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5 DESTINATIONS IDEAL FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY IN THE UNITED STATES

Editorial Team
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5 DESTINATIONS IDEAL FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY IN THE UNITED STATES

The United States is a country which doesn’t fall short when it comes to romantic destinations, that’s for sure. If you and your partner are looking for a new place to explore and indulge in the love you share, the country has everything to suit all manner of esoteric tastes and preferences.

So, whether your holiday is meant for reconnecting with your partner, celebrating the first flushes of love, embarking on a honeymoon or an anniversary, it’s all here. With such a vast country and variety of USA tour packages on offer, the paradox of choice can be crippling and invigorating in equal measure. Fall into the latter side with these, our 5 destinations IDEAL for a romantic getaway in the United States.

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Some may think that the characteristics of New Mexico aren’t appealing to those searching for a romantic destination, but Santa Fe is a great place to visit if you enjoy earthy Southwestern design and culture. This city can bring out the romance in your relationship with its unique architecture, colorful lilacs and al fresco dining opportunities. It’s a seasonal affair; visit this destination in the winter for the warm smell of burning pinyon pine which traditionally fills the air, or outdoor festivals and art markets that define the summer months.

You can make a visit to the museums in Santa Fe to get a glimpse of the art and landscapes of Southwestern culture. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is known for one of the largest collection of her landscape art pieces. Visit downtown for shopping and dining options. You could even take a stroll through the side streets and explore the landmarks of the city. This city is filled with artistic culture and if you enjoy creative and inventive thinking, this Southwestern destination is for you. 

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Georgia is a Southern state known for its athletics and warm hospitality. And Savannah, one of the oldest cities in Georgia, is at the heart of it all. Indeed, its romanticism is apparent from the moment you enter the town. With its charming ambiance of oak trees, gigantic mansions and historic landmarks, this destination will not allow you to leave without giving you the romantic feels of the South. A short drive from the historic district and you’ll find one of the most stunning estates in all of Savannah – the Wormsloe Historic Site. If you’re looking to understand more of about the history of Georgia, this former plantation is a good place to start.

Weather is warm year-round and the scenic views of gracious gardens and magnificent water fountains will ensure you first trip here isn’t your last. Vacation rentals here are diverse and different, ranging from cute cottages to high end resorts. Stay close to the Savannah River for the best views in the state.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

If you’re hungry for a more vibrant and lively getaway with your partner, then it’s got to be the Big Apple. With its grand skyscrapers, this place has some of the most imposing, majestic city scapes, and more importantly, if you want to lose yourself in culture and history, this is the place.

To really light the spark of romance, New York is home to the country’s most high-end hotels. Room service, king sized beds, luxury shower heads…you get the picture. If you can drag yourself away from your room, consider a ride on a rowboat through Central Park Lake (as close to Venice’s gondolas as you’re gonna get across the pond) and indulge in some people watching once you disembark. As day turns to night, it’s all about food and entertainment. The city has a famed, diverse food scene to rival any other major city in the world, and then, of course the only way to end the evening is by taking in a broadway show. 

KAUAI, HAWAII

Kauai is often overlooked when people are planning a trip to Hawaii, with most people tending to opt for Maui or Honolulu. But the state island has so much more to offer. But to dismiss Kauai is to miss out on all it has to offer; home to pristine beaches and wonderful sunsets that creates the most romantic vibe possible. This destination boasts a rural idyllic version of the US you won’t find within the main land mass itself, so if you enjoy that sense of being at one with nature, you’ll enjoy your time in Kauai. 

Just a few of the outdoor activities on offer here include:

  • Explore the Secret Beach
  • Venture down the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
  • See the Waipoo Falls at the Waimea Canyon
  • Take a safari helicopter ride
  • Visit Hawaii’s forbidden island
  • Ride ATVs through the forest

MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS 

Martha’s Vineyard is a great place to relax and indulge in the finest wine of Massachusetts. And what could be better than a fine glass of something vintage with your beloved? This island boasts beaches by the barrel load as well as a warm, comfortable climate. Be warned; it’s only accessible via plane or boat but the ride is short and the views spectacular. Visit Chilmark to see where the first instalment of Jaws was filmed, but don’t worry; there’s definitely not something in the water here.

 

5 IDEAL WAYS FOR OVERWORKED UK WORKERS TO UNWIND

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS FOR OVERWORKED UK WORKERS TO UNWIND

News just in, if you’ve got the time to look away from your work to read it, that is; the UK is a nation of stressed-out workaholics. And perhaps feeding into the sense of burden and pressure is that, according to research, 48 per cent of UK workers do little to nothing to relieve work-related stress. It’s understandable; a lack of free time is frequently cited as the main reason for this, with money woes also mentioned as a catalyst. Time for an untangle, then, with these; our 5 IDEAL ways for overworked UK workers to unwind.

HAVE A BATH   

For a quick and efficient way to unwind that’s cheap, no fuss and will make you feel pampered (and clean), then the answer lies close to home. Well, in the home actually. Up the stairs, to the left, first door on the right…

A long and languid soak, with the lighting just right, perhaps with candles flickering, can be just the ticket for tired limbs and minds. A lush bath bomb-infused and wine-glass-touting home-spa experience, simply allowing yourself a moment away and alone can work wonders for your relaxation. Sometimes, it’s just a short few moments away from the madness that readies you to re-enter it.

A WEEKEND AWAY

Just finished a big project at work? Been stashing the coins for a rainy day? Piggybank looking pregnant? Well, if you’ve got some money saved, or just had a nice little bonus or tax return payout, then why not treat yourself? Your health is your number one priority, always, and this goes for mental as well as physical. Sometimes, a weekend away can really replenish a weary soul.

Naturally, this should happen away from the hustle, bustle and burden of the city. Whether you choose to wander along the coast or take a stroll through the forest, time away from screens and immersed in nature is without doubt a nourishing thing. According to one study, Alan Ewert and Yun Chang note that “while individuals may select different locations or activities for reducing stress, for many, natural environments may be useful in their attempts to reduce their levels of stress.” Maybe, then, escaping to a log cabin, hiring one of the rare rural Northumberland cottages with hot tub facilities (of course you deserve a hot tub!), or even taking up temporary residence in a treehouse, is the best way forward.

A MONTHLY MASSAGE 

Rough week? We’ve all been there. If you’re looking for a small scale treatment (you can’t spell the word without ‘treat’ of course) that works wonders for your stress levels and irons out the physical kinks as well as untangling the mental ones, then a simple massage can leave you feeling as good as new. Nearly every city has specialists, whether your preferred discipline is Thai, Swedish or even Shiatsu. So, pick your poison, and get stretched and rested.

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Of course, there’s no point relaxing outside of work only to arrive at the office and have the weight of the world immediately thrust on your shoulders. That stuff can get weighty, fast. There are a number of ways in which your wellbeing at work can be improved, both through your own efforts and by your employer.

