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5 IDEAL THINGS TO PACK FOR YOUR WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAY IN AMSTERDAM

Travel Team
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5 IDEAL THINGS TO PACK FOR YOUR WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAY IN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands and a city of inherent contrast. A place of colour; built on the foundations of the Golden Age, when Dutch art, technology and innovation were at the forefront of global sophisticated thinking. Fast forward to the modern day, and the city’s reputation is bathed in red light, where stags on wild weekends are anything but enlightened. Then there’s the food; you can enjoy the finest that molecular European haute cuisine has to offer, with plates elevated to high art; or, you can elevate yourself higher by dining on the city’s notorious cakes. And of course, Amsterdam is home to world-renowned museums and art galleries, where you can get as high or low brow as you like.

Basically, there’s something for everyone in this great city. With travel from the U.K taking just an hour and English spoken everywhere, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is what’s going in your limited luggage space. Well, we’re here to help; here are 5 IDEAL things to pack for your winter weekend getaway in Amsterdam.

CYCLE FRIENDLY CHIC

Consistently named as one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world, Amsterdam is, without doubt, best explored on two wheels. The city is as flat as a Dutch pannekoeken and has four times as many bikes as cars, nearly a million in total. Everyone is at it, and doing so in their normal threads too; no lycra and carbon road shoes here. That means you’ll be wanting to pack clothes comfortable enough for a good ride around the city, but not too sporty, if you get what we’re driving at. Or should that be cycling at? Tights are a must if you’re in a skirt or dress, a helmet is optional (style your hair accordingly) and shoes fit for both a peddle and a dance are ideal. Which brings us on to…

STURDY SHOES YOU CAN WALK & DANCE IN

Versatile shoes are essential when strutting your stuff in the ‘dam. You’ll need ones comfortable resting on pedals, walking on cobbled streets and doing their thing on the dancefloor. Winter gets cold here, and snow is always a possibility, so something padded is a must. A lot to ask huh? A good, comfy leather ankle boot should do the trick; helping you keep up the pace and keeping your toes snug and warm.  

ADJUSTABLE WAISTLINES

The food in Amsterdam is, to put it bluntly (no pun intended), a little stodgy. It’s also incredibly moreish, and not just because you might be in a permanent state of ‘hunger.’ Going to Amsterdam and not eating pannekoeken, a Dutch version of pancakes, would be a real crime. Traditionally, the Dutch rendition is larger and thinner than its English and American counterparts, and can be enjoyed in sweet or savoury form. We love the version at Upstairs, housed in a tiny 16th century house, with quirky and kitsch decorations including 100 hundred teapots hanging from the ceiling, and interesting pictures of the Dutch Royal Family and old paintings of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam’s Cheese Museum also has plenty of free samples, and the Netherland’s first indoor food market, Foodhallen, keeps the munching possibilities going ‘till late at the weekend. Basically, you’re going to be doing a lot of eating, so pack some trousers with a waistline flexibility.

THE LOCAL LOOK

We’ve already mentioned that you’ll want to be dressing warm, but if you want to fit in snugly, there’s a unique style aesthetic you should be channelling. The Dutch are very fashion conscious, in a low-key kinda way,  with lots of dark shades and muted tones determining the colour palate. Leather jackets are popular all year round, and the 2018 hot trend for layering is big news here. Perhaps they defined it.

NOT VERY MUCH AT ALL

Amsterdam is home to loads of vintage shops and luxury boutiques, and as such, it may be prudent to travel lightly to save room for some shopping during your weekend away.

Jordan is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, and plays host to many of the best opportunities for a fashionable find; Westerstraat is perhaps the grooviest street market in this area. Also, each Saturday, the whole of Lindengracht becomes a market, selling everything from handcrafted items to cheese (of course). Finally, the hipster 9 Streets canal district is a brilliant place to head for shopping in the afternoon leading into a night on the tiles.

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5 IDEAL PARTY SEASON HANGOVER CURES

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL PARTY SEASON HANGOVER CURES

We’ve all been there. Parched mouth, aching head, heavy limbs, vowing to never, ever drink again. We’ve also all been there, cursing our go-to hangover cures for failing us once again.

To find a better solution, it might be useful to look at the causes. There are typically two schools of thought about what actually brings on a hangover and determines its severity. Some experts believe that overindulging in alcohol causes a disruption in your biological rhythms. Others blame alcohol withdrawals. There’s even some research that suggests it may be the impurities that are produced when the alcohol is distilled that leave you feeling nauseous. 

So, what’s that headache all about? Well, it turns out that alcohol is also a diuretic, which means it’s likely that you’re dehydrated. On top of that, your body is being forced to adjust to the rapidly dropping blood alcohol levels since you’ve stopped drinking. Jeez, that’s a lot to take in. Well, aside from the greatest healer of all, time, there are some failsafe ways to alleviate the symptoms just a little. And with Christmas parties beginning to bear down on us all thick and fast, this might be the most useful article you’ll read today; our 5 IDEAL party season hangover cures.

REPLENISH & REHYDRATE

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of waking up with a severe hangover when you’re partying is to alternate water and alcohol during the night. This will help you avoid dehydration and slow down your alcohol consumption at the same time. And that old ‘down a pint when I get home’ isn’t a bad shout either. 

You need electrolytes as well, so go hard on things like coconut water or sports drinks that have salt and potassium, and if you really want to bounce back fast, IV therapy will rehydrate and replenish important vitamins and trace minerals quickly. IV therapy works faster and more efficiently than simply drinking fluids because it bypasses the digestive system completely, with the fluids and nutrients going directly into your bloodstream where they can do the most good.

A look at the current market introduced us to The ‘All-Nighter’, an NYC vitamin IV drip that contains all the fluids your body needs for recovery. It also has essential B vitamins to provide energy and improve focus. This type of IV hydration therapy is becoming increasingly popular for those needing to feel sharp the morning after the night before, who don’t have to luxury of taking the day off to recover.

GET SOME CALORIES IN YOU

As rough as the prospect may feel to your stomach, a hearty breakfast can cure all. It helps by replenishing the nutrients you lost while you were partying. Getting some calories in you will also help get your energy levels back up to where they need to be. Don’t overdo it though. This isn’t the time for a big, greasy breakfast. In fact, the best hangover foods are far removed from a Full English. Instead, they are easy to digest, like a smoothie, oatmeal, or some toast with marmite.

And perhaps give the coffee a swerve. It’s also a diuretic, and can leave you more dehydrated than before you decided on a save-the-day cup of Joe. Instead, go for a fizzy drink, which helps replenish sugars and to us, is one of the best hangover pick-me-ups around.

SUPPLEMENT SAVIOURS

While there is no true cure for a hangover, certain supplements may ease your hangover symptoms markedly. Here are a few supplements that have research to back up their ability to reduce the symptoms of a hangover:

  • Ginger: Ginger is a traditional remedy that has been used to reduce nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach for centuries. Try popping a couple of ginger capsules, nibbling on some crystallized ginger, or sipping on some ginger tea to settle your stomach. Or, go for the jugular, and just take a big bite of the stuff straight off the shelf.
  • Red Ginseng: Research shows that red ginseng can reduce the level of alcohol in the blood and reduce the severity of the hangover. The plant is tough to find in the UK, but your high street health food shop will more than likely stock it in supplement form.
  • Prickly Pear: Prickly pear also shows some promise for relieving hangovers. One study showed that it can decrease their symptoms and severity by half.
  • Eleuthero: Eleuthero, also called Siberian ginseng, has also been shown to relieve hangover symptoms.

