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7 IDEAL WAYS TO BOOST YOUR WELLBEING

Editorial Team
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7 IDEAL WAYS TO BOOST YOUR WELLBEING

Hey you. Are you feeling unfulfilled? Are you moping around at home feeling sorry for yourself? If you’re reading this article you’re probably looking for ways to help you feel better. Well, the answer you won’t find through the internet alone. A little proactivity where your state of mind is concerned can go a long way, and scrolling, swiping and clicking won’t alleviate a low mood alone.

Instead, you can boost your wellbeing by taking ownership of how you live your life.  With this in mind, here are 7 IDEAL ways to boost your wellbeing.

HELP OTHERS

Perhaps this will come as a surprise, and perhaps it’s good news; but improving your own wellbeing isn’t just about you. Evidence suggests that giving too, and helping, others improves our mood. Even the smallest act can count, including issuing a smile, saying thank you or simply paying a compliment. Are you thinking something nice about someone? Then why not drop them a Whatsapp message, or better yet pick up the phone and tell them.

COOK YOUR OWN MEALS & EAT WELL

There are so many benefits to cooking for yourself and others. We believe that cooking your own meals is therapeutic; good for the soul as well as the taste buds. Preparing a meal for others makes us feel happy and connected, bringing people together and enhancing social interaction. There’s also an element of self care in cooking. When you cook good food for yourself, you’re nourishing your mind and body and a sense of purpose and pride is restored.

Make sure you include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, prioritising variety and colour to ensure you’re getting the full spectrum of nutrients. If you’re going to snack, make sure your in-between-meal eating is healthy, too; right now we’re loving these Ember Biltong, which are nutritious, delicious and ethically sourced.

KEEP LEARNING

Just as cooking your own meals can make you feel accomplished, learning a new hobby increases our sense of wellbeing, too. Taking on and honing new skills can give you a sense of achievement and confidence unparalleled in other pursuits. Even picking up a new book or  reading about a new subject counts towards this end. There’s no shame in taking small steps at the start of the journey, after all.

GET ORGANISED AT WORK

Practicing a healthy work-life balance starts with aiming to work smarter, not harder. This is largely achieved by getting organised. If you’re the boss, hire employees you can delegate work to, and if you’re part of a team, share responsibility for managing your time more effectively.

SPEND MORE TIME WITH NATURE

Nature is soothing for your mind, body and soul. When you need a break from your busy life, consider going out into nature and losing yourself for a while. Take a long hike with your dog or walk a new trail in your area. Never feel guilty for completely removing yourself from your daily responsibilities for a few hours to clear your head and think in nature.

MAKE TIME FOR EXERCISE

It may not feel like it, but it’s always possible to squeeze in a little time for exercise during the working day. Are you a freelancer working from home? Then you could try out a workout video or why not do some star jumps every few hours? Do you work from an office? Then consider getting up a little earlier and doing a quick half hour before work. Even something as simple as taking the stairs, not the lift, or getting off the tube a stop early, can burn a few calories and help clear your mind.   

Alternatively, why not dedicated some of your domestic space to a workout area, if you don’t have the time or willpower to join the gym? It’s possible to construct a small home gym in a garage, living room, or even in your garden.

GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Stress, sleep, exercise  – it’s all connected to your wellbeing. If your body doesn’t get enough sleep, it can react by producing an elevated level of stress hormones. There’s nothing worse than settling down for a good night’s sleep, only to find yourself wide awake by 3AM, watching your alarm clock edge closer and closer to morning.

You know that you’ll be completely out of whack the next day and your feeling of wellbeing will seriously suffer.

Take control with a few simple steps; eliminate the blue light of devices an hour before bed; keep on top of exercise; don’t drink too much caffeine or alcohol in the evening and practice yoga or meditation regularly. Simple things we know, but all proven to be effective in granting a better night’s sleep.

5 IDEAL TIPS ON MAKING YOUR HOME A HAVEN

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS ON MAKING YOUR HOME A HAVEN

Depending on what you read, where you get your information, and who you believe; the world is either growing or shrinking; more dangerous or safer; and somehow slower and faster paced, all at once. We suffer from air pollution, noise pollution and mind pollution, and it’s pretty impossible to find a quiet moment, let alone space.

All of this means one thing; you need your home to be a relaxing enviroment. A place to rejuvenate, take stock and fully relax. Your home should be the space that you can reconnect with your inner self and unwind, so here are 5 IDEAL tips on making your home a haven.

GO NATURAL

Outside your door, new buildings are going up each and every day, and your view out of the window is worsening in tandem. Time then, to introduce more natural elements to the inside of your home as a counterpoint. Houseplants bring a natural calmness to your space; not only purifying the air that we breathe by removing the toxins that linger in houses, but also – as research has shown – making us happy too.

Take this back to nature ethos a step further and review the knick-knacks and accessories that you have in your home; the things that you display should be aesthetically pleasing and also give you tactile pleasure too – your haven should appeal to all of your senses. Choose a stone vase or wooden bowls that are functional and made from natural materials that satisfy our primitive needs. Pay attention to scents, too; a real dealbreaker between haven and have not.

SET DEVICE RULES AND BOUNDARIES

Yes, you may feel that rules are the antithesis of promoting relaxation and wellbeing but setting a few household boundaries is definitely the way forward. Set a limit as to where and when you can use your smartphone or mobile devices. There should be no devices in the bedroom, for example, and none used during mealtimes. Ban them when time is spent shared; there is nothing quite as disheartening as sitting down to watch a film only to realise that halfway through, half of the viewers have spent half of the time looking at the wrong screen.

GET ORGANISED AND DECLUTTER

We all have the tendency to keep hold of things just in case we need them in the future, but the reality is that all this does is clutter our house, and in turn, our minds. A disorganised, chaotic home is not conducive to relaxation; make no mistake. Instead, make an effort to declutter the detritus that blights your cupboards and drawers and make way for a clearer space – you will find that once your home is organised and clutter free, your headspace will feel the same.

