Menu
Home Blog Page 265

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT UK CAMPERVAN HOLIDAY

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT UK CAMPERVAN HOLIDAY

It’s an existential question on the lips of many a keen traveller; just when does the holiday actually start? Does your trip begin when you book the ticket? Or is it when you put on your ‘out of office’ ceremoniously, and raise a sly middle finger to your boss as you head for the door? Perhaps the holiday only really gets going when you’re on the way to the airport or when you touch down?

Well, here’s a secret we’ll let you in on, which campervan owners have known for some time; when you’re driving one, the holiday never stops. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an actual ‘owner’ to enjoy this feeling of unbridled freedom. With camper van hire, all this can be yours; here are our 5 IDEAL tips for your next UK campervan holiday.

EMBRACE THE LIMITATIONS OF THAT FREEDOM OF THE ROAD

Travelling with a van certainly does change the way you spend your holidays. And that spontaneity and sense of unbridled freedom it brings should be weighed up against a certain lack of comfort and convenience at some points in your journey. Be realistic about this; you’ll often encounter places where there is no restaurant and supermarket, so it’s best to come prepared. Most campervans come equipped with a small fridge, where you can store a few groceries. Have a few snacks stored too for those longer stretches of road when stomachs may start rumbling and minds wandering.

COOKING & EATING OUTSIDE

There’s something about food cooked in the great outdoors that just seems to taste better than it does when cooked at home on a stovetop. Indeed grilling up something on the BBQ and dining alfresco offers something different than being stuck in a kitchen; from the distinct flavour of the grill marks to the sociability of it all. So, make sure your campervan is equipped with a small, portable barbie and a little fuel; it provides the perfect excuse to get your comedy apron on and your grill out at every available opportunity. 

THROW OFF THE SCHEDULE SHACKLES

If planning isn’t exactly your forte, and holidays seem to be constantly in the discussion phase, then a campervan holiday may suit your perennial procrastination just perfectly. On nothing more than a whim, you can choose to hit the high road and decide on the destination once you’re in motion, Springsteen is on the stereo and the pedal is very much to the metal. So, embrace that throwing off the shackles, and make sure you leave plenty of your trip up to chance.

Psst, hey you rubbish planner! Bear in mind that many motorhome camping sites do require booking, and close and shut down their facilities in the winter, so a little foresight is needed here to avoid disappointment.

TAKE PLENTY OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR ADULTS AND KIDS

Boredom can lead to plenty of back (and front) seat infighting when on the road, so it’s best to come prepared with entertainment to keep passengers occupied during the more boring stretches of road and scenery. Just because you’re in a campervan doesn’t mean the fun times are infinite.

Make sure all electronics are fully charged and films downloaded. Agree set times for screens before you set off to encourage family members to look up from their devices and take in the scenery. A campervan playlist is a great idea, too, with contributions and choices from all members of the group, as this avoids unseemly squabbles about what to listen to and can conjure up wonderful memories once the trip is over. An audiobook that appeals to everyone is also a great way to pass the hours on the open road.

KIT OUT THE CAMPERVAN

Hey, getting your campervan looking lovely is all part of the fun right? Though we’re not necessarily suggesting you go full ‘hippy wagon’ on us, a fresh lick of paint, a decent dress up of the interiors and a quality sound system installed will make the trip all the more pleasurable. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered on this one, with our 5 IDEAL ways to make your campervan look cool for summer. Check it out!

 

5 IDEAL HACKS FOR CREATING A KITCHEN YOU WANT TO SPEND TIME IN

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL HACKS FOR CREATING A KITCHEN YOU WANT TO SPEND TIME IN

You know what they say, that home is where the heart is? Don’t those same sages suggest that the kitchen is that home’s beating heart? Are they trying to say that ‘home is where the kitchen is’? Or is the kitchen just one ventricle, pumping out the good stuff – food – to the rest of the body, which is actually the family? Or….we’ve confused ourselves now.

What we can deduce from that nonsense is that the kitchen is most certainly the soul of the house, where some of the most meaningful family time is spent and shared. That is, if you can entice family in there in the first place, away from their second and third screens, their bedrooms, the pub down the road…Yep, this is one thing we’re sure of; ‘the family that spends time in the kitchen together, stays together’. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL hacks for creating a kitchen you want to spend time in. 

NO KITCHEN IS AN ISLAND

In many ways, it’s the kitchen’s connection to the rest of the house which defines its role within it. If it’s purely a place for cooking, with the dining table placed in another room, then it becomes a very solitary place indeed. But should the kitchen contain a focal point for the whole house, in the form of a statement dining table (we’re thinking thick, blond oak), then family members will instantly be drawn there, to converse, to read, to do work, all whilst the dinner is being prepared. 

A kitchen island serves the same purpose, with the added sociability for bar stools. Perched a little higher, elbows lent on the surface, perhaps thumbing through a newspaper…it just encourages chit chat and chill, right? Make sure your kitchen has a sociable surface as its primary point of convergence.

TILER THE CREATOR

Kitchen walls seem to come in fifty shades of beige, perfect for displaying your most recent pasta sauce and your children’s felt tip creativity, but not best suited for that conversation stimulating atmosphere we’re looking for.

Dedicating part of the room to bespoke, beautiful tiles is the answer here; they add contrast to the single tone used elsewhere on the kitchen walls, they tell a story in their origins, and as a bonus, they’re easily wipeable! You could can even consider creating a mosaic kitchen countertop for real visual intrigue.  

If you can’t find a style of tile which quite suits the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, then don’t be afraid to get imaginative and realise your own composition. Creating different patterns with tiles in a mosaic is eminently possible and the beauty of doing your own design is that it will be totally unique, and not found in any other kitchen on the planet. Now that’s a place we’d want to spend some time in.

INVITE THE WORLD ROUND FOR TEA

Kitchen ‘decor’ is a hard thing to get right; it’s not a space which suits art and frames and abstract sculpture, that’s for sure. Too much of that stuff just feels a bit silly here, heavy handed and out of place.

Instead, harness the power of functional art to give the room some serious personality and provide some perfectly placed conversation starters, too. Since it’s a place where the family’s cooking and conversation gets done, the interior design here should support both, as well as looking great in the process.

Cooking tools sourced from far flung places and nostalgic travel adventures certainly straddle the two concerns of art and function perfectly. A tastefully displayed tagine from Morocco, a granite pestle and mortar from Thailand sitting proudly on a work surface, a dusty pasta maker, even some bespoke Japanese knives framed by a magnetic knife block, catching the light just so…if that’s not art, we don’t know what is.

SPEAKER SET UP

Of course, cooking, eating and conversation are the main activities your kitchen will be hosting. But if you want to make it a more sociable place, as well as an enjoyable room to be alone in, ‘slaving’ over a hot stove, then installing some subtle, portable Bluetooth speakers is a masterstroke in creating ambiance. Preferably positioned fairly high in the room, and not immediately visible to guests, the right soundtrack can completely define the room’s atmosphere.

Sonos are looking to lead the field in 2020, and their One and Play:5 models are superb. They do, however, come at a price. JBL do an affordable range of waterproof, unassuming speakers perfect for kitchens, and we’re also big fans of Audio Pro Addon range, which boasts brilliant sound for the price.

