, extended periods and give the tanning beds a swerve, too, as studies have shown a 1.8% increase in the risk of melanoma for each additional session of sunbed use per year.

This is particularly pertinent if you’re an acne sufferer who has been prescribed retinoid by a doctor. Because such drugs increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light, there’s a danger that your skin will burn faster and with greater severity. If you’re out and about and have been using acne cream, also wear sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat with a wide brim to protect your face.

KEEP YOUR HAIR IN CHECK 

If you have greasy, oily hair, it can pose a real threat to that blemish free visage you’ve been nurturing. Allowing it to touch your face can further contribute to a risk of developing pimples. What’s more, some hair products are known to cause acne, so keep them off your skin when applying them. Gels and hairsprays, in particular, can clog pores, and hair conditioners can also cause problems with your skin. Therefore, it’s important to wash your face, chest, and neck after you’re done shampooing your hair.

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE AND BREAKING THE SKIN

Your hands harbour oil and dirt like you wouldn’t believe. If you have a habit of constantly touching your face (don’t we all?) you’re likely to transfer these contaminants onto your face, which could trigger an outbreak of acne. Furthermore, popping any spots can facilitate the transfer of bacteria from one part of the face to another, which can lead to new breakouts. So, resist the temptation. It’s good practice to clean your hands regularly throughout the day or use a hand sanitizer. 

5 IDEAL RESTAURANTS AROUND THE WORLD USING SERVICE & INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS 

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL RESTAURANTS AROUND THE WORLD USING SERVICE & INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS 

The advancement of both industrial robots used for manufacturing and service robots designed to assist humans in everyday jobs is growing exponentially. Some are concerned; the automization of everyday jobs could change the very fabric of society as we know it. But many are pleased because service robots, in particular, are designed to perform those tedious, risky or repetitive tasks efficiently and safely, leaving human hands free for more important stuff. 

Anyway, with faces proudly poking future forward, we can’t wait to taste our first meal prepared by machine. Maybe we already have. You can too, here; our 5 IDEAL restaurants around the world using robots.

HAIDILAO, BEIJING, CHINA

We had to begin here in China, which is rolling out robotic restaurants like there is no tomorrow for mankind. With global warming, there probably isn’t. Anyway, we digress; Haidilao is one of China’s top hotpot chains and has 466 restaurants all over the world, with over 100 in the Chinese mainland. In 2018, the group opened the world’s first ‘smart hotpot restaurant’ in Beijing. No humans are involved in the food preparation, with robots running the kitchen. Alongside human waiters, humanoid robots deliver the food and fetch used trays. Service!

CREATOR, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 

What came first, the genetically modified chicken or the robotic egg? Anyway, owing to its position next to Silicon Valley (or is it the other way round?), San Francisco is home to tech companies galore. It’s also a city that loves its food so it’s only natural – ahem – that this tech-centric city has seen a boom in automated restaurants in recent years.

Arguably the most well known is Creator, where robots have been flipping burgers since mid-2018. Indeed, the restaurant is the world’s first robot-made burger restaurant. There’s still a human element to their burgers; Creator is attracting customers by teaming up with some of the top chefs in the Bay Area and beyond to create new combinations using their robots. If you’re looking to keep your restaurant relevant, harnessing the potential of robotics could be the way to go.

X FUTURE RESTAURANT, TIIANJIAN, CHINA 

From ordering your food to cooking, serving and even taking the bill, this robo-restaurant uses machines in every step of the dining experience. And if that wasn’t enough tech for you, there’s even interactive VR games to keep punters entertained between bites.

Li Xiaokui, director of operations at X Future Restaurant, told People’s Daily Online, “As the cooking process is preset and controlled by a computer system, the flavour and quality of dishes can be guaranteed”. With so many variables at work, from the freshness of produce to deviations in seasoning needs, we’re yet to be convinced. That said, X Future is a place which could change our minds.

THE TEA TERRACE, LONDON

The Tea Terrace in London prides itself as being the first restaurant in the UK and Europe to hire a robotic waitress. The robot is named Theresa, in a nod to the former prime minister’s nickname ‘The Maybot’. Yeah, we couldn’t imagine anything worse either.

Anyway, Theresa represents the 6th generation of robotic waitresses which were launched in Japan during the last decade. Not only does she deliver food and drinks to the tables, but she also speaks to the customers, telling them what she is serving. They’ve even programmed her to say ‘’breakfast means breakfast’’, poking fun at her repeated Brexit means Brexit statement. Christ.