KEEP IT CLEAN

A clutter-free home is one thing, but a messy home is another household beast all together. According to some psychologists, the way we keep our environment reflects our state of mind and has a huge bearing on our mood, productivity and mental well-being.  Indeed, the level of cleanliness around the home is a key dictator of our mood. It’s felt by most that mess leads to unproductiveness, or worse still, feeling unhappy. And it’s a vicious cycle; mess breeds mess, as we are less likely to find the motivation to clean. So if you want to make your home a haven, keep it clean.To take the hassle out of cleaning little and often should be your mantra; or you could always hire a home cleaning service. Simple.

BREAK FREE FROM ROUTINE

Spontaneity and surprise may seem counterintuitive to r’n’r, but the only ‘r’ achieved with routine is a rut – as in, ‘stuck in one’. The idea of home haven needn’t equate to slipping into your pyjamas at 8pm every evening with a post-dinner cuppa and re-runs of Dinner Date. No, it could take the form of making time each evening to spoil yourself, to go out, to host, to socialise and to self-improve. Variety is the spice of life, after all, and life’s best moments originate at home.

8 IDEAL FASHION TIPS FOR WOMEN UNDER 5’’4

Editorial Team
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8 IDEAL FASHION TIPS FOR WOMEN UNDER 5’’4

Hey ladies of less than average height! Yes, it’s you we’re talking to. Being tall is overrated anyway. And although you may struggle to reach the top shelf at the shops, there’s no reason you can’t look fabulous while doing it. If you’re a petite lady, there a number of style hacks you can deploy to make the most of your features. So, here are 8 IDEAL fashion tips for women under 5’’4.

MEASUREMENTS, NOT SIZES

Even if your favourite high street retailer has a petite line, the sizing doesn’t always make sense and is often inaccurate and wildly variable from shop to shop. So, when shopping you should try not to take much notice of the sizes, instead pay attention to the measurements. Think about the functionality of the clothes too, perhaps you’ll be better suited to larger kid’s sizes (no shame in that, by the way) that can often be interchangeable with petite women’s clothing.

OVERSIZE, NOT OVERLAYER

If you’re petite, layers don’t tend to bring out the best you. Instead of looking fashion-forward, you’ll look as though you’ve drowned your small frame under a pile of clothing; overburdened, overstyled and overlayered. However, trends like the oversized look can look really special on the shorter woman. Opt for one key piece such as an oversized jacket, applied over something that skims your shape, for best results.

ACE ALTERATIONS

No matter what the labels say, everyone is a different size so when things don’t fit perfectly straight off the rack, DIY alterations can definitely come in handy. If you’re handy with a needle, thread and sewing kit, then take matters, literally, into your own hands. At the same time, if it’s a bigger task or you simply don’t feel confident tackling it, it’s important to know when to invest in a professional tailor. If you’ve spent serious money on a bigger item, for instance a coat you know you can wear year after year, a professional alteration will probably be worth it. Even consider getting your clothes tailor made for that perfect fit.

PAIRED SHOES AND BOTTOMS

A matching colour scheme at the lower end of your outfit can help to create the illusion of height. Match your black tights with black shoes, for example, or shades that are similar to your own skin tone if you’re going bare legged. Metallic shades can also work incredibly well as a neutral influence.

CUFFED SHIRTS AND JEANS

Instead of allowing your long, flowing shirt to overwhelm your frame, cuff the sleeves and tuck your shirt into your trousers or skirt to emphasise your shape. The same goes for jeans, either roll them up or tuck them under for a makeshift hem. As someone on the shorter side, it can often be difficult to find jeans that aren’t too long. This quick tip will help you out before you the find time get them altered.

SMALL HEEL, BIG DIFFERENCE

Stating the obvious, we know; heels will make you look taller. That, indeed, is their job! If you can’t bear a high stiletto, kitten heels have made a recent comeback, so your feet don’t need to whimper at the thought of hours of unnecessary pain. Even a little lift goes a long way. To keep on top of trends, check out Ashleigh Plus Size, a site that stays on top of what’s hot so you’ll never be out of the fashion loop.

CINCH YOUR WAIST

Big silhouettes don’t tend to work well for smaller women, but you can keep larger layers in check by belting them at the waist. This cleverly creates the illusion that you have longer-looking legs; something I’m sure we’d all welcome. High waist trousers are also a fabulous way to elongate your pins.

THE WONDER OF A LONG COAT

Nothing streamlines your silhouette quite like a long, tailored coat. A streamlined silhouette will not only make you appear taller, but make you look smarter too. A double win, then! Even a midi coat will do the trick, meaning there’s plenty on the market to choose from.

 

 

 

 

10 IDEAL REASONS WHY BRISTOL IS EVERY FOODIE’S DREAM CITY

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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10 IDEAL REASONS WHY BRISTOL IS EVERY FOODIE’S DREAM CITY

10 IDEAL REASONS WHY BRISTOL IS EVERY FOODIE’S DREAM CITY

The National restaurant awards and Good Food Guide have paid some serious lip service to Bristol restaurants and it’s no wonder why. It is positively teeming with new restaurant openings, foodie events and fantastic suppliers. It’s only a matter of time before we uproot and move there – it’s that special. With this in mind, here are 10 IDEAL reasons why Bristol is every foodie’s dream.

FOOD FESTIVALS

If you know about food festivals, then you’ll know about Bristol. The city holds a number of excellent food festivals throughout the year which bring artisan producers as well as stalls from local restaurants – there’s so many it’s hard to keep up with them all. One of our favourites is Love Food Festival which runs all year round at various locations across the city.  However the biggest celebration is undoubtedly Bristol Food Connections which takes over Millennium Square and The Amphitheatre and brings together over 300 chefs, farmers and food producers. Food festivals enjoyed in the sun with a glass of cold, Somerset cider, we could think of no better way to enjoy a summer’s day.

INDEPENDENT NEIGHBOURHOOD RESTAURANTS WITH SERIOUS CLOUT

Bulrush, Adelina Yard, No Man’s Grace and Bird in Hand all occupy spots not necessarily on the beaten path. While footfall may not be their friend, the clout and cooking of these great restaurants still bring punters in every night of the week. The neighbourhood, cosy nature of these places certainly does them no harm.

10 IDEAL REASONS WHY BRISTOL IS EVERY FOODIE’S DREAM CITYImage source: Bird in Hand

THE COLLABORATIVE NATURE OF THE CITY

Many of Bristol’s top restaurants play host to chefs from other cities for collaborative cooking nights. Recently, The Pony & Trap has seen one of our favourites, Michael Bremner of 64 Degrees in Brighton, grace its kitchen. Other top restaurants host regular nights with star chefs from the city, and there is generally an atmosphere of collaboration and support amongst producers, suppliers and eating establishments which all makes for a great vibe.

