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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR AN IMPACTFUL HIIT WORKOUT THIS NEW YEAR

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR AN IMPACTFUL HIIT WORKOUT THIS NEW YEAR

After weeks of Christmas parties and ultra-indulgence throughout December, the welcoming of the new year calls for a resolution, and for many, switching up our health regime – or having one, altogether – becomes a top priority.

In 2017, increasing exercise and losing weight was the most popular resolution among Brits. So, whether it was the extra nights out to blame, or the endless sweet treats on offer, something has got to give. Well, there is a solution to getting back on track in 2018 – high intensity interval training, more commonly known as HIIT, which, in essence, combines short bursts of intense aerobic exercises such as sprinting, followed by longer recovery rest periods. Seems simple and approachable, with maximum results – what’s not to love?

We’ve teamed up personal trainer and Cellucor athlete Andy Ward to discover more. Here, then, are 5 IDEAL tips for an impactful HIIT workout this new year.

BUILD YOURSELF UP GRADUALLY

Before introducing intervals into your regime, you do need some sort of baseline aerobic fitness, to establish a foundation. Therefore if you haven’t been doing any exercise at all recently, start with 3 x 20-minute steady state cardio (jogging or cycling for example). When this starts to feel easy, you’re ready to hit the HIIT! Try introducing 2-3 intervals at a time during your normal 20-minute routine, and as your fitness and endurance improves you can add more intervals to your workout.

CHOOSE EXERCISES THAT YOU ENJOY

If you’re not a fan of cycling, don’t cycle. It’s as simple as that; there are plenty of other ways to keep fit available. If you’re a keen runner, sprints are your best bet. Choosing an activity that you particularly like gives you a higher chance of sticking with it, and consequently will give you a better chance of seeing the results you want to achieve.

FUEL YOUR WORKOUTS

If you’re feeling sluggish and cold in the winter months, choosing a pre-workout such as Cellucor’s C4 will help give you an instant and explosive burst of energy. This pre-fuelling will also help to increase your focus and will be your best friend in times of need when you’re feeling unmotivated to workout.

Note to self: If you do overindulge, don’t worry, HIIT workouts burn more glycogen (which is what carbohydrates are converted to) which means all that extra chocolate will be put to good use!

BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERDO IT

HIIT can be very taxing on the central nervous system, and with a drop in temperature the cold weather may make you more susceptible to picking up a cold or two. So if you’ve overeaten, don’t overtrain to compensate for this as you could do more harm than good by running your immune system down. Instead, try to stick to a normal and regular routine wherever and whenever you can.

5 IDEAL HAIR STYLE TRENDS OF 2018

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL HAIR STYLE TRENDS OF 2018

2018 is finally here, so what better time to try out a new look? The new year is always a time of reflection, and although spiritual, mindful considerations ought take precedent, that doesn’t mean you should neglect the aesthetics. Why not issue a statement of intent for a year of positive change with a new hairstyle?  With the help of hair stylist to the stars Asgar Saboo, we give you a heads-up on the most show-stopping looks of the year to give your hair a head start. These chic looks will help you beat the January blues and start off 2018 in style, so here are the 5 IDEAL hair style trends of 2018.

BRUNETTE AMBITION

Brunettes have long had to watch from the side-lines as blondes experimented with colour. Well, not anymore. 2018 will be the year where we’ll see subtle but fun colours added to hair’s darker palate. The colours won’t be screamingly obvious, but when the light hits them, wow!

GET THE LOOK:

The darker the colour, the more magical the effect. Darker colours will also be the least damaging to your hair, as less bleach will be required in the dye. Emerald greens, midnight blues and deep purples will be the most popular shades. To ensure the colour remains glossy, avoid washing your hair too often, and when you do, make sure to use shine enhancing shampoo for extra impact.

THE MEGHAN 

Her recent engagement to Prince Harry created an instant icon out of former Suits actress Meghan Markle. With the royal wedding taking place this year, 2018 looks set to be the year of Meghan, and one topic on everyone’s lips has been THAT hair. She is the queen, oops, the princess, of effortlessly long and glossy waves – a look that’s easy to achieve at home and flattering on anyone, not just a future royal.

GET THE LOOK: 

Straight Hair: If you have naturally straight hair but you want to create natural looking waves, you will need product to add movement and texture to your locks. Sea salt spray works perfectly for this. Add to damp hair before using a hair-dryer to roughly dry your hair, scrunching the ends as you go.

Curly Hair:  If like Meghan, your hair is naturally thick and curly, make sure to use lots of hair product. The best products to use are hair oils such as argan as they are easily absorbed into the hair rather than just coating it. This will leave your locks looking, and feeling, beautifully smooth and glossy.

PLATINUM BLONDE

If you want to make a real statement in 2018, a drastic colour like platinum blonde will do the job. This colour has been seen on countless celebrities this year, from Kim Kardashian’s long locks to Katy Perry’s pixie crop, proving the look works for all haircuts.

GET THE LOOK: 

Going ice blonde is never easy, as the colour is high maintenance and the bleach can seriously damage your hair. Don’t let this stop you though! To protect your hair, try to avoid heat styling. Use air dry products to bring out your natural texture and beat the frizz without using straightening irons or blow-dryers.

CURTAIN BANGS

This mature look is more popular than ever, with a 600% rise in pinterest searches for the style in 2017. You can wear it up or down and is the perfect style if you want to enter the year with chic new hair, but don’t want to make any drastic or risky changes.

GET THE LOOK:

Make sure the bangs are cut long enough so that they can be pinned up or tied back as required. To avoid your fringe going frizzy, blow-dry and straighten the bangs straight away rather than rough-drying them first. To keep the bangs perfect all day, carry a small tail comb to brush them out should they become windswept or tangled.