SPYCE, BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS 

With creative direction from celebrity chef and holder of two Michelin stars, Daniel Boulud, Spyce is one of the newest robot restaurants in the world, opening in May 2018. Billed as trading at the ‘intersection between technology and hospitality’, Spyce was conceived to help athletes eat consistent, nutritious food for less, with prices significantly lower because of the costs saved on labour. With a new menu in the works, we can’t wait to see what the Spyce team do next.

 

 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO COMMAND ATTENTION IN A EVERY MEETING 

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO COMMAND ATTENTION IN A EVERY MEETING 

Are you the type who consistently has trouble making your voice heard in a meeting? Perhaps the only sound you make is the crunching of another Rich Tea biscuit? Or maybe you’re just struggling to articulate your innovative ideas? Well, here’s the thing; you are not alone.

In fact, many of us struggle with confidence in such a setting. But sometimes it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it, and your conduct in these situations can speak volumes about your capability in the role. Make an impact, then, with these; our 5 IDEAL ways to command attention in every meeting.

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SAYING

If you’re to hold the attention of the floor, and have people genuinely listen to you, first you need to be the master of what you’re saying. Going into a meeting with a blase, complacent attitude only opens you up to scrutiny, or worse, ambivalence. So, to speak with confidence and assertiveness, it’s crucial you know your subject matter from back to front and top to bottom. Prepare thoroughly and prior to the meeting, try to predict what you’ll be asked once you open up the floor to ‘any questions?’.

TALK WITH CONVICTION

We’re all able to speak with power and precision in our heads, or in the mirror on the morning of your meeting. But in practice, words can get rushed or stumbled over. It’s therefore vital if you want to command attention to speak in a measured, controlled way. That means it’s imperative you pace yourself; use punctuation as a sign for a moment’s pause, apply stress and intonation on keywords, and weaken function words equally. Hand gestures can help to emphasise the important ideas within your pitch, but don’t overuse them or you’ll start looking like an overschooled David Cameron type.

LOOK SMART 

It’s a sad truth of the modern corporate world; looking the part matters. This isn’t about conforming to society’s expectations of how you should dress. Rather, dressing smartly can imbue a sense of confidence and power which simply wouldn’t be present if you rocked up to your meeting in flip-flops and a Singha vest. Dressing appropriately shows you understand the nuance of the occasion, and that attention to detail will get people sitting up when you speak.

TRY A STATEMENT STYLE 

If you really want to grab the attention of the room, consider channelling your very own statement style. This doesn’t necessarily mean wearing the brightest colours that the rainbow allows (although that wouldn’t do any harm, now we think about it). Instead, simply dress in a way that captures attention.

Should your hair usually be long and luscious, a sudden change to a buzzcut at your next meeting will have people taking notice. Or, you could grow a beard, using the right beard care products so it looks deliberate rather than a product of laziness, to ensure people pay attention to your next pitch.

BE READY FOR ANY POSSIBILITY 

An inflexible, rigid and rehearsed approach to meetings is the enemy of anything attention grabbing. How many times have you listened to a monotonous, recited presentation and simply switched off? Instead, be lithe and supple in your delivery, responding to the meeting’s subtle changes in atmosphere, and working the crowd accordingly. In doing so, you’ll command the attention you richly, rightly deserve.

5 IDEAL STEPS TO GETTING YOUR GARDEN SUMMER STAYCATION READY

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL STEPS TO GETTING YOUR GARDEN SUMMER STAYCATION READY

Sure, the idea of summer holidays somewhere fun and far flung got us through the winter months. But let’s face it; once you’ve adjusted to the time difference, and the change in climate, culture and cuisine, you’re boarding the return flight home. Cue the post holiday blues until next year rolls around. But what if we were to tell you that you could hack those blues, and make your home the ultimate summer getaway location. With the right design, tools and just a little know how, you can make your garden a destination this year. Here’s how; our 5 IDEAL steps to getting your garden summer staycation ready.

FIRST, A SPRUCE UP

We accept that the idea of doing work to your garden in those barren, colder months was off putting. But now, with the first shoots of spring and sunshine emerging, it’s the perfect time to get out there, tidy winter’s work away and give your garden the respect it deserves in time for summer. We’ll save us both the bother here, and direct you to our top tips on ways to spruce up your garden in time for summer. Once those foundations of space and structure are laid, then you can get to work on making your garden a place you want to spend time in.

