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4 REASONS CARPETING IS IDEAL FOR YOUR BEDROOM FLOOR

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4 REASONS CARPETING IS IDEAL FOR YOUR BEDROOM FLOOR

Our bedrooms are where we spend at least a third of our lives; retreats from the world, places of relaxation, regeneration and, in some cases, reproduction. So it’s only natural to want to achieve the optimum comfort possible in your space, an effort which often starts from the bottom up. With that in mind, here are 4 reasons carpeting is IDEAL for your bedroom floor.

PEACE & QUIET

One of the biggest benefits of carpeting is its ability to absorb sound. Sometimes, just plonking yourself out of bed is often to make a rowdy ruckus with hardwood floor. Carpet also absorbs the spoken word and mechanical noises efficiently; so if you’re an enthusiastic snorer or bedroom screamer, embarrassment is spared. Equally, when the room fan or radiator kicks in, the sound levels are reduced and less likely to wake the occupant.

Another benefit of carpeted floors is that there aren’t gaps, warping, or cracks in the surface that can lead to creaking when someone steps on a particular spot. All of this equates to a lot less tiptoeing around, and more a whole lot more treading the boards with confidence.

WARMTH

One of the main attractions of the carpet is its insulating effect. This is why rugs are put on wood floors, to help protect the person sitting or standing on it from the cold floor below. When the floors are covered in carpet, the room remains warmer than one with cold floors; good for feet and the overall temperature of the room.

Putting in carpets is certainly more economically viable than trying to have heating elements embedded under the floor; making this one a no-brainer. And who doesn’t want a cosy living room?

THE FOOT CUSHION EFFECT

People often enjoy carpeting because it is soft to the touch, allowing them to be comfortable walking around in bare feet, making the entire room feel warm, soft, relaxing and inviting.

Some people are afraid to put in carpets because they’re concerned about allergens or cleanliness, and believe that soft furnishings lead to sneezing. However, you can get the same pleasant feel, insulating effect and quiet atmosphere with soft, short carpets, which are easy to clean with a vacuum, saving you the hassle of trying to sweep hardwood floors. And if you have children, they will be less likely to get hurt when they fall down or out of bed.

PRICE

Affordable carpets are typically cheaper than the cheapest wood floors, and surprisingly easy to maintain, too. You can find quality carpeting online in any colour or style and if a section is damaged or stained, it is easier to have the section replaced or recarpet the entire room than try to have sections of hardwood floor replaced. You certainly avoid the hassle of maintaining the floor with waxes and stains and can reduce headaches further by investing in a relatively cost effective, stain resistant carpet.

6 IDEAL REASONS EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE PLANTS AND PLANT POTS

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6 IDEAL REASONS EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE PLANTS AND PLANT POTS

Whether you’re a socialite or hermit, a slave to the office or work from home, a fan of adventure or a lover of domestic comforts, your home should always be a pleasant, productive environment. Regardless of the amount of time you spend in your castle, a few, simple, low cost tweaks can make it an infinitely more calming space. Of all the adjustments and additions you could make, the most foolproof and straightforward, we think, is the addition of some indoor greenery. And here’s why; our 5 IDEAL reasons every home should have a plant pot.

GIVE PRODUCTIVITY A BOOST & ABSORB BACKGROUND NOISE

A double-header here, but inextricably linked for sure. Having pot plants in the home is fantastic if you work from your domestic space, as they have been proven to boost productivity and focus. Studies have consistently shown that having a minimalist space bolstered by the presence of greenery is the perfect environment for content workers full of concentration. Obviously huge trees or unkempt foliage aren’t exactly conducive to a steely focus – clutter is the enemy of performance, after all – but some well groomed, small plants are great.

House plants also serve to absorb some of the background noise – especially high pitched tones – that seem to blight modern life. If you, like us, find it impossible to focus at times and block out the endless questions and distractions of 2018, then pot plants could be part of the answer

THEY LOOK GOOD

Styling your home with a little greenery can add that final flourish to your interior design.  Plant pots come in all shapes and sizes, and no matter if your house is big or small, there’s always room for plants. You can add a few mini cacti to your windowsill, place a tall tropical plant in the corner or hang a codonanthe crassifolia from your ceiling – the choice is yours. From classic brass pots to geometric patterns to natural white planters, a plant pot can also elevate your home decor and add a pop of colour to any space. What’s more, you can easily move them, put them in different places for a change and if you want to redecorate, simple – just add a new colour or pattern of plant pot to your room. These gorgeous pot plants from Albert & Moo are just the ticket – the ultimate home accessory. We adore the cool geo vibe oozing from the brands plant and plant pot combo (pictured above).

RAISE YOUR MOOD & REDUCE STRESS

We all know the aesthetic benefits of looking around the room and seeing the vibrant colours of pot plants. It lifts the mood, make no mistake. Think about it; we surround ourselves with flowers in times of both celebration and tragedy, to soothe us, to lift the spirits and to be a visual representation of our feelings. Well, research confirms these assumptions; having foliage and greenery around is great for emotional wellbeing. It’s sometimes down the the simplest of things; apparently having something to care for and maintain, however innocuous, brings with it a sense of self-worth and purpose. Gardening is often cited as an alleviator of depression, so it makes perfect sense to bring all that positive energy indoors.

