There is an adage used by road trip affianados; the journey is often more remarkable than the destination. To truly touch the essence of a country and its land, you first have to find its foundation with four wheels. And preferably with the windows rolled down, Willie Nelson narrating, and the passenger seat engaged for conversation and companionship.
Such idyllic road trips ready made for Great American fiction can, however, be an expensive affair. Your engine won’t run on the good will of the open road alone. And with that in mind, here are 6 IDEAL fuel saving driving tips for your next road trip.
USE A DIESEL VEHICLE IF YOU’RE CARRYING A HEAVY LOAD
The debate as to whether diesel is a greener alternative to petrol is ongoing. But what is generally accepted is that diesel vehicles are more fuel efficient than their petrol counterparts. Higher efficiency means that in your diesel vehicle, you’ll be able to cover a longer distance per tank of fuel than you would when driving a petrol vehicle. At a cost, of course.
But diesel vehicles have another advantage in that they perform better when heavily loaded; on a road trip it’s safe to assume you’ll either be towing a trailer or packing a fair load of luggage. Higher fuel efficiency when the car is weighed down makes sense.
PLAN FUEL STOPS CAREFULLY
We all know that fuel prices fluctuate from station to station, with some selling fuel at lower prices than others. If you research fuel prices in the filling stations along your route, which is possible via various apps, you may be able to curate your stops to ensure better prices along the way.
MAINTAIN THE CORRECT TYRE PRESSURE
Tyre pressure isn’t exactly a topic which sets the pulse racing. Sometimes though, the most mundane subject matter is the one which requires the most thorough attention. Maintaining the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle will help maintain correct fuel economy, so it’s definitely worth a little space on your prep list. While the saving may be small over short distances, the cost is accumulative, so over long distances, you’ll notice the difference.
CHOOSE A MORE FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLE
Though we’re certainly not saying you should rush through the purchase of a new car just so you can save a little on fuel on your impromptu jaunt, a little foresight in the long run, so you can make an informed decision on your next buy, is definitely a good thing.
Whether you decide to use a diesel vehicle or one that runs on petrol, there will always be vehicles that are more fuel efficient than others. Cars with smaller engines typically use less fuel than those with bigger, but this isn’t a permanent truth, so do your research thoroughly to compare various cars, makes and models’ fuel usage.
USE AN E10 FUEL COMPATIBLE VEHICLE
Time to get technical. E10 fuel is unleaded petrol that has been blended with ethanol at a ratio of 1:9. Most of the cars built after 2000 are E10 compatible, but of course you should check if yours is before relying on it for your next road trip. E10 is more economical since 10% of it comes from organic matter which is not as expensive as petrol. What’s more, it’s generally considered better for the environment. Two birds with one fuel efficient stone, then.
It’s a never ending cycle. You tie yourself into a lengthy phone contract in order to get a better deal, click ‘no’ on the cheap insurance, smash your screen less than a week and a few wines later, and you wait for 23 months and 3 weeks to be applicable for an upgrade again. In the meantime, your trusty Nokia 3310 fills in. If only you’d been a little more scrupulous when signing on the dotted line. These should help you make the right noises next time you’re under the glare of several Carphone Warehouse employees; our 10 IDEAL questions to get you the best deal on your next mobile phone contract.
HOW MUCH DATA DO I REALLY NEED?
You should review your current mobile phone service, checking your usage to be conversant with your needs before you start looking for a new plan. It could be a SIM-only deal, a Pay-As-You-Go, or a Post-paid contract; whatever the service you are on, you should ask your provider to give you an average of the minutes you use per day or month, the number of messages you send, and volume of data you use.
More often than not, it’s the data you’ll find you’ve exceeded (bloody memes), while the minutes’ sides remain untouched.
If you find you’re consistently well under your allotted data and minutes, then a pay-as-you-go deal (however old school that sounds) might be your best bet. Various apps, such as billmonitor, are available to bring you in depth analysis of your usage.
WHAT’S THE COVERAGE LIKE?
If your domestic existence is confined to the sticks, you’ll be all too acutely aware of the importance of decent coverage.
Give preference to networks that support 4G because they have faster and more stable connections for both mobile and web-based services. Keep in mind that 3G is still sufficient and you don’t need to jump on the ‘4G bandwagon’ if you cannot get it in your location.
Ofcom offer a fairly comprehensive coverage checker to find out the network coverage which mobile phone services provide by postcode. You can also download their app to use for the same purpose.
DO I REALLY NEED A NEW HANDSET?
In most cases, the newer handset models are only available with pricey, extensive monthly contracts. Consider buying the phone upfront then getting the service package separately. Better yet, keep your current device if it’s still in good nick and supports the latest network and apps. Websites like smartphonechecker.com help you compare deals on handsets and contracts separately, for more clarity in the customising process.
CAN I SHAKE THINGS UP WITH A SIM ONLY DEAL?
If you’re not going for a service package that offers you a new contract and phone, then keep in mind that the traditional contracts may not always be the best option. You may instead benefit from a SIM-only deal, which will help reduce the monthly phone usage costs of a contract. You could even consider a SIM only contract with no credit check if you’re struggling secure a deal. Doing so (and, of course, keeping up with your agreed payments) can actually help improve your credit score.
NEW NETWORK, NEW ME?
Change can be a good thing, in all walks of life. With dozens of new providers out there, you don’t have to limit your choice to the four main networks, only. Tesco Mobile and Giffgaff are some of the new players that ‘piggyback’ on the signals of the four main providers. And generally, you’ll spend a lot less than you would with Vodafone, EE, Three or O2.
It’s even possible to keep your old number by requesting a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) from your current or previous provider. Such a move will require you to have an unlocked phone that can support any network service. If the phone isn’t unlocked, then you can have this done upon the expiry of your current contract, or in one of those neon-fronted, legally tenuous joints you find near underground stations.
AM I HAPPY WITH MY OPERATING PLATFORM?
You’ve probably got so familiar with iOS, Windows or Android that its features are etched in your muscle memory. So aside from picking a handset, you should also exercise a little scrutiny in terms of operating platforms. In short, you can choose the platform you want for your phone based on the different features it offers, such as diaries, calendars, and various applications, that you can sync with your computer.
CAN I BUNDLE IN WITH OTHER SERVICES?
It wasn’t so long ago that you could create an all-encompassing bundle of device consumption; TV, Broadband, phone services and more could be gathered in an all-in-one service package. Today, it’s a little more complicated, as competition has increased, the myriad options available have blurred. If you do go for a complete bundle, there’s a lot of legwork required of you to cancel contracts and switch commitments which you already have in place. A headache too far, we think.
ARE THE FREEBIES ACTUALLY WORTH IT?
Most providers these days like to dangle a little freebie in front of you in an attempt to lure you into their world. Sounds seedy right? Well, it is. They’re rarely worth much to you or the company. You should look beyond these enticements and try to find out if the deal is genuinely as good as it sounds. Freebies should not be the sole reason for opting for a particular network over another.
CAN I RENEGE ON CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS?
Going for a long-term contract may see you enjoy better looking monthly rates. However, it’s a bit of a false economy, particularly if the deal stretches over 24 months. What’s more, you’ll be tied to the same handset for that period, casting covetous glances at people’s newer, prettier models in no time. Review the fine print in detail to see if you can bail out of your contract easily or if you’re locked into it for the long haul.
CAN I SQUEEZE ANYTHING EXTRA FROM MY CURRENT PROVIDER?