A SUMMER HOME 

The Great British weather is anything but predictable, and rain will almost certainly affect play during long, languid summer days spent outside. Fortunately, there are log cabins for sale in the UK that are absolutely charming, insulated, and offer every homeowner the ability to install their very own summer home right on their property. Use it as a getaway lounge, a place to work on your passion projects, a reading nook, or whatever else you want. You can even convert it into a home office during the winter and keep it warm inside with a space heater, as all quality log cabins are well insulated and come with double-glazed windows and doors. 

A KITCHEN GARDEN 

What would a summertime staycation be without those lazy, hazy barbeques which start at lunch and turn into dinner? Not much, we think. Certainly not holiday-at-home quality, anyway. A kitchen garden set-up is a must, then, with a designated space for safe, efficient grilling and seats and a table set for communal eating. You’ll need to invest in the right tools for the task and designate surfaces for proper cooking and storage rather than simply serving some salmonella burgers, but apart from that, with a decent barbeque in place, you’re good to go!

A WATER FEATURE

The sound of gently trickling water is proven to aid relaxation (so long as you’re not busting for the loo, that is) and can even work to drown out some noise if you live near a busy street. A water feature, then, can be just the ticket. With so many designs and placements to choose from, from the tasteful to the tacky, it’s prudent to choose one that accentuates your garden’s overall style and complements the space, rather than has a jarring effect

If you’re truly intending to spend the whole summer out there, luxuriating in your garden, then a hot tub is the OG choice of water feature. Surprisingly, most hot tubs don’t need planning permission to install, so you can include this feature with little hassle. Apart from the financial, that is. 

PRIVACY 

If you live in a city, then you’ll all too familiar with homes peering down into your garden. You’ve probably done a bit of peering yourself. And while there’s nothing wrong with a little voyeurism, a neighbour’s curtain twitching can really ruin those carefree summer vibes. Though you can’t completely shroud your garden in secrecy, you can improve your privacy with carefully placed plants and shrubbery. What’s more, by focusing on the frame of your garden and adding large, view-blocking elements (like a fence) you can enhance privacy levels a great deal.

And after that, all you’ve got to do is find some fun loving friends to share your garden space with you. That shouldn’t be a challenge for someone like you, you lovely, lovely thing.

 

5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO ADD LUXURY WALL ART TO YOUR INTERIOR SPACE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO ADD LUXURY WALL ART TO YOUR INTERIOR SPACE

It seems that in the modern interior design vernacular, just about anything could be described as ‘art’. That Japanese knife proudly displayed in your kitchen? Art. Newspaper cutting from your school netball team? That’s art. Pancake adhered to your kitchen ceiling from overzealous flipping? Frame it right and you guessed it, you have some art.

But it’s all a bit functional, right? To truly enrich a space, to add depth and create a meaningful expression, it’s to the world of luxury wall art that we must look. This can be challenging for anyone new to interior design, both in position and preference. But we’re to help, with these 5 IDEAL tips on how to add luxury wall art to your interior design space.

DESIGNER WALL ART

It seems so obvious it barely needs saying, but we will anyway; a piece of designer artwork is one of the easiest ways to bring that sense of luxury to the domestic space. Though designer wall art provides a focal and talking point, restraint is required; the last thing you want is overload in this department. Be discriminating.

One designer that can’t be overlooked is Oliver Gal, who is known for bold-coloured artworks of various reputable brands such as Hermes Paris, Chanel Pairs, and Tiffany & Co. Other wall art designers worth considering include Bassett Mirror, Jamie Young, and the Bloomingdale’s Artisan Collection. Of course, the piece needs to fit in with the overall theme of your home, rather than simply be an exercise in box ticking.

FRAME IT LIKE A POLAROID PICTURE

Another form of luxury wall art to consider when designing your interior space is framed prints. Here, the frame is as important as the art within it; the right choice of frame has the ability to exhibit a touch of class in its own right, thereby augmenting the interior space of your apartment. Current interior design trends favour monochromic contrast when considering the relationship between picture and frame; a bold, black skeleton with a simple piece on a white background within can look minimalist yet considered.

Canvas prints wall art comes in varying designs and can be found to match any taste, ranging from abstract patterns to more carefully depicted scenes, with the former, in our humble opinion, being more evocative of that luxury we’re looking to channel. Such cavasses generally come in various sizes within the parameters of 8×10 and 36×48, and work well as a set of three or nine, particularly. The tactile nature of the pieces add texture and warmth to a room, we think.

For an equally tactile approach, arcylic photo blocks represent an eye catching, stand out option. Because they give depth to your art – the original acrylic photo block is an inch deep – you can achieve an almost 3D quality. What’s more, these photo blocks are fully customisable, allowing you to choose a cherished family portrait, a piece of impressionist art or anything else that takes your fancy!