PURIFY YOUR AIR & BREATHE EASIER

Certified by NASA, the air purifying qualities of pot plants shouldn’t be underestimated. They humidify the air and remove some toxins, which reduces the negative impact of dry air, as well as dust, on our respiratory system. If you’re an asthma sufferer, for instance, houseplants are a must. It’s not just the leaves and flowers doing the dirty work; microbes present in a pot plants soil also aid the air cleaning process. Not all plants were created equal for this process, so choose wisely.

GET RESTFUL

It’s said that the scent of plants in the home calms us down and promotes a restful night’s sleep, and who doesn’t want that? Jasmine and lavender come highly recommended – even reading those names brings about a feeling of inner peace in us…………zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Whoops, sorry, we dropped off for a minute there. Keep a plant in your bedroom, close to where you rest your head, for maximum effect.

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN

We all want to connect more with the great outdoors, to lay in a field, frolic amongst the long grass or climb a tree and stay up there for a little longer than is normal. We’re all also too busy to act on these desires; there are too many notifications to check, emails to reply to and selfies to pose for. Bringing the outside in, then, with pot plants, is that little nod to nature in times of urban suffocation.

 

5 IDEAL REASONS TO LIVE ABROAD

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5 IDEAL REASONS TO LIVE ABROAD

Many people flirt with the idea of spending a part of their lives living in a different country, only to dismiss the notion as absurd and unworkable with any attempt to put it into practice. All too often all it takes is a reflection on the comforts of home, and friends and family they’d be leaving behind, to extinguish the flame before it’s even been lit.

But in a world where barriers of cost, language and communication seem to be lessening with each day that passes, there’s no better time than now to follow through on those desires and experience a way of life that is sure to enrich your own. So, stop procrastinating and start being convinced. Here are 5 IDEAL reasons to live abroad.

FRIENDSHIPS

Living abroad, you’ll find people are drawn to you: you’re new, with stories to tell and a positivity you can only get from being on an extended holiday. You’ll form lasting and meaningful relationships with a bunch of people in the same boat as you, and with Skype or cheap international calls making it easy to keep in contact with pals at home, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds. 

CUISINE

Of course, in the UK there’s a menagerie of wonderfully diverse restaurants, cookbooks and culinary classes, but nothing beats experiencing food cooked traditionally in the country of its origin, preferably on the street, and in somewhere whose popularity is confirmed by queues of locals. Living for an extended period of time in a new country will expose you to authentic hidden gems, local cafés and boisterous canteens that a whistle-stop tour just won’t provide.

LANGUAGE

It’s something of a cliché, but there’s no more pleasant, effective way to pick up a language that by doing so in the country of its origin. Spanish haggling in a Barcelona market, or singing German drinking songs at Oktoberfest, you’ll quickly pick up the nuances and garnishes that a textbook just can’t give you. Consider too the options for classes and programmes that’ll give you a head start in your learning, so you can take what you’ve pre-learnt straight into the best classroom in the world; the street.

EMPLOYABILITY

It won’t necessarily be at the top of the priority list, but having spent a considerable amount of time abroad can actually do wonders for your CV, contrary to what people may think. Instead of showing a restless soul who’s afraid of commitment, it signals a level of independence, bravery, organisational nous, positivity, and ambition that employers lap up; you shouldn’t be worried that your decision will be bad for your career – it’s actually quite the opposite.

PERSPECTIVE

The unflattering term “Little Englander” probably applies to a great many of us, but breaking out of this label is simply a matter of exposing yourself (not literally, you could see serious jail time for that) to different cultures and attitudes to life in order to broaden your perspective.

A year in Norway and you’ll never complain about the British snow again, while six months spent in the US will have you appreciating the subtleties of your traditional hometown pub that little bit more. Having a rational, relative perception of the world is grounding and gratifying for your mentality and mindset. So stop making excuses, and get travelling!

5 IDEAL WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE

Ah, a good work life balance. Much longed after and much fabled, oft cited as a key component of overall happiness, and most all, really damn difficult to achieve. Indeed, leaving ‘work at work’ in the digital age, where all of us are on and in contact 24/7, can seem like an impossible dream. But, it shouldn’t be that way.

Recent research by HandsetExpert found that us Brits are more likely to remember our office number over our partners. If you’re one of these people, then it might be time to address your work life priorities. So, for the benefit of your mental health, personal life and job satisfaction, read on. Here are 4 IDEAL ways to improve your work life balance.

LEARN TO SAY NO…

It may sound simple, but when put under pressure from colleagues, it’s not always as easy as uttering that two letter word. But it should be. Give permission to yourself to put your foot down, with refusal delivered in a firm but friendly manner, and you’ll soon notice people in the office are treating you with more respect, not less. If not, then a little reasoning goes a long way; quality of work, not quantity, benefits from learning when and how to say no.

…BUT DON’T IGNORE CALLS

While learning to say no is key, it is, however, important to maintain professionalism and politeness. Simply ignoring calls and turning your phone off might be viewed as rude or obstructive, and doesn’t get the message across as effectively. So, consider how best to tackle unwanted, unecessary post-work contact. The mobile phone comparison website HandsetExpert conducted a survey of over 1,000 people, questioning Brits about ignoring phone calls and if the boss is calling out of hours. It was found that 29% of Brits are likely to ignore or decline the call. Be one of the 71% and answer, but be firm in your response.

ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES

We think it’s completely normal that sometimes, during down time, your mind wanders to your work. You might even check a few emails, and that’s fine. What’s really important, though, is to establish boundaries with your employer. How you flesh those out is entirely up to you, but specifying no contact after a certain time, and no starting of new projects when you’re at home, is a good start.