CHOOSE YOUR DRINK WISELY

Prevention is better than cure, as many a wise person has declared over the years. So, drink choice is vital in keeping the hungover wolf from the door. Of course, the best way to avoid a hangover is simply not drink any alcohol, or stick to the alcohol stuff, of which the market has seen a marked improvement recently; check out our article on 5 IDEAL non or low alcoholic drinks for the festive season over here.

Alternatively, you could be discerning about which alcoholic drink you enjoy. Try to avoid those with deep, dark shades, as the byproduct of fermentation which causes these colours, called congeners, is thought to worsen hangovers significantly. So, that’s brandy, whiskey and red wine given a swerve, then. Also, drinks with loads of sugar in their mixer can exacerbate your bad head the next day. Mulled wine, which contains both red wine and plenty of sweet stuff, should be strictly avoided, then. 

Instead, lighter spirits like vodka and gin (on moderation of course) combined with lower in glucose mixers like unsweetened tonic water (the flatter the better) are the way forward.

SLEEP IT OFF

Chances are you didn’t get enough sleep if you were out partying half the night, and even if you did, alcohol causes a disrupted, unfulfilling night if ever there was one. Although lack of sleep isn’t a direct cause of your hangover, it can definitely make you feel worse. If there’s any way you can manage it, once you’ve hydrated, eaten something, and taken whatever steps you can to get some relief, go back to bed and sleep it off. It’s the best way to help your body heal itself.

4 IDEAL TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE

The touch of a button. The revealing of a personal fact. The opening of the wrong page. The most innocuous action can open up your business to a whole assortment of threats online. And without adequate online business protection, the consequences can be significant. Breaches to your system, lost data, stolen identities and more can cost you money, downtime, a loss of consumer trust and in some cases, the downfall of a company.

Yep, it’s more important than ever to ensure that you have a robust network security policy in place and the personnel capable of carrying it out so that your business can continue to be safe from external attacks and financial catastrophe. With that in mind, here are 4 IDEAL tips for protecting your business online.

BEWARE OF MALWARE

Unprotected computer systems are an open door to malicious hackers and cyber crooks looking to crack your digital safe. It’s so vital, then, to be aware of the main threats your company might be exposed to online, in order to fully protect yourself against them. One of the ways they achieve this is by using malware; sneaky software designed to infiltrate a network and either control, steal or destroy data. It’s a pesky problem, but with the right protection you can mitigate the effect of such attacks on your network, or better still, completely keep them out.

USE A FIREWALL AS A FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE BUT ADOPT ZERO TRUST ARCHITECTURE

Firstly, make sure you have a robust firewall in place as a critical first line of defense. Not all firewalls are created equal and whilst there are free solutions with most routers, it’s worth doing your homework and getting a well-reviewed and easy-to-update system in place. This will make sure you stay protected as new malware is released.

Make sure all systems used by your business have this in place, from desktops and laptops to mobile devices, so that threats are stopped at the source regardless of where staff are based and how blase they might be about online security. Risky emails, unauthorized software downloads and disreputable websites can all harbor malware and virus dangers, so invest in a solid content filter. For example, the one developed by the Watchguard Online team is well equipped to keep those risks at bay.

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is a cybersecurity model that operates on the principle of ‘trust nothing, verify everything’. Rather than assuming everything behind a corporate firewall is safe, ZTA proposes that everything, from users to devices to systems, should be verified before being granted access to resources. This approach minimises the risk of internal threats and data breaches.

For businesses, putting zero trust architecture into place can significantly enhance their cybersecurity protocols. It provides an additional layer of security, ensuring every access request is validated, reducing the potential for unauthorised access. Furthermore, as ZTA applies security measures at a granular level, it allows businesses to safeguard sensitive data more effectively, resulting in a more robust and dependable cybersecurity infrastructure.

CREATE A ROBUST PASSWORD POLICY

We’re all a little guilty of being loose with our passwords; we have so many to remember, and we’re forever being asked to change or secure them, and as such, it can become restrictive and difficult to commit them all to memory. But as the cyber criminals get more sophisticated and their password cracking software even more advanced, we need to be extra vigilant with our passwords.

It’s worth investing the time and effort in creating strong passwords. Generally, the longer the series of characters and the bigger the variety of characters (upper and lower case, numbers, punctuation etc.) the more effective a password will be. Don’t hold on to those passwords for too long though; make sure they’re all revisited and updated at regular intervals. Ensure staff aren’t writing them down, texting them or emailing them to themselves as this negates their efficacy and puts the business in jeopardy. The best thing you can do is to use password managers to make everybody’s lives a little easier.

STAY UP-TO-DATE

Probably the most important aspect of protecting your business online is making sure you remain current and up-to-date, both to threats and in the level of security you have online. Updating the operating systems of all devices (including mobile devices) as well as ensuring the latest security patches are applied to all software is critical to keeping your data protected. Don’t neglect your wetware (your brain), as you should also endeavor to stay as informed as possible about the latest potential threats; forewarned is forearmed.

4 IDEAL TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR JUICER BLENDER COMBO

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR JUICER BLENDER COMBO

 

Let’s get this out of the way before any fruit is incorrectly broken down. A juicer is designed to extract the juice from various fruits and vegetables, separating the fibre and pulp and paving the way for a pure, palatable juice. That said, some nutrients may be lost in the process. A blender, on the other hand, pulverises the entire fruit or vegetable, including the pulp, for a thicker, nutrition rich smoothie. The beauty of having a single kitchen appliance for both functions is that it saves space, time and sometimes, ultimately, money. It’s not just about semantics, then; so much is at stake. With that in mind, here are 4 IDEAL tips for getting the most from your juicer blender combo.

SHOP SAVVY

There are several advantages in using a combo appliance, specifically a juicer-blender combo. But if you’re wondering how to choose juicer blender when there are so many on the market (and let’s face it, a whole lot of jargon) then there a few key things to consider prior to purchase:

  • Blades and motor. The best juicer-blender combos generally have dual-direction blades and a powerful motor. These blades often support a reverse function, which is ideal for precision processing.
  • Versatility. The ideal juicer blender combo boasts versatility, allowing it to take the place of your regular mixer. More often than not, these are high-powered, with different sets of blades, set at different heights and angles, suitable to be used in various speeds. While being versatile, the perfect juicer-blender combo is often lightweight, too.
  • Capacity. Finally, the preferred juicer-blender combo is one whose capacity is on the larger side, in order to handle a truly healthy amount of fruit and vegetables in a single sitting. More often than not, there is a tradeoff between the machine’s capacity and its size. So, look for a juicer-blender combo with a significant ratio in favour of capacity over engine size.

DILIGENT DOUGH’ING 

Pity the fool who only uses their juicer blender combo for juicing and blending. Sure, we accept that a less catchy product title might be ‘dough maker, mincer, ice blender, potential snow creator…’, but due to the name, many people neglect to exploit its full range of functions.

