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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR CREATING A FREE HOME GYM WITH ITEMS YOU ALREADY OWN

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR CREATING A FREE HOME GYM WITH ITEMS YOU ALREADY OWN

For those who love hitting the gym but are currently in self-isolation or simply working from home, creating your own workout domestic regime is the answer. Before you start adding up how much it’s going to cost for all the equipment you’ll need, consider putting together one using items you already own for free. Most fitness fanatics know you can do nearly a full work-out with just a wall, and with a few basic additions you’ll be giving each and every muscle group the attention it deserves. So, here are 5 IDEAL tips for creating a free home gym during self isolation with items you already own.

CHAIR SQUATS AND DIPS

A solid dining room or kitchen chair is often the optimum height for doing squats, depending on your size. Begin by sitting on the chair with a straight back and arms out in front before slowly standing and lowering yourself back down, but just hovering above the seat; and there you have it, a simple squat. Alternatively, to work those triceps, use the seat as you would a bench at the gym, lowering your body but not letting your elbows bend more than 90 degrees.

GROCERY WEIGHTS

If you only intend to do dumbbell workouts or are just starting out on the road to building up your strength, find something that weighs a couple of kilograms. It could be full washing power bottles, large cans of beans or big, empty bottles that you fill with water. Ensure that you’ve got two of them for balance and that they can be held comfortably. Then these can be used for all sorts of high-rep exercises, such as lunges, bicep curls, squats and more.

LADDER EXERCISES

Ladder drills are a great way to improve agility and burn plenty of calories when done at high intensity. It’s best if you have a garden (though you’ll probably only own a ladder if that’s the case anyway). Lay down your ladder and run or jump through each individual square, mixing it up to test different muscles. A quality step ladder that’s properly secured can also be used for step exercises, again, best done outside.

HOMEMADE FOAM ROLLERS

Foam rollers have become a trendy piece of fitness equipment in recent years and they do their uses, particularly for stretching and yoga exercises. Rather than splash out for something that’s essentially a tube of foam, roll a thick dry towel up well and tightly insert a rolling pin into the centre. This should work just as well as the foam version if you’ve secured it tightly, and you can still use both the items later when needed. Two birds, one stone springs to mind.

TV FITNESS GAMES

For this last idea, all you need is a working TV, your favourite programme and enough space to do a press up. We’ve all heard of TV and film drinking games and this is the same, but replacing taking a shot with doing a set of exercise turns it from harmful to healthy in no time. For example, with the Big Bang Theory drinking game simply swap any time Raj whispers or Penny says ‘sweetie’ from taking a sip of your drink to doing ten press-ups, sit-ups or burpees. The possibilities are endless.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO SPEND YOUR SURPLUS DAYS OFF WORK

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO SPEND YOUR SURPLUS DAYS OFF WORK

According to a recent survey by British Airways published in the Guardian, one third of us did not use our full annual leave entitlement last year. On average, we wasted four days each. Let that sink in for a minute – last year, some of us worked four days for free. Ouch.

Us Brits, it seems, need to take a fresh look at free time. All too often, we use a day’s leave to get our house in order or do life admin rather than relax. Perhaps we have a dentist’s appointment, need to wait in at home for the plumber or accompany the kids on a school trip. In short, too many of us aren’t using our well deserved downtime right. What kind of ‘holiday’ is that?

But what if you a booked a day off for no other purpose than to do something to benefit you or that you’d not otherwise have the chance to do? Rather than waste those days off, it’s time to enjoy them. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to spend your surplus days off work.

DON’T HAVE A PLAN

The chance to recuperate and revitalize doesn’t happen every day – so how does a day without any goals beyond relaxing and recharging your batteries sound? Yep, good to us too. Stay in bed as long as you want. Have a leisurely breakfast or brunch and take time to read the newspaper or that book you’ve been meaning to pick up. Listen to music, take a long relaxing bubble bath, paint your toenails and apply a face mask. Or don’t even. Go for a walk, head to that boutique shop or the art gallery you don’t ever have time to visit during your usual chore-filled days off. Or just have a day watching movies in your PJ’s and an afternoon nap. Spend the day doing what you like when you want or do absolutely nothing at all – that’s the pleasure of having no plans.

IDEAL FOR: A little ‘me time’ and recharging the batteries. Doing absolutely nothing sometimes is actually rather good for you after all.

BAKE AWAY YOUR STRESS

When’s the last time you baked a cake, experimented with a cookie recipe or created a pavlova from scratch? The methodical nature of baking makes it a very therapeutic activity. First, you get to weigh and measure the ingredients, next you can appreciate their delicious aroma as they bake. And finally, you get to eat them too. You could even have the pleasure of sharing them with your nearest and dearest if you so wish. According to research (funded by the GBBO perhaps?), baking, especially when it’s done for others, has a host of psychological benefits. It’s been proven that people who take on creative projects like baking feel more relaxed and happier in their everyday lives. So it’s about time you put on your apron and cooked up some apple crumble or your favourite school traybake, don’t you think?

IDEAL for: Clearing the mind and out your cupboards. If you take some of your baked goods into the office when you return to work it may score you some brownie points too, literally.  

GET YOUR HEART PUMPING

While some people’s idea of a therapeutic day is doing nothing at all, for others it’s all about trying new things. When you’re alarm goes off, it’s sometimes nice to know you’re doing something new and exciting rather than just getting ready and going off to work. If your daily life has become a little mundane of late, why not book yourself some kind of challenge? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never made time for? What activities would make taking a holiday day really worthwhile? From driving experience days spent racing sports cars to parachuting or learning the basics of flying a plane, why not explore ways to get your heart pumping. That way, on your next day out of the office you can make memories and tick activities off your personal bucket list. 

IDEAL for: When you’re feeling a bit bored and are in need of a new challenge. Working your way through a few unusual activities will certainly give you some conversation starting material and you could discover a new hobby too.