Or, you could go for a smart speaker; the previously mentioned Sonos One has Alexa activated capabilities, and Apple’s Home Pod is also voice controlled. Ideal, we think, for those moments when you’re hands are covered in flour and you want to change the track.

IMPROVE FLOW & FUNCTIONALITY

You’ve improved the aesthetics, honed the atmospherics, now it’s time to make your kitchen an easier place to cook in. Because if the chef is a little more serene, and a little less Gordon Ramsay, then the mood of the room is going to be welcoming, rather than hostile. 

Flow and functionality are the buzzwords here. Firstly, you’re going to want to kit your kitchen out with the right tools for great everyday cooking. A basic inventory should include a couple of decent heavy bottomed pans, a sharp chef’s knife, a thick wooden chopping board, a sturdy sieve, a slotted spoon, a large mixing bowl or two…you get the picture, now paint it. There are also a couple of appliances indispensable to good cooking; a reliable food processor is an absolute must. A standing mixer would do no harm, either.

An easy, breezy kitchen workflow is also essential to making the whole space more enjoyable to cook in. Items should be stored neatly and everything should have a place – check out our tips on storage solutions for your kitchen for the best advice on that – leaving the countertop free for prep. In doing so, keeping things clean will be much easier, too.

Finally, in the spirit of a professional kitchen, consider the positioning of everything in terms of economy of movement; is the seasoning directly next to the hob, the obvious place for your chopping board on the other side of that hob, and the bin close to the sink and easily accessible? It all adds up.

Now that your kitchen is war ready for all the cooking and hosting you can muster, it’s time to get dinner on. Check out our 6 IDEAL chef’s secrets to lift your home cooking to the next level, and show off those skills!

 

HOME AUTOMATION: 5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME SMARTER

Editorial Team
-
0
HOME AUTOMATION: 5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME SMARTER

‘Alexa, how do I make my home smarter?’. Oh, that’s not how this thing works. Perhaps, then, let’s do things the old fashioned way, with an article.

Though we’ve all heard the horror stories, about rogue state actors using your microwave to control your thoughts, of your home hub knowing how often you have sex and advertising accordingly, or of thieves gaining access to your home more easily than ever…it seems that a fair amount of poetic licence is used when discussing home automation. In fact, the convenience and interconnectivity of the smartest homes is something which can really oil the cogs of everyday life.

Indeed, smart homes can make life easier and more convenient; from managing all of your devices from the comfort of your couch to knowing everything is safe and sound while you’re away, having the control of your home at your fingertips is definitely a worthwhile investment. Moreover a smart home can increase energy efficiency which is good for the environment and your pocket too. What’s not to love?

So with protective arms around your data, if you’re up for making things a little easier for yourself, then read on; our 5 IDEAL ways to make your home smarter.

INTELLIGENT THERMOSTATS

Rarely does a week pass by without another think piece published about the optimum house temperature, the disparity between and a man and woman’s preferred warmth, its implication in ongoing gender wars, and subsequent reasons for divorce. Smart thermostats, to an extent, come into the conversation, fuelling fiddling and contributing to fall outs all over the house.

In reality, they’re an incredibly useful addition to the home, and one which is less likely to compromise your security and privacy than some of the more invasive additions you could make. Having one enables you to control your home’s temperature via an app on your phone, meaning you can turn on your heating when you’re heading home from work or while you’re lying in bed in the morning. To further simplify proceedings, consider that a smart thermostat also perfectly pairs with a smart air quality monitor. Modern technology is pretty special, hey?

CLEVER COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

There are now intelligent communication systems available which enable you to make the entrance to your property the start of the smart home journey. Yep, several intercom and doorbell devices now exist primarily for the purpose of home automation. 2N intercoms, for instance, allow for smart security monitoring via their hidden cameras, as well as the ability to make calls to your smartphone (‘Hey! Your pizza is outside) and open your front door, whether you’re inside or outside the home, with your voice. Wow, is there anything technology can’t do?

BRIGHT LIGHTS

Any smart home system which can mitigate some of our pad’s carbon footprint and environmental impact has got the be a good thing. Smart lights certainly come under this bracket; though they won’t be able to do your kids homework for you, these intelligent bulbs can be controlled remotely, scheduled to come on briefly when you’re on holiday to deter burglars, set to only switch on and turn off when the room is occupied, and even remember various bright-to-dim presets according to activity (‘movie mode’ for example). Ideal for reducing your energy use, this one.

SMART COOKING

Sometimes, smart technology comes along and fills a hole you didn’t even realise was gaping. But various intelligent cooking devices are now on the market, and honestly, we don’t know what we even did with our hands before they existed. The Perfect Bake Pro, for instance, is a ‘smart scale’ and recipe app which turns recipes on their head; once you’ve chosen said recipe, the scales tell you how much of each ingredient you need as you’re weighing, in process, and remind you of each step (mix, fold, beat, put in and take out of oven…you get the picture) as you go. Amazing.

Perhaps the most popular smart cooking device on the market is the Smart Wifi Instant Pot, which serves as a slow cooker, a rice cooker, steamer, cake and bread maker and many more besides. The cooker can be set from anywhere via the app, and has nearly a thousand pre-programmed features. Cooking doesn’t get easier than this.

SMART HUBS & SPEAKERS

With all that smart technology in the house, you’re going to need a hub to control it all from, right? Well, most developers make sure that their smart home products, including those thermostats, lights, communication systems and cooking appliances, are all Amazon Echo Dot, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Assistant enabled and integrated.

This means that most actions around the home can be voice controlled, if that’s your jam. Just remember that the more interconnected and integrated your home system is, the more locked in and institutionalised to your chosen provider’s web you’ll be. Proceed with caution; don’t sacrifice too much of your privacy for a little added convenience.

5 IDEAL SELF-CARE TIPS FOR 2020

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL SELF-CARE TIPS FOR 2020

December’s relentless focus on giving is now but a blot in the rearview mirror. And it feels great to say this out loud; now is the time to be selfish. Nope, we’re not encouraging inconsiderate, ignorant behaviour, but rather, a redefinition of what it means to put the ‘self’ first. Looking after number one shouldn’t be a dirty term. Instead, it’s something we all need to do from time to time, to bring clarity, positivity and a fresh outlook on life. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL self-care tips for 2020.

MEDITATION & YOGA

Taking a moment. Having a stretch. Counting your breaths mindfully up to ten. All seemingly innocuous little tasks which can have a huge impact on your sense of worth and well being. The science agrees; Harvard researchers recently reported meditation’s potential for changing the brain in depressed patients. Studies last year also suggested that yoga improves brain health in regular practicers. So, if you’re intent on entering the new decade with a focus on self care, putting a simple ten minutes aside each day for meditation, yoga, or ideally both, is perhaps the best thing you can do for your mind.

PRIORITISE BEING OVER DOING

A simple philosophy which can be interpreted in many ways, but prioritising ‘being’ instead of ‘doing’ can work wonders for well being, as it emphasises that necessary shift from always being on, available and in motion, to something all the more inward looking. In the best possible way of course. 

