Remember the days when summer holidays were filled with your parents taking you on trips to buy the essentials for the upcoming year? We may have outgrown the “Back to School” sales but why not give your work wardrobe a little update? What you wear to work doesn’t need to be boring. Get creative and try something new to add to your repertoire. Here are some simple ways to upgrade your office attire:
ROCK THE STAPLES
Having staple pieces in your wardrobe is vital. They allow you to adapt your ensembles by changing little things around it. For example, that well-worn pair of mom jeans can be dressed down with a striped Breton and a pair of your favourite white trainers. However, with a soft blouse, a structured blazer and loafers, they are instantly smartened up. With this is mind, opt for basics that can become the foundation of your wardrobe. A crisp white Oxford shirt, a leather pencil skirt or even a skinny pair of cigarette trousers could be the versatile addition your outfits need.
THE BOLD AND BRIGHT
There is a huge focus on tailoring and bold prints as we head into autumn. Animal print is definitely having a moment, so adding a leopard print dress or a snakeskin blouse to your collection is a sure-fire way to make a statement. If you don’t feel brave enough to rock a wild print, then tartan or stripes are the next best thing. Suits and bright patterns are a perfect match so opt for structured tailoring that is anything but ordinary.
ACCESSORISE, ACCESSORISE, ACCESSORISE
Adding a finishing touch to your outfit can give it a completely different feel. A suede pair of ankle boots, a bucket bag or an oversized pair of tassel earrings are the perfect accent to finish off your look. Quilted handbags, leather rucksacks and cross-body messengerbags are designs that never go out of style, take a look at secretsales to pick up a wardrobe essential. You could even incorporate some of the bold patterns such as leopard or zebra print to shake up a monochrome outfit.
Someone, somewhere in the world, right now, is arguing with a loved one about moving house. With every packed, repacked and packed again box; with every dropped sentimental ornament and broken down rental van, tempers flare and pickering ensues. Moreover, come moving day it’s easy to find yourself up to your neck in cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and black bin liners, on the brink of an emotional breakdown because you don’t think you’ll be finished by the time the removal men arrive. With this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL tips for stress-free moving.
MAKE A TO-DO LIST
The pressures of moving house seem to come at you from all sides. Just when you’re looking forward and straight ahead, an unexpected hurdle trips you up; when the weight of upheaval is close to dragging you down, a mishap or miscalculation knocks you sideways. With all the big issues needing so much attention, it’s sometimes easy to neglect the little tasks that keep everything running smoothly and in place. Indeed, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when moving house, especially if you try to tackle everything at once . The solution? Make a to-do list. Organizing your tasks with a list will make everything seem much more manageable and help you to stay focused.
MOVE ONTO THE NEXT TASK
While it’s all very well to try and work through your to-do list methodically, don’t be a stickler for doing things task by task. If you do get stuck with something like labelling your things and you don’t think you can finish it any time soon, find something else to do with your time. Just make a further list of the uncompleted tasks and get back to them when you are ready to face it. Separating tasks into more manageable chunks then, with designated times and targets, serves to break up the monumental task of moving considerably.
LOOK FOR HELP
Instead of doing the tasks alone, ask for a moving company like Movecorp to help you haul your stuff, or better yet, get them to do it all for you. They offer complete services from the start until finish, and the only thing you need to do is wait until all your items arrive at your new home. And if you need to send your items to an international location, they can do it. They will even process all the documents for you and with their help, you can finish everything as scheduled.
AND BREATHE
Moving home can be both physically and mentally exhausting. However, just remember to breathe. In a few weeks time you will be all settled in, and any memories of moving will be a distant dream.
It’s no secret that summer can leave us feeling frazzled and our homes neglected as we spend time and energy keeping the kids entertained and enjoying fun-packed holidays abroad. However, August is also a great time to get your house in order and undertake crucial home admin tasks, helping you to feel more relaxed and prepared for the return to work and school. Which is why anyone with some annual leave remaining this summer should embrace a ‘stay-at-home vacation’, allowing for a few free days spent at home, to leave you and your home, relaxed and refreshed. Moreover, home is where the heart is. It should be a sanctuary and a place to unwind, both mentally and physically.
Spending time getting your home in order can help you to recharge and reset, it’s also a chance to prioritise tasks ready for the colder months when you’ll be spending more time at home indoors. With this in mind, lifestyle expert at Contura wood burning stoves, Catharina Bjorkman, shares 10 IDEAL tips to ensure you make the most of your home this summer.
CONSIDER YOUR ROOM LAYOUT
Are you making the most of the available space in every room? Does the room have a good flow? If the answer is no, try changing the layout by moving furniture around, particularly in the room(s) where you spend most of your time. Think of the function of a room and how you use it; if you spend a lot of time watching TV in the living room, make sure your furniture is placed in a way that it can be easily seen. Make sketches of your rooms and map out where your larger items (bed, dresser, shelves etc) would work best, then add smaller items around these to make best use of the space.
TAKE STOCK OF YOUR FURNITURE
It can be tempting to splash out on new furniture, but chances are your existing furniture needs some TLC rather than replacing. Getting your sofa re-covered is cheaper than forking out for a brand-new sofa, likewise, clean and polish your furniture before discarding it. You may find once shabby items look brand new with a little sprucing up.
LET THE LIGHT IN
Clean windows, curtains and blinds will instantly brighten up the room and get rid of any grime or dirt collected over summer. Wash the windows inside and out, dust and wipe down shutters, and put cotton blinds and curtains in the washing machine on a cool cycle. You’ll be amazed how these simple steps can give your rooms an instant boost and lease of life.
DIY TILES
From wall tiles in the bathroom to floor tiles in the kitchen, tiles can bear the brunt of busy lifestyles. If yours are looking a little worse for wear, try replacing the grout for an easy update without the need to replace the existing tiles. Use a grout rake to remove old grout, being careful not to scratch the tiles, then replace with new grout – always read the instructions for best results.
