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5 IDEAL PIECES OF TECH TO GET YOU FIT

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL PIECES OF TECH TO GET YOU FIT

If today’s the day you’re going to get fit and healthy, one of the best ways to achieve your goals is to invest in some tech. Why we hear you ask? Well, not only do they make it easier for you to keep on top of your fitness goals but because you’ve invested in them, they’ll make you even more determined to make a success of your regimen. So here’s 5 IDEAL pieces of tech to get you fit. 

SMARTWATCH

These are incredibly handy because they’re so much more than a fitness tracker. Smartwatches can keep you connected to other important aspects of your life, from message alerts to even switching the lights off at home. And they always make sure you’re on top of your fitness goals, telling you when to stand up after you’ve been sat too long and how many steps you’ve done just by doing your day-to-day tasks.

FITNESS TRACKERS

If you want to go all out with your fitness, a tracker that you wear all day every day might be the answer. These offer a number of advanced features that help you get fit and stay fit – and they’re usually a little cheaper than smartwatches – unless they’re all singing all dancing.

ELECTRIC BIKE

OK, so you could be really lazy on an electric bike, letting it do all the work for you. Or you could use it as the perfect excuse to start using your commute to work to get fit. You see, you don’t have to rely on the electric power of these bikes all of the time. Simply use it when you want to take a break or use it alongside your own steam to get there even quicker.

In fact, even having your feet on the pedals as they’re spinning round will help ease up your joints and give you exercise – and this will definitely burn more calories than sitting in a car or bus. If you’re looking for an electric bike check out eriderbikes.com who have some of the best ones on the market.

SMART APPS

If you don’t fancy wearing a watch or fitness tracker, you may want to load up your phone with apps that’ll track your fitness for you. With so many of these fitness apps available, you can find one that works for you. There are even games that make it fun to get fit – and you can compete with friends and family to create a friendly competition.

SMART SCALES

When you’re trying to keep track of your fitness goals and looking to lose weight (or gain it), there are scales available that you can connect to your smartwatch or phone so the information is instantly synced with your device.

All of this is tracked and these scales often come with apps that show you handy charts and graphs with all your daily/weekly changes in weight – giving you a much-needed boost when you see the graph moving in the right direction. Your body mass index is something else you can track with most of these scales, using your height and weight to calculate a percentage.

You could use traditional scales and input these figures into your phone, of course, but that’s hardly any fun, is it? Making fitness fun is one of the best ways to stick at it, and these cool gadgets and handy accessories will soon have you well on the way to achieving your healthy ambitions.

3 MUST-SEE SPORTS FOR THE IDEAL ALL AMERICAN VACATION

Editorial Team
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3 MUST-SEE SPORTS FOR THE IDEAL ALL AMERICAN VACATION

While Brits love their sports, Americans display a level of dedication and obsession that we just can’t compete with. It filters through at every level, from kids competing for their school sports teams, to university (or college) levels, and pro games that attract crowds in their thousands.

Even if you’re not a sports fan, attending a game offers a chance to soak up true American culture – embrace the atmosphere and the team spirit, join in with the chants and the pre-game rituals, and of course, taste all the delicious snacks

However, if you’re planning a trip across the Atlantic to the US of A, you probably already have a jam-packed itinerary, crammed full of must-see, bucket-list-worthy, world-famous attractions. But if you can, it’s worthwhile squeezing one of these sports into your list.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

Even if you don’t know anything about American sports, you’ll be aware of American football. As the most popular sport across the pond, if you’re considering adding just one sporting event into your trip, American football is a great choice.

In the US, football is about more than just the game. There’s the pre-game tailgate parties which take place in the parking lot and usually involve lots of beer, food and fun. Then, from the moment you enter the stadium, you’ll be treated to a huge variety of entertainment including team mascots, routines from cheerleaders, and firework displays.

For an exciting game filled with team spirit, choose a college game. Or, if you’re a big NFL fan, see if you can score tickets to a professional game.

ICE HOCKEY

If you’re an ice hockey novice, all you may know of the sport is what if you’ve seen in films, or box sets like Friends – who can forget the one where Ross get hit in the face with a hockey puck?

Going to see an ice hockey match can be a lot of fun and despite the hilarity of this scene, perfectly safe. Fans really get into the team spirit, so you’ll see loads of people dressed in their colours. Just remember to wrap up warm – it can get a little cold!

If you’re going as a family, a lot of arenas offer family-friendly areas, which generally don’t allow alcohol. The kids will revel in the selection of food and team merch at the arena. Plus, if they love it, they can even have a go when they get back to the UK, with ice hockey brands like Bauer selling a range of equipment.

BASEBALL 

Everyone knows that baseball is the American pastime, so that in itself is a good enough reason for tourists to attend a game. Plus, just like football or ice hockey, you don’t have to be a huge sports enthusiast to get a lot out of the experience.

Baseball is about so much more than the sport itself. Soak up the atmosphere with mascots, music and chants. You’ll find food vendors at the end of every aisle offering delicious snacks. Make sure you enjoy all the team freebies – these make excellent souvenirs or gifts. Then, when the game is over, you can carry on the fun at one of the nearby sports bars. You can even get discounts when booking tickets for all your family or a group of friends collectively. What’s not to love?

RESTAURANT REVIEW – THE CRAB HOUSE, PHU QUOC – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR GLORIOUS CRAB

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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RESTAURANT REVIEW – THE CRAB HOUSE, PHU QUOC – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR GLORIOUS CRAB

For an island which cooks to the rhythms of the ocean, it’s surprising how few restaurants luxuriate in the simplicity of the ingredient. By this I mean shellfish, and only shellfish, proud and celebratory in its stripped back, naked form.