HAND-PAINTED WALL ART

This luxury wall art design brings an upscale atmosphere to proceedings, make no mistake. The search for one appropriate to your interior space is almost as fun as the deployment once sourced; antique stores, museum auctions, bric a brac shops…they’re all fair game here. Or, if you have artistic talents and wouldn’t be shy about displaying your work, you could paint your own wall art; now that’s luxurious, we think.

HANG ABOUT 

The luxury element doesn’t stop at the piece you select. Indeed, how you hang and position your artwork within its room is key to making your art stand out in just the right way.

Though your instinct may be saying ‘go high’, in fact, your focal piece will look best at eye level. To get this right, use furniture to help you measure up. As a rule of thumb, the bottom of your artwork, or its frame, should be about 8-16 inches above the table or sofa. The same applies if you’re hanging a series of pieces – the lowest level piece should sit in the same place, and then you can stack upwards from there. 

If you don’t have furniture to help you out here, instead use the ‘eye level’ rule, placing your art where you’re naturally going to lock eyes on it. You’ll likely need to do this in a hallway or kitchen, for example. This will ensure that your chosen art can be admired by all, rather than having to look up and around to unearth it.

You can decide to combine two or more luxury wall art designs to give your interior space a feel of elegance and class. For you to get the best luxury wall art experience for your interior space, check out the luxury artwork over at Art Frill for inspiration.

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO SASSICAIA WINE: THE FIRST SUPER TUSCAN

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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO SASSICAIA WINE: THE FIRST SUPER TUSCAN

Amidst the picture-perfect, coastal landscape of the Tuscan village Bolgheri D.O.C, lies the legendary vineyard that produces the Sassicaia wine – the Italian wine that follows no other rules but their own.

Producing wine is said to be an art, with its own set of rules, terminology and tasting culture. Those who go against the well established norms of the discipline are rewarded or ignored. Fortunately for Mario Incisa, the creator of Sassicaia wine, his formidable wine has left him in the former camp. This is, in a large part, due to his grasp of fine Bordeaux wine, as well as his penchant for challenging the traditional methods. The toast of Italy, indeed; here’s the IDEAL guide to Sassicaia Wine: the first super Tuscan.

A CENTURY-LONG LOVE AFFAIR

It all began when Mario Incisa, an agronomist cavalry fighter in World War I, married Marchesa Clarice in 1930 and received 7,500 acres of land in Tenuta San Guido estate. After marriage, he busied himself in taking care of that inherited land and filled it with vegetables, fruits, flowers and other agricultural products. The region already had some light, easy-drinking wine production culture that used Sangiovese grapes, and those are still hugely popular today, but nothing could satisfy Mario’s enthusiasm for fine Bordeaux wine – something richer, deeper and fuller bodied – so he decided to produce it back home.

AN INAUGURAL VINEYARD

However, it was in 1944 when Mario Incisa established his first vineyard 400m above sea level after coming home from a learning trip to discover the intricacies of Bordeaux wine in-depth. He tore apart all the rules recommended by the Bolgheri D.O.C and planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The result was the first official bottling of the vintage Sassicaia wine in 1945.

EARLY SETBACKS & RECENT BOOSTS

The first commercial vintage, released in 1968, failed to impress. After spending years in multiple experiments with the help of the oenologist Giacomo Tachis, finally, in 1972, Sassicaia wine came into being, and in 1978 the wine beat 30 other Bordeaux blends from across the world in a blind tasting event. Indeed, by the late 1970s, the Super Tuscan was turning heads not just in Italy but in wider Europe, too, thanks to Sassicaia. 

Fast forward to the present day, and with the current American President’s tariffs on European wine imports affecting prices in the States, some Italian blends including Sassicaia have received a boost recently from US buyers viewing bottles as an investment, spurred on further by a particularly good vintage in 2016.

TASTES AND THE USE OF SASSICAIA WINE

Sassicaia is usually known for its supple texture, perfume, and elegance. The wine is characterised by a deep red and regal colour, and is round, savoury and full-bodied in taste, boasting soft tannins and a long finish. It also contains a variety of red fruit perfume.

Although Sassicaia is the result of breaking rules, it’s similar to any fine Tuscan red in its usability in cooking. As is the much-revered Tuscan tradition of hearty, generous cooking, Sassicaia wine can be used in marinades for red meats, to lend body to stews and, of course in ragus and other pasta sauces. It’s also been said to be the world’s best table wine, due to its easy drinkability.