Setting these boundaries should extend to using your smartphone or laptop on a broader scale, too. Put aside time for you, away from any screens, to enable you to fully relax.

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

A contributing factor in having to work late or at home after work is a certain amount of inefficiency at task completion during the working day. It’s important then, to work smarter, not harder. Stay away from distractions like social media and online shopping during working hours; draw up a plan for the day on the tube to work; delegate when appropriate; all of these seemingly innocuous actions will lead to less overspill of work into your free time. Result!

USE YOUR COMMUTE TO UNWIND

For those who have a long commute home, this time shouldn’t be spent catching up on work emails. Neither should it be spent staring into space. Use this blessed little window of uninterrupted sitting (if you’re lucky enough to find a seat, that is) to do something productive or relaxing. Read a book, play chess online, complete a crossword or learn a new skill; something which takes your mind away from the office and the train does the same.

5 IDEAL PLUS SIZE FASHION TIPS

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5 IDEAL PLUS SIZE FASHION TIPS

For the fuller figured lady who wants to flaunt their fashionable side, it’s never been easier than today. Plus size fashion (a bit of an umbrella term if you ask us) has changed a lot over the last few years and the shopping landscape is better than it ever has been before. From high street brands like Marks and Spencer who have just launched their new Curve collection to a myriad of plus size boutiques online, brands are finally proud to be putting curves back on the agenda. To celebrate, here are 5 IDEAL plus size fashion tips.

FORGET THE OLD ‘AVOID STRIPES, WEAR BLACK’ MANTRA

First things first, forget all those fashion rules you’ve learnt over the years. There are hundreds out there which are just plain nonsense, and the ‘no horizontal stripes’ rule is one of them. While it’s rumoured that horizontal stripes can make you seem larger, in actual fact they can enhance your natural figure and create more of an hourglass silhouette, depending on your body shape. Either way, if you enjoy how stripes look on you, there should be nothing stopping you from incorporating them into your style. They say rules are made to be broken after all.

TRY ON DIFFERENT SIZES WHEN YOU’RE SHOPPING

Think a size 16 is the same size 16 at the boutique across the street? Think again. Sizes differ from shop to shop, so don’t fret if a certain item isn’t exactly your fit  – size after all ain’t nothing but a number and we’re all different. When you’re trying on clothes, take several sizes (both bigger and smaller) with you into the changing room and pick which one fits best, no matter what the label says.

USE A TAILOR

We know what you’re thinking – expensive. However, tailoring isn’t just for fancy clothes. Alterations are a game changer when it comes to wearing clothes that are the perfect fit (in other words flattering) for women of all sizes.  We know that getting your clothes adjusted may cost a little extra at first, but the amount of wear you’ll get out of your ‘perfect fit’ clothes is well worth it in the long run.

FIND CLOTHES THAT FLATTER YOUR SHAPE

From triangle to hourglass to oval – not all curvy girls have the same frame. Like dressing for any shape, it’s all about emphasising your best bits to make you feel great. While the variation of styles and dresses available for women over a size 20 used to be limited to frumpy frocks, there are now a variety of plus size dresses in an assortment of styles and colours. Try out different cuts to see what suits you best. Also, don’t make the mistake of wearing oversized baggy clothes which will swamp your silhouette. Whether it’s your derrière or décolletage, if you’ve got a favourite part of your body, then show it off. Embrace your shape and don’t be afraid to wear figure hugging clothes to emphasise your best bits.

LAYERS WON’T MAKE YOU ‘LOOK BIGGER’

Despite what you may have heard, adding layers won’t necessarily make you look bigger: and even if they did, would it really matter? Layers can be a great way to add depth to your look, and also provide you with a way to accommodate unpredictable weather, without needing to lug a coat around everywhere you go. Check out whowhatwear.co.uk for tips on the best ways to layer your clothes this year.

The most important thing in plus size fashion is to find your own unique style, comprised of clothes which make you feel confident and allow you to express yourself fully. End of.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WHILE TRAVELLING

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WHILE TRAVELLING

Money makes the world go round, as the old adage goes. But how about; make money while going around the world? That’s a saying – and journey – we’d love to get on board with. It’s a dream that many view as just that though; unachievable, unrealistic and far out of reach. It doesn’t have to be this way; with modern technology and communication shrinking the world until it fits in the palm of your hand, more and more millenials are earning while burning up the track. So, with this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL ways to make money while travelling.

BECOME WEB DEVELOPER

If you know how to code (or have the drive to learn), then web developing while on the move could be the answer to your itchy feet. Building websites for other people has never been easier with software and skills acquisition available at the touch of a button. Instead of developing the wwws inside a dingy office in Milton Keynes, why not do it poolside under a tropical sun, cocktail in hand?

TEACH ENGLISH

Lots of tourists who decide they never want to return to England turn to teaching English to fuel their holidaying habit. While it’s not as simple as rocking up to a school and doing your A,B,Cs, qualifications and teacher training are available to give you the confidence you need to stand up in front of a class and explain the past perfect continuous tense with vigour and aplomb. A CELTA course (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is the most reliable, accepted certification, and can be studied at home before you trip, or abroad during it.

BE A FLIGHT ATTENDANT

As long as you’re not afflicted by vertigo or aviophobia and between the heights of 4’11” and 6’4”, becoming a flight attendant could be your channel into the world of getting paid to travel. Training is typically paid and on-the-job, meaning your adventure could start moving almost as soon as you set that ball rolling. So, what are you waiting for?