Sometimes it’s good to bluff a little. Consider letting your current network provider know of your intentions to switch to a new company or network, and watch the contract deals get better quickly. They’re pretty desperate to keep existing customers on board, and will definitely have a little wiggle room on lowering prices and fees to secure your custom for another extended period.
Moscow, in the eyes of the undiscerning; impenetrable, unapproachable, imposing. In the eyes of the beholder; unfounded.
Cast the usual, causal stereotypes aside, and Russia’s capital reveals itself to be a megacity of great majesty. Of staggering modernity juxtaposed with a historic, humble core, and that magical blend of the unfamiliar and the intimate. The city also acts as a gateway to much of Eastern Europe and Asia, and should you find yourself with a long layover here, it’s eminently possible to get out there and explore. So, let those assumptions dissipate, and get stuck in, with this; our IDEAL guide to 24 hours in Moscow.
VISAS
If you’re simply in Moscow for transit, and providing there’s evidence of onward travel, you won’t need a visa proper to take the opportunity to check out the city.
The Russian government grants transit visas for up to three days. You’ll need a passport with at least one blank page, which is valid for at least six months after the end of your proposed visit to Russia, as well as a completed and signed visa application form, a single passport size photo, your ticket for onward travel and a visa for the country you are travelling to. If you tick all those boxes, then you’re good to go.
If you’re seeking a longer stay, then you’ll need a tourist visa; all foreign visitors to Russia require one. To obtain one, at the very least you’ll need 6 months on your passport before it expires, two blank pages, two passport photos which have been signed (on the back, of course – you’d be surprised), and confirmation of hotel bookings. Other information may be requested at the behest of the Russia embassy or consulate when applying, and at passport control on arrival. Speaking of which, a visa on arrival isn’t available, this all needs to happen in advance. The cost (in the $50 region) and processing time varies according to the country you’re from and other dynamic factors. Getting complicated isn’t it? Fortunately, there are visa services which can do all of the dirty work for you. We’d recommend using one.
MORNING
You’re here! It’s time to celebrate beating the bureaucracy which can sometimes taint arrival into Russia by going all in on a proper, traditional Russian breakfast. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half by taxi to get to the centre of town (depending on the airport, of course). It should set you back about 20 quid (1700 rub). A train will take a similar time, and cost roughly a third less. It’s up to you. But we’re hungry, so make your mind up, sharpish.
One of the most popular things to eat first thing is syrniki, a kind of cottage cheese dumpling enjoyed with either jam or sour cream. Or both, of course. Coffee Piu, located centrally, and a short walk from Christye Prudy Metro station, does an excellent version, as well as freshly baked, and bloody fantastic, spiced apple shtrudel.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not vodka shots for a morning pick-me-up. Russians do tea for breakfast; black with a slice of lemon and some honey, please.
With the spring in your step that a nourishing Russian breakfast brings, you’ll easily smash the 20 minute walk from Coffee Piu to Red Square, the heart and soul of the city. Take in the colourful, iconic domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral at the far end, the apex of Orthodox architecture, and soak up the striking sense of history here. It’s important to be aware that the square is often closed for parades and other formal functions, so keep your itinerary a little loose to allow for this.
AFTERNOON
The other Moscow must see, The Kremlin, is adjacent to Red Square, but requires a dedicated afternoon to truly appreciate it. An earlyish lunch is a good idea to break up the day.
There are plenty of lunch options close to the square, but many are overpriced and underwhelming. The temptation is to duck into Bosco Cafe, on the square itself and boasting unrivalled views (and prices to match), but it’s prudent to walk a little further off course and seek out some hearty Georgian food instead.
About a km away is Khinkalnaya, a little further lies Cafe Khachapuri. Whichever you choose, you’re going to want to order Khachapuri Adjaruli, a decadent freshly baked bread vessel holding molten, melted cheese and butter and a cracked egg. And yes, it is as good as it sounds. Just tear, dip and don’t die from scolding your mouth or ODing on carbs. It’d be worth it anyway. If you’re somehow not sated, Georgian soup dumplings (named khinkali) are also superb and a source of much pride
Time to get stuck into the past, then. The Kremlin is the epicentre of Russia politics, history, and the country as a whole, and as such, commands respect. It’s well worth taking a guided tour here, as there’s a lot to take in and so much to learn. If you plan on tackling it solo, be sure to check out the Tsar bell and cannon, as well as a walk in the Kremlin Gardens.
A stroll around Zaryadye Park adjacent to Red Square before or after your tour is a must. Costing more than $480 million dollars, this isn’t your regular urban park. The floating bridge, a thin air structure in the form of the letter “V” hovering over the water, offers arguably the best views of the Kremlin in the city.
With your head brimming with both fact and fiction, here comes the night. The transition from day to night in Moscow is a spectacle in itself, and is best enjoyed with a stroll from the Kremlin and along the lower bank of the Moskva River, ending in Zamoskvorechye District, Moscow’s oldest.
EVENING
Zamoskvorechye is also one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the city, and the home of the hipster scene here. It’s a great place to spend an evening, rubbing shoulders with the young and trendy Muscovites in the area’s achingly cool bars.
First, dinner. If you’re up for more hearty, traditional Russian fare, then it’s got to be Oblomov, a restaurant which pays its dues to the country’s rich history and food. It’s vintage, kitsch and in fashion; a fine balancing act indeed. The beef stroganoff and pelmeni here, in particular, are superb. Oh, and don’t skip dessert; Russia does a fine line in the sweet stuff.
Or you might be seeking somewhere lighter on its feet to finish your trip. If so, restaurant Bjorn’s take on pared back, minimalist New Nordic aesthetics feels a good fit. Of course, being Russa, the restaurant’s dishes utilising salmon and caviar are exquisite.
Top off your evening with at drink 34 floors up, in City Space Bar. The views are stunning and because of this, you should book a table in advance; it gets busy. Or if you’re up for something more down to earth, Bar BQ does some inventive cocktails and attracts a fashionable, keen crowd. Stumble out and into a taxi, and rest your eyes a little. It’s been a long day and Domodedovo airport is about an hour and 15 minutes south, Sheremetyevo an hour north.
Here at IDEAL we realise that there’s more to this crazy dance than the accumulation of ‘stuff’. A life of accruing possessions will only accrue dust. Oiling the Capitalist wheels with your wallet won’t bring clarity, of that there’s no doubt….
But who can deny the positivity that a bit of pampering brings? There’s nothing wrong with taking a look inwards from time to time, letting go and just spoiling yourself. With that in mind, we’re sharing a few things bringing us a little peace of mind right now; our own spot of retail therapy, if you will, with these 5 IDEAL things we’re into this week. Go on. You deserve this.
KITCHENCRAFT’S STAINLESS STEEL PASTRY BLENDER
National Pie Week has just passed but the week long orgy of pastry and it’s-not-a-pie-without-a-bottom pedantry is still on our minds. It’s still on our clothes, too; tacked on in a thick, stubborn slurry of flour and lard. If only we’d had a pastry blender; simple, handheld, old school (see also; doesn’t break constantly), and the best way to distribute fat through flour in a way which results in a short, golden crust.