Now that we’ve whet your appetite, you might be interested in delving a little deeper into the wine culture of the region. Should you be all set for an adventure of wining, dining and driving in the famous rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards, then check out our tips on 5 of the best restaurants for wine lovers in Chianti, Tuscany.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD MORE WARDROBE STORAGE SPACE TO YOUR HOME

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD MORE WARDROBE STORAGE SPACE TO YOUR HOME

We can’t all live our lives on Cribs, with walk in wardrobes and designated dressing rooms just for our trainers. That said, it’s not overly aspirational and annoyingly ambitious to want a little extra wardrobe space, is it? Indeed, cleverly organised wardrobe storage can transform your home and make simple things, like getting dressed for work in the morning and ready for a night out, feel fun. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to add more wardrobe storage space to your home.

FIRST, A PURGE

Okay, before we talk about adding more storage, let’s get rid of that hulking, space taking elephant in the room; it’s all that clutter you own doing the most damage to your domestic real estate options. So, the best place to start when seeking storage solutions is to purge the clothing items you no longer wear or need. And no, this doesn’t mean throwing stuff away, committed to landfill and contributing to the planet’s inevitable decline. Instead, repurpose items for other uses in the house, donate to charity shops or friends, or recycle them properly.

HOOKS, LINE & SINKER

Now you’ve cleared some space, let’s look at adding more wardrobe storage. A creative way to bring more space to clothes cupboards is to fix hooks on the back of your entries for the purpose of hanging necklaces, scarves, belts and other items that often end up in places where they’re hard to find, like under your bed. 

FLOOR SPACE 

Not all of your clothes are likely to hang all the way down to the bottom of a wardrobe. As such, there’s prime real estate under shorter hanging items, so group these pieces at one end and the longer ones at the other end, opening up the floor space on one side of your wardrobe. This allows you to fit in a small dresser or shoe rack. Maia Roffey of Black Sheep Interior Design suggests installing a tension rod between the chest and the wall to allow for even more hanging space; great idea!

UPPER SHELF & SHELF DIVIDERS

We’ve gone under, now time to go over. Yep, you can use shelves in the space above your hanging clothes for storing accessories or shoes, too. Shelf dividers can keep things upright and easily accessible. 

Though shelves are the best way to store foldable clothes, they can turn into a messy jumble, especially when you keep pulling out items. Marie Kondo, the organizing expert behind the KonMari method, has ways of folding clothes that may seem counterintuitive at first but that work exceptionally well when you master them; check out her show on Netflix and get inspired! 

HAVE A NEW WARDROBE DESIGNED

If your budget allows, and you want to make the most of the space you have in a room rather than just the space in your current wardrobe, think about investing in a bespoke wardrobe which can be tailored to suit your needs and the space limitations of your bedroom.

There are many options for you to consider, such as made to measure wardrobes and alternative storage options that can add a little bohemian chic to your home stylings. However, if you have the cash to spare, you could think about installing built-in wardrobes that have hidden features. 

If you are struggling with your room’s dimensions, you could opt for floating or moveable storage that can be minimised and free up space in your room. You could also declutter your room and take a minimalist approach by adding small items that beautify your space and add a little creative prospective.

You could also look at how you use your wardrobe and look at reducing the clothes you could create needed space by adding storage inside the wardrobe, to make the most of any available space.

OTHER CREATIVE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

  • The corners in your rooms are often wasted. By adding a hanging rod, you can easily create more storage space with little effort or expense. 
  • Seasonal clothing should be stored under your bed trunk until it’s needed again next year. 
  • A shoe organiser has many uses beyond just storing shoes. Roll up bulky items, like jumpers, and stash them away to give you more space in your wardrobe. 
  • Use a portable wardrobe to camouflage clothing in temporary situations, such as when relatives come to stay, or a student comes home for the holidays.  

 

5 WAYS TO MAKE A LITTLE EXTRA CASH

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5 WAYS TO MAKE A LITTLE EXTRA CASH

…IDEAL for a side hustle or if you’re saving up for something special.

Whether you have a 9-5 job, are a freelancer or student, that necessity for a little extra cash in 2020 is a certainty. Perhaps you’re saving for a house deposit, are expecting a child or simply want to take a weekend away to kick back. When you’re already working hard to make ends meet, it can feel tough to take on more ‘work’.

But making extra cash doesn’t necessarily have to be time consuming or difficult. By being money savvy and thinking cleverly, you can earn some pocket money to see you right this year. With that in mind, here are 5 ways to make a little extra cash, IDEAL for a side hustle or if you’re saving up for something special.