GIVE YOUR PLANTS SOME TLC
Did you know that wiping plant leaves with the inside of a banana skin will give them instant shine and life? As well as frequent watering, plants should also be dusted to boost their longevity. Green plants liven up any living space and are natural air purifiers; try adding a cactus or spider plants as these don’t require a lot of maintenance.
CLEAR THOSE DRAINS
It’s not a pleasant job but clearing the drains will save you time and money in the long run. Unclog shower and kitchen drains using an anti-blockage chemical and invest in drain grates to prevent excessive build-up. Likewise, clear any leaves and build-up from the drains outdoors to ensure they function well during the rainy seasons ahead.
GET THE FLUE CLEARED
If you have a wood burning stove or open fire, it’s important to get the flue cleared of tar and soot build-up as this will enable the fire to burn more efficiently. This is a job for the professionals, so find a local chimney sweep to get your fire in top shape for winter. An efficient fire uses less energy, which is kinder on your wallet and the planet.
CLEAR OUT THE ATTIC AND BASEMENT
The attic and basement are often a dumping ground for Christmas decorations and general clutter but taking time to clear out junk will free up space and help you prioritise which items are useful and worth keeping – you may even unearth some forgotten treasures.
TIDY HOME, TIDY MIND
It’s an age-old sentiment, but a clutter-free home will bring a sense of calm and order. Rather than tackle rooms bit by bit, take a few days to blast the whole home and purge it of items you no longer have a use for. Take what you can to the local charity shop as a first step.
ENJOY YOUR HOME
Above all, your home should be a place you enjoy spending time. Summer is a busy time and it can be stressful fitting in activities but take time to relax and recharge when possible. Take a long bath, read a book and invite friends over for coffee and a catch up. Ditch your phone and spend time living in the moment to boost your health and happiness.
Planning, preparation, strategy and foresight; not exactly words which chime with the spontaneous, carefree approach to travelling most young millennials dream of. But realistically, putting a a little energy into an itinerary before you set off truly goes a long way. Indeed, it’s all too easy to miss so many incredible sights and experiences simply because you haven’t planned well enough in advance. To avoid this, and to get the most out of your next trip, here are our 8 tips for creating an IDEAL travel itinerary.
LIST THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO
Everyone has a reason for visiting a country, be it to sample certain foods or see some sights. Creating a master wish list of things to do and see will ensure you can make the best decisions on the day based on where you are, your budget, and how you feel. Make note of all the top places to go, see and eat at, and once you’re done, see if there are any events or festivals you would be interested in going to. As these would likely be ticketed, they should be the only “must do” activities on your itinerary.
INCORPORATE TRANSPORTATION INTO YOUR TRAVEL PLANS
For most, getting to the destination should be done as quickly as possible. Doing this, however, means that you miss a huge opportunity. You can have so much fun simply by incorporating the transportation aspect of your trip into your itinerary; after all, life’s great adventures are as much about the journey as the destination. So, see if there is a scenic train ride, or if you can try to go on a road trip and make several stops along the way. If you do want to get from point A to point B, use apps that allow you to compare flights and days so you can choose the best price for you and your friends.
KEEP ALL OF YOUR TRAVEL INFORMATION AT HAND AND IN ONE PLACE
Clutter and endless paperwork is a pain in all walks of life, but when you’re travelling and trying to forget bureaucracies’ toils, the annoyance of losing important forms and information is amplified tenfold. It’s a good idea, then, to have all your travel information (flight times, hotel addresses, maps…..) stored in one place. There are plenty of apps available which can do this, and with reminders and updates sent to your phone, there won’t be any nasty surprises if schedules change.
FIND THE BEST ACCOMMODATION
With the rise of share-accommodation apps like Airbnb, there are so many more opportunities on the market. Rent a vacation home between you and your friends, and you can enjoy all the amenities and design of a five-star hotel for a very affordable cost. Go to a hostel and make friends with the other travellers, or find a hotel and treat yourselves. The point is to not settle on a room or a price until you have gone through all of your options methodically. Moreover, where you stay, both in terms of location and accommodation type, will have a huge impact on your experience. Try to arrange somewhere in the thick of things, preferably walking distance from lively spots or places of personal interest.
Should you be considering taking your pet with you on your travels, then a little prior research into accomodation is essential to avoid some serious headaches later down the line. In their super useful guide on travelling with pets, the guys at Parked in Paradise recommend that ”some villas, hotels, Airbnb’s and so forth will allow animals where others will not. If you book online, they will usually inform you if they are pet friendly.”
HAVE RESERVES
Whether it’s a National Holiday, a festival or a political coup, sometimes your travel plans will be interrupted. If you’re going to a restaurant, for instance, make sure you have one or two back up dining options in mind, in the same area, just incase your first choice is closed or full. Planning ahead is key, particularly if wifi isn’t always immediately available. If you’re not prepared, you’ll end up feeling stranded, frustrated and suddenly short on time.
MAKE NOTE OF WHERE EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE
You should never go to another country without knowing where you stand in case of an emergency. At the moment, EU citizens have access to EU nations’ healthcare, but that is not guaranteed to be the case in the future. Similarly, going to international destinations like America can be dangerous without the right travel insurance, which is why not only should you ensure that you are insured, you also need to make note of where all the emergency services there are. Make note of the closest hospital and even where an emergency dentist like Life Dental and Wellbeing is, just so that if something were to happen, you know who to turn to (and that you are covered).
LEARN A LITTLE OF THE LOCAL LINGO
Making friends with fellow explorers is great, and part of the reason you’re out here on your own, but don’t just cosy up with other travellers for the duration of your trip or you risk missing out on seeing the ‘real’ culture of the country you’ve chosen. Instead, learn a few phrases – some polite, some playful – of the local lingo to help you integrate with the people of the city; people who may well offer to show you around.