Allocate yourself an hour a day (or more, if you’re feeling generous!) just to sit quietly and focus on your hobbies or your relaxation. This could take the form of taking yourself outside for a stroll, reading a book, catching up on a series you particularly enjoy, or simply taking a long, languid soak in the tub, perhaps complete with bath salts and an invigorating face mask, such as these great ones from Que Bella, which cleanse, hydrate and detoxify. A little pampering here goes a long way, we think.

KEEP A GRATITUDE DIARY

Though it sounds a little woolly around the edges, time and time again it’s been shown that practicing gratitude is a key contributor to happiness. Indeed, by keeping a daily log of appreciation, the brain becomes rewired to look for reasons to be grateful. In the process, you may well find yourself more grounded, humble, thankful and kind towards the world around you. 

It’s wise to approach this act with empathy, rather than simply going through the motions; if you’ve had a non eventful day, don’t feel compelled to complete your journal. Instead, focus on depth, not breadth, and on people you appreciate, rather than things. In doing so, you’ll notice a gradual, growing warmth towards the world and its often lovely inhabitants.

SLEEP RIGHT

We all do it, right? But how many of us actually do it right? With each year, discussions of sleep hygiene and the damage which bad sleep practices can cause get more voluminous, as scientific research sheds increasing light on its impact. 

Firstly, it’s time you got your bedroom properly primed for a good night’s zzzeds; remove distractions, particularly those which emit that pesky blue light which we all should know by now interferes with our circadian rhythms. Make sure you designate an hour or two before sleep to relaxation (a bath, reading…you know the score) and try to hit the hay at a regular time each night. Soon enough, your body clock will be in a reassuringly predictable groove which contributes to a far more restful night’s sleep.

DON’T DENY YOURSELF

January has become the national month of abstinence; it’s dry, it’s plant based and it’s (whisper it) pretty dreary because of that. While of course we could all benefit from readdressing our relationship with our vices and eating habits, it can actually be pretty harmful to overdo the self denial, just to follow a trend or tick a box. Instead, practice moderation as 2020 unfolds, in combination with a holistic approach to your health and that all important self care, for a well rounded, wholesome approach. 

With that in mind, check out our 4 IDEAL steps to eating everything in moderation for a little inspiration.

5 IDEAL REASONS TO PLAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY WELL IN ADVANCE

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
-
0
5 IDEAL REASONS TO PLAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY WELL IN ADVANCE

We’re all guilty of a little wanderlust, especially in the winter, when images of Caribbean seas, South African skies and Sri Lankan sun dominate our Instagram feed. Escapism can take many forms, and the long, barren January needs it, even if that escape happens only on the pages of Skyscanner. We all need something to look forward to, and for practical purposes, planning your holidays sooner rather than later can have many advantages. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL reasons to plan your next holiday well in advance.

SNAG THOSE LOWER PRICES

Whilst it’s not always true that the earlier you book, the cheaper it is, waiting for last-minute bargains is a stressful, often fruitless experience. By planning earlier, you’re able to monitor fluctuations in prices and book when you see a good deal, without succumbing to the pressures of ‘now or never’. 

There’s often a temptation to engage in a game of who blinks first when booking flights; if you take it right down to the wire, you might cash in on a last minute price drop. But this very rarely works, really. You’re much more likely to get inexpensive tickets if you act decisively and firmly once you’ve chosen where you want to go. Even in the unlikely event that you do snag an eleventh-hour flight, the cost of high time, high price hotel room bookings, transfers and the rest will likely render your savvy saving on flights negligible.

Accordingly, it’s a wise move to set up price alerts to help you grab the best deals, as well as looking out for promotions, all with a flexibility in mind that doing things earlier grants you. 

BUDGET BETTER

Simply put and consistently true, planning your holidays helps you better manage your budget, both for the holiday itself and life in general. To streamline the more complicated sums, if you have 10 weeks to save for a £1,000 holiday, you know you need to start putting aside £100 a week; and this easy visualisation is actually an incredibly useful tool when budgeting. Knowing this will help your spending, and ensure you have enough money to not only travel to your desired location, but actually afford to do all the things you want when you’re there….waiter, another dos cerveza s’il vous plate! 

ALWAYS TAKE THE WEATHER WITH YOU

Actually, don’t. But if you’re like the majority of 82% of Brits who consider having good weather the most important thing in a holiday, then you don’t want to take anything by chance. By looking at average temperatures, long range weather predictions and the rest, you’ll be able to plan when the best time to go is, instead of just being lured by low prices and sacrificing good weather in favour of saving a few pounds.

AVOID SOLD OUT DISAPPOINTMENTS

If you’re travelling to a destination for a particular event like a concert, festival or exhibition, knowing the dates in advance will help ensure you bag a ticket. Similarly, exclusive holidays like cruises, wellness retreats and conservation holidays tend to only take small numbers and sell out months in advance. Getting your spot early is vital if you don’t want to miss out. 

GET YOUR HOLIDAY REQUEST IN

If your place of work operates holidays on a first-come-first-served basis, you’ll want to get your holiday requests in early to avoid missing out. By deciding on your travel dates early, your employer is more likely to accommodate your request – especially if you’re looking at longer durations. You can also hack and manipulate the bank holidays to your advantage by incorporating them into your holiday request and saving precious annual leave. In fact, we wrote an article last year on the IDEAL guide to make the most of your annual leave in 2019. Though the year has changed, the same rules apply, so check it out!

And with that, we’re off to book ours! Good luck with your search, and perhaps we’ll see you in the plane or by the pool?

 

5 IDEAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN PERTH, AUSTRALIA, IN 2020

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN PERTH, AUSTRALIA, IN 2020

Is there a nation more famous for loving fun, frolics and frivolity? If there is, we’re yet to visit it. Indeed, the Land Down Under certainly knows how to get down; even their former PM Bob Hawke is most lovingly remembered for necking two and a half pints in just eleven seconds. With a national catchphrase of ‘no worries mate’ and a love for kicking back and getting loose famed the world over, it’s no wonder that Australia has some of the most enjoyable parties around. 

If you’re thinking of heading to ‘the most isolated city in the world’, Perth, this year, then fear not, there’s still plenty going on. Here’s a handful of the best; our 5 IDEAL festivals and events in Perth, Australia, in 2020.

THE PERTH FESTIVAL

The Perth Festival grew from the annual entertainment nights held by Western Australia University into something much, much bigger. It’s now in its sixth decade and brings together a hugely diverse mix of performers, from the worlds of music, circus, opera, drama, literature and more for a huge celebration of the arts.

The festival takes place during February and March every year and attracts an audience as eclectic as their lineup. Special events during the extravaganza include the Lotterywest Film Festival, which gives several awards for the best movies out there within their field. This year, as always, indigenous artists are given a platform. Annually, over 700,000 visitors attend to enjoy the performances and broaden their minds a little in the process.

