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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SENDING PACKAGES ABROAD

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SENDING PACKAGES ABROAD

If you’re sending a gift to a friend who lives abroad, shipping an item to a customer or even returning an item you purchased online from an international retailer, you’ll understand the anxiety involved.  From worrying if it gets lots in transit to fear of it being mishandled, sometimes sending a parcel overseas can be stressful. So here’s 5 IDEAL tips for sending packages abroad to ease the process.

PACKAGE IT WELL

Sending parcels internationally means there’s much more opportunity for the parcel to get damaged whilst in transition. Ensuring that your parcel is secure is the first thing to do. Here’s our three top tips for packaging your parcel:

  • Pick a container of appropriate size – under filled boxes may collapse, especially if there’s not enough padding or cushioning to keep the contents in place.
  • Make sure your box and your items are firmly secured with strong and durable tape, double layered boxes and use flexible plastic liners or box coverings.
  • Consider the climate of where you’re sending the parcel to. Is it snowing or does it rain frequently? Then waterproof packaging is a must.

USE A REPUTABLE COURIER

The best way to guarantee safe delivery overseas is to use a reputable and experienced courier service. Simple. Couriers offer flexibility in terms of pricing, time frames and have options for specialised delivery. For postage to USA, a company like Parcelabc even offers tracking.

KNOW WHAT ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED

The first thing to do when sending a parcel abroad for same day delivery is to check whether or not your package includes anything that could be prohibited in the country it’s heading to. With international customs being different in each country, it always pays to check the customs regulations before posting to prevent any unwanted delays. If unsure, check the country’s official website where you should be able to find a list of prohibited items. For example, you can’t send the following items to the US:

  • Fresh, chilled, frozen or cured meat and poultry
  • Table eggs from countries which are known to have been infected Salmonella Enteriditis
  • Milk, cream and other products of animal origin
  • Trees and plants (live)
  • Edible fruits, vegetables, roots, nuts, peel of citrus fruits, coffee
  • Wheat products
  • Opium
  • All taxable, flammable, potable beverages of 5% alcoholic content by weight
  • Bird guano

PROVIDE CONTACT DETAILS

Should there be any additional queries or questions to be resolved when your parcel reaches its desired country, clearly having the contact details of both the sender and the recipient means that any issues can be ironed out asap. This ensures your parcel doesn’t encounter any unnecessary delays. Bear in mind, some countries won’t deliver without the correct phone number for the recipient.

 

 

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR BRIDESMAID DRESS SHOPPING

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR BRIDESMAID DRESS SHOPPING

Your wedding approaches. You don’t know if you have more knots in your stomach than those you’ll be tying, but regardless, excitement is bubbling. You probably have ‘the dress’, and duly, now’s a good time to start thinking about your bridesmaids’ outfits.

Unfortunately, for many brides-to-be, this may cause some serious nerves. With so many different body shapes, styles and colourings to deal with, it may feel like a frankly impossible task. While you’ll never be able to please everyone, there are some ways to make choosing your lovely ladies dresses less fraught with stress. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL tips for bridesmaid dress shopping. 

THINK ABOUT THE WEDDING AS A WHOLE

Hopefully by this point, you’ll have decided on the theme of your big day.  If not, it’s time to get cracking as ideally, you’ll want to match your bridesmaids’ dresses to suit the overall style and vibe of the wedding. If it’s going to be a casual garden party, why not ask your girls to wear floaty floral numbers? Or how about long lace gowns for a more regal affair?

Also think about what the groomsmen are going to be dressed in. Are they wearing a classic black tuxedo or a double breasted jacket? Is the fabric plain or does it have a herringbone pattern? Plenty of questions to answer, sure, and if like us you’re not au fait with all the different answers concerning men’s dress wear, Edit Suits have a section of their website dedicated to ‘tying the knot’ showing loads of different styles.

FORGET MATCHY MATCHY DRESSES

When it comes to cut and design – whisper it – your bridesmaids don’t have to wear exactly the same dress. All your girls have different tastes and personalities, so don’t try to shoehorn your bridesmaids collectively into something that doesn’t work for them, just because it’s the perfect accompaniment to your dress or the flowers. 

You want your bridesmaids to feel confident and comfortable in their attire, as their role is just as much about being charming as it is gorgeous. Opt for dresses in the same colour with different lengths and necklines, giving your girls the option to choose the style that’s more flattering for their body type. Having your bridesmaids looking and feeling gorgeous and showing of their unique individual personalities makes the day go with much more of a bang, so don’t overlook it!

CHOOSE A COLOUR THAT SUITS EVERYONE

Just because the colour compliments your skin tone, doesn’t mean it will look good on your girls. Whether your lovely ladies have fair, olive or dark skin tones, make sure that the colour looks good on everyone when you go bridesmaid dresses shopping.  

Think laterally with colours. We love the idea of using a two colour palette or having the same dress in lots of different tones – things needn’t be identical. In fact, a little contrast brings a lot of intrigue. If you’re having a winter wedding, consider mistmatched sequin dresses in different colours – this way your girls can choose a shade that looks great on them.  Make sure you consider your bridesmaids’ hair colour too. If one of the wedding party has bright blue hair, try to make sure the colour of the dresses doesn’t clash with their locks.

GET YOUR GIRLS TO TRY ON LOTS OF OPTIONS

One of the top rules for bridal dress shopping is to keep an open mind, and the same should apply to bridesmaids and their dresses. Go to a specialist and have your bridesmaids-to-be try on lots of different frocks in different styles and colours. Your friend who has sworn off anything girly could look perfect in a pastel pink number. Remember, it’s going to be hard to make everyone happy, but keep an open mind and you’ll be richly rewarded.

MAKE IT FUN

Don’t make being a bridesmaid a chore. Your bridesmaids have their own lives so don’t expect them to drop everything just because you’re getting married. If you want to take them dress shopping, plan a date well in advance. This way you can make sure that they’re free, it fits in with their schedule and they won’t have to cancel. Make a fun day out of dress shopping, with the reward of dinner and drinks at the end of it for everyone to look forward to! 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD SOME SPACE TO YOUR HOME

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD SOME SPACE TO YOUR HOME

We’ve all been there. We pile home after a long, stressful day at work only to be confronted by mess and commotion at every corner. It’s demoralising, to say the least. But as the saying goes, a tidy house equals a tidy mind. And the first way to achieving that mess-free mecca is to declutter, deconstruct and redesign. By freeing up some physical space, you’ll feel a certain burden lifted mentally, too. So, here are 5 IDEAL ways to add some space to your home.