The Crab House stands tall in this respect, putting the clawed crustacean on a pedestal befitting of its status as one of the kings of the ocean (well, shore).

Idea

Why mess with something so delicious? Why serve anything else? Need we go on. Crab House offers premium quality, freshly caught whole crabs, a bib, cracker, pick and some relish. Then you are left to your own devices to get as messy as you please.

Location

Crab House is on the popular, burgeoning main strip of Phu Quoc island, Tran Hung Dao street. It is visible from the road – just look for a large crab on the simple signage.

Atmosphere

Amusingly, the act of cracking and picking provides the prevailing soundtrack. The concentration required in eking out every last morsel of crab seems to render the diner mute. The vibe is breezy and informal and suitable for grown men and women wearing massive plastic bibs with food all over their faces. The quirky decor adds to the informal vibe –  the walls are covered in beers caps and American sports paraphernalia.

Food 

Nothing more needs to be said about the main event. There are a couple of other options, with local shrimp and mussels offering a little variety. Seemingly though, everyone orders the crab. Chips and bread are also featured, great for mopping up all the amazing crab juices.

Drink

An affordable, brief wine list is also present but let’s be honest, this style of eating calls for a couple of cold, unassuming beers.

Must Try

Do we really have to go here?

Why Go

Shellfish this fresh should never be overwhelmed with frippery. Crab House realises this and does everything in its power to celebrate the lure of sweet, moreish crab. For us, that is everything one can ask for from a restaurant celebrating one, beautiful ingredient.

Address:  21 Tran Hung Dao, Phu Quoc, Kiến Giang, Vietnam

Website: www.facebook.com

RESTAURANT REVIEW: 64 DEGREES, THE IDEAL PLACE TO EAT IN BRIGHTON

Joseph Gann
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: 64 DEGREES, THE IDEAL PLACE TO EAT IN BRIGHTON

Brighton is home to a thriving foodie scene. Fueled by a young, affluent population and the sea’s bounty a stone’s skim away, the amount of great options belie the city centre’s relative small size.  As a weekend escape Brighton is most Londoner’s first choice and getting a table at one of the city’s premier dining destinations isn’t easy. The effort, however, is worth it.

64 Degrees ticks all the boxes that a hip, seaside restaurant should, with a fantastic buzz any day of the week, an abundance of fresh seafood on the menu and booking an absolute must.

Idea

The space and menu are tiny, refined and sophisticated, with only 27 covers and 12 items respectively. The intricacy of the food explains both. The vibe is very much ‘small plates’ with an emphasis on freshness and invention, which the open kitchen helps to showcase – you can watch preparation of dishes from cosy bar seating as you imbibe. Each plate is thoughtfully composed, with exotic and unheard of ingredients jostling with the familiar. All end in beautiful friendship rather than ruckus.

Location

Located in the historic lanes of Brighton, and a short walk from the pier, 64 Degrees occupies a tiny space but very much makes the most of every square centimetre. Even though its small, you don’t feel the least bit crowded here and one can be as intimate or open as the mood demands. A 15 minute walk from the station and a further 5 to the pier means the restaurant can play part in a lovely day out.

Atmosphere

A noisy din, in the best possible way, is created by the perfect storm of small space and plates, open kitchen and food theatre. Lighting is suitably dim. The best seat is at the bar, where you’ll find yourself opposite the chefs, watching them create with flair and flourish. If your partner is a bore, this provides the perfect conversation starter. Plates are often presented by chefs and the whole atmosphere is convivial, intimate and relaxed, whilst still maintaining a sense of a sophisticated experience.

Food

The main event without question. The menu is divided into 4 fish, 4 vegetarian and 4 meat dishes, curtly described and expectant of utter trust in the chefs to make the ingredients sing. They do not disappoint. From previous experience, you’d be foolish to pass over the veggie fare in favour of the more glamorous, as they are given the same care, attention and lightness of touch as the protein. Being a seaside town, the fish is reliably incredible. We love the sense of familiarity which accompanies every dish before an ingredient which makes you sit up and think. This formula runs throughout the menu and is completely synergetic with the location, atmosphere and buzz of the place.

The Perfect Egg

Ever wondered what the secret it to slow-poaching an egg? Cook it in a water bath at 64 degrees and you’ll get the perfect egg – and this is where the restaurant’s name comes from.

Drinks

A sterling, affordable wine-list (cheaper bottles clock in at under 30 pounds), interesting craft beers and glasses of bubbly which don’t make you gawp, 64 degrees feels celebratory in this department without giving your bank manager a heart attack.

Must Try

As the menu is ever changing, we regret that our recommendation will be gone by the time you check it out. However, this place has a real way with scallops, be it their offering with kale and lemongrass, or a scallop, rhubarb and squid ink emulsion dish. Both were ecstatic. More broadly speaking, order with a fish bias in mind.

Why Go

Hip, cool atmosphere in a groovy area of town. Combine this with some of the most interesting, innovative small plates coming out of the South of England, and you are on to a real gem. Just don’t shout it too loud or you’ll never nab that bar seat!

Address: 53 Meeting House Ln, Brighton BN1 1HB

Website: www.64degrees.co.uk

5 IDEAL WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY ONLINE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY ONLINE

The internet – what would we do without it? We rely on it everyday to entertain us, to speak to our friends, to make money, to work. The world as we know it would fall to its knees should global connectivity stutter, buffer and drop out.