THE HYDE PARK FAIR

The Hyde Park Community Fair Festival features live entertainment, demonstrations, arts and crafts, sideshow rides, multicultural displays, and workshops to suit all tastes and preferences. It’s a family-friendly affair, with the event, which is held on March 1st and 2nd, offering entertainment including famous High Fashion shows, Kids Fun Zones, and over 200 booths with attractive artwork. 

The Veteran Car Show is one of the main highlights each year, showcasing wacky vehicles such as Eagles/Dockers, which simply must be seen to be believed. The Foodie Delights Zone has got your stomach covered, with local delicacies like tomahawk steak and black kingfish getting the famous Aussie barbie treatment. Just remember to throw a couple of Fosters back and you’ve had yourself a day truly lived in the Australian spirit.

PERTH FRINGE FESTIVAL

Fringe World is a famous annual festival in Perth, which attracts big crowds to get immersed in a world of comedy, circus more. It actually starts today, but fear not, it runs for the next month, between 17 January and 16 February at over 150 locations in Perth and regional Western Australia. 

If you enjoy cabaret, check out one of the shows such as ‘1 pint 2 many’, ‘A Disney Tribute: Once Upon a Teaser’, and ‘A Maze in Graze Lands’. You’ll also find plenty of children’s events here, too, such as the ‘3 Speed Crunch Box Rebooted’ show or the ‘Abracadabra and Other Useless Magic Words’ show. The Fringe World’s Cirque Africa dance performance is a particular highlight. 

ASCOT RACING IN PERTH

Yep, this is a nation that loves a bit of horseplay. The Ascot Racing Carnival begins in October of each year and lasts until the new year; be there on the 31st December 2020 and you’re in for one hell of a celebration. The entertainment during those two months is as glamorous as the racing, with the Ultimate Champaign Oasis experience being the height of glitz. 

If you’re up for more of the same, then a four hour flight from Perth will take you to Tasmina for Launceston Racecourse’s Summer Racing festival. One of the most popular events is the Launceston Cup, held yearly, which sees winners receive a total of $200,000 in prize money. The Launceston Cup is held on February 26th in 2020, so you’ve still got a month to get those flights sorted!

THE ATP CUP

The ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Cup is the newest major tennis tournament on the calendar, and certainly the most elite, in its own way (it’s only for the dudes). Tennis champions from over 24 nations come together in Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth to exchange serves, smashes, backhands and drop shots, as a warm up for the Australian Open, which kicks off just two days after the ATP Cup’s final.

The RAC Arena in Perth sees some of the action. Although this year’s inaugural event has already concluded (from the 2nd to the 12th January) and Novak Djokovic already crowned champion, next year’s event looks set to be an ever bigger spectacle. Book early to avoid disappointment!

 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL WAYS TO BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES

January can be a gloomy time. Cold, dark days reign supreme, escapism is at a minimum and a blank social calendar can often lead to the winter blues kicking in, leaving you feeling glum and miserable.

But the goods news is this; we’ve already hopped the hurdle of January 20th, the most depressing day of the year according to experts. Evenings are getting lighter, and we’ve got just over a week to go until a new month and hopefully, a new perspective.

Fear not. Until then, there are ways you can lighten your mood and feel more positive. With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with Medical Herbalist Katie Pande, to bring you these; our 5 IDEAL ways to beat the January blues.

EAT CHOCOLATE

What we eat has a huge impact on our mood. In fact, eating itself can often make us feel cheery. Ever experienced ‘hanger’? Then you’ll know the feeling of joy when you finally feast on some food.

Chocoholics rejoice! Our favourite sweet treat is on the list of happy foods. In fact, it’s the cocoa in chocolate that is said to improve moods and enhance the feelings of pleasure as it boosts levels of serotonin – the ‘happy hormone’ – great for beating winter blues.

Of course, we aren’t encouraging you to eat bar after bar of milky or white chocolate; the latter isn’t even real chocolate, so they say. Instead, aim to eat chocolate that contains at least 70% cacao, as this not only means more of the mood-boosting theobromine but also, it tends to contain less sugar. Too much sugar might temporarily make us feel happy as we float on a sugar high, but it’s soon followed by a crash, which can dampen our mood, ruin our concentration and leave us feeling stressed, anxious and irritable.

Other mood boosting foods to munch on include bananas, turkey, salmon, strawberries and lentils. Perhaps not altogether of course; that sounds like a bizarre dish right there.

CUT BACK ON THE COFFEE

Your oat milk capp might seem like the only way to get through a busy morning but coffee, much like sugar, can leave you anxious and wired, which can soon turn to a coffee ‘crash’. And the result of this? The opposite effect to what you were seeking; tiredness and a slump.

Instead, opting for matcha tea is a great way to still get the caffeine hit without that subsequent crash as it contains a compound called L-theanine. This amino acid helps to increase the mood-boosting hormones serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

GET MOVING

The key to ditching the winter blues, we think. But exercise doesn’t have to mean pounding a treadmill for hours, or spending every morning in the gym. Really, just a 30-minute brisk walk outside is all you need to trigger the production of endorphins – making us feel happy whilst lowering stress levels in the process.

If the weather is intent on keeping you indoors, try yoga or pilates, which can help balance the mind and body, or if you’re short on time, take a lunch break while it’s light outside. Apps such as ‘Seven -7 Minute Workout’ (free from the App Store or Google Play) provide great at-home guided sessions, and even Youtube is a good source of workout videos.

LOVE YOUR GUT 

It’s been dubbed the second brain, and for good reason, as your gut is home to trillions of bacteria. Our gut microbiota, which have been said to potentially impact brain function, aid the immune system and provide nutrients for the body. As such, eat a diet rich in fibre and include plenty of fermented foods such as kefir and kimchi, for an easy gut boost.

Sebastian Pole, Pukka Herbs’ Medical Herbalist and co-founder explains, ‘by supporting good digestion and the body’s detoxification processes, it is possible to increase our resilience to modern lifestyles and regain vitality. Herbs including aniseed, fennel, cardamom and turmeric are perfect to boost the digestive system and liver.

PRIORITISE SLEEP  

A bad night’s sleep can inevitably lead to low energy levels and over time, stress. Avoid that pesky caffeine after midday and try to have your final meal at least a couple of house before heading to bed so your food has time to settle. Prepare for the next day before going to sleep – maybe pack your bag for work, or lay out your chosen outfit, so you aren’t worried about the morning rush.

Making time to unwind before hitting the sack is also important (check out our 5 IDEAL steps to the perfect bedtime routine over here). Whilst a drink too soon before sleep can cause you to wake up in the night needing the toilet, sipping on a tea made with nature’s best nighttime herbs can help to soothe, calm and ground your body and mind. Chamomile, lavender, oat flower and valerian – a sleep-supporting herb with natural sedative and anxiety-relieving properties – can help to drift you into a deep slumber.

5 IDEAL TYPES OF WELLNESS TO EMBRACE IN 2020 

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL TYPES OF WELLNESS TO EMBRACE IN 2020 

The term wellness is now part of the popular vernacular, and is a trend that is going to continue being talked about, make no mistake. As we learn more about our needs, and the importance of self investment and care, increasing numbers of vital health-focused services are coming into existence. With the help of CO–CRÉATEUR, an event, project management, and business development service headed by French creative entrepreneur and yogi Julia Perez, here are 5 IDEAL types of wellness to embrace in 2020.