CHANGE COUNTRY FOR A DAY

Do you fancy visiting a new country just for the day? Book some cheap flights in advance and choose your destination wisely –  it’s a lot more doable than it sounds. You can pop to Paris from London in just a few hours by train, so if you’ve always wanted to visit La Louvre, why not pencil it in for your next day of vacay? A flight from Newcastle Upon Tyne to Amsterdam takes just one hour and 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to hop on a bike and explore the city or to take a cruise by canal, have a little lunch and be home for dinner. How does a trip from Manchester to Berlin sound? In less than two hours you could be having kafe and kuchen in Germany’s capital. Or a trip from Edinburgh to Copenhagen in one hour and 45 minutes could see you exploring the capital of Scandi cool. Just don’t forget your passport and remember to tell someone you’re leaving the country, okay?

IDEAL for: Finding out where you’d like to holiday for longer, exploring new cuisines on your lunch hour and brushing up on your language skills.

SLEEP YOURSELF HAPPY

How are you sleeping? Do you get your eight hours in or is it a struggle? Whether you’re the proud parent of a sleep thief or you find work and your social life chip away at time spent in slumber, how does a day in bed sound? Not sleeping well can have such a disastrous impact on our mood that actually, if you’ve got the option, sometimes you might be better off taking a holiday day to sleep it off. Studies have found that not getting enough sleep is one the of biggest contributors to having a ‘bad day’. Research suggests that the best time to claw back hours lost is in the immediate aftermath. However, if your house is going to be occupied by your kids or housemates you may need to look for an alternative slumber spot. Why not kill two birds with one stone by spending a relaxing day at the spa or hairdressers? Now wouldn’t that be better than feeling drained and irritable all day?

IDEAL for: Preventing burnout, avoiding irritable bad mood days and indulging in essential downtime.

AN IDEAL SUMMER SALAD: QUINOA, FENNEL & SWEET POTATO SALAD

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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AN IDEAL SUMMER SALAD: QUINOA, FENNEL & SWEET POTATO SALAD

With summer in sight, Executive Head Chef at Sopwell House, Gopi Chandran reveals his recipe for a delicious and nutritious salad that will get you starting the season right.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large sweet potato, diced
  • 2 medium fennel bulbs, cut lengthways into ¼ inch thick slices
  • Malden sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 20ml fresh lemon juice
  • 1½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 200g quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 red chilli, chopped and deseeded
  • 10g fresh coriander, chopped
  • 10g fresh mint, chopped
  • 15g fresh dill, chopped
  • Seeds from ½ a small pomegranate

METHOD

  1. Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over a medium heat. Add the fennel and season with salt and pepper. Cook for around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fennel is just tender and lightly golden. Add the lemon juice, and sugar. Stir through and cook for a further minute. Season with salt and pepper and set to one side.
  2. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Drizzle the sweet potato with olive oil, sea salt and cumin. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes, and then set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, bring the quinoa and 700ml water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover and reduce to a low simmer for around 10 minutes until the quinoa is cooked. Drain and return to the pan. Let the quinoa sit in the pan covered for 15 minutes, before fluffing with a fork and transferring to a large bowl.
  4. Remove the peel and white pith from the lemon. Cut between the membranes to release the segments. Discard the membranes and roughly chop. Add the chopped lemon with its juices to the cooked quinoa along with the remaining 1 tbsp of oil and stir. Add the fennel mixture, sweet potato, chilli, and herbs. Gently incorporate and season with salt and pepper. Transfer salad to a bowl or platter and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

IDEAL FOR YOUR SUMMER BBQ: BARBECUED BEER RIBS

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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IDEAL FOR YOUR SUMMER BBQ: BARBECUED BEER RIBS

 

Summer grilling season is nearly here and we’ve got the ideal recipe to turn your barbecue from ordinary to extraordinary. Acclaimed teacher, TV chef and School of Wok founder Jeremy Pang shares his recipe for Barbecued Tsingtao Beer Ribs, adapted from his book Chinese Unchopped (Quadrille £19.99).

INGREDIENTS ( SERVES 6-8 PEOPLE)

  • 4 garlic cloves
  • a large knob of ginger
  • 30 spare ribs
  • 8 tablespoons tomato ketchup
  • 8 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 500ml of Tsingtao beet
  • 1⁄2 spring onion, finely chopped, to garnish

PREPARATION

  • Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas 2.
  • Finely chop the garlic and ginger and put in a deep roasting tray or big pot suitable for the oven along with the ribs and all the other ingredients. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the ribs are well covered.

COOKING

  • Transfer the ribs to the oven and cook uncovered for at least 2–3 hours, basting and turning the ribs every so often so they don’t burn (if they do start to ‘catch’, turn your oven down slightly). Towards the end of the cooking time the ribs will start to break up and fall apart slightly – this is a good sign, but you want to keep them as whole as possible (ready for grilling), so be careful when turning.
  • Transfer the ribs to a hot barbecue and cook in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until the outsides of the ribs are glazed and charred. Drizzle over a little of the remaining sauce and sprinkle over some finely chopped spring onion to garnish. Enjoy.

TIP: If you fancy cooking these on a normal night
 in (or the weather isn’t looking good) then pop the ribs under the hot grill in the oven instead of on the barbecue after roasting. Although the ribs are always better after they’ve been grilled slightly, if you just can’t wait they can always be eaten straight after roasting in the oven.

IDEAL FOR YOUR SUMMER BBQ: BEER CAN PIRI PIRI CHICKEN RECIPE

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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IDEAL FOR YOUR SUMMER BBQ: BEER CAN PIRI PIRI CHICKEN RECIPE

Cooking on a beer can is nothing new: in Australia they’ve been doing it for years. The secret is that the beer keeps the inside of the chicken nice and moist while it’s cooking on the barbecue.