TINY, UNIQUE RESTAURANTS

With space at a premium and youthful resourcefulness not bettered anywhere else in the country, recent years have seen a host of new openings in tiny spaces. Box-E, in a shipping container, and Woky Ko, are just two of our favourites which now call the Wapping Wharf dock area home.

10 IDEAL REASONS WHY BRISTOL IS EVERY FOODIE’S DREAM CITYImage: Wapping Wharf Bristol

THE PRODUCE

Bristol and the wider South West of England have some of the best produce in the country. Cheese is magnificent from this region, fish from Devon and Cornwall is driven up, freshly caught every day, and cider is consumed lustily and in great quantity. It’s a chef’s and a diner’s dream.

THE MARKETS

The city has loads of exciting markets throughout the year. For example St Nicks Market is home to some of the best street-food stalls in the South West. From Japanese to Indian, British to Thai, you can be transported round the world and back in a single day, leaving full and happy. The Harbourside Market is a community of foodies, makers, musicians and artists who turn Bristol’s Harbourside into a weekly festival – it has amazing street-food stalls that will make your mouth water.

WHITELADIES ROAD 

This huge behemoth of a road cuts through Bristol and plays host to a number of great restaurants and bars. A night out of drinking, eating and carousing is sure to occur on Whiteladies Road. We particulary like the Cowshed, which celebrates local meat with aplomb, and Bravas, an extremely buzzy tapas joint.

CLIFTON 

The beautiful area of Clifton is quite the hike – the incline is steep and long – but you’ll be rewarded with wonderful artisanal producers, independent pubs and quirky, unique restaurants.

10 IDEAL REASONS WHY BRISTOL IS EVERY FOODIE’S DREAM CITY

THE SANCHEZ-IGLESIAS EMPIRES 

Peter Sanchez-Iglesias and his brother Jonray, who sadly passed in 2015, set up Casamia in Westbury on Trym before moving the critically acclaimed restaurant to its current location, overlooking Bristol’s floating harbor. Casamia is currently ranked 6th in the country by the National Restaurant Awards and offers a seasonal, innovative tasting menu which is simply mind blowing.

But that’s not all. The empire has expanded to incorporate two new ventures; Paco Tapas and Pi Shop – both on the same small strip as the mothership. Each do their thing with flair and expertise, the tapas carefully sourced and sherry flowing while the pizzas at Pi Shop are blistered, fresh and authentic. Bristol’s dining scene owes much to these incredible, ambitious brothers. Jonray’s memory lives on in the success and identity of all three offerings.

BRILLIANT CHEFS INCLUDING…

Josh Eggleton: With recent stints on Great British Menu bringing greater attention to the cheeky, charming chef, Josh Eggleton is hot property in the culinary world. His fine-dining, Michelin-star bestowed pub, The Pony and Trap, offers high level cooking in cosy, welcoming surrounds – a winning formula. He has also recently opened Salt & Malt, a fish’n’chip shop with excellent attention to sourcing and detail.  He also has a hand in the excellent, sustainable Chicken Shed.

James Wilkins: Chef and owner of Wilks Restaurant, James Wilkins worked all over the world before settling in Bristol to open his fine-dining destination restaurant. A Michelin-star followed. The restaurant only offers a tasting menu, which is ever changing. We particularly like the section on the website dedicated to ‘in season and on the menu’, followed  by a list of enticing ingredients, which whets the appetite for the seasonal, local food journey you receive here.

5 IDEAL PLACES TO EAT TAPAS IN LONDON

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL PLACES TO EAT TAPAS IN LONDON

Spanish food in London has come a long way in recent years. Where once you would find only Tesco’s charcuterie presented on a wooden board and a glass of abrasive sangria, now there are Barcelona style boquerias and Basque country Pinxtos bars on every corner of every neighbourhood. The Revolución is in full swing and Londoners, always on the go and fond of a drink, have taken to small, fresh plates and glasses of sherry with zest.

Here are our ideal places to eat tapas in London:

Barrafina – Dean Street

No list of London restaurants, let alone London tapas restaurants, is complete without Barrafina. Frequently voted as London’s favourite place to dine, Barrafina’s popularity has led to two more springing up in central London.

The original has moved from Frith to Dean Street but the relocation has maintained what made the first Barrafina so great – a buzz created by simple decor, bar-stool seating only and a no reservations policy which made you feel blessed to nab a seat. The open kitchen view of the swashbuckling chefs only adds to its charm. The simplicity of the menu stays true to its Barcelona-bistro inspiration, with a focus on fresh seafood cooked and presented, zero-frills. Must-try dishes include a courgette flower stuffed with goat’s cheese and with garnished honey, and barbecued quail with aioli. Arrive early, order smartly and you’re in for the best Spanish food possible without hopping on a plane.

Address: 26-27 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 3LL

Website: www.barrafina.co.uk

Boqueria – Acre Lane

Taking inspiration from the same Barcelona tapas bars as Barrafina, Boqueria, a 10 minute walk from Brixton tube station, offers a choice of bar seating or a beautiful, airy room at the back. Booking is essential as this South London favourite is heaving every night, and with good reason. Perennial favourites like jamon iberico and tortilla rub shoulders with more original creations such as red tuna carpaccio with almonds and soy sauce. We particularly love the foie and pedro ximenez on toast – a bite or two offers both sweetness and umami which will have you ordering a second and maybe even third.

Address: 192 Acre lane, SW2 5UL

Website: www.boqueriatapas.com

José Tapas Bar – Bermondsey

Chef Jose Pizzaro has worked in and opened a string of Spanish restaurants across the capital in his 15 years here. Jose Tapas Bar was his first solo opening, and in our opinion, his best. It is a no frills affair, with dishes listed on a chalkboard divided into cold cuts and cheese on one side, and specials on the other. The menu changes daily and depends on what looks good in nearby Borough Market. His hake and aioli was a particular favourite the last time we visited. The bar also stocks some rare sherries which suit the mostly standing room-only style of the place.