It’s more than just adding plants and offering yoga sessions: though both these things can build a better, more positive environment to work in, they don’t address the matter at its core. A little stress is to be expected in the workplace, and so long as it is manageable and light, it can actually be beneficial. But if the workplace is becoming overwhelmingly stressful for many employees, it is up to the employer to look for and deal with the cause directly. So, lobby them, petition them, write to and record them. Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of the company to nurture a positive, friendly and peaceful workplace.

WELLNESS WORKSHOPS 

It could be a learning issue as well. Do you have the correct tools to manage stress effectively? If not, you may have unwittingly picked up some bad habits for ‘dealing’ with stress along the way. If you suspect this may be the case, it’s certainly worth speaking to your employer about running some wellness workshops to help you learn new, productive ways of not only managing stress, but channelling it more effectively. In the end, nobody wins unless everybody wins. Remind your seniors of this.

 

5 IDEAL TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR TO A WEDDING 

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR TO A WEDDING 

We all know that for brides-to-be, finding the perfect fairy tale dress is the concern in a whole sea of ‘em when it comes to planning the big day. It can be a stressful, perilous journey; pitfalls, mishaps, budget limitations and time constraints make the job of finding the ideal wedding day attire one hell of a bumpy ride. 

Do spare some thought for the guests, however. Yes, the day is of course the brides’, but attendees do, too, have their own crosses to bear. There’s the dilemma of trying to find an outfit that goes from champagne in the afternoon to Cotton Eye Joe on the evening dancefloor seamlessly, as well as avoidance of clashing with others in style or in colour. Once that minefield is navigated, only then is it time to let your hair down. Or should that be up? Aaahhhh. Anyway, here are 5 IDEAL tips on what to wear to a wedding.

AVOID WHITE & CREAMY COLOURS 

This might sound like a too obvious tip, but it’s so essential that it bears repeating, LOUDLY; do not, we repeat, not, wear a white dress when attending someone else’s wedding, unless it’s been explicitly stated as fair game. Sure, it flatters any skin colour. Sure, it looks sophisticated, bright and optimistic. But, there are so many other occasions when you can wear it. This time, let the bride take the limelight. Same goes for cream, ecru, beige and any other hue with close ties to the fair, frosted shade.

DON’T SPEND TOO MUCH

When it comes to wedding guest dresses it’s all too easy to panic buy something you’re not even sure you like, that you’re sure you’ll likely wear only once then banish to back-of-the-cupboard purgatory. And given that it now costs over £1,000 to attend the average UK wedding. (yep, about a grand, just to attend) you’ve got to tighten the belt somewhere.

In our humble opinion, you should prioritise versatility, so the outfit has longevity and staying power well beyond the wedding day.

SWAP & BORROW

If you want a sustainable and affordable answer to your wedding guest dress woes (who doesn’t, hey?) without having to wear the same dress more than once or twice, why not swap or borrow one with one of your nearest and dearest? It’s an easy way to keep things looking fresh and financially viable. No doubt your girlfriends will be under similar pressure during wedding season; a mutually beneficial arrangement for sure. Should we coin a term? ‘Bridesmaids with benefits’?. ‘Guests with gains?’. Hmm, maybe we’ll just leave it there.

COORDINATE COLOURS 

This is a lesser known trick that few will share with you. If you’re going to a wedding with your partner or family, then coordinating the whole squad’s colours looks bold, suave but, most importantly, doesn’t take the limelight from the main people that matter on the day. With a little luck, this will result in the perfect wedding photos, and in years to come your skill at both matching tones and organising your ragtag bunch into something synergetic will stand out and be admired. 

AVOID SEQUINS 

Sequins are often a part of luxurious and elegant dresses; a marker of a sense of glam and occasion. However, unless the dress code is about all things glittery and sparkling, and sequins have been explicitly encouraged, when it comes to weddings you should stay away from them. A dress that is entirely made of shiny sequins is not so photo-friendly and also has that dreaded sense (intentionally or otherwise) of trying to take a little too much of the attention. It will reflect the light physically, steal the limelight metaphorically, and generally just look a little overblown. Subtly and sophistication are the watchwords here, so steer clear.

5 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN SICILY

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN SICILY

It’s one of intrepid, adventurous travelling’s greatest ironies; that while the most exotic places have been conquered and captured, with mountain top selfies and endangered species stowed in suitcases as memento, those less far flung remain criminally overlooked. As such, the truly untapped and untouched places now lay a little closer to home. One of the world’s most beautiful and least in thrall to tourist baiting (in other words…bloody great) is located just off the southern coast of Italy. Yep, we’re talking about Sicily.

Though one of the least affluent places in Mediterranean Europe, the island is rich in so many ways. Home to sandy white beaches, rock formations, an incredible cuisine and a hugely loaded history, Sicily is once again set to be one of the hottest tourist destinations of 2019. If you’ve booked a trip there, with pen in hand and a blank itinerary on the page, then read on; our 5 IDEAL things to do in Sicily.

A SEAFOOD LOVER’S PARADISE

As with many of the best foods in the world, both history and geography play a huge part. The positioning of Sicily is unique; European but close to the Middle East and on historic trade routes between Turkey, Greece and Tunisia, meaning a heavy influence of North African and Arab ingredients, spices and techniques in the cooking. All this has led to a poetic mash up of dishes that distinguishes the flavours of Sicily from the rest of Italy and beyond.

Of course, as an island, the sea’s bounty takes centre stage in much of the cooking. As with all cooking of an Italian bent, premium ingredients treated respectfully is the mantra here, but with the added nuance of all of that historical intrigue’s effect on the food. Perhaps the greatest realisation of this, and one of Sicily’s most iconic dishes, is pasta con le sarde; essentially, pasta with sardines. Where things get interesting is the addition of raisins and pinenuts, attributed to North African historical influences, and seafood friendly fennel. Glorious. Other brilliant dishes celebrating the surrounding seas include pasta allo scoglio, which is (usually) spaghetti served with clams or mussels, and pesce spada (swordfish steaks), a hugely popular protein on the island.

GRAPE GETAWAY

The volcanic terroir of Sicily lends itself to some incredibly complex, delicious wines. The slopes of the island’s Etna brings the red grape nerello mascalese and with it some excellent, though not cheap, drops. Our favourite is perhaps the Etna Rosso Carusu blend. Close to the city of Messina, in Northeastern Sicily, the famous Malvasia wine is produced; a gently fortified dessert wine with full bodied flavour and an essential companion to Sicily’s hugely popular treat, cannoli. If your sweet wine tooth still isn’t satisfied, then the island’s Zibibbo (akin to Muscat) is equally wonderful.

It should go without saying that any place’s wine culture isn’t simply about drinking it, and in Sicily there are plenty of wine experiences which involve much more than getting squiffy. These include a private helicopter flight over Etna followed by a tour of the perilous wineries closeby, and a more all encompassing tour of the salt, wine and olive oil production of the fertile lands areas surrounding Palermo.

TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO THE PAST…

Sicily is home to the great Greek temples Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta. The most famous is perhaps Agrigento where the Valley of the Temples lies – explore it on foot then cool down with a ricotta-based pecorino ice-cream that this part of Sicily is known for. Though it may sound an odd proposition, it’s truly spectacular.