RENT YOUR HOME ON AIR BNB

So you’ve decided to set off on an adventure with funds put aside for the trip and budgets carefully drawn up? You could prolong your travels, for as long as you please in some cases, by renting out the property you’ve left behind on airbnb. If you play your cards right and manage your finances carefully, the money earned from renting out your place could give you spending money for your holiday. Marvellous!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREELANCING WEBSITES 

Make the world your office by taking advantage of freelancing websites like upwork.com, freelancer.com, peopleperhour and fiverr. These platforms connect businesses and freelancers together from anywhere in the world. The businesses post all types of jobs from copywriting to editing and graphic design, then the freelancers compete for said job.

5 IDEAL PLACES FOR A SPRING BREAK

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5 IDEAL PLACES FOR A SPRING BREAK

In the ideal world, the first shoots of spring should signal that the colder months might be reaching their natural conclusion. But who are we kidding? We’re all familiar with the Great British weather. Or rather, unfamiliar; as it’s so hard to predict what weather event is lurking around the corner. Time to get away then, somewhere guaranteed to be hot, sunny and exciting. Experts have long recommended taking spring annual leave to hack the best length of holiday, so what better time to book a holiday abroad than now? With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL places for a spring break.

OSAKA, JAPAN

Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, is a great place to visit all year round, with temperate weather and amazing food (okonomiyaki anyone?). What marks spring out as such a great time to make the trip is emergence of plum and cherry blossom, usually beginning in mid-March. Visually, it’s a stunning spectacle, and this time of year remains largely uncrowded by tourists; plenty of space for selfies amongst one of nature’s prettiest turns, then! Osaka is equally famous for its eclectic, modern nightlife, so be sure to get amongst it.

IBIZA, SPAIN

Renowned for having the best nightclubs in the world, Ibiza is the ideal spot for partygoers seeking a bit of hedonistic escapism from dreary, grey Blighty. The island is also home to a series of coastlines, as well as some of the most stylish hotels in the Mediterranean. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to get involved in while you’re here, such as diving in clear, warm waters, cycling from Ibiza to Formentera and boating from the La Savina harbour. If you’re looking for luxury accommodation, there are some particularly stunning Ibiza villas rentals along the coast.

LOS CABOS, MEXICO

Spring Break! The rallying cry of a million high school kids, and there’s nowhere it can be heard louder and prouder than Los Cabos, on the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. While you might not be keen on beer pong and chugging back red cups of destruction, it’s not hard to see why this part of the world is so popular in Spring; the weather is bright and hot in the day and a pleasant, cooler, comfortable heast as night draws in. Carnaval also comes to town in nearby La Paz over the Easter calendar, so expect some serious fun and frolics.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Whether you’re in search of a weekend break or a two-week holiday, the capital city of Denmark won’t disappoint during Spring. Temperatures get a little milder, and seafood season is in full swing, meaning you’ll experience the finest, bang-in-season food fresh from the ocean. And they certainly know how to cook seafood in Copenhagen. Not only is Copenhagen one of Europe’s oldest cities, but it’s also one of the cleanest, with pollution incredibly low due to the city’s obsession with doing everything on two wheels. We can’t argue with that.

NEW ORLEANS, U.S.A

The Big Easy is at its biggest and easiest during Spring, and this is mainly down to one thing; Mardis Gras. The main event falls on the 4th March, but there are parades and parties stretching for weeks either side of this. If live music is your thing, you have to do New Orleans during Spring at least once in your life; concerts (both organised and impromptu) seem to crop up in every bar, venue and on every corner with reckless abandon; just the way we like it! Between February and May sees the most agreeable climate too, with temperatures cool and rainfall less insistent. While you’re there, be sure to check out the regions rightly revered cuisine; grits and gumbo, with gusto!

 

5 IDEAL REASONS TO INSTALL A SPIRAL STAIRCASE

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5 IDEAL REASONS TO INSTALL A SPIRAL STAIRCASE

Stairs. Such a prominent, ever present feature of the modern home (bungalows aside, for the pedants) but one which is only ever viewed from a functional perspective, if ever viewed from any perspective at all, other than up or down.

Climb or descend, get from A to B, scale quickly when you need the loo and trudge up slowly after falling asleep on the sofa. Run down on Christmas morning and fall down on Christmas night. Slide the banisters if you’re feeling racy, but never, ever give this huge domestic feature a second thought. We could end the article here. Stairs.

But we’re here to talk about their rebellious, coiled cousin not the straight-edged sister. Yep, it’s time to give the spiral kind a spot in the limelight. So if you’re in the middle of home renovations or thinking of remodelling your house and want it to be anything but ordinary, then the only way up could be via a spiral. Here are 5 IDEAL reasons to install one.

STUNNING STATEMENT PIECE

There’s something about the hypnotic wind of a spiral staircase that is so attractive. If you’ve ever immersed yourself in the world of design magazines, you’ll know that artists and architecture aficionados adore them. The way they curve and twist upwards (or downwards depending on your position) is something almost mystical; a metaphor for life’s journey perhaps.

They can add a minimalistic character to your home, which we just love. Upon entering a room a spiral staircases instantly captures your attention. If you want to make your home look chic and cool, with a talking point to set conversation off even in the most reticent of guest, then do it with a custom made spiral staircase.

      © Loft Centre

THEY’RE COMPACT AND SPACE SAVING

Spiral staircases don’t only improve your home’s aesthetics, they can also improve its functionality. If you’re looking to maximise every bit of square footage you can, then a spiral staircase could be the answer. For an item with such big personality, they take up very little (relative) space, with not much surface area required. Regular stairs take up a large rectangular square footage, eating up and creating dead space. However, spiral staircases use minimal space because it builds on top of itself, creating more room.