RETHINK YOUR FURNITURE

The furniture in your home eats up the majority of floor based real estate, and as such, its positioning needs to be carefully thought out. Is your bulky couch taking up loads of floor space? Does that rarely used armchair deserve its prime spot in the living room? Could you do without that coffee table which has never had a cuppa nestled on it? Clever, compact furniture is the way forward; the more streamlined, easily moveable, removable and adjustable the better.

There are lots of apartment-size pieces out there designed specifically for small-space dwellers. Built-in-furniture is particularly good for creating room in tight spaces. You could even consider furniture that serves as multi purpose –  a bench could be used as seating around your dining table and as a makeshift coffee table, for instance.

BE SMART WITH STORAGE

Out of sight, out of mind, as they say. Look at unused, purely functional areas of your living space and think how these can be best utilised as storage spaces. Every home has awkward nooks and crannies that go unused and unloved. Consider the area underneath your stairs, the loft you’ve long ignored or possible outdoor shed based space, all as vehicles of decluttering. There’s even lots of hidden potential for storage in your furniture – think a hollow, Ottoman foot stool or a sofa with attached drawers beneath.

GO OPEN PLAN

An instant way to give the impression of more space is to knock down a wall of two adjoining rooms, and go open plan. Doing so can completely change the dynamic of your house and make your living space a far more flexible proposition. Although it may seem a daunting prospect, it can be achieved in a day, and adds value to your property. So in the long run, going open plan is a wise – and relatively simple – investment strategy.

ADD AN ORANGERY

If you want more room, consider an orangery. What is an orangery we hear you ask? Well, it’s similar to a conservatory, but with more building work and less glass. It’s a more substantial structure and feels like an actual room rather than an add on. As such, the look and feel of one is more like an extension of the house than a greenhouse or sunroom, creating a viable, sophisticated space. The conservatory roof conversions company, projects4roofing recommend that you consider the roof type carefully, with Edwardian tiled roofs being particularly ”sympathetic to all house styles as its ridge is so versatile”. Wise words, indeed.

EXPAND UP OR DIG DOWN

Don’t move out, move up (or down). Converting your loft into a bedroom or creating a basement is the perfect solution for adding an extra area to your home, especially if adding an extension will turn your garden into a strip of grass. A bedroom at the top of the house with stunning skylights where you can get away from the rest of the house sounds ideal to us. Whether it’s man cave, den or playroom you’re after, expanding up or digging down will give you the space that you desire.

Psst, hey you space coveter. If a loft or basement conversions isn’t a viable option and you have high ceilings, creating a mezzanine level is a great way to create an extra area without sacrificing any floor space.  

12 IDEAL RUSSIAN DISHES YOU HAVE TO TRY

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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12 IDEAL RUSSIAN DISHES YOU HAVE TO TRY

Russian cuisine is all about hearty, sustaining food that can warm you up on even the coldest winter night. Making up over a seventh of the earth’s entire land mass, the sheer size of the country and diversity of what moves and grooves within means that there’s so much more to the Russian cuisine than borshch, potatoes and vodka (which means ‘little water’ in Russian, by the way).

In fact, Russian food is in the midst of something of a revolution, fuelled by hipper than hop joints like White Rabbit in Moscow, specialising in refined modern takes on well-known Russian dishes. With each new year, the country gains a firmer footing on the world foodie map, and with the World Cup also turning the globe’s attention to Russia later this year, we think it’s time to educate ourselves on their rich culinary heritage. Whilst modern Russia is seeing their classic plates reinvented, there are still traditional Russian dishes you simply must try on your visit. So, here’s our roundup of 12 IDEAL Russian dishes you have to try.

PELMENI

Nearly every country has a meat filled dumpling on it’s menu – think Japanese gyozas and Italian tortellini – and Russia is no exception. This Siberian speciality is stuffed with ground beef, pork or lamb and boiled in broth and usually served with a little butter or sour cream. If you’re vegetarian then Vareniki, which are a larger, flatter versions of these dumplings filled with potatoes or berries, are a great alternative. A word of warning; these dumplings are addictive and the ideal late night snack after a night of too much vodka.

Pelmeni | © Eugene Kim /Wikicommons

TULA PRYANIK (GINGERBREAD)

If you have a sweet tooth you can’t come to Russia without sampling Tula Pryanik – a type of imprinted Russian gingerbread decorated with sugary drawings. Dating back to the 17th Century and originating from the city of Tula, it’s probably the most famous Russian sweet of all. Although today the recipe for Tula Pryanik is widely known, back in the day there were lots of Tula Pryanik bakers and each had a secret recipe – incredibly long, complicated and closely guarded . These were exclusively passed to heirs, and survive in families to this day. There are various prints found on Tula gingerbread including holiday and personal greetings and also historical displays – gingerbread lasts for ages so it’s also the ideal souvenir.

BEEF STROGANOFF

Sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with smetana to make a piquant, creamy sauce – we couldn’t write a list on Russian foods without including the one and only beef stroganoff. Created by a French chef for a cooking contest in 1891 (or so the story goes) and then named after Count Pavel Alexandrovich Stroganov, this dish is known across the world. Back in its heyday in the 1970’s  it was the dish to be served at dinner parties and restaurants alike. Although it’s somewhat lost its popularity, it wouldn’t be a trip to Russia without sampling the dish.  

SMELT

If you’re in St. Petersburg in spring then you’re in luck – it’s smelt season. Smelt are slender little fishes that swim in the coastal waters of Europe and thrive in the Baltic sea. In St. Petersburg, smelt is the local delicacy and from March through April you’ll find vendors all over the city selling these little fishes, lightly fried. How to find them? Simply follow the smell of fresh cucumbers;  curiously smelt smell like them (bit of a tongue twister, that). Every year in May, St. Petersburg holds a smelt festival where all the locals (and tourists) can enjoy their favourite fish.

BORSHCH

Russia has seemingly endless varieties of soup. However the most famous export is Borshch, an attractive ruby soup famous throughout the country and whole of Eastern Europe. The heritage of this soup is somewhat debated, and it may not even be a Russian invention – the Ukrainians claim it as theirs, too. Nonetheless, Borshch is synonymous with Russian cuisine and you’d be a fool not to taste the real deal when you’re in the country. Vibrant in colour from the naturally fermented beetroot, earthy and slightly sour in taste, the soup is perfectly balanced with a dollop of thick sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.  

Pssssst. Hey you, soup fan! If broth is your thing then you’ve also got to try Solyanka – a thick spicy and sour soup made from usually made from salty cured meats, pickles, cabbage, capers and olives. Full of salty goodness, it’s considered the ultimate hangover cure in Russia.