Unfortunately, due to the lure of the web, many of us approach the internet with wreckless abandon, the consequences of the casual and careless manner in which we manage our online activities far less a priority than updating our Insta in real time. Indeed, many of us leave the metaphorical door wide open to identity theft and invasion of privacy. However, with just a few simple steps you can do more to be ahead, in control and safe. So, here are 5 IDEAL ways to protect your privacy online

INSTALL ANTIVIRUS & UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE

We’re all guilty of deciding not to buy antivirus software, believing it’s just another way for big corporations like Microsoft to take our money. We also tend to ignore prompts for updating our software, asking our device to ‘remind us later’ time and time again. We’ve all done it. However ‘later’ can very quickly turn in to ‘too late’.

If you want to protect yourself from viruses, spyware, trojans, worms and all those other baddies out there, installing an antivirus program from a trusted company is a must. You needn’t shell out, though. In fact, free versions are generally fine and the experts at PCMag.com vouch for AVG and Ad-Aware. Also, bear in mind that the majority of hacks happen by attacking weaknesses in software. Most software has an automatic update function. If yours is disabled, enable it now to start reclaiming the upper hand in your online privacy.

HIDE YOUR IP ADDRESS 

Each and every time you browse the internet, all your activities are logged by your internet service provider (ISP) who assign an IP address to the device you’re using. Your ISP is the ultimate ‘Big Brother’ – they know everything you do online – and we mean everything. The websites you visit, the files you download, the conversations you have with people on social media and the emails you send and receive. They can even identify who and where you are.

The answer? Hide your address from others. Using a VPN is the best way to do this, enabling you to hide your IP address by replacing your IP address with the VPN server’s IP address, protecting all your private and sensitive information

BE WISE ABOUT WIFI

We’ve built up a certain reliance on public wifi. And that’s not a good thing. Whether it’s from not wanting to use up the data on our phone or working from coffee shops, this seemingly innocuous choice can spell vast, negative consequences.

Indeed, you should be extremely cautious about using public wifi too casually and carelessly.  Check your emails, sure, your Facebook too, but leave anything transactional or balance checking based to a safer, password protected, non-shared connection.

Other precautionary measures apply; verify that the website you’re visiting is HTTPS before visiting and consider using the aforementioned VPN to enable public WIFI connections to be made private.

PASSWORD PROTECT DILIGENTLY

Getting unfiltered, unfettered access to your device is a criminal’s dream; your itinerary, personal information and sometimes even credit card details can all be found there. Your password should be super strong and unique, then, for maximum security.

NEVER CHARGE YOUR PHONE VIA USB PUBLICLY

Sure, you might need to give your phone enough juice to make an important call to the guy you met on the tube, but if you’re out and about with no juice, it might be wise to simply let your device lay dormant. Charging via U.S.B in a public place is extremely risky. Hotels, coffee shops and bars could all have malware lurking on their computers which can make access to your device really quite simple. Just say no.

 

5 IDEAL TIMES US MERE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE BEEN INVITED TO BRUSH SHOULDERS WITH CELEBRITIES

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIMES US MERE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE BEEN INVITED TO BRUSH SHOULDERS WITH CELEBRITIES

Many of us have given up hope that our Royal Wedding invitations are in the post and accepted that we’ll just have to watch the ceremony from home. But, 2,640 lucky members of the public have received requests to attend the big day.

The upcoming nuptials is not the first time we’ve been invited to brush shoulders with celebrities. Angelic Diamonds, retailers of engagement rings, take a look at other occasions when we’ve had to scrub up to walk amongst A-listers:

THE LATEST ROYAL WEDDING

Taking place on May 19th, the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle’s is fast approaching. And, unlike other high-profile weddings, certain members of the general public have been invited to take part in the special day.

People from across the UK have been selected by Lord Lieutenant offices to attend the wedding. These individuals will be able to see the royals arrive at the chapel and see the procession in their chosen carriage after the ceremony.

When the guestlist was decided, the married couple-to-be specified that the invitees should be from a range of backgrounds and ages and should include those who have “shown strong leadership and those who have served their communities”. The stories of some of the chosen guests were then told through the Kensington Palace Twitter page.

The official guestlist is unknown, but it’s possible that the guests will be brushing shoulders with celebrities such as Serena Williams, The Spice Girls and Ed Sheeran.

LISTENING SESSIONS WITH TAYLOR SWIFT

Taylor Swift has always been one for keeping in touch with her fans. One Christmas, she personally wrapped gifts for her supporters for a festive treat. She’s also been known to invite her super-fans for secret listening sessions ahead of a couple of her albums.

In 2014, ahead of the release of her 1989 album, Taylor invited her fandom over to her house for lunch. She served them pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that she’d personally baked and gave everyone free album merchandise. Guests got photos with the superstar, held her awards and even listened to her talking about her relationship with ex-One Direction star, Harry Styles.

She must have loved the occasion so much that she decided to do something similar in 2017. This time, she invited fans to a listening party in London to hear her sixth studio album, Reputation. Taylor handpicked 100 fans to attend the event and they enjoyed chicken nuggets, M&Ms and Reputation-themed cookies.

BIRTHDAY BRUNCH WITH KIM KARDASHIAN

We’re all about Keeping Up with the Kardashians, but would you ever think you’d be invited to brunch with one of them? That’s what some of Kim’s super-fans got to do in 2015.

For Kim’s 35th birthday, she flew all of her fans who she follows on social media out to Los Angeles for brunch. The meeting took place at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village and guests enjoyed food and drinks, took photos with the reality star and got their phone cases signed.

As an extra surprise, husband Kanye showed up to the venue with their daughter North. After the event, Kim said on Twitter “I love you guys so much and am so grateful to have met you guys today!” and sent personalised thank-you cards to those who were invited.