BLUNT ENDS

A blunt ‘lob’ is the perfect way to get a fresh start for the new year. Eliminate any split ends created by the harsh winter weather and heat styling of party season by cutting your hair into a sharp and uniform shape. This will make your hair look instantly healthy and glossy.

GET THE LOOK: 

Don’t think that blunt ends have to mean short hair, as the look works for longer locks as well. This cut is all about the hair looking healthy, so regularly use a hydrating mask or deep conditioner to make your strands extra soft and glossy. To create the sharpest look, wear your hair completely straight and tease any pesky flyaways using a mascara wand coated in a thick layer of hairspray.

 

 

5 IDEAL FITNESS TRENDS OF 2018

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL FITNESS TRENDS OF 2018

With New Year’s resolutions to get slim, slender and stacked pledged, many first-fitness timers will be wondering if there are alternatives to sweaty, heaving gyms or long, ankle busting runs out there. 2018 sees a whole host of new and exciting workout routines designed to maximise the gains whilst being kind on both the clock and your limbs.

We’ve teamed up with Steve Tansey, Head of Research & Development at Les Mills UK, to predict which of these will be most popular this year. So, here are 5 IDEAL fitness trends of 2018.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT training strengthens bone structure and the cardio vascular system, improves agility, increases lean muscle mass and decreases body fat percentage. Research continues to show that if you can participate in this form of exercise it will bring you results faster than other forms of exercise in the gym. HIIT training is proven to reduce body fat percentage, especially around the stomach area, whilst increasing lean muscle tissue, rendering it much harder for that fat to come back.

HIIT training can be very challenging but for those who relish such a challenge and the camaraderie it brings, these sessions can quickly turn into the highlight of the day. Another bonus to HIIT training is it need not take very long; perfect for those with busy work and social schedules. Here’s 5 IDEAL tips for an impactful HIIT workout this New Year. 

Strength Training

Training the muscular system will continue to be the primary trend of the year across the industry. This form of training improves body composition to allow for a lifted metabolism in day-today life. Hypertrophy (increasing muscle size) training improves athletics, aesthetics and posture, ticking off most people’s reasons for attending a gym. This one is for everyone. A big fitness trend that is becoming very popular now is taking sport supplements when strength training, Supplements Direct have a great selection of supplements for you to choose from.

Virtual Fitness

Virtual training is certain to increase in UK as technology improves and people prefer to conduct their business from home as much as possible. Projecting group fitness pre-recorded workouts onto screens for participants in gyms, at home, or even the office, is becoming more popular, and this trend is only set to increase exponentially the greater publicity it receives.

Virtual classes provides the same visual elements to the workout you’d get in a live class, but without the time dependency or fear of judgment from an instructor or fellow class participant. This form of training is perfect to introduce novice exercisers to group fitness. Moreover, virtual fitness offers a fun and informative way to experience a workout and learn the terminology and movements used, all at your own pace. While we don’t think it will completely replace a live instructor, the two will offer greater achievement of fitness goals by operating in tandem.

Immersive Fitness

Immersive Fitness allows participants to enter different worlds whilst exercising. Staring at rolling news coverage while treadin’ the mill may take your mind off the exercise, but what if the exercise was linked to what you were seeing? Now that really would be something.

The ideal immersive fitness system likely to start seeing popularity in 2018 will see a wraparound screen and projectors to transport you into a cycle or foot race, with that element of competition propelling you to a harder, more dedicated workout. Research has proven that this form of exercise decreases perceived exertion, allowing participants to push harder without realising. Fitness and fun; sounds good to us!

 

5 IDEAL REASONS TO MAKE A TRENCH COAT YOUR FIRST WARDROBE ADDITION OF 2018

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS TO MAKE A TRENCH COAT YOUR FIRST WARDROBE ADDITION OF 2018

In the fickle, restless world of fashion, it’s hard to know whether you’re coming or going half the time. Trends are cyclical; as soon as we’ve donated our flares to charity shops, certain they’re off-trend is terminal, the catwalk seems to be full of them. The moment we’ve squeezed, kicking and screaming, into the skinniest trousers, we’re told baggy is back in business. Black is the new black is the new blue isn’t the new navy and so on, until we’re all in a muddle and too scared to leave the house for fear of getting things wrong.

There is one constant though, one consistent that we can all always rely on, and that is the trench coat. So, with that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL reasons to make one your first wardrobe addition of 2018.

A TIMELESS CLASSIC

Every year, each season and without fail, the trench coat is in fashion, and here’s why; it’s utterly timeless. From Ingrid Bergman, through to Audrey Hepburn and right up to the modern day icon Meghan Markle, all have worn the indispensable item publicly and proudly. All have equally been associated with buzzwords like grace, poise, elegance and sophistication. Coincidence? We think not.

The coat is constantly being reimagined, rehashed and reshaped, meaning it’s modern while retaining its traditional charm.

IT SUITS EVERYONE

The trench coat is a versatile, inclusive piece. It fits all shapes and sizes, covers all manner of sins and accentuates all the best bits in equal measure. Part of the magic is in the midriff belt, which can be worn tightly or loosely depending on occasion and body shape. This effortlessly chic item is everyone’s best friend. 