 Borscht | © liz west/Flickr

IKRA (CAVIAR)

Russia has many culinary delicacies, but one stands out above the rest – and that is, of course, is caviar. From black to red, orange to yellow, these little fishy balls come in many different colours and varieties. Just as you wouldn’t leave France without sipping a glass of top French wine, you wouldn’t leave Russia without sampling caviar – Beluga, Sevruga and Ossetra being the most famous.

OKROSHKA

If you visit in the Summer, no doubt you’ll see Okroshka on most Russian menus. Okroshka is a cold soup made from seasonal raw summer vegetables like radishes, cucumbers, spring onions and potatoes, combined with eggs and dill (it wouldn’t be Russian without it) all brought together with a yogurt base. Tangy, salty, and with a combination of smooth and crunchy textures, it’s super refreshing; ideal for warm weather not so often associated with the country.

Okroshka soup |  © Nikkolo / WikiCommons

BLINI

Thicker than a crepe, but no less delicious, most will be familiar with blinis as the base of a Christmas canape or two, but they’re so much more versatile than that. You can fill them with meat, eat them with cheese or go traditional and enjoy with smoked salmon, caviar or smetana; a thick sour cream and Russia’s national condiment – served with practically everything.

PIROSHKI

Soft and fluffy, these fried Russian rolls, or ‘mini pies’ (the translation) are just the thing for a snack on the go. Made from yeast leavened dough, they are stuffed with meat and rice, then fried until golden. Sold in most bakeries and on street stalls, they’re easy to come by and even easier to eat.

PLOV

This is a one pot chicken (usually) and rice dish packed with spices and is ubiquitous in most Russian households. This hearty rice mix is actually  from Uzbekistan, part of the former Soviet Union, but has been a mainstay of Russian kitchens for generations. Warming with aromatic flavours and tender chunks of meat, a pile of plov will make you forget the freezing Russian temperatures quicker than you can say ‘pass me that comedy fur hat’.

Piroshki |  © Evilmonkey0013 / WikiCommons

SALAD OLIVIER

Salad Olivier. No, not the creative name of Jamie Oliver’s latest little one, but the great Russian potato salad. Hearty and comforting, it’s a deliciously creamy mixture of diced potatoes, pickles, cooked vegetables such as carrots and cooked meat. Sometimes bologna is added; a more modern edition. It’s eaten through Russia and is a staple dish for New Year’s Eve and other celebratory occasions.

MEDOVIK

To round off our list, like any good meal, something sweet. Medovik is a soft and utterly scrumptious Russian honey cake, and could well be one of the best cakes you ever taste. It has a history that dates back to the 1820’s and was created by a personal chef for the wife of Russia’s Czar Alexander I – or so legend has it. This cake would have any Bake Off contestant in a sweat – with layers of sweet honey biscuit and tangy cream topped with crunchy walnuts – it’s a real showstopper.

Medovik |  insatiablemunch @ Flickr/ WikiCommons

5 IDEAL REASONS TO STAY POSITIVE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS TO STAY POSITIVE

Life in 2018 is wrought with reasons to be worried. Global instability, leaders who have regressed into childlike states, and an increasingly all invasive technological system, have left uncertainty and stress as the default state of mind. It doesn’t have to be this way. A little positivity and progressive outlook can help you regain control. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL reasons to stay positive. 

BETTER RELATIONSHIPS

Looking for the positives and seeing the best in people can lead to a strengthening of friendships and relationships – from both sides – as you’ll see the best in people and they, in turn, will see a more optimistic outlook in you. This can enhance and enrich your life in the best possible way. People who cast the net wide socially are tend to be more positive and even healthier too.

YOU’LL COPE BETTER

There are always going to be hard times in life. Negative influences will try to disrupt your positive thinking. In these circumstances, no one would expect you to be happy and positive all the time; in fact, it’s good for you to let your true emotions out; keeping them bottled up is potentially harmful to your health. However, an ingrained positive, resilient outlook will help you tough out the rough times, and make the best out of any challenges life throws at you.

YOU’LL HAVE MORE ENERGY

Spending all of your time worrying can have a negative affect on your energy reserves, sapping both time and the physical urge to exercise in one foul swoop. Banishing negative thoughts will create a version of you who has time and motivation to be in the gym, the pool or at the running track. Equally, you’ll have more time for your hobbies, or perhaps for learning a new skill? You could even have time to pamper yourself. Get yourself an epilator, some essential oils and candles and treat yourself to an indulgent spa day at home.

YOU’LL LOOK YOUNGER

While many resort to botox to take a few years off the ol’ visage, an optimistic outlook is the best possible way to keep you looking young and your skin looking smooth and vibrant. Stress can expedite the onset of wrinkles and grey hair, so turn that frown upside down to avoid glower lines. 

YOU’LL BE HEALTHIER

When you have positive thoughts, your body is under less stress and strain, and you’ll be healthier in general. You’ll likely promote a lower blood pressure, in turn reducing your chances of having a stroke or heart attack, or of developing a chronic heart condition such as congestive heart failure.

In general, you will also be less likely to suffer from colds, flu, and other bugs that might be doing the rounds. The more positive you are, the better your immune system will be at fighting off these illnesses, and you’ll be able to tackle life head on. And we all want that, right?

4 IDEAL HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS ON A BUDGET

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4 IDEAL HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS ON A BUDGET

If you’re considering making some changes to your home in time for summer, you may be concerned about the costs that may build up. The good news is that home improvements needn’t break the bank, and very often it’s the small changes that can transform your home.

It’s possible to give your house a spruce without spending a fortune and a tight budget shouldn’t feel like a barrier to the changes that you’d like to make, and those changes may even end up adding value to your property at the same time. Give your home a little TLC with these 4 IDEAL home improvements tips on a budget.

A SPLASH OF COLOUR/ FEATURE WALL 

One of the easiest ways to get your home feeling fresh and re-energised is with a simple change of colour scheme. A lick of paint or even some wallpaper can dramatically alter the look and feel of your living space. You could opt for a full overhaul, or even decide to limit yourself to a feature wall to draw attention to a certain area. With such a wide variety of paints and wallpaper patterns available, you can tailor your colour scheme to suit your taste and the overall atmosphere that you want to achieve.

LET THERE BE LIGHT 

We all have the ‘big light’ in the living room, but it’s all to east to forget that you’re not limited to that one glaring lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. There’s a whole world of possibilities and ideas for lighting your home.You could get yourself a lamp with manual dimmers so that you can adjust the lighting depending on your mood or the time of day, or even buy a couple of matching lamps to tie the room together and gain full control over the ambience. Lighting can dramatically transform the look and feel of a room, and can be used to highlight some of the focal points, hide the unsightly edges of a space, or even act as part of the decor itself.