GETTING MARRIED AT THE GRAMMYS

Some of us want a quiet service for our wedding day, surrounded by close family and friends. But, this couldn’t be more different to what 33 newlyweds experienced in 2014.

They were invited to the 56th Grammy Awards in 2014, held at Staples Centre in Los Angeles. To celebrate their love and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s single Same Love, heterosexual and homosexual couples were married on stage. The marriages were officiated by Queen Latifah who was deputised for the day so she was able to pronounce the couples as married.

The full concept was planned to be a surprise and none of the guests or the viewers at home knew what was coming. The idea was decided the year before, and a casting director was hired to gather the happy couples. They then had to sign contracts and were not allowed to tell anyone about what was going to happen. They had to attend multiple rehearsals to prepare themselves for the biggest day of their lives!

CHRISSY TEIGEN AND BANANA BREAD

Chrissy Teigen is known for interacting with her fans over social media, posting about her own life and topical issues. But, when Chrissy wanted to make the perfect banana bread and needed six brown bananas, she invited her followers for help.

In exchange for the bananas, Chrissy offered fans a signed cookbook, a pair of her husband John’s underwear and a Becca make-up palette. Photos were posted on social media of Chrissy’s assistant picking up the bananas and of course, her cooking the bread.

As we can see, there has been many times where we’ve been invited to walk with the rich and famous. Always be prepared as it could be you next!

5 IDEAL ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR GARAGE WORKSHOP

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR GARAGE WORKSHOP

Whether you’re a DIY pro or you’re just getting to grips with some jobs around the home, your garage is most likely where to magic goes down. And a well-equipped garage does more than allow you to fix your own car, it makes all those jobs you’ve got to do (the list that’s never-ending) just about bearable because of the efficient space in which to do them. So what tools are must-haves for a would-be mechanic or DIY master? Here are 5 IDEAL essentials for your garage workshop.

A WORKBENCH

If you’re going to be doing some fiddly jobs or larger projects, a good solid workbench is imperative. In fact, beyond the actual bricks’n’mortar garage roof and walls, it’s the most essential part of any workman or woman’s garage. It’s where everything will get done and at a level that allows you to stand up or sit down to finish the job off comfortably without needing a chiropractor post project completion. 

It’s also the perfect way to keep tools within reach and all those other bits and bobs organised. And in an often dark, dank and dusky space, a little organisation can go a long way.

Remember, a workbench is nothing without a saw horse. Indeed, not only do they provide support for cutting wood, saw horses can serve as the legs of a makeshift workbench. Whether you’re working on the casting of tool steels or simply cutting wood, a sturdy setup is essential.

Check this post with free DIY workbench plans for more inspiration.

Read: 4 basic power tools needed for home renovations

ADEQUATE STORAGE

Regardless of whether or not you’re keeping your car in the garage, you’ll no doubt have a lot of ‘stuff’ that soon eats up into the space. From piles of paint from decoration days gone by to boxes of nails, screws and other random assortments, you’ll need to make sure all of this is in order so your garage doesn’t take on the look of a scrapyard; rendered obsolete as a place of any purpose in the process.

Start with some tool cabinets, shelving units and a good old-fashioned pegboard and you’ll be well on your way to giving your garage a professional, tidy edge.

Read: 7 IDEAL tools you should have in your home repair toolkit

BENCH VICE

Think of this essential almost like your third hand – but stronger. When you’re working away you’ll frequently find out that force needs applying somewhere, something needs holding in place or something needs holding together while glue dries. A bench vice will prove a welcome accessory during these moments of necessity.

A TROLLEY JACK

If you’re mechanically-minded, you may want to consider investing in a trolley jack to help with fixing your car. After all, most of the important, vehicle defining things that can – and will – go wrong happen underneath your car.

So if you’re going to be crawling underneath to get a better look at that oil leak, be sure to do it safely by getting a good solid jack stand or trolley.

PLENTY OF LIGHTING

If you’ve ever hit your thumb with a hammer because you’ve not been able to see properly, or frequently find yourself fumbling around for screws, you’ll know just how important good lighting is for the success of a DIY or mechanical job.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that the lights have to be as bright as possible, though. Rather, a well-lit space means plenty of light coming from all directions (including natural and artificial sources) so you don’t have shadows being cast all over the place.

Overall, one thing’s for sure – kitting your garage out with all these essentials will soon have you well on your way to DIY or mechanical success. 

HOTEL REVIEW: THE BROOKLYN – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR A TASTE OF BROOKLYN

Travel Team
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HOTEL REVIEW: THE BROOKLYN – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR A TASTE OF BROOKLYN

An estimated 44 millions visitors descend on New York each year, and most of them end up staying in midtown hotels. And that’s just fine; taking a manageable bite out of the Big Apple is easiest from a central vantage point. However, you don’t have to be based in Manhattan to explore the island in all its brash, bold glory. Indeed, a tastier, spicier mouthful awaits further afield.

It’s no secret that Brooklyn is one of New York’s most popular boroughs. It has a thriving culinary, artistic and artisan scene, and as such is one of the must visit destinations of the metropolis. If you’re keen on getting amongst it and immersed, The Brooklyn is a hotel offering an authentic taste of its namesake’s culture and quirks.

LOCATION

The location of The Brooklyn is just off Atlantic Avenue; a busy main road which stretches all the way from Brooklyn to Queens. It’s also opposite the Long Island Railroad; easy access is assured. 