BE FLEXIBLE
Having a plan and a schedule is great as it gives purpose and meaning to your trip. What’s really important, though, is not to be too rigid in sticking to this plan. If you’ve met some great people who’ve invited you along to see the local temples, do it! Perhaps you’ve been invited to a local’s house for dinner with their family; you’d be crazy to pass up the opportunity! So, be open to making changes to your carefully laid plans, and you’ll end up having a much more rewarding time.
Oh to be stinking rich, where the hardest decisions about motoring involves choosing what supercar to buy next. However, while owning a fancy car is often only the preserve of rich oligarchs, that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t enjoy a spot of car watching. Yep, exotic supercar spotting is actually a thing. In fact, there are even countless numbers of websites, facebook and instagram pages dedicated to this hobby, some of which have several thousand followers.
So where can one enjoy this pursuit in the UK we hear you ask? Well, London of course. Whether you think supercars are flashy or trashy you’re guaranteed to find them in the capital – but not just anywhere. You have to go to the preposterously wealthy areas where the streets are paved with bling supercars; gold ones being a common sight. Here you’ll come across Ferraris by the dozen, often parked on yellow lines (because the super rich don’t worry about such things as parking tickets or traffic wardens).
While the really rare cars are usually stored in an underground garage, it goes without saying that from Bentleys to Aston Martins and Lamborghinis to Zondas, and all other types of thoroughbred car brands on Autopartspro.co.uk, the fancy parts of the city has the fanciest cars. So for tourists (or perhaps their children) more interested in car spotting than the history of The Tower of London, here are 6 IDEAL places to spot the supercars of London.
HARRODS, KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Harrods; the world’s most famous department store, where inside you’ll find the owners of luxury supercars doing a spot of shopping, and outside the models themselves – and we’re not talking about their paramours. The stretch outside Harrods is also a favourite drag spot of the boy racers from the Gulf States, where you can hear their car engines roar furiously as they wait at a red light before seeing them whizz off down the street.
SLOANE STREET, KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Sloane Street; the place where well-off Londoners come to buy designer clothes, browse in high-end boutique stores and indulge in other frivolous gewgaws. And in front of all the fancy shops, you’ll find fancy supercars zooming up and down the street. The area even holds an annual Supercar Sunday event which is billed as the ‘biggest car meet of the summer for supercars, classic cars and high performance car’. This year it was held on Sunday 15th July and an estimated 400 cars came to the capital and lined up along Sloane Street and its side roads, with the owners posturing and jostling for the best space.
LOWNDES SQUARE, BELGRAVIA
As recommended by British GQ, this residential square is another place you’ll find the thoroughbreds of the automotive world, often trying to get a parking spot. Here the lives of wealthy residents (and less so) have been blighted by the roar of revving engines for years. In fact, some of the residents of Knightsbridge are so fed up with the noise that they’ve called for legal counter-measures by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, suggesting a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in and around most of Knightsbridge, making it a criminal offence to rev engines, accelerate rapidly, race or perform stunts. While introduction of these measures may not be great for car owners and their spotters, at least the residents may get a good nights sleep.
THE DORCHESTER, MAYFAIR
Come in the morning when the owners are tucked up in their beds and without fail, you’ll find Lamborghinis and Rolls-Royces and other fancy cars parked outside this luxury hotel. Summer is the best time to spot these eye-wateringly expensive vehicles. It’s the season when the supercars (or should we say high-powered playthings of Middle Eastern billionaires) are shipped into the capital from countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, so their rich owners can escape the scorching temperatures back home. And if you could afford it, why wouldn’t you ship your own car abroad for a small fortune (in excess of £20,000 for a return journey) for a few months at the cost of thousands of pounds?
THE PARK TOWER HOTEL, KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Situated in the heart of one of London’s most wealthy areas, The Park Tower Hotel is another hotel popular with wealthy visitors who enjoy flying their expensive toys out to London for the summer. As such, the carpark of The Park Tower Hotel is the ideal place to see shiny supercars. While you’re here, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea at The Dorchester. It’s one of the most legendary afternoon teas in London with tea, cakes and scones galore. They even do a champagne afternoon tea, which with enough glasses, could possibly give you enough dutch courage to actually ask for a ride in one of the supercars parked in the parking lot. Or at the very least, get up close enough to get a selfie of your reflection in the mirror of a Lamborghini LP670-4 Superveloce.
THE STREETS OF KNIGHTSBRIDGE & MAYFAIR
This ones non-specific we know, but super cars are a common sight all over Knightsbridge and Mayfair. So simply take a stroll around the streets of this affluent area and your bound to come across some swanky supercars. In summer especially, it’s car-mageddon in London and these areas are in the middle of it.
Only ten years ago, Siem Riep, and in fact all of Cambodia, was a whole lot lighter on the load, tourism-wise. The recent influx of travellers of all purposes and budgets has led to the appearance of a vast array of amenities to match. A relatively new addition to the fast-burgeoning hospitality scene in Siem Riep, Templation is the perfect spot for relaxation and exploration of the famous nearby Angkor Wat.
IDEA
The name is a mash-up of Temple (referring to the ones close by) and ‘temptation’. To be tempted is often to be denied some forbidden pleasure, but you’ll be pleased to hear that this lovely, luscious resort caters to your every whim and want, whether that be within its grounds or through its prime location close to Angkor Wat, the behemoth historic site which is the reason for a visit to Siem Riep.
LOCATION
Templation’s position is one of its key attractions. The ubiquitous tuk-tuks of the city wait out front to whisk you off (ok, not whisk, trundle) to the temples. The ride takes about 20 minutes, relatively short compared to some of Siem Riep’s other resorts of similar stature. We were grateful for the ride, as any closer would negate the build up, the sense of anticipation as you slowly transition from city to jungle and then, finally, to seeing the dense foliage part, revealing stunning views of the temples.