To make your summer barbecue extra special this year, we’ve got James Martin’s delicious recipe for his succulent beer can piri piri chicken with garlic butter jacket potatoes. You’ll need a barbecue with a lid, and you can cook the jacket potatoes in foil alongside. With added garlic butter at the end, this makes a truly delicious summertime meal.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

  • 11⁄2 tablespoons sweet smoked paprika
  • 1⁄2 tablespoon hot smoked paprika

  • 1⁄2 teaspoon chilli flakes

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 3 limes
  • 3 lemons
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
  • 1 x 2kg whole chicken
  • 4 baking potatoes, scrubbed
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 garlic bulbs
  • 1 can of beer, half full
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
  • 250g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 head of lettuce, root removed and leaves separated
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks
  • 1⁄4 cucumber, cut in half lengthways, then into slices
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

  1. Put both the paprikas, chilli flakes, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, the juice of
1 lime and of 1 lemon into a bowl and mix to a paste. Pour the paste into a large plastic bag, then add the olive oil and the chicken. Seal at the end and shake around so that the chicken is covered in spices.
  2. Prick the potatoes, then rub with a little oil, salt and black pepper, and wrap each one in foil. Place 1 garlic bulb on another sheet of foil and drizzle with oil, then twist tight.
  3. Cut the second garlic bulb in half and place inside the chicken, then manoeuvre the half- full beer can into the bottom of the chicken too. The beer will bubble up and create steam inside the chicken, keeping it moist as it cooks, but you only need the can to be half full otherwise it will spill over.
  4. Put the potatoes and garlic on a barbecue, then place the chicken upright, standing on the beer can in the centre. Make a silver
foil collar for the base of the chicken to protect it slightly, then cover with a lid and roast for 15 minutes. Remove the garlic bulb and roast for another 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. If you want to cook this in a roasting tray in the oven, you will probably need to place the chicken on a low shelf to fit it in. Cook the garlic for 15 minutes and the chicken and potatoes for 45–60 minutes, at 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6.
  5. Take the cooked garlic out of the foil and allow to cool. Cut the top off the bulb and squeeze the cooked garlic out into a bowl. Add the chives and the softened butter, and mix together.
  6. Toss the lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber together in a large serving bowl, and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. Cut the remaining limes and lemons into chunks.
  7. Place the cooked chicken on the beer can in the centre of a serving platter. Loosen the foil from the potatoes, cut a cross in the top of them, squeeze gently and spoon the garlic butter on top. Place them around the chicken and garnish with the lemons and limes.

Recipe courtesy of BBC Good Food Show Summer . Photography: Peter Cassidy

IDEAL FOR YOUR SUMMER BBQ: TOMATO & CHILLI JAM RECIPE

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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IDEAL FOR YOUR SUMMER BBQ: TOMATO & CHILLI JAM RECIPE

This barbeque season, put down the bottle of generic tomato ketchup and surprise your guests with something a little more original. Island Grill, the sustainable restaurant in Lancaster London, offers an unrivalled, eco-friendly menu. Adam Woolven, Head Chef at Island Grill, shares his recipe for a tangy Tomato and Chilli Jam.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1kg Very Ripe Plum Tomatoes
  • 5 Red Chilli Peppers
  • 8 Garlic Cloves
  • Ginger (10cm piece)
  • 60ml Fish Sauce
  • 550g Demerara Sugar
  • 200ml Red Wine Vinegar
  • Pinch of Salt and Pepper

METHOD

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add the plum tomatoes to the water and boil for 10-15 seconds. Following this, run the tomatoes under cold water, then peel and quarter them.

Step 2: Peel the ginger (easiest done with a spoon), then finely chop it, along with the garlic cloves and chilli.

Step 3: In a large pan, cook the tomatoes, garlic, ginger and chillies on a low heat until the mixture becomes of pulp-like consistency. Pour the fish sauce, red wine vinegar and Demerara sugar into the mix. Stir well. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Step 4: Don’t wait for the jam to cool – store the jam in a sterilized jar whilst still hot.

Step 5: Scoop a generous spoonful of jam onto your freshly barbecued burger – and enjoy!

5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD EXCITEMENT TO YOUR LIFE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD EXCITEMENT TO YOUR LIFE

When was the last time you had fun? We mean real fun. Sometimes life can get a little boring and it can be easy to fall into the trap of sticking to the same, dull routine everyday. If the daily slog is getting you down, it’s time to mix things up. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to add excitement to your life. 

GET IN TOUCH WITH OLD FRIENDS

If your diary is empty then it’s time to fill the pages with new and exciting social dates. Do you have friends that you haven’t managed to see for a while – perhaps from university or your childhood – that require a little more effort to meet up with, then now’s the time. Not only will this spice up your social life, you may come back from visiting old pals inspired to take up a new hobby or cultural interest. If you have old friends in faraway places, then travelling to visit them could add another element of excitement to the get together.

TRAVEL

Speaking of travel, it’s one of the easiest (and quickest) ways to add some stimulation to your life, especially if you have to go solo. Indeed, there are so many pros to travelling alone, unescorted, unburdened and unleashed. Travel will open your eyes and awaken your senses; from discovering different cultures and attitudes to life, to experiencing new cuisines and broadening your perspective of the world. Moreover, travel is grounding and gratifying for your mentality and mindset. So stop making excuses, and get travelling!

LEARN ABOUT YOUR FAMILY TREE

A family tree is more than just names, places and dates. Learning about it will give you the opportunity to unearth your family history. You’ll discover more about your ancestors and in the process understand more about who you are and where you’re from.

It’s amazing the information you can uncover these days from looking at newspaper records, the land registry records, old wills and military records. These documents will provide you with a story from the past: what your ancestor did, who they did it with, and the outcome of their actions. If you are really lucky, you could even source the war medals that they received for bravery from a specialist such as Ulric of England to complete the picture. Who knows what exciting stuff you’ll discover about yourself and your family. 

CHANGE YOUR JOB OR CAREER

If you’re bored senseless everyday at work and you dread going in every morning, then it may be time to change your job. Your job takes up huge amounts of your time and energy, therefore it should be something that you enjoy doing, giving you a sense of pride and fulfillment. Yeah, we know your secure in you’re job and you have to pay the bills – but if you don’t like where you work, what’s the point? Changing your job could be that exciting change you need.

MOVE ABROAD

If travel and changing your job isn’t enough for you, why not get a new job abroad? Many people flirt with the idea of spending a part of their lives living in a different country, only to dismiss the notion as absurd and unworkable with any attempt to put it into practice. However, in a world where barriers of cost, language and communication seem to be lessening with each day that passes, there’s no better time than now to follow through on those desires and experience a way of life that is sure to enrich your own.