IT PAIRS WITH ANYTHING

It’s incredibly versatilite owing to occasion and level of formality, too. You can dress the coat up or down with little embellishment or thought, simply by adjusting the way you wear the belt, the length or the sleeve. In that sense, it’s a truly multipurpose item, to be accentuated with accessories. Neutral, unassuming colours like beiges and greys generally remain the safest best, but statement pieces certainly aren’t frowned upon either. Whether you’re running some errands, going down to the pub or having a night out on the town, the trench coat is capable of pulling any outfit together.  Is there anything the trench coat can’t do?

APPROPRIATE FOR ANY SEASON

The trench coat is truly transeasonal, with thicker styles gracing the winter catwalks and thinner, more fluid numbers popular in the warmer seasons. Even sleeveless numbers had a moment in the sun last summer.  Come rain, sunshine or snow – the versatility of the trench coat is like no other. 

PLAY DRESS UP

Finally, and highlighting the trench coat’s adaptability, is the fun – sometimes flirty – ways it can be used in the dressing up box. If you want to play detective, simply accessorise with a hat and magnifying glass. Or, surprise your partner by wearing nothing but lingerie underneath, in true romcom style!

IDEAL FOR DINNER TONIGHT: FOR PRAWN RISOTTO WITH BASIL BY KNORR

Editorial Team
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IDEAL FOR DINNER TONIGHT: FOR PRAWN RISOTTO WITH BASIL BY KNORR

 

Making a risotto is simple. First dissolve Knorr Fish Stock Pots (or stock alternative) in boiling water to make the stock. Gently fry onion in a heavy pan. Add in risotto rice, then wine and cook, stirring, until cooked off. Add in some Knorr fish stock and cook, stirring, until stock is absorbed. Repeat process, stirring all the time. Add in basil, prawns, sun-blushed tomatoes and mascarpone and mix in. Once prawns are cooked, it’s ready!

Serve:  4-5

Preparation time: 15mins

Cooking time: 25mins

Ingredients

1–2 Knorr Fish Stock Pots (or stock alternative)
15g butter
1tbsp olive oil
1 onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
400g risotto rice
125ml dry white wine
4 handfuls basil leaves
400g raw, headless king prawns, peeled and chopped
100g sun-blush tomatoes, chopped
1–2dsps mascarpone cheese

One golden rule when making a risotto is never leave it! Stay and work it from start to finish.

Method

  1. First, make the stock. Bring 1.5 litres of water to the boil in a large pan. Add in the Knorr Fish Stock Pots, stirring well, until dissolved. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Add the butter and olive oil to a heavy casserole dish and heat gently until butter melted.
  3. Add in the onion and fry gently, stirring often, for 5–10 minutes until softened, but without allowing the onion to colour.
  4. Mix in the risotto rice, stirring well to coat in the butter mixture.
  5. Add in the white wine and cook, stirring, until most of the wine has evaporated.
  6. Now add in 3 ladlefuls of the simmering Knorr fish stock. Cook stirring until the rice has absorbed the stock. Repeat the process, cooking it over medium heat and stirring it constantly.
  7. After 15–20 minutes, when the rice is nearly ready, add in the basil and the prawns and stir in.
  8. Add the sun-blushed tomatoes and stir in. Add in the mascarpone and stir in. Cook, stirring, until the prawn pieces have turned opaque and are cooked through. Serve at once.

5 IDEAL REASONS EVERY COOK NEEDS A CAST IRON GRIDDLE PAN

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL REASONS EVERY COOK NEEDS A CAST IRON GRIDDLE PAN

If you’re serious about cooking, then you need a cast iron griddle pan in your life. It’s the cookware of choice for most chefs, deployed in Michelin star kitchens and gourmet burger joints alike. If you don’t own one, it’s about time you got your hands on one of these searingly hot pans. Yes they are heavy and an absolute bugger to clean, but every cook needs one.  Whether you’re cooking marinated meat, tenderised squid or slices of aubergine, you know it tastes better with that criss-cross of charred, caramelised goodness. So, with all that high praise ringing loud, here are 5 IDEAL reasons why Le Creuset’s cast iron griddle pans are a worthy investment for any kitchen.

IT RAISES THE BAR 

Quite literally. It’s the raised bars that make the real difference. These ridges provide the real flavour, caramelising meat and vegetables and giving a smoky, grilled taste. Those smoky lines of blacks across your meat and vegetables that are satisfyingly crunchy don’t only taste amazing, they also make your food look all the more appetizing. The raised ridges on a griddle pan are also great for draining excess fat, allowing it to flow out of the meat, keeping it grease-free and super tasty.

IT COOKS EVENLY 

Chefs consider cast iron pans to be precision cooking tools. This is because they conduct and retain heat efficiently. If you’ve ever had a pan with a really bad hot spot, where half your foods burnt and the other half is barely cooked, you’ll know why this is important. With a cast iron pan, you can say goodbye to cooking hotspots for good.

IT WON’T STICK

If you season your cast iron pan correctly, it becomes nonstick. It does take time and lots of cooking to build up a nonstick surface on your iron pan, but it’s worth the effort and the time. Make sure you read the information provided with a quality griddle, as the approach you take before you even sear your first steak has a lasting impact on the product.

IT’S VERSATILE

Your can use it on top of the stove, the most common method with these great pans, but they boast surprising versatility. It can go in the oven, enabling you to finish off cooking a larger piece of meat for even, perfectly finished results. What’s more, it can take a super high-heat, conducting proceedings with the skill and grace of an orchestra leader.

IT’S ECONOMICAL

A quality cast iron griddle pan will last a lifetime with proper care. You’ll save money investing in a good one, rather than wasting it on many mediocre pans that will just crack and burn.  So please don’t throw away that old one which was your mothers or grandmothers. Cast iron is built to last. As long as it isn’t damaged, you can clean it, season it and use it. Also you’ll save on soap as once a cast iron pan is seasoned, soap actually damages it. 