Described by Cicero as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all”, home to the mathematician and engineer Archimedes, and arguably one of the greatest cities of Western Greek diaspora, Syracuse is famous for its ample amphitheatres and architecture. Today it’s listed as a World Heritage Site. The surrounding Ortygia, the island Syracuse calls home, is a must visit and there are plenty of Sicily villa holidays in the area, offering the ideal location from which to explore this part of the island. If you visit in the summer, catch an Ancient Greek play at the Parco Archeologico, a fifth-century BC theatre, with one of the most stunning backdrops you’re likely to find anywhere in the world.

…AND INTO THE SEA

With more than 1’000km of coastline, the lure of Sicily resides firmly on the beach. There are certainly plenty of choose from, and high on the hit list has got to be San Vito Lo Capo in Trapani. Its turquoise waters and crescent-shaped sandy beach are a well-kept secret (until now, sorry about that) making it one of the best in Sicily. The beach is set against the imposing backdrop of Monte Monaco, a charming coastal town beloved of climbers and hikers for its stiff peaks and sweeping views. These peaks cast an ominous shadow over the beach at sunset.

But probably even more imposing and impressive is The Scala dei Turchi, or Turkish Steps of Agrigento; an amazing sight as it features a bright white rock formation reminiscent of a moonscape scene, named Scala Dei Turchi, with a beautiful long sandy beach below. Over the years, sustained wind and sea spray erosion have carved into the limestone to form a staircase like structure; one which really has to be seen to be believed. The natural white rocks set against the blue sea are pretty as a picture, that’s for sure. Also well worth taking a look and long sunbathe are Scopello, Selinunte, Mefi and Noto. Superb.

GET THE LAY OF THE LAND

Where the land and sea meet in Sicily is, of course, spectacular. You’d be foolish, however, to overlook the rest of the island, inland, which is a nature lover’s paradise. One of the most impressive natural sites is the Gole dell’Alcantara which, created by waves of lava centuries ago, is a series of canyons running along the Alcantara River. Further south, close to the little town of Avola, you’ll find the Cavagrande del Cassibile, which is wonderful for walkers and known for having one of Europe’s biggest canyons. Originally shaped by ancient lava from Mount Etna, the area’s natural rock formations have created a system of fresh water pools and dramatic waterfalls which in warmer months are ideal for taking a dip in. Blissful stuff.

4 IDEAL TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF YOUR DESIGNER SUNNIES

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF YOUR DESIGNER SUNNIES

Sun’s out, guns out announce the banter brigade to a soundtrack of groans from the rest of us. And while there’s thankfully no equivalent catchphrase for the ubiquity of shades once the weather gets hot, no one can deny that everything looks that little bit better through tint. 

Not any old tint will do, though. For your trusty sunnies to serve you well, protect your eyes from harsh sun rays, and add a touch of cool to your appearance, you have to give them the cash then care that they deserve. By keeping them safe in a protective case; replacing the faulty bits; cleaning them thoroughly and carefully; and guarding them against the harsh environmental elements, you’ll be able to enjoy your specs for the longest possible time. With this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL tips on taking care of your designer sunnies.

TREAT THEM WITH CARE

Nothing makes a pair of designer shades look old and worn like those annoying little scratches and nips on the lenses, frame or arms. The best way to prevent this is by always keeping them in their protective case when they’re not in use – and remember that a hard case is always better protection than a soft one. Go figure. 

You might also want to avoid wearing them on the top of your head, because as cool as it may look, and as convenient as it may feel, it makes them more prone to falls and breakage. We’ve all been there, sunnies perched up top and forgotten about; a sudden head movement, the sound of crunching, and those specs are done for. If the damage is done and the lenses are broken, don’t fret, for you can find replacement lenses for Oakley sunnies or any brand of your choice for that matter. Particularly useful, we think, because you can keep the frame and upgrade the look with new lenses. 

CLEAN THEM THOROUGHLY 

While many people think that cleaning the lenses with their shirt is okay, it’s really not. All designer sunnies come with a piece of the designated microfiber cloth for a reason; those are made of fabrics specifically designed for cleaning the sensitive lenses to efficiently remove dirt and smudges without causing scratches. In short, make use of them!

On the other hand, if the smudges seem a little too stubborn, you could resort to using a gentle lens solution. It’s recommended to apply this detergent to the microfiber cloth before gently rubbing, and not to the lenses themselves. Don’t use hand wash, dish soap or laundry detergent; they’ll likely do more harm than good.

DON’T LEAVE THEM IN THE EXTREME HEAT 

A common error, this. Just because they’re used in the sun, doesn’t mean that your sunnies are immune to heat damage. Never, ever, leave your sunglasses in the car during the day; this can bring about a distorted frame or bending of the arms/temples. Same goes for sunbeds, sofas by the pool or any splayed out on the sand situation. Keep them covered in their case or at the very least, in the shade.

BE CAREFUL AT THE BEACH 

Summer for so many means surf, sand, sun and shades. And because sand and salty water are major enemies of metal and the anti-reflective coating of the lenses, make sure to keep your sunglasses inside your beach bag while you’re not wearing them. This will also help you stop tiny sand particles from getting stuck between the frame and lenses, which can be very frustrating and difficult to clean, and can cause irreparable scratches caused by abrasion. 

 

4 IDEAL WAYS TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP MANAGE STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL WAYS TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP MANAGE STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Technology and mental health in tandem often take headline space for less than positive reasons. Indeed, it’s widely publicised that social media and too much screen time can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Of course, there is a flipside. The question we should be asking; how can technology help reduce stress?

That said, stress, and in particular workplace stress, is a complex beast that won’t be solved via one fix alone. In addition to using technology to manage stress, employees must be supported by their managers and businesses. But, amidst all of the headlines that identify technology as a killer of productivity and mental health, conversely it’s technology which can be used to vastly improve them, too. With this in mind, and with the help of Natasha Bougourd from TSG, a UK-wide managed IT services provider that specialises in IT support and solutions, security and applications including Office 365 and Sage, here are 4 IDEAL ways technology can help manage stress in the workplace.

MEDITATION APPS 

According to Perkbox, work is the biggest cause of stress for adults in the UK, with 59% suffering. What’s more, over one in five experience moderate-to-high levels of stress at work several times a week. That’s a number which simply needs to be shifted downwards, and fast. The biggest work-related contributor to stress is long working hours, which impacts 21% of people. Since these findings are so commonplace, solutions within the ubiquitous, ‘always on’ tech field seem perfectly suited to the task. A variety of apps have been rolled out to support stress and mental health including the likes of Headspace, Calm, and Stop, Breathe & Think. Though a subscription fee is usually required, this is one expense definitely worth the investment. Some employers are even starting to cover the cost of such memberships.

REDUCE THE NEED TO MANUALLY INPUT DATE WITH AI

Productivity is a buzzword in the business world right now, and it’s driven by technological advances. Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving increased efficiency by eliminating manual, repetitive and time-consuming tasks like data re-entry. This can also go some way to alleviating the burden and stress of menial jobs, freeing up the opportunity for creativity.

This is because employees with jobs that require a lot of manual data input could save hours by using technology that now comes as standard in many of the latest versions of the software solutions they use daily, like their financial systems or CRM solution. 