SMALL CHANGES 

Transforming your home doesn’t always have to be about making those big changes or taking on time-consuming jobs that will eat into your savings. These five small home improvement ideas are a great way to give your house a new lease of life, and allow you to make the most of your home. Why bother giving yourself more work and spending more money than you have too?

UPGRADING THE FINISHING TOUCHES 

Polish the overall look of your house by upgrading the finishing touches. We’re talking about old door knobs, tired looking cushions and scruffy rugs. If you’re still using those thick, heavy curtains that do the job but clash with the rest of your furniture, then it may be time to consider making a change. Blinds come in such a wide range of options these days that you will have little problem finding the style and colour that you want, and they are considerably cheaper than buying all new curtains. Blinds also have the added bonus of giving you more control over the natural light from outside, so you get the dual benefits of swapping from unsightly curtains to elegant blinds.

5 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP YOU ACTUALLY ENJOY EXERCISING

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP YOU ACTUALLY ENJOY EXERCISING

Do you tend to lose motivation and push your trainers to the back of your wardrobe? You’re not alone…

Exercise is hard work. It’s time consuming, you get sweaty and often your body will ache. Why bother, right? Well, there are so many reasons to exercise, for one, study after study shows that there’s a direct relationship between exercise and happiness. We all know how important exercise is, but it can be hard to find the will power to get going sometimes.

The best way to overcome this mindset is to make sure you plan your exercise, so you get the maximum enjoyment as well as all the health benefits from your workout. So here’s 5 IDEAL tips to help you actually enjoy exercising.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ACTIVITY

If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing it can make exercise a real slog. Just because a workout programme promises to deliver exactly the results you’re after doesn’t mean it will be right for you. You’re much better off doing something you enjoy and look forward to, and you’ll be more likely to keep it up! Whether you’re more at home swimming lengths at the local leisure centre, dancing in a zumba class or you prefer to go miles for miles on a treadmill,  whatever it is – make sure you enjoy it!

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION

Location is also important if you want to really enjoy your exercise. If you go for a run or a bike ride you need to choose somewhere that lifts your spirits. Head for the woods or the park rather than pounding round an industrial estate. If you use a gym, make sure it’s one that you feel comfortable in, and go and see several before deciding which one to join. Being in the right gym with the right people can make a huge difference to your workout’s success. Exercising at home has it’s advantages too. 

GO WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Turn fitness into a social event. “Exercising on your own, whether it’s working out in the gym or going for a run, can be a joyless experience. But exercising with others in a class is motivating and much more fun, especially if there’s great music too. When you try a class, give it two or three chances before you decide whether you want to continue or move on to something else: sometimes it takes a few weeks to start to learn the moves, feel comfortable and really get to love it,” explains Fitness Instructor and Nutritionist Cassandra Barns.

DON’T PUSH YOURSELF TOO HARD

No pain, no gain – right? That saying is nonsense. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If you ignore the pain in your back or a raised temperature and battle on anyway, you could exacerbate your injury or illness. This can lead to you having to miss more training sessions than you would have if you’d been sensible and taken care of yourself! Medical opinion is unanimous on this – don’t exercise if you have an injury or you’re feeling ill. If you can exercise the rest of your body without straining the injured area, that’s fine, but don’t push through the pain in your determination to keep going. You won’t enjoy it.

Seek medical advice if the injury is very painful or is taking a long time to heal, and get a referral to a specialist if you’re worried or your doctor can’t seem to get to the bottom of the problem. If you have the option, you can consider visiting a private clinic that deals with specific problems such as knee injuries.

HAVE MORE SEX 

Struggling to find some couple time and keep up with a fitness regime? Why not combine the both, through lovemaking? Not only can this help to burn calories, but it can also help you have a great sleep, which can leave you feeling more energised! “Sex or masturbation can help to relieve tension and help you go off to sleep faster,” says Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist. By getting a good night’s sleep it can then help you to be more productive the next day, which in turn can help you stay motivated for your exercise routine!

 

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO DE-BUNKING GYM BEAUTY MYTHS

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO DE-BUNKING GYM BEAUTY MYTHS

How many times have you overheard conversations at the gym and thought to yourself, that can’t be true… can it? Emma Frain, qualified personal trainer and head of fitness at Protein World, has de-busted seven of the most common beauty myths she’s heard from her clients and while training herself.

If you train with make-up on, you’ll get spots

Obviously, it’s always going to be better to train without make-up. It allows your skin to breathe, and it’s also easier to wipe sweat away without the worry of smearing mascara halfway across your forehead. However, we know insecurities mean we might not feel comfortable without our war paint. If you have to wear make-up to the gym, try to keep it as minimal as possible- three products is enough. For eyes, stick to waterproof mascaras and a decent brow gel to help frame the face. Avoid heavy duty foundations, instead sticking to a lightweight tinted moisturiser or minimal concealer spot treatment for problem areas. Once your workout is complete, remove the make-up on your face as quickly, and as thoroughly, as possible to avoid breakouts.

If you don’t sweat a lot, you haven’t worked hard enough

How much we sweat is predominately to do with our genetics and partly with the environment. To put it simply, we have an internal temperate gauge that constantly tries to regulate body temperature. You might notice when you’re in a fitness class that there are people who will start sweating after about 30 seconds of exercise, and there are others who won’t break a sweat until the end of the class. Sweat is produced in order to cool the body down whenever it starts to overheat. This could be to do with temperature of a room, the clothing that you’re wearing or even the weather. Our internal thermometers can be acclimatised, but this would take a lot of time in a range of different climates in order for our bodies to adjust accordingly. As long as you are working hard and pushing yourself, it doesn’t matter if you sweat or not.

Body acne is caused by sweating

If you find you’re getting breakouts on your body after a workout, don’t panic and run for the shower after a little sweat session. Why not? Because it’s not actually the sweat itself that causes breakouts on the body, it’s how long you’re sitting in your gym clothes after. Acne that appears on the body after a workout, most commonly found on the back, shoulder and neck area (usually referred to as “bacne”) is actually caused through restrictive clothing blocking your pores. When we workout, we sweat, and this settles on the skin and in our pores. Normally, we just wash it away in the shower, but if we have things to do and stay in our tight clothing, all the while keeping the sweat against our pores, this can cause them to fill and become blocked – resulting in inflammation.