£4.99 from presencedirect.com
CALM APP
If you’ve spent the last couple of weeks in hibernation, don’t worry. It’s National Bed Month out here, meaning there’s still another fourteen days of guilt free duvet days. We’ve been busy hacking our Zzzeds in every which way possible, finding solace in tech and meditation. Well, what if we told you that you could combine the two for a great night’s sleep? Calm, the app named 2017’s best by Apple, offers bedtime stories, guided meditation and motivation, and more. Well worth the annual Premium subscription of £34.99, we think, but a free seven day trial is available for the curious, too.
Sure, we all want to be there, clutching a 330ml can, enjoying the feeling to the matt finish on our fingertips, flinching at the bright yellows and oranges of the branding. What we don’t want is the booze. Great news that 2019 has seen some great new non-alcoholic beers come onto the market, many channeling the ‘craft’ ethos and aesthetics which are so irresistible to hipsters across the planet. Nirvana brewery have a particularly strong brand, and are UK’s only craft brewery dedicated to producing alcohol-free beers. More importantly, their beer tastes damn good.
The Skin Republic mess-free mud masks combine the convenience of a sheet mask with the cleansing properties of a mud mask. Two birds, one stone, and one radiant face at the end of it, too. After just 10 minutes, the mask begins to dry, drawing out dirt and impurities from deep within the skin’s pores. The purifying ingredients help soothe skin and absorb toxins without over drying.We particularly love their Green Tea mask, with the tea and charcoal detoxifying and helping to draw out dirt and impurities from the skin’s pores. There’s also liquorice to brighten and even skin tone for a luminous, glowing complexion.
Want your peepers to be drawing admiring gazes and gushing compliments? You might have to beyond the cursory whitening toothpaste you occasionally use on a whim. Billion Dollar Smile’s LED mini light kit uses LED light technology to accelerate the teeth whitening process and shorten treatment time. The gentle gel formation helps remove stains and whiten teeth without damaging tooth enamel and uses natural extracts of Aloe Vera, Pomegranate and Chamomile. At £52.99, it’s not cheap, but it’s worth the investment for the gleaming white results. Now, you just have to find something to smile about.
£52.99 www.billiondollarsmile.co.uk and selected Superdrug stores
We take a look at the best dining options within walking distance (1 mile) of city landmarks worldwide. Here we offer our 5 IDEAL restaurants close to the Las Ramblas, Barcelona
It’s easy to see why affable, approachable Barcelona sits atop the list of Britain’s most loved city breaks. The big BCN truly has something for everyone, whether you’re visiting for Messi, the mercados, mato or Miro.
The cuisine, too, is top drawer, but in a city so beloved of tourists, the traps – charging extortionate prices for second rate small plates – tend to outweigh the tasty. And near to the biggest of them all, Las Ramblas, there’s plenty of both the good and the bad. Let us be your trusted guide, then, with these; our 5 IDEAL restaurants close to Las Ramblas, Barcelona.
EL QUIM (0.1 miles)
Just seconds off the strip is one of the world’s most famous markets, La Bouqeria, where the food options, both sit down and take home, are plentiful. Perhaps the best place of all here is El Quim, a breakfast and lunch operation which kicks off early, serving those still partying from the night before, into those emerging with sore heads, into a lingering lunch time crowd. And it manages to leave everyone satisfied.
El Quim is famous for two fried eggs with baby squid or black pudding, washed down with a beer whatever time of day; a true breakfast of champions. If the seating (scant and in demand) and your stomach space allow you, why not see things through to lunch?
Other plates on the menu to try are cigrons amb cloïsses (chickpeas with clams) and xipirons amb mongetes de Santa Pau (baby squid with white beans). According to those in the know (the place is populated by chefs from other restaurants) the ideal time to get to El Quim is when its shutters go up and the first egg gets fried. A touch much for breakfast? Well, you’ve come to the wrong place, then.
Address: Mercado de La Boqueria, La Rambla, 91, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
There’s spectacle to be found here, but not at the cost of a damn good meal. Located in the up-and-coming Raval, Bar Canete’s lengthy bar is the perfect place to enjoy a mix of theatre and flavour; from here you can watch the chefs cook and waiters sachay and sing their way through service. Booking is recommended, but walk-ins are generally accomodated in the earlier parts of the evening. Although notionally a fine-dining affair, the classics are reassuringly untampered with. Must-try dishes include salt cod croquettes, amazing aubergine crisps with a sticky balsamic reduction and a loose, luxurious version of paella.
Sure, there’s plenty of opportunity for tradition and a taste of the old school when dining in Barcelona, but the city also does a great line in modern, innovative cooking. Dos Pebrots manages to straddle both, paying lip service to dusty, well worn Mediterranean recipes with touches of modern gastronomy’s flair and finesse. That comes as no surprise when a former El Bulli head chef is at the helm.
It’s a small plates affair, although not exactly ‘tapas’. Again, no surprise from a former Adria lieutenant. Indeed, try sharing with any elegance an onion blackened in the josper oven then peeled back to reveal sweet, succulent flesh and a pool of garum. Or approaching a cod’s head with emulsified pil-pil sauce with grace. But oh, do try the dishes; simply exceptional.
Dos Pebrots delivers on its promise with poise, performance and most importantly, utter deliciousness. Best to book if you’re not a type to take disappointment well, and ask for a seat at the low slung bar to the right once you enter; that’s where the theatre goes down.
If it’s old school, traditional you’re yearning for, El Xampanyet will slake your thirst. Quite literally. This brilliant, always crowded joint is first and foremost a cava bar, but the food is fantastic, too. You can’t book, and you’ll stand, but that shouldn’t put you off one of the best dining experiences in the city. Small single bites on bread or potato (think anchovies in vinegar, chorizo or tinned tuna) lure you in, but soon you’re having such a good time you commit to being fed more heartily; grilled octopus with green sauce or sirloin with padron peppers, for instance. A real gem of a place, as long as you forget normal rules of personal space!
Stumble out from El Xampanyet and onwards to Quimet y Quimet, around 20 minutes on the hoof, if you’re up for more of the same. This place comes with the added appeal of their ‘conserva’, a huge library of pickles, ferments and preserves that form the backbone of the bar’s tapas offering. These preserves sit in jars which line the shelves of the bar alongside a huge collection of wine and spirits, served in canape sized, open faced sandwich style – a ‘montadito’. Come with confidence, as a menu isn’t provided and space is scant, and you won’t regret it.
Summer holidays are all about spending quality time with your loved ones, basking in the sun, playing in the pool, and hanging out around the barbie as the sun sets with a few cold beers and lots of laughter. That’s why a villa holiday is so often the answer, bringing the seclusion and intimacy of your own private sphere, but also being spacious enough to give people room to move and groove with freedom. Perfect!
Whether you choose to holiday by the sparkling blue waters of Greece or to laze on Spain’s most beloved beach destinations, travel company Oliver’s Travelshave got you covered. They offer a range of incredible villas in stunning locations and, perhaps best of all, a cracking concierge service. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL luxury villas for your next holiday from Oliver’s Travels.
VILLA ELOUNDA MEGALI, CRETE, GREECE
Nestled on the Cretan hillside, surrounded by olive trees and dusty roads lined with wildflowers, this holiday home offers guests genuine peace and tranquillity. The pool area is large enough for everyone to enjoy, but should you need some alone time, there are hammocks set up in the shade and various rest areas set away from the main villa where you can soak up the crystal-clear blue waters and the jaw-dropping landscape. Plus, you’ll have access to the spa, tennis courts and water sports offered at the resort up the road.