The hotel is just a short ride from the town centre too, and although further from the hub than some resorts, there is a peace and tranquility to being amongst nature and Cambodian life that we would always choose over convenience
STYLE AND CHARACTER
Templation channels the water and flora of its surrounds, with cascading water and tropical plants lining the walk to, and from, reception. The building is low-rise, which feels respectful to the majestic beauty of Cambodian countryside. Don’t let the modest touches fool you though, there is luxury within.
ROOMS
Upon approaching the door of your living space, you’d be forgiven for expecting something on the cosy, unassuming side. That presumption is testament to the privacy within the walls. Once inside, you’re greeted with a small, private pool which separates two minimalist but perfectly formed rooms, each with their own bathrooms, both spacious and boasting elegant luxury. All of the area is dressed with the aforementioned fauna, only serving to add to the sense of seclusion. After a day of serious walking amongst the vast grounds of the temple, in the searing Cambodian sun, there really is nothing better than coming home to this.
FACILITIES
If you never wanted to leave your oasis living space, no one would judge you. However, in casting your eyes further afield you’ll find a huge central pool, which rather than being uniform and rigid, seems to adapt to the area encompassing it. It shimmers in the sun and offers a wonderful focal point for the hotel, with the restaurant and bar area overlooking it.
There is also a Spa and Fitness area, as you’d expect to find in such a resort. What sets this one apart though is the atmosphere of the jungle, enhanced by the décor which channels the spirituality of the temples and escapism of the jungle.
FOOD & DRINK
Cambodian food sits alongside refined Western dishes in this tempting space. Breakfast follows the a la carte route, rather than buffet, with local eggs a must.
Of note, Templation provides a couple of superb, locally brewed craft beers – a first for Cambodia. They were both intriguing and unique, with flourishes of Asian flavour rubbing shoulders with the familiar tastes of craft ale.
WHY GO
Templation. Well, it’s all in the title isn’t it? A place with fantastically easy access to Angkor Wat, and an ambience which continues to spiritual mood of the temples long after you’ve left, this resort is a must-stay in Siem Reap. Give in to those urges and set yourself free.
Come to Cambodia and the need to drink locally brewed craft beer probably isn’t first on your list of priorities. However, after a long day of trekking in the scorching sun, feet tired and mouth dry, having a fruity, ice cold beer and snacks designed to match couldn’t be more right. Travellers and locals alike flock here. It just makes perfect sense. The only thing that surprises us is that it’s taken this long.
IDEA
With craft beer cropping up in Vietnam and Thailand in recent years, and popularity booming, Cambodia was never going to be far behind. Siem Reap Brewpub offers both a selection of their fine crafts, brewed onsite in large, visible containers, and Western and Cambodian beer food. The brewer, Neo Say Wee, honed his skills in Singapore, earning accreditation along the way, before returning to his homeland to launch this excellent establishment, still a unique proposition in Siem Reap.
LOCATION
Siem Brewpub is housed just a five minute walk from pub street, but enjoys a relative calm in comparison to the lively, bustling and at times overwhelming atmosphere of that particular road.
ATMOSPHERE
The space is set back from the road, setting it apart from many of the other beer providers of the city centre, and the flora and fauna of the garden area create a sense of rural calm. It gets boisterous in the evenings, as the beer is just so damn quaffable.
FOOD
Don’t be fooled into dismissing the food as this is a drinking spot. Sure, the fare on offer is made with drinking in mind, but it’s eminently delicious.
Western and Asian palates are equally catered for and the beer itself is often used as an ingredient. Amusingly, when chatting to the manager, we made the assumption that the burgers were on the menu to appease travellers. Conversely, the Cambodians come here for American beer food, and visitors for the spicy local pork belly. We learned two lessons from this – one, never to make assumptions, and two, craft beer goes beautifully with all types of cuisine.
DRINK
The main event. Each beer is infused with different ingredients indigenous to the country for a unique Cambodian taste. We’d highly recommend the ‘tasting menu’ of beers which Siem Reap Brewpub offers. This comes in the form of cute, quarter measure glasses, each replicating the adult version, and each designed to suit the beer’s character. This attention to detail pleases us immensely. The tasters arrive in an artfully designed rack, and one can sample the full range of on-site brewed beers and leave able to still remember them.
MUST TRY
As it’s a craft brewery place, we’ll talk beer. Genuinely, each glass had unique flavour and personality, but our favourite, unanimously, was the Saison. Extremely thirst quenching, with touches of the terrain from lemongrass and green peppercorn (grown in the region), we could’ve drunk a fair few of these, as it’s light and just assertive enough for the balmy evening.
WHY GO
A range of beers which all offer their own character, and reflect the personality of the owner as well as the country. With food to match, a thirsty punter couldn’t ask for anything more. Sure you can get $0.50 beers on pub street, but they won’t taste nearly as good as the beer here.
Are you looking for a modern architectural design, a unique cluster or something art deco with an antique air? Do you know what you want widthwise, to the millimeter? Have you asked yourself what type of cut you’d like? Indeed there are a huge plethora of decisions you’re going to have to make when it comes to choosing an engagement ring and the process can become overwhelming. So to help, together with Angelic Diamonds, stockists of diamond engagement rings here’s our IDEAL Guide to the most popular engagement ring settings, shapes and stones.
THE SETTING
Some settings have more diamonds in or require more craftsmanship — for this reason they can be more expensive. Below are the most common types of engagement ring:
THE HALO RING: A halo ring has a large centre diamond surrounded by smaller stones that sit on the band. Often the band is bejewelled too which can increase the cost.
THREE STONE ENGAGEMENT RING: Another ring with multiple diamonds in is a three-stone engagement ring. These rings have three diamonds on the band, often the middle diamond is the largest — giving off a glitzy appearance.
SOLITAIRE RING: One of the most popular types of engagement rings however is a solitaire engagement ring. It is a traditional style where a single diamond sits on a metal band and fits nicely with a wedding ring.
TENSION SET: Tension-set engagement rings are similar as they often only have one diamond on the band. In these settings, the diamond is held in place by the pressure of the metal and it is designed to ‘squeeze’ the stone.