LIGHT AND AIRY

In a large, open plan kitchen-cum-living space is where the spiral staircase really shines. And shine is the operative word here, as natural light flourishes through the design of this type of stair. Owing to its skeletal like frame, sunlight can easily pass through the gaps, giving the room that much sought after airy feel and often actually making your living space feel bigger than it really is.

VERSATILITY OF MATERIAL ALLOWS YOU TO EXPRESS YOURSELF

From timber and stainless steel to wrought iron staircase spirals, beautiful and bold spiral staircases are an excellent way to express your taste via a domestic mainstay so often overlooked as a vehicle for interior design. It’s amazing how flexible and versatile a structure so rigid, in essence, can be, and this is all down to the wide variety of materials which fit the brief. Whether it’s for an indoor or outdoor, you’ll be able to find a spiral staircase that expresses your design taste.

CUSTOMISE

Do you have a specific vision for your space? A spiral staircase can be completely customised to your own brief and arrive ready made; convenient to install and a much more personal affair than a standard stair which will have been in the house, in the same form, for generations. The customization doesn’t have to stop in the design; consider hanging flower baskets and art pieces off the rungs for an extra touch of eccentricity and fun.

Don’t know where to get your spiral staircase from? Loft Centre is an established supplier of commercial and domestic loft ladders in the UK and Europe. Its comprehensive range of classic space-saving, spiral and loft hatch stairs, with free UK delivery, suit any space, style and budget. Contact Loft Centre today on 01243 785246 to find out more.

5 IDEAL GROOMING TIPS FOR THE BUDGET TRAVELLER

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5 IDEAL GROOMING TIPS FOR THE BUDGET TRAVELLER

So you’re off on an adventure; to grace far flung places, with packed suitcases to meet new faces….and while you’re racing to throw caution into the wind, preparing well for your trip is essential. You may be throwing your fifth pair of sunglasses into the luggage, and thinking you’ll never need to wear another shirt again, but unfortunately, a touch of foresight is required if your intrepid trip isn’t going to trip you up. Yes, we get it, and we here at IDEAL hate being the voice of reason, but a little planning goes a long way, and this is never truer than when talking about staying beautiful on a budget, on the move. So, here are 5 IDEAL grooming essentials for the budget traveller.

HYDRATION

Travel can be fraught with obstacles to your grooming regime, especially if you’re penny pinching and doing things on a budget. Trouble can start even before you reach your destination, so be wary. A long journey on the plane is certain to dry out your skin, as the air conditioning on board is always on. Mitigate the detrimental effects to your skin by keeping hydrated, drinking plenty of water throughout the journey.

The same rules apply when you reach your destination, especially if it’s a hot country, which let’s face it, it should be. Use lip balm and carry a simple skin moisturiser; damaged skin cells usually regenerate when they are moisturized enough. Remember to hydrate your hair too – keeping your hair hydrated can keep it from becoming a frizzy mess, so use a decent leave in conditioner. If you don’t have enough luggage space for both shampoo and conditioner, use a 2-in-1. Should you find yourself in tropical climes (lucky you!) get your hands on coconut oil, which is great for moisturising your locks.

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW

If you shave or wax your legs, consider doing it thoroughly before you travel to leave you free to simply enjoy your arrival and settling in. If you have an undercut hairstyle, make sure to carry one of the best trimmers, so you can keep your look razor sharp. Investing in your own razor will save you money in the long run as you won’t have to pay a hairdresser to do it every time you need a trim. Remember to buy one with water-resistant properties, as things often get messy when exploring.

USE FACE WIPES & WASH

It’s difficult to predict how your face might react to changes in the environment, humidity and exposure to the sun. A skincare regime that was once perfect may now not be suitable to your new surrounds, and excessive oil accumulation and acne are a risk. Here, face wipes are a quick solution to rebalance your skin; perfect for those who are on-the-go. Dust and pollution are prevalent in larger cities in hotter climates, and dirt seems to constantly adhere itself to your skin. Wipes are an immediate, efficient answer to this issue when you’re not near a bathroom. Use a face wash when you get back to your hotel for best results.

When choosing the best face wipes and wash, look carefully at the ingredients. Be wary of chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, which strips the skin of its protective layer; not a good look in the long run. Products containing alcohol can also dry out your face over time.

BE SAVVY WITH PRODUCT CHOICE

Just because you’re travelling, doesn’t mean you should skimp on your skincare routine. If you can’t carry all your products, use all in one brands to save space.

Be aware of what you can and can’t take on the plane. The TSA travel guidelines allow you to carry gels and liquids in containers which weight below 3.4 ounces. Replacing your liquid products with solid ones can help you make the most of space and weight restrictions; choose bar soaps and water-soluble products. A common mistake travellers make is to assume that the products we’re familiar with using in Britain won’t be easily available in far flung countries. In reality, most countries now have stores which stock most international beauty items.

EMBRACE WHAT YOU’VE GOT

Some people who have silky straight hair always curl it, others have wonderful natural curls but are addicted to their hair straighteners, while others still have something that’s in between; not straight, not curly, not wavy, just kind of mad. Well, when you’re travelling the last place you want to be is in the hotel room, fussing over a hairstyle which will be knocked out of place as soon as you hit the streets. Embrace the frizz, the kinks and the imperfections, and just let your hair down!