Prices for Villa Elounda Megali, with 16 people sharing, start at £11,856 per week
VILLA LIDIA, COSTA BRAVA, SPAIN
At the Villa Lida, the location is unbeatable – guests can enjoy incredible views overlooking the beautiful town of Tamariu and the Mediterranean sea. The villa itself is a modern, utterly luxurious, four bedroom on the Costa Brava. What more could you want?
The surrounding area is ideal for those who seek to avoid the more touristy side of the Spanish coast and instead experience the traditional charm of old industrial and fishing towns.
For the adventurous types in your group, there are miles of coastal paths perfect for strolling or hiking on a beautiful day. Golfers will be satisfied, too, by the facilities in the area, as of course will those who enjoy life on the water, with plenty of sailing, fishing and endless water-sports available nearby.
Prices for Villa Lidia, with 8 people sharing, start at £3,961 per week
TRULLI DI OLIVE, PUGLIA, ITALY
Set in a fantastic rural location in Puglia, this three-bedroom holiday home has room for eight guests, all of whom have space to stretch out around the villa’s sizeable pool. If the Italian sunshine gets a bit too much, there are also shaded terraces and comfy bean bags to retire to and admire the beautiful surroundings.
The living room is a particular highlight, housed in a sleek glass cube and truly a magical place to relax and recline. Trulli Di Olive is the perfect choice of base for families or friends looking to explore the popular towns and villages of Puglia, its extraordinary cuisine, and the beautiful beaches on both the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines.
Prices for Trulli Di Olive, with 8 people sharing, start at £2,717 per week
VILLA KRYSTAL, DALYAN, TURKEY
Perhaps the stand out feature of this incredible villa housed just a 30 minute drive from Dalaman, Turkey, is its extensive grounds – 5,300 square metres in fact – elegantly surrounding the circular-shaped swimming pool and dotted with beautiful potted plants, trees and greenery.
The four-bedroomed Villa Krystal is the perfect getaway for families and friends, set against the backdrop of a rugged mountain in Dalyan on the south-west coast of Turkey. Outside, there are plenty of soft grassy spots for the little ones to play and several prime spots for the adults to soak up the sun. The villa is ideally situated just a short distance from the sandy Iztuzu beach.
Prices for Villa Krystal, with 8 people sharing, start at £1,968 per week
BARBATI VIEW, CORFU, GREECE
Barbati View, a charming five-bedroom modern affair (sleeping 10), boasts a fabulous location on the north-east coast of Corfu. Once there you will find spectacular views overlooking the village of Barbati and its gorgeous beach.
The beautiful infinity pool is the perfect place to take in the peaceful surroundings. When you’re done cooling off, access the large private veranda in the master bedroom – a great place to slip away and enjoy the incredible views of Mount Pantokrator, and the idyllic blue ocean beyond.
Prices for Barbati View, with 10 people sharing, start at £5,928 per week
Our national identity is in a bit of a state right now. The debate is partisan, the arguments binary, and the state of hate, mistrust and misinformation perpetual. Parliament is failing, pollution is rising and the urban tableau is turning increasingly ugly. A spot of escapism deep into the U.K’s proud and majestic countryside might restore a bit of faith, we think. What that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL activities to enjoy in the Great British outdoors this Spring.p
RAMBLE THE U.K’S NATIONAL TRAILS & PATHS
Although there’s actually not much semantic difference between a hike and ramble, we’ve chosen the latter as it evokes a certain aimless, gentle wander which we think fits the escapist bill just perfectly. In the fine words of Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury, ‘’walking is one of Britain’s best loved pastimes. Every month, up to nine million folk pull on their boots and head to the great outdoors’’. That’s a lot of people trying to clear their heads!
Several trails in the Lake District made up a recent Top 10 of Britain’s Favourite Walks, meaning Cumbria should be your first port of call if you’re serious about your rambling. If you’re focused in the South, we adore the walking options in the Swanage and Purbeck region of Dorset; the Priest’s Way walk from Swanage to Worth Matravers, taking in the Jurassic Coast’s unbeatable views and cracking Square & Compass pub, is perhaps one of the best rambles in the U.K.
HORSE RIDING IN THE BRECON BEACONS, WALES
That sense of freedom you’re craving, with the wind in your hair and fresh air in your lungs, could be satisfied with a horse riding holiday. The U.K seems to have an affinity with all things equestrian, and the relatively flat, gentle terrain combined with milder temperatures of Spring make the here and now the perfect occasion to mount.
Wales, and the Brecon Beacons, in particular, boasts some of the best opportunities for horse-based holidays, partly owing to a network of bridleways meaning you can steer well clear of any busy roads. Great stuff. There are centers offering bespoke, tailor-made trips, so whether you’re after a gallop or trot, you’ll be covered.
Although basic equipment is usually provided, there are online shops which provide more detailed, wide ranging supplies for enthusiasts from shoes to blankets. However, bear in mind that equestrian supplies can be quite expensive so look for discounted prices as part of equestrian clearance sales if you’re up for a bargain.
ALLOTMENT KEEPING, ANYWHERE CLOSE TO HOME
What better way to celebrate the Great British outdoors than by making the most of the terroir? Spring sees the first shoots of some delicious locally sourced vegetables, and if you’re a fan of the farm-to-table ethos, then it’s high time you tried your hand at planting, growing, tending to and ultimately eating some of the great crops local to our land.
Particularly good right now are celeriac, Jerusalem artichoke, leeks and swede, with asparagus season just around the corner, too. In terms of sowing seeds, March is the perfect time to get your strawberry plants into the soil. Also ripe for planting right now are onion, shallot and garlic sets, as well as broad beans, parsnips, beetroot, lettuce and more.
CANAL CRUISING ON THE AVON RING
What better way to embrace the slow-paced, low living lifestyle we’re all longing for than via exploration of the U.K’s waterways. There’s our island’s rich history to appreciate here, a glimpse into an easier way of life we’re all secretly courting, as well as little in the way of interruption. Bliss.
The Avon Ring is perhaps the best canal boat trip out there, as it takes in some pretty, quaint countryside and a host of famous historical sites. Connecting the outskirts of Southern Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon and Tewkesbury, through the serene, stunning Cotswolds, you’ll take in Shakespeare’s place of birth and Tewkesbury Abbey, amongst others. The real please of such a trip, though, lies in the laid back, go with the flow mentality of conquering 100 miles of canal at a canter, where all that matters is negotiating the near 130 locks and soaking it all in.
BIRD WATCH IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND
If you’re tired of the watching the endless Question Time debates about Brexit and the predictable Premier League, then why not feast your peepers on something a bit more natural for a change? Britain is home to 15 birds of prey species as well as penguins, puffins and the rare cattle egret, to name but a few, making bird watching a really rewarding hobby to take up.
Northern, remote Scotland, particularly the collection of islands known as the Outer Hebrides, is perhaps the premier place to spy feathered flights of fancy. At the North Harris Eagle Observatory on the Isle of Lewis you can see the most majestic of them all, the golden eagle (don’t @me, peregrine falcon). A whole host of seabirds are also seen all over the Western Isles, with the U.K’s biggest colony of puffins and the world’s largest collection of guillemots calling the World Heritage Site of St. Kilda their home. Go visit!
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘hump day’. But have you ever considered a ‘hump month’? The barren, malevolent March is certainly a contender. It’s damp and mouldy. Winter fashion is obsolete, yet you’d be shivering in Spring threads. Glastonbury, Wimbledon and the rest are just a pin prick on the horizon and the Christmas debt still lingers insistently in the rearview mirror. It’s a strange, unfulfilling purgatory.