DIAMOND SHAPES
Do you have any preferences as to which shape of the diamond you choose from? Have you ever thought about which shape of the diamond you would prefer? Some are self-explanatory such as an oval or round diamond however others may take some explaining.
The most popular choice is a princess shaped diamond. But what is this? This cut is where the face-up profile of the diamond is square and the side view is alike to an inverted pyramid. Cushion cut diamonds are a mix of round and square outlines and are considered to be more of an antique style. There is also a marquise cut which is quite a dramatic shape — like an elongated oval so it can appear bigger than it actually is.
According to one US jewellery retailer the order of the most to least expensive shape of diamond is as follows (bear in mind this will vary between retailers):
Round
Pear
Marquise
Heart
Princess
THE METAL
Platinum, gold and silver are the most popular metals available to choose from. They differ in price and appearance and it’s all down to personal preferences!
Pure gold is too soft to be sold, therefore it is mixed with other metals which can change its appearance. Yellow gold for example, is pure gold combined with a small amount of silver and copper — giving off a warm appearance. White gold on the other hand is brilliant, it is pure gold combined with palladium and silver or with nickel, copper and zinc. It is a perfect backdrop for diamonds and complements them beautifully.
Platinum is a highly durable metal. In fact, it was removed from the jewellery market around the time of the war as the resources were used for military use instead. It’s more expensive than gold as it is around 30 times rarer. Since it’s a strong metal, it is also the purest — often sold at 95% purity.
If you’re looking for something different, rose gold could be the one for you. This is pure gold plus copper gives off a red tinge. The more copper that it is combined with, the redder it appears.
Sterling silver is another metal that is popular — it is the most affordable out of the others. Similar to gold, pure silver is too soft to make into jewellery. Therefore, it is combined with copper or other metals to improve its durability.
THE AVERAGE SPEND
It’s 2018 and gone are the days of going to a jewellers to pick out a style that is the result of someone else’s imagination. From couples splitting the cost of the engagement ring to forgoing the traditional diamond of yesteryear, there are lots of modern trends when it comes to getting married.
According to research by insurance company Protect Your Bubble showed that couples spending less on engagement rings are one of the. In fact they found that they are spending 19% less on engagement rings than they did 5-10 years ago. Now, the average spend on an engagement ring is close to £1,000. Also, 18% of people spend less than £500 on an engagement ring for their other half. When it comes to spending, don’t feel as though you have to spend the traditional ‘two to three months’ salary’ on an engagement ring.
Once upon a time us Brits would settle for a cup of instant granules, burnt with boiling water and brought down to barely warm with some ice cold milk. It’s 2018 and those days are long gone. Artisanal cafes serving coffees from across the globe, with flavours advanced from bean specific techniques, have raised the game exponentially. Indeed the availability of both knowledge and product on most high streets has only served to make us ever more discerning. However, while our coffee game is certainly better than it once was, compared to many of our European counterparts we’re seriously behind the times.
According to research from Nobly, a global point of sale company that helps provide small hospitality businesses with intelligent sales technology, the UK has the smallest coffee culture in the whole of Europe. They found that in Britain, there are only 2 coffee shops per every 10,000 people and the average citizen consumes 2.63 kgs a year. Measure this against Portugal, where each citizen puts back 4.6 kilograms of coffee each year and has a whopping 41.5 cafes per 10,000 citizens, and you can see just how small our coffee culture is (comparatively speaking of course).
So if you’re finding the UK’s meagre coffee outlet offering as disappointing as a decaf coffee on a Monday morning, here’s 4 IDEAL destinations in Europe with the largest coffee culture where you can go and get your caffeine fix.
PORTUGAL
If you haven’t guessed from the above stats, the Portuguese have claimed the prize of Europe’s biggest coffee lovers. The countries coffee culture dates all the way back to the 18th century when Brazil, its largest colony, got hold of the first arabica seeds. Legend has it that a Portuguese soldier, named Francisco de Melo Palheta, acquired ( or should we say stole) some coffee beans from French Guiana. He took them with him to Brazil and subsequently coffee spread through Portuguese colonies like wildfire. Many beans were also sent to the motherland, and as such the Portuguese coffee culture was born. Today, there’s a cafe on nearly every corner in most parts of Portugal and when it comes to ordering, the most popular coffee is an“uma bica” (pronounced bee-kah) which is like a long espresso.
GREECE
Ancient mythology, lamb koftas and lots of plate smashing, coffee isn’t the first thing you think of when it comes to the Greek culture. However, Greece is one of the top coffee-consuming countries in the world with the second largest number of cafés per capita. Moreover one of the world’s most famous coffee drinks was invented in Greece. The frappe was accidentally concocted in 1957 at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair when an employee of Nestle wanted to make a typical hot instant coffee. However, he couldn’t find any hot water and subsequently created the now named frappe latte with the ingredients and tools he had available. Today, this iconic, frothy ice-cold coffee is the most ubiquitously served coffee drink in the country alongside the The Freddo – a mini-sized icy delight and another popular Greek coffee invention.
FINLAND
According to Nobly’s research, Finland consumes more coffee per person than any other European country. However, while they consume huge amounts of coffee, cafes are few and far between with only 2.2 cafés per 10,000 people. Why is this? Well we can speculate a number of reasons; first of all, in Finland they have a thing calledsantsikuppi where in many places when you buy a cup of coffee, you can have a free second refill. Secondly, by law, the Finns take a ‘coffee break’ at work twice daily for 10 minutes.Thirdly as Samuli Ronkanen, who owns Helsinki’s Good Life Coffeetold the Independent. “It’s impolite not to drink the offered coffee and pastries. It doesn’t matter how much coffee you had before.”
Whatever the reason, coffee is ingrained in the Finnish culture. Oh and coffee in Finland is almost always served with a cake or pastry – often a korvapuusti – a traditional Finnish cinnamon roll which translates as ‘slapped ears’. In fact, there is even a word in Finnish, kakkukahvi, which means “coffee and cake.”