SELL OLD CLOTHES

Plenty of us have more clothes than they need, with old items taking up prime wardrobe real estate whilst simultaneously gathering dust; not a sustainable situation, to be frank. So, why not sell on some of your clothes? There are plenty of different online outlets that you can use such as eBay, Depop or ASOS Marketplace, and branded clothes in a good condition could make a fair amount of money. What’s more, you’ll be contributing to a positive, circular fashion movement rather than adding to demand for new items, which in turn harms our planet.

5 WAYS TO MAKE A LITTLE EXTRA CASH IN 2020

STOCKS AND SHARES

Yep, you need some capital in the first place here, but a great way to make a little extra money on top of your job is by opening stocks and shares ISAs. These are a great way for UK residents to save or invest up to £20,000 tax-efficiently each year, and require minimal effort once they’ve been opened. Don’t expect the kickback to be enormous, but the interest accrued certainly qualifies as pocket money. You can now invest from different providers and platforms online and on app-based services. While there lots of stock apps out there, do your research and ensure that they are reputable.

RENT A ROOM

If you live in a decent-sized property with some empty space, why not rent a room to a lodger? This can be a great little earner, especially if you live in a popular area with plenty of students and young people. Although, come to think of it, if you live in a decent sized property with some empty space for a lodger, you’re probably not in need of pocket money. Oh well. 

SURVEYS

Doing online surveys for money is another simple way to make a bit of extra cash. We should emphasise ‘a bit’ here; there’s no big bucks to be made. But plenty of companies value customer feedback so highly that they’re willing to pay for it, sometimes in cash and sometimes in vouchers or discounters. All you need to do is sign up, create a profile and get surveys to complete. You’ll need to complete loads to make anything qualifying as significant earnings, but every little helps, hey?

SOCIAL MEDIA

Luckily, in our modern, digitised, globalised age there are plenty of ways to make money without leaving the house. If you’re a pro at social media and have a good following, why not utilise your skills and make some extra cash? You can make money from your social media by blogging, promoting products or offering a paid service; just make sure you’re complying with the law in the process. It’s something you can do while on breaks at work, and if you’re online often anyway it won’t feel like much of a chore. 

5 TIPS ON HOW TO COPE WITH A STRESSFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT

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5 TIPS ON HOW TO COPE WITH A STRESSFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT

…IDEAL for a holistically healthier life.

We hear about work-related stress so often that it’s become normalised. Snowed under a blizzard of documents, answering emails in your sleep, taking work on holiday with you…that is not normal. While it’s probably impossible to eliminate work related stress entirely, there are certainly various ways to control and reduce it. 

Since prolonged stress affects your health in many unpleasant, unforeseen ways, managing it is essential to a happier, healthier life. With that in mind, here are 5 tips on how to cope with a stressful work environment, IDEAL for a holistically healthier life.

BUILD A POSITIVE WORKSPACE 

We cannot control all the aspects of our office life. Indeed, there will always be inane gossip around the water cooler. Tuna will often be put in the office microwave. 5:01pm is guaranteed to have untold significance to you for the rest of your days. But we can at least eliminate a few stressful factors, and add some positive spin, too. 

Sounds a bit dull we know, but as they say, a tidy desk equals a tidy mind. So, de-clutter your workspace, streamline your surfaces, and reap the benefits. Having a tidy environment to work in can make you feel more at ease and can make your brain feel a little less jumbled, too. Ensure that you keep your desk tidy by organising paperwork into the correct folders, clearing rubbish and keeping it free from dirty mugs. You could also add a living plant to your desk as this can help to cleanse the air around you and boost your productivity.

RULES AND BOUNDARIES

Learn to set them, and how to say no, and you’ll find your work-life immeasurably improved. That, or you’ll be sacked. It’s all in how you say it, we think. So, be firm, fair and reasonable when rejecting requests to work late or harder, for instance. Use reason in your reproach, perhaps suggesting that a higher workload will reduce the quality of your work and productivity. Appealing to your manager’s profit margins in such a way is cynical, but sensible. 

GET ACTIVE

Exercise is one of the key elements to living a healthy lifestyle, physically and mentally, and as such, it can have a positive impact on your workplace wellbeing, too. However, if you’re sat at a desk all day (the risks of such a sedentary lifestyle are well documented) it can be difficult to incorporate exercise into your workplace. 