Exercise makes you look younger

A one-off HIIT session isn’t going to make you look younger, it’s going to make you glow from sweat but that’s the extent of the anti-ageing process. However, long-term exercise does increase the production ofcollagen within skin cells, which helps to plump out the skin and make it appear younger. As well looking younger, the overproduction of collagen also makes us feel younger, as it helps to ease joint and muscle pain.

Wash your hair straight after a workout

The jury is out when it comes to how often you should wash your hair, with factors such as hair type, condition and thickness all impacting how often you should wash it. However, there is no set rule on how little, or how often, you should wash your hair. If you don’t feel comfortable with greasy hair after a workout – wash it – if you’re happy with a little sweat and volume – don’t wash it – a bit of grease isn’t going to hurt anybody.

Exercise improves your sex life

There are two ways of looking at this. We have the mental aspect; we work out, we feel good, as exercise releases endorphins which makes you happier, so you’ll be more inclined to have sex. On the physical side, working out makes you fitter, which results in an increase of confidence in a bedroom setting, but in terms of the activity itself, being physically fitter results in an increase in stamina – which is always a good thing.

Running makes your boobs saggy

Two factors contribute to sagging within the breast area. The first is the activity you’re taking part it, if it’s constant high impact (such as running and HIIT) training, you’re putting your breasts under more stress. This doesn’t need to be considered if you are wearing the correct clothing. This leads onto the second factor, which is the necessity for a good sports bra when at the gym. You need to ensure your sports bra of choice fits properly and supports you throughout all types of exercise, whether it’s low, medium or high intensity exercise. Most sports shops will be able to advise you on the type of sports bra you need for the activity you’re doing.

 

HOTEL REVIEW: IBSENS, COPENHAGEN – THE IDEAL HOTEL TO STAY AT IN NANSENSGADE

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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HOTEL REVIEW: IBSENS, COPENHAGEN – THE IDEAL HOTEL TO STAY AT IN NANSENSGADE

Overflowing with Danish allure, there’s something about Copenhagen that keeps drawing us back. Maybe it’s all the cozy cafes and trendy restaurants with their creative cooking styles. Perhaps it’s the urban beach and the sense of freedom that comes when a city is surrounded by the sea. Or it could be the fact that it’s full of amiable people and one of the world’s best countries to live in.  Whatever it is, we can’t get enough of this city.

When we travel to Copenhagen, it’s no secret that Kong Arthur is one of our favourite hotels to stay at. However, during a recent trip to the city, we cheated on Kong Arthur with her delightful sister, Ibsens Hotel. Do we regret it? No way.

Idea

Ibsens is a charming urban boutique hotel designed to feel like a home away from home. Decorated with various art pieces by local as well as international artists, the hotel is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of its bohemian area and perfectly suited to experience Nordic urban life.

Location

Copenhagen is home to some of the world’s coolest and hippest streets that all have their own charm and unique character. Nansensgade is one of those special streets and it’s here you’ll find Ibsens hotel, unmissable with its looming red neon sign. You won’t come across any chains or big brand stores here. Instead, stroll down it and you’ll find vintage shops, second-hand book shops and charming cafes, all with a bohemian touch.

Atmosphere

In the early evening, the hotel hosts happy hour. During this time guests can sink into comfy sofas and chairs whilst enjoying a glass of complimentary wine or beer and watching a roaring fire.  An assorted seating style creates different cozy zones within one space, giving the sense that you’re in your own personal living-room. The atmosphere during happy hour sums up the vibe of the hotel. It’s welcoming, laid- back with a homey feeling.

Style & Character

Stylish and inviting with great lighting, Ibsens perfectly fits in with the neighbourhood’s style and will speak to the artist within you. The walls are adorned with frames of photographs and unique paintings from local talent (the hotel actually invited artists from the neighborhood to contribute to its decor, bringing the atmosphere of the area inside) and everywhere you turn high quality handicrafts enhance the arty vibe of the hotel. In fact, Ibsens is the first hotel that accepts ‘artmoney’ as means of payment. As the hotel says ‘ our doors are always open to upcoming artists short of money looking for an inspiring stay’.  To add even more to the hotel’s unique and quirky character, like it’s sister hotel, Ibsens Hotel has become CO2-neutral on energy consumption. Stylish, arty and caring for the environment – we’re in love.

Rooms

With minimalist with muted tones and contemporary furniture, the rooms ooze Scandinavian charm.  If you owned one of the clean-line chairs in the room, visitors to your house would instantly know you have good taste. As this is a hotel designed for the area and to fit the building,  there are more catergories then you get at other hotels with identikit rooms. This is a good thing because whichever room you stay in, you know no one else in the hotel will be having exactly the same experience at the exact same moment, your one is unique  – just like the hotel.

Food & Drink

The bountiful breakfast at the hotel is a wonderfully wholesome affair and an amazing way to kickstart your day. The Danes get up early and take time to eat their breakfast, savouring the experience. They believe that a relaxed morning will set a calm vibe throughout the day.  We suggest you start your day this way too with the nourishing spread at the hotel – think muesli, berry smoothies, rye-bread and cold cuts.

If you’ve eaten enough open-faced sandwiches and are craving something a little more hearty, two of the hotel’s restaurants will satisfy this urge. La Rocca is a real-deal Italian joint dishing up a menu of  specialties that the chefs prepare from a wonderful array of fresh ingredients  – if you visit in the summer ask for a table outside in the cosy courtyard. Pintxos serves a delicious array of Spanish tapas and wines from different regions of Spain alongside a warming a la carte menu. The hotel is also home to Sticks’n’Sushi,  one of the first sushi restaurants in Copenhagen.

Facilities

At an extra cost, guests can use the gym and spa facilities at their sister hotel, Kong Arthur which is conveniently located across the cobbled courtyard.  The price for a day pass is DKK 195.

Why Go

If you’re looking to stay on one of the coolest streets in Copenhagen in an equally cool hotel, then Ibsens is the place.  Relaxed and lively, this hotel is the perfect base to explore Nansensgade and really get to know it, while being conveniently located to so many of Copenhagen’s best attractions.

Address: Vendersgade 23, 1363 København K, Denmark

Website: www.arthurhotels.dk

Disclosure: IDEAL stayed as a guest of Kong Arthur

5 Ideal Vegan Restaurants & Menus In London

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5 Ideal Vegan Restaurants & Menus In London

Going vegan is on the rise. Last January the Veganuary campaign saw over 60,000 people signing up to a diet of plants, grains and deliciousness, representing a huge 260% growth from the previous year. And although figures for this year’s have yet to be released, a further significant increase is expected. For many of those experimenting with all out animal abandonment this has become a more permanent lifestyle change, with an increase of 350% in the number of vegans living in the UK. 