We’ll say it now – Atlantic Avenue ain’t particularly pretty too look at, and as such the view from the rooms isn’t exactly picturesque. That said, Brooklyn is out there just waiting to be explored, not stared at longingly from the comfort of your room. Plus, the hotel’s rough around the edges location is part of its charm – this is the real Brooklyn, where you get a taste of how New Yorkers like to live.

What’s more, Prospect Heights is a five minute cab ride away. Here you’ll find The Brooklyn Museum, one of New York premier cultural institutions, Prospect Park, which easily rivals Manhattan Park with arguably better views, and has some fantastic eateries including The Islands, renowned city wide for its jerk chicken. The Barclays Centre, home to some amazing concerts, is mere minutes away. If you’re planning on going to a gig, this hotel is in the ideal location.

Bedford Avenue, the beating heart of Brooklyn, is an easy distance from the hotel too. And its proximity to the Nostrand Avenue subway stop is fantastic – it’s just around the corner and from there you can catch an A or C line train to Brooklyn Bridge directly and walk across it to the city, or take the train straight into Manhattan and be there within half an hour.  

ATMOSPHERE & DESIGN

There’s no glitz and no glam here – this is a truly urban hotel with a ‘Brooklynesque’ aesthetic. The Brooklyn channels the area’s distinct personality, blending it’s industrial architecture with a trendy, modern and minimalist design vibe .

On first glance, the lobby lacks a little character, the decor is mostly neutral with a few colourful pops – some red chairs here and there to add visual interest. It’s not until you see the massive monochrome image on the wall paying homage to the area that you get that this is the look they’re going for. In fact, it’s quite refreshing to stay somewhere which doesn’t have gaudy dial turned up to 11.  

The staff are laid-back yet helpful, making you feel comfortable, but again, without the sense of overdoing it. We throughly enjoyed it. Enough of the overly familiar, fake-as-news welcomes please.

ROOMS

The first things you notice about the gorgeous, smokestack rooms is the exposed brick walls and wooden floors.  Decor is minimal, with neutral palettes so the focus is on the aforementioned industrial elements. A feature wall in each bedroom depicting an iconic New York landmark or some facts about Brooklyn is a nice touch, and reminds you of the area you’re in without the guest having to look out the window. The off white leather headboards are attractive and the beds sumptuously comfy – perfect for sinking into after a long day of sightseeing in New York.

Behind frosted glass sliding doors you’ll find a fully equipped bathroom, complete with a rainshower head – fantastic. The toiletries, like a lot of New York’s hotels, are Beekman 1802, from an upscale New York farm .The nespresso machine is welcome; New Yorker’s live off the stuff. When in Rome…..

FOOD & FACILITIES

The hotel offers a fitness and a business centre, so whether it’s working up a sweat or working on your next deal, you’re set here. There is no restaurant, but the complimentary continental breakfast, although a little limited in choice, is nice enough; cereal, muffins, bagels – the usual stuff. We’d recommend having a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning and a little something as fuel, then go all out at one of Brooklyn’s happening, hip-as-last-year’s-ferdora brunch spots.

This mid-morning meal is a big deal in Brooklyn (‘Brunchlyn’? nah, it’ll never catch on) and needless to say, you’re spoilt for choice here. We love Buttermilk Channel, and Christina Tosi’s Milk Bar in Prospect Height’s, just a five minute cab ride away.  If you’re after traditional American breakfast experience, nearby Tom’s Restaurant (also in Prospect Heights) is a landmark local diner – expect to queue but also expect to be sated. Or for something a little lighter, The Bagel Store on Bedford Avenue offers an array of bagels in rainbow colours and so many fillings it will blow your mind.

WHY GO

There aren’t any frills at this place, but The Brooklyn has enough tried-and-true hotel touches that are sure to satisfy. 

Website: www.thebrooklynny.com

10 IDEAL SECOND HAND FAMILY CARS

Editorial Team
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10 IDEAL SECOND HAND FAMILY CARS

Shopping for a high-quality second-hand car is never easy. There are boxes to be ticked, preferences to pander to and a bank manager to please. Yes indeed, all these pitfalls have the potential to be a pain in the proverbial backside. But it’s not as if the market for second-hand cars is in any way limited – it’s actually quite the opposite. And with such a wide range of options, the paradox of choice can be more debilitating than a flat tyre. With tens of thousands of cars to choose from, where to start?

Best then, to defer to the experts – those who know what safety, reliability and value for money are all about. So if you’re looking to pick up the kind of second hand car you can count on, here are 10 IDEAL second hand family cars.

FORD FOCUS

A reasonable, reliable option, and that’s what it’s all about, right? Bag yourself a decent Ford Focus; it’s a winner of multiple awards and a five-star crash test rating, it’s everything a good family car should be.

Read: 5 reasons why buying a second hand car is the better choice in 2021

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

If you can find a decent Golf at a reasonable price, there’s not really much point looking any further. In terms of reliability and long-term value for money, the VW Golf really is in a class of its own. It’s also a joy to drive.

FORD MONDEO DIESEL

Ford gets two entries to the list, and for a very good reason. The diesel variants of the Ford Mondeo are perhaps the best of the bunch to go for if looking for a family car, which delivers great fuel economy along with all the usual conveniences and safety features.

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

The Passat is an outstanding and surprisingly affordable family car that’s also masquerading as a luxury ride. Spacious, safe as can be and capable of deceptively powerful performance, a well-priced Passat represents an investment opportunity not to be overlooked.

TOYOTA CAMRY

Arguably the workhorse to end all workhorses, the Toyota Camry is no less than a legendary piece of engineering across the United States. Pick up a decent Toyota Camry cover to protect your investment and you’ll also be looking at impressive resale value.