Change up your daily routine, and ask support from your seniors to do the same. You could suggest walking meetings as this can increase your productivity and energy levels. Or, use your lunch break as an opportunity to go for a jog or a walk. If these aren’t viable options, you could aim to exercise before work. Rather than getting public transport or driving, you could walk, cycle or jog to work instead. If that’s implausible time wise, get off the bus or train a stop or two early, and walk the rest of the way. Anything which gets you a little out of breath does you wonders.

YOUR JOB IS NOT YOUR LIFE

We don’t know who needs to hear this, but since you’re reading this article, it’s probably you; your job and its responsibilities do not define you. Character, courage of conviction, staying true to yourself and your word…these should be the things you’re proud of, not the wording on your work contract. Remembering this can alleviate a huge amount of stress you may be feeling about your job.

Building a rich and meaningful personal life and making time – real, valuable time – for loved ones will help prevent negative feelings about work from festering. No, it’s not pleasant to learn that something you’ve been so involved in professionally didn’t go as expected, but you can reduce that sensation of having failed by nurturing meaning in other parts of your life.

STICK TO YOUR VALUES 

Remaining true to yourself can help you survive a toxic work environment and reduce your stress levels. If there’s a toxic person – yep, it’s most likely your boss – encouraging bad behaviour from you, remember your principles. Just like you need good fly killers to keep your porch and garden free of intruders, so you need an imaginary fly swat to bat away the bourgeoisie and keep your feelings towards work harmonious.

That said and joking aside, if your bosses behave in an untoward manner or you witness inappropriate behaviour at work, do make sure you take action, express solidarity and offer support to anyone on the receiving end of this. Check out our tips on ways to deal with conflict at work for more on the subject.

5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH COMMON PROBLEMS AT THE AIRPORT

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5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH COMMON PROBLEMS AT THE AIRPORT

The airport just seems to bring out the worst in us. Elbows are engaged in line for check-in, airline staff are resented for not overlooking your luggage excess of 7kg, and somehow the process of security manages to convince you that you’re carrying so much contraband. Yep, it’s tough to keep your head here. Dealing with issues which may emerge, then, can be difficult. We’re here to help, with these; our 5 IDEAL tips on how to deal with common problems at the airport.

FLIGHT DELAY

Having a flight delayed is every traveller’s nightmare; a collective sigh from the gate and a hasty recalculation of how many hours at the pool you’ll have today. If any at all. All your laid out plans and strategising are now at the mercy of the airline, the skies and the runway, and the resulting wait in the airport is rarely an enjoyable one. You should immediately ask your airline if they can book you on another flight, and if the wait is significant, grant you free access to the priority lounge, too. In the name of mitigating dischord, they’ll likely agree.

At some stage you’ll want to check if you are eligible for compensation, and potentially in the future be able to claim for flight delays. It helps to know your rights in such instances, and the contract of carriage differs from one airline to another; many airlines’ compensation plan only kicks into effect if the delay extends for more than 3 or 4 hours. 

FLIGHT CANCELLATION

A cancellation is an even bigger body blow, but the process of dealing with it is actually similar; first, and before all the other passengers get the same idea, ask if you can be put on a different flight. And similarly to a delayed flight, seek access to those comfy seats in the business lounge with haste. Be aware that making the switch to a new flight with urgency may likely invalidate your claims for reimbursement later down the line.

LEFT LUGGAGE ON PLANES 

Left your camera on the plane before and not realised until you got home? We’ve all done it, and lost some memories in the process. To avoid this, ring the airline as soon as you realise your error; they’ll tell you to call lost property at the airport, but it’s worth ringing them first nonetheless. Annoyingly, the airport’s lost property team may well tell you to contact your airline for further information for items left on board an aircraft; in other words, it’s a merry go round which will leave you dizzy. 

Better to contact First Flight directly, who handle any luggage left on planes for Ryanair, Virgin, Tui, British Airways, Easyjet and Jet2.com, and provide services to Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and all other UK airports.

Call them on 01279 813000 or drop them an email [email protected]. They even have a dedicated division named airlinelostproperty.com where they post updates of lost and found luggage. Be warned; the company only keeps items for three months, after which they auction off your belongings for profit. The game is rigged, guys.

AIRPORT PARKING

If you’ve made the decision to drive to the airport, then stress levels could go either way. Sure, you’ve alleviated yourself of the heavy burden of lifting luggage on busy platforms, but equally, finding a parking space might send your anxiety into overdrive. It can be problematic to locate a snug little space for your wheels on arrival and a whim. Therefore, it’s imperative you book an airport parking space in advance. 