Well, why not make the most of the impasse, and use it as a time for some serious saving; a way to get properly prepped, primed and ready for Summer. With that in mind, here are 7 IDEAL ways to earn money outside your 9-5 this Spring.
RENT OUT A SPARE ROOM
If you’re lucky enough to have an extra room, floor or even house knocking around, vacant and begging to be occupied, then we have two questions for you. Firstly, what’s your secret? And secondly, have you considered renting them out?
Should you have space unoccupied, or you’re going away for an extended period, then it could be financially beneficial to rent out any free domestic space in the name of budget building. The UK Rent a Room Scheme means you could earn £7500 per year, tax free.
Equally, if you have property abroad which spends some of the year unused, and you care about bolstering your bank balance, then you should be putting it on the rental market when you’re not there.
…RENT OUT JUST ABOUT ANYTHING, IN FACT
The huge increase in peer-to-peer services and vast, intricate and intersecting online communities means that actually, you can rent out just about anything you like. If auctioning off your clothes feels a little heart wrenching, for instance, but you’re still looking to make cash from your overflowing wardrobe, then you can actually put your clothes out there for rent. Apps like Rent My Wardrobe will put cash in your pocket for temporary use of your threads.
If you have a driveway or parking space, especially if it’s near a big event, offices or close to a transport link, then this too can be rented out. What’s more, should you own some specific equipment, such as a professional photography rig, then this too would command some pocket money on the rental market. Get creative!
AUCTION OFF THE UNNECESSARY
Spring is traditionally a time for forging a fresh perspective. A time to declutter. An opportunity for streamlining and shedding the heavy coat of Winter. As such, you should consider a spot of domestic simplifying too. If this can also earn you a bit of extra coin, then that’s brilliant.
You’re more than likely to have a whole host of items you’ve long since deemed surplus to requirements about the place. Thanks to auction sites like eBay, there’s plenty of scope for selling them on to a more appreciative home. Apps such as Shopify make the process even quicker, but come at a cost to the seller, and require subscription.
Of course, you could also consider going old school at a car boot sale. In doing so, you can have real, face-to-face contact and negotiate a deal which feels more fair and wholesome to both parties.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Knowledge is power. It’s also pocket money. If you have a depth of local knowhow, particularly about street food, cafes or historic sites, then you could earn a little extra coin by offering tours as a ‘host’ on sites like airbnb, withlocals and eatwith. If you don’t fancy leaving the sofa, platforms like studypool and prestoexperts pay you to field questions on your certain area of expertise.
GET PAID FOR YOUR OPINION
We’ve all at one time or another had an online survey or opinion poll dangled in front of us, incentivising something we thought we were getting for free. You can actually fill these guys out in exchange for money. Admittedly, the kickback on offer is usually pretty small, but take enough and you might earn yourself a decent stack. It’s important to read the small print, as sometimes it’s prizes and vouchers gifted rather than cold, hard cash. Swagbucks, despite the edgy name, is considered one of the more reputable places online for this sort of thing.
SWITCH BANK ACCOUNT
Is there a word for that feeling of utter dread prior to checking your bank balance? There should be. Anyway, while we’re on the subject, switching your bank account or opening a second could bring in a little sunshine to an otherwise bleak month. Banks are trying to challenge the notion that customers are way too loyal (see lazy) to ever switch by offering some pretty serious incentives to up sticks. It’s not immediate, with the old switcheroo usually taking 7 days, but the rewards are decent nonetheless.
LEND A HAND
If you’ve got the skills to pay the bills, as it were, but don’t have the time to capitalise on them full time, then there are certain platforms which allow you to lend a hand in your local area on a more temporary basis in exchange for cash.
Apps like Task Rabbit and Odd Job Nation help connect people in need of that helping hand with those willing to give one; for a fee, of course. This could take the form of doing some heavy lifting, lending a hand at a local event or simply assembling an IKEA flatpack for someone perplexed by the instructions. The list goes on and with it, the opportunities broaden. So, get out there and get involved.
Sometimes, it seems like our pals across the pond are in a constant state of celebration. They’re either in the thrill of a Super Bowl Party with beer, chicken and adverts; in thrall to Independence Day on the Fourth of July with fireworks; going all out on the Halloween costumes, stuffing their faces with turkey on Thanksgiving Day or doing Christmas to its glitzy, gaudy best.While they’re certainly not short of festivities in America, there are a few traditions that spend a little less time in the limelight.
We’ve teamed up with innovative stairlift manufacturer Acorn Stairlifts to bring you these; our 4 IDEAL lesser known American holiday traditions to celebrate.
MAY BASKET DAY
While it’s still honored in a few far flung corners of the country, May Basket Day doesn’t get the nationwide recognition that it once did. Or deserves, for that matter.Although the occasion isn’t officially marked until May 1st, preparations begin towards the end of April as people start to gather together flowers, sweets or other treats, and place them in baskets; deemed ‘May baskets’ for the celebration. Once filled, individuals hang these baskets from the doors of friends, loved ones and neighbors.
While May Basket Day marks an occasion for people to show their appreciation for those around them and their community, it’s also an opportunity to make plain your romantic intentions. If someone is caught hanging a basket by the person it’s intended for, the recipient is tasked with chasing the basket-hanger for a kiss.
RAGAMUFFIN DAY
Many people will find similarities between Ragamuffin Day and Halloween but actually, before Americans began to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, Ragamuffin Day existed, involving children getting dressed up in costumes and masks. Once in their attire, they would knock on the doors of their neighbors and pose the question: “anything for Thanksgiving?”.
The occasion was marked to recreate the interactions that the poor used to make with those more fortunate who were celebrating Thanksgiving, as beggars went door to door during the holidays to request either food or fare. While Ragamuffin Day isn’t honored much nowadays, you can still see it being replicated in part during Thanksgiving; the ragamuffins have been transformed into the huge character balloons seen in street parades during the celebration.
CHRISTMAS DINNER WITH A DIFFERENCE
Think the biggest feast of the year is just a roast bird? Think again. Each state has their different, unique edible traditions, and they rightly take pride of place around the Christmas dinner table every year. If you’re from Virginia, for instance, then the festive feasting wouldn’t be complete without an oyster and ham pie. A New Orleans table will always have grits and whiskey cake (not together, of course), and New England offer up a delicious Lumberjack Pie; a mashed potato crusted, meat braise flavoured with cinnamon. Oh yes.
BARREL BURNING
Alongside Ragamuffin Day, Americans once used to participate in the ritual of Barrel Burning every Thanksgiving.Due to the fact that so many families were in possession of wooden trash barrels a few decades ago, the idea was that communities would stack as many of these items on top of one another and then set them all on fire.
A designated time and setting was provided for the Barrel Burning to commence — often at the end of Thanksgiving Day as a large social gathering of entire communities, once loved ones had eaten their Thanksgiving dinner and that barren period of food coma and a sense the day is over needed filling.Barrel Burning was practiced less and less once home televisions hit the mainstream across the US, until it was no longer marked as people chose to gather around their TV sets in an approach that sounded quite a bit safer.