 

5 IDEAL IDEAL TIPS FOR A SUMMER WALKING HOLIDAY IN THE UK

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL IDEAL TIPS FOR A SUMMER WALKING HOLIDAY IN THE UK

Summer is nearly here and with the prospect of better weather and longer evenings it’s the ideal time to embark on a walking holiday. Whether you decide to go on an epic trekking adventure from Lands End to John O’Groats, taking you through the beautiful British countryside and onto the serene views of the Scottish Highlands, or explore the rugged coastal paths of Cornwall, this is one of the best seasons to do it. 

Indeed, a walking holiday in the UK is the ultimate staycation. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience our little island in all its glory, from its sheep-speckled pastures to blooming lavender fields and woods full of wildlife. Moreover, according to the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), walking is the third most popular type of holiday, just behind city breaks and culture tours. With this in mind here are 5 IDEAL tips for a walking holiday in the UK.

WEAR THE RIGHT STUFF & DON’T FORGET THE WATERPROOFS

Wearing the right clothes for your walk will either make it a stroll in the park or like trailing through through the fiery pits of hell. The most important thing of all is your walking boots as the right pair is the key to a comfy walk. Always buy your boots from a specialist outdoor retailer and be prepared to invest in a quality pair. Indeed, the worst thing on a walking holiday is that unbearable rubbing pain and those terrible blisters that you’re likely to get if your brand new walking boots turn out to be rubbish. Oh and remember to break your boots in before your trek otherwise those blisters will be increased tenfold. 

When it comes to clothes forget the jeans and go for lightweight materials – something in breathable wick fabric is best. Cottons are a no-no as they tend to retain moisture, so unless you want a sweat sesh they’re best avoided. And above all, don’t forget your waterproofs – remember you’re walking in the UK, renowned for it’s unpredictable weather. 

BRING THE ESSENTIALS ONLY

The last thing you want is to be weighed down with a bag full of unnecessary items, giving you an aching back and making your walk even harder. Only bring the essentials. But what are these necessary items we hear you ask?

Well for starters anything that will protect you from the, dare we say sunny weather – think hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. And while you may not think that walking is the most strenuous of outdoor pursuit, accidents are likely to happen. You’re guaranteed to get blisters no matter how hard the soles of your feet, therefore plasters, blister cream and blister patches are definite essentials.

Other mishaps likely to happen are grazed knees, stinging yourself of nettles, being bitten by insects and scratching yourself on the blackberry bushes, thus antiseptic and sting relief cream are both necessary. And if you suffer from hay fever, don’t forget the antihistamines – it’s a good idea to get the non-drowsy kind, that is unless your intentionally planning to go hill rolling. 

Other essentials of course include plenty of water and water purifying tablets are a good idea too, just in case you run out of the stuff and come across a suspicious looking stream. Also, pack some electrolyte rehydration tablets or powder as with all the physical activity and sweating from your walk, your body may dehydrate making you susceptible to sunstroke. But with a few of these in your arsenal, you can help to replace the salts lost from your body.

BUY A WALKING STICK

Everyone knows that walking sticks are a ramblers best friend and for good reason. According to research, you’ll save a whole load of strain by using one, particularly on your knees. Scientists at the Universities of Massachusetts and Wisconsin and at Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation found that by using a walking stick, you’re more likely to get fewer injuries and it will provide relief for ailing knees and joints. Furthermore, by reducing the workload (as essentially you’ll have three legs) you’re less likely to feel fatigued, making your walk easier. We think that the telescopic kind are the best as they fold up and can be easily packed away when not being used.

BE PREPARED FOR COUNTRYSIDE TRANSPORT

Yes we know you’re on a walking holiday, however you’re going to be using public transport at some point on your journey. As such, one thing you must prepare yourself for is how awful rural transport is. Indeed, country buses take the meaning of life in the slow lane to another level. You can’t just turn up to a bus stop, expecting the next one to come in a matter of minutes. Some rural towns are served by only one bus a day.

Bear in mind that the lack of public transport is worse for people living in rural areas. As this report by the Guardian highlights; cuts to countryside buses put jobs, education and healthcare out of rural-dwellers reach. So try not to complain to the locals too much.  Before you set off, remember to write down the times of the bus if you’re planning on taking one. Also, bring some sort of entertainment for when it inevitably turns up late – perhaps a lightweight book on plant and birds species in the UK so you can identify them on your walk?

BE PREPARED FOR THE ROUTE

You’ll likely be your own guide on your walking adventure. Instead of going in blindsighted which may lead to getting lost, prepare yourself for the route. By this we mean read about the trail beforehand so you know what to expect. Take rough notes to give you a understanding of the route, landscape marks and features to look out for. Also, bring an up-to-date map (emphasis on up-to-date) as relying on your phone or GPS to guide you is a rookies mistake – you’re unlikely to get signal in most rural areas.  

6 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE USE OF YOUR SPARE ROOM

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE USE OF YOUR SPARE ROOM

If you have a spare room in your house, but you don’t use it, is it even really there? Nope, that’s not an age old philosophical question, but a genuine thought. Of course, many spares are fitted out as extra bedrooms for when guests come to stay, but if you’re not using the room for anything other than accommodation when you have visitors, that’s a very useful space being wasted the rest of the time. It’s funny how you can be struggling for space in the rest of the house, living under rubble and debris, but the spare room sits profuse and full of potential. With that in mind, here are 6 IDEAL ways to make use of your spare room.

HOME GYM

The old excuse of lacking time, or the energy to make the journey, can no longer be used if you’ve got a home gym. You could convert your whole spare room if you rarely have guests, and put on a futon or sofa bed for the odd occasions someone does stay over. If you want to keep a bed permanently set up, no problem – there are some very clever exercise machines on the market which can combine several functions into one compact piece of equipment. A quick search online can help you discover more about home gym options. Having the facilities to hand rather than having to travel to a gym could be the motivation you need to start exercising regularly, or if you are already committed to an exercise routine, you’ll have the opportunity to do more and work on specific goals. Or just get really creative with your excuses not to.