Perhaps most effectively, the juicer blender combo is an expert at making faultless dough, be it cookie, pizza or bread. Just turn it out for little knead on the work surface afterwards for that human touch, and you’re good to go. Equally, don’t overlook your combo’s potential to mince meat to your desired coarseness; ideal for budding sausage makers or those who hate all that white liquid which seeps out of your beef mince when you’re making a bolognese. Some combos can even be used to aerate wine and make mayonnaise easily; the possibilities are endless.

CHECK THE PRESETS

Sure, we know our combo can juice or blend, but a cursory check of those all important presets will give a better idea of just what potential your appliance can extract from your fruit and veg. The versatility of such devices means that they’re often underused and not exploited to their full potential. At the very least, you should expect milkshake, dip, smoothies and frozen drink settings, as well as various features which make short, diverse work of ice. There should also be a conventional citrus fruit juicer included, if you’re old school and like to pucker up with your morning juice. Blendtec’s Total Classic Original (that’s a lot of adjectives right there) Blender offers 15 presets; don’t be gripped by the paradox of choice with this one.

JUICE TO GO

Any self respecting juicer blender combo will come with an attachable jar which allows you to juice to go, to work, to school, on the commute…wherever. But let’s just put it this way; not all jars were born equal. Indeed, some are flimsy to the point that a trip on the scrum of London Underground’s morning rush hour will likely end in breakage. Equally, lid attachments are hugely variable, with some as safe and secure as you’d hope for, while others will leave you with smoothie all down your shirt. Finally, look for jars in multiple sizes able to fit one combo appliance, allowing for juice and smoothie creation based on a variety of needs. 

Nutribullet are way ahead of the pack in this department, with their NBR-1201 providing two short and one longer cup, with resealable lids and handled lip rings; great for juice on the go.

 

4 IDEAL TIPS FOR ORGANISING A WINTER HAG DO 

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS FOR ORGANISING A WINTER HAG DO 

A hag do (otherwise known as a sten), where both the stags and hens join forces for pre-nuptial celebrations, are gaining in popularity. And who can blame those young bucks and does? To many, the rituals and rites of passage of the traditional bachelor/ette party feel oh so antiquated now, especially if they’re to be held the night before the wedding. After all, who wants to be arriving at the aisle, bleary eyed, booze breathed and full of a weird sense of shame. Moreover, most of us don’t have purely gender-specific groups of friends. If you do, you might want to check that. Let’s bring things into the 21st century people! Here’s how; our 4 IDEAL tips for organising a winter hag do.

A WINTER WEEKEND AWAY 

When the weather is cold outside and outdoor options for your joint do are limited, a weekend away in a cosy cottage with a log burning fire, whiskeys at the ready and a sense of hygge harnessed, could be just the ticket. We think somewhere rural and peaceful is perfect; a welcome break from the rat race, and all that. The Cotswolds, with its almost comically quaint pace to life, gentle rolling hills, honey-stoned villages, cute cottages with thatched roofs, little lanes, sparkling streams and easy flowing rivers, is just what we have in mind. Or perhaps rural Wales, truly off the beaten path, could fit the bill? 

Either way, those ubiquitous bride and groom team personalised hoodies (we have to keep some hen/stag traditions alive) are going to be needed to keep you warm on those winter walks. Don’t just look for your bride and groom party hoodies on sites that sell wedding paraphernalia. You’ll find great deals from the good guys over at the School Leavers Company who offer personalised clothing in all manner of shapes and styles.

CHOOSE A WINTER THEME 

While we’re certainly not advocating ‘organised fun’ or ice breaker vibes, most hag party attendees will welcome a little guidance in terms of a theme. Setting one provides a very welcome conversation starter, and limits the danger of a school disco situation where all the boys are congregated at one side of the dancefloor, all the girls huddled at the other. A big, brash and boisterous opportunity to mingle and make friends as one cohesive unit will work wonders for wedding day unity, with reminiscing and anecdotes aplenty later down the line.

Perhaps a ski chalet theme, all wintery cosy and chic, will suit your group? Or a white winter wonderland, with everyone dressed up in white (go on, you know it suits you) could get tongues wagging. Alternatively, you could base your hag do around your passion as a couple; if the bride and groom to-be love to cook, everyone has to come dressed as an ingredient. Should the finances devote their free time to tennis, well, it’s Wimbledon whites all round, right?

A LOW KEY AFFAIR AT THE LOCAL 

Weddings are an expensive, stressful business, and not just for the bride and groom. What’s more, the festive period can get busy quickly, with everyone’s calendars packed with Christmas parties, family get togethers, work drinks and the rest. Whisper it, but the hag group might just welcome something a little lowkey, which doesn’t demand a huge commitment in terms of time and the bank balance. Consider hosting a dinner and drinks event at your local, then, with a low and slow pace and little on the agenda but good food, good wine and great conversation. Sounds like heaven to us.

WINTER OLYMPICS

Not every stag and hen party has to revolve around beer pong, shots of Boilermaker and the inevitable big head the next morning. Yep, in the age of normcore and an annual increase in abstinence rates, a hag do with no drinking could go down very well indeed. Instead, why not organise a Winter Olympics competition, taking in a range of fun activities around the city you live? You could start out racing at an indoor ski slope, continue to the ice rink for a round of figure skating with members of the hag ranking the performances, and finish with a game of ice hockey (find where to play a game at the English Ice Hockey Association’s website). Now that sounds like a good time.

 

5 IDEAL DESTINATIONS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL DESTINATIONS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

For decades, the ‘winter blues’ were a myth that existed in the minds of those who struggled with the cold weather and the post-Christmas lull. However, psychologists now generally agree on the existence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s no surprise, then, that January is the busiest month when it comes to booking a holiday for the year ahead, with people craving a little dose of winter sun, some distraction, or simply a break from the often bleak and gloomy state of Britain. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL destinations to beat the winter blues.

IDEAL FOR FOODIES: BARCELONA

There are many reasons to take a short city break to Barcelona; the distance, the ease, the city’s layout, the party and arts scene, the football….but the food, until recently, wasn’t considered a star attraction. This has all changed in the past decade, with big name chefs opening lauded restaurants, and generations-old tapas bars finally getting the recognition they deserve.

The city is also home to what is widely thought to be the world’s best food market, La Boqueria. While that’s a pretty bold claim (Bangkok’s Or Tor Kor might have something to say about that), when you’re sitting side-by-side with a companion at one of its long, convivial tapas bars, quaffing cava and watching chefs work wonders with phenomenally fresh produce, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.

Perhaps the best thing about the culinary scene in Barcelona is the sharing of small plates and the rubbing shoulders with sociable strangers; the perfect antidote to all that Christmas feasting with extended family. Sounds like the ideal January tonic to us.

IDEAL FOR BEACH BUMS: BEQUIA

When we think of beach destinations, the likes of the Maldives and Caribbean islands spring to mind. There are some big names in those areas, but there is an emerging location that offers the same turquoise waters and powdery white sands.

Bequia is the second-largest island in the Grenadines, a chain of lesser-known islands in the Caribbean region. It’s just seven miles wide with a population of 5,000 and it’s perfect for those who enjoy lazing on the sands with the occasional snorkel and swim around the tropical reefs.

The area is a haven for Hawksbill turtles and an array of aquatic wildlife – some not found anywhere else on earth – can be spotted. Flights to the island aren’t cheap so be sure to check out our IDEAL tips and tricks on bagging cheap flights over here.

