Menu
Home Blog Page 335

8 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME OFFICE A HAVEN OF WELLBEING IN 2018

Editorial Team
-
0
8 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME OFFICE A HAVEN OF WELLBEING IN 2018

A new year, and a healthier, happier you. It’s the dream isn’t it? January is traditionally a time when our thoughts turn towards health, wellbeing and reinvention. As well as taking positive steps to improve our physical fitness, more people are also recognising that the home environment can play a huge role in influencing how we feel. Seeking wellness in interiors has been identified as a key trend for 2020; the bond between interior design and our emotions is strengthening as the concept of home-as-sanctuary in a difficult, unpredictable world gains momentum.

And as more of us than ever – especially young women – are working from home, making sure your home is a productive and comforting space is integral to a happy, balanced life. Together with Hillarys and wellbeing expert Liz Earle, we give you 8 IDEAL ways to make your home office a haven of wellbeing during self isolation.

SEE THE LIGHT

Put your desk in front of a window as plenty of natural light is the holy grail of happiness; it significantly increases energy, creativity and productivity. If you’re considering blinds, then wood or faux wood venetian blinds are perfect for home office windows as they filter the light to minimise glare on your computer, with the slats easily adjusted to control light levels as the sun moves round during the day. So go for function but don’t forget about style. Roman blinds soften the look of the room and a pretty botanical fabric brings a lovely feel of the outdoors into your office.

GET CRAFTY

It doesn’t have to cost the earth to redecorate your office. Charity shops and car boot sales are perfect hunting grounds for quirky, vintage pieces. Or why not indulge in some DIY creativity? Cover plain cardboard box files with wallpaper or fabric for a fabulous, bespoke look. A pinboard made from a wooden picture frame, foam and fabric is a great way to display photos, to-do lists or any other information you want to see at a glance. It also brings with it a great sense of satisfaction at having done things cheaply and with your own hands.

WOOD IS GOOD

Make your office a little more eco-friendly with a desk made from reclaimed scaffolding boards and simple trestle legs. The former can be picked up cheaply from a salvage yard and the beauty of doing this is that you can design your desk according to your space and needs.

ADD GREENERY

It’s been proven that plants in the workplace can reduce stress levels and increase productivity. Aside from these pseudo-scientific benefits, plants are a cheap and cheerful way to add decoration and bring a lovely touch of nature into your home office. Opt for green, leafy plants like ferns or ivy, avoiding cacti whose spikes can create the opposite of a relaxed feeling. Equally, flowers with a strong scent can be distracting or irritating, so probably give them a swerve too.

CONCEAL CLUTTER

A cluttered workplace can be distracting so get creative with your storage. If you can’t bring yourself to actively declutter, then it’s a conceal job, we’re afraid to say. You could use soft, floaty voile curtains to cover up a shelving unit, for instance.

SITTING PRETTY

As tempting as it sounds, dragging a chair from the dining room, or a stool in from the kitchen, is a false economy.  An ergonomic chair may not give the designer feel you’re after, but your back will thank you for it! And, you can really pretty it up with a cosy sheepskin or throw. Consider foot rests, ergonomic mouse instruments shaped to fit your hand and soft keyboard pads that allow rest and relaxation for the wrist. If you’re going to spend all day at your desk, you may as well be kind to the tools which make you money.

PICTURE THIS

Pictures and photographs can be a great way to inspire creativity and a feeling of wellness. Pick out three or four that are significant to you and make sure those are in your view.  But remember; the more stuff you add to your desk, the more your brain has to keep track of. Working in a crowded space can be mentally exhausting, even if you don’t realise it, so tend toward the minimalist, when possible.

Photographs and artwork are not the only thing that can help improve your well-being, creativity, and motivation. You might also consider framing achievements or special moments on the wall to remind you either where you came from, or what you have achieved to get to where you are now.

By hanging these memories, achievements, and artworks on the wall you can create the positive environment you want in your home office, without having to cram everything on your desk, where it will inevitably become too cluttered and go against the vibe you are trying to create. 

KEEP IT COMFY

Your desk is for getting down to business, but you probably need a place to read, take a break or just have a cup of coffee.  A comfy chair or sofa is a great addition if you have the space. Add plenty of cushions and a throw and you’ll be all set for those important thinking breaks.

SQUEEZE IN MINI BREAKS

Even if you can’t fit in a full workout, you can still do some simple stretches and strength moves in your office. And even if you don’t have equipment, you can do things like chair yoga using nothing but your office furniture. Be smart, be resourceful, and good things will come.

7 IDEAL STEPS FOR TURNING YOUR HOME INTO AN OASIS OF CALM

Editorial Team
-
0
7 IDEAL STEPS FOR TURNING YOUR HOME INTO AN OASIS OF CALM

Your home is your castle. It provides a sanctuary far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and as such, needs to be a place of soothing calm. It is your personal space to relax and unwind after a stressful day of work, a place to recharge batteries and reclaim a bit of sanity after a mad day; a place of relaxation and restoration.Yet, this may not always seem the case in a busy, hectic household. But, fear not. All’s not lost. Here, we offer 7 IDEAL steps for turning your house into an oasis of calm.

Welcome Natural Sunlight

Do you want to add more positive energy into your home? If so, try to welcome as much natural sunlight into each room as possible, as it will create a light and airy space, and in doing so, will lift your mood no end. You don’t want to be blinded by the sun though, so choose your blinds or curtains carefully. For many, the amount of natural light in a room is the make or break as to whether they spend time there, so exercise caution and care for the perfect ambience.