Website: josepizarro.com

Address: 104 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB

Brindisa – Borough Market

Another tapas bar located close to Borough Market, Brindisa is always alive with city workers spilling out onto the street, having a drink and a snack. The bustle and brio is magnetic, making it impossible to walk past without dropping in to sample some of their excellent Spanish cold meats and cheeses – their ‘selection of ibericos’ is worth the visit alone. They also do a mean ‘Spanish Sunday Roast’ if the traditional roast beef and all the trimmings just isn’t ticking your boxes.

Address: Borough Market, 18-20 Southwark St, London SE1 1TJ

Website: www.brindisa.com

Lurra – Seymour Place

Not a Tapas bar per se, but certainly in thrall to the Basque barbeque institution Etxebarri, this Spanish joint has gained huge popularity amongst London diners since its arrival in 2015. Without doubt, punters flock here for one thing above all else, Lurra’s 17 year-old (a LOT in cow’s years) Galician beef.

It arrives sizzling on a hot plate, unadorned but for a pinch or two of top quality Maldon sea salt, with a charred, almost bitter crust and VERY rare middle. It is delicious – the age of the cow allowing for a maturing flavour and complexity that is impossible to achieve in a younger one. The restaurant does a few smaller, starting plates very well indeed – cod brandade in courgette flower a particular highlight –  but with the beef being this darn tasty and generous, we wouldn’t recommend over sedating your appetite before the main event.

Address: 9 Seymour Place, London W1H 5BA

Website: www.lurra.co.uk

Honourable mentions

Here are some other excellent options which didn’t quite make our top five, but are still well worth a visit.

Miss Tapas 

A tiny, no reservations joint close to Peckham Rye Station, Miss Tapas is cheap and cheerful but does a roaring trade nightly, owing to a short, concise list of specials and reasonably priced but carefully selected regional wines.

Address: 46 Choumert Rd, London SE15, UK

Website: www.misstapas.com

Dehesa 

A Spanish-Italian hybrid, Dehesa offers classy, well executed small plates and a great wine list just off Oxford Street.

Address: Kingly Court, 25 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BP, UK

Website: www.saltyardgroup.co.uk

Rosita and The Sherry Bar (formerly Lola Rojo)

A recent change in name and move to a more sherry focused, Pinxtos experience has done nothing to dampen the popularity of this great little place just a few minutes walk from Clapham Junction Station.

Address: 124 Northcote Rd, London SW11 6QU

Website: www.rositasherry.net

Moro

Spanish tapas with a nod to North Africa, the flavours of the Sahara are a welcome addition to this sometimes experimental, always delicious menu.

Address:  32 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QE

Website:  moro.co.uk

Pix Bar

Pix Bar offers a large but simple and affordable menu of cold cuts and snacks, and with many outposts across the city, you’re never far from your next glass of Pedro Ximenez.

Address: Seven Dials London, 63 Neal St, London WC2H 9PJ

Website: www.pix-bar.com

IDEAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IF YOU OWN YOUR OWN VAN

Editorial Team
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IDEAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IF YOU OWN YOUR OWN VAN

Do you love your job? Or do you feel stuck at a dead end, hoping to find the passion you once had for your career? Maybe it’s time to try something new. If you are ready for a new challenge, Van Monster, retailer of Ford vans, have created this infographic that outlines new career opportunities that you could try your hand at with the company of your very own van.   

Van businesses are on the rise, with many industries recognising the opportunities they offer. From pet grooming and plumbing, to street food vendors, you can run your own business out of your van. With no premises costs, running a business from your van could save you a boat load of outgoing fees – whilst answering the call to some of the most popular services on the market.

For instance, Brits spent £7.16 billion on their pets last year – including the costs of pet pampering. Business is booming for dog groomers, with an estimated 54 million pet dogs in the UK, as of 2017. Do you fancy cutting yourself a slice of the pet grooming cake? If you are an animal lover, it could be the answer to reinvigorating your career.

Not an animal lover? Fear not, there are plenty other sectors you can join to inject some excitement back into your working life. Read on to find out more.  

4 COMMON EYE CONDITIONS TO BE AWARE OF

Editorial Team
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4 COMMON EYE CONDITIONS TO BE AWARE OF

You should always look after your peekers. We’ve already covered our top eye health tips and how to keep your eyes healthy in winter, but to really drive home the message, we think it’s important to know about the wide variety of eye conditions that affect the UK population. Some are relatively common, whilst others are quite rare. In the U.K, the most prevalent eye conditions are glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. By being aware of these conditions, as well as attending regular eye examinations, you can ensure you are taking all the precautions necessary to avoid their development.

MACULAR DEGENERATION

This condition can affect individuals of all ages, but in people over 60, it is the leading cause of sight loss. Macular degeneration causes issues with the central vision, which can become blurry or distorted. This means that if you suffer from this condition you might look at someone sideways and not be able to see fine details. Over a long period of time, it can lead to a completely blank patch in the central vision, however, some people can retain side vision. You are at higher risk of developing this condition if you smoke and lead an unhealthy lifestyle.

GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a condition that’s often hereditary which, if not treated daily with eye drops, can lead to blindness. It causes damage to the optic nerve due to changes in eye pressure and can lead to loss of peripheral vision, which means those who suffer from this condition may not see people or things approaching them from the side on. Often those who develop glaucoma are unaware that anything is wrong, but it can be detected with an eye examination. Those who are over the age of 40 or have a close family relative who suffers from glaucoma are allowed a free eye test each year to ensure they can pick up on any arising issues as soon as possible.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes affects all the major organs of the body, especially the eye. This condition causes the central vision to become patchy which can lead to difficulty in reading and driving. Over 35% of people with type 1 diabetes and around 20% of those with type 2 diabetes will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy. It’s the greatest cause of sight loss for those under 60 within the United Kingdom. However, most cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable, so those who control their blood sugars, maintain a healthy weight, and stop smoking will reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce the chance of developing sight loss associated with diabetic retinopathy.

CATARACTS 

This is an extremely common eye condition that is typically caused due to the ageing process. Cataracts develop slowly and can lead to change in colour vision, blurred vision, and sensitivity to glare. The treatment for cataracts is a simple operation, which is usually conducted under local anaesthetic. The natural cloudy lens is removed and a plastic one inserted during the operation. Some people can reduce their chance of developing cataracts by taking some simple precautions, which include wearing sunglasses, avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy diet.