IDEAL FOR NIGHTLIFE & TABLE LOVERS: SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA

If you’re happy to think outside of the box, the capital of Costa Rica – San José – is the perfect place for those who love to burn the midnight oil and take to the tables, whether that means playing baccarat, roulette or slots. By day, the city manages to combine being both a busy hub for business and a tropical paradise, but it’s after nightfall when the area really comes alive.

San Jose is home to around a dozen casinos, including the Taormina Hotel, rated among the best in the city – and these tend to be more relaxed than their Las Vegas counterparts, with an informal ambience and relaxed dress code.

IDEAL FOR A PROPER WHITE CHRISTMAS: SLOVENIA

Whilst not the most visited or intensely marketed of European countries, Slovenia, tucked away in the centre of the continent’s mainland in the Balkan region, is one with so much to give. It is the sheer definition of a hidden gem, from the captivating capital Ljubljana to the Venetian style city of Piran. And then there’s Lake Bled, a stunning area of natural beauty which houses a church on an islet and a medieval castle hanging on a cliff face, all with a backdrop of the Julian Alps for good measure. It gets wintery here, but not in the gloomy, predictable drizzle of a British December or January. Instead, expect a proper spectacle, snow and all. 

IDEAL FOR SNOWSPORTS: MONT CHERY, VAL D’ISERE, FRANCE 

Perhaps the most traditional choice of winter holiday is, of course, skiing, and Val D’Isère is fortunate enough to have a ski season which stretches from November to May. This destination is extremely popular with skiing enthusiasts from the UK. Part of its popularity lies in their differing slopes — there are pistes for all abilities and if your other half discovers that skiing is not for them, then they won’t be bored waiting for you at La Folie Douce (the famous après-ski bar). 

4 IDEAL ROOFTOP BARS IN THE MIDWEST, USA, TO CHECK OUT TODAY

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4 IDEAL ROOFTOP BARS IN THE MIDWEST, USA, TO CHECK OUT TODAY

If there’s one thing Midwestern American’s love more than enjoying a libation or two, it’s being able to do so while admiring the views of their local area. And who can disagree with them? Nothing quite confirms you’ve made it like having an Old Fashioned in one hand while the other sweeps theatrically across the vista. ‘Look at us’, indeed.

As any Brit who has traversed the States will know, it’s not exactly miniature and narrowing things down to a decent drink and a decent view can be tough. But we’re here to help, with these; our 4 IDEAL rooftop bars in the Midwest, USA, to check out today.

BRIT’S PUB DOWNTOWN, MINNEAPOLIS  

Having been in business for over 25 years, Brit’s Pub Downtown has earned Midwest legend status in the world of rooftop bars. It’s often described as being the worst kept secret in Minneapolis, having become a well-loved feature among tourists as well as locals. In fact, they’re so popular that they won the respected Pub Of The Year award for 2019. 

When you look at the sheer scope of ambition this pub boasts, it’s easy to see why. With a capacity stretching to over 2000 people in good weather, they’ve made expert use of their space, with an all-grass bocce ball area and football (sorry, soccer) pitch taking up much of the outside space. True to the name, you’ll find them showing Premier League matches inside, where they have an overflow venue in case of unexpected summer showers or cold winter nights where you can warm up in front of the fire. Talk about putting your best foot forward!

THE UP ROOM, CHICAGO 

Considered to be one of the best rooftop bars in all of Chicago, according to CoolThingsChicago, this intimate space has a big reputation to live up to. With room for just 35 people, it’s certainly not as grand as some other rooftop options in the Midwest, but this was a purposeful move aimed to create a warm, intimate space for guests. It works.

The décor isn’t the only thing this place has going for it, though; aside from the innovative, award winning cocktail menu, the Up Room is also in a prime location in downtown Chicago, giving you great views of the city around you, panoramic style. In the winter, this view can be viewed from 360-degree angles from inside the glass walls, while in the summer many enjoy getting out on the patio terrace to take things in properly and breathe in some of that windy air. It’s impossible not to be blown away (not literally of course).

360, ST. LOUIS 

Located almost 400 feet above downtown St. Louis atop the centrally-located Hilton Hotel, this rooftop bar is a must-see. And you must see it, the views are incredible. Unsurprisingly, the name 360 comes from the view you receive of the city below, with the ability to take in the sweeping views in all directions. This wonderous view includes a birds’ eye view right into the Busch Stadium, if sports are your thing. 

Being so close to a stadium, this location does get extremely busy on game days, so it’s best to arrive as close to its opening time of 4 PM as you can, if you plan to visit on one of these days and actually watch some baseball being played. 

Although its views are the main focal point of this location, they’re not the only thing going for 360; they also have an extension wine, beer and cocktail selection, and a delicious dinner menu. They do Cajun and Creole food, including lobster roll, fish tacos and beignets, just brilliantly. Now that’s the kind of drinking food we can raise a glass to.

DRUNKEN FISH, KANSAS CITY 

Located in the heart of Kansas City in its Power & Light District, Drunken Fish will provide wonderful 360-degree views no matter what time of day you visit. During the day, you’ll get to watch the bustling city below, and at night, you can enjoy a thousand bright lights of the City of Fountains first hand.

This isn’t the only thing that makes this bar stand out, however; unlike other rooftop experiences offering very minimal food options, this venue makes feeding you well their priority. With luxurious three-course meals on their menu in addition to a wide array of alcoholic beverages, this is as close as you can get in the Midwest to a Las Vegas rooftop experience (check this article to see what we mean). In fact, their sushi and Japanese small plates have a sterling reputation.

With four different locations around the Midwest, their Kansas City venue has been voted 435 Magazine’s Best Rooftop Bar. We might just have to agree.

 

6 IDEAL GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS 2019 

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS 2019 

Christmas is coming, and it’s time to start thinking about presents and celebration ideas for the holiday season. This year, a little imagination goes a long way, we think. So instead of falling back on all your tried-and-tested gift and celebration ideas, why not try something a little different this year? If you’re after the best gifts for him or for her in the UK right now, as well as a little celebration to get you in the Christmas spirit, then read on; our 6 IDEAL gifts for Christmas 2019.

PERSONALISED SLOGAN APRONS

You and your family probably do more cooking over Christmas and the winter season than at any other time of the year, right? It’s crucial, therefore, to do it in style.  Achieving sartorial splendour in the kitchen isn’t always easy, but with personalised aprons, there’s hope yet. 

What’s great about these personalised numbers and other personalised Christmas gifts available is that you can custom the present specifically for its intende. You can choose the words that appear on them and often the style, colours and aspects of design. Many custom apron services allow you to write whatever you want, from your name, a funny joke, or even the family motto (if you have one, that is). So, this year, when you’re elbows deep in the turkey, with roast spuds surrounding you and gravy in your pockets, at least you’ll be doing so looking clean and cool.

THE LOCAL PANTO OR BALLET

Give the gift of entertainment this Christmas. Going to see a pantomime is one of the best ways for you and your family to celebrate the Christmas season, get into the spirit, and have fun. It’s worth pointing out, however, that you don’t have to stick with the local panto at the village hall. This year, why not strike out, arrange a trip to London and enjoy the city looking at its finest, twinkling lights and all. This year, the Nutcracker is being performed by English National Ballet at London Coliseum. Or, the London Palladium is hosting Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Sounds like a magical evening to us.