Light Candles

So, what do you do when the sun goes down? You still want those flickers and rays of unpredictability, so light a candle. Candlelight can create a relaxing, romantic atmosphere, which is lovely to walk through the door to. Deploying ones with a homely, aromatic scent will bring further multi-sensory satisfaction from something seemingly so innocuous. So, throw on your pyjamas, grab a book, box set or both and light a beautifully-scented candle. You’ll feel relaxed in no time.

© Pixabay

Add A Fish Tank

Few things are more relaxing than watching fish swim their way around an aquarium, adding a touch of tranquillity to a room. You could while away many an hour watching the different fish explore the water; a hypotonic, therapeutic experience perfect for the ‘oasis of calm’ we’re after. You can even customise the aquarium to suit your personality; adding a personal touch in tune with your character will bring further life and personality to your place of sanctuary. If you’re looking for an aquarium or another relaxing water feature for your home, visit water-garden.co.uk to peruse some great ideas.

Treat Your Home To Flowers

The beautiful scent and colours of a bouquet can improve your mood and happiness, which is why you should regularly treat your home to a stunning floral arrangement. Bringing nature inside in this way is imperative to positive vibes in the home. Bold colours can sometimes produce excessive energy within the home, so choose muted, wall-colour complementary tones that provide feelings of comfort and balance. Choose flowers of the season, and enjoy the natural harmony that they bring to your home.

© Pixabay

Declutter

Cluttered home, cluttered mind; or so they say. It is therefore essential to declutter your space to create a fresh, attractive home. While you do not have to opt for a supremely minimalist interior, you should eliminate too many decorative accessories, furniture or knick-knacks crowding your shelves and table space. You’ll have more freedom to move and your mind will feel much clearer.

Create A Chillout Space

If possible, why not dedicate an entire room to relaxation? We’ve all heard of the ‘man cave’, but r’n’r needn’t be gender specific. It can be your little sanctuary away from a busy home, as you will have a space to enjoy some time to yourself to chill, pamper your body or embark on deep breathing or meditation techniques.

© Pexels

Cushion Corner to Corner

Do you want to enjoy a quieter, more relaxing home? If so, use textiles to achieve a calmer and quieter home; introduce cushions, a plush rug and decorative pillows into your interior design to absorb the sounds. This can help reduce loud noises within the home and create a happier, calmer home – and they’ll also add a touch of luxury and homeliness to a space.

 

4 STEPS TO THE IDEAL STYLISH BEDROOM

Editorial Team
-
0
4 STEPS TO THE IDEAL STYLISH BEDROOM

The bedroom….where the magic happens, a functional place for getting your 7 to 8 hours, or an infuriatingly messy pit where insomnia and stress dominate? Whether you fall in column A, B or C depends much on the feel of the room in question; no storage space, and it’s gonna be untidy; deep purples that Prince would be proud of and lots of titillating texture, and no wonder it’s a space in which love blossoms. We know we’d rather collapse happily into the latter, so here are 4 steps to the IDEAL stylish bedroom.  

LEATHER BEDS

Something of a must-have these days, and, sure, there are other cool options when it comes to beds, but for that sophisticated look there’s no better material than leather… or faux-leather if ethical considerations are taken into account. You needn’t compromise on your principles for fashion because the faux-leather options now are so good, so real, that you wouldn’t know the difference. The leather bed makes a great centre-piece in any room and sets a very particular, sensual tone. Think of the leather bed as the décor equivalent of the jacket of the same material: timeless, fit for all occasions and with that slight edge which, frankly, we all want in the bedroom.

DENIM WALLS

Keeping with the sartorial, slightly off centre theme, denim walls are a great way to add a really unique touch to the bedroom. This doesn’t mean literally wallpapering with dissected pairs of your old jeans, of course, but denim-effect paints. They’ve been in vogue for a little while now and create an incomparable depth and texture to a room. The key is not to overdo it (think rules concerning double denim) as, in common with all dark paint, too much can diminish the total light in a room and cast you into gloom. A feature wall works nicely, or just picking out a chimney breast can be very effective too.

ART BOOKS

This one might sound pretentious… and it sort of is, but then the whole point of interior design is a kind of pretence, isn’t it? If you think about it, what you’re really doing is creating the stage set for your everyday life. As Oscar Wilde had it: “Being natural is simply a pose, and the most irritating pose I know”. So, an invitation to play the poseur, then; get a load of cool-looking art books for your bedroom to create a smart, cultivated feel to the place. They can be carefully arranged on a bookshelf, artfully (pun very much intended) left on the bedside table, or even placed becomingly on a windowsill… sprezzatura is the word!

VINTAGE FLOURISHES

These bad boys aren’t going anywhere yet so don’t hesitate to embellish your living space with the careworn treasures of yesteryear. Our age is the cut-and-paste era, the post-modern, ironic, self-aware period of eclecticism. So grab that ‘60s alarm clock, those classic record sleeves and those Art Nouveau posters and adhere them to surfaces in the name of design. Of course, don’t forget to apply your aesthetic sensibilities to the ensemble just a little to avoid a mere mess.