In order to reduce your risk of obtaining some of these conditions and catching them earlier for better treatment, it’s important to attend regular eye examinations. The NHS recommends you have an eye examination once every two years in order to maintain the health of your eyes. Remember that a healthy lifestyle is also a high contributing factor to the avoidance of these conditions. If you notice any changes in your vision or pain in your eyes, then you should seek medical attention right away. Don’t wait and don’t take your eyesight for granted.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR TO YOUR HOME

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO ADD THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR TO YOUR HOME

The first shoots of spring aren’t far away and with it, our mood seems to be shooting skywards in tandem. It’s time to ride this crest of optimism by getting your home ready to embrace the positive vibes fully. We at IDEAL think it’s folly to assume it’s plain sailing and sunny days from here on in (as the recent bout of snow confirmed) and you can never have too much ‘cosy’ anyway, so the following really is a guide for all seasons. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to add the feel good factor to your home.

SCENTED CANDLES & FLOWERS

First impressions are the most lasting, as they say, and the first thing that strikes you when you enter a house is not the interior design or decor, but the aroma – whether that is pleasant or noxious is down to you. Fall on the former side by lighting scented candles and keeping fresh flowers, bringing fragrance to your home (and covering all manner of sins, too). Not only will this imbue your domestic space with a beautiful bouquet, but the flicker of the flame and mood alleviating properties of perennial plants will keep the feel good factor well and truly burning, constantly.

SOFT FURNISHINGS

After a long and gruelling day at the coalface, there’s nothing which keeps morale higher on the commute home than the prospect of sinking into a cushiony cuddle. Abundant pillows, throws, cushions and blankets all add a sense of both homeliness and luxury to your house, and require little effort to maintain. If you want to reinvigorate your decor, you can simply change up the cases to reflect a change in mood or season.

A WOOD BURNING STOVE

Nothing will make you want to hunker down in comfort and says ‘home’ more than an open fire. But those guys can be high maintenance, messy and not especially frugal in terms of fuel efficiency. Wood burning stoves are a more than viable alternative, offering the warmth of a real fire, plus the gorgeous aroma of gentle smoke and giving the house a focal point. They’re a great statement piece, that’s for sure, and when lit, create an unbeatable feeling of coziness. To add to the ambience, consider stacking some seasoned logs beside the stove to really bring your house that feel good factor. Not only will you not have to stumble outside to stoke your fire, but a stack of firewood looks pretty stylish too and is an effective feature piece in itself. You can find firewood for sale online from various websites to create a stack.

LIGHT AND SHADE

Did you know that dingy and drab environments can make you feel listless and down whereas rooms with great lighting can improve our mood? Here at IDEAL we’re obsessed with getting the lighting just right. It can instantly transform a room from sterile to snug at the flick of a switch. The first place to start is by maximising the amount of natural light in your home, and this is best done with mirrors. Hang a large one in front of a window to reflect the light and views; not only will it make your room brighter, but it will also make it appear bigger. Layered lighting, which is all about combining different lights to create a particular mood or feel, can instantly make your house a home. From side lamps illuminating a dark corner to flickering candles creating a warm glow, there are loads of different ways to achieve this. Dimmer switches are also fantastic when layering; you can choose the amount of light you want in the room, depending on what activity requires illuminating, as well as your mood.  By combining these clever lighting options, you can bring about the domestic feel good factor all year round.

ARTWORK & BOOKS

According to studies, exercising our creativity can give our pent-up stress an outlet and bring escape from the monotony of our daily routines. This not only helps us express our emotions, it also boosts our happiness levels too. From this we can deduce that if we really want to add the feel-good factor to our homes, artwork and books are a must. Art and books have been shown to make you feel happy, and they bring a really cool, sophisticated feel to the domestic space. Perfect.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A LONG-TERM ADVENTURE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A LONG-TERM ADVENTURE

The best way to travel is to travel slow. You get to truly explore a destination, get to know its people, culture, and history. You can find local haunts and can make real opinions about it. Slow travel is how you can travel, work, and still have more than enough time to explore. It’s great for the environment, it’s great for the economy, and it’s great for you. Slow travel encourages you to enjoy the journey, from start to finish, and can make any vacation a great one.  

When slow-travel is combined with a long-term trip, however, you open yourself to change. You welcome your ideology, your perception of the world, and even your own personality to be challenged. Long-term travel can be mentally and physically exhausting, which is why it’s unlike any other vacation you’ve had before. Long-term travel is a feat, which is why you must prepare by:

GET IN SHAPE 

Planning on trekking through the jungle in South America? Want to climb that mountain in Nepal or walk up those hundreds of steep steps to that temple in Thailand? Then a little pre-trip physical preparation will make your trip so much better. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to not get into shape before you start your long-term trip. While yes, it isn’t a prerequisite, you will be more active than you have been before. New experiences are mentally exhausting, and if your body can’t keep up, then you can find you crash very easily. While the nature of slow travel does allow you to take a day to yourself, you want to be fit and healthy enough to enjoy the trip for all that it is, rather than how exhausted you are.

Tip: 6 – 8 weeks before your trip, visit your local GP to get any vaccinations or health advice for the country or countries you are visiting.

BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES 

Depending on the kind of trip you are going on, you might want to consider enrolling in a few survival classes. These courses can help you prepare to trek a mountain, can teach you how to camp, and so on. For more urban travel being able to communicate even rudimentarily can be a huge help.

BE CONFIDENT IN YOURSELF

It takes a huge amount of confidence to travel within your own country, much less a country where a foreign language is spoken. That is why one of the more underrated steps to preparing for a long-term trip is to become more confident in yourself. Start with facing your harshest critic, and find a solution to things you have long been insecure about. Acne scars can be faded with laser technology, for instance, or if you are insecure in the bedroom, you can visit www.penisenlargementreviews.org and find the best natural therapy option for you. Be happy in your own skin, and you can take on the world.

KNOWING WHAT TO PACK

Long-term travel is inherently different than any other trip you have been on, which is why it’s okay to buy items specifically for it. Thermal base layers, a strong backpack, and even a travel wardrobe of durable clothes are all excellent things to pack on a gap year. The specific items you should bring, of course, will vary depending on your destinations, which is why you should read up on what other travellers recommend and plan accordingly.