Read: 6 IDEAL things to consider before buying a second hand car

SKODA OCTAVIA

The Octavia is the kind of car that delivers exponentially more than you would ever expect for this kind of money. It may not be particularly luxurious or mind-blowing in terms of technology, but it’s nonetheless a great family car and an absolute bargain.

Read: 4 IDEAL luxury cars to buy that are best to get secondhand

SKODA SUPERB

The same also going for the Superb, which ups the ante with things like climate control, touch screen entertainment and a nifty storage space for your umbrella.

HONDA CIVIC

Another absolutely legendary workhorse for families across the US, the Honda Civic typically experiences massive depreciation whenever a new model is released. Hence, outstanding older models can be picked up for next to nothing.

KIA CEED

The great thing about the Ceed is that if you pick one up that’s less than seven years old, it’ll still be covered by the initial transferable seven-year warranty. It’s also just a brilliant family car…period.

MAZDA 6

Last up, the Mazda 6 is roomy, powerful and surprisingly economical. You might pick up on a few squeaks and rattles when checking out old models, but it’s a small price to pay for this kind of value for money.

4 IDEAL WAYS TO FIND TEMPORARY STAFF ONLINE

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4 IDEAL WAYS TO FIND TEMPORARY STAFF ONLINE

With the World Cup just around the corner, and sunny, slurry weekends often lurching into the week proper, the likelihood of impromptu sickies looks set to rise. And over the course of the summer, if you run a business, there’s bound to come a time when temporary staff will be the best solution; a short-term alleviation of pressure when backs are to the wall and numbers are down. And where once a simple sign in the window would do, there are now myriad ways to get your S.O.S out there quickly and effectively. With this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL ways to find temporary staff online.

USE AN AGENCY

Whether you’re in the pub trade, run a restaurant or are a small-time retailer, there are plenty of agencies out there who can source staff for your needs. A temporary staffing website can provide you with access to large pools of talent waiting for the next opportunity to get that little bit of extra work in.

With a staffing agency, you can see workers who are trustworthy and have been pre-vetted, available to fill in shifts with only a few hours’ notice and at any time of day, any day of the week. On the best staffing sites, profiles will be available detailing each candidate’s experience. What’s more, agency staff tend to have everything taken care of by the agency in terms of insurance and pay, so there is little added paperwork. 

USE SOCIAL MEDIA

Chances are that a large number of your staff are active on social media. Although scouring their pages for evidence of a night out on a day they look particularly bleary is just downright creepy, and social media can often be a burden for managers, it can be a great asset too.

There are plenty of local groups on Facebook serving major cities where people are post seeking out job opportunities or offering their services. Why not post an ad in one of these communities? In addition to this, you could have your staff share a Facebook post which their friends will see, sending out a call for back up. This tactic works better if you employ younger staff, as this demographic is more likely to both be most active on social media and be seeking work.

CONSIDER PAST CANDIDATES

When you’re hiring for a full-time position, you will probably receive hundreds of submissions for just a couple of jobs. If you have already interviewed a few good candidates who weren’t quite the best, why not reach out to them again and offer them the temporary work? If they don’t value their pride, they may just take you up on the offer. 

ADVERTISE ON JOB SITES

If you know in advance that you’re going to have some temporary vacancies coming up in the future, why not advertise them on job sites such as indeed.co.uk or reed.co.uk? This (relatively) old-fashioned way of recruiting staff represents a tried and tested method with broad reach and engagement.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO AVOID A CAR ACCIDENT

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO AVOID A CAR ACCIDENT

Picture this; the open road and sunshine on the windscreen. Bruce Springsteen is on the car radio, imploring us to roll down those windows, and as we drive off into the sunset, a sense of endless possibilities flutters in our hearts. But wait, what’s this? It’s not all fun and games? Some concentration is required? Indeed, whilst not inevitable, road accidents can and do happen, and according to research, are most likely in the summer months. It’s best then, to be alert, savvy and safe and with that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to avoid a car accident.

KNOW ABOUT THE MOST COMMON ROAD ACCIDENTS

Educating yourself about the most common road accidents and what causes them may help you to avoid them. Knowledge can lead to prevention after all. The AA reports that speeding, getting distracted by texting or food, and reckless driving are the top three, all of which are easily preventable.

DRIVE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

Part of driving safely is all about developing the right attitude to the road. Not every traffic light turns red just for you, not every cyclist gets in your way on purpose and not every speed camera is out to get you. Speed limits are actually there for a reason, not just to slow you down. We all lead busy lives, and there’s no point in getting impatient and frustrated behind the wheel. This only leads to incidents. We say – and as any reputable car accident lawyer will tell you, too – keep zen to avoid road rage. If you know you need to be somewhere, allow more time for your journey so you don’t rush and get stressed out. Also, remember that road rules are their to keep you and other people safe, so follow them.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD

The radio. Kids screaming in the back and their little heads suddenly popping up in between the front seats. Your whatsapp messenger going off. That cute dress in the shop window.There are hundreds of distractions for drivers everyday and it’s especially easy to lose your focus if you do the same, mundane drive everyday. According to research, distracted drivers are responsible for the majority of road accidents in the UK, often leading to serious injuries and fatalities. So keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions. Be proactive and tell your kids why it’s important for them to behave when you’re behind the wheel. Turn your phone on to silent. Basically, do anything you can think of to minimise distractions when you’re driving.

KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL

Part of overcoming distracted driving is all about keeping your hands on the wheel. Fiddling with the sat nav or trying to squash the bug that just came in through the car window means you’re going to take your hands off the wheel. Indeed, you were taught in driving school to keep your hands on 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions for a reason. Keeping two hands on the wheel means you have more control over the car in case an emergency or accident should arise, helping you to avoid it.  