Whether it’s a lifestyle choice, a health based, cholesterol bustin’ move or a dietary decision, veganism is a growing trend that’s here to stay. Vegans and the vibrant British dining scene though, seem to be at loggerheads, with diets dismissed as picky and chefs labelled as lacking in compassion, in equal measure. Fortunately, these attitudes too appear to be shifting, and not a moment too soon. This is apparent in the results from a recent Pulse survey by Nisbets, retailers of ​catering equipment​, where 20% of businesses said they considered consumer demand when changing their menus.  

London, it seems, is leading the way and with this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL vegan restaurants and menus in London.

THE SPREAD EAGLE 

Earlier this year, London’s first Vegan pub opened its door, with a massive ace up their sustainably sourced sleeve; Club Mexicana at the stoves. The menu is complete with a whole load of Latin American treats; beer-battered “tofish”​ tacos with vegan chorizo, vegan fried chicken scallops and much more. There’s also vegan beer, free from the animal-based ingredients (egg whites, fish bladders…..) often used by breweries in the clarification process. Lovely stuff and not a quinoa granola in sight.

Website: www.thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk

Vegan Burger | © @SpreadEagleLDN 

FED BY WATER 

Italian food is unfussy and ingredient led, letting the good stuff do the talking with a less is definitely more approach. This is good news for vegans, as less animal products get used to pep things up, and vegetables are quite rightly celebrated for being what they are. This place promotes a Mediterranean alkaline diet, which although a little nonsensical, basically translates as removing all the impurities found in tapwater before using it for cooking. Ignore the faux-science stuff and go for some of the best tomatoes, olives and vegan cheese in town.

Website: ​fedbywater.co.uk

THE TEMPLE OF SEITAN 

This ever popular vegan fast food shop selling fried chicken made out of a gluten based meat substitute called seitan (hence the name) is definitely worth a visit. Even carnivore comrades have been Instagramming snaps of their delectable looking Chick’n burgers. This one is definitely for those in need of a ‘meat’ fix, and there’s no shame in that.

Website: ​templeofseitan.co.uk 

Vegan Fried Chicken | © Facebook/Temple Of Seitan

WULF & LAMB

There’s no apologetic Vegan section of the menu here. Half-heartedly stuffed peppers or scrap veg risotto, you won’t find. Nope, it’s 100% plant based, because after all, if you’re not going to go hard, you might as well go home. Hungry. There are burgers, curries, pastas and more, all beautifully imagined and presented. As their slogan signals, it’s veg, with edge. Indeed.

Website: wulfandlamb.com

COOKIES AND SCREAM’S 

This bakery has got any vegan with a serious sweet tooth sorted. Every delicious doughnut, crumbly cookie and gooey brownie is dairy, egg, wheat and gluten free. Boom! They also have an indulgent range of ‘Scream Shakes’ made by blending their specially developed sauces with a brownie or cookie mix. Because hey, veganism can still be naughty.

Website: ​www.cookiesandscream.com 

4 IDEAL WAYS TO CREATE A TIMELESS LIVING ROOM DESIGN

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4 IDEAL WAYS TO CREATE A TIMELESS LIVING ROOM DESIGN

For most of us, the living room is the hub of our home. Because of this, every time you redecorate it you have to upheave your whole lives until the last drop of paint has dried.

However, there is another way. By making a few smart choices next time you revamp your main living space, you can create a timeless design that will stay fresh and relevant for years to come. What’s more, it’s easy to brighten up the look at any time if you follow the advice in this article.

So, read on if you want to create a timeless living room design that’s going to look great for as long as you want.

IGNORE THE LATEST TRENDS

Whether jewel tones, vibrant colours, or floral wallpaper are in right now, you can guarantee one thing: it’s going to look dated in a year’s time. If you want to create a living space that won’t need to be totally refurbished when what used to be hot becomes not, ignore the latest interior design crazes.  But if you’re a sucker for trends, one of the best ways to create a timeless living space is to stick to neutral colours, then you can buy in vouge accessories that you can change as interior design styles move on.

CHOOSE YOUR COLOURS WISLEY

Create an instant theme by using an online colour scheme designer like Paletton to pick three or four complementary colours. Then, simply stick to that palette when you’re picking out paint, wallpaper, and decorations. This is a fool proof way of developing an instant theme and bringing the whole space together under one theme.

The beauty of a thought-out colour scheme is that you can freshen up your living space at any time without having to get the paintbrushes out by simply investing in some new ornaments and artwork. There’s no need to throw away the things you replace — keep them in storage and rotate them every so often to keep your living room looking fresh and you may not have to redecorate for years.

FINE-TUNE YOUR FURNISHINGS

If you’re looking to create a style that will last, there are some simple style tips you can follow to get a timeless look without an expert eye.

For example, the easiest way to create a timeless look is by choosing matching furniture. If your coffee table, TV stand, and any other furniture is made from the same material, it’s going to look fantastic. Of course, if you want your living space to be timeless, make sure you avoid trends. For example, copper fixtures are all the rage at the moment, but in a year’s time they’re going to look dated. Pick modern or traditional furniture in a quality wood and it’s sure to stay timeless.

Similarly, if you invest in the right seats, they’ll last you years. As with any large purchase, if you go for a style that’s already stood the test of time, it’s unlikely to go out of fashion anytime soon. When it comes to your sofa, it’s hard to look past a chesterfield, which dates back to the mid-1800s and became an interior design icon the world over at the height of the British Empire, according to Sofas By Saxon’s history of the Chesterfield sofa. Pick one up in leather to keep it classic, or bring the style right up to date by choosing one upholstered in fabric.

UPGRADE YOUR DECOR

Last but not least, let’s talk about decorations. These can make or break any room, so it’s crucial you get them right if you want your living room to stand the test of time.

Framed artwork is never going to go out of style: ordering prints from a site like art.co.uk and having them framed in a wood that matches your furniture will add instant style. A painting or photograph with the same colour scheme as your living room will look particularly good.  

It’s a well-known design rule that a mirror makes a room appear larger than it is. So, whether you’ve gone for a modern or traditional living room design, you should make sure to take advantage of this optical illusion. If possible, try hanging your mirror on a wall that gets plenty of natural light: it will reflect it back into the room and make the most of the light you get throughout the year.

So, there you have it: our top tips for creating a timeless living room design. Base your design on a handful of complementary colours, pick matching furniture, and carefully curate your decorations and you’re sure to create a living space that will stand the test of time.

