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6 IDEAL PLACES TO SPOT THE SUPERCARS OF LONDON

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL PLACES TO SPOT THE SUPERCARS OF LONDON

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.

HOTEL REVIEW: TEMPLATION, SIEM REAP – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR RELAXATION AND EXPLORATION

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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HOTEL REVIEW: TEMPLATION, SIEM REAP – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR RELAXATION AND EXPLORATION

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.

Website: templation.asia

Disclosure: IDEAL Magazine stayed as a guest of the hotel

SIEM REAP BREWPUB REVIEW – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR CAMBODIAN CRAFT BEER

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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SIEM REAP BREWPUB REVIEW – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR CAMBODIAN CRAFT BEER

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.

www.siemreapbrewpub.asia

Image source: Siem Reap Brewpub Facebook 

IDEAL dined as a guest of the restaurant

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO ENGAGEMENT RING SETTINGS, SHAPES AND STONES

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO ENGAGEMENT RING SETTINGS, SHAPES AND STONES

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.

4 IDEAL DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE WITH THE LARGEST COFFEE CULTURES

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE WITH THE LARGEST COFFEE CULTURES

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 called santsikuppi 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 Coffee  told 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.

5 OF THE BEST RENTAL VANS ON THE MARKET

Editorial Team
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5 OF THE BEST RENTAL VANS ON THE MARKET

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.  

4 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE A WARDROBE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL INCREDIBLE

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE A WARDROBE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL INCREDIBLE

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?

 

4 IDEAL LIVING ROOM DESIGNS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL LIVING ROOM DESIGNS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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. 

5 IDEAL REASONS TO SHOP ONLINE AT INDEPENDENT RETAILERS

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS TO SHOP ONLINE AT INDEPENDENT RETAILERS

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 shoppers to 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. 

7 REASONS WHY SRI LANKA COULD BE THE IDEAL HONEYMOON DESTINATION

Joseph Gann
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7 REASONS WHY SRI LANKA COULD BE THE IDEAL HONEYMOON DESTINATION

7 REASONS WHY SRI LANKA COULD BE THE IDEAL HONEYMOON DESTINATION

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.

7 REASONS WHY SRI LANKA COULD BE THE IDEAL HONEYMOON DESTINATION

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.

7 REASONS WHY SRI LANKA COULD BE THE IDEAL HONEYMOON DESTINATION

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.

7 REASONS WHY SRI LANKA COULD BE THE IDEAL HONEYMOON DESTINATION

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.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE PERFECT SCONE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE PERFECT SCONE

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.

IDEAL FOR VEGANS: CHILLI SIN CARNE

Editorial Team
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IDEAL FOR VEGANS: CHILLI SIN CARNE

Made with tofu, this vegan variation of the popular dish from Le Pain Quotidien is ideal for vegans Indeed, no one will miss the meat in this dish, and the accompaniments make it easy to adjust to everyone’s taste and preferences.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4)

  • 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced
  • 1 sprig of thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1tbsp cumin
  • 1tsp sea salt
  • 200g firm tofu, diced
  • 1tbsp brown or barley miso
  • 400g canned peeled plum tomatoes
  • 200g drained, canned red kidney beans
  • 100g drained, canned white kidney beans
  • 100g drained, canned chickpeas
  • 100g drained, canned corn kernels (sweetcorn)

FOR THE ACCOMPANIMENTS

  • 1 celery stick, finely sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 100g crème fraiche
  • 1/2 jalapeno pepper, sliced
  • 2tbsp chopped coriander
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
  • 1 lime, cut into small pieces

METHOD

  1. Head the olive oil in a saucepan, add the carrot, celery, garlic, herbs, spices and saw and sweat over a medium heat for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.  Add the tofu and miso.  Break up the plum tomatoes, then add them to the pan.  Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Mix all the canned beans, chickpeas and corn in a bowl, then add them to the pan.  Simmer for another 5 minutes or until the sauce is thick and slightly reduced.
  3. Meanwhile, make the accompaniments by preparing 3 bowls of the following mixtures: red onion and celery; crème fraiche, jalapeno and coriander; avocado and lime.
  4. Divide the chilli sin carne between 4 bowls and serve the accompaniments alongside.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR GETTING MORE SLEEP AS A NEW PARENT

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR GETTING MORE SLEEP AS A NEW PARENT

Did you know that on average, new mother’s get less than 4 hours sleep a night? If you have a newborn and sleep is only a thing you can dream about since your babies arrival, we’re here to help. Neil Robinson, sleep expert at the world’s number one bed brand, Sealy UK, shares with us his 5 IDEAL tips for getting more sleep as a new new parent.