Though this technology is obviously a blessing, it’s vital that the systems and software which your workers use is up-to-date, as legacy systems that don’t work effectively can contribute to stress and additional, unnecessary work. Interestingly, a study by Randstad found that one of the top factors in employee satisfaction is having the latest digital and technology tools.

ENHANCE COMMUNICATION WITH REMOTE WORKERS 

Businesses with frontline or remote workers consistently report issues with engagement; 21% of businesses cite low engagement amongst frontline staff as a barrier to productivity, while 78% believe connecting with those employees is the key to success. Conclusive as it comes, right?

While the statistics supporting remote working for employees are endless, with improved satisfaction, increased productivity and a better work-life balance just a few of the benefits, it can be easy for those workers to feel out of the loop with the office and company culture.

The solution? You guessed it; technology comes to the rescue again. How? Well, businesses are using intranet and communication platforms to help bring those remote employees into the fold, informed and involved. By keeping up-to-date with key business news and more informal topics, this often ostracised element of the workforce get to feel be a part of your organisation’s culture. This space can be used to share social media feeds, event details or even take the opportunity to publish focus pieces on those remote workers to introduce them to the rest of your workforce.

TIME MANAGEMENT HELP

Longer working hours are becoming a widespread issue; phones, emails and the people behind them are expected to be accessible and reachable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a result, employees feel obligated to either work longer hours or to be contactable and working outside of hours, with 50% of people checking their emails outside of work (Dissent). Working more hours than standard can affect health, as the Australian National University found anything over 39 hours a week could be detrimental. 

To combat this, a wide range of time management tools are available as either standalone software and for free, or as part of a business software package, for instance Office 365 which helps workers manage their time more effectively. From personal to-do lists to more comprehensive team or business-wide solutions where tasks can be assigned with a deadline and space for updates, the sky truly is the limit where tech and time converge.

 

6 IDEAL WAYS TO ELEVATE YOUR HOME DINING EXPERIENCE

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL WAYS TO ELEVATE YOUR HOME DINING EXPERIENCE

The ping of the microwave. The sound of Sriracha sauce splashed on the carpet. The familiar refrain of ‘Spag bol again?’. Yep, the midweek meal music is all too familiar to all too many. But sometimes it pays to put in that little bit of effort, to source ingredients carefully, to cook from scratch, to present a plate thoughtfully…your stomach (and loved ones) will certainly thank you for it. So, while we’re certainly not saying you have to have a restaurant-esque experience every night, going that extra mile on occasion can be a real treat. With this in mind here are 6 IDEAL ways to elevate your home dining experience. 

LEARN HOW TO COOK 

This is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to elevate your home dining experience. Learning how to cook is a lifelong love affair that never entirely ends; the pleasure and reward being in the constant evolution of techniques, recipes and ingredients. If you haven’t put a lot of effort into studying the art of cooking gourmet meals just yet, there’s always still time. It all starts with a change in your mindset regarding the difficulty of making meals from scratch. It really isn’t that hard. Banish your gravitation toward the microwave. Check your ready meal addiction into permanent rehab. 

Sure, you’ll be in the kitchen longer and you might even get a little messy, but cooking good food is fun and the results – a delicious, nutritious meal – speak for themselves. Cooking is all about getting out of your comfort zone, about pushing your limits in time with your taste buds. There’s also an element of self-care in cooking. When you cook good food for yourself, you’re nourishing your mind and body and a sense of purpose and pride is restored. There really is no reason not to, we think.

USE QUALITY INGREDIENTS WITH LOVE & CARE

Food prices are on the rise, and we’d all like to cut corners on our cooking costs, that’s for sure. This doesn’t mean that processed, packaged ingredients will save you money. Instead, try to seek out quality, fresh and seasonal ingredients wherever possible; generally, they won’t cost more but the reward in flavour and texture will be invaluable. Rather than reaching for the dried herbs, for instance, there’s fresh basil, thyme and mint to be enjoyed alongside a host of other herbs that will make each dish you cook taste more developed, thoughtful and just more, well, cheffy. And though it might seem drastic, by cutting meat out of your diet for the majority of the week, you’ll save enough money in your food budget to buy some really quality stuff on the days you do decide to succumb to your carnivorous side. In short, small, positive changes can allow space in your bank balance for better sourcing of ingredients. Result.

EAT MORE MINDFULLY

By incorporating elements of mindfulness and meditation into our dinnertime, not only will we avoid digestion issues, but we can also enjoy a whole new appreciation of the pleasures of both food and of life – as such, elevating our home dining experience to dizzy new heights. This should start by eliminating all distractions from the dinner table. So, that’s phones placed well out of reach, T.Vs off, work banned from this sacred space, and only positive vibes and plentiful plates welcome. Because you wouldn’t be thrashing out some emails or watching Dinner Date at a restaurant dinner table, now would you? Treat your tucker with the same respect at home, we think.

SET THE RIGHT AMBIENCE 

Now you’ve turned off your telly and stepped away from your phone, it’s time to get the ambience right. Start with the lighting; turn off those harsh overhead lights and dim it down, adding some candles for extra effect. Get some soft mood music playing, nothing too intrusive or lyrical; something to soundtrack the flow of good conversation rather than penetrate it, we think. It’s all about the small touches and finer details here, which brings us neatly to…

GOOD CROCKERY AND CUTLERY

Too often, the best crockery sits in the cupboard, reserved only for Christmas and gathering dust for the rest of the year. But why not use more often? When it comes to elevating your dining experience, cutlery matters. Eating with heavier cutlery makes food taste better. Yep, researchers have a found direct link between the weight of eating utensils and people’s enjoyment of food. Investing in your own high-quality cutlery, like Lincoln House Cutlery’s Sheffield cutlery sets, is definitely worth it, then.

The same goes for wine glasses; choose the appropriate shape for the correct tipple. There are rules, but in general, remember that certain glass shapes work better for specific wines. Red wine glasses require a larger bowl to allow its aromas and flavours to emerge, while white wine glasses usually have a narrow bowl that tapers slightly making it easier to detect the aromas of the particular wine.

THE ‘CORRECT’ WAY TO SET THE TABLE

Speaking of rules, there exists a ‘correct’ way to set the table which you could do worse than familiarising yourself with. And while we wouldn’t suggest getting bogged down in decree and guideline, putting that little bit of extra thought into how you lay your table will inject that sense of occasion into proceedings. Napkins instead of kitchen towel, utensils place from left to right in order of use, glasses at 2 o’clock…you know the drill.

HOW TO MAKE THE IDEAL SOUFFLE

Joseph Gann
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HOW TO MAKE THE IDEAL SOUFFLE

how to make the perfect souffle If there’s a dish which strikes more terror and trepidation into the budding homecook, we sure haven’t found it. Maybe they’ve been scarred by a dinner party of sunken dishes and dreams, or perhaps it’s Masterchef judge hyperbole which has put them off. Whatever the reason, the perception of a souffle as being the kitchen’s most difficult dish to master seems skewed, disproportionate even. Which your rise certainly won’t be, if you follow this our guide on how to make the IDEAL souffle.