Can’t quite seem to sweep that last crumb from the kitchen floor? Stubborn bathroom stains causing embarrassment when you have guests over? Immovable, unmanageable issues in the bedroom? Whatever the reason for deciding to delegate your cleaning to the professionals, with the myriad cleaning services on offer in London, it’s crucial you pose the right searching questions if you want the most sparkling, brand spanking answers. With that in mind, here are 6 IDEAL questions to ask your prospective professional cleaner.
HOW ARE YOUR RATES SET?
Perhaps the first question you should be posing is how the company sets its rates. Many companies offer something hourly, for example, whilst some operate on a flat rate basis. It’s up to you to decide which kind of arrangement best suits your needs.
Hourly may seem the obvious choice, but there are some instances when a flat rate is preferable, such as when you require an end of tenancy cleaning service when the actual length of time is unpredictable, and desired expectations and results are agreed on before the clean takes place.
End of tenancy cleaning can be a fairly lengthy process, so you may want to consider a company that can give you flat rates, such as those offered by professional move out cleaners experts Twinkle Clean.
DO YOUR STAFF UNDERGO A BACKGROUND CHECK?
When you hire a cleaning service, it follows that you are essentially letting ‘strangers’ into your home or property. A huge amount of trust is placed in someone you’ve likely never met, and who might be changing with some regularity. The good news is that many professional cleaning providers perform background checks on their staff to ensure the clients’ (and their possessions) safety.
Go a step further and look for a company which has a low rate of turnover for their staff – this means that they take care of their workers, and their workers are more likely to be satisfied with the job they do, which translates into better service for you as well.
DOES YOUR SERVICE INCLUDE CLEANING PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT?
Another important question you should ask before deciding on a cleaning service is whether their service includes cleaning supplies and equipment. Many companies do bring their own supplies and equipment, but it doesn’t hurt to confirm this with them prior to signing on the dotted line.
On the other hand, you may actually want them to use your equipment or cleaning supplies, as you may have specific needs or allergies which require taking into account, so it’s best to check either way at the earliest given opportunity.
If the operation you’re seeking is more thorough and comprehensive than just a property with a couple of dirty tea cups left on the side, then an industrial clean may require specialist equipment which you don’t have at home. You can research expert industrial cleaning services here, or ask an existing cleaning company, if you have one, whether they can perform specialist cleans. If not, they may be able to recommend someone who can.
HOW ARE YOU PLANNING TO GAIN ACCESS TO MY PROPERTY?
Many cleaning companies today offer various options with regard to how they plan to gain access to the property. For example, some cleaning services require you as a home or business owner to be present so their staff can go in, whilst other cleaning services may require an access code or key.
This is particularly common when it comes to office and commercial cleaning services, as these buildings are often secure. It’s best for you to choose an option which works well with your needs, as being present and correct with every clean can be a pain for those who are regularly on the move.
WHAT KIND OF SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?
If the cleaning service provider can offer you a detailed account of the kind of cleaning they’ll do, this is definitely beneficial. This way, you will know what to expect from them and can request them to do additional tasks if necessary (and whole them to account should the job not be sufficient).
It’s perhaps the online world’s greatest dichotomy. A greater connectivity and sense of community online has, in many cases, bred an increased vulnerability and exposure to the unscrupulous. Recent years have seen a spate of scams originating in the online sharing community; a risk heightened when a sense of trust is key to a transaction.
Non-existent tour operators, fake taxis companies, fraudulent Airbnb listings and fake villa scams have all hit the headlines lately. And because there’s nothing which ruins your holiday quite like discovering you’ve been scammed, ripped off or worst of all, booked something which doesn’t even exist, we’re going to focus on the last item on that list today. With that in mind, here are 7 IDEAL steps to booking your next holiday accommodation safely and securely.
CHECK HOW LONG THE VILLA HAS BEEN ADVERTISED
Renting out a villa has so many upsides. There’s a privacy and sense of freedom simply not available in resorts, hotels or downtown apartments. What’s more, the traditional size of a villa represents the opportunity for a group of friends to gather en masse, and wine, dine and socialise together in a way which corporate accommodation just can’t match. The pressure is on, then, to choose somewhere ‘right’.
When you look at a villa online, the date that the advertiser joined the site will generally be listed, usually found on the listing or on the landlord’s profile. As a rule, the longer the villa has been on the website, the more likely it is to be legit.
ASSESS REVIEWS OVER MULTIPLE PLATFORMS
Reviews left by other renters should be checked carefully before you book. Good reviews can be faked, of course, so be wary of villas that only have glowing reviews lacking in the finer detail that marks them as personal.
Look for comments from other renters and travellers which are really specific to the area or accommodation, as these are usually genuine. A string of generic reviews which read something like ‘wonderful amenities, great atmosphere, we will surely book again!’ should set the alarm bells ringing. If this is the single review left by a profile with a stock photo and randomly generated username (nick17373929102), then it’s pretty clear you’re dealing with a bot. Steer clear.
CONFIRM THE LOCATION
Time to bring out your inner Sherlock. Using a system like Google Maps can help you confirm the location of any villa you’re viewing online. Once you’ve located the villa, you should use Street View to see that the image on the map matches the pictures on the website. If there’s a difference, you could be looking at a scam listing and should exercise caution. Of course, fantastic deals can be found online, such as from Orlando Villas, but it pays to be cautious and to question everything.
HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE OWNER
Worryingly, it’s actually fairly easy for scammers to list a property they don’t actually own online, then get bookings, take your money and disappear into the ether. It’s crucial in the booking process to talk to the owner, preferably on the phone (a number will often be listed and a landline will be better than mobile). You should check the landline number against the location of the property in case of discrepancies. If the villa is in Ibiza but the ‘owner’s’ landline is in Timbuktu, then yep, those alarm bells should be damaging your eardrums.
ALWAYS GET PAPERWORK
Just because the transaction is happening online and everything seems so easy and ‘at the click of a button’, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t request (and expect) contracts, receipts and other paperwork. Indeed, you should never send your payment before you get a written contract for the rental of the villa. Pay close attention to the security deposit, ensure that all of the terms are clear and that the amount of the deposit is not disproportionate.
AVOID WIRE TRANSFERS
When it comes to paying the deposit and balance, you should avoid wire money transfers like Western Union. Credit cards are the best thing to use, as full protection is offered. PayPal offers some security on your purchase, too.
There are some rental websites that offer a protection scheme, which promise to reimburse customers if there is a case of fraud. You should however still read the small print before you book to ensure that you are covered.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Perhaps the most pertinent piece of advice is to trust your instincts. If the host is making odd demands, such as immediate wire transfer, or excessive copies of your documents, a photograph of your bank card…..then trust your gut feeling that something ain’t quite right. Likewise, if they’re trying to rush you to make a decision or send money, it probably spells a scam. Finally, should something feel as though it’s ‘too good to be true’, then it probably is.
A myth, perpetuated by ready-meal companies perhaps, is that ‘from-scratch’ Thai cooking is beyond the reach of home cooks. Many in a bout of confidence and bravery look up a Thai curry recipe and are completely overawed by the breadth of unheard-of, hard-to-source ingredients. The resulting reach for a bland, ready-pounded paste results in a less-than satisfying end product. And repeat.
Over here at IDEAL we are huge fans of gutsy, assertive Thai food and love to replicate it at home. We’re here to reassure you that it’s super easy if you have a well-stocked cupboard of essentials. One trip to the Asian supermarket will have you covered and you can even buy the tools we recommend at most. If you don’t have access to an Asian Supermarket, Thai Taste products are available at most supermarkets, department stores and independent delicatessens throughout the country.