YOUR OWN PERSONALITY

This final one might sound infuriatingly abstract, but it’s probably the most important of them all. Get the leather bed, do the denim feature wall, but most of all, be yourself! There’s another conforming going round outside your door; the last thing you’d want is the place you spend the most time to be identikit and soulless.  Great style isn’t about being a slave to the brands and mindlessly following the latest fashions, it’s about having the confidence to follow your own taste and letting your real self come through. Or come thru, as they say in 2018.

THE IDEAL TEA PAIRING WITH DIM SUM GUIDE

Editorial Team
-
0
THE IDEAL TEA PAIRING WITH DIM SUM GUIDE

Drinking tea with dim sum is essential in Chinese cultures – with tea being equally as important as the dishes you are eating.  Each tea has its own unique taste and aroma, so it is important to pair the dishes with the correct teas to experience the full flavours of the cuisine.

With such a huge variety of teas on offer, it can be difficult to choose the most suitable for your dim sum feast. The tea experts at Royal China Group have provided their top tips on which teas to order with dim sum to make the most of the oriental flavours.

Dim Sum Dish: Prawn dumpling  

Pairing: Light dishes pairs well with Jasmine tea, allowing you to taste the full floral flavours of the tea.

Dim Sum Dish: Scallop dumplings or Lobster dim sum

Pairing: It’s best to pair these dim sum dishes with a tea darker in colour and with a stronger flavour such as Oolong Tea, which also has a more complex aroma.

Dim Sum Dish: Chilli dumplings

Pairing: Pu-erh tea is best paired with chilli dumplings as it is strong tea which pairs well with the chilli flavours and it helps you to digest oilier foods.

Dim Sum Dish: Honey roast pork puffs

Pairing: Keemun tea is a full-bodied black tea, best sipped with pastry dishes and dark meat. It should not be paired with very sweet desserts.

Dim Sum Dish: Chicken Buns or Fruit

Pairing: Green tea pairs best with milder ingredients such as chicken. It also matches well with fruit desserts such as Royal China’s Almond beancurd with fruit cocktail.

Looking for more tea tips? Check our our guide on 6 steps to choosing the very best Earl Grey tea, IDEAL for discerning tea drinkers everywhere.

6 REASONS HAVING A GYM BUDDY IS THE IDEAL WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT

Editorial Team
-
0
6 REASONS HAVING A GYM BUDDY IS THE IDEAL WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT

If you haven’t got to grips with your New Year’s resolutions yet, it’s time to bag yourself a gym buddy! We’ve teamed up with British and National wrestling champion and owner of Right Path Fitness, Keith McNiven, to reveal why having a friend to motivate you during workouts can really benefit your weight loss journey.

WORKOUTS BECOME FUN

Motivating yourself to get out of bed, go to the gym and do a workout isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have a daily routine in place. Having a gym buddy means that you’ve got someone else holding you accountable and expecting you to show up – you won’t want to let them down!

YOU WON’T BE LONELY

Going to the gym alone isn’t for everyone.You may feel self-conscious, like people are watching you or judging you. Having a friend with you means you can focus on your workout and encourage each other. Laughing and chatting as you exercise makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

THERE’S HEALTHY COMPETITION

We’ve all got a competitive streak, even if you don’t know it yet! Although at first it may seem intimidating, working out with someone else makes you perform better. Especially if your gym buddy is fitter than you are, as you strive to keep up with their pace.

THEY KEEP YOU ON FORM

Working out with a gym buddy means you have someone with you to watch your form during exercises, especially when you’re using weights. This is even more helpful if your buddy has some experience of training, as they’ll know where to correct you and suggest new exercises.

IT’S EASIER TO TRY NEW THINGS

Have you always fancied trying a new class but don’t want to go alone? Gym classes are a great way to add variety to your workouts and they could become a regular part of your routine. Take a friend and you can be newbies together.

IT’S A CHANCE TO CATCH UP

If you only meet your buddy once or twice a week, by the time you meet up you’ll probably have lots to talk about. Make the most of your time in the gym and find out what’s new in their life. By the time you’ve had a weekly rundown, you’ll have run for miles!

5 IDEAL STRATEGIES FOR MEAL PLANNING

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL STRATEGIES FOR MEAL PLANNING

We’ve come to that point in the year when our drive is slowing, our resolutions are fast fading in the rear view mirror and we’re heading full throttle into another year of excess and vices. Where our waistlines are concerned, it’s not so much the living in the moment that’s detrimental to our dieting efforts, but the lack of foresight in our dinner decisions. The odd giving in to temptation is fine – nobody is perfect and occasionally nothing will lift the mood more than a delicious sweet treat – but with a little preparation for healthy, nutritious meals, it’s much easier to stick to our pledges. So, here are 5 IDEAL strategies for meal planning.

CHOOSE A FIXED DAY AND TIME FOR WEEKLY PREP

To plan your meals, choose a day and time when you’re generally available for meal prep. Typically this will be something manageable; a few hours, one day a week, depending on your skills of course. This might be at the weekend if you work weekdays, or it could be on a Monday or Tuesday if you’re a stay-at-home parent. Take a look at your calendar and choose a day and time that works for you, timetable it in, and set a reminder. By doing meal prep at the same time every week, it will become a habit, and you’re less likely to forget to do it.

MAKE A LIST OF WHAT YOU NEED MORE OF…..

You should be aware of what your diet has been lacking – eating healthily, after all, is as much about putting good stuff in your body as it is avoiding bad things – so make a list of items you’d like more of in your meals. This should include oily fish, green vegetables, fruit, grains….you get the picture. Then search recipes online that include these ingredients and print them out, ready for cooking on your prep day.