EXPERIENTIAL WELLNESS 

Wellness is not just an appointment anymore. It’s an event, an experience,and something that you’ll want to incorporate into your every day life. Fitness, beauty and wellness services are all on the move, expanding and growning holistically, and bringing the individual out of their comfort zone, both metaphorically and literally, in the process. We’ve especially seen a boom in Wellness festivals. Fearne Cotton is set to host her second Happy place festival the summer which is all about unlocking inner happiness; we can’t wait! 

SLEEP HYGIENE

As simple as it may be, sleep is one of the most common barriers to living a healthy and productive life. Stress, poor sleep hygiene (as its now termed) and increased work pressures are limiting the time we’re spending getting our zeds, leading to a surge in products and services to counter this. Expect to see an increasing amount on the market which encourage better sleeping habits this year, such an apps which provide meditation and bedtime stories, all rolled into one.

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS 

Emotional wellness will be one of the biggest focuses of 2020. The ability to express yourself and acknowledge your feelings is a huge contributor to positive emotional and mental health. Expect a huge expansion on the concepts of opening up and talking about feelings, particularly in encouraging men to do so. After all, it’s okay not to be okay. 

WORKPLACE WELLNESS  

The wide-ranging benefits of wellness in the workplace are finally being understood. Some offices are even actively encouraging an atmosphere of openess about mindfulness, meditation, yoga, counselling, and discussion of mental health issues. Perhaps this is driven by a cynical motivation; it’s not just employees who benefit from a happy, healthy workplace, but the employers, too, who enjoy plenty of benefits including greater productivity and satisfaction. Regardless of what’s driving the shift, it’s a welcome change to stale corporate mindsets.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH 

Integrative health; meditation, breathing, visualisation and guided imagery all boost emotional wellness and promote physical and mental healing. This approach to health is a great complement to modern medicine, making it particularly popular with today’s health conscious professional. Go get it.

 

5 IDEAL WAYS A PERSONAL TRAINER CAN HELP YOU GET FIT FASTER 

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL WAYS A PERSONAL TRAINER CAN HELP YOU GET FIT FASTER 

Contrary to popular belief, personal training isn’t about barking orders like a Drill Sergeant, thank the lord. Nope, it’s about breaking down barriers to help you achieve your personal goals through motivation, expert knowledge and goals. With the help of Nuffield Health personal trainer Stephen Macconville, here are 5 IDEAL ways a personal trainer gets you fit faster. 

A CONSTANT POINT OF CONTACT

PTs provide a constant point of contact to motivate, inspire and support you. Whatever your questions, goals or concerns, they will provide an educated and qualified answer to help you move forward successfully. And having a PT is a great way to make sure you get out the door in the first place, as most people feel more of a sense of responsibility to attend the gym if they have booked an appointment with one.

THE HEALTH MOT

PTs are not only qualified fitness professionals; they also undertake additional clinical training in order to assess your overall health and wellbeing (if you’re up for that, of course). A key part of this is the Health MOT, which measures key information like your body mass index (BMI), resting heart rate, sugar levels and blood pressure. These are then used to give you a ‘Health Score’ with the objective being to increase this Health Score during your time as a member of a gym or programme. A repeat Health MOT every three months will help track your wellbeing progress. If there isn’t an improvement, your PT will be able to assess why and help you get back on track.

A TAILORED AND EVOLVING PROGRAMME

A PT will consider your lifestyle, any injuries you may have or any concerns about your physical health, all before developing a programme to suit your life. You can reassess your programme at any time if you feel like you’re getting bored or you’d like to challenge yourself more. This ever-evolving aspect can be a superb motivator in your fitness journey.

EXERCISING THE RIGHT WAY

Your form when exercising can have a huge effect on how effective that exercise is and also on your safety. The worst thing you can do is copy what other people are doing in the gym because, after all, who is to say that they know what they are doing? They may also be performing exercises specific to their own requirements that don’t match with your own.

A PT will set a programme that is tailored to you and ensure you perform the exercises correctly. They will also get you using fitness equipment you wouldn’t necessarily use, broadening your scope for improvement and perhaps giving some unloved muscles the attention they’re craving.

CLEVER MOTIVATION 

People often struggle with motivation after the first few weeks in a gym but your PT will help you set achievable goals for each stage of your training. One of the most common mistakes people make is setting their overall goal without also setting mini-goals along the way.

But achieving these mini-goals spurs you on as you continue your training and will make you more likely to succeed. Your PT will be able to break down your goals and monitor your progress along the way, offering helpful advice if you’re falling behind and lavishing you with praise if you’re doing well. Lovely stuff and essential to a fulfilling, successful fitness journey.

5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO INCORPORATE CLASSIC BLUE INTO YOUR HOME

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO INCORPORATE CLASSIC BLUE INTO YOUR HOME

Savvy style interior enthusiasts will have already spotted 2020’s Pantone colour of the year creeping its way onto Pinterest boards and interior blogs alike, but how can the everyday homeowner (or renter) incorporate this year’s must-have shade into their home?

Solid and dependable, much like the bricks and mortar of our home, classic blue leaves us with a sense of stability as we look forward to the new decade, making it the perfect shade to bring into the security of our nests. What’s more, classic blue is just that, classic, so you can be sure your home interior will remain timeless when including this shade into your colour palettes. With the help of Serenata Flowers, the UK’s leading online florist, here’s 5 IDEAL tips on how to incorporate classic blue into your home.

BRAVE A BLUE STATEMENT PIECE

Adding a burst of blue through a statement piece of furniture, such as a sofa, will give your living room a focal point to build your on-trend oasis around. What’s more, a bold piece of furniture is sure to brighten up generic cream painted walls that frequent rented apartments. Look to complementary colours such as yellow, orange and pastel pink for accessories and throw cushions.

TAKE ON AN UPCYCLE PROJECT

Renovating a vintage or pre-loved piece of furniture is a great way to add a touch of Classic Blue to your home. Opt for an art deco drinks cabinet or cocktail chair for a nod to the new age roaring 20’s. A lick of blue paint or a quick reupholstering is a cost-effective way to include 2020’s colour of the year in your home, whilst remaining eco conscious.

ADD AN ACCENT

Unsure about investing in a large statement piece of furniture? Adding accents of Classic Blue through homeware accessories is a noncommittal way to infuse your home with this year’s must-have colour. Blue china vases, soft throws for chairs or beds, and bouquets of fresh blue hydrangeas are all simple interchangeable ways to add hints of Classic Blue into your home.

DON’T FORGET APPLIANCES

True trend seekers will be searching for unusual Classic Blue pieces to add to their homes. Guests will be pleasantly surprised to see a burst of Classic Blue in the kitchen, so why not choose a colourful appliance or kitchen gadget? Be daring with a Classic Blue range or a bright coffee machine or mixer.

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH WALLPAPER

If colour blocking isn’t for you, go for a Classic Blue patterned wallpaper to add a stylish feature wall to your home. Dramatic wallpaper adds depth to any room, showcasing the personality of the home’s inhabitants. Team with furniture, accessories and flowers in pastel shades to create a contrasting composition.