CHOOSE YOUR BASE & ACCOMPANIMENTS WISELY

We’re here to discuss the mechanics of a failsafe souffle, but first let’s talk flavour. Though we love a savoury version, of gruyere cheese or this delicious potato, anchovy and rosemary rendition, it’s in desserts that our love of souffle lies. We’re suckers for fruit versions, as well as chocolate because, well, chocolate. To get your chosen flavour fully incorporated through your souffle, while at the same time not impeding its rise with excessive weight or moisture, you should start by making a paste. For fruit, this would involve a puree of your desired fruit, with a little sugar or dash of lemon (depending on how sweet or sour your fruit is), splash of water and cornflour, cooked out on a low heat until it’s the consistency of jam. A similar paste can be made using cocoa powder, or simply melt chocolate and when cool mix it with egg yolks for a strongly flavoured chocolate souffle.

Set aside; this will eventually be mixed with beaten egg whites. In our eyes (and mouths) there really is nothing better than dropping a ball of ice cream deep into the recesses of a just out the oven souffle. Rather than simply resorting to vanilla, pair thoughtfully with your souffle’s primary ingredient. If you’ve made a passion fruit version, why not add a coconut sorbet? Should you be leading with apple, salted caramel ice cream is a wonderful bedfellow.

PREHEAT YOUR OVEN

If you want to make the perfect souffle then pay close attention to temperature. Preheat your oven to 190°C well ahead of time, so the heat is evenly distributed throughout and won’t drop massively when you open the oven door. Keeping a consistent temperature is key here.

LINE YOUR RAMEKINS IN ADVANCE

It’s essential that you grease your ramekins totally so your souffle rises evenly and upright. Do so with melted butter, using a pastry brush to ensure you’ve covered every available millimetre, following with sugar (for sweet) or flour, parmesan or breadcrumbs (savoury). Hold the ramekin at a 90 degree angle to your work surface, twirl and tap out any excess. The scrupulous will do this twice. Put it in the fridge (or better still, the freezer) to get cold, ensuring that your butter won’t unduly melt and bond with your souffle mixture when the two meet.

WHISK EGG WHITES UNTIL SOFT BUT STABLE

It’s vital that the mixing bowl and the whisk which you use here are totally clean. Any grease or dirt will affect the souffle’s rise. It’s now time to whisk the egg whites to soft but stable peaks, which hold but gently droop at the tip when you remove your whisk, and aren’t over worked and dry. We want light, airy souffles, so complete this part of the process diligently Adding a little more sugar here helps to stabilise the whites, but be careful to balance this with the sweetness of your base mix.

INTRODUCE YOUR WHIPPED WHITES TO THE BASE

Take around a third of your egg whites and beat them into your base mix using your whisk to full incorporate them, then with a large silver spoon very gently fold through the remaining egg white mix. Do this by making a C shape around the rim of the bowl and then cutting through the centre with grace and an ease of movement. Continue until everything is properly and completely mixed together into a homogenous whole. Be careful not to drop the mixing bowl on the work counter, and resist the temptation to hit the spoon on the sides of the bowl to shake off the last dregs of your mixture. In doing so, you’ll knock out the air from your souffle mix and you’ll never achieve that perfect feather-light souffle you’re after.

FILLING THE RAMEKIN

Carefully spoon in the souffle mix into the greased, cold ramekin, being super careful not to knock out any air from it. You could use a piping bag here for even distribution, but that extra step of transferring the mix into the bag could cause air and lightness to be lost. It’s up to you. Once the ramekin is full, run a straight edge (a spatula for instance) over it, squaring off the mix. Run your thumb around the rim to create and small indentation, which prevents the mix catching on the edge on its way skywards, allowing for that straight rise that all great souffles possess.

PATIENCE

Once in the oven, resist the urge to open the door, fiddle with the souffle, check on its progress, prod it….anything which will disrupt its zen like growth. Any change in temperature spells bad news for a consistent rise. So, just wait. Ten to fifteen minutes should do it, depending on the size of your ramekin. The ideal souffle should be fluffy and just slightly wet in the middle. Now, you’ve worked this hard, it’s time to fill your boots. Eat it hot and don’t mess around taking photos for Instagram; your souffle won’t stay risen forever.

4 IDEAL REASONS TO GO ON A PURPOSE DRIVEN HOLIDAY

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4 IDEAL REASONS TO GO ON A PURPOSE DRIVEN HOLIDAY

Experiencing a serious bout of wanderlust? You’re not alone. Do you want your holiday to have a goal beyond selfie taking and slushy slugging? We feel you, hear you and are here for you. If like us, you find yourself valuing tangible outcomes over frivolity, then it’s time to consider a purpose driven holiday. Nope, this one’s not about ‘finding yourself’ and unearthing your ’purpose in life’. Rather, this buzzword translates into something altogether more nourishing. The good folks over at Travel Weekly define it as “an ongoing focus on both sustainability and immersive experiences…one that considers both the effect travellers have on their destinations as well as the effect it ultimately has on them personally.” Quite right. So let’s get into it; our 5 IDEAL reasons to go on a purpose driven holiday.

GIVE SOMETHING BACK

The ambition is lofty, that’s for sure. Eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality, travelling with zero carbon footprint….sure, it’s a big ask, but with aspiration comes progress. And even on a micro level, it’s progress nonetheless. Purpose driven travel is a means to help achieve these global goals. There are lots of volunteer focused travel companies such as Frontier Gap Years offering young people the chance to give back and make a difference, meaning the options are broad and varied for those wishing to get involved.

TAKE SOMETHING BACK

Nope, we’re not talking souvenirs here. Rather, that ethical travel shouldn’t simply be about the impact we leave on a place, but the impact it has on us, going forward. Purpose driven holiday has the huge benefit of nourishing the soul, granting fresh perspective and instilling a sense of gratitude and self awareness in us. It’s good to be humbled once in a while, that’s for sure.

CONTRIBUTES TO THE VIABILITY OF TRAVEL

Let’s face it; that beach you’re kicking back on won’t be there for much longer unless we all enact a little incremental change wherever we can. It’s no secret that travelling the world takes its toll on the environment. According to research by Nature Climate Change, travel could account for nearly a tenth of green gas emissions. Planes are obviously a major culprit, but everything from the extra shopping bag to the aircon and clean sheets you’re accustomed to in your hotel adds up to a huge overall impact. Well, why don’t we simply stop travelling, we hear you say? It’s a complicated business, as tourism is a major source of income for many countries and helps to empower people, and to stop it entirely would wreak havoc on economies far and wide. Undeniably, Tourism has its benefits, but it also comes at a cost and if we want to ensure the viability of travel in the future and mitigate its environmental impact, it’s important to look at what we can do. Alongside the privilege of travelling comes the responsibility of ensuring it’s sustainable.

MAKE FRIENDS FOR LIFE

In the words of William Yeats, ‘there are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t met yet’. What an apt sentiment to apply to volunteering, we think. Because those with a strong desire to give something back, to experience the world with the broadest of minds, and to contribute to communities less fortunate while also nourishing their own souls, well, those are the type of people you want to have on board, right? Basically, a purpose driven holiday is the perfect place to nurture meaningful friendships, based on shared interests and goals, which will likely stand the test of time.