7 IDEAL THINGS TO EAT IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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7 IDEAL THINGS TO EAT IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

The food of Chiang Mai and Thailand’s north is completely different from the rest of the country – balanced, less bracing than its regional counterparts, herbal, and most importantly, so darn tasty. Here at IDEAL, we’re huge fans of Andy Ricker, chef and owner of Pok Pok in the US, and something of an expert on the cuisine of Chiang Mai. So, we followed his advice on what to eat in the city, and here’s what we loved the most; our 7 IDEAL things to eat in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

GRILLED CHICKEN AT SP CHICKEN

Okay, so we’re starting with a restaurant which does food from the country’s Issan region, rather than the ‘Lanna’ food of Chiang Mai, but this one is simply too good to miss. This could possibly be the best grilled chicken we’ve ever tasted. Those birds – much smaller and more flavoursome than their British counterparts – are brined, marinated, stuffed with an aromatic filling of pounded lemongrass and garlic, and cooked over charcoal. Order it with papaya salad and sticky rice – the holy trinity of Issan cooking – and of course, an ice cold beer, and you’ll leave a very satisfied customer.

SP Chicken closes at 5 pm every day, so get there for lunch or an early dinner to avoid disappointment. If you really fancy chicken and can’t make it to SP on time, Cherng Doi does a version almost as delicious.

Eat at: SP Chicken.

KHAO SOI

With origins in Burma, this is one of Northern Thailand’s most iconic dishes, and one of only a handful in the region which uses coconut milk. It’s a deep, sweet, salty and fragrant curried noodle soup, usually served with braised meat swimming in the broth and topped with crispy noodles. Several condiments, such as sliced shallots, pickled mustard greens and chilli jam arrive in tow, allowing you to season to your own discerning tastes. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to eat it again and again.

Eat at: The best place by far to grab a bowl is the famed Khao Soi Lam Duan Fah Ham.

LAAP

There are two really distinct varieties of laap: one from Issan and one from Chiang Mai. While we love both, the Chiang Mai version is perhaps the more intriguing of the two. Laap is best described as a minced meat salad; enthusiastically spiced, beautifully balanced and eaten with lots of fresh herbs. Chiang Mai’s laap is punchy and has a pleasing depth and bitterness, with the distinctive flavour of local spice prickly ash rounding things off. If you can stomach it, the raw larb is delicious.

Eat at: Sorn Chai, opposite Thapae Gate does perhaps the best laap in town. However, if you fancy trying the raw lversion, go to Laap Kao Cham Cha.

KHAO KHA MU (PORK KNUCKLE OVER RICE)

This is a curious but utterly delicious Chinese / German via Thailand mash-up. It involves slow cooked pork knuckle, a wonderfully gelatinous broth and a cured and creamy boiled egg, all over a bed of rice. It’s deep, moreish and a textural delight. Sweeter and less spicy than most dishes found in Thailand, it provides relief when you just can’t eat another curry. This dish is quite sweet, so a dash of the homemade relish, a few cloves of garlic and some of the chillies adorning the tables compliment it well.

Eat at: The cowboy lady at Chang Puak Gate Night Market.

KAENG HUNG LEH (BURMESE PORK CURRY)

Our favourite dish in the world. Kaeng Hung Leh is a beguiling balance of sweet, salty, sour and spicy. Drawing influences from Burma, the dish uses a good heft of turmeric not so commonly found in regional Thai cuisine. Each restaurant offers a slightly different interpretation of the dish but commonly pork belly and shoulder, as well as green beans, form its backbone, with fried shallots and tiny pickled garlic cloves giving crunch. The real highlight, though, is the broth. It is deep, rich, fragrant and heady. Mop it up with handfuls of sticky rice and you’re as close to food heaven as we’ve ever found.

Eat at: Sorn Chai, Huen Muan Jai or Huen Phen.

SAI UA (NORTHERN THAI SAUSAGE)

Forget bratwurst, salami, cumberland and chorizo – our favourite sausage in the world hails from the North of Thailand and is found all over Chiang Mai. The sausage contains numerous herbs and has the pleasing sour tang of a gentle ferment. The exterior is usually crisped up over an open flame, offering contrast to the softer middle. This interior reveals a kaleidoscope of colours provided by turmeric, red and green chillies lemongrass, makrut lime leaf and more. The taste is every bit as complex, aromatic and delicious as this list of ingredients suggests.

Eat at: This sausage is ubiquitous, you can find it at nearly every street food stall/ night market.

NAHM PHRIK

Food in Chiang Mai needen’t always be meat focused. Nahm Phrik is a delicious dipping sauce served with a handful of fresh vegetables to scoop it up with. There are many varieites of Nahm Phrik, all unique and sometimes very spicy.

Eat at: Everywhere.

4 IDEAL REASONS TO BUY A MOTORHOME THIS YEAR

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL REASONS TO BUY A MOTORHOME THIS YEAR

You’ve entered 2018 in the same bleary, hungover haze that you left 2017 in; skint, uninspired and with little to look forward to but bills, restraint and brrr. Don’t worry, us too. If you find yourself gazing out of the open window in full daydream mode, wondering where the next jaunt will breeze in from, then why not look a little outside the usual box. We, like you, want spontaneity but to save money, we’re after adventure and abstinence. Well, we’ve had the perfect idea. 2018 is the year of the motorhome, so here are 4 IDEAL reasons to buy one this year.

FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY

If planning is not exactly your forte, and holidays seem to be constantly in the discussion phase, then a motorhome may suit your procrastinating personality just perfectly. On nothing more than a whim, you can choose to hit the high road and decide on the destination once the Springsteen is blasting out of the speakers and the pedal is to the metal. It’s almost as though you’re seconds from a holiday at any time; a wonderful, freewheelin’ feeling.

A WISE INVESTMENT IF YOU’RE OFTEN ON HOLIDAY

Now we’ve got all that freespirit stuff out of the way; the serious side of things. A motorhome may seem like a large initial outlay, but it can well turn out to be a wise investment in the long run. You’ll save on both car rental and accommodation as your wheels will serve as your vehicle and sleeping quarters. Secondly, motorhomes tend to have a decent sell on price; often more than the price you paid. That said, if you’re looking to ease the initial cost, checking out quality used motorhomes can be a smart move, allowing you to get more for your money without sacrificing quality.

THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN ADVENTURE AND COMFORT

Particularly pertinent if you’ve got little ones roaming around, motorhomes provide a great compromise between outdoor living and indoor comfort. You’ll feel that sense of adventure (and the kids will love it too) of camping but there’s the security of a roof over your head at the end of night. We’ve all had holidays dampened by bad weather, and the joy of a campervan is that not even the rain can stop that feeling of being at one with nature.

THEY’RE MORE SPACIOUS AND HI-TECH THEN EVER

The start of the new year has brought some serious advances in motorhome technology, with the big names in the motorhome industry like Dethleffs, Chausson and Auto-Trail really upping their game.

Auto-Trail have introduced 2 new models for 2018, with updates to the technical aspects, including 18.5in TV and DVD player, DAB radio and CD player and steering wheel controls.

What’s more, it’s standard procedure for motorhomes to now offer thermal insulation which maintains a comfortable 20°C even if it’s -15°C outside, perfect for those spontaneous winter jaunts!

5 IDEAL RESTAURANT OPENINGS WE CAN’T WAIT FOR IN 2018

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL RESTAURANT OPENINGS WE CAN’T WAIT FOR IN 2018

2017 was a great year for new restaurants in our beloved capital. We wiped sweat from our brow over Farang’s chicken wings, sauce from our shirt over Marcella’s pasta, and tears from our eyes over Bibendum’s bill. We thanked Smoking Goat, Dinings and Hoppers for choosing to procreate and making it much easier to get a table, and we were all in a flap over Sparrow and Magpie. We cooed over Xu, thought Kricket was wicked and generally wished our year of eating in London would never end.

It has though, and there’s no let up. To 2018 then, and a whole host of new openings here to bring excitement to the new year. So, here are 5 IDEAL restaurant openings we can’t wait for in 2018.

SABOR

London’s tapas’ scene is arguably the best around outside of the homeland, and much of its success can be pinpointed to the all conquering, all delicious Barrafina. Nieves Barragan was the executive chef there for the best part of the decade and Sabor will be her first solo venture. It will be housed on Heddon Street, on an already clustered stretch of restaurants, but there’s no doubt it will stand out. Her food is gutsy, forward and by no means reticent; we can’t wait to try anything from the massive asador wood-fired oven housed on the second floor. People are getting pavlov about the Galician octopus already.

When: January

Where: Mayfair

SORELLA

We at IDEAL are big fans of Robin Gill’s cooking, and were somewhat broken at the news that Paradise Garage had served its last whole rabbit at the tail end of 2017. Then we read his second restaurant The Manor was also closing, but before a serious breakdown could set in we finished the paragraph; the team behind The Manor are opening Sorella on the same site. It will be headed up by Dean Parker, with the brief of gutsy Italian flavours from Gill’s stint working in restaurants on the Amalfi coast as inspiration. As these guys have always had a wicked way with the double zero dough, we’re stoked.

When: January

Where: Clapham

CORNERSTONE

Nathan Outlaw’s main man at Outlaws at the Capital for the past couple of years, and a firm fan favourite on BBC’s Great British Menu, chef Tom Brown is striking out alone this year to open Cornerstone in Hackney. If his enthusiasm for Cornish ingredients, specifically fish, and simple, honest cooking done with great precision continues, then he, and East London, could be on to a real winner. The best ingredients, the best way to cook fish and a thoroughly nice chap to boot, we’re rooting for this one to be a success. While it may be a little out the way, you could always elongate your lift home?

When: March

Where: Hackney

BRAT

Tom Parry, the ex-head chef of acclaimed Kitty Fisher’s, has teamed up with Ben Chapman, the brains behind Kiln and Smoking Goat, to open Brat. First things first, those are some serious credentials on the current scene in London. But wait until you hear this; the restaurant will be above Smoking Goat 2.0 in Shoreditch, and centred around the asador oven and elemental cooking over fire so beloved of the Basque region, Etxebarri style. We think this is a match made in heaven, and when you throw some seriously fresh, locally sourced fish into the mix, then we’re sure this will be the opening of the year.

When: Spring

Where: Shoreditch

MADAME WONG

Restaurant A. Wong and chef/proprietor Andrew had a wonderful year. But rest on his laurels, he won’t. Rumours abound that the chef will be opening his more casual, sister restaurant, speculatively called Madame Wong, in the city’s Bloomberg Arcade. If it’s anything like the original, which does some of the best Chinese we’ve ever tried, then London is in for a treat.

When: April

Where: The City

 

10 IDEAL TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2018

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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10 IDEAL TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2018

Now the festive season is over and 2018 has arrived, many of us are starting to plan our next holiday to take the edge of what is traditionally a very bleak month indeed. For those seeking destination inspiration, ten countries have been tipped by experts and analysts to top our take-a-break bucket lists this year. With the help of  G Adventures, here are 10 IDEAL travel destinations for 2018.