Long-term travel is the best way to see the world, because it is only by enjoying the journey that you can not only learn and experience a place, but can change for the better as a person.

10 IDEAL MASCARPONE RECIPE IDEAS

Joseph Gann
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10 IDEAL MASCARPONE RECIPE IDEAS

Mascarpone. We say the word out loud with some trepidation, waiting for someone to pounce and correct us. Are the final two syllables a small breed of horse or a famous Chicago mobster, or something else entirely? And then there’s the categorisation. Most would head for the cheese aisle to get their fill of its creamy, unctuous goodness. The pedants among us though, would have us consulting the production and manufacturing process and insisting it’s a yoghurt.

While the pronunciation and labelling may divide the culinary crowd, what’s certainly not up for debate is that it’s good damn delicious, and versatile as hell. With that in mind, here are 10 IDEAL mascarpone recipe ideas.

FRUIT MOUSSE

This recipe is sugar free, has only three ingredients and is ready in less than five minutes. Get the best cheese to make the most of this desert. Cello’s Thick and Smooth is one of the top mascarpone brands which contains organic cow milk.

  • Cut half a pint of strawberries in small pieces.
  • Turn the cheese (8 ounces) into a cream by blending it with a manual mixer. Add a cup of whipping cream during the process. You can also add a few vanilla-flavored stevia drops.
  • Add a layer of strawberries in a glass.
  • Pour a layer of mascarpone mousse above the strawberries.
  • Finish with a layer of blueberries (half a pint).

SPINACH SPAGHETTI

This fast an easy recipe is ideal for a midweek dinner of two. It only takes 15 minutes and the result is an enjoyable, nourishing bowlful. Feel free to get creative by adding extra spices, herbs and seasoning to the dish.

  • Mix ½ cup of mascarpone cheese, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, pepper, salt and a bit of nutmeg (1/4 teaspoons) in a bowl.
  • Cook pasta (½ pounds) al dente and save ½ cup of the pasta water. You will need it later.
  • Place pasta back in the pot on low heat and add the above sauce. Continue with 5 cups of spinach until it wilts.
  • Add half of the pasta water and mix until the spinach is made.
  • Place the food in plates and add a few hazelnuts and some parma ham if you wish

VANILLA SMOOTHIE

You can prepare a delicious and sweet smoothie in less than 10 minutes with this guy below. The smoothie is fat burning and completely natural.

  • Mix 2 large egg yolks, ½ cup of mascarpone cheese, 4 ice cubes, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, ¼ cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of your favorite sweetener.
  • Blend until the drink is smooth.
  • Top with whipped cream.

LOW-CARB CREPES

The recipe for 4 crêpes takes 15 minutes to prepare and only requires a handful of ingredients. And just like that, you’ll have a healthy breakfast or brunch that is easy to cook and is lighter than regular pancakes.

  • Mix two large eggs or three regular ones, ¼ cup of mascarpone cheese, a tablespoon of regular flour or organic powder and a pinch of sea salt in a blender.
  • Heat a slightly greased pan and add ¼ cup of the mix for a crêpe.
  • Cook for 2 minutes. Flip when bubbles form at edges.
  • Cook for one minute on the other side until the crêpe becomes golden. Continue.
  • Top with sliced oranges for your daily dose of vitamin C, nuts for texture and a drizzle of honey.

MELTED TOAST

A breakfast belter, this one.

  • Spread mascarpone on your toast.
  • Add a small layer of honey or agave nectar.
  • Continue with a drop of sea salt.
  • Additionally, you can add cocoa or chocolate powder for a sweeter finish.

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR VEGGIES

This recipe is so simple that you’ll want to eat it with all your favorite vegetables. We like this aubergine recipe the most, but it would work equally well with peppers, courgette or tomato.

  • Heat your oven and roast aubergine until it blisters.
  • Remove it and pour mascarpone on top of the eggplant.
  • Add fresh mint to the dish.

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

You can cook around 30 truffles in just 30 minutes with the below recipe. Filling and coating this dessert is easy and enjoyable; a great activity to do with the kids we think!

  • Mix ½ cup of coconut butter, ½ cup of mascarpone cheese and 1/3 cup of powdered sweetener or brown sugar on medium heat.
  • Remove the pan from the cook and 1/3 cup of whey powder and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix.
  • Shape the result into balls and leave them in the fridge to chill for 2 – 3 hours.
  • Blend 4 oz. of chocolate, 1 oz. of cocoa butter and tablespoons of sweetener and boil until everything melts.
  • Take the mix out of the cook and add vanilla extract.
  • Dip the above chilled balls in this mix and store them in the fridge.

CREAMY MANGO

How about a dessert of your favorite fruit with a touch of fresh cheese? This recipe takes as many minutes as you can count on your fingers and thumbs, and no more. In other words, it’s quick.

  • Quickly fry a diced mango in butter with a tablespoon of brown sugar.
  • Remove the mango from the pan.
  • Add a drop of mascarpone and let it melt.

PIZZA WITH A TWIST

You will need a ready made pizza base for the below dish, or you could make your own, of course. Using mascarpone and not using tomato sauce makes for a refreshing, less rich version of the Italian classic.

  • Bake the pizza crust halfway in the oven.
  • Add mascarpone.
  • Top with red onion, mushrooms, thyme, salt, pepper and olive oil.
  • Return the pizza to the oven until its crust becomes golden brown.

MASHED POTATO

This is a refreshing substitute to your regular mashed potatoes, which would be heavy on the cream, butter or both. The recipe takes around 15 minutes and works with any meat or fish.

  • Boil 5 – 6 potatoes for two servings.
  • Crush them with a potato masher.
  • Add salt and ½ cups of mascarpone to the mix.
  • Continue with your favorite ingredients.

IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

Editorial Team
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IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

Procrastination is the enemy of many folks that want to sit down and focus on their work, studies or virtually anything in life. No matter what you’re doing right now, you could start procrastinating at any point and thus slow down your work. All it takes is a message from a friend on your phone and your focus will spiral out of control and you’ll start looking at something completely unrelated to what you were doing before.