DON’T TAILGATE

We’ve already mentioned that the most common type of crash in the UK is being hit from the rear. Lesson? Don’t tailgate. Driving too closely behind the car in front is a dangerous driving offence which could end with serious consequences. Not only is the fine for tailgating currently set at £100 and three penalty points on your licence, you could cause a serious accident or worse, a fatality. It’s just not worth it.

4 IDEAL WAYS BUSINESSES CAN OVERCOME ROAD WORKS

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4 IDEAL WAYS BUSINESSES CAN OVERCOME ROAD WORKS

British drivers are all too familiar with roadworks and subsequent traffic jams. In 2016, there were over 1.35 million traffic jams across the UK, costing the economy approximately £9 billion. Indeed, three quarters of small businesses say that road works have a negative impact on their business whether it is wasting valuable time in traffic, reducing sales or loss of earnings.

While the Local Government Association (LGA) have been calling for action by the government to limit the amount of road works that are carried out across the country, to reduce the risk of gridlock unnecessary carbon emissions and fuel, in the meantime there are some things that businesses can do to reduce the impact roadworks have on their earnings. With the help of Long term van hire specialists, here are 5 IDEAL ways businesses can overcome road works.

CHANGE THE LOCATION OF YOUR WORKERS

Take this opportunity to raise the profile of your business in another area of the city. If your business is all about retail and selling things, consider renting a market stall or a pop-up shop space. If you’re a restaurant or cafe, host some supper clubs or open a temporary pop up restaurant. After all, pop-up events can boost revenue,  build buzz and increase brand awareness.

If you’re an office-based business, simply ask your employees to work from home so they don’t get stuck in traffic on the way to work. Not only will this maximise the time they spend actually doing their jobs by minimising time spent on the road, it may make you question why you have an office in the first place.

EXPLOIT THE SITUATION

This is an opportune moment to consider installing upgrades or redecorating. If your office is a dull and uninspiring place, now is the time to make some changes. A slew of research reveals how everything from artwork on the walls to desks with lots of natural light boosts productivity and it has been said that a well-designed office can increase your productivity by about 20%. If you’re a restauranteur who has been dreaming of upgrading your kitchen, do it now. You could even think about doing a relaunch after the road works have finished, unveiling your new look or menu.

TURN TO THE INTERNET

Use your website, social media, and e-mail marketing to let your clients know that you’re still here and open for business. Provide your customers with an enticing incentive to brave the traffic jam and come to your store. If you’re a restaurant, you could offer a 2-4-1 meal or giveaway a free cocktail or bottle of wine. If you’re in retail and sell through your website, boost online sales by offering a discount or provide a discount coupon that customers can use in store.

PUT UP TEMPORARY SIGNAGE

Perhaps the simplest way to overcome road works is to put up some temporary signage. By doing this you can let customers know you’re still there. You could also encourage customers to circumvent the road works by providing a different route to your shop.

4 IDEAL WHITE ACCESSORIES FOR SUMMER

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4 IDEAL WHITE ACCESSORIES FOR SUMMER

Fashions come and go in a seemingly never ending blur of what’s hot, what’s not and what’s tepid, and colour choice is no exception. Each year brings a new palette (sarcoline anyone?) but let’s face it, if you want to stay on safe, unshakeably ‘in’ territory, then monochrome is where it’s at. Indeed, we’re of the opinion that white never goes out of fashion, and truly comes into its own in the warmer months. You can bet that come summer, we will all be wearing white trousers, white dresses and donning white accessories with abandon. With this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL white accessories for summer. 

WHITE FOOTWEAR

White shoes are not particularly practical – accumulating the smog and smut of the city with every journey to the Sainsbury’s local – but, and here’s the important part, they look really good. This (as with every) year virtually every fashion retailer will include it in their range, and for good reason. They are timeless, ubiquitous and surprisingly versatile. JD Williams, for instance, is currently stocking over 100 different styles of white shoes, sandals, and boots.

Of course, if you go for white footwear, you’ll need to properly look after them to secure their gleaming appeal. Because no one wants a pair of off white lugz, after all.

WHITE BELTS 

This year, long, quite loose fitting blouses are very much on trend, looking particularly good when worn with the baggier style of jean that is so much on trend right now. Equally, these longer blouses look especially good when worn with the back in vogue, high-waisted trouser. Although these blouses are best worn loose, deploying a belt outside your blouse can create a different style of outfit. And variety is the name of the game in fashion.

A narrow white or silver belt – neutral enough shades to go with practically any colour – is ideal for this job, allowing you to create a fuller, yet semi-tailored look that shows off your waist nicely. 

WHITE HANDBAGS

If you do opt to wear white shoes, try to find a handbag to match; a really classic look on the catwalks this season. This year, bowler and messenger bags are very much in fashion and fortunately, these look really good with most types of outfits. Who ever thought fashion could be so simple?

WHITE JEWELLERY 

To finish off your look, keep an eye out for white jewellery. Think mother-of-pearl pieces or pendants and rings that feature clear birthstones. An equally chic accessory is a wrist watch with a white face and strap. Just be sure to keep things simple; clarity is the watchword here, and adding too many conflicting colours and different tones is going to lead to a confused look.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED LOOK AMAZING WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED LOOK AMAZING WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Instagram is now one of the most frequently used social media channels in the world, with around 60 million images and a massive 1.6 billion likes posted daily. What’s more, the platform offers aspirational young photographers, creatives, dreamers and fashionistas a way to share their passions and talents. And in some cases, it can even lead to full time employment and – whisper it – fame. However, keeping your Instagram profile updated doesn’t always come cheap. So with that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to make your Instagram feed amazing without breaking the bank.