NORWAY
Surprisingly Norway has the fourth largest coffee culture in Europe and according to experts, the country is changing the way we drink coffee. Indeed, the light roast has become the hallmark of Norwegian coffee and is gaining popularity across the globe. Experts insist that a light roast reveals more of the coffee’s aromas, allowing the characteristics of the bean to be more easilty identified. Most of us are more use to the dark stuff, this is because bulk coffee roasters will roast the coffee to hide imperfections and provide a consistent taste. So if you want to savour a different type of coffee, head to Scandinavia and have a brew with the caffeine-crazy Norwegians.
If you are on the hunt for a rental van, you might not know where to begin. There are certainly lots to go around, so it can be difficult making the right choice for you. There is a common misconception, that people only rent vans on a short-term basis, but in reality – there are long term leasing options where it’s even more important to make sure you make the correct selection.
The last thing you want is to commit yourself to a van that doesn’t suit your needs and requirements. With this, in mind here are 5 of the best rental vans on the market.
MERCEDES CITAN VAN
The Mercedes Citan van is one of the most popular rental vans there are. It is agile, comfortable and has low running costs, which is great if you are going to be using it a lot. There are lots of different options when it comes to this particular model. You can opt for 3 different lengths, wheelbases, as well as loading lengths which means you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
It comes complete with all kinds of safety and technological equipment such as: airbags, roof hatch, light and rain sensors, an air conditioning system and more. This makes it a comfortable and smooth drive.
Should you need a Citan longer term, the price to buy one outright may be a stumbling block for some, with The AA listing used models going for around the £10’000.
Of course, van leasing is another option, which generally covers a longer stretch than a traditional rental arrangement would cover.
FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM DOUBLE
This van is incredibly stylish and is perfect for any form of commercial transportation. It is an enjoyable drive with cruise control, as well as suspension that is of fantastic quality. It has lots of room for loading capacity which is great if you need to haul equipment back and forth anywhere – and with some companies, you can also opt for more comfortable passenger seats.
To give you an idea of the high spec of these vans, they are so versatile – they can even be used as cabs as part of their fleets. They are also an option for haulage companies due to their space capability. If this van appeals to you, you can click here for more Ford transit custom double cabs for sale and see if they’re in your price range.
MERCEDES VITO SPORT
The Mercedes Vito Sport is a luxury van, but what else would you expect from Mercedes. There are lots of options with this van to suit your business needs. There is the panel van which is for those of you who need as much space as possible and looking to carry a lot. You can load up to just under 1.4 tonnes.
It’s big enough for 3 passengers including the drivers seat. There is also the crew van, which is ideal if you need to ferry about lots of people. Although there is less space for loading – you can get up to 7 seats. It has lots of fancy features including air con, cruise control, and even heated seats for when it’s chilly outside.
ELECTRIC NISSAN NV200
With people placing much more focus on the environment these days, we definitely had to put in an electric van somewhere. Petrol is no longer as economical as it used to be, and diesel isn’t as environmentally friendly as people would like – so electric cars are the future.
Since electric vans are very much in the development stages, there isn’t a huge range out there – but there is no doubt that this will get much larger as time goes on, and the prices will get lower. In the meantime the Electric Nissan NV200 is a great choice for those of you on the lookout for an electric van.
VW TRANSPORTER SHUTTLE S MINICAB
Volkswagen vans are known for their quality, and that’s exactly what you can expect from the VW Transporter Shuttle S Minicab. It’s a perfect choice for larger families as well as the likes of hotels or airlines who need to shuttle people back and forth. It looks incredibly stylish and is comfortable for passengers. It is packed with safety features to ensure you have a safe journey, and also has lots of loading space for anything that you need to take with you on your travels.
Are you someone who plans out their outfit the night before, or more of a last-minute dresser? Whatever your getting-ready ritual, you might revaluate which outfit you select when you discover more about how it could completely change your day. According to scientific studies, how we dress can transform our moods and behaviour. Indeed, from confidence to happiness, clothes can influence a person’s psychological state. With this in mind, we’ve put together 4 IDEAL tips on how to create a wardrobe that makes you feel incredible, backed up with plausible scientific research of course.
GET FIT
One of the most prominent scientific studies into the psychology of fashion is called ‘enclothed cognition’. Essentially, the outcome of the study highlighted how an item of clothing’s ‘symbolic’ meaning, as well as actually wearing it, worked together to affect behaviour. For example, one of the participants in the study pulled on a white lab coat and began adopting traits we’d associate with a doctor, including a rise in attention and carefulness. Could this result be reassigned to other items of clothing, such as sportswear?
Research by Professor Karen Pine also appears to back up the ‘enclothed clothing’ study. After asking multiple students to wear Superman t-shirts, she found that participants claimed to feel strong and confident while wearing the clothing. So, if you’re looking to get fit; joggers, leggings, tees, and a vest might all help you subconsciously channel a professional athlete, subsequently putting you in the mood for fitness.
GET THE POWER
Psychologists at California State University discovered that people who dressed formally to complete a task were more logical and objective. Also, in her book, ‘The Color of Success’, Mary Ellen Lapp commented: “Different clothing colours exude different feelings and meanings, and colours can affect — and reflect — your mood.” If this is true, you could wear differently coloured outfits to mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead. So if you’re heading to a big meeting channel a business-ready persona by switching your everyday work outfit for a stylish tailored blaze or more formal attire And since black, then, is the colour of strength and formality, incorporate plenty of it into your work outfit.
GET HAPPY
Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia conducted a study that looked at how we attach emotions to certain outfits, and how our clothing choices affect our moods. Lead researcher, Dr. Alastair Tombs, said about the people he interviewed as part of the experiment: “Quite a few people talked about using clothes to change their mood. If they get up and aren’t feeling great, they would put on something that would brighten them up.” They also found that we can potentially evoke happiness within ourselves simply by wearing an item that reminds us of a nice moment or that we were complimented on previously.