SANCTUARY 

Everyone needs somewhere to relax, kick back and get away from the stresses of life. A spare room is an ideal space to turn into a sanctuary; a place to sit in peace and reinvigorate your mind and spirit. You will need a really comfortable chair; maybe a recliner, or even better a recliner with massaging functions. A side table to put your beverages, books or radio on will also be handy, so everything you need is at hand. Then you can put in bookshelves and have a home library, or have a stereo system installed so you can listen to music while you relax. You could keep a yoga mat in the room and use this as a place to practice yoga or Pilates for example. Or you could have candles and incense holders that you can light to help you meditate. Leave your cell phone outside, and put a do not disturb sign on the door for perfect peace and quiet.

HOBBIES ROOM

Stamp collection overflowing at the seams? Cosplay outfits need hiding from dinner party guests? That unplayed piano you forked out on causing you shame? You might have a hobby, pastime or collection that takes up space in the rest of the house, and this is your chance to devote a room to it, whether that’s in the name of out of sight, out of mind, or to dedicate head and physical space to it. A worktable and storage areas for a crafting hobby like needlework, model making, or decoupage; or a large desk for jigsaw puzzles, for example, will help your hobby flourish if you let it. If you do happen to have a collection you’re proud of and would to like to have on show, fit some display cases around the walls to place your treasured items in.

PLAY AREA 

If you have kids, you might want to use the space in the spare room to make them a play area, where they can keep all their toys and activity materials. Then they can get all their Lego out and spread it around without it getting in anyone’s way, or build a papier mache castle and surround it with dragons, knights, and princesses. This option will help you to keep their bedroom tidier, and you can have a rule that all toys have to stay in the playroom. The kids could make as much mess as they liked in there without bothering anyone else, and you won’t have toys and kids’ stuff all over the house.

HOME OFFICE 

Side hustles are an increasingly common way for those with an entrepreneurial flair to make extra money. Having a space which you can dedicate to all your work-related activities will make it a lot easier to organize yourself and run the business effectively. You may only need a desk and a computer, or you may need to store goods for sale, all depending on what your side hustle is. You can also set the room up to enable you to pursue your dream to be a writer or an artist. Having a dedicated workspace makes the process of working on your dream far easier, and you will get fewer disturbances.

ROOM EXTENSION 

Maybe your biggest problem is that there’s not enough space for everything that you have in the rest of your home. If that’s the case, you could use the spare room as an extension of your other rooms, for example, put a wardrobe in it and store your out of season clothes. This will free up space in your main bedroom that will help you keep everything far more ordered. You could apply the same logic to any part of your house that is getting cluttered but be methodical about it. Decide what needs to go into the spare room, but don’t just chuck it all in. Find and install some suitable storage units and put everything away tidily and logically.

 

 

10 IDEAL REASONS TO VISIT MANILA

Travel Team
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10 IDEAL REASONS TO VISIT MANILA

The city once depicted by Dan Brown as the “gates of hell” in his novel Inferno seems a little unfair these days. Indeed, Manila’s bad rep has hindered the city’s progress as a tourist hotspot, when in truth, the metropolis has so much to give. While people will warn you that the traffic jams are terrible, it’s crowded, noisy dirty and dangerous, it’s important to question, what capital city isn’t? Manila is fast becoming a global city with districts and culture to rival any other Asian mega city, so maybe it’s time to get stuck in. 

Thankfully for the Phillipino tourism industry it seems like people are finally taking notice of this underrated city and tourism in Manila is on the rise. The number of visitors for the period of January to June in 2017 was up 12.7 percent on the year before and in that timeframe last year, the capital of the Philippines welcomed a whopping 3.3 million people. Whilst Manilla’s old reputation from its colonial days as ‘The Pearl of the Orient’ and the ‘Paris of Asia’ is unlikely to be reinstated, the city still has so much to offer. With this in mind, here are 10 IDEAL reasons to visit Manilla

THE CULTURE

We know saying ‘the culture’ is such a broad term, but like many Asian countries, the Phillipines has a long and varied history and culture wise, there is so much to do an see in Manila. For one, it is the only place in Asia to have been colonised by the Spanish (1521–1898) and as such offers a unique take on architecture, religion and customs. Indeed, to experience all three in harmonious unison, a visit to the city’s many beautiful Spanish era churches is a must.

THE FOOD

The food in the Phillippines has been overlooked by the world and for many remains a culinary mystery, yet to be discovered. Offering a mix of Asian heritage and Western influence, the cuisine is made up of a unique blend of Malay, Spanish, Chinese and American influences and with 175 ethnolinguistic groups living in the country, as you can imagine, the cuisine varies greatly in different regions. However, Manila is one of the best places to get an overall sense of the grub in the country.

The unofficial national dish of the Philippines is adobo (ah-doh-boh) which is derived from Spanish influences and features intensely flavoured meat in a rich sauce. A must-try is bagnet – a deep-fried pork dish that’s popular across the country. We’re also obsessed with Lumpia which are a kind of deep-fried spring roll, stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and chopped vegetables. Oh and you can’t come to the Philippines and not try halu-halo (meaning mix) which is a crazy, colorful combination of sickly sweet ingredients.

THE NIGHTLIFE 

If partying is your thing, then Manilla might just be the perfect place. From rooftop cocktail bars to cool speakeasy joints, there’s something for everyone here. Quezon city is the place for groovy hipster hangouts; here you’ll find Tomas Morato Avenue which is lined with restaurants and bars.

Makati is the perfect district for bar crawls with Don Pedro Steet and its numerous establishments being a draw for many.  If you want to try your luck, for people who like to have a flutter on games like roulette and blackjack, the city is swiftly becoming one of Asia’s brightest gambling destinations. Finally, Filipinos love to sing and karaoke is extremely popular here; belting out a song out whilst drunk is a rites of passage on any night out in the capital city.