….AND WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID

Now for the boring bit….the same rules as above apply to food you should be avoiding. Make a list of ingredients which you know you shouldn’t be having loads of (chocolate, we’re looking at you) and scan your cupboard, fridge and recipes for those items. Give them to your neighbour, key them under lock and key or simply avoid eating them – willpower dependent, of course!

MAKE IT FUN

Prepping and planning without actually enjoying the fruits of your labours immediately can be excruciating. But, you can make the experience fun and delayed gratification is a great skill to learn in the dieting game. Download some new music or podcasts you’ve been meaning to listen to, enlist help from a chatty friend, or set yourself and race yourself – anything to make things more enjoyable and frivolous!

PREP PARTS AHEAD OF TIME

Finally, although you’ve set out a particular time for meal prep, you can get ingredients ready ahead of time to save yourself some work. By prepping ingredients ahead of time, the most boring part of cooking will be out of the way, leaving you free to get creative and experimental. You might do this when you get home from the store, or it could happen the next day. Whatever you choose to do, make this a habit, too.

Prepping in advance might include frying off some bacon, cooking meat, chopping vegetables, and even putting ready-to-eat foods in containers for lunch. All of this work will be greatly beneficial in the long run, and will go a long way to fighting off the urge turning to unhealthy processed foods as snacks.

4 IDEAL TIPS ON GETTING THE BEST SHOPPING DISCOUNTS AND BARGAINS

Editorial Team
-
0
4 IDEAL TIPS ON GETTING THE BEST SHOPPING DISCOUNTS AND BARGAINS

At least we’re all in the same boat……purses are pinched, wallets wanting and bank balances baren. The post-Christmas spending money slump isn’t over yet, and whilst we’re waiting to be out of this wasteland of Netflix binges and pot noodles, any bargains, discounts and sales are most welcome. Fortunately, there are a few neat little tricks which can help you get the price slashed on that must-have item. So, here are 4 IDEAL tips on getting the best shopping discounts and bargains.

KNOW THE BEST DATES AND TIMES

Like most of us, you’re probably out shopping in the evening or weekend, as free time dictates, and you can’t be blamed for that. It’s well known, though, that this isn’t when the best deals are found. Usually, the much lusted after discount vouchers are released on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so even if you can’t get to the shops, keep an eye out online for these.

Also recently revealed, is that the really bumper, slashed price in-shop sales also usually occur on Tuesday and Wednesdays, specifically in the mornings. This time and day specific focus also applies to supermarket discount shelves.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO BARTER ON BIGGER PRODUCTS

It might sound too simple, too forward, to work. But often just asking for a discount works. In fact, it’s frequently written into company policy to grant that request if someone has the gumption to ask. Some shops are more susceptible to this than others, so be aware of stores with softer attitudes. 

More intriguingly, it’s said that prices ending in 7, 8, 1 (say £25.51) are for ranges which are in the process of being discontinued, and shop assistants will be more likely open to a haggle.

Finally, you’ll be familiar with the online chat screen that pops up on many companies’ websites. Well, asking for a discount on bigger products via this screen often yields results. The mantra, we think, should be ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’.

MAKE THE MOST OF ONLINE DISCOUNT VOUCHERS

Online discount vouchers appear in many forms, sometimes seemingly out of nowhere. There are several approaches to elicit a company to send you one. A popular trick is to fool them into giving you a code by abandoning an online shopping basket mid shop. You’ll notice that shortly after you close the shopping window, an offer will have appeared in your email inbox. Alternatively, you could just use a website which sifts through the offers to find the best discount codes, such as plusvouchercode.co.uk.

ASK FOR A PRICE ADJUSTMENT IF A PURCHASE LATER APPEARS IN THE SALES

If you buy an item at ‘full’ price but then days later notice it has been discounted, you’ll often be able to receive money back to match the new price. Just ask in store for a price adjustment and more often than not, your request will be granted. Don’t wait too long though, as after 14 days, your receipt won’t be valid for returns.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SURVIVING (AND ENJOYING) WEDDING SEASON

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SURVIVING (AND ENJOYING) WEDDING SEASON

So you’ve made it through Valentine’s Day relatively unscathed, and no one needs to know you spent it indoors and alone in the company of Made in Chelsea re-runs. But wait a second….what’s that rustling at the letterbox? Yep, the first embossed ivory invite/emotional sucker-punch (depending on how you look at it) has just hit the doormat. Wedding Season is upon us and to the many singles out there, it’s as much as an ordeal to survive as a joyous celebration of love.

Survival tips at the ready, then. We’ve teamed up with the lovely relationship experts at MySingleFriend to share our 5 IDEAL tips for surviving (and enjoying) wedding season.

RSVP

Nothing gets on brides and grooms nerves more before the wedding than guests failing to RSVP in a timely manner. It’s just plain rude and makes planning and preparation so much more difficult for the stressed couple. Plus, it gets the awkward ‘will you be needing a plus one’ conversation over with. And we’re British; we hate awkward.

MINGLE

If you don’t already know the other people sitting at your assigned table, be sure to introduce yourself and get chatting. If you don’t get the pleasantries out the way, there’ll be no chance for the gossip, the shot downing, the snogging a stranger, that later might bring.