3 IDEAL WAYS TO ENSURE YOUR GARDEN IS INSTAGRAM READY FOR SUMMER

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3 IDEAL WAYS TO ENSURE YOUR GARDEN IS INSTAGRAM READY FOR SUMMER

In the age of Instagram, many of us want our homes to be photo-ready all of the time. But, there’s only so much you can do to your living room and bedroom before everything starts to look a bit overdone. Fortunately, summer is finally on its way, which means you’ll soon be able to spend far more time enjoying your outdoor space.

So, why not give your garden a makeover, too? Just think how many likes you’ll get on all of the garden party, al fresco dining, and cocktail photos you’ll be able to post. To help you inject some personality into your garden, here are 3 IDEAL ways to ensure your garden is Instagram ready for summer. 

ADD COLOUR WITH FLOWERS

If your outdoor space currently looks quite plain and lifeless, you can help to revive it by planting plenty of flowers in an array of colours. If you don’t have a great deal of gardening experience, it’s best to opt for low-maintenance varieties that won’t need much tending to once they’ve been planted.

Here are just some of the easy-to-grow flowers we would recommend planting in your garden this season:

  • Azaleas
  • Lavender
  • Crocuses
  • Sunflowers
  • Petunias

Pepper these throughout your garden by planting them in flower beds, pots, and creative planters to ensure all of your summer Instagrams will be full of colour.

BRING SOFT FURNISHINGS OUTDOORS

A great way to add personality to your garden while making it feel homelier is by bringing soft furnishings like cushions, throws, and rugs outdoors.

Cushions are great as, not only are they great for adding colour and dashes of personality to your garden, but they will up the comfort factor too. From scatter pillows to those that are designed to be attached to your garden chairs, seek out a range of bright and beautiful colours; exactly what you’ll need when taking your summer snaps.

Another great tip is to incorporate a rug into the décor of your garden. Again, they’re great for adding some colour and personality, but they’ll also up the comfort level of your space. You just have to make sure you choose a mat that’s been designed for use outside and remember to take it back inside when the weather is poor. 

ADD SOME DECORATIVE TOUCHES

When it comes to getting the perfect Instagram shot, it’s all about the details. So, dressing your garden up with some fairy lights, bunting, and quirky ornaments can make all the difference.

If you would like some quirky garden decorations that you won’t see everywhere, check out the selection from NotOnTheHighStreet.com. From personalised street signs to planters made from copper brogues, you’ll find some unique pieces that are perfect for livening up your garden.

To prevent things from looking messy, it’s important that you decide on a colour scheme before you buy any of your decorative bits and pieces. Pastels work great in spring and summer, white and silver always looks classy, and pale pink and rose gold is very on-trend. But, you can go for any colour scheme you like.

6 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR OLD CAR

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6 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR OLD CAR

Whether you’re just in the mood for change, or your car is succumbing to the effects of age, deciding to do with your cherished old set of wheels requires a little thought and a lot of research. That’s where we come in; here are 6 IDEAL tips to help you decide what to do with your old car.

KNOW THE LAW AROUND CAR SELLING

In the UK, somewhere between 6 million and 7 million cars are sold every year. A further two million are scrapped. Under the (commendably) strict environmental policies of the EU, cars must be disposed of in a particular way. Laws and regulations which were brought in to reduce the rate of theft of metals such as copper mean that it is illegal for car owners to be paid cash on the spot for their vehicles. Note that this doesn’t mean that you can’t get any money for scrapping your car, just that paper money ought not change hands. All this means is that it’s important to keep on top and in the know about changes to laws surrounding the subject.

GET A FREE ONLINE CAR VALUATION

Before you do anything, get a car valuation. You might be over or under estimating how much you’re going to receive for your wheels, and budgeting inappropriately for further investments as a result. There are lots of free online services where you simply enter your car’s registration number and the amount of mileage it currently has on it, and it will return a quote to you.The drawback to these services is that they often only consider the model of the car and the mileage. Other factors, such as tax and MOT status will also play a role in determining the price that customers are willing to pay, so consider a face-to-face conversation with an expert for more precise figure. Knowing how much you can get for your car is the first step to helping you decide what to do with it.

SELL IT ONLINE

With the help of the internet, selling your car has never been so easy. A couple of minutes on Google will connect you with hundreds of potential buyers across the country. There are both registered dealers and businesses who deal in second hand cars, so choose your weapon wisely before selling your weapon. There are also individual buyers, and a plethora of websites through which to advertise and sell to them including the ever popular webuyanycar. Bare in mind, different sites have different policies when it comes to listing your vehicle; some will take a cut of the final sale price if the vehicle sells, others will demand an upfront fee.

Once you have obtained a quote and you have a good idea of how much you want and expect from the sale of your car, you will then be able to write and post your own listings. After all, it feels nice to take back a little control, right? Gumtree is a popular site for selling personal items, and will even let you post your listing for free. As it’s such a well visited website, you can be pretty certain that your listing is going to be seen.

TRADE IT

If you want to use the sale of your current vehicle to put towards the purchase of a new car then you should look at trade-in options. This allows you to offer your car as some of the capital in a new purchase. You could even trade it in for another second-hand car such as an approved used Vauxhall from Pentagon. Alternatively, you could opt for a straight, simple trade with an acquaintance if you fancy a hassle-free switch. Just remember to make sure the vehicles are in similar nick and have accumulated equivalent mileage.

SCRAP IT

Scrapping an old car is becoming an ever more popular option. This is another case where the internet has made it easy for anyone to arrange to have their car scrapped at any time, and as we all know, people love convenience. Thankfully, the days of having to trawl the streets, visiting dodgy car yards are now over. By searching on Google, you can find a number of different services who will help you to scrap your car and will even collect the vehicle from you.

Be aware though, some of these services will give you a quote and then offer to collect your car and pay you cash almost instantly. This is illegal, and you should avoid such arrangements. Reputable car scrapping services will recycle any parts they can on your vehicle, as well as provide you with a certificate of destruction. It is not illegal to get paid for scrapping your car as long as all the guidelines are followed, culminating in a payment by cheque or by bank transfer once your vehicle has been processed.

GIVE IT AWAY

Why on earth would you want to give away an old car for free? Well in some cases, an old car is simply taking up space. If you would rather be free of the car, and aren’t concerned with being paid for it, then there are a number of organisations that will take your car and scrap it, with the money going to charity. Often these organisations are offered better rates for scrapping vehicles in light of their charitable work.

You could also investigate whether any local groups or organisations are in need of vehicles. For example, charities are often in need of vehicles but unable to splash out on hiring. Donations of your wheels, then, can make a big difference to their ability to carry out their work and to make sure that they can help those who need it most.