4 IDEAL WAYS TO RE-ENERGIZE YOUR WORKOUT THIS SUMMER

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL WAYS TO RE-ENERGIZE YOUR WORKOUT THIS SUMMER

To put it simply; summer is full of distractions. The warm weather coaxes you out, the cold beers keep you there, and the long, balmy evenings turn into the next day’s light as fast as July turned to August. Yep, with so much excitement going on, we don’t blame you for hitting the gym a little less this season. No one wants to be sweating in a dim, demoralising space when there’s so much stimulation and light outside its four walls. Should you, like us, feel that your exercise regime has taken a bit of a tumble of late, then we’re here to help; our 4 IDEAL ways to re-energize your workout this summer.

CHANGE UP YOUR WORKOUT

As the old saying goes, a change is as good as a rest. So, whether the weight plateau has set in or you simply can’t find the motivation to make your body move, giving your workout a rejig can be the impetus you need to get committed and focused again.

Approach things methodically; map out for a week what your normal routine is, and then slowly and ruthlessly pick it apart, switching up every finer detail for something which will feel more fun and frivolous for it being fresh, Only then can you rebuild. Spend longer doing cardio, or change up the time you spend in the weight section. Alternate your days or even bring in a totally new activity completely to get different muscles working, and ensure that your body is doing something different. Soon you’ll find that the spark is back.

GET MORE PROTEIN IN

Protein is one of the key factors in most workout success stories. In order to start getting your goals off the ground, the next step for many is to introduce more protein into the diet; effective in both gaining muscle mass and in aiding weight loss.

Many find getting enough of the stuff through diet alone to be difficult. Eventually, the tins of tuna, dozens of eggs and endless chia seeds get a bit overwhelming. This is where protein powder shakes come in. Though it’s often the ripped dudes at the gym you see with a shake, there is of course protein for women too. All you need to do is mix up some of the powder with water, and incorporate it into your diet (make sure you check the product you buy to ensure that you take in the right amount every day).

TRY OUT HIIT

For many exercise enthusiasts, a constant battle between cardio and weight training seems to play out in their goals. As we mentioned before, if you’ve stagnated in your work-out, changing it up will certainly get things moving again. But why don’t you try a whole new approach?

High Intensity Interval Training could just be your answer. HIIT is just what it sounds like; short bursts of highly intensive workouts, followed by a few minutes of normal output. It helps you by potentially increasing your metabolism, which is said to help burn fat but crucially, not muscle. The best part? It can be done from anywhere, and requires no specialist equipment.

There are some common mistakes a lot of people tend to make when they try HIIT for the first time. These include not getting the right fuel before your work out, forgetting to warm up and down and going too hard to fast. Check out this article for more common HIIT workout mistakes to avoid.

ENLIST SUPPORT

The treadmill or pull up bar, with head down and headphones in, can be a solitary place. If you’re like us, you spend the whole workout avoiding eye contact with vague acquaintances, hoping you won’t have to press pause on the new Drake album and succumb to meaningless chit chat. This approach, we have to admit, is counterintuitive to meeting your goals. With the support of peers (or even a personal trainer), you’re far more likely to give it that extra push, go that extra mile and lift those added KGs. By finding a workout partner to encourage your progress (and you theirs), you’ll find a new, invigorated enthusiasm for burning calories and building mass. And that’s what you’re here for, right?

4 IDEAL WAYS TO BOOST YOUR SELF BODY-CONFIDENCE 

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4 IDEAL WAYS TO BOOST YOUR SELF BODY-CONFIDENCE 

Long after the lithe bodies of Love Island have left our screens, the effects on the public collective consciousness will live on. Yep, that’s receiving all bad news with ‘it is what it is’, donning neon at every available opportunity and more seriously, surviving the enduring impact on our body confidence. Living in a society where mass media is fixated on a narrowly defined image of beauty and the influencers that embody it is damaging. It shouldn’t have to be this way; everyone is different, diverse and equally beautiful.  While many body positivity campaigns have been helping people on their  journey to self-acceptance, there’s still a long way to go. So if you do need to reevaluate your relationship with the mirror then read on; our 4 IDEAL ways to boost your self body-confidence. 

CUT DOWN ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

First and foremost, it’s time to curb all of that comparing yourself to others and banish those media-defined ideals of beauty. Easier said than done, we know, but a vital move nonetheless. Instead of going on a diet, do yourself a favour and cut down on the amount of media you’re using. You’ll be amazed at the results.

If you really can’t curb your obsession with social media – and yep, we accept it’s tough – then you could do worse than following some bloggers and Instagram influencers who are paeans to body positivity, promoting self love to perfectly-imperfect women everywhere. So, spend some time cleaning up the people who you follow, removing those who make you feel bad about yourself and instead fill your feed with people who focus on feeling good about yourself, no matter what you look like.

SPREAD SOME POSITIVITY & STOP THE BODY BASHING TALK 

According to some studies (rather counterintuitively), your friends might be making you feel self-conscious. As we’ve all felt, when friends complain about their fat thighs or bulging belly it impacts on you too. Indeed, no doubt you’ll be compelled to tell them about something you don’t like about yourself in response, which threatens to increase worry about an element of your body you’ve been fixating on. 

It’s time to battle this detrimental self-talk. Instead of the ‘fat-talk’, bring in some positivity. Change the conversation; compliment your friends and celebrate your positives. When you’re swapping compliments, also focus on praise relating to character; how kind, brave, or optimistic they are. Create an atmosphere of self-love and surround yourself with body and mental positivity and soon others will follow suit. 

PRACTICE SELF-CARE 

How often have you treated yourself to a massage or spa break? Not very often, we’d wager. Well, it’s time to spend some time pampering yourself – even if it is just from the comfort of your own home. Schedule a little ‘me time’, with haste. Create a skin care routine, and allow yourself to indulge in this pleasurable, sensual moment of looking after your body. Use a deep conditioning hair mask to add some shine and strengthen your hair; soak in a bubble bath with a facemask and read a book; cook yourself a healthy meal, take yourself to the gym; all of which will boost your mood and confidence. Result!

As part of your me-time, make sure you look after your smile. Indeed, the state of our teeth has a big impact on our confidence, so keep them clean and take good care of your gnashers. The more confident you feel about your teeth the more you will smile; positively affecting your mood and that of others around you. You may want to consider braces or dental veneers which can give people amazing smiles and dramatically increase their self-confidence. And while we’re not championing cosmetic dentistry, if it makes you feel better then enough said as far as we’re concerned. 

INVEST IN CLOTHES YOU LOVE 

Did you know that the style of the clothes you put on your body reflect and affect your mood, confidence and self-esteem?  Scientists call this phenomenon “enclothed cognition”.  So, if you’re wearing dull and tired clothes, you’re probably going to feel the same. Moreover, if you’re wearing clothes that don’t fit properly and feel uncomfortable, you’re bound to feel less confident. Life’s too short for uncomfortable clothes. If you have shoes that look good but are agony to wear or a tight skirt that doesn’t leave room for breakfast, it’s time to give them to the charity shop for someone else to actually enjoy. 