DON’T OVER INDULGE

A free bar is a wonderful thing, but unlimited shouldn’t mean a licence to empty it. Don’t go overboard. Pace yourself. If you are going alone, it’s easy to be tempted to indulge in a bit too much dutch courage, especially as having a drink in hand gives you something to do and relieves a bit of posture based awkwardness. Sure, weddings are, and should be, boozy, but it’s always a good idea to ensure you’re not the sloppiest guest there, unless you want to get tongues wagging for all the wrong reasons.

STAY AWAY FROM THE BEST MAN

Just no. PARTICULARLY if you are a bridesmaid. Don’t be a cliche, a figure of fun whose story is rehashed and retold at every subsequent wedding for the amusement of others and embarrassment of you.Like we said before; just no.

DANCE LIKE NOBODY’S WATCHING

Regardless of the type of wedding, there are a few things you can count on: dresses, drama, drunk family members, and dancing. So you may not have anyone to smooch up to on those slow numbers, but hit the floor with pals or good natured family members in tow and bust a groove and show the world you’re happy being single.

 

For more expert dating advice visit: www.mysinglefriend.com

NEW_MSF_Logo_Purple1

7 IDEAL TIPS ON COOKING THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S DAY MEAL

Editorial Team
-
0
7 IDEAL TIPS ON COOKING THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S DAY MEAL

You’ve got the outfit and the gift sorted, but on one of the busiest nights of the year in the restaurant calendar it can often be difficult to get a table for two.  

So, why not treat your loved one to an intimate home cooked meal this Valentine’s Day instead? ‘But I’m stuck on ideas on what to cook!’, you cry. Well, don’t worry, as Head Chef of Michelin starred Bohemia restaurant, Steve Smith, has got you covered. Here he shares his tips on the 7 IDEAL tips on cooking the perfect Valentine’s Day meal.

CREATE AMBIENCE

We like to create a sense of occasion at Bohemia so have low-hanging pendant lights suspended over the dining tables, perfectly illuminating our exquisite plates of food. Aim for the same by creating a romantic ambience using dim lighting – perhaps through the flicker of candes – sultry, smooth background music playing, and of course, by using your best cutlery!

DRINK PINK

At Bohemia Bar we serve a variety of Lanique based cocktails.  It’s the perfect drink for Valentine’s Day due to its pink colour and rich and floral taste, given this hue and flavour profile as it’s made from a secret recipe that uses Attar of Rose. Try a signature serve of Lanique over crushed ice with fresh lime juice, or add it to Champagne or Prosecco for a twist to your fizz.

DON’T FORGET THE NIBBLES

Plan ahead and don’t forget appetisers to begin the evening. Think of them as the foreplay prior to the main event; equally as important and sometimes the best part. You don’t want to make yourselves too satisfied at this early stage, but it’s always nice to have a few nibbles on offer to get the juices flowing.

APHRODISIAC DISHES

Try to include dishes and ingredients commonly thought to be aphrodisiacs on the home menu, such as oysters – perennially popular on Valentine’s menus and they pair really well with Champagne.  February is the perfect time to serve oysters, they’re bang in season and eating on is a sensual experience.

SWEET AND SAVOURY

Lobsters and chocolate are two items which are instantly thought of when it comes to a Valentine’s dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try combining the two? It’s not so crazy as it sounds! In fact, at Bohemia we serve Butter Poached Lobster, Cauliflower and White Chocolate, with Sorrel & Caviar. Luxurious and damn delicious.

DON’T STRESS

After a fancy starter, try to keep the main course simple but also impressive, as you may need to be away from the candlelit table to finish it off, and you don’t want to leave you partner sitting alone for too long. Go for pan-fried fish or steak served with a colourful side dish, if you wish to keep things simple. Remember, presentation is always important; after all, we eat – as well as other things – with our eyes first.

INDULGE IN CHOCOLATE

For Valentine’s Day, chocolate is a must on any menu, and it makes the perfect elegant dinner dessert, especially when served with a classic dessert wine. Simply go with a nice box of chocolates or try your hand at making chocolate mousse or a Black Forest gateau.

5 IDEAL TIPS ON THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERTS

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL TIPS ON THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERTS

Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us and for those couples choosing to opt for an intimate home cooked meal, a heavenly dessert is sure to set hearts fluttering at the end of the evening. The only danger is that nothing which follows will top it!

Bohemia Restaurant’s Head Pastry Chef Ellen de Jager has given her top tips on creating an indulgent and luxurious dessert to help you impress your loved one. So, here are 5 IDEAL tips on the best Valentine’s Day desserts.

CHOCOLATE IS A WAY TO A WOMAN’S HEART

Sweep your sweetheart off their feet with some traditionally romantic chocolate covered strawberries. Everyone knows that chocolate is the way to a woman’s, and man’s, heart and it is scientifically proven to release happy hormones. Chocolate dipped strawberries are a simple and easy way to finish the meal, but a delicious delight nonetheless. Add a sprinkle of edible glitter, chocolate chips or salted caramel bites for an extra flourish.

NOTHING SAYS ‘I LOVE YOU’ LIKE RED VELVET

Chocolate tends to steal the limelight in the Valentine’s Day dessert stakes, but red velvet is a scrumptious alternative, and still provides the meal’s finish with a hint of cocoa. The ruby red colouring is perfect for Valentine’s Day and red velvet gives you the scope to bake cookies, cakes, brownies and more. Be creative and surprise your other half with a batch of velvety heart-shaped goodies – the time spent baking will be appreciated and really shows you care.