6 IDEAL THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A SECOND HAND CAR

Editorial Team
-
0
6 IDEAL THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A SECOND HAND CAR

HINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A SECOND HAND CAR

So, you’ve made the decision to go second hand with your next car purchase? May we compliment you on your choice. Since they say that a new car loses nearly half of its value in its first year, and with environmental issues demanding more investments are ‘circular’, buying a used vehicle is certainly a prudent move. That said, and despite the reduced price, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. With that in mind, here are 6 IDEAL things to consider before buying a second hand car.

RESEARCH LIKE YOU MEAN IT

The internet is omnipotent. It sees everything. It knows everything. So, when it comes to your second hand car purchase, we suggest you do your homework with all the enthusiasm of a modern day grade A student. When researching, consider the car type that you want, the particular brand and the reputation it carries. Check reviews keenly, particularly if this is a car with longevity and durability, since it’ll be used. There’s no harm in being meticulous and fussy when it comes to your investments.

HINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A SECOND HAND CAR

THE IDEAL DEALER

Nope, not the kind who makes your Glastonbury a little more special. Instead, it’s vital you track down a reputable and reliable used car specialist here. With so many dealers and websites out there for you to consider – some scrupulous, some less so – start by seeking out a seller who you can trust, one with a sound reputation who’ll be honest when doing business with you. 

The AA website, for instance, features thousands of used cars from a network of reputable dealers from every corner of the country. When you find the right dealer, you’re ready to begin checking out some cars and to do this thoroughly, this needs to be done face-to-face. 

SET A LIMIT ON YOUR BUDGET

It is essential to have a fixed budget for the car that you want to purchase. Otherwise, costs may run away with you, should you fall in love with a vehicle out of your price range. So, set aside a certain amount of money and trust your judgement accordingly. If you happen to be on a tight budget and it will be financially painful to pay outright, you can negotiate with the dealer about other financing options. There are plenty of sites out there, such as www.carfinancegiant.co.uk, offering financing alternatives to a single payment, depending on your capabilities and credit score, of course.

HINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A SECOND HAND CAR

USE AND MAXIMISE YOUR CONNECTIONS

Social media is an excellent platform to seek recommendations regarding the best choices when purchasing a used vehicle. Trusted source’s experiences about dealerships—may it be positive or negative—will help you in getting to your final decision.

You can also leverage your contacts and links in your neighbourhood and community to find better deals. ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ never sounded so succinct. Think of it as similar to searching for employment; you need to turn on your networks because someone in your circle could guide you in scoring your perfect set of wheels.

DON’T NEGLECT PROMOTIONS AND REBATES

There are dealers out there that provide exclusive deals and incentives that you can take advantage of. Keep your finger on the social media button, particularly Facebook and Twitter, since dealers may post rebates, online discounts, and promotions that they have not advertised anywhere else. And when you find one that suits your needs, pounce.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

Love at first sight; it can be an impulsive, pesky business. You might want to take home the car once you test it, but it’s more sensible to check other options to compare which is better. Not all first times fit perfectly, and some cars will only reveal their true potential after a while in your company, so explore various options, do a thorough assessment of each, and pay particular attention to factors like size, transmission, mileage, engine, equipment and features.

That deeper dive we just suggested? Your pool of knowledge is right over here, at our 5 IDEAL questions to ask before buying your next car.

5 IDEAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE MOVING HOUSE AFTER RETIREMENT

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE MOVING HOUSE AFTER RETIREMENT

Ah, the glory days. How things were different back then. Indeed, you can track life’s every changing story by thinking back to the different places you’ve lived. The shared student house, the bachelor(ette) pad, the first family home, the bigger family home…needs change and so do walls. But now you’ve entered your autumn years, perhaps a change of location is required? To be closer to family, nearer amenities, or simply to downsize to make things more manageable. 

Just as some regions are more suited to seniors than others, so the physical properties of a house matter for those looking for a switch to enjoy old age. We’re looking at the latter today, and prior to the big move, it’s important to do your due diligence to find the best possible place for you. Here are some things to think about; our 5 IDEAL questions to ask before moving house after retirement.

HOW BIG IS THE HOUSE?

Trust us, when you get older, size matters with your home. There’s a reason why more and more people seem to be downsizing; it just makes sense. After all, you can only be in one room at one time, right? You may have needed a 5-bedroom detached home twenty years ago, but if the kids have moved on and it’s just the two of you, maintaining unnecessary, superfluous space isn’t going to bring any joy in retirement. 

Of course, we’re not suggesting you move into a one-bedroom flat and discard all of the possessions you’ve accumulated over a rich and varied life. This is unlikely to suffice, as you will have visitors. But, somewhere smaller and more comfortable should certainly not be overlooked. When making your decision, always keep one eye on the maintenance side of things; though you may have more time on your hands, you’re less likely to have more energy.

HOW ABOUT THE GARDEN?

In truth, those same rules apply to the garden. You may have had green fingers for much of your life, and a little gardening in your dotage can be a fantastic way to keep sharp and active, but there can be times when a large outdoor space can be too big to manage and get a little unruly and overwhelming.

There’s no hard and fast rule on how large or small your backyard needs to be, but it’s wise to think beyond size when considering a potential property’s garden. If there are lots of different areas to it, all requiring different forms of maintenance, it adds to the job and can make it even more unmanageable. Better to prioritise a clean, unified space, we think.

WHAT ABOUT STAIRS?

It’s a truth we all have to face; you may well become less mobile as you grow older. This is where you need to seriously think about your new property’s stairs, and whether or not you actually want them in your next home at all. Bungalows may have once been utterly unfashionable, but they can be practical for some age groups and don’t carry the same, silly stigma they once did. Though your choices will be limited if you sway this way, later down the line, a bungalow may well turn out to be a sensible choice.

WHAT ABOUT THE SURROUNDING AREAS?

During any diligent property inspection, it’s not only the bricks and mortar you’re checking out; it’s also the surrounding area. Some regions are better than others, depending on the age group that you fall into. But it’s also crucial to consider your potential new home’s immediate surroundings if you’re to get the most out of retirement. Are you at the top of a giant hill? Is access to amenities going to be an issue? How is the topology of the area; is it more prone to the adverse effects of the weather? All of these factors impact you a little more as you grow older, so give them the time of day they deserve.

IS THE HOUSE BUILT SPECIFICALLY FOR RETIREES?

Some houses – often referred to as ‘aging in place’ homes – are designed and built specifically for elderly people to continue living at home and independently for as long as possible. In these properties, ergonomic considerations dictate the fine details of daily life; counters sit at a few different heights to make access easier, flooring is slip-resistant, windows and blinds are controlled remotely, lighting is bright and even specifics regarding the amount of force (2 kg) required to access anything in the home are deployed in the design. Perhaps such a pad is the answer to all your needs? 

Should you be wanting to explore the best areas in the UK for spending your autumn years, check out our 4 IDEAL retirement hotspots in England.