So, with that in mind, we’ve asked Asian food fanatic and our resident chef, Joseph Gann, for some tips. Here are our 10 IDEAL kitchen staples and tools for ‘from-scratch’ Thai cooking. Just take this list on your next shopping trip and you’ll be set for a rich run of tantalising Thai table-toppers in no time.
Rice
Thais never skip the rice. The rice is the meal – the backbone, the focal point and the glue that holds everything together. The locals would think you crazy to be chucking back super-hot curries without the cleansing, neutralising effect of rice. Sticky rice is extra special; a textural delight and one usually manipulated with the hands to scoop up delicious accompaniments. Yes, the curries, dips, grilled meats and more are accompaniments. Everything plays second fiddle to the magical grain and the Thais would have it no other way.
Image source: Author’s own
A Rice Cooker
So you’ve got your rice, and you’re wanting to cook it to that sweet spot between hard-as-bullets and a homogenous mush. It’s not looked upon as cheating to use a rice-cooker. In fact, it’s positively implored. It may seem an investment, but they’re not expensive and deliver perfectly cooked product every time. They’re also able to hold rice at the correct temperature and level of ‘done-ness’ for a good stretch of time, making preparation in advance a doddle.
Good Quality Fish Sauce
A seasoning which gives body, umami and salt in one, wonderful hit; fish sauce is an integral part of the Thai arsenal. It’s used in dipping sauces, curries, as part of a marinade and anything else requiring pep and balance. Any lover of anchovy will be aroused its heady charms. But, the supermarket shelf staple just won’t do. An investment in a good quality fish sauce (the Phu Quoc variant from Southern Vietnam is generally considered the finest around) is well worth the money. A little goes a long way – you only need a conservative amount for a dish – meaning its well worth the price.
Image source: Author’s own
Kapi Shrimp Paste
Bringing even more fermented, fishy depth to a dish, Kapi Shrimp Paste can be found at any Asian supermarket worth its MSG. This stinky, delightful little jar is the base of many a good curry paste and ignoring it on a recipe would be a crime against flavour. Don’t let the bracing smell put you off – when dispersed in an aromatic mix of fresh ingredients it simply props up the rest of the cast rather than hogging the limelight. A must.
Asian Shallots
It really is worth going the extra mile to buy Asian shallots, as opposed to banana, echalion or Spanish. With a lower water content than their European cousins, they crisp up far better for the ubiquitous condiment of crispy shallots (clues in the title, huh?). They also work far better in a paste as they don’t release unnecessary liquid and dilute all the hard-flavour work the other ingredients have put in.
Image source: Author’s own
A Large Granite Pestle and Mortar
While we’re on the subjects of pastes, it’s time to rethink your grandmother’s miniature wooden pestle and mortar she reserves solely for garlic crushing. A mean, confident, hefty paste needs a tool of corresponding substance. A granite pestle and mortar with enough space in the bowl to really exert the required combination of deft flicks and force will bring the best results.
An Ultra-thick, Ultra-stable Chopping Board
Speaking of heft, if you’ve ever been to Bangkok and observed the the street food purveyors at work, you’ll have noticed one item they all share; a circular, wooden, super-thick chopping board. Upon this centre of their world occurs all manner of preparation, but especially the quick, efficient hacking-up of just-grilled meat. The density of the board – the sheer, proud girth of it – can absorb the shock of the meat cleaver in its stride, and is durable enough to be in operation for years. Again, an investment, but one which in the long-run will prove invaluable.
A Meat Cleaver
The aforementioned meat cleaver is the only blade you’ll need for true Thai cooking. It’s equally comfortable being wielded to cut through bone in one easy motion as it is unnecessarily turning a carrot into a rose. Buy a sturdy, sharp one with a strong handle capable that isn’t going to fracture your wrist when you deploy it with vigour, and you’re good to go. I made the mistake of bringing my knife wallet, full of task-specific blades, into a famous Thai kitchen, and the subsequent joshing was pretty boisterous, to put it mildly.
A Pantry of Ginger, Lemongrass, Galangal, Makrut Lime Leaf and Herbs
These days even your local Tesco express will stock a good deal of Asian spices and herbs, so there’s no excuse for powdered ginger or pureed lemongrass in a jar. Sure, makrut lime leaves and galangal may be slightly more of a stretch, but they freeze well, so buy in bulk. Coriander will be available pretty much anywhere, and your Asian supermarket will likely provide Vietnamese mint and Thai basil. It’s really worth buying the real thing, not their European substitutes, as Thai food is a fine balancing act and the nuance of flavour of each ingredient is taken into account in the composing of every recipe.
Image source: Author’s own
……..and of course, Chilli
Finally, the ingredient most people immediately leap to when Thai food comes to mind; the humble chili. Relying on crushed, powdered or flaked alone just won’t do. Different varieties of chili have myriad different flavour profiles so be as specific as you can in your sourcing for the best outcome. When so much effort has gone into the shopping, it would be careless to assume all chillies are the same. Do your research, shop thoughtfully and you won’t regret the extra effort you went to. Happy Cooking!
After a long week at work, cleaning is often the last thing on our minds. However, whether your home is clean and tidy or a complete mess has a huge bearing on your mood, productivity and mental well-being. Mess and clutter can cause stress, lead to arguments with loved ones and have an impact on our social lives, too. So with the help of cleaning and laundry expert Dr. Beckmann, here are 5 IDEAL reasons to be more tidy.
It Messes With Our Mood
The level of mess and clutter around the home is a key dictator of our mood. It’s felt by most that mess leads to unproductiveness, or worse still, feeling unhappy. And it’s a vicious cycle; anxiety or depression can lead to a messy, cluttered home and a cluttered home can lead to depression and more anxiety. Unsurprisingly, a messy home can make us feel stressed.
A study carried out at the University of California found that women who described their home environment as chaotic or messy had higher levels of cortisol (a hormone released in response to stress).
It Stops Us From Socialising
Moreover, an untidy house can at times impede our willingness to socialise. When the house is filled with dirty underwear, pizza boxes scattered across the floor and a bin which hasn’t been taken out for some time, it’s unlikely you’ll be wanting to host any friends at your place.
It Causes Arguments
Mess causes arguments, as we’re sure you’re aware through cold, hard experience. According to the Office for National Statistics, even as recently as 2016, women shoulder the responsibility of ‘unpaid work’, on average carrying out 60% more of the household tasks than men. That can lead do simmering resentment about a domestic dereliction of duty, in turn causing defensiveness and counter-accusations to fly. Tension is bound to follow.
Cleaning Can Be Exercise
The physical act of cleaning can offer a cheap, efficient workout when done with enthusiasm. Individual cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, ironing and gardening can burn between 150 and 300 calories – that’s equivalent to a Zumba class, but you also get a clean house as part of the deal. Two birds, one stone, indeed.
So if you’re looking to do a big clean in one day, you could, in theory, be set to burn over 2000 calories. Core tasks for burning the most calories include washing up, cleaning windows and mopping and sweeping.
You’ll Live more Productively
‘Tidy home, tidy mind’ might be a mantra worth practicing. According to some psychologists, the way we keep our environment reflects our state of mind, which in turn impacts our productivity.
People surrounded by tidy spaces tend to get more done, whereas clutter and disorganisation in the home act as visual distractions, meaning we are less productive. To make matters worse, mess breeds mess, as we are less likely to find the motivation to clean up when surrounded by clutter.