REMOVE DISTRACTIONS

Find out what distracts you when you’re working or studying. Do you find yourself singing along to songs? Turn off the music and put on something more relaxing. Are you constantly on your phone? Lock it in a drawer and turn on silent mode. Constantly snacking? Eat a meal before you work to beat cravings. Distractions are the main cause of procrastination and you need to find ways to get rid of them as best as you can.

START SLOWLY

Start your tasks slowly. Don’t rush ahead and dive into the deep end. Slowly work yourself up to the task that you have to do. Once you get the ball rolling, you’ll find it becomes much easier to focus on your work and get things done quickly.

BE REALISTIC

Set realistic goals for yourself. Are you studying for exams? Don’t expect to go through a thick textbook in just 2 hours. Make sure you set realistic expectations so you’re not constantly disappointing yourself. Take a look at the following infographic for more information and some helpful tips to give you a boost in productivity.

Design from Urbanest

5 IDEAL REASONS YOU SHOULD ALWAYS REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP AT NIGHT

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS YOU SHOULD ALWAYS REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP AT NIGHT

We’ve all been there – you’ve just got into bed, you’re feeling all cosy and warm, until you realise you’ve still got a full-face of makeup on. To take off or not to take off; that is the question. And usually, always in fact, the answer is no.

It’s a dilemma most ladies, and some men, have faced at some point in their lives. We’ve all woken up looking like a panda because of forgetfulness, and fecklessness, equally. However, after speaking to Dr Ejikeme, Medical Director at Adonia Medical Clinic, we’re going to try our very best to always take ours off, even after a night out on the town. So, here are 5 IDEAL reasons you should always remove your makeup off at night too.

MAKEUP CONTAINS CHEMICALS

As much as you take the time to choose products suited to sensitive skin or made from organic ingredients, makeup still contains chemicals that can be harmful, especially if they’re left on for a whole day and night. These chemicals penetrate delicate skin, blocking the natural secretion of sebum, the lubricant and moisturiser your skin makes. And however many products you use, sebum is the one your face needs the most.

IT COULD CAUSE SPOTS

Is there anything worse than waking up in the morning with a huge spot on your face? Well yeah, there is, but in the world of constant capturing our lives on film, it can seem pretty apocalyptic.

The skin on your face is made up of pores, tiny little holes where sebum is produced and toxins are removed. If you go to sleep with your makeup on, particularly if you wear a lot, your skin can’t breathe sufficiently. When your pores become blocked, it causes spots and blackheads to develop.

IT MAY CAUSE EYE INFECTIONS

Our eyes are sensitive at the best of times, and the delicate skin surrounding them is too, and as such, eye makeup left on overnight is just asking for trouble. As we sleep, bits of product can get into our eyes, causing irritation and possible infection. Even if you get away without one, your eyelashes may become brittle and fall out; and no one wants that.

CONTRIBUTES TO AGEING

As we sleep, our skin goes through a renewal process, regenerating cells and repairing itself. When your skin has makeup on, it can’t breathe, which interferes with the natural repair mechanism of the face. Throughout the day, environmental pollutants stick to your face, which increase oxidative stress if not removed.

YOUR PORES WILL ENLARGE

Makeup left on overnight causes your pores to become clogged, preventing them from producing all-important collagen. Over time, they become more visible and clogged pores are famously tricky to remove. So, just say yes every time you’re on the fence of whether to remove your make up at night or not.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Life is what happens when you’re making other plans. We’re all so busy, so intent on getting to the next place, the next step, the next level, that often we miss out on the more simple, beautiful truths that this big ol’ game has to give us. A little slowing down, a little switching off, and suddenly spiritual awakening isn’t so far away. Yes, the secret is all in a sense of streamlining, and with that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to simplify your life.

BE YOURSELF

It can be tempting to try to be what everyone wants you to be (or what you think everyone wants you to be, which can be very different to the reality), but that won’t make you happy, and it won’t make life easy either. Pretending to be something and someone you’re not will only make things more complicated. Keeping up appearances, and keeping that mask on, can be a very stressful thing indeed. Be yourself, and you’ll find that life is much easier. You’ll have true friends around you, you’ll do a job you enjoy, and you’ll find peace. Life is much simpler when you make yourself happy first, and work on other people later.

GO ON A TECHNOLOGY DETOX

We spend so much time plugged in that sometimes we forget to log out. Mentally that is. It’s an affliction we all suffer from. A bad habit we’re all guilty of. A curse on society which needs eradicating. Okay, maybe that last one is a touch excessive, but mobile phone use seems to have permeated every moment in life, from interrupting our sleep to taking precedent over our social interactions. It’s time to change not only your settings, but your habits, too. After time spent with your devices out of sight and mind, you’ll approach life with renewed clarity and vision. And we all want that, don’t we?

BE POSITIVE

There’s only two guarantees in life; death and taxes. Add to that, this; that something bad will befall you, at some point. Bleak, we know, but there it is. Everyone experiences disappointment, upset, grief, and more. How we respond, however, is how we shape our lives. Where possible, have a positive outlook, one full of optimism and good grace, and you’ll find the world an easier place to approach.

DON’T BUY STUFF YOU DON’T NEED

Collect memories, not things, as the mantra of the millennial mouths. Buying ‘stuff’ you don’t need, that you won’t use, that you can’t fit in your house, will only drag you down; a constant reminder of money which could’ve been spent on an adventure or something more worthwhile. We’re not saying spend nothing. That’s implausible, and impossible. But when you do need to spend some money, look at how you can save in the process. If you need to spend big, look for cheaper alternatives: a used Mini, instead of a brand new one, a charity shop not a department store one….you get the picture. Look at what’s available on Freecycle, too, for that feeling of finding a bargain is an uplifting one right there.

CLEAR YOUR MIND AND HOME

De-cluttering your home is helpful, but de-cluttering your mind is perhaps even more important if you want a simple life. The two are inextricably linked, of course. Creating space in your office and home can be as simple as  identifying indispensables and throwing away item’s which aren’t. Decluttering the mind needn’t be any more complicated. Meditation can be a wonderful way to calm and soothe that overactive mind, as can practicing mindfulness, or yoga.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR TYRES HEALTHY

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR TYRES HEALTHY

Tyre maintenance isn’t a exactly a topic to set the pulse racing. Sometimes though, the most mundane subject matter is the one which requires the most thorough attention. It can’t all be bells, whistles, glitz, glamour and gold. So, if you’re here for sensible, honest, essential reading, then welcome. Proper car tyre maintenance could be the difference between life and death, and there’s certainly nothing tedious about that. So whether you own your own wheels or are renting a car abroad, here are 5 IDEAL tips for keeping your tyres healthy.