A SPLASH OF ALCOHOL IN YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY SWEETS

Add a sophisticated grown up twist to your recipe with a dash of spirit, bubbly or wine.  It is the perfect excuse to add your favourite tipple to a delicious dessert and tastes fantastic paired with chocolate, fruit and more. An easy way bring a touch of the celebratory to the holiday of love, then, is with a sweet and boozy dessert.

IF YOU LIKE IT, THEN YOU SHOULD PUT A MERINGUE ON IT

A meringue-based dessert looks and tastes amazing, and doesn’t require chef-like skills to master. Pop to the supermarket and purchase individual meringue cases and simply crumble the meringue and mix with whipped cream and fresh strawberries to make a traditional English favourite Eton mess. If you are feeling fancier, fill the meringue case with fluffy pink raspberry mousse and top it off with bright red strawberries. With these crunchy and sweet treats, love will certainly be in the air!

 

 

 

7 IDEAL WAYS TO SOOTHE SENSITIVE SKIN

Editorial Team
-
0
7 IDEAL WAYS TO SOOTHE SENSITIVE SKIN

Skin can take a battering as temperatures begin to drop and icy winds blow, so its important to remember to take care of your skin, especially if it’s sensitive. Over the winter months, cold winds and low temperatures have an impact on your skin and dryness is the most common result of braving the elements. Winter air lacks humidity which reduces the skin’s natural oils.

As the weather takes a turn for the worst this week, with almost freezing temperatures, Surcare’s sensitive skin range is here to help with Harley Street Dermatologist on the seven ways to care for your skin this week.

MOISTURISE REGULARLY

Throughout the winter months, to help retain the skin’s moisture, it is important to avoid irritants such as soap, wipes and fragrances. Anti-bacterial hand wash can be especially harsh for sensitive skin. Keep your skin regularly topped-up with a rich moisturiser. Also consider using a laundry detergent that is geared towards sensitive skin to avoid further irritation.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HANDS

As the skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body, and has fewer oil glands, it is harder for them to retain moisture. This can lead to itchiness and cracking, so protect them with a moisturiser and wear gloves when you go outside. Should you have woollen gloves, it might be an idea to slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause.

GET PLENTY OF SLEEP

Our immune system is under a lot of pressure, fighting off more winter bugs during the cold season. It is always recommend to make an extra effort to get plenty of sleep and have time to de-stress in order to keep your skin in tip top condition. It is a known fact that stress and exhaustion lower the immune system, resulting in skin breakouts.

AVOID WET GLOVES AND SOCKS

If you have been out in the rain or snow, make sure you remove your wet socks and gloves as soon as possible. The excess moisture can can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.

DON’T TAKE VERY HOT BATHS

While soaking in a hot bath seems like a great idea after being out in the cold, the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. Instead, use warm water and stay in the water a shorter amount of time.

If you’re suffering from itchy skin, try a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, to help relieve skin.

USE HONEY

To soften stubborn dry patches on rough elbows and knees, try a rich, hydrating scrub. You could even make your own, simpIy use a mix of honey and sugar. Studies have shown that honey reduces inflammation, and sugar (applied topically) increases circulation. This is especially helpful in winter when blood flow is typically diverted from the skin and sent to the core of the body to keep it warm.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SLEEPWEAR

The softer your sheets and sleepwear, the better off your skin will feel. Natural fabrics like cotton or cotton flannel with a high thread count are best for those with sensitive skin or eczema. Take care to avoid blends of cotton and synthetics, which can be irritating to sensitive skin.

5 IDEAL PERFUME FRAGRANCES WITH A TIMELESS APPEAL

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL PERFUME FRAGRANCES WITH A TIMELESS APPEAL

Some woman have a signature scent that they use forever. Others choose a specific floral or fruity scent, like that of Ormonde Jayne fragrances, and stick to that religiously. Some even like to mix it up depending on their mood.

Here at IDEAL we’re fans of the timeless. From jewellery brands to perfume scents, there are some brands that have stood the test of time of time while others have failed to achieve such longevity. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up 5 IDEAL perfume brands with a timeless appeal.

CHANEL N°5

Marilyn Monroe famously said she wore nothing but Chanel N°5 to bed, and we’re sure she’s not the only one. You can’t get more timeless than the legendary Chanel N°5.

Launched by French couturier Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel all the way back in 1921, it has become one of the most iconic fragrances in the world. Described as ‘a powdery floral bouquet housed in an iconic bottle with a minimalist design’, it’s been Britain’s best selling perfume for 25 years. You can’t argue with that.

COCO MADEMMOISELLE

Another one from Chanel, Coco Mademoiselle is almost as iconic as it’s older sister. It has an oriental fragrance with a strong personality, and yet it’s surprisingly fresh. Coco Mademoiselle is a wonderful everyday fragrance, suitable for any and all occasions.

MISS DIOR

If Dior’s latest advert ‘for love’ featuring Natalie Portman hasn’t left you besotted then we don’t know what will. The sensual scent (scentsual? nah) is a floral declaration of adoration, combining the Grasse rose with the boldness of its Damask cousin, and fresh notes provided by Calabrian bergamot. Now let’s say it together ‘We adore Miss Dior’

DAISY

Timeless yet young-at-heart is the slogan for this perfume, and it couldn’t be more true. With vibrant floral notes that are irresistibly fresh and radiant on the skin, this dreamy fragrance is classic and charming. Everything about this perfume, right down to the playful bottle, makes us smile.