SRI LANKA

The ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’ is having a moment in the sun and Sri Lanka aims to double its number of tourists to five million by 2020 as part of its development strategy. From rain forests to mountains and endless beaches of perfect white sand, this island country boasts a varied ecosystem and biodiversity rarely matched across the globe, and with stunning vistas to boot. Foodies will love the cuisine here; it has a beautiful amalgamation of regional and past-colonial influences, exploiting spice and heady aromatics. The island makes the most of being one with a diet heavy on the sea’s bounty. There really is no other cuisine like it. We also think it’s the ideal honeymoon destination. 

COLOMBIA 

You’ve probably heard that it’s the ideal time to go to Colombia already, so get there soon, before everyone else catches on! Well it’s no wonder that everyone’s reaction is the same when you mention the country. A high-profile 12-year peace treaty, a Nobel Peace Prize for its President, and national investments in marketing the country overseas have all combined to boost Colombia’s reputation as a great place to visit, slowly shedding it of its bad boy image. Inbound tourism has rocketed more than 250 per cent in the past 10 years, outpacing tourism to all other South American countries.

RUSSIA

The world’s largest country will be firmly in the media spotlight in 2018 as it plays host to the world’s largest single sporting event – the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Russian Embassy has rolled out the welcome mat, waiving visa fees to fans attending the World Cup. Simon Reeve recently travelled across Russia with the BBC, and beyond the football it’s a culturally and culinary rich destination.  Making up over a seventh of the earth’s entire land mass, there is so much to see and do in this diverse country; Moscow’s Vodka Museum being a particular favourite of IDEAL’s.

KYRGYZSTAN

Kyrgyzstan is benefitting from investment in tourism by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The focus is on immersive culinary experiences and active trips, with more than 2,500km of newly marked treks being developed throughout the country. 2018 will also see Kyrgyzstan host 40 nations in the biennial World Nomad Games, a championship of traditional nomadic sports and culture, with competitions in eagle hunting, stick wrestling, and horseback battles. Even Genghis Khan would have been impressed.

PORTUGAL

The 2018 hosts of Eurovision have had a record-breaking year in 2017 as travellers seek affordable European destinations with fewer crowds, quality food and wine, and perceived security. Portugal is a destination that contains all the right ingredients for the perfect holiday, be it a long weekend or a short vacation.

MOROCCO

Foreign tourist arrivals to the Morocco rose more than 13 per cent during the first 8 months of 2017 versus the same period in 2016, bringing eight million visitors.The opening of the new Yves Saint Laurent museum in October this year has also helped propel publicity for Marrakech, one of the country’s main hubs. .

HAWAII

Hawaii is a tropical destination spot like no other, and luckily for us the Hawaii Tourism Authority is granting US$3.5m to local community tourism and conservation groups in 2018. This will got towards promoting the Pacific Island state’s cultural and natural heritage, and to set the islands up as leaders in sustainable tourism. Say aloha to a thriving culture like no other and a jaw-droppingly, mind-blowingly beautiful island

BOLIVIA

With its new US$150 million, 119-mile Tupiza-Atocha-Uyuni highway set to open in mid-2018, connecting the Eastern and Western ranges of the Bolivian Andes, travel to and from the famed salt flats will become more accessible. Come here to learn about indigenous culture and traditional quinoa production.

EGYPT

Despite the tragic terror incident in North Sinai over the weekend – in an area far removed from any tourist activity – 2018 is still set to be a popular year for travel to Egypt.  The new Grand Egyptian Museum prepares to open in late-2018 as the world’s largest archaeological museum. The attraction is expected to attract a lot of attention, which will hopefully contribute to Egypt’s tourism comeback. Egypt’s tourism revenues jumped by 170 per cent in the first half of 2017. See it now, before the crowds return.

OMAN

Rounding out the top 10 destinations for adventure in 2018 is the ‘Switzerland’ of the Middle East.  From desert safaris and extraordinary desert camps to dazzling mosques and palaces, this Arabian country should be on your bucket list.

5 IDEAL BEAUTY TRENDS FOR 2018

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL BEAUTY TRENDS FOR 2018

Now that 2018 has begun, we’ve teamed up with celebrity make-up artist and brand ambassador for EcoTools, Justine Jenkins, to pull together a list of the top trends that we’re sure to be seeing over the coming year. From bright lip tints to glossy eye lids, 2018 will be the year of experimentation when it comes to beauty. So, here are 5 IDEAL beauty trends for 2018.

BIGGER AND BRIGHTER COLOURS

Vibrant lipstick has been big for the last few years with bright matt colours and liquid lipsticks increasing in popularity, but this will change in 2018 with lip tints being the big news. Think sheer, buildable colours that give your lips a soft, healthy flush without committing to a full-on colour.

Bright colours remain, but will transfer to the eyes. Eye shadows and creams will be available in an array of bright and neon colours as well as pretty pastels, especially Ultraviolet which is due to be the colour of 2018. Wear one fantastic colour on its own or experiment with a few together. Remember to keep the rest of your make up simple and let the eyes do the talking. The bolder and brighter, the better.

In 2017, fashion weeks were dominated by all things that sparkle. Glitter products, shimmers and rhinestones were everywhere. Moving into 2018, this trend will continue, and you’ll be reviving your inner disco goddess.

NATURAL EYES AND SKIN                                     

Glossy lids will be popular in 2018. To capture this, either use a clear gloss on its own, with lashings of mascara, or mix a gloss with your favourite cream eyeshadow.