DON’T BELIEVE ALL THE HYPE

First things first, remember to keep it real. Don’t take everything you see on Instagram literally. Most likely, that chance shot was carefully choreographed, that natural look primed with a clutch of unnatural products, that lunch got cold before it looked just right, and that inspirational quote didn’t come from the Dalai Lama, but in fact a bot from Russia.

Many who appear to be living the Instagram dream are, quite simply put, faking it. With cleverly timed and captioned posts, not to mention the countless image editing apps out there, it’s possible for anyone to look like they’re living the high life, when behind the scenes, things are mundane and monotone.

Tanya Goodin, author of ‘OFF: Your Digital Detox for a Better Life’, told the Independent, “We know that spending too much time on social media can have a negative effect on mental health and this is just another example of how the relentless pressure to have a perfect ‘Instagrammable’ life can get seriously out of hand and cause real problems in real life.”

So, bear this in mind when you’re choosing who to follow as well as when you’re building your own community. There’s nothing wrong with exercising a bit of creative license, but keep your posts as honest as possible, whenever possible. Speaking of which…

LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS

If you choose the Instagram life, then please, live within your means. Is a payday loan really worth a pretty picture? A lifetime of debt equal to a few, paltry likes? Most certaintly not. There have been recent stories of debt and financial ruin of wannabe Instagram stars, which should serve as a warning. Indeed, a recent newspaper report revealed that one woman racked up £7,256 debt after trying to become ‘instagram famous’. So, ask yourself it you can afford it, and if it’s really worth it, before you spend serious money in the name of courting followers.

FIND YOUR NICHE

Whether you’re into crochet or watching videos of kinetic sand (yes that’s a thing), there’s a feed for you. Ok, you don’t have to be that specific, but many of the most successful accounts have a clear focus. The great thing about a niche Instagram feed is that it’s narrow in scope and therefore easy to identify with your target followers, which means it’s more simple to monetize your feed through working with specific brands looking to target your niche.

FLY IN STYLE FOR LESS

Travel is one of the most popular instagram passion points but can also be one of the most expensive to pursue. One way to get to your desired destination and make the journey there truly instagramable is by using discounted private jet charters (yes, really!).

In recent years, travel on private jets has become much more accessible due to innovations in charter business models and emerging technology. Mobile phone apps that allow travelers to book private jets now sometimes offer seats on empty leg flights and let passengers share jets. These advances mean that it can be much cheaper to fly privately. And you can evoke an image of some serious opulence and bling in the process.

SEARCH FOR BARGAINS

If you’re serious about making your feed look the business (and be your business), a little creative thinking can go a long way. Being savvy and keeping a keen eye open for promotions and bargains can help provide valuable material for your feed. If you’re a foodie, for example, seeking out restaurant soft launches or set lunch promotions can be a great way to eat at new hot-spots for discounted prices. Likewise, if you’re more of a fashionista, vintage and sample sales offer a means to get your hands on designer clothes at affordable prices.

6 IDEAL TIPS FOR A HEALTHY AND SAFE SUMMER HOLIDAY

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6 IDEAL TIPS FOR A HEALTHY AND SAFE SUMMER HOLIDAY

The summer holidays will soon be here and thoughts will turn to family barbeques and days out. However, the summer can also bring some nuisances and dangers such as annoying bugs and sun burn. Summer is meant to be relaxing (for the kids at least) and the last thing you want is to be surrounded with children moaning about being hot and itchy for 6 weeks. So we spoke to the experts at Health Plus and came up with these 6 IDEAL tips for a health and safe summer holiday.

HAVE AN EMERGENCY BAG HANDY

If you’re planning to spend your time out and about in the sunshine, then it’s vital you’re sufficiently prepared and armed with a bag of summer essentials. This bag should include a metal or plastic (free from BPA) water bottle, a hat to cover little heads during the hottest hours of the afternoon and a bottle of sun cream (to be liberally applied throughout the course of the day) and a small first aid kit complete with antihistamines, alcohol wipes, and plasters for inevitable cuts and scrapes whilst playing outside.

STAY COOL AT NIGHT

Trying to sleep when it’s hot outside can be tricky, especially for little ones. Some easy ways to stay cool at night include draping a wet towel over an open window to bring down the room temperature, using light cotton bedding and having a cool shower before bed.  You could even put all your families sheets in the fridge or freezer  (in a plastic cover so they don’t get wet) as lying under freshly chilled sheets helps your temperature to drop into sleep mode. If that seems like too much work, why not fill a hot water bottle with ice water and place on the ‘cooling points’ of your body, such as behind your knees or ankles.

USE BUG-REPELLING NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS

Using essential oils is a natural way to repel insects, and the two most effective oils are citronella and clove. Essential oils aren’t suitable for undiluted contact with the skin, so mix a few drops into a base oil or your body lotion and apply like a moisturiser for an effective, natural bug repellent.  Citronella garden candles are handy to dot around the garden or home too.

REMOVE BUG ATTRACTORS

Standing water is a haven for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in. Look around your garden and, where possible, get rid of any gathered water in buckets, kids’ pools and gutters.

Read: Common summer pests and what to do about them

AVOID HOLIDAY TUMMY

Stomach upsets can ruin a holiday so check if you are safe to drink local water at your destination and always wash your hands. Stock up on ‘good tummy bacteria’ like probiotics before you go away and always carry some kids imodium – just in case.

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