When you’re out shopping for new stuff, it’s vital to find the right fit. Don’t worry about the number stitched into the lining; it’s just a guideline which is often inconsistent. Sizing varies from shop to shop, from fashion line to fashion line – in other words, sizing is completely irrelevant. Repeat after us, clothes are meant to fit you, not the other way round. Job done.

 

 

5 IDEAL DISHES TO TRY IN BRAZIL

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL DISHES TO TRY IN BRAZIL

Brazil; country of samba, soccer and sand. It’s a veritable feast of fun and frolics but often the food is overlooked in favour of all the other festivities on offer. This shouldn’t be so; there’s so much to enjoy about the national cuisine, which, owing to the sheer diversity of the ecosystem, landscape and people, comes in many, many glorious guises.

As such, it can be hard to pin down a select few favourites; the breadth of street food stalls, hawkers, roadside eateries and fine dining restaurants is just so broad. With that in mind, we’ve picked out just five favourites – a by no means exhaustive list, but one we hope will give you some indication of the variety on offer here.

So, whether you’re in a vibrant city like Rio de Janeiro, spending time on the beautiful beach of Copacabana or visiting any other gorgeous location in Brazil, here are our 5 IDEAL dishes to try.

TAPIOCA CREPES – IDEAL FOR BREAKFAST

These unique, pearlescent Brazilian-style, crepe-like-creations are banging, especially when they are filled with cheese. Made from tapioca flour, these paper-thin discs are considered an alternative to bread in Brazil and are ideal for breakfast (or any other time of day, for that matter). If you have a sweet tooth, try one filled with grated coconut and banana. If savoury is more your style then carne de sol, a salted beef from Northeastern Brazil, might well be your thing. Oh and if you get the chance, watch them being made – tapioca flour is poured into a heated pan and sticks together forming the crepe-like shape – it’s a bit like watching a magic trick.

PAO DE QUEIJO – IDEAL FOR A SNACK

You’ll love these moreish cheesy balls before you even know how to pronounce the name probably. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, this is cheesy bread but on another level altogether.  Made from tapioca or cassava flour, these little cheese puffs are totally gluten free, which will be music to some people’s ears. Pão de queijo is often eaten in the morning and chased with an espresso, but we think they are the ideal snack for anytime of day. By the way Pão de queijo is pronounced pow-ge-kay-ju, you might want to practice that delivery before striding up to a seller.

Pão de queijo © Pexels

BRIGADEIRO – IDEAL FOR A SWEET TREAT

Any chocolate lover will adore these little Brazilian balls of heaven which are made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter and covered completely in chocolate sprinkles. With a soft and delicate texture, the Brigadeiro is Brazil’s answer to a chocolate truffle. This sweet treat was named after Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes in the 1940’s. His wife would make them for fundraising events when he was running for president and since have become the nation’s favourite sweet.

Today you can find them everywhere and at every birthday party, family gathering and other special occasions. The most traditional rendition is made from milk chocolate, however special ‘gourmet brigadeiro boutiques’ sell them in a multitude of different flavours – we love the ones with Brazil nuts or pistachios. Hot molten brigadeiro chocolate cakes are also a thing, and if you see one on the menu, get a slice – nothing compares to its irresistible gooey centre.

Mayra (Maych) ©  on Flickr

 ACAI BOWL – IDEAL FOR A HEALTHY BERRY BOOST

No list of must try foods in Brazil would be complete with the Acai Bowl. Grown on palm trees in the swamps and floodplains of the Amazon, the acai berry is one of those superfoods that everyone raves about. Some people even call it the youth berry. When you’re in Brazil, you must try an acai bowl; which is basically a really thick smoothie that sort of resembles ice cream and is commonly topped with granola and banana. It tastes a bit tangy and bitter and is definitely an acquired taste. But even if you don’t like it at first, remember that it’s doing wonderful things to your body.

© Pexels

FEIJOADA – IDEAL FOR A NOURISHING DINNER

Feijoada is a hearty stew of Portuguese origin, prepared and eaten across the length and breadth of Brazil. While the outlying ingredients and garnishes may differ from city to city and even cook to cook, the mainstays of this nourishing dish are beans and pork, in a whole host of different forms. It’s a real ‘nose-to-tail’ delight, with trotters and pig’s ears often rubbing shoulders with other cuts from the pig. A second consistent in the Feijoada is the deep, dark – some might say moody – hue of the plate, provided by abundant black beans. Enjoyed with rice to soak it up and a piquant salsa to add acidic notes, this is the perfect dinner to offer fuel for a night of dancing and play.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAINTAIN A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAINTAIN A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME

News which is not just in but still bears repeating; the average Brit spends seven hours tidying up each week. What’s more, parents spend more time on household chores than they do playing with their children; according to research, a staggering four hours a day – more than 59 full days a year – on housework. 

While we know it’s easier said than done, you don’t need to spend your days in the home surrounded by seemingly endless toys, spills and mess. Yep, there are ways to reduce the effort and hours spent on keeping things tidy with these, our 4 IDEAL ways to maintain a beautiful family home. 

INVOLVE YOUR KIDS

While you wouldn’t expect your 5 month year old to pick up and hoover any time soon, you can get your toddler and older children to help out with the chores. We realise that sometimes it may be more of a hindrance than a help, but getting the little ones involved will keep them busy and teach valuable new skills.

Make cleaning fun and, you never know, that notion may stick into the teenage years. Here’s hoping. Speaking of which, when your kids get older, consider creating a chores list for the whole clan; every member of your family should have various age-appropriate cleaning responsibilities within the home. For example, your kids could be responsible for:

  • Unloading a dishwasher
  • Cleaning their bedroom
  • Clearing the dinner table
  • Taking out the rubbish
  • Folding laundry
  • Feeding a pet
  • Vacuuming their bedroom

Household chores will not only help maintain a clean and happy home, but it can teach your children responsibility, too. You could also provide your children with incentives for completing their essential weekly chores, such as providing them with a homemade treat or an extra 30 minutes of TV or internet time. 

INVEST IN THE RIGHT FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS

Spills, stains and dirt can easily accumulate when raising children. It’s a good idea, then, to invest in some durable furniture, flooring and furnishings. Hardwood floors can withstand stains and aromas much more than carpet, while leather furniture will look as good as new, year after year, and can be quickly wiped down if a child (or adult) spills a drink. Or worse. However, if you have a fabric sofa, consider covering it in a throw that can easily be washed. Finally, keep a chest in your living room to help keep those toys under control and your room tidy. 

INVEST IN THE RIGHT HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

When you’re shopping for home-cleaning supplies, there’s naturally a temptation to use cheaper products to save a few pennies. That’s money being spent on something which tangibly brings no pleasure or improvement to your life, so who can blame you for wanting to cut corners. But the best cleaning products will significantly cut time on the scrubbing, the sweeping and the sorting. Indeed, the wrong household products can overcomplicate the cleaning process. To quickly clean up spills and stains, you should buy in the highest quality cleaning items for the task at hand. 