5 IDEAL FAMILY FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY IN KRABI, THAILAND

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
-
0
5 IDEAL FAMILY FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY IN KRABI, THAILAND

Krabi, a province on the west coast of Southern Thailand, is characterised by idyllic islands, crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling, golden sands and of course, plenty of seafood.

Aside from its outstanding natural beauty, Krabi has some superb tourist attractions, including the Ao Luk mangroves, Klong Thom hot springs and Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua). With so much to see and do, and sublime streetfood on every corner, all that’s left is for you to find a great place to call home. We’re here to help; here are 5 IDEAL family friendly places to stay in Krabi, Thailand.

KO PHI PHI DON

Of all the islands belonging to Krabi, Ko Phi Phi Don is perhaps the most spectacular. The Don, indeed. It’s the largest of the famous Phi Phi cluster of six islands, and as such, is probably the one best suited for children as there are plenty of amenities and child-friendly activities here. It’s only accessible by boat (from Krabi’s Klong Jilad Pier to Phi Phi’s Tonsai Pier) but the ride itself is as scenic as it comes, and an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.

The location is famous for its turquoise waters and verdant natural landscapes. The long stretches of serene beach have several elegant hotels and guesthouses nearby, as well as restaurants that serve plenty of local delicacies. The whole island is pedestrianised, making it extremely family friendly. A great choice for a relaxing few days, that’s for sure.

Just be warned that some parts of the Phi Phi Leh island are closed due to overcrowding. Check with locals before you make the journey for the most up-to-date information.

AO NANG BEACH

Back to mainland Krabi, and to Ao Nang beach. This lovely stretch of sand is just 20 minutes from Krabi town and will only set you back around 100 baht (£2.50ish) by taxi. Here, you’ll find gorgeous accommodation for family, as well as places perfect for couples or even those travelling solo. The beach and surrounding Ao Nang resort town are excellent places for relaxation and unwinding. From there, you can catch long-tail boats if you want to visit the neighbouring islands and do a spot of snorkelling; the turquoise waters just offshore are perfect for that.

KRABI TOWN

If you’d like to be among the action a little more, then Krabi town has a buzz which belies its laid back look. Though it’s the first place tourists visit before heading off to different attractions or nearby islands, it’s worth spending a few nights here in its own right. Check out Wat Kaew Korawaram, a huge temple in the downtown area, to experience ancient and modern Thailand juxtaposed, and the two fresh markets which open every day. The mountainous backdrop brings visual intrigue, and this is where the Krabi region’s finest food options are found.

Restaurant Frog & Catfish is beloved of locals and expats alike for their spicy Thai salads and dishes making use of the Adaman sea’s bounty. If it’s street food you’re after, Krabi Walking Street, open on Friday evenings, sees a whole host of small stalls open up for business, slinging fresh as you like, spicy as you like Thai dishes to the crowds. Delicious.

TONSAI BAY

Tonsai is something of a hidden gem. A bay on the mainland (not to be mistaken with Tonsai beach, on Phi Phi island) which sits around half an hour southwest of Krabi Town, the vibe here is laid back and leisurely. Apart from the tranquil, unspoilt beaches, most people who stay in Tonsai are here for rock climbing and hiking. For a more family friendly approach, there are a handful of resorts providing excellent services. From there you can catch a boat, or even walk (it’s only 40 minutes) to popular Railay beach……

RAILAY

Railay is one of the most exciting locations to stay in Krabi, and attracts thousands of visitors each year, there for picture perfect beaches set against the backdrop of dense jungle. Perhaps the best beach – subjective, of course – is Phra Nang Cave Beach, and because of this, it does get a little crowded. For something more peaceful, take an island hopping tour from one of the many long tail boats moored along the shore. And if your family are fans of wildlife watching, you don’t have to venture far inland to catch a sight of the area’s most famous resident; the wild monkeys which love to lounge around Railay Beach.

If you’re continuing your adventures in Southern Thailand, then Phuket, particularly the Old Town, should be on your list. It’s just a couple of hours from Krabi (by boat, coach or taxi) and in our humble opinion, this is where some of the finest food in the whole country is found. And that’s saying something. Check out our tips for the 10 IDEAL things to eat in Phuket Old Town to really get your tummy rumbling!

 

5 IDEAL THINGS WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK 17.01.2020

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
-
0
5 IDEAL THINGS WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK 17.01.2020

Here at IDEAL we realise that there’s more to this crazy dance than the accumulation of ‘stuff’. A life of accruing possessions will only accrue dust. Oiling the Capitalist wheels with your wallet won’t bring clarity, of that there’s no doubt….

But who can deny the positivity that a bit of pampering brings? There’s nothing wrong with taking a look inwards from time to time, letting go and just spoiling yourself. But with the collective consumerism out of control and bringing the climate to its knees, it’s high time our purchases prioritised sustainability. So, we’re sharing a few things bringing us a little peace of mind right now which won’t harm the planet; our own spot of retail therapy, if you will, with these 5 IDEAL things we’re into this week. Go on. You deserve this.

BEE GREEN WRAPS 

‘Single-use’ may have been the Collins Dictionary’s ‘Word of 2018’, but that hasn’t stopped people using the phrase, and the item, more than ever before. One of the worst culprits is cling film; more than 1.2 billion metres (or 745,000 miles) of the stuff is used by households across the UK each year – enough to go around the world 30 times! 

Fortunately, there are now many great alternatives to single-use plastic out there, so there’s no excuse to continue buying zip-lock bags, cling film, and plastic bags. What’s more, being plastic-free can be stylish, practical and good for the planet. That’s where Bee Green Wraps come in; a clever, plastic-free alternative to cling-film. 

Reusable, organic and 100% natural, each wrap is made from beeswax, jojoba oil and cotton. The wraps are produced on a small-holding near Sydney from organic Australian beeswax, then imported by boat to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum. Not only practical for reducing cling film and foil consumption, Bee Green Wraps have stylish limited edition prints, too. 

Unlike other brands, Bee Green Wraps use dammar oil rather than pine resin, making them more durable and avoiding the wax ‘bobbling’ found on other beeswax wraps after washing. Simple and easy to use, if properly cared for each wrap should last around a year – and when they run out of life, simply bury them in your garden to compost! What’s not to love?

Available at beegreenwraps.co.uk from£4.99 to £25.49.

ECO WARRIOR BY THE LITTLE SOAP COMPANY

Plastic-free, vegan, sustainable, biodegradable and recyclable; ECO WARRIOR by the Little Soap Company (£4/100g) is changing the way we cleanse forever, with a collection of six thoughtful, high impact, job-specific bar soaps, each with its own distinct use and bespoke essential oil blend (no synthetic fragrances here, thank you very much).

ECO-WARRIOR is helping to eliminate untold single use plastic bottles, tubs and tubes from sinks, bathrooms and wash bags across the country. We’re fans of their exfoliating bar – made with citrus essential oils and oatmeal (a superfood for skin and a natural exfoliant) to help reduce excess oil and soothe skin irritation and itching. 