Here at IDEAL we realise that there’s more to this crazy dance than the accumulation of ‘stuff’. A life of accruing possessions will only accrue dust. Oiling the Capitalist wheels with your wallet won’t bring clarity, of that there’s no doubt….
But who can deny the positivity that a bit of pampering brings? There’s nothing wrong with taking a look inwards from time to time, letting go and just spoiling yourself. With that in mind, we’re sharing a few things bringing us a little peace of mind right now; our own spot of retail therapy, if you will, with these 5 IDEAL things we’re into this week. Go on. You deserve this.
CHANTELLE NICHOLSON’S VEGAN RECIPE BOOK, PLANTED
Many finished Veganuary with a realisation that vegetables, fruit, grains and the rest are actually rather nice. Religious or not, lent gives us another reason to embrace a certain degree of abstinence and with spring bringing a fresh round of amazing British produce, this week we’re cooking lots of delicious dishes using the finest U.K veg.
Chantelle Nicholson’s book ‘Planted’ has some of the most enticing vegan recipes we’ve set eyes on in a long time; her sage and shallot tart is a great midweek supper mainstay. The desserts are terrific, too, particularly a vegan banana creme brulee.
Not only is March National Bed Month, but next week (starting on the 10th) also marks Sleep Awareness Week, both aiming to raise the national knowhow about the positive impact of a proper night’s sleep on health and wellbeing. The Fine Bedding Company’s cool touch pillows are a great tool in bringing that extra comfort you need to achieve those all important 8 hours. ‘As cool as the other side of the pillow’, indeed.
The unpredictable British weather is perhaps at its most fickle in March. Rain is forecast for next week, but temperatures look mild. No heavy, sweat inducing nylon raincoats please. Instead, we love the clean dome birdcage umbrellas from Fulton. You’re enclosed and protected against the elements, but can see where you’re going; no embarrassing bumping into people as you sashay your way down the high street, then. Good stuff.
A certain, ill advised event occurs at the end of March, and with it, the threat of food shortages. Though the link hasn’t yet been proved, grow-your-own is also seeing a massive blossom in popularity. Coincidence? Possibly. Troubling times? Definitely.
This month is the ideal time to plant some strawberries, giving them ample time to get established before the warmer weather arrives. Ken Muir is a strawberry plant supplier who certainly knows his stuff, having won 13 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. He currently stocks over a dozen different varieties, right in time for strawberry planting season.
Monday March 11th sees the start of National Butchers Week, celebrating the fantastic work that butchers do and the pride they show for their craft. If you fancy having a go at jointing, deboning and portioning your favourite meat, Victorinox’s pro boning knife is a durable, affordable option. It’s sharp, sturdy and svelte; exactly what you need when taking down a whole duck or leg of lamb.
With over 7’000 islands, a population of over 100 million divided into countless ethnic groups with more than 170 languages, and a rich, complex history, the Philippines is one diverse, vibrant place to visit. It’s also a chaotic, roller coaster ride of a place, but an incredibly rewarding, fulfilling one when done right. If you’re a first time visitor to the archipelago, then we’re here to help, with these; our 7 IDEAL travel tips for Philippines first timers.
VISA FREE FUN
First things first, most visitors to the Philippines are granted 30 days of visa-free, no fee entry into the country. This includes the U.K. Great news! Should you wish to stay for longer, a 59-day tourist visa is available via the Philippine Embassy. coque iphone 2019 If you wish to extend beyond those two months, options are available to do so from inside the Philippines. A common misconception when travelling to the Philippines is that a weather forecast centred around Manilla gives a good indication of what to pack for the entire country. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as the archipelago has four distinct regions and subsequently, a whole load of microclimates requiring different clothes. The northernmost point is humid and subtropical, and the further south (and nearer the equator) you head, the more tropical and monsoon prone things become. Typhoons are common; so much so that the Philippines has its own naming system (PAGASA) according to their severity. So, unless you want to be lugging around a lot of luggage, it’s best to focus your trip on one region and one season.
TRANSPORT TOILS
‘Filipino time’ is a thing (traditionally, arriving any earlier than 15 minutes late is considered impolite) and the general pace of life is so laid back it’s practically horizontal. This is great for chilled out vibes, good times and warm welcomes all round, but it can make getting around a little unpredictable and seriously complicate planning a trip in the Philippines. Combine this with the fact that, as a group of thousands of islands, planes and ferries are required often, and you’ve got yourself a transport headache if you try and fit in too much and too many destinations. Don’t rely too heavily on internet timetables, as they’re subject to near constant change due to variables like weather, staffing, and the driver’s propensity for pit stops.
That said, there’s some awesome transport pretty unique to the Philippines well worth hopping on, if only for the experience. These include jeepneys (customised – party bus style – American WWI army jeeps), rickshaws, kalesa (a type of horse drawn carriage found in some of the bigger cities) and habal habal, meaning ‘copulating pigs’ due to the intimacy shared on the motorbike between driver and pillion passenger. On a more practical level, Uber and Grab taxi are relatively safe and reliable, and a good idea in the cities.
A HUGELY UNDERRATED CUISINE
Filipino cuisine has a reputation of, shall we say, not being the best that Southeast Asia has to offer. And sure, it’s up against some seriously stiff competition. But while you were casting covetous glances at nasi goreng and guay tiew, lusting after laksa and pho, Filipino food was there, doing it’s thing, being really, really damn tasty. Thankfully, word is now getting out about the quality of Filipino food here in London too, so people heading east will know a little more of what to look for when they arrive.
The meat stew adobo is one dish you won’t (and won’t want to) miss; a marinated meat stew, of usually chicken or pork stew, heavy on the vinegar and soy sauce. It’s heady, hearty, nourishing and everywhere; served over rice, of course. Lechon is another classic for all the right reasons. A whole pig is spit roasted over coals until all the requisite crisp and tenderness is achieved. This one is enjoyed at Filipino special events and celebrations of which, in a country which loves to party, there are many. The desserts of the Philippines aren’t to be missed either, utilising loads of fresh coconut cream and tropical fruit; just fantastic.
MANILLA IS ACE
In Dan Brown’s novel Inferno, he depicts the Philippine’s capital city as the “gates of hell”. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Although Manila’s bad rep has hindered the city’s progress as a tourist hotspot, in truth, the metropolis has so much to give. People will warn you that the traffic is terrible, the streets crowded, noisy, dirty and dangerous, but let’s be honest, what capital city, at times, isn’t? Thankfully, Manila is fast becoming a global city with unique districts and a vibrant culture to rival any other Asian mega city; ignore the over cautious warnings and embrace the hustle and bustle. It’s definitely worth a few days of your itinerary. We wrote more about it here.
KARAOKE IS LIFE
Filipinos love their music, and you’ll see concerts and karaoke everywhere. There’s no better way to ingratiate yourselves with the locals than by pulling up a stool, sharing a few lambanogs and showing off your pipes. English is unofficially the first language and both modern and old school pop music from the States and Britain are extremely popular here, so there’s no excuse of not knowing any of the songs or lyrics. Just be warned, the Filipinos take their karaoke very seriously; be respectful of everyone’s skills or lack thereof, and get stuck in!
KEEP YOUR COOL
As with most of Southeast Asia (sadly not the world) losing your temper is not recommended. You’ll lose face, and likely exacerbate a situation which would otherwise be sorted and solved with a little patience, pleasantries and positive mentality.