BE AWARE OF RISK FACTORS

First things first, prevention is better than cure, as the old adage goes, and this isn’t only applicable to human health, but tyre maintenance too. It’s important then, to recognise what risk factors are lurking round the bend, waiting to take your tyres down.

Heat can cause an expansion of rubber which affects alignment and leads to irregular wear and tear. Potholes should also be avoided – or at least slowed down for – as hitting one at speed can knock things all out of kilter. Finally, and most obviously, driving over something sharp is likely to lead to puncture; check your drive regularly and be smart by avoiding industrial construction sites, road maintenance areas and anywhere else where shrapnel might be discarded.

KNOW THE SIGNS

Now we’ve established a few ways of avoiding tyre damage, it’s time to talk about recognising the signs of harm. If your car feels bumpy to drive, or is making an unfamiliar sound, it’s time to check your tyres (see below). You can also visually inspect your wheels for issues; cracking on the sidewalls, abnormally worn out tread, and visible bulges and blisters are all signs that you need to investigate tyre damage further.

TEST YOUR TREAD

Tired tyres take lives, so it’s vital to test your treads if the signs above have alerted suspicion. The mantra of inflate, rotate, evaluate is a simple one to remember; meaning you ought to check the pressure using a gauge, rotate the wheels frequently and check the tread depth using the penny trick. TyrePlus have a nifty guide here to testing your treads.

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR YOUR SPARE

While testing your treads is essential, it’s also important to spare a thought for your spare tyre from time to time. You should check the pressure and for any damage as all tyres lose air pressure over time, regardless of whether or not they’ve actually been in contact with the road. It’s better to be safe than sorry, after all. If you’re in the process of buying a car, the spare tyre and all tools usually found in the boot should be present, correct and ship shape. Missing items is not only bad at face value, it is also suggestive of other discrepancies in the car’s maintenance and treatment.

ANNUAL ALIGNMENT

Wheel alignment is a primary safety concern when discussing tyre damage, so it’s important to check whether everything is on the straight and narrow. Over time, and due to heat, usage, bumps in the road and more, your wheels can become misaligned. A mechanic will need to check this for you, and it’s suggested this should occur annually, if you’re erring on the side of caution. And when road safety is concerned, let’s face it; you should be.

5 IDEAL REASONS TO GET A PERSONALISED PLATE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS TO GET A PERSONALISED PLATE

News just in: sales of personalised plates in the UK are on the rise. The DLVA saw an increase in personalised registrations of 12%, hitting an astounding 374,968 in the year 2017. About 800 private registrations are sold every day, which means big bucks generated for the Treasury.

In fact, in 2017, personalised number plates earned more than £110 million and since 1989, sales have raised over two billion pounds. More than 4.5 million registration numbers have been sold thus far, and the trend isn’t expected to slow down any time soon. So, if you’ve ever wondered what drives people (sorry) to get a personalised number plate, we’ve got it covered. Here are 5 IDEAL reasons to get one.

TO LOOK COOL ON INSTAGRAM

Nowadays looking the part on social media seems to be the primary motivation for doing just about anything. While there was always a crowd that wanted to express their personality through their vehicles, the new Instagram era has been identified as one of the reasons for the rise in the demand in personalised car registrations lately, according to many industry insiders. Lots of people like to show their new cars on various social media platforms, and private number plates are seen as a great way to gain even more social media reach. Gaining traction, it seems, is all in your car’s traction.

MAKE SOME MONEY

Private dealers who sell pre-owned personal plates are seeing a similar upward trend in the resale of plates as is being seen with new plate acquisition. High demand personal plates that sold for a thousand pounds in 1980 are now selling for up to a hundred times that today. For example, Robert Haverson paid almost a quarter of a million pounds for the private registration “1 RH” – and that was back in 2008. In interviews, he compared it to spending a lot of money on a car or boat.

At the top end of the market, private plates have sold for half a million pounds. Yet we know the market can go higher; Abu Dhabi allows for the selling of personalised plates and set the world record for the most expensive plate back in 2008 when a businessman paid 7.25 million pounds for the number plate “1”.

GIVE A PERSONALISED PRESENT

In a world where everything is public, everything, it seems, can also be copied. Imitation, when once considered a form of flattery, is now just annoying. Finding a personalised gift for some, unique to them and not available anywhere else, is a tough ask. A personalised number plate – initially sounding like a strange present proposition – is a great gift idea indeed.

Once you have acquired a new personalised number plate to use on your pride and joy, whether that be a motorcycle or even an imported car, companies can manufacture the physical number plate at a reasonable price. A style currently popular across the UK is 4D Number Plates, which can help give a contemporary look to any (well, within reason!) vehicle.

ADD INDIVIDUALITY TO YOUR WHEELS

We already mentioned the impact of social media on personalised registrations. Another trend in the world of peacocking is the purchase of personalised plates as a way to add individuality to a car without something as drastic as a radical paint job. It also serves as a way to update an older car, by giving it something new and novel, an added bonus being that putting on a plate that doesn’t include the year identifier for the year it was first registered.

There are rules, however, against putting a plate on a car specifically to make it look newer; you’re not allowed to put a Y plate on a 1994 car and then hope to sell it as newer than it actually is, for instance.

If you’re looking for a particular plate or want to see if the one you want is available, you could use a site like britishcarregistrations.co.uk and check their database.

SHOW OFF

The status symbol and wow factor also play a role in the recent popularity of vanity plates. The attempts to get number plates that resemble one’s name or simply paying the premium to own the plate that spells your name is driving (ahem) up prices today. A certain amount of novely value is definitely at work, especially as more previously banned combinationsbecame available.

Personalised plates are setting a record for sales and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. For some, it is a form of individual expression. For others, they are a status symbol or investment. Regardless of the reasons for their popularity, they’re generating significant cash flow, both for the Treasury and those who secured sought after plates early on.

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