KEEP YOUR BABY CLOSE 

For the first six months of their life, it is highly recommended that you keep your baby in the same room as you. Invest in a bedside crib, ideally with a mesh panel so your baby can see you. Specifically designed to allow you and your baby to sleep next to each other, these cribs are particularly useful if you are nursing, allowing you to feed without having to leave the comfort of your bed.

INTRODUCE A BEDTIME ROUTINE EARLY ON

With almost half of UK mums stating that a lack of sleep means they are frequently irritable and short-tempered, it can be helpful to introduce a loose bedtime routine. If you do this from an early stage it can help small babies to recognise the difference between day and night. To accomplish this, buy black-out blinds for their bedrooms, keep lights throughout the house off or dimly lit, speak in low and quiet tones, and keep the same bedtime routine for your baby every day.

Kidsco, who reviews baby night lights, also recommend investing in a dim night light. The night light is really more for you than your baby; you don’t have to turn any bright lights on when you check on the little one, keeping fumbling around in the dark to a minimum, and meaning you have less chance of disturbing their slumber.

POWER EAT

With more than half (65%) of mums with young children having their sleep disturbed on a regular basis, it is often tempting to have a ‘midnight snack’. However, too much refined sugar – found in processed foods or sweets – can in fact prevent you from sleeping well. Instead, try to pick foods containing high levels of sleep-inducing chemicals; serotonin, tryptophan, and melatonin such as bananas, almonds and cherries, to help you drift off to a more relaxed sleep.

SAY NO TO CAFFEINE

We get it; the lure of caffeine is strong when you have small children. But however tempting it may be, indulging in your favourite coffee to help you stay alert during the day can have a negative impact on your sleep. Avoid drinking caffeine after mid-day and switch to drinks such as chamomile tea, or join your little one with a glass of milk – which is rich in sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan.

REMEMBER – SLEEPLESS NIGHTS WON’T LAST FOREVER

It may feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, especially when you are regularly woken up several times a night. During these tough months, focus on self-care, introducing a relaxing bedtime routine for yourself such as: a hot bubble bath, relaxing music and a good book. As well as this, confide in family and friends, as well as expressing any worries via parenting forums and websites. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone, so seek support when you need it.

4 IDEAL REASONS FOR BRANDS TO COLLABORATE WITH INFLUENCERS

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL REASONS FOR BRANDS TO COLLABORATE WITH INFLUENCERS

At one point in time, the word ‘influencer’ would refer to the likes of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr — people who had a voice to influence the masses for a better change in the world. However, with the advancements in technology and the creation of revolutionary social media platforms, the meaning of that word is now significantly different.

Today’s influencers, from Jim Chapman to Whitney Simmons, are using their online presence to propel messages to millions of people around the globe — and this has created a new trend of marketing. Yep,  forget about television adverts and magazine spreads, promoting your brand through influencer marketing is the way forward. With this in mind we’ve teamed up with Cleveland College of Art and Design who offer a digital design degree that can help creatives run successful campaigns, to bring you 4 IDEAL reasons for brands to collaborate with influencers. 

THEY GENERATE SALES

Brands that use influencers to their advantage to promote a product or service will reap the benefits of exposure and likely increase sales.Indeed, research Now found that 84% of consumers make a purchase after reading about a product on a blog. Moreover, according this article from ADWEEK a whopping 40% of people say they’ve purchased an item online after seeing it used by an influencer on social media. It’s a no brainer.

PEOPLE TRUST INFLUENCERS

Everyone knows that people trust the opinions of their friends and family over the messaging of brands. And this is one of the biggest advantages if using influencers as they are right up there with advice from family and friends.  Influencers have established relationships with their followers, stay connected with them everyday and interact with them directly, as such people trust them. According to research carried out by the The Leverage Way almost half of consumers (49%) rely on influencer recommendations when it comes to shopping with a brand. 

TARGET AN ESTABLISHED MARKET

Why cause yourself more work than necessary? Influencers already have a large following at their disposal and often share the same demographics and interests as their lackeys. As such, using an influencer marketing company allows you to be specific in terms of targeting an established market. 