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO KEEPING YOUR HOME SECURE

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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO KEEPING YOUR HOME SECURE

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 of leader and ruling party, the onus is on the homeowner to make their castles safer. A sad state of affairs indeed, but one helped by a few simple steps. So, here is the IDEAL guide to keeping your home secure.

SAFER SURFING

A possible reason for the recent growth in burglaries is the use of social media by criminals when singling out properties to target. Frequent mistakes made by social users include: tweeting photos from inside the home, sending Facebook updates about holiday plans from the airport, posting pictures of expensive jewellery or electrical equipment and accepting friend requests from people who they don’t genuinely know. All of these seemingly innocuous actions can add up to the mining of enough information to commit a well-timed burglary or identity theft, so be smart and savvy when sharing on social media.

CHECKING ACCESS

When you first move in, it’s essential that you change the locks to your house or flat. You wouldn’t share passwords with strangers for example, so why risk sharing keys? Although you may have been handed a single set of keys by the estate agent, it’s impossible to know how many times the keys have been replicated. So, when moving in somewhere new, early on your to-do list should be hiring a professional locksmith to switch the locks on all access points to your home; these will include front and back doors, windows, the garden gate, garage door and even the shed if you have one.

MAKE IT HARD FOR THIEVES TO HIDE

A garden full of elaborate shrubbery may look divine, but it’s also inviting for thieves to hide among and wait for their moment to strike. Keep bushes trim, and even consider planting thorny foliage next to your windows to make them harder to mount. Motion sensor lighting around your home is also a fantastic way to deter thieves, as it will trigger a spotlight to shine every time someone walks past.

INSTALL C.C.T.V

Co op Insurance surveyed 12 former burglars (a most trustworthy, rigorous investigation) to find out more about how would be thieves operate. The biggest deterrent, it was revealed, would be visible CCTV on the premises, along with a barking dog and the sound of a T.V or radio. Smart technology allows CCTV footage to be viewed on your smartphone, which is handy for homeowners who want to check in on their property, but a massive disincentive to burglars.

SET TIMERS ON LIGHTS, RADIO AND T.V

Equally, timers can be set when you’re away for an extended period to create the illusion of occupation inside the house. Have your lights timed to turn on occasionally; ditto the radio and television, and your house will look to be a hub of life and energy.

LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR

It may seem terrifically old school, quaint even, but enlisting the help of a neighbour is still a good idea. Ask them to call round to the house when you’re out, to keep an eye on things, giving you peace of mind and perhaps more importantly, helping a sense of community and fighting off isolation in a society sometimes mistrusting and fragmented. Perfect!

5 IDEAL EXERCISES YOU CAN DO ON THE SCHOOL RUN

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL EXERCISES YOU CAN DO ON THE SCHOOL RUN

Taking the kids to and from school everyday can mean there’s little time left for exercise, especially when you factor in work, social events and keeping the house clean!  It can be a challenge to get to the gym or an exercise class, particularly if you’re juggling looking after the kids and work commitments. Making time for short exercises throughout the day keeps you active and looking great. With the help of Right Path Fitness, here’s 5 IDEAL exercises you can do on the school run.

GLUTE SQUEEZES

Whilst you battle rush hour traffic, why not take advantage of those extra few minutes? Glute squeezes can be done sitting in the car, on the bus or whilst you’re walking!

HOW TO DO IT: Whilst sitting, all you have to do is squeeze your gluteus muscles together. Quick, simple and no one will know you’re doing it. This exercise is great for strengthening your glutes and activating unused muscles. Aim to repeat this 15-25 times in a row and several times during the day.

JOGGING, SPRINTS AND RACING

If you usually walk the kids to school, make it a fun activity for everyone by challenging yourselves to jog instead of walk. Walking is great for cardiovascular health, but jogging is even better. If you can fit in a short sprint too, you’ll be improving your stamina.

HOW TO DO IT: Get the kids involved and make it fun. Exercising with others always makes it easier and there’s no excuse to skip it – the school run has to be done! Make sure you have suitable trainers to keep your feet supported and aim to be quicker each time. Add in fun challenges like racing each other to the next lamp post or tree.

WALKING LUNGES

Walking on its own will increase your fitness level over time, but if you route is the same every day, you can add in a few walking lunges to make it more interesting. This is another one that’s great for the kids to join in.

HOW TO DO IT: As you’re already walking, you’ll be in the perfect position. Starting with a good posture and making sure your feet are together, take a big step forward with one leg. Drop into a deep lunge, bending both knees and without allowing your front knee to reach over your toes. Keep your back straight and keep your balance. Step your back foot forward, bringing your legs together. Repeat on the other side as you walk.

POWER WALKING

If you’re not quite ready for jogging yet, power walking could be the answer. The ideal exercise for working every part of your body –
strengthening your muscles and improving your posture. If you’re often running late dropping the kids off, it won’t even feel like exercise!

HOW TO DO IT: Probably one of the easiest exercises to master, once you’ve decided the pace that suits you, it’s all about coordinating the arms. Banish the bingo wings by swinging your arms briskly, raising them as high as you can to work the biceps and triceps. The control required to keep the pace will automatically strengthen your core, waking up those tummy muscles and lifting your bum.

JOG ON THE SPOT

Those dreaded four words remind us all of warm-up exercises at school, but they don’t have to! Jogging on the spot is a really simple way to keep your heart pumping and your body moving, promoting good circulation. Do this as you’re waiting at the school gates – the kids will just think you’re excited to see them!