PREVENTION RATHER THAN CURE

You know what they say; prevention is better than cure, which is why you should invest in items that can help avoid household disarray as much as you can. For mess-free meal times, a vinyl table cloth is a good idea as food and drink spills can easily be wiped away. Since they come in a wide variety of designs and colours, you don’t have to compromise on style. A coverall bib from BIBaDO that can connect to a highchair will catch your child’s food and stop it from dropping onto the floor, which is also ideal for baby-led weaning.

SET HOUSEHOLD RULES 

It’s also crucial to set various household rules for your kids to follow, so they will know what they can and can’t do in different rooms around the home. The below rules, though seemingly draconian, can help prevent mess, ornaments breaking, damage, and wear and tear to your home:

  • Shoes must be taken off inside the home
  • No food can be consumed outside the kitchen or dining room
  • Household chores must be completed before play
  • Ball games are not allowed inside the house
  • Put things away before starting something new

DON’T STRESS & BE FLEXIBLE

Kids are messy – it’s an inevitable part of life. Some days your baby will be fussy and your toddlers will throw a tantrum – so be flexible. When it’s one of those days forgo the hoovering, forget the dusting and putting the toys away immediately, instead concentrate on your kids and their needs. It’s worth remembering that they’re only little once. They won’t forever demand your attention, nagging for a snuggle on the sofa, or for you to read them a book. There will, however, always be dishes and washing to do. Prioritise.

4 IDEAL MEDIUM LENGTH HAIRSTYLES IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW 

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4 IDEAL MEDIUM LENGTH HAIRSTYLES IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW 

Long, short, blond, brunette, wavy, or straight; there are so many hairstyles out there, sometimes it can be tough to settle on just one. But, we only have one head of hair, so one style at a time, it is. Fortunately, there’s a new look on the block currently having it’s time in the salon seat. Once a choice cut for those indecisive people who couldn’t choose between long hair or a short crop, medium length hairstyles have recently become the go-to choice for those seeking both style and versatility. No longer are they simply a straight cut just below your shoulders. Oh no; now they are cut on an angle for movement, layered for extra texture and styled with curls and waves. All sorts, then. With that in mind, here are 4 IDEAL medium length hairstyles if you’re looking for something new. 

ELONGATED CHOPPY BOB 

This is a super trendy haircut with a laid-back attitude that we adore; a way of saying “medium-long hair, don’t care”. Here, the shortest hair nears the neck with gradual elongation towards the front, offering something in between a short and long hairstyle. Choppiness enhances texture and is an easy way to add points of interest to your hairstyle, effortlessly.

WAVY BOB WITH DISCONNECTED TIPS 

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle for medium length hair, you can’t go wrong with a wavy bob with disconnected tips. This relaxed style can be achieved by styling your hair with texture twists or beachy waves. The disconnected tips or layering offers a look which is unkempt but in the best possible way, enhancing the texture and volume of your haircut and offering lots of breezy movement and motion.

ONE-LENGTH  MEDIUM HAIR-CUT DIP DYED

A simple shoulder length blunt cut is perhaps the most versatile of all medium length hairstyles. A one length style can be parted on either side, at the middle or down. Consider a dip-dyed look loved by A-listers; an ombre or sombre style on medium length hair has a wonderful transitional effect but doesn’t require the heavy dip-dye maintenance of shorter styles. 

LOB IT OFF 

What’s a lob we hear you ask. The answer? A cut where the length is between long hair and a bob cut. The lob is cut just above the shoulders, at shoulder level or just below – in other words the ideal medium length haircut.  Lobs are the one cut that somehow flatters nearly all hair types and face shapes. We adore a lop with balayage colouring;  – a subtle style which give softer, less noticeable regrowth lines rather than traditional highlights.

 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO RELIEVE SNEEZING AND ITCHING DURING HAYFEVER SEASON 

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO RELIEVE SNEEZING AND ITCHING DURING HAYFEVER SEASON 

The warmer weather is finally here, but with better weather often comes drawbacks, especially if you’re an allergy sufferer. The most common allergy in adults is hayfever, which can have many uncomfortable symptoms and a drastic effect on how you function in day to day life.  We all want to enjoy the summer, and luckily, there are ways you can make allergy season more bearable – especially at night time. Here’s 5 IDEAL ways to relieve sneezing and itching during hayfever season. 

WASH YOUR SHEETS 

The average person washes their bed sheets once every two weeks but in the summer, twice a month is not enough to keep allergens at bay. In hayfever season, consider washing your sheets at least once a week to keep sheets free of pollen, as well as dust and other particles that might make symptoms worse. A hot wash will also help. In a study, scientists found that washing items at hotter temperatures was more effective at removing traces of tree pollen, so when you wash your sheets, make sure it’s at a temperature of 40C or above – ideally at least 60C.

RECONSIDER YOUR BEDDING

When it comes to the environment you sleep in, your mattress can be one of the biggest aggravators of allergy symptoms. The average mattress can contain tens and thousands of dust mites and their waste, which are a serious irritant for people with allergies.

It can be hard to banish dust mites for good, but a high-quality mattress which holds the Allergy UK seal of approval can help. Try to pick a mattress which include Smart Fibres, which help to keep your sleep environment fresh and dry and also reduce dust mites. If you suffer from an allergy, Purotex microcapsules and Tencel fibres are good materials to look out for when choosing a new mattress. Here is a step-by-step guide for disinfecting your mattress and getting rid of all the things that have no business being in your place of rest. 

HONEY FOR HAYFEVER 

Honey is thought to be a homeopathic cure for your pollen-related spring woes, the theory being that having a spoonful of honey each day works as repeatedly ingesting small doses of the allergen (in the case pollen) acts in a similar way to a vaccination. However, this only works with local honey as it’s thought that when a person eats local honey, they are thought to be ingesting local pollen. As in, the stuff that will likely be making you wheeze and sneeze. Over time, a person may become less sensitive to this pollen. As a result, they may experience fewer seasonal allergy symptoms. While there is very little evidnce to suggest that this actually works, a soothing mug of honey and lemon certainly won’t do you any harm. And worry not if you don’t live in the countryside, there are plenty of urban Rooftop City honey producers from London to Melbourne producing local honey. 

HAVE A NIGHT TIME SHOWER 

You might be a fan of a cool shower to wake you up first thing in the morning, but if your allergy symptoms get worse at night, it may be worth considering shaking up your shower routine. At the end of a long day, your hair, skin and clothes will be covered in micro-particles of dust and pollen, especially if you’re spent long periods outside enjoying the sunshine. A quick shower before settling down for the night can help remove these allergens before you sleep, reducing night time symptoms.

KEEP AN EYE ON SYMPTOMS 

If you have a whole host of medication to relieve your symptoms, consider when you are suffering the most and make sure you’re taking them at an appropriate time of the day. Keep a diary of symptoms and notice the times of day you have flare ups. If night time is one of the times you suffer the most, consider taking any medication before bed so you reap their full benefits, making sure to consult your doctor before making any changes.

 

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