A WEEKEND AWAY WITH A CHRISTMAS MARKET

Christmas, of course, isn’t just a time for gift-giving; it’s also a chance for you to get out there and amongst it, seeing the lights, drinking the mulled wine and enjoying the buzz of the season.

So, consider Christmas market tour and get you into the spirit of the season, a gentle, enjoyable reminder of the generosity of this most wonderful time of the year. You can visit stollen and cheese food stalls that are doing their darndest to make you festively plump, boutiques offering decorations, and stalls where you can pick up seasonal treats for enjoying back at home.

Check out our IDEAL guide to England’s best Christmas markets over here.

WHISKEY TASTING SET 

In the bleak midwinter, when frosty winds may moan, there’s nothing better than curling up in front of the fire with a cup of hot toddy full of festive flavours. You can always turn to a hot toddy to warm you up, or a whiskey on the rocks for that matter, if the ‘hot’ part isn’t your thing. Indeed, if there was a season to enjoy the soothing warmth of whisky, it has to be Christmas. That’s why whiskey tasting sets are the ideal gift for whiskey connoisseurs this Christmas. The beauty of this is that you get several small bottles of whiskey and a set of tasting cards to go with them. You’re able to try different products side by side, refine your palate and reflect on which you like. Lovely stuff.

A TRIP TO OXFORD STREET

It can be hard to know what to buy someone for Christmas. So why not take them on a shopping trip instead? Oxford Street at Christmas can be quite a magical sight and has some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in London. Wandering down the street and admiring the seasonal window displays lining will certainly get you in the festive mood. Indeed, Retailers go out of their way over the Christmas season to dress their windows beautifully and entice customers. One of the best places to take the family is Selfridges in London, a department store with a long history of spectacular displays. Selfridges usually dedicates an entire floor to Christmas, allowing customers to get up close and personal with stunning displays and exotic gifts.  

A STAR THEATRE PLANETARIUM 

Bring the outdoors in this Christmas with a star theatre planetarium. While, the idea of purchasing a planetarium as a gift set might seem, frankly, a little out of the budget range of most families, but actually, it’s more affordable than you might think. Indeed, you can pick up a planetarium (essentially a projector that recreates the night sky in your living room) for less than £150. 

A planetarium is, by all measures, a unique gift. What’s more, it’s something that the entire family can enjoy. All you do is switch it on, and the projector device will cover the walls and the ceiling with stars, planets, asteroids and nebulas. You can then use it as a gift for the kids to educate them (and older ones for that matter) about the size and scale of the universe; a thrilling thought for the little ones. Could some alien species on another planet be celebrating their version of the holidays right now too? 

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5 IDEAL STEPS TO START UP SUCCESS

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5 IDEAL STEPS TO START UP SUCCESS

Though the ratios and time frame often vary, the overall message is always the same; the majority of start up businesses fail within a few years of opening. According to a recent report, about 60% of 660,000 new businesses registered every year in the UK fail within three years, and 20% last for 12 months. These businesses generally fail due to several, interconnected factors, such as the lack of market for products and services, low cash flow, and poor management skills. 

So, before you begin your next venture, a little planning and preparation is essential. Whether you’re starting a home-based baking business, an IT company or anything in between, here are 5 IDEAL steps to start up success.

CREATE A SOLID BUSINESS PLAN

Creating a business plan is vital, no matter how small you anticipate your trade to be. An effective strategy, done with due diligence and detail, will define the total expected costs, technology required, level of marketing, staffing, and manufacturing needs …basically, everything. Within that plan, be sure to cover the two main aspects which require detailed strategising; how you intend to market your products and services and how you intend to sell them. A detailed plan will not assist you during the initial phase of business only, but it will also act as a guide in making smart decisions that will lead to growth and development later down the line. 

RESEARCH THE MARKET

Overlooking the importance of conducting thorough market research is a common – and all too often fatal – mistake which aspiring entrepreneurs commit. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, commit yourself to researching the market in a depth and breadth you think preposterous on paper. By doing extensive market research, you get to know your competitors and protect yourself from investment losses. You’ll be able to determine if there is a demand for the products and services you intend to sell based on consumer responses, and also analyse the key demographics in the supply and demand chain.  

Workers Compensation

PRIORITISE BUSINESS INSURANCE

For start-ups, unexpected risks can lead to premature business closure. To avoid such events from occurring, it’s prudent to invest in the best insurance coverage available (within your budget, of course). Fortunately, there are different types of business insurance options suitable for all firms and budgets. Before settling on any insurance plan, make sure to factor in your business structure along with the current and future needs of the organisation.

According to Cerity.com, buying the right insurance allows you to work smarter – not harder – while protecting your business from liabilities. In short, insuring your start-up can save you thousands of pounds in terms of legal costs and worker’s compensation should something go wrong. 

SELF-FINANCE YOUR START-UP

With only a small percentage of lenders willing to offer loans to a new business, accessing funds to get things going can be a real obstacle. Besides, securing credit can involve high-interest rates which may lead to high debts and, eventually, business closure. The best option for any start-up – if you have the luxury of course – is self-financing, as you will stay in control of investments and, in turn, your company. There are also other ways to self-finance a business apart from personal savings and funds from friends or family, so consider these before the process of planning truly begins. 

ESTABLISH A GREATER ONLINE PRESENCE

With 45% of the world (a whopping 3.48 billion) now having a social media account and millions scrolling through their feeds at any given moment, it would be financial suicide not to be harnessing the power of the click, constantly and consistently. While there are plenty of paid options to promote your business on social media, you should only do so with scrupulous tracking of analytics to assess whether the reach of such posts is worth your investment. You might find that you could achieve the same reach via free social media channels; making an Instagram and Facebook page (we all have one, right?) is easy and needn’t cost you a penny. Just ensure your page is captivating and unique, as there’s a pretty massive crowd out there to stand out from. 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD PERSONALITY AND STYLE TO YOUR KITCHEN

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD PERSONALITY AND STYLE TO YOUR KITCHEN

The best kitchens chanel style and grace. They fuse fun, functionality and family seamlessly. The worst well, they come completely void of personality and are places no one wants to spend time in. Unfortunately many kitchens in modern households are the latter, offering cold identikit spaces from the pages of an ikea catalogue. We’re firm believers that a room’s characteristics can reflect their owner’s. Make yours a focal point for all the right reasons, with these; our 5 IDEAL ways to add personality and style to your kitchen.

BRING THE WORLD TO YOUR KITCHEN

Yep, we said personality, and nothing tells your own unique story more than by displaying items which you’ve accumulated on your travels. But while souvenirs are usually just visual items, redundant for any actual purpose, the great thing about kitchen items bought abroad is that they are functional, too. In fact, they can both bring aesthetic appeal and improve your cooking. Some of the items which best complement both those aspects include a pestle and mortar from South East Asia, ideal for grinding spices and pounding curry pastes in the most authentic (see: delicious) way possible, a tagine from Morocco, or a pasta maker from Italy. All show off your inquisitive, well travelled personality, as well as having an ornamental quality.