For those with skin prone to outbreaks, their sensitive facial bar is made from a blend of chamomile and calendula essential oils. This ultra-nourishing facial bar is gentle enough to use even on really sensitive skin; result! Oh, and lets not forget their shampoo bar. Containing orange and ginger essential oils and pink clay, this solid bar cleanses, conditions and moisturises the hair whilst also negating the need to plastic. Why take two bottles into the shower when one bar will do?


Available at www.littlesoapcompany.co.uk for £4.00

STOJO BROOKLYN’S POCKET & BIGGIE CUPS

No more judgmental eyes from the local barista or other coffee shop patrons, Stojo allows you to expand and collapse that takeaway cup of yours into a leak-proof disc, perfect to pop in your pocket or bag and take on-the-go. What’s more, Stojo features a sleeve to protect your fingers from the heat of the hot brew, but still gives you that nice warm feeling to wrap your hands round in the winter; perfect. Biggie has the same features as the Pocket Cup, but gives you 33% more room for your drink, plus comes with a reusable straw, perfect for your iced drinks and smoothies (you can borrow it for your post-work drinks, too!). 

With an RRP of £11.99 for the Pocket Cup and £14.99 for the Biggie, after a few weeks of taking your homebrewed morning coffee to work with you, your Stojo will have paid for itself and you’ll have helped save our planet from those wasteful single-serve cups in the process. Each Stojo is designed for thousands of uses, plus is free of BPA’s, phthalates, leads or glues, and it’s top-rack dishwasher safe.  

Available from John Lewis, Oliver Bonas and Selfridges, or online at www.auteurlimited.co.uk

BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH FROM THE HUMBLE FOUNDATION 

Dental professionals advise you to replace your toothbrush every three months, but christ is that a lot of plastic going in the bin every quarter of a year. Indeed, it’s estimated that 3.6 billion plastic toothbrushes are used worldwide every year and the average person uses 300 in their lifetime. 

Enter the world’s top selling bamboo toothbrush. Made from 100% biodegradable bamboo and sustainable bamboo –  and also vegan friendly – the Humble Brush is the most sustainable way to keep those teeth clean.

What’s more, with every Humble Brush purchased, a proportion goes to funding the Humble Smile Foundation, a cause dedicated to preventing oral disease in areas that need it most around the world. Their humble vision is to prevent suffering caused by oral disease, not only achieved by providing the toothbrushes and toothpaste that we all take for granted but also by providing education and urgent care to vulnerable children around the world. Do your bit to give back by buying an eco-friendly and socially responsible toothbrush today.

Available from Boots, Co-Op, Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, Waitorise, Co-op and other retailers. 

‘HOW TO GIVE UP PLASTIC’ BY WILL McCALLUM 

Not content with your purchasing power? Want to get educated too? Then ‘How To Give Up Plastic: Simple Steps to Living Consciously on our Blue Planet’ is well worth a read.  Written by Will McCallum, Head of Oceans Greenpeace, this British book is at the forefront of the anti-plastic movement and offers tips on all those tiny, daily changes you can make to your routine which make a huge difference to your environmental impact. This is one which, once you’ve read, you should definitely pass along to a friend.

Available from www.penguin.co.uk for £6.99

 

While you’re here, do check out our tips on 5 IDEAL ways to reduce your plastic use.

 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO EVOKE A TRADITIONAL KITCHEN DESIGN IN 2020

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
-
0
5 IDEAL WAYS TO EVOKE A TRADITIONAL KITCHEN DESIGN IN 2020

With the world seemingly collapsing in on us, chaos reigning supreme, and interconnectivity only making matters worse, sometimes you have to ask yourself if modernity really has made things better. Do you really need your smart home hub to roll up her sleeves and bake you a cake? ‘Alexa, extinguish the fire in my oven’, indeed.

Yep, often older is better, and nowhere is this truer than the kitchen, where traditional recipes respected and spaces kept clean and simple so often produce the best food, and even better conversation. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to evoke a traditional kitchen design in 2020.

A NATURAL SOLID OAK DINING TABLE 

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and food its lifeblood, but what role does the kitchen table play? Stretching the metaphor a little, it’s the most vital part of all, the left atrium and ventricle, working to pump the good stuff around the body. 

As such, you’ll want to take great care of that table, and treat it with pride and respect; it’s going to see a whole lot of action down the years after all. For a dining table with real character and evocative of that ‘traditional’ vibe oh so succinctly, you’ll want one fashioned from natural solid oak; sturdy, satisfying to touch, and worthy of being the focal point of the entire home.

ADD AN AGA

We say ‘add’ as if this is some frivolous purchase, but really, an aga is a massive investment, make no mistake. You’ll be looking at an initial outlay of at least £5000, not to mention the real estate they demand within the kitchen space. And if precision is your thing, then this isn’t for you; there’s no temperature controls, rather spaces designated rather obliquely for ‘boiling’ or ‘simmering’ on top, and ‘roasting’ and ‘slow cooking’. 

But you’re not thinking about how they cook food, right? It’s all about the aesthetics here, and damn do they look attractive. If it’s ‘traditional’ you’re looking to evoke, and that sense of homeliness and domesticity which seems to come bundled up with the term, then the introduction of an aga is a surefire way to get there. 

That’s not to say they don’t have benefits in practical terms. The aga’s cast iron frame means it conducts heat brilliantly; it’s always on, warm and ready to go. Temperatures inside remain steady and consistent, which leads to reliable cooking. And the famous oven has benefits beyond the realm of food, too; that warmth does a fine job of heating the kitchen, and with the right aga accessories you can even dry clothes above the hot plates.

CHESS BOARD FLOOR TILES

Perhaps it’s the sound of heels hitting off the ceramics, or the cool feel under foot, but if it’s traditional kitchen flooring you’re after, it has to be chessboard tiles. The black and white checkered pattern manages to be expressive of a bygone era – a simpler time – whilst not looking dated. In the right hands, and when pared thoughtfully with strikingly coloured appliances, the look can even be chic and contemporary.

HANG COPPER POTS

Nothing screams tradition, both in the kitchen’s visual appeal, and in the cooking, like carefully deployed hanging copper pots. The warm, autumnal tones fit so succinctly with the natural oak and aga aesthetic we’ve already mentioned, and when on display there’s an implicit suggestion that they’re ready for action and often used.

And used they should be; copper pots are the finest heat conductors out there for stove top cooking, meaning cooking is consistent. It’s nimble, too, and great for delicate work as they’re ideal for heating and cooling super fast. Hang these in your kitchen, and expectations about that dinner you’re preparing will be sky high.

HANG A SHEILA MAID 

Yep, we know that Sheila Maid goes out with her mate stella. But if you’re to bring her home, and into the kitchen space, your traditional kitchen look is complete. Remarketed as the ‘eco way to dry each day’, this traditional clothes airer, activated via pulley, might end up smelling of your breakfast’s smoked bacon, but really, we’re just here for channeling those old school aesthetics, right? And Sheila does that job just perfectly.

Now you’ve got the look down, let’s think about practicality. If you want to optimise your workflow and make cooking a great meal as effortless as possible, then feast your eyes on these; our tips on how to improve the functionality of your kitchen.

1...264265266...394Page 265 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