To boost spirits on a down-day, try looking through your wardrobe to dig out those key pieces of clothing that you remember having a great day when you wore them. Or even go shopping for new, similar pieces — whether they’re an identical colour, similar style or the same pattern — to help channel positivity through your clothes. Chances are, if you got a compliment the first time, you’ll get one again.
GET CREATIVE
Since how we perceive an item of clothing is crucial to how we feel when we wear it, an outfit may help us get creative if it looks creative itself. So ignore standard items of clothing — like the iconic little black dress or cherished skinny jeans — and opt for something quirkier. Choose tops in a colour you wouldn’t usually go for or get a pair of statement culottes featuring vibrant checks or bold paisley prints. Clothes featuring stand-out frills, asymmetric designs and embellishments could also help. Orange is the colour of energy, while red is the shade of excitement — could you use splashes of these when building your creative look to boost innovation?
For most of us, the living room is the hub of the home. It’s a place where we spend a great deal of time; from putting our feet up, to entertaining friends and family, the living room embodies a sense of community like no other room in the house. Indeed, it’s one of the most sociable and inclusive parts of a household. And it may come as no surprise that no matter what country you are in, the living room remains an integral part of a homes dynamic. However, while living rooms across the world seem to serve the same purpose, each nation has it’s own style when it comes to living room decor. With this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL living room designs from around the world.
JAPANESE LIVING ROOMS
With a minimalist approach to décor, Japanese living rooms are all about clean and uncluttered living. A common feature in Japanese living rooms are Tatami mats which are thick, woven straw mats used for sitting, sleeping and even meditating. For those who opt to not sit directly on the mats a zabuton, which is a Japanese sitting cushion are commonly used. Often, they are put on top of low chairs called zaisu that don’t have legs to support the back.
Japan is also big on sliding doors, which are usually referred to as fusuma or shoji. Fusuma doors are made up of wooden frames that are covered by thick, opaque paper and can usually be removed to create a larger space. The shoji differs slightly as it is covered in translucent paper which allows the light to filter into the room. As well as tatami mats and sliding doors, you’ll often find a low table in the centre a Japanese living room.
ARABIC LIVING ROOMS
Grand and majestic, you’ll find a mix of both colours and geometric patterns in an Arabic living rooms. Usually, Arabic homes are filled with luxurious pieces of furniture and ornate designs. Gold, which is associated with royalty and luxury, is a common theme in their interior design schemes; think gold mirrors, gold wall sconces and even gold walls.
Also, Arabic living rooms usually feature lots of prints which deliver a strong presence within the room. Sofas are decorated with countless cushions and coffee tables are dressed with throws and patterned runners. Arabic living rooms are also know for their accessories, think vases, fruit bowls and extravagant chandeliers!
ENGLISH LIVING ROOMS
Grab a cup of fair trade tea and take a look at the English living room. The television is usually placed on a stand in the corner of a room, so that no matter where you’re positioned in the room, you can still watch it. While chesterfield sofas were once a common staple of English living rooms, today Brits seem to opt for a simple design and neutral colour. Brits also like to mix and match with photo frame styles and colours and place them in different areas of the room, including wall and unit placements. And almost every living room in Britain will have a fireplace, be it real or fake.
FRENCH LIVING ROOMS
Like the French themselves, their living rooms have a unique sense of style and sophistication. Traditionally, ceilings are high which allows everything else in the room to be grand in size. To complement this, curtains are draped from the top to floor level and to offer a regal feel to the room, these are often tied back and curved in shape. The French pride themselves on the sharp details of their furniture, and the threads of their curtains are no different — with intricate designs making each room feel bespoke.On their sofas, the French love a padded cushion style which is usually bulky in size- think French Louis style settees.
Nearly all of us have dreamt of throwing in the job and becoming our own boss. And often that dream involves setting up a business in the form of an independent retail shop. Today it seems like there is a shop or the opportunity to set up one for every niche. Moreover, with apps like shopify and sello deals where you can explore hundreds of online coupons and save on brand-new products from the hottest independent retailers, the internet is enabling entrepreneurs and savvy shoppersto buy and sell goods among themselves ever more easily.
However, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, many of the brave business folk who have followed their dream are facing difficulty; suffering from archaic business rates tax, the rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon and the impending doom and gloom of Brexit.
Yep, competing against the ‘big boys’ isn’t easy. So in the name of independent entrepreneurship, we say it’s time to actively start seeking out independent retailers, not only for their benefit but for ours, as the consumer, too. With this is mind, here’s 5 IDEAL reasons to shop online at independent retailers.
YOU CAN INVEST IN UNIQUE ITEMS
Enough of the identikit Ikea rooms and fast fashion, mass produced brand items. We say all hail to the independent retailers who, in this increasingly homogenized world, are still creating truly unique items. If you’re looking for something special, then you’re guaranteed to find it at an independent retailer. They offer us alternative shopping experiences that you can’t find at big online stores and with that, bring individuality and variety to our lives.
YOU’RE SUPPORTING ARTISANAL VALUES
Central to shopping at independent retailers is the artisanal approach; stuff made with hands, craft and love. We’re talking about high quality and authentic products made with real passion; something that’s been created by a skilled person, rather than a machine at a factory. And what could be better than that?
SUPPORT CREATIVITY
If we’re to foster creativity and imagination in a world where manufacturing is increasingly automated, then independent production needs to be encouraged wherever possible. Independent business brings a creative consciousness to the world and supporting such ventures helps harness that creativity. Without it, identikitism looms.
YOUR PURCHASE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
By supporting independents, you’re not helping the CEO of a major brand buy his second or third holiday home. Most independent retailers aren’t run by boards with the interest of their shareholders in mind. Nor are they run by computer algorithms controlling the prices and products you see when you shop online. They aren’t run by big corporations, either. Instead, they are run by your friends and family, by your neighbours and by the next generation. And buying from them can a make all the difference to their livelihoods.