SPLASH IT BACK

Sure, you can get a certain aspect of your personality across by displaying bolognese splashes on the kitchen wall and turmeric powder on the chopping boards, but perhaps it’s not one to advertise proudly. Instead, why not marry the practical with the visually appealing by adding a  kitchen splashback.

These sit on the wall behind the stove and come in easily wipeable materials to avoid those stains from the home cook’s enthusiastic stirring and flipping. But, they can also evoke a sense of style. Show adventurousness with bold, statement coloured acrylic splashbacks, or go for a mirrored version to give the impression of space, add brightness and bring in more light. You could even think about a metallic splashback to evoke the industrial look so beloved of on-trend restaurants right now.

REFERENCE ART

Show off your skills as a conscientious chef by displaying your cookbooks proudly (but tidily) in the kitchen. Colour coordinate, arrange by size and position thoughtfully to make it look visually pleasing as well as useful to reference when you’re wondering how to save that hollandaise. But don’t stop there; add other flourishes of reference material in place of art. You could hang pictures that tastefully, displaying which fish and vegetables are currently in season, showing guests that you cook and eat with the seasons, and pair ingredients thoughtfully. Or, really dial down on your family’s unique history by framing an old recipe written by a grandmother, for the ultimate touch of reference art mixed with that magic personal touch.

OPEN PLAN SHELVING

Though clutter is the enemy of good kitchen flow and therefore, great cooking, there is sometimes a danger of going the opposite way, and having a kitchen which is too tidy and ends up looking clinical. Like we said before, personality is found in those trinkets you’ve collected on your travels and esoteric ingredients you use. Display them proudly but retain a sense of order with open plan shelving.

When deployed with a keen eye for detail and ratio, your kitchen will appear larger than it is, whilst in the process adding a little visual intrigue. This enables both aesthetic benefits and functional ones. You can proudly display that awesome, intriguing crockery you own, as well as your sourdough starter and pickles you’re working on. And, items are easier to reach when your hands are full with cooking. So, that’s no more fumbling with drawers and cupboard doors with messy hands, searching for a whisk. Or whisky. It just makes sense, right?

GREENER CREDENTIALS

Take this tip in two ways. That fresh and natural feel synonymous with great ingredients and simple, homely cooking? Harness that energy before anyone’s even tasted your famous watercress soup by introducing plants and cut flowers to your kitchen space. You could even dot them around that open plan shelving which we mentioned earlier, to really add notes of calm, soothing nature.

But an even more vital channeling of the ‘going green’ ethos is lessening the environmental impact of your kitchen where you can. Though it’s certainly no glamorous, adding recycling bins and banishing plastic in favour of beeswax and brown paper, as well as having your own herbs growing on the windowsill, will speak volumes about the climate conscientious owner of the kitchen. Now that’s the type of personality you should be advertising.

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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR MOVING TO ITALY FROM THE UK

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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR MOVING TO ITALY FROM THE UK

La dolce vita. The sweet life. That sounds pretty good to us right now, with things on home turf so bitter. Amazingly, hazy and lazy days of fresh pasta and cheap, drinkable wine under the Mediterranean sun don’t have to be a sepia-tinged pipe dream. Indeed, moving to the continent, even with Brexit on the horizon, is eminently achievable. It just takes a little foresight and planning, and an acceptance of some bureaucracy, to make it happen. Here’s a start; our 5 IDEAL tips for moving to Italy from the UK.

VISA LAW

Bloody Brexit. We’d love to hear no more of it. Unfortunately, regardless of whether we end up remaining or leaving, all UK nationals wishing to live and work in Italy for anything over three months will need a residence and work permit, which you need to apply for at the Italian embassy in London. The latter isn’t required now, but with the likelihood of leaving the EU high, it’s best to prepare for applying for one as soon as possible. If you’re lucky enough to have Italian dual citizenship, then you needn’t worry about doing that.

If you end up living in Italy before Brexit occurs, then following the UK leaving, you’ll be required to attend your local police station in Italy, in person, to receive a new residence permit. To receive permission to work the country, you’ll need to provide both a UK criminal records certificate and an Italian criminal records certificate.

These steps are essential for ensuring a smooth transition when moving to Italy from UK, as they help streamline the necessary paperwork and permits required for residency and employment in Italy. Staying informed and proactive in this process will contribute to a more seamless transition and help UK nationals adapt to the changing post-Brexit regulations when moving to Italy.

HEALTHCARE NEED-TO-KNOW

Once you’re all settled in Italy, it’s vital that you register with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, or SSN for short, which is the country’s national health service. You can do this via your municipality’s Azienda Sanitaria Locale (the local health authority).

Provided you have proof of a work contract or are self-employed, you can register for free. Should you not fit the bill, you’ll have to foot the bill for your health, which takes the form of a yearly fee. Full medical coverage, provided by the state, costs around £140.

PET PROVISIONS

All pet parents know how it is; moving to Italy from the UK without your furry friend just wouldn’t feel right or complete. Should you want to bring your furry friend with you on your new adventure to Italy, then firstly, that’s totally understandable. No one wants to leave those puppy dog eyes behind. You do need to make sure that you have an up-to-date, valid pet passport, and that your animal is microchipped.

Also essential are up to date, certified vaccinations as well as a clean rabies test; without one, and particularly in light of an outbreak of rabies a decade ago in the country, your pet will be denied entry. And that’s the last thing you want when you’re trying to settle in.

HOUSING

Assuming you’ve already determined which area of Italy you’re intending to live, it’s important to note a few things about the housing search which may come in handy. When searching for accommodation in any major Italian city or town, it’s best to go through an estate agent rather than liaising directly with a landlord. The latter may be less discerning and detailed with legal obligations, preferring a more ‘family style’ arrangement which might stand you in hot water with the authorities as a foreign resident should anything go wrong.

Estate agents will be able to assist you more, and with perhaps more impartiality, in the hunt. Though you may have seen recent stories about one Italian village giving away property for free, monthly rental prices usually fall between €500 and €700 in the south, and €600 to €1000 in the north and bigger cities.

As with house hunting in the UK, it’s best not to focus your search in late Summer and early Autumn as this is the time when students are seeking places to live, and as such, properties are more in demand and, in turn, more expensive. In general, property in Italy tends to be on the smaller side, with most urban rentals taking the form of apartments and flats. 

DO LEARN THE LINGO

Though English is spoken adeptly in the big cities and in business settings, it’s vital that you have a decent grasp of the Italian language if you want to get ahead. With unemployment levels pretty high in Italy currently, there is stiff competition for jobs, and a lack of the local lingo will be a severe handicap. What’s more, out of the big urban centres, little English is spoken. If you’re to assimilate smoothly, it’s respectful to have a good amount of Italian under your belt. Check out our 5 IDEAL tips for learning a new language fast online over here, if the necessity is urgent.

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5 IDEAL CHEFS JOBS WITH MORE SOCIABLE HOURS

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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5 IDEAL CHEFS JOBS WITH MORE SOCIABLE HOURS

The hours and demands of high flying, fine dining restaurants are notoriously tough. We’ve all heard the horror stories, of chefs with not enough time to get home and back, sleeping in the changing room. We’ve read of those cooks so tired they’ve deep fried their hand rather than the croquettes. We’ve learned of stress levels so high that burnout at a young age is the rule, not the exception. 