Staying with the eyes, brows will continue to be big news, but expect lashes to be even bigger. Mascara and false lashes will create thicker, more voluminous, and longer lashes.

Cat flick eyes are enduringly popular, but 2018 will see a twist. Graphic eyeliner gives a more modern take on the trend. Try thick, blunt brushstroke liner, or negative-space liner, where outline shapes are left unfilled.

Fresh, natural skin will replace matt heavy foundations. Bespoke skin and make up solutions are becoming more widely available with customers, which is making it increasingly achievable to do ‘natural’ well – one size fits all is a thing of the past, meaning the dreaded foundation tidemarks are also on the way out. Gadgets will stay on the rise with more appliances for the body as well as the face.

ETHICAL BEAUTY

In the past 12 months there has been a staggering 820% increase in searches for ‘vegan beauty’, whilst searches for ‘ethical beauty’ have increased 168%.* Natural, cruelty free, ethical and sustainable beauty will continue its meteoric rise in popularity in 2018. Consumers are becoming more conscious of not only the food on their plates, but also the contents of their makeup bag, and they want to know they are putting the purest ingredients on their skin, and using packaging that isn’t destroying the planet.

Makeup brush wise, EcoTools products are not only 100% cruelty free, PETA certified and suitable for vegans, but they’re also some of the best brushes around, and they’re very affordable.

DRAPING

Contouring will always have its diehard fans, but in 2018 it’s time too explore new avenues and try a technique called ‘draping’, which uses blush only. Place your blush on the crest of your cheekbone and blend out, or to counteract round faces, place the blush slightly under the cheekbone where you would’ve contoured. This lengthens the top half of the face.

Staying with blush, a healthy fresh colour on the apple of the cheek is in for 2018. Create a healthy flush by adding a touch of soft pink, coral or peach by applying to your cheeks and blend. The best way to avoid any contouring type appearance is with a blending sponge – I use the EcoTools Blending Duo – they’re amazing for ensuring that the overall look is subtle and natural.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: ROAST, BOROUGH MARKET – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR JANUARY ESCAPISM

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: ROAST, BOROUGH MARKET – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR JANUARY ESCAPISM

Only 3 days ticked off the 2018 calendar and already the gloomy weather and gloomier disposition of the first month of the year call for some serious escapism. Our pledges to go dry need cold water poured on, pronto; preferably from a cocktail brimming with crushed ice on a beach somewhere. Alas, our hollow, blustery bank accounts won’t sanction anything resembling a trip to warmer climes.  

Seasonal and local it is then, but that needn’t mean an arctic chill blowing off the South Bank. No, the buzzwords here are warmth, comfort and class. Enter Roast, the perfect place to keep the toasty afterglow of the festive season burning.

IDEA

Visitors to London’s Borough Market should all be well trained in the art of feigning interest in the name of garnering a tiny sample of something – whether it be a truffle infused Old Spot salami, Davidstow cheddar or Forman & Son’s smoked salmon. There comes a point though, when the legs get weary, the bluffing half-hearted and the crowds too obstructive to any sense of brio, when you’d really love someone to take the great British produce of the market and beyond, and cook you a damn good meal. Roast is housed above the market and uses the best of the country, season and location to do just that.

LOCATION

Sitting atop Borough Market, and just a 2 minute stroll from London Bridge station, the entrance to the restaurant is at the famous bazaar’s far end. Just look for that reassuringly familiar word Roast and the icon of a burning ember, both reinforcing notions of the warmth within.

ATMOSPHERE

The first thing you’ll notice is noise. Good noise, that is, with chatter of lightly drunk lunchers and the low rumble of trains reminding you where you are and who you’re rubbing shoulders with – the starched white tablecloths a slightly jarring juxtpo to the jovial mood in the room.

The next is the natural light – loads of it – provided by the glorious, dome-shaped skylight and wall to wall windows. The rush of beta-endorphins puts the S.A.D truly at bay for the course of the meal. Or maybe that was just the great food and wine…. Anyway, it’s a brilliant welcome – boosted by energetic staff at the front desk.

FOOD

The season’s overindulgence demands some precision ordering to avoid levels of guilt no resolution could immaculate. So we’ve come to Roast with a couple of rules, like a couple of bores; a fish course each and to prioritise game over red meat (it’s a hard life).

We start with three perfectly seared scallops; plump, sweet and only just done in the middle. These are served alongside a series of things which are in danger of summing a dish bracingly saccharine. In fact, raisins, parsnip, toffee and apple, with inherently sweet scallop, did not have us reaching for the insulin. It’s a fine balancing pulled off with dexterity; the winter apples thankfully sharp and the parsnips bringing earthiness and snap. Alongside this, a pressed game terrine generous with large pieces of liver sitting centrally. The minerally, almost metallic taste so beloved of offal aficionados very much present and correct here.

Being in a place called Roast and not having one, in some guise, would be sacrilege, so we pay our respects at the oven altar, with a trio of bird, turducken affair. It arrives as a single slice – a cross section of the three  – and nicely tender; not an easy ask when balancing competing cooking times and temperatures of three fowl. Accompanying was couscous for those wishing to temper their gluttony, and some excellent roasties for the rest of us. The name demands them to be done right. All too often spuds cooked in this manner on this large a scale turn up soggy and old tasting. These were crisp as Walkers. Job done.

All this excitement made the Cornish hake feel like an afterthought but it arrived thick, well cooked and inviting. It was polished off with the gusto of a diner only ordering one course.

DRINK

We were recommended a 2016 Primitivo pinot noir to best serve the fish and fowl, light yet full bodied enough to straddle both species in symphony. It was an excellent choice from a sommelier who glided around the room with grace and poise and offered a similarly astute suggestion of a glass of Coteaux du Layon to finish; cleansing with its high acidity after a rich meal.