TOMMY GIRL

Tommy offers an extensive line of fragrances, but none are as well known as Tommy Girl – oh the memories with this one! Originally launched in 1996, it’s been, and still is, the first perfume of many a teenage girl (especially if you grew up in the 90’s).

We remember squirting it on before our first cinema date as a teen. With a floral and fruity base, it’s manages to be both timeless and modern. The scent is a blend of camellia, black currant, apple tree blossom, mandarin and orange, along with mint, lemon, grapefruit, violet, jasmine, sandalwood, cedar and honeysuckle.

8 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO GET A BARGAIN ALL YEAR ROUND

Editorial Team
-
0
8 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO GET A BARGAIN ALL YEAR ROUND

We’re a generation obsessed with getting the right price. But, instead of trawling the charity shops just after Christmas or waiting (im)patiently for the next Black Friday, it’s time to tap into the myriad new and ingenious ways of grabbing a great deal. So, we’ve teamed up with lovethesales.com to put together a list of 8 IDEAL tips on how to get a bargain all year round.

ORGANISE YOUR INBOX 

Subscribing to email alerts is a well known way to get the best deals direct from retailers, however, too many emails will hinder your chances of unearthing the best offers and the most relevant sales that you want to see.The solution? Add folders to categorise what you want – this can be home, fashion, electronics; you get the picture. Once your folders are ready you can create rules so as soon as emails arrive, they are sorted into relevant folders. This makes deal spotting quick and easy. This will also help organise voucher codes into specific groups so you can match them up with products quickly and easily. For example, if you wanted to see emails about a Converse sale, you would set up a ‘Converse sale folder’.

GOOGLE RELATED SEARCH TERMS

If you type ‘Ted Baker Sale’ into Google, you will get results that match. However, it’s only a small piece of the overall picture. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page you will see 8 related search terms, all of which may provide different answers and channels of enquiry.

DON’T JUST STICK TO THE RETAILERS YOU KNOW

Human nature is to take comfort in the familiar, but this can be a hindrance when it comes to finding great prices. If you’re looking for Ralph Lauren, you’ll probably check a few retailers you know of, but really, you ought to be looking at other retailers who stock Ralph Lauren too. One quick way to do that is to jump over to Google Shopping and type that brand in, and hey presto, a list of retailers who sell Ralph Lauren that you can now keep tabs on for when they have sales. From there, another great tip is to use a site like SimilarWeb – you enter a web address and they’ll tell you sites that are similar. There are hundreds of great retailers out there that you just don’t know about yet – and all of them have sales and deals at one time or another for you to take advantage of.

SET UP GOOGLE ALERTS

Google Alerts is a tool that lots of people don’t know about, but has such a gold mine of opportunity to it. Go to “Google Alerts” and type in the alert you want e.g. “topshop Sale” – enter your email address and click ‘create alert’. You’ll now get an email every time Google finds a new occurrence of your phrase. You can link this with tip 1 to make sure all of these alerts are getting organised in your Inbox.

DON’T WAIT FOR THE MAIN SALES PERIODS

The biggest misconception about sales is that you only find the best bargains during the Summer sales, Black Friday or Christmas. False. Research from www.lovethesales.com shows that between 25% and 35% of all retail stock is discounted each and every day of the year. So, get proactive daily!

FRIEND CONNECTIONS

Having as many ears to the ground as possible to find out where the sales are is crucial to finding the best deals. Keep a whatsapp group chat going with friends or family who share your interest in making great savings. Update each other on any deals you see, especially if any are promoted in store; you’ll often find even bigger equivalent sales on the retailer’s website.

AGGREGATORS ARE KEY

We use aggregators for everything from takeaways to booking hotels and flights. They are convenient and take away all the work of looking in loads of the different places for the best deals. It’s the aggregators jobs to find the best deals from all across the web, based on your search criteria, taking the pressure and stress out of your hands and saving you lots of time and effort, so use them.

BONUS TIP: USE LOVETHESALES.COM

If you want to keep an eye on every sale, deal and discount, LovetheSales.com does it for you. It aggregates every discounted product from 100’s of retailers across the web and puts them into one place. The site has hundreds of thousands of the most updated sales products everyday, including exclusive offers, latest season products, voucher codes and more.

5 IDEAL SECRETS ON HOW TO HAVE A STRESS-FREE WEDDING

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL SECRETS ON HOW TO HAVE A STRESS-FREE WEDDING

According to wedding website The Knot, the average length of time from marriage proposal to tying the knot is 14 months. That’s just over a year until the big day. All this equates to panic stations; it’s planning, preparation and stress from here on in.

It needn’t be the cause of sleepless nights and newly found grey hairs, though. Being organised and calm can help make the organisational stage much more enjoyable. We’ve asked Simon Bandy, General Manager and supplements expert of Health Plus, to share his advice. He say

“Planning a wedding should be one of the most exciting times of our life and yet for many of us stress takes over. However, there are many supplements and tips that can be valuable when it comes to maintaining a healthy emotional balance and staying organised in the run up to, and on, the big day. An organised mind equals a calm mind!”