RIDE IN A JEEPNEY

Known as the king of the road, Jeepneys are synonymous with Phillipino culture.  Yeah, they are cramped with commuters and the fumes that these gas-guzzling vehicles give off are something else, but these vehicles, made from surplus Jeeps left behind by American troops after World War II, are part of Manila’s charm and character and have become a sort of national emblem.

Hopping on one is the best way to get a real glimpse of life in Manila and see how the locals live and get around. However, the Jeepney will soon be a thing of the past; a push by the government to modernize the transportation system and replace all diesel engine-powered vehicles by 2021 is in currently under way.

A THRIVING ART SCENE

Along with having delicious food on every corner, Manila is also a hub for artists. There are a number of art centres in the city, with places like MO Space and 1335 Miami well-known for pushing the boundaries of Filipino art. Jaw – dropping, magnificent street art is also everywhere in Manilla and a Street Art Tour is highly recommended. Manila also hosts a number of annual film festivals, which include the French Film Festival in June and the International Silent Film Festival in August. 

HILOT MASSAGE

Hilot massage (pronounced hee-lot) is an ancient Filipiono art of healing that has been practiced for thousands of years. A Hilot therapist, called manghihilot, identifies muscular and skeletal ailments through intuition and then uses chiropractic manipulation to treat these musculoskeletal ailments. Still today, many Philipinos will seek the help of a manghihilot as an alternative to a medical doctor. While you can now get this type of massage anywhere in the world, there is no better place to have it than its home.

MANY WORLD CLASS MUSEUMS

Manila is home to many world class museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila  houses a vast array of contemporary art, and the Lopez Museum and Library, which features a huge collection of art and artefacts, is certainly worth exploring. If you can, visit during The Art Fair Philippines, which is a rapidly growing festival held in the Makati City area. In a mere two years, the exhibition area has doubled in size to 4,400 square metres.

THE OLDEST CHINATOWN IN THE WORLD

This district of Binondo in Manila is the world’s oldest Chinatown, dating back to the early decades of the Spanish colonial period. For four centuries this part of town was the hub of the city, where all the trade and commerce went down and it remains of important historical significance to the country. The food in this area, in particular, is phenomenal.

MANILA BAY SUNSETS

The spectacular sunsets in Manila Bay are renowned for being among the best in the world. Summertime is the best time to enjoy Manila Bay’s Sunset, obviously. One of the best spots to experience the sun descending is on Manila Bay’s promenade, right behind the Mall of Asia. Here you’ll also find many al fresco dining spots and open air cafes to head to after you watch the sun go down.

THE COST AND BUDGET HOTELS

If you’re still unsure about whether a visit to Manila could be for you, you’ll definitely be swayed when you hear about the cost of things in the Philippines’ capital. According to PriceofTravel, Manila is the 7th cheapest city in Southeast Asia. The survey suggests that as little as $22 per day is required for food and accommodation.

For travellers who want to get as much bang for their buck as possible, this is one of the best places to go. You could choose to stay in cheap hostels but lavish hotels are also reasonably priced for those who have a slightly larger budget. For a five star hotel like the Peninsula Manila, holidaymakers are looking at a price of around $120 per night.

4 IDEAL HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE GREEN

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4 IDEAL HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE GREEN

We all want to be a little greener. Younger generations, in particular, have a passion for environmentally conscious lifestyle. Studies suggest that the majority of Generation Z would pay more for goods and services they knew they had a reduced impact on the environment as compared to rival products.

There are many ways we can help to reduce the impact our lives have on the environment, from limiting car travel to buying sustainable foods.

One such area that can have the biggest impact on our carbon footprint is how we live at home. A place we spend much of our time, both major and minor tweaks to the household have impressive effects on our individual environmental impact. With this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL home improvement tips to make your house green. 

DITCH YOUR OLD BOILER

An older boiler can cost upwards of £300 more per year on your energy bills than a newer model. While this sounds like it is hitting your wallet the hardest, it’s actually having a major impact on your environmental footprint.

The reason you are spending so much extra on bills is because your boiler is ineffective in what it does. The old and worn parts mean it’s struggling to make heat. In doing so, the appliance wastes more energy, which burns more fuel, which increases CO² output.

Boilers last about 10 years. After that, their efficiency starts to drop and output vs fuel consumption diminishes. Get rid of your old appliance, install a boiler that is eco-friendly, and make your house green.

ENERGY EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY

With a new focus on saving energy and reducing environmental impact has come a new wave of technology to meet demands. Energy-efficient tech exists to cover all facets of modern living, from TVs and entertainment devices, to washing machines and dishwashers.

Moving to this technology reduces your energy expenditure, much like renewing your boiler. For example, changing to energy-efficient light bulbs can save you £100 a year on your bills, and installing a eco-friendly fridge could recover as much as £130.

All this money translates to a reduction in the amount of energy you are using. It means you are spending less because your consumption is far lower. Make your house green by switching to energy-efficiency technology: the environment and your bank balance will thank you.

INSULATE YOUR PROPERTY

Your property is wasting energy — it’s bleeding it. Poor insulation increases your need to burn fuels in order to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As temperature to cool or warm is spread around your home through your central heating, fans or air con, it dissipates and is lost through the ceiling, walls, windows, doors and flooring, as it balances with the weather outside.

But this is all unnecessary. Simply by insulating your property better, you can reduce energy waste and, therefore, make your house greener. Limiting this type of energy loss means you lessen the need to burn energy to keep your house the temperature you want it, lowering your carbon output.

Retention is all about better insulating the spaces of your home. Filling empty cavities in walls, attics and flooring with substances such as foam or fibreglass, will stop that bleeding happening so quickly.  It’s a simple solution, yet incredibly effective and impactful.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

The results are in: the entire world wants more renewable energy. A survey of 26,000 people across 13 countries and three continents found that 83% of people believe creating more renewable energy is a priority. The fact of the matter is you don’t have to wait to go green and enjoy sustainable energy. You can do it now. There are two ways to do this:

Produce Your Own Energy — Solar panelling might seem like super-advanced, high-profile tech, but it is becoming increasingly accessible. Anyone can install panels on their property. While initial costs are high, solar panels not only reduce your environmental impact, but can also save you hundreds on your utility bills. With a lifespan of 25 years or more, they’ll help you save the planet and save on bills for a long time.