ADVANCE CHECK IN

Budget airlines are rarely that. We’ve all experienced the hidden costs which are added at every rotation of your luggage wheels, lurking somewhere deep in the matrix waiting to catch you out. Unless you want to get hit with a massive extra fee, it’s well wise to use the advance check in option (although the window to do this is deliberately narrow and obstructive). Some airlines, such as Ryanair, charge you £55 per person to check in if you didn’t do so online. Madness, but again, that’s the game.

 

5 OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN, CROATIA

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN, CROATIA

…IDEAL for your Adriatic adventure.

Legendary Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw definitely had it right when he said ‘the faults of the burglar are qualities of the financier’. But nope, we’re not here to talk about bringing down the capitalist system, that’s for another time. Shaw also said that ‘those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik’. That’s what we’re here to talk about. And more specifically, the walled city which gazes out over the Adriatic Sea, and its old town’s (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) brilliant restaurants. This has to be one of the most romantic places to wine and dine anywhere in Europe, and with that in mind, here are 5 of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia, IDEAL for your Adriatic adventure.

RESTAURANT DUBROVNIK

Just a couple of minute’s stroll from the gorgeous main street of the old town, Stradun, and close to Green Market, too, Restaurant Dubrovnik is one of the city’s defining eateries. That’s in part down to the beautiful terrace setting, and the candlelit, romantic vibe which falls over the floor in the evening. But it’s the food, particularly the fresh stuff from the Adriatic Sea, which pulls the punters in. 

There’s always a cured or marinated fish to start, like smoked eel with red caviar and citrusy mayo, or a ‘Dubrovnik style’ ceviche (local white fish marinated in lemon juice) which is a must order. Follow it up with even more fish, and a great meal is guaranteed. The egregious, energetic owner only enhances this great experience. When visiting Dubrovnik’s old town, this should be your first port of call.

Address: Ul. Svetog Dominika bb, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

RESTAURANT 360

Restaurant 360º is Dubrovnik’s only Michelin starred restaurant, and one of only five in Croatia as a whole. A fantastic, panoramic view (clue’s in the name) of the old port below and Dubrovnik castle behind is a pretty majestic thing to see when you’re eating. If possible, try to bag a seat in the restaurant’s curved terrace (the old town’s battlement); it’s spectacular.

Though the food here is very much ‘modernised’, and the vibe fine dining, there are dues paid to the cuisine and terroir of Dubrovnik. As with the majority of restaurants in the city, seafood is their forte, with Italian influences making any pasta dishes a must order, too. That’s the scallop with fregola pasta for us, then. With a wine cellar boasting more than 6’000 bottles, and prices matching their Michelin tag, this is a place for celebrating. But what a celebration that’ll be.

Address: Ul. Svetog Dominika bb, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

ZUZORI

Another place with a cracking wine list, many of which are regional (Croatian wine is having a real moment right now) is Zuzori. Look for a glass using Plavac Mali (an indigenous grape to the Dalmatian region) to sample what all the fuss is about.

That famous Croatian national pride extends to the name, which honours the avant garde Dubrovnik poet Cvijeta Zuzorić and a menu which is celebratory of the land and sea surrounding. Their octopus black risotto is a signature, but equally fine was a dish of Adriatic bluefin tuna with aubergine. As is obligatory within the old town, try to secure an al fresco dining seat; Zuzori’s are in an attractive alleyway. Nope, that’s not an oxymoron; it’s beautiful. 

Address: Ul. Cvijete Zuzorić 2, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

PROTO FISH

We promise we’ll stop talking about the quality of Dubrovnik’s seafood soon. For now, though, one more restaurant; Proto Fish. This place is traditional, down-to-earth, and no less delicious for it, we think. There’s no attempt at ‘refining’ the classics here, no foams, no frippery, just honest cooking with superb ingredients since 1886 (yep, that long). Oftentimes, great fish deserves such treatment. Start with oysters from nearby Ston, and follow with the catch of the day; in places such as this, it’s best to put your faith in the fishermen. 

Address: Široka ul. 1, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

NISHTA

Okay, we promised; so we’ll finish with a vegetarian place, Nishta. It’s a compact, cosy affair, with outdoor seating in a tight side street, but the food is excellent; an ever changing cast of global meat free dishes. The menu is divided into cooked and raw, with the latter surprisingly excellent; there are wraps and rolls brimming with freshness and bite. A perfect respite from all that protein, or a place you’ll be visiting perennially should you be committed to the plant based. 

Address: Prijeko bb, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Keep travelling, keep clicking; here are 5 IDEAL travel tips for your holiday in Split, Croatia, perfect for your the next leg of your Adriatic adventure.

 

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