TO KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE
When you shop at independent retailers, you’re contributing to the realisation of someone’s dream – one to throw off the shackles of the corporate rat race – and helping to keep that dream alive. Also, by seeing other independent retailers thrive, it enables us to continue day dreaming of undertaking such a journey ourselves.
It could be the perfect litmus-test of the likelihood of long-lasting love. Look at a map of Sri Lanka and what do you see? If it’s a heart, it’s happily ever after. See a tear? It’s over in a year. We saw a pear, so maybe we’re just hungry. But, the point remains. Sri Lanka is an island with romance at its core.
There’s enough diversity of landscape and activities to keep the holiday passion alive past the 7-day-itch; enough breathtaking scenery to divert your gaze away from the face you’ll be staring at for the next 50 years; enough historical intrigue to make you think about the past as well as your future together; and enough fantastic food to mean breakfast in bed is not a euphemism, but a genuine feast. With all this in mind, together with luxury travel experts Ampersand we’ve come up with 7 reasons why Sri Lanka could be the IDEAL honeymoon destination.
Beach Basking Seclusion
Sri Lankan lovebirds and honeymooning visitors alike head to the South Westerly beaches for romance. This stretch of coastline is home to the most idyllic offerings; sand and surf aplenty. There’s enough privacy for a spot of smooching but be wary – this is a religiously conservative country and any funny business laid out there in the open may land you in trouble. Holidaymakers usually make for Bentota, a town replete with stunning vistas and perfect white sand. Cocktails, coconuts and canoodling on the beach – could there be a more perfect lover’s holiday?
Wildlife Spotting
For something more serene, embrace stunning, natural beauty with some wildlife spotting. Sri Lanka boasts a varied ecosystem and biodiversity rarely matched across the globe. Going on a land-safari may be your best bet to catch the richest range of animals, whereas whale watching or turtle spotting will give you a more specific but no less exciting experience. Get more hands on and volunteer at a conservation project when conversation with your loved one runs dry, with elephant sanctuaries being the most popular choice.
Aphrodisiacal Seafood
Sri Lankan food is a beautiful amalgamation of regional and past-colonial influences, exploiting spice and heady aromatics. There really is no other cuisine like it. The island makes the most of being one with a diet heavy on the sea’s bounty. This, of course, means plenty of shellfish, often cited as the world’s primary food-based aphrodisiac. If you lacked reason enough to get frisky on your honeymoon, a plate of plump oysters from Sri Lankan shores should see you right.
See Into Your Future At The Tea Leaf Plantations
Sri Lanka is famous for its exquisite tea, and vast tea plantations can be found on the island, with insightful tours provided by various local companies. There’s history at work here too, with many citing British involvement in the Sri Lankan tea industry as the catalyst for its enduring popularity in the U.K. Ceylon Tea is perhaps the island’s most famous export and has accessible plantations in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Uda Pussellawa. Not only is this a fascinating trip, but the views from these plantations, usually located on elevated points of the island, are fantastic. You could even engage in a bit of tea-leaf fortune telling, and see if your marriage really is forever.
Give Me Some Kandy
The town of Kandy contains the most sacred site on the island, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is reason enough for a visit. There’s more though. The whole place is cloaked in an otherworldly mist (due to the altitude and the dense jungle-like vegetation) and cooling temperatures, combined with a huge ornamental lake and surrounded by a seemingly halo-shaped forest. There is just an aura of the mystical here, something that touches the soul. We couldn’t think of anything more romantic than that.
Raise The Pulse With Adventure Sports
Sri Lanka’s diverse landscape lends itself perfectly to a huge variety of pulse-raising, adrenaline-fuelled adventure sports. If your newly-wed love is already failing to get the butterflies in your stomach fluttering, a dabble in recreational sport might be the answer. Starting in the sea, there’s surfing, kayaking, scuba-diving and more. Moving inland, white-water rafting keeps things wet and wild. If you fancy keeping dry except for the type of perspiration only fear can cause, rock climbing and extreme mountain biking will be your go-to. Whatever you tipple in the adventure sports arena, Sri Lanka has it.
Highland Love
When you want to get away from it all with the one you love (what a honeymoon is all about, isn’t it?) head for the hills, or more accurately for Sri Lanka, the highlands. There’s plenty of trekking on offer, with the UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands of Sri Lanka offering incredible walks, views and bird-watching. The air is so fresh it seems to cleanse your soul of past misdemeanours, and the view so infinite you feel as if the future stretches out in front of you blissfully – the perfect metaphor for your honeymoon, we think.
The age old question of whether jam or cream should be put on a scone first leaves the country divided over one of its favourite pastimes. The Devonshire method dictates that you should smother a scone in cream before adding jam, while the Cornish method suggests jam should be applied first. With the help of Sopwell House who serve up a delicious and traditional afternoon tea, we aim to help this debate with these IDEAL tips on how to serve, eat and enjoy your scones.
2:1:1
The right balance in your scone is just as important as the order in which you apply the jam or cream. A ratio of 2:1:1 (scone:jam:cream) is the ideal way to ensure you have the most delicious scones.
NICE AND TOASTY
To have your scones at their best, eat them while they are still warm. This ensures that they are still light and fluffy.
THE PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT
It is vital to consider what you wash the scones down with. There are so many delicious varieties of tea beyond the traditional English Breakfast that you may not have even tried before, such as Lapsang Souchong, Assam and Raspberry & Elderflower.
LITTLE TWISTS
While plain scones are delicious served simply with jam and cream, they can be made even better with some clever additions. A personal favourite that are perfect around Christmas time are cranberry & orange or gingerbread spiced scones.
TEA ETIQUETTE
As a favourite British pastime, afternoon tea is not without its traditions. Scones are to be eaten with your fingers, but should not be eaten like a sandwich – that is a big faux pas.