Whilst once it was considered as ‘all part of the job’, a badge of honour even, there is now a new breed of chef for whom the passion for cooking still burns bright, but whose priorities might need realigning. For those who want more of a family life, or who’d like to take better care of their physical and mental health, all is not lost. Here are 5 IDEAL chefs jobs with more sociable hours.

EVENTS CHEF

For many cooks who have grown weary with the profession, it’s the monotony of restaurant hours and the same ol’ daily tasks which finally grinds them down. Cooking in the same room, on the same section, with the same people, for 15 hours a day, six days a week can feel a little, well, repetitive. If it’s the same tasks each day – knead dough first thing, break down chickens till noon, and so on – motivation can sometimes run low. 

But what if we told you there was a role where the kitchen was always changing, the clientele diverse, and the menu different each and every service? Well, being part of an events team is one way to achieve this variety. There may even be a little creative control granted in designing fresh and exciting menus to a particular brief. A typical assignment may involve catering for a wedding, or designing a special menu for a charity function, or even cooking for special guests at a sporting occasion. 

This one is perfectly suited for those seeking something ever-changing in terms of food prep and service, but who can respond to the demands of flexible hours and needs accordingly.

Read: How to land your first job in a professional kitchen

VILLA CHEF

Though perhaps lacking the adrenaline of service and the camaraderie of a professional kitchen, for those looking for something less frantic and fast-paced, and with a huge amount of autonomy over the menu, a villa chef role could be perfect. Here, you can gain experience running your own kitchen, taking control of orders, and designing dishes – albeit on a small scale – for guests renting a holiday home or villa for the duration of their stay. This means that although the covers will be on the smaller side, the expectation for top-notch grub will be massive. Often, it won’t cover breakfast, lunch and dinner, but rather meals at the behest of villa guests. 

Ideally, rosette or Michelin level experience is necessary here, as villa guests will have forked out serious money for the service, and may well be expectant of (and discerning about) haute cuisine and all that entails. This role is well suited for someone who is adaptable to the changing needs of different clientele, and who can liaise regularly with them to create a menu of finesse and elegance.

SKI SEASON CHEF

The dream of so many, this, to combine a love of cooking with a passion for snow sports. Ski season chef roles are highly coveted, and usually last for a whole winter season in the European alpine destinations of Switzerland, Italy and France. The biggest perk here is the package, which usually includes board, lodgings, ski hire, ski pass and food. In return, and similar to a villa chef, you’ll be listening to the needs of an ever-rotating cast of chalet guests, and designing and cooking a menu to suit them. 

Unlike the villa chef role, however, you’ll usually be catering for breakfast, a late lunch and dinner, though the expectation for fancy fare is generally less prevalent. Ideal, we think, for those with a keen interest in snow sports, and a large, diverse repertoire of dishes at their disposal. It’s important to note that for the other half of the year, many ski season chefs resort to yacht chef roles.

Read: 6 tips on how to start a food business from your home kitchen

DEVELOPMENT CHEF

An increasingly in-demand role, and one which usually follows standard office hours, is that of the development chef. This type of chef is either in charge of creating new dishes and developing ideas for a prestigious restaurant, or is at the helm of a kitchen designing new products for a supermarket or high street brand. For the former, a creative, inquisitive mind is vital. And for the latter (and the more common position of the two) a bulletproof knowledge of food hygiene, food science and costing is required, as margins mean everything in this game. For development chefs, an extensive awareness of food trends, as well as the ability to predict the next, is a key attribute to continued success in the role.

BREAKFAST CHEF

The early bird catches the worm, as they say. Perhaps you’re an early riser? Or maybe you have other demands later in the day which take priority? If so, a breakfast chef role in a busy hotel kitchen could be you. Traditionally, this involves setting up the kitchen first thing in the morning (the role usually begins at around 6am) before guests are up, then cooking breakfast up until lunch service takes over, followed by a tidy down and ordering any items needed for the next day. Breakfast chefs can expect to be out the door by 2pm. 

Whilst perhaps not the most glamorous of cheffing roles, they do say that ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’. And having an afternoon to collect children, go to university, or simply kick back? Well, that sounds pretty good to us.

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO WHITENING TEETH WITH FRUIT

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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO WHITENING TEETH WITH FRUIT

Yep, you read that right. Fruit! But don’t shut down your browser just yet, we’re not crazy. Indeed, whilst an entire industry has grown up around polishing and cleaning the inside of our collective mouths, a perhaps better path to gleaming whites can be found in your fridge. Society is moving away from the harsh chemicals and products of yore though, and a series of recent web claims has placed fruit, spices, and all sorts of other things at the centre of the teeth whitening debate. With that in mind, here’s our IDEAL guide to whitening teeth with fruit.

BANANAS WITH TURMERIC

Let’s start with one of the most common entrants to online trivia – bananas. It’s well known that the yellow fruit is good for energy and a great source of potassium, but the banana’s claim to teeth whitening excellence seems a little spurious. Toothpaste company Colgate notes that there’s zero scientific evidence behind cleaning or whitening your teeth with bananas (specifically, rubbing the inside of the peel on the enamel) but dental director Uchenna Okoye, speaking to India Today, claims the opposite, noting bananas’ exfoliating properties. We’ll leave that one to your discretion, we think.

TURMERIC

A common piece of advice regarding teeth cleaning is that anything that will stain your clothes will stain your teeth – that’s why wine, coffee, and tobacco are the bane of dentists everywhere, and a lifestyle change might be the only way to whiten your teeth over time. If you smoke, stop and not just for your teeth. On your journey to quitting, nicotine pouches can serve as an alternative to smoking, as they omit tobacco, helping to keep your teeth free of brown stains. While turmeric, too, will stain your teeth it has been cited online as a teeth whitener – Make sure you avoid taking the advice of that bit of internet wisdom.

CITRIC ACID

Again, there’s some anecdotal evidence that strawberries can help whiten teeth but little support from the scientific community. In fact, Ran Kwon, a researcher in the topic at the University of Iowa, noted that a paste formed of baking soda and strawberries failed to improve the colour of 20 human molars over ten days. Much like lemons, which were recently discarded to the ‘not recommended’ pile of dental aids, strawberries also contain high levels of citric acid, which can damage teeth. Much the same applies to other acids, like those in cider vinegar.

SUPERFICIAL STAINS

Ultimately, many DIY solutions that claim to whiten teeth do so by removing superficial stains and not by penetrating into the tooth. The absence of two key whitening ingredients, namely, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, from fruit-based cleaning pastes, renders much of the debate about their efficacy moot. Therefore, professional products and, as mentioned, lifestyle changes are a much better option for your mouth than raiding the fruit bowl – however delicious a choice it might be.

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5 IDEAL GAY FRIENDLY EUROPEAN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Joseph Gann
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5 IDEAL GAY FRIENDLY EUROPEAN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Though safe, open travel for gay couples and groups has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, it’s certainly true that some destinations offer more in terms of security, acceptance and celebration than others. If you’re planning on a mini break on the continent, or even a staycation on terra firma, and are looking for the city with the highest concentration of gay bars, or the most reverent, revelrous Pride event, then you’ve arrived at the right place; our 5 IDEAL gay friendly European travel destinations.