So, here are Simon’s 5 IDEAL secrets on how to have a stress-free wedding.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Before the planning commences, sit down with your partner and decide what is important to both of you and what your budget can stretch to. Throughout the whole process, ensure you keep each other informed of everything. If you have busy lives, set up a big pin board in your house on which to stick notes and updates on. Don’t hold back if something is causing you concern; communicate constantly!

PRACTICE A LITTLE DEEP  BREATHING

If something doesn’t go to plan, take a few moments to calm your breathing and remember that everything is temporary. Slowing and regulating the breathing promotes physical and mental balance, leading to a calmer state. Add some lavender oil to a handkerchief and inhale for extra relaxation. You will then feel better prepared for resolving any issues.

LISTS, LISTS, LISTS

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything needed to plan a wedding, but making a comprehensive to-do list and prioritising tasks keeps a focus on what is needed and by when. Delegating tasks to bridesmaids, best men and family can also relieve the pressure. Just make sure everyone is clear on their duties and deadlines!

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

This is crucial for keeping body and mind in balance. Something as simple as going for a walk can get the blood flowing and clear the mind, ready for the next tasks. Remaining positive and remembering why you are doing this – for love, of course – will help to keep things in perspective.

THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM

Once you have your comprehensive list of what you want for your wedding, book as much as you can early on and send out ‘save the date’ cards in good time. It can also help to allocate each item to a month, for example, in month one – find a venue, in month two – find a photographer and so on.

5 IDEAL HANDBAG TRENDS FOR 2018

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL HANDBAG TRENDS FOR 2018

New year, new bag, is our perennial fashion motto and 2018 has no shortage of must-have bags on offer. Notice our emphasis on bags, plural? Well, this year there isn’t a singular ‘It’ bag; instead, in-demand silhouettes have taken ‘its’ place and we couldn’t be happier. The lack of a must-have accessory, which normally equates to a small mortgage, means anyone can get in on the top trends, no matter what your budget.

That said, there are a few handbag trends that stand out, simply because these bags are super chic and we just can’t get enough of them. Oh, and expect to see fringe galore, bright colours that make any outfit pop, and pretty pastel tones across the board. So, we’ve teamed up with Melissa Del Bono of meli melo to list the 5 IDEAL handbag trends for 2018.

THE BASKET BAG

Denim shorts, straw sun hats and flip flops, there are some fashion items that simply sing summer, and although the hot weather seems a long way away, the basket bag is one of these items. Both practical and versatile, this bag adds texture and dimension to any outfit. It’s ideal for hitting the beach on your  holiday,  looking chic in the city while you run your errands, or going on a country picnic -the humble basket bag will be the summer accessory staple this year.

THE BACKPACK

In recent years, this back-to-school basic has undergone a luxe update. From butter-soft leather bags to canvas styles that are ideal for lugging around your laptop, nowadays backpacks are not only practical, they look fabulous too.

Backpacks made of luxurious leather with the logo of elegant fashion houses and designer brands are sought after for their durability, sophistication, and classic style. No wonder, they’re massively replicated and reproduced, too. Because of this, you have to carefully scrutinise what you’re buying so you don’t fall prey to fake versions appearing in some of the darker corners of local markets.

THE CROSS BODY BAG

If you’re in the market for a do-all bag, then say hello to the cross body bag –  it’s IDEAL’s ultimate wardrobe mainstay. This versatile bag can take you from day to night in an instant; there’s something about cross-body bags that is effortlessly cool and oh so versatile, making it the perfectly practical style essential every fashionista should have.

One cross-body bag style that’s making waves is the half-moon bag. You can even have personalised handmade leather halfmoon bags customised the way you like, choosing which size and type of leather you prefer, whether that’s textured or smooth leather, rendered in classic or less traditional colours to pair with your wardrobe.

If you’re the adventurous type, you may have the bags hand-painted by bag designers to make them truly unique and reflect your personality. The half-moon bars are large enough to fit all your essentials like your phone, a small purse and keys. It would be perfect to pair with your OOTD, and you’ll surely stand out from the rest with its unique shape.

THE CHAIN BAG

The magic of the chain bag – set to continue its revival of last year into this – is that it can be worn louchely draped over the shoulder, or crumpled up into a shorter style. Oh, and it can be worn cross body, too. A versatile, must-have staple of the catwalk and street for the coming year, we think. Chain bags with large links are very fashionable and will match your edgy and casual wardrobe, while those with dainty and thinner chains will suit a more formal affair.

THE STRUCTURED BAG 

If you’re on the lookout for something different, let us introduce you to the box bag – set to be a serious piece of arm candy in 2018. A style that is guaranteed to get you noticed, the box bag is a sleek and sturdy alternative to more traditional slouchy handbags. The bag’s structured style resembles old school lunch boxes, round hat boxes and old fashioned trunk cases – and that’s no bad thing in our minds. The box bag can be worn across the body, or as a shoulder bag or clutch and can instantly dress up any outfit.

It’s worth noting that it’s very functional, too. You can bring all your essentials and a few other things without breaking the sturdy material of this conventional bag. Models strut the streets with larger types of this bag and go to casting calls and go-sees and you could often spot them very easily. 

1...334335336...392Page 335 of 392

Company

WHO we are
SAY HELLO
ADVERTISING

Read More

Ideal
Travel
Food & Drink
Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Social

We’re an online destination, IDEAL for your daily dose of all things lifestyle, from travel to wellbeing and everything in between.

Copyright © 2026 IDEAL Magazine