HOW TO DO IT: This exercise doesn’t need much explanation – just go at your own pace, but make sure you’re moving fast enough to get your heart rate up. Cardiovascular exercises encourage fat burn and keep your heart healthy. As time goes on, you’ll be able to jog continuously without getting out of breath, improving your fitness level. If you want a more challenging option, lift your feet up higher and bring your knees as close to your chest as possible. This version may be more difficult to do discreetly, however!

SALON SPY: THE PAINTED LADY, THE IDEAL PLACE TO INDULGE IN SOME RETRO GLAMOUR

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SALON SPY: THE PAINTED LADY, THE IDEAL PLACE TO INDULGE IN SOME RETRO GLAMOUR

A boutique beauty of a salon with old-fashioned charm and a refreshing dose of cheeky retro glamour, The Painted Lady is located on Redchurch Street a 5 minute walk from Shoreditch High Street Station. With its warm wooden floors, friendly chatty atmosphere and shabby chic vintage furniture, The Painted Lady is the perfect antidote to some modern chain salons which can feel impersonal and a bit sterile. Entering the salon, we were welcomed by the lovely receptionist who is not only dressed like she’s stepped straight out of a 1950s pinup painting, it also later transpires she’s actually a burlesque dancer. This salon, and its staff, have both style and substance. The décor is eclectic and interesting to look at – peacock feathers, book shelves, comfy sofas and dried flowers give a kitsch, homely bohemian feel. The girl next to me reads a paperback novel while she gets her foils done. The atmosphere is very chilled and unpretentious.

I’m lucky enough to get my hair done by Belinda, the salon’s owner. Originally from New Zealand, she was one of the original stylists at one of London’s most renowned salons, the award-winning Taylor Taylor. I’ve had highlighted hair for over 10 years and have never experienced such a light touch. Normally a trip to the hairdressers results in resigning yourself to sixty minutes of eye-watering hair-yanking as the stylist fights to keep the foils in place. Not so with Belinda which made the whole process far more relaxing.  Downstairs is dedicated to hair washing sinks and nail art stations – perfect for if you’re having highlights and can squeeze in a manicure while you wait for the bleach to develop.

They may be retro in décor and style, but The Painted Lady is bang on trend when it comes to nail art. Belinda shows me the dedicated Painted Lady Instagram for nails and its full of innovative negative patterns, minimal dot work and creative nail art applied by yet another glamorous lady in a headscarf and red lippy. I went for a black shellac manicure with contrasting white ring fingernails and dot work.

Belinda tells me how much Redchurch Street has changed over the eight years she’s been there. From being the only salon on the street to now one of three, but luckily the amount of customers in the area has also grown. Belinda treats my poor bleached locks to some Olaplex, and takes the time to remove the pink tinges from my hair before applying a toner. All the products used in the salon are vegan or eco-conscious.

When I entered the salon, my hair was dull and lacklustre from the pink home dye kits I like to use. But I emerged from the chair a lovely creamy blonde colour with ashy tones. To finish, Belinda blowdrys my hair and pins it into curls to dry which when released create lovely soft waves. Two weeks on and its feeling better than ever from the Olaplex treatments. The Painted Lady blends good old fashioned hospitality and feminine beauty ideals with cutting edge treatments and techniques into the perfect cocktail. I’ll definitely be back.

www.thepaintedladylondon.com/

Disclosure: IDEAL’s treatments were complimentary.

3 IDEAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR CHILD’S NURSERY

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3 IDEAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR CHILD’S NURSERY

Whether you’re a parent who stays at home to care for your child or you’re a working parent with help, at some point, you may decide that you want your child to attend nursery. It could be because you need a couple of hours a day to yourself or you’re on your way back to work after your maternity leave. As a result, you may be looking into potential nurseries for your child to attend.

There are several questions that you should ask yourself before deciding on one. The answers to these questions should help you narrow down your search. Here are 3 IDEAL questions to ask before choosing your child’s nursery.

IS IT CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOME?

There are several reasons that parents choose to take their children to a nursery. For some, it’s because they have to resume work, while for others it could be so that their child gets the chance to interact with other children outside of the home. Irrespective of the reason, when choosing a nursery for your child, you should think about where it’s located and whether it’s in close enough proximity to your home or workplace.

There will be days when you may end up running late because of traffic, running behind in the office or faced with unforeseen circumstances. On such days, you’ll likely get to your child quicker if their nursery isn’t too far away.

You should, therefore, do some research and look up nurseries in your area that meet your requirements both financially and academically. If you decide to nominate a family member or friend to pick up your child because you work late hours, you could consider choosing a nursery near them as well. Location, it seems, is everything.

WHAT WILL MY CHILD BE LEARNING?

Every nursery has a different approach to keeping children engaged, entertained and learning. Before choosing a nursery, you should ask yourself what your personal preferences are regarding how your child is taught (and what theirs might be!), what kinds of activities you would like them doing, and what you want them to learn. Just because your child is under the age of five, it doesn’t mean they can’t begin learning in preparation for school. St Clare’s Private Nursery, for instance, cover topics such as colours, seasons of the weather, animals, nursery rhymes, opposites and shapes, celebrations, and mini beasts over a two-year cycle, and although a fixed curriculum, as such, isn’t common, beginning to tackle this type of subject matter is. Before choosing a nursery, try and have a look at each nursery’s topics to help you make an informed decision.

CAN I AFFORD IT?