BRIGHTON, UK

Though London or Manchester could proudly stake a fair claim as being the UK’s gay capital, Brighton still takes the crown year after year. Indeed, it’s often declared to be the world’s LGBTI capital, and this is partly due to the huge, 160’000 strong Pride festival (over half the city’s entire population) which happens each year in August, bringing 2% of Brighton’s annual visitors in a single day. Whether you’re travelling here single or as part of gay travel groups, you’ll feel right at home in the City by the Sea.

But that’s not to say the city is only gay friendly for just a single day a year. Indeed, it’s a city which prides itself on openess and acceptance all year round, and has the highest percentage of same-sex households in the country, as well as a hip and happening collection of gay bars and clubs centred around St. James’ Street in Kemptown and on towards the beach. If you can’t wait until the summer to visit this lovely seaside town, then consider a trip down in February, when the month is dedicated to LGBTI with art, film showings, discussions and tours centering around influential figures in the LGBTI community.

BERLIN, GERMANY

Another city which regularly lays claim to being Europe’s Gay Capital, Berlin is something of a different propostion to our previous entrant. Even during Pride, there’s something a touch quaint about proceedings in Brighton. No such danger in Berlin, Germany, where the party is frivolous, frisky and seemingly never ending. 

The city boasts the world famous Schoneberg, the first and largest gay village in the world. During the day, head to Schwules Museum, which is one of the most culturally significant documenters of LGBTQ+ history in the world, with regularly updated exhibitions, film screenings and more about the community. Or, go shopping in style at Europe’s largest department store, KaDeWe, or the somewhat more humble Fleamarket Schoneberg.

Enjoy an afternoon coffee at one of the city’s oldest devotedly gay cafes (a favourite of David Bowie during his Berlin exile) Neues Ufer, and then end the evening on the dancefloor. Depending on your stripes, Prinzknecht caters to a leatherclad crowd, whilst WOOF is hugely popular with bears and otters. Or, you could do both!

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Portugal only legalised same-sex marriage in 2010, but Lisbon is now one of the most open minded and open armed cities in the world. The establishing of both Portugal Pride, which takes place here in June, and the International Queer Film Festival in late September, has made it a much loved gay friendly destination in recent years, and the vibe is inclusive all over the city. 

The bohemian enclaves of Barrio Alto and Principe Real are where most of the action goes down, with trendy bars dominating the scene. The popular gay street Rua da Barrocca houses lively hangout Espaco 40 e 1, with the biggest gay friendly club, Trumps, just a ten minute walk from there. That’s our evening written, then.

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

An inclusive, open minded city if ever there was one, Amsterdam boasts the largest concentration of gay bars in Europe, and an LGBTI scene proud to call itself one of the world’s largest. In fact, the Netherland’s was the first country in the world to legalise same sex marriage (in 2001) and continues to be a welcoming, progressive place to visit. Of particular pride to the city is Pink Point, one of the world’s only official Gay and Lesbian information kiosks, housed next to the Homomonument on Westermarkt. The Homomonument itself is also a must visit; a memorial erected to commemorate those men and women who have been persecuted because of their sexuality.

For perhaps the most popular and happening gay friendly districts, head to Amstel for its ubiquitous Dutch ‘Brown Bars’ featuring local beer and traditional dress, or for nightlife, Kerkstraat and Reguliersdwarsstraat offer gay hotels and bars. For something a little more fetish, Warmoesstraat gets down and dirty until the sun comes up.

SITGES, SPAIN

Carrying the nicknames of both ‘Ibiza in miniature’ and ‘the Saint Tropez of Spain’, Sitges, nestled in the Mediterranean basin just an hour south of Barcelona, is Europe’s latest premier gay destination. A resort town famed for its beautiful beaches, cornucopia of carnivals and clubs, and year round festival atmosphere, it is perhaps most renowned for hosting two of Spain’s (and Europe’s) biggest gay friendly parties.

The first, Spain’s biggest and most raucous, goes down at the tail end of February and beginning of March each year, and is one of the best Mardi Gras celebrations on the planet, particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a week long fiesta of fancy dress and frivolity, peaking with the Rua de la Disbauxa (‘The Debauchery Parade’). This parade sees more than forty floats full of crossdressing, stripping, and generally a risque, no holds barred vibe.

But perhaps an even larger drawer for the gay community is Sitges’ Gay Pride event. Next year will see its ten year anniversary, and it promises to be bigger and more bombastic than ever before. Beginning on the 1st June and lasting for ten days, expect outdoor events focused around pools and the beach, making the most of the superb climate and Sitges’ position on the Med. Although much of this plays out on the streets and in public, tickets are essential for the private parties, which sell out months in advance. Book early to avoid disappointment.

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4 STEPS TO PROVIDING THE IDEAL ONLINE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

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4 STEPS TO PROVIDING THE IDEAL ONLINE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

If you’re setting up a new business, or even if you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, you’ll know that the online shopping experience is a vital part of the customer journey. In fact, it’s one that can define the answer to that all important question; ‘will you be returning?’.  

Yep, it’s true that with a dedicated focus on providing the ideal customer experience, you’ll be able to convert consumers into customers, and ditherers into devotees, with a greater level of efficiency, in turn creating a level of excitement around your brand that’s important for you to establish a greater market share in the long run. Here’s how; our 4 steps to providing the IDEAL online shopping experience.

FOCUS ON THE JOURNEY

The customer experience (CX) journey is perhaps the most important aspect to concentrate on when you’re considering your online selling platform. From the moment that a consumer gets in touch, or lands on your website, their experience begins, and boosting your customer experience strategy needs to be emphasised.

What’s particularly important to note is that the journey doesn’t even end when they make a purchase, or decide to leave your website – you want them to have deduced an understanding of what you’re like as a brand and as an individual, so that they carry with them your business’ character, and may turn to you for shopping in the future. 

A SEAMLESS ONLINE SPACE

If you’re to imbue loyalty and garner word-of-mouth references from your clients, you need them to feel like they’re shopping on a classy, professional and trustworthy website. To enhance their experience, you should consider:

  • Hiring a professional photographer in order to make your photos ‘pop out’ of your website
  • Using a freelance copywriter to make your text more engaging and exciting on every page
  • Building a well-made website, with all the bells and whistles that you need to impress consumers
  • Partnering with a reputable and well-equipped e-commerce provider to help you establish better sales platforms on your website

If you follow all of these points, you’ll be providing a better – a more ideal – experience for every web user that comes across your website.

STRATEGISE

There’s no doubt that an enhanced customer experience will help you spread your brand’s credentials and convert web users into customers; the crucial point in the customer journey. This will help you to build a solid and reliable base of customers, who are more than happy to return and shop with you on a regular basis, as well as recommending you to friends, colleagues and more. 

In order to build this, you’re going to need to focus on an overall strategy. Boosting your customer experience strategy doesn’t have to be done in-house. Often, it makes more sense to outsource this to an external agency. They will be able to help you patch together the perfect response to your customer’s needs, both online and in the real world.

PROVIDE UNRIVALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE

The service you provide gives your customers a key understanding of how much you value their custom. It’s vital, then, to make any visitors to your online world feel valued, listened to and safe. Be efficient, timely, reliable and friendly in each and every interaction with your customers, whether it’s on the phone, over an email, or face-to-face. This is how they’ll gain the trust they need to do business with you and pass on positive feedback to friends, family and colleagues.

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