4 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD A POP OF COLOUR TO YOUR WARDROBE FOR SS/18

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4 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD A POP OF COLOUR TO YOUR WARDROBE FOR SS/18

It’s happened to all of us at some point: we open our wardrobes one sunny spring morning only to realise that our clothes seem to be exclusively suited to the season we’ve just said sayonara to. But Spring is a time to celebrate new life, colour and emergent sunshine. Meaning if you’ve been hiding away in darker outfits all winter, now is the time to step out of your comfort zone, and fling open those windows to change.

By updating your wardrobe with a few of this season’s key pieces and accessories, you can bring a dash of colour and flash of light – and life – to your outfits without having to invest in a whole new collection. It’s time to familiarise yourself with the key pieces and colours sure to be staple items in your SS/18 wardrobe. So, here are 4 IDEAL ways to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe for SS/18.

A PAIR OF BRIGHT HEELS

A pair of shoes in a bold shade will take an all-black outfit from glum to glam in an instant, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve got at least one brightly coloured pair of heels in your wardrobe this spring. The 80s continues to be a huge influence this season, so consider paying homage to the decade with a pair of heels in bold, disco-ready electric blue and pink shades. A pair of stiletto heels from Terry de Havilland in a bright shade will elevate any LBD in a moment; perfect if you want to give an old outfit a quick update for a night on the tiles. Try co-ordinating their electric pink sling backs with some earrings of a matching hue and a slick of matching lipstick for an eye-catching but pulled together look. Orange is another colour of the moment and we can’t think of a better place to wear this bright and bold colour than on our feet.

A STATEMENT BAG IN THIS SEASON’S HOTTEST SHADE

This spring, don’t settle for another boring black or tan handbag. Instead, go for one in the much hyped ‘Gen Z yellow’, a hot mustard colour that has been all over catwalks and celebrity Instagram accounts for months now. Hotly tipped by many fashion experts to be the new millennial pink, a statement bag in this cheerful shade will add a quick dose of sunshine to any outfit.

The best thing about this happy shade? It’s much more versatile than you’d imagine, and will go with almost any other colour. If you feel like standing out from the crowd, try co-ordinating your bag with a blue and red outfit for a primary coloured look — it’s set to be one of this year’s biggest trends, according to Glamour.

A GROOVY HEADSCARF

This spring it’s all about hair accessories. Think silk scarves, hairbands and oversized bows –  the more vibrant and vivacious the better as far as we’re concerned. Hair accessories are such an easy way to add a pop of colour to your outfit – and can be a cheap way of doing it too. Our favourite thing about this trend? Bad hair days are a thing of the past. If you can’t be bothered to wash your hair and it’s a little greasy, just cover it with a head scarf and you’re set.

ROCK A BOLD LIPSTICK OR NAIL POLISH

If you’re looking to add vibrancy and intrigue to your outfit on a budget, a bright nail or lip is the way forward. A slick of vibrant coral lipstick will instantly perk up a t-shirt and jeans combo —  really daring fashionistas could even step out in statement shades like purple, green or magenta. When wearing a bold lip, remember that it’s easy to overdo it, so keep the rest of your make-up simple; a neutral taupe eye shadow and some mascara should be plenty.

When it comes to nails, it doesn’t get any brighter than neon, so opt for a polish in a vivid day-glo orange, pink, or acid green — something from Nails Inc’s Stay Bright neon collection will do the trick. The formula is designed to be fade- and chip-resistant, too.

5 IDEAL HOME INSURANCE TIPS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR HOUSE AGAINST BURGLARIES

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5 IDEAL HOME INSURANCE TIPS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR HOUSE AGAINST BURGLARIES

Domestic burglaries have increased 21% in the space of a year according to police data compiled by the Office for National Statistics. Government police cuts certainly haven’t helped; so now, while we wait in hope for a change to politics, the onus is on the homeowner to keep their homes secure.

It’s never too late to take precautions, whether it’s adding a new lock to the front door or double checking your valuables are covered in your policy. With this in mind, here’s 5 IDEAL home insurance tips to help protect your home against burglaries.

GET HOME INSURANCE (OBVIOUSLY)

First things first, cover your belongings. Home insurance cover is crucial in the event of burglary as you’ll be covered for losses and damages inside your home should a theft occur. Home insurance is made up of two types of policy – buildings and contents cover. Buildings insurance protects the physical property and permanent fixtures like fitted kitchens.

Contents insurance protects any valuable possessions inside your property such as furniture, televisions laptops and other personal items and valuables. Contents policies will usually cover against theft and vandalism. It you get the right kind of policy, it can even protect items you take out of the home, such as your mobile phone. So, if someone swipes it on the bus, you should be covered.

DON’T UNDERVALUE YOUR POSSESSIONS

Householders often make the mistake of undervaluing their possessions, and in turn, under insuring their goods. This will result in failing to receive full compensation for the items should they be stolen. When making a claim, you need to know the value of the missing items, and they need to be insured up to the value of their worth. It’s a good idea to take photos of possessions and keep receipts as this will help support any claims you make. Most insurers will ask for a receipt in the event of a claim.

UPDATE THE VALUE OF ITEMS

Don’t overlook any recent purchases. AIG suggest updating your policy with new items as and when you by them. Otherwise, these items may not be covered and you could lose out and fail to see your belongings replaced. Just imagine finding out that your new laptop isn’t covered after your house had been broken into. Devastating. So, make sure you have an up to date valuation to avoid further heartache.

DON’T KEEP ITEMS IN OUTBUILDINGS

Remove high value items such as electric garden tools, bikes, and golf clubs from sheds and outside storage and bring them inside to keep them protected and insured. Bicycles and other outbuilding contents are, on average, worth €400, but can easily extend into the thousands in some cases.If you don’t store stuff securely (as per your home insurance company’s stipulations), it’s unlikely it will be covered in your policy.

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

You need to take reasonable steps to ensure your home is well secured, as this will make it easier to make a claim and also could make your home insurance cheaper. Install a burglar alarm and make sure the model is approved by your insurer. If you don’t, then your claim could be rejected as some policies insist on having such a device on at all times. So, it’s best to check your paperwork. Also make sure you have the right locks fitted; some insurers and policies specify what type of locks you need. Additionally, keeping valuable items inside a safe could lower your premium, as could joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

If your home has been broken into and items have been stolen, report it immediately to the police and get a crime reference number. If you don’t then your insurance company may refuse to pay out. And remember, check that your contents are covered. The below infographic by AIG reveals the top three claim types in home burglaries.

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