The targeting process has never been easier than today, thanks to software companies launching influencer marketing platforms such as Humanz, Grin, or Upfluence. These tools have multiple features and filters that make the searching process for the right influencers incredibly simple. Humanz even enables businesses to generate and run the whole campaign right on its platform without transferring your data.

GET AROUND AD-BLOCKS

According to the aforementioned research by Leverage Way, 47% of consumers have an ‘ad-block’ extension enabled when they’re browsing the internet. However, if a customer is already following an influencer, they’re guaranteed to see a post that they share. Interestingly, only 14% of people who did not use an ad-block extension said that they can remember what they saw in an advertisement.

Food for thought, don’t you think?

8 IDEAL TASKS TO DO IN SUMMER FOR A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS

Editorial Team
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8 IDEAL TASKS TO DO IN SUMMER FOR A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS

It may still be months until festivities will be in full swing but the countdown to Christmas has already begun! And not just since some of the nation are Christmas fanatics but because there are some practical tasks that should be undertaken over the summer to be ready in time for the main event and to avoid serious disappointment!  So get ahead this year. Thi Dinh, Event Director at The Spirit of Christmas Fair, which returns to Olympia London 29th October – 4th November shares her 8 IDEAL tasks to do in summer for a stress-free Christmas.

BOOK FLIGHTS

If you are going to require a flight to get to your Christmas dinner it’s best to book now! Last year 4.5 million Britons flew overseas at Christmas* and with that demand to compete with, it is wise to book your flight in advance to ensure your plans are not compromised because you couldn’t get a seat on the plane!

CHRISTMAS CAKE

How mature you like your Christmas cake comes down to personal taste. Traditionalists would argue it should be made in late summer for optimum flavour. You will need to wrap the cake and store but “feed” with a spirit at regular intervals – roughly every six weeks to keep it moist. Add a couple of tablespoons of alcohol brandy, whisky or bourbon and rewrap the cake to keep it fresh.

GROW YOUR OWN

Green fingered enthusiasts who want to grow their own plants to decorate or gift, need to be planted and cared for from the summer. Poinsettia plants, Christmas cacti and amaryllis bloom are all lovely festive choices that need to be planted now. If you want to grow your own veg too, you are in fact nearly out of time with now being your last chance to get some root vegetables ready in time for your Christmas dinner!

MENTAL GIFT LIST

You might want to save your shopping until nearer the time but if you have a big family or a notoriously difficult partner to buy for, start your mental gift list now. Gifts can get repetitive so if you want to make more thoughtful purchases, start taking notes. Luxury sunglasses that got broken on holiday, birthday gifts that your friends were disappointed they didn’t receive, toys your children were fascinated by at birthday parties earlier in the year – think now and enjoy easy buying later. The Spirit of Christmas Fair offers Christmas shoppers endless inspiration with an unrivalled collection of independent boutiques and designer-makers – there’s 825 to choose from!

CRAFTED GIFTS

Not all Christmas gifts and items are a fast and simple transaction. If you have the creation of a knitted blanket or Christmas jumper in mind, you won’t be the only one and need to make sure you get yourself in an orderly queue. Knitwear has exploded on the festive scene in recent years and if you have plans to commission a hand knitter for something truly personal, ensure you give them ample time to fulfil your order. Large items take time and Christmas will be a peak period where they will be juggling many orders.  And of course, if you’re knitting your own Christmas gifts – best to start sooner rather than later to save you knitting up until midnight on Christmas Eve!

GUEST LIST

Amongst all the lovely Christmas festivities, family politics is one thing we can all live without. Summer is a good time to open conversations about hosting or making invitations whilst there is plenty of time to get organised and discuss plans with various family members and compare numerous diaries, ensuring no one is left behind.

BOOK CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Christmas events attract the masses. If you enjoy the Christmas markets or panto, make sure you book the festivities in now whilst there’s still availability. The UK’s biggest high-end Christmas shopping event, the Spirit of Christmas Fair, is returning to London, Monday 29 October until Sunday 4 November with their widest ever collection, there’s even more to see and do! Ring up your friends, book your tickets and start planning your visit!

MAKE YOUR BEAUTY APPOINTMENTS

There are fewer places more hectic than beauty salons in the weeks before Christmas and during party season. For this reason, hairdressers often urge clients to think ahead and get booked in early for December. In a popular salon there is no capacity for last minute requests during the Christmas countdown. Know your diary and make your Christmas appointment during your summer visit to the salon.

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