Switch to a Renewable Energy Supplier — If you’re willing to pay a bit more for your energy, you can switch to suppliers that source their energy from renewable sources. Yes, it will definitely cost more than those burning fossil fuels for your electricity and gas, but the reductions in your carbon footprint will be considerable.

 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE MOVING WITH KIDS EASIER

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE MOVING WITH KIDS EASIER

Moving house is stressful in any situation, but moving to another country can be overwhelming. There are so many things to think about, and this all becomes even more complicated when children are involved. Making sure the transition is as smooth and stress free as possible is any parent’s biggest concern, then. Such a big change can at first be tough for the little ones, but once settled in, their resilience and adaptability will shine through. To make the switch as serene as possible, here are 5 IDEAL ways to make moving with kids easier.

INVOLVE THEM IN THE MOVING PROCESS

Once you’ve made the decision to move and have got on top of various administrative asks, it’s time to start packing those boxes. If it hadn’t sunk it that change is afoot, now is the time that things will start to seem real.

Frame the move as an exciting adventure for all of you by including them in the packing process, discussing what is most important to them and asking them to help out. Sure, this may be a little less time-efficient than cracking on with it whilst you sit them in front of the TV, but it’s worth the sacrifice to help them feel included and important; helping you to build a feeling of involvement and dialogue. This is especially true of older children, who will probably find it harder to leave their friends and family behind when moving overseas

DON’T FORGET THE TOYS

Having your children’s favourite toys at hand when moving house is crucial. Some comfort and nostalgia, of course, needs to exist, offering continuity and warmth in what can sometimes be quite a turbulent time. 

The toy experts at Darlington Diecast, who stock rare diecast model cars UK, recommend that for more expensive toys, it’s essential that you ensure they’re packed away safely and securely. Unpacking on the other side only to find your child’s beloved toys have been damaged isn’t exactly going to herald the start of a harmonious new era.

What you should remember is that any big shipments of ‘stuff’ will take an average of 6 to 14 weeks to be delivered to your new home – depending on which country you’re making home – so make sure you have some packed in the hand luggage, as it were. 

BE RUTHLESS

Children will most likely want to take everything with them, or at the least be very non discriminatory – random, even – in their packing. So, what should they take? Well, it’s important to exercise a fair bit of discipline, as shipping boxes costs money, and stuff can accumulate pretty quickly. Of course, anything of sentimental value to your little one should take precedence, but ask yourself do you really need a fifth box of lego?

TAKE ENTERTAINMENT

We all know that laptops, computers, iPads and mobile phones are the number one thing you and your older (or younger) children will need to take with you. Other electronic items like stereos and PlayStation also bring great value in helping everyone to settle in to their new life. Remember to make sure that they will be working in other countries as some televisions, videos and DVD players do not work properly in countries like Australia and New Zealand.

BE FLEXIBLE

Every family is different, and in the end it depends on the parents, the kids and shared decisions. Some families prefer to do is as quick as possible without letting the children know, some of them plan it long way in advance to prepare the kids for the departure. Nevertheless, if you feel like it is getting too much or you are scared to do all of this on your own, it can be easier if you use an international moving company as they can help you with the moving and you have one less thing to worry about.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR ORGANISING YOUR OWN MINI FESTIVAL

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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR ORGANISING YOUR OWN MINI FESTIVAL

While Glastonbury isn’t running in 2018 that doesn’t mean there aren’t a whole host of other cool and quirky festivals to get stuck into this year. If it’s impossible to find anything that will suit your own, unique tastes, here’s a novel idea: host your own DIY festival!

Whether you’re lucky enough to own a plot of land that can accommodate it or just have a massive back garden that can hold a few tents, it’s a prime opportunity to make the most out of the outdoor space, fine weather and good vibes that the summer brings. With that in mind, here 5 IDEAL tips on how to organise your own mini festival.

MIND YOUR OWN SPACE

Space is the premium concern when planning a big party, let alone one which you can deem a ‘festival’. Therefore, it’s vital you toil over every available inch. Whip out that tape measure and plot out the diameters, circumferences, squared metres; the works. Map out precisely where everything’s going to go, or you may be confronted with people packed in like sardines, unable to dance to the expensively hired band or state-of-the-art sound system you’ve installed.

Including an area for a few tents will really give your space the festival vibe; we think an essential element of anything great festival is the staying over and slumming it, after all. Check out these bell tents from the guys over at Garden & Camping for a quality glamping experience.

MAKE SURE YOU RSVP

They say that ‘if you build it, they will come’ – well, if they don’t know anything about it, then that particular quote may be disproved. Do some research around dates (nobody wants to be clashing with a major event around town!), then pick one and stick to it. Alternatively, you could piggyback on the back of an event – like a birthday or anniversary. Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like giving someone a huge event in their honour.

You can either make it public by selling tickets to anyone and everyone or just invite friends and family. If you stick with the former, it may be an idea to donate your earnings to charity after you cover the spend for the setup – keeping up with the spirit of Glastonbury and contributing to all round good karma.

BE SAVVY FINANCIALLY

Obviously, it’s going to be a struggle to budget for an event of significant size and spectacle, but there are ways and means to keep things sensible and not overly frivolous. Plan everything meticulously; from catering, performers, facilities, maybe even the odd portaloo, every little helps (and mounts up) so be as thorough as possible.

BOOKING YOUR BANDS

What is a music festival without a quality live music? You won’t have professional music festival money, but you better believe there will be hungry bands around your town that would be more than happy to play a gig. Make sure you pay them, though. Musicians have got to eat, and here’s nothing worse than trying to coerce an artist with ‘free exposure’. You wouldn’t want to work for free, so don’t assume they would; and the show is more likely to be full of enthusiasm and energy if respect is shown by both sides.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

If your plot of land has people in living nearby, then it’s crucial that you let them know about it beforehand – maybe even offer them an invite! To be extra safe make sure that you’re obeying the local noise pollution laws if the event is going to go on late – and let’s be honest, what festival doesn’t? Nothing ruins a party quite like local police having to pay a visit to tell you to keep it down, so keep one step ahead on that count.