You have probably gotten the memo about the soaring cost of childcare in the UK presently. In Britain, the average cost of sending a child under the age of two to nursery full-time is said to be around £222.36 weekly; an exorbitant fee for most parents, which is why some opt to stay home and raise their children until they’re at least 5 and can enter full-time education.

If you do decide you want to work and taking your child to the nursery, however, you could consider government initiatives that may offer financial support. An example of one is the Flying Start programme which is free quality part-time childcare for 2-3 year old’s if you happen to live in the South Wales axis. If you’re eligible, you will get childcare for 2 and a half hours a day, five days a week for 39 weeks as well as 15 sessions during school holidays. It should help significantly reduce childcare costs on your part if you’re a working parent.

 

5 IDEAL REASONS WHY RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS ARE SO IMPORTANT

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5 IDEAL REASONS WHY RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS ARE SO IMPORTANT

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and while it certainly shoudn’t be confined to a single tick on the calendar, we at IDEAL are all about the small (or big) altruistic acts. In celebration, Le Pain Quotidien is encouraging Londoners to make the city a happier place. We’ve teamed up with the famous bakery to share 5 IDEAL reasons why random acts of kindness are so important.

YOU CAN CHANGE SOMEONE’S LIFE

A random act of kindness could just lift a person’s spirits, or you might even change their whole way of thinking. You never know the path another is on, and your random act of kindness has the potential to totally alter that path for the better.The butterfly effect is in full swing here; an act of a moment’s length could have positive repercussions for a lifetime.

KINDNESS IS A CYCLE

Quite simply put; it’s contagious! A seemingly innocuous act of compassion, and you’ve started a cycle of kindness, which will hopefully continue rolling ad finitum.  Scientists – and layman with adequate vocabularies, too – call this behaviour ‘mimicry’. If someone around us is generous or kind, it spurs us to behave in the same manner.

IT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Research has shown through brain scans that even just thinking about helping others activates the mesolimbic pathway in the brain, which produces the feel-good chemical dopamine. Being kind really does make us happy; although please, don’t just think it! Act.

IT REDUCES STRESS

Doing good does you good. Being kind to someone else has been shown to greatly enhance our mental well-being. According to research it also makes you feel more satisfied with life. How does being kind make us healthier? One theory is that it increases our mental well-being by lowering the amount of stress hormones we produce.

IT MAKES YOU MORE ATTRACTIVE

We find people with an appealing personality more attractive. Research shows that people rate people’s faces that look ‘kind’, ‘honest’ and ‘decent’ as more attractive than any others.

5 IDEAL BENEFITS OF EXERCISING NAKED

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5 IDEAL BENEFITS OF EXERCISING NAKED

When it comes to exercise, we’re often told which different types of sporting clothing we should wear to enhance our workout. From the latest breathable technology that keeps your body temperature regulated to trainers which guarantee you improved running times, if you’re into fitness than we’re sure you’re not into being bombarded with new and innovative types of workout clothing from a host of different brands and experts.

What we’re trying to say is; do we need all this high tech gear. What if we told you that you can have an extremely effective workout wearing only your birthday suit? Nope, we are not perverts and training naked might sound a little off piste, but genuinely, it can bring a whole host of different benefits. So, with the help of Right Path Fitness, here are the 5 IDEAL benefits of training naked.

FEEL COMFORTABLE IN YOUR OWN SKIN

One of the reasons that many of us exercise is to feel happy in our own skin. We work out to feel good, to be healthy and to achieve our body goals, but most of all, we do it to raise self esteem. When working out naked, you’re forced to examine your body and to come face to face with yourself, exactly how you look and what’s great about your physique. By consistently doing this, you’ll gradually learn to love your body.

YOU’LL BE ABLE TO NOTICE PROGRESS

By regularly observing yourself in the nude as you work out, you’ll be able to notice every bit of progress your body is making within your exercise routine. There’s nowhere to hide when you’re not wearing clothes, and by knowing the ins and outs (not literally) of your human form in the nude, you’ll notice even the most minor changes. This will help to keep you motivated and to show you that your hard work is paying off. Similarly, consistently looking at yourself naked will inspire you to take stock and make healthy choices to see changes in your body.

WATCH YOUR BODY WORK

Without a doubt, one of the biggest benefits of exercising naked is that you can actually watch your body work. Without clothes, you’ll be able to see the different muscle groups in all their glory as you exercise – a walking, talking, panting science lesson all of your own making. You will be able to actually see how strong you are, to visualise the impact of each exercise you do and to marvel at how fantastic the human body actually is.

LETTING YOUR SKIN BREATHE

If you wear clothes whilst you work out, believe it or not, you are technically not giving your skin enough room to breathe. According to Dr. Lance Brown, an American dermatologist, workout clothing can restrict the blood flow and act like a sponge, collecting all of the sweat you produce – which of course, should be a decent amount if you’re working out with gusto! Going bare gives your skin a chance to breathe. When you sweat, your body releases toxins, and by wearing tight workout clothes, you’re actually weakening your skin by reabsorbing the sweat that is released by the body as you sweat. So let it all hang loose and let it out.

ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY

Without the restriction of workout clothes as you exercise, your body is likely to be a little more flexible, allowing you to truly maximise your workouts. This could result in improved calorie burn, as you’re truly getting the most out of your workout.

Whether you’re getting naked for a home workout or attending one of the innovative and exciting new naked exercise classes we’re seeing popping up around the globe – working out in the the nude can bring a myriad of physical and psychological benefits, so if you’re brave enough, why not give it a go?

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