4 IDEAL BENEFITS OF BEING A BEAUTY THERAPIST

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4 IDEAL BENEFITS OF BEING A BEAUTY THERAPIST

Obsessed with eye lashes? Living for lipstick? Wake up thinking about make up? Well, have you ever thought about becoming a beauty therapist? Turning passion into a career never looked so good. Indeed, working in beauty is an increasingly popular profession in the UK, and for good reason. Not only is there always demand for beauty therapists – equating to a guaranteed a job for life – but it’s also one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK today. In 2017, spending was at approximately 7.4 billion British pounds, representing an increase of more than 400 million on the previous year. That’s a whole lot of people spending a whole lot of money on pampering themselves.

Alongside a growing industry, the possibilities for qualified and fully-trained beauty therapists are endless and the potential to create a flexible and fulfilling career extremely attractive. Just like the faces you’ll be working on. So, if you’re looking for a lucrative career, here are 4 IDEAL benefits of being a beauty therapist.

FUN AND FULFILLMENT

If you love to pamper people and make them look and feel their very best, then a career in beauty could be ideal for you. As a beauty therapist (emphasis on the word therapist, here) you’ll have the opportunity to make people feel fabulous about themselves, boosting their self confidence and esteem and generally generating some seriously warm vibes in the process. Indeed, not only do beauticians enhance their client’s physically, they also help their psychological wellbeing. You can offer a relaxing environment, where your customers can forget about their worries and concentrate on making themselves feel good, if only for an hour or two.

A REGULAR INCOME

If you become a therapist in the beauty industry, whether you are an expert in nails, makeup, or various other beauty treatments, you can earn a regular income, especially if you work in a salon. Even if you decide to branch out on your own it’s easy to build a solid client list. Beauty is a very personal thing and you may already have a good base of clients who appreciate your skills that you could take with you, especially if you have undergone particular training in beauty courses from a good London school at somewhere reputable like The London Beauty Training Academy.

FLEXIBILITY & VARIETY

If being flexible and fluidity is your thing, then say hello to the beauty industry. Indeed, there’s nothing like having the perfect work-life balance, and with a job, in beauty therapy, you can have achieve it. Many jobs within this sector offer flexibility when it comes to your schedule, especially if you decide to open up your own beauty business like having your own spa beauty clinic services, rent a booth as a stylist or become a freelance hair and makeup artist.

Also, when you decide to become a beauty therapist, no day is ever the same. Depending on your speciality, each appointment will involve different challenges. You could be giving a facial one moment, applying makeup or spray tanning someone the next. There are so many beauty treatments that you can learn how to do with the right course including massage, hydrotherapy, reflexology, and aromatherapy. You’ll also get a mixed bag of clients, keeping things current and interesting, which brings us to our next point…

MEET NEW PEOPLE & MAKE LIFELONG CONNECTIONS

Working in beauty means you have the opportunity to meet and work with so many fascinating people. It’s easy to establish a good, solid relationship with clients in the beauty industry simply because beauty treatments are a highly personal experience where you interact closely with your clients and respond to each’s unique wants and needs. Being in a close relationship with your clients allows you to build a stronger base, as mentioned, which will be a big help if you ever want to strike out on your own. Plus, there’s nothing like doing a good job – the appreciation from clients is always its own reward.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CAMPERVAN COOL FOR SUMMER

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CAMPERVAN COOL FOR SUMMER

Windows rolled down, Springsteen on the radio and nothing but the open road and a sense of endless possibilities in our hearts. Indeed, you get a real sense of freedom and adventure spending those warm, heady summer weeks driving around in a campervan. It’s a wonderful way to explore Europe or simply visit parts of the UK you’ve never been to before as, in an exciting and relatively affordable manner. Wherever you’re headed, one thing for sure is that you’ll want your campervan to look the part both inside and out, as it’ll be your home for the next few weeks. Here are a few ways to make that happen.

PAINT THE EXTERIOR

Especially for those who have invested in a classic campervan, one of the first things you’ll probably want to do is update the paintwork. Rust can cause dull and faded paintwork, which looks less than appealing. If you need to give the whole campervan a fresh coat of paint then the main option is to fully respray it, though there are ways to repaint your van without respraying it. Otherwise, you could just add a bit of character by adding some stylish decals, touching up little bits or painting. You could even go crazy and embrace the iconic “flower power” designs of sixties and seventies campervans.

INSTALL STYLISH, PRACTICAL DOORS

Not only do you need a door that is safe and secure but having one that blends in naturally with the rest of the campervans style is ideal. Tambour doors add a modern touch for those with a more contemporary model, while more traditional vans may be best to keep their original door and just update the lock. Alternatively, it can be good to get one tailor made to fit the shape and style of your campervan if you have a specific taste. To have a look at some doors for your campervan, click here.

CREATE A CLASSY INTERIOR

The inside is probably more important to you, as it’s where you’ll spend more time. Much like when decorating your home, decide on a colour scheme that suits. Light shades are best for that summery feel, most likely when you’ll be using your campervan. Think about the style of curtains too, as these are a simple way to add a touch of luxury to your campervan while serving a practical purpose. The same is true for any rugs or paintings on the wall.

INTRODUCE FUNKY LIGHTING

When it gets dark the summer party doesn’t have to stop. Invest in a range of portable garden lamps that you can stick outside to enjoy those warm evenings, or add some light strips to the outside wall that can be easily turned on. Inside, it’s amazing how effective it can be to string up a few fairy lights to create a nicer atmosphere, rather than relying on the bright overhead bulbs.

BRING NATURE INSIDE

Going on a campervan adventure does bring you closer to nature, but you can get even closer to it and improve your van’s style. Wooden furniture and panels create a cosy feel and when mixed with white colours look classy. Add a few plants for fresh smells and a bit of interest, and it will nearly feel like you’re camping out in the open.

Once your campervan looks the part you should be all set to enjoy a few weeks out on the open road as the envy of your fellow travellers.

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