WHY GO

Christmas is over but winter sure isn’t. When the New Year’s resolutions turn carnivore, wet and profligate with crushing inevitability, Roast will be there to take you in with a snug embrace, warm you up and take really good care of you. Just ask for a window seat, watch the world go by and imbibe. 

Website: www.roast-restaurant.com

4 IDEAL WAYS TO GARNISH YOUR GIN & TONIC

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL WAYS TO GARNISH YOUR GIN & TONIC

With no sign of the gin comeback letting up anytime soon, Ginuary really couldn’t come at a better time. Whether you see it as mother’s ruin or it’s your go-to tipple, you should drink your gin & tonic right. Sabcho Gavrailov, Food & Beverage Manager at Sopwell House, reveals how to garnish your gin to ensure you can have a bar worthy G&T at home.

Floral Gins

Garnish: Lavender or elderflower

Lavender and Elderflower are great garnishes to floral gins as they add a wonderful perfume and are a pretty addition to the glass. The floral notes of chamomile and rose petals in gins such as BLOOM and Eden Mill Love Gin are complemented by the flower garnish.

Citrus Gins 

Garnish: Pink grapefruit & rosemary

The lemon and herbaceous flavours of citrus gins like Bombay Sapphire and Monkey 47 pair perfectly with pink grapefruit and rosemary. The garnish adds a fresh vibrancy and accentuates the flavour of the gin.

Spiced Gins 

Garnish: A cinnamon stick, peppercorns or chilli

The flavour of spiced gins such as Ophir and Pink Pepper Gin is emphasised by aromatic garnishes like a cinnamon stick, peppercorns and chilli. The additional spices emphasise the existing flavour of the botanicals.

Sloe Gins 

Garnish: A slice of lemon

Sloe gins, such as Sipsmith and Boodles, are renowned for their sweet complexity and fruity notes. Serve simply with a slice of lemon, which will bring out the distinctive berry flavour further and add an additional zing.

 

10 IDEAL WAYS TO ENJOY A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY WITH LANDAL GREENPARKS

Editorial Team
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10 IDEAL WAYS TO ENJOY A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY WITH LANDAL GREENPARKS

2017 saw a lot of love for the staycation, and this year looks set to be no different. While we love dipping our toes into the unknown of far flung waters, there is also much to be said for swimming with the tide closer to home. Yes, make no mistake, the Great British getaway has a lot going for it. Pertinent then, that from January 2018, Landal GreenParks will offer a trio of lodge-based locations across the UK, thanks to the opening of their first UK coastal park; Landal Gwel an Mor on Cornwall’s north coast. So, here are 10 IDEAL ways to enjoy a memorable holiday with Landal GreenParks.

SOAK UP SOME HOT TUB STARGAZING

Located under the largest expanse of protected dark sky in Europe – the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park – Landal Kielder Waterside is the perfect spot to wish upon a star from a private star gazing pod or outdoor hot tub.

CATCH THE PERFECT WAVE

Gwel an Mor is Cornish for ‘views of the sea’ so it’s little wonder that Landal’s newest park is a fabulous place for all the family to learn how to surf. Thanks to expert tuition from the neighbouring water sports school, beginners and improvers alike will master their boards in no time.

LET THE LITTLE MONKEYS ROAM FREE

For under 12s who’ve had their fill of the British weather, the Little Monkeys indoor play centre at Landal Darwin Forest has dedicated 7,000 square feet to keeping them entertained. From a four-lane slide, rope swings and soft play for younger members to an Activity Den complete with arcade games, air hockey and table tennis, the multi-tiered Adventure Zone is as adored by kids as it is appreciated by their parents.

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH THE SEASONS

With each of Landal GreenParks’ three UK parks offering scenic forest trails and woodland walks that take in the best of their natural environment, holidaymakers have every opportunity to explore the UK countryside at their own pace all year round.

HAVE FUN ON THE FARM

Landal Gwel an Mor’s on-site wildlife encounters allow guests to get up close with the friendly local fauna through night walks, rock pooling, falconry and even badger watching. There’s even an opportunity to hand-feed the Feadon Farm foxes.

ENJOY A PAMPER SESSION

In keeping with Landal GreenPark’s trademark hospitality, each UK park has its own on-site spa, complete with soothing spa treatments, to ensure guests can leave their everyday stresses behind and emerge from their break fully re-energised.

FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH CYCLING

With bike rental on site, 27 miles of traffic-free trails around a picturesque lake that are ripe for exploring plus a bike park for fine-tuning those balance skills, Landal Kielder Waterside is a pedalling paradise.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ROBIN HOOD

Find out first-hand why The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones has helped make archery one of the UK’s fastest growing sports. For anyone keen to learn a new skill whilst making the most of the great outdoors, an archery class in Landal Darwin Forest is sure to hit the spot.

ESCAPE TO AN ENCHANTED FOREST

Would-be Tinker Bells can perfect their fairy skills next year whilst holidaying in the heart of Northumberland’s Kielder Forest Park thanks to a new weekly Fairy School at Landal Kielder Waterside. Children aged two upwards will be transported into a charming world of make-believe in an hour-long session sure to leave young family members spellbound.

CHECK OUT CORNWALL’S ARTISTIC CREDENTIALS

The newly transformed Tate St Ives, just 15 miles away from the new Landal Gwel an Mor, reopened in October after a four-year refurbishment. Built into the cliff face, one of next year’s cultural highlights is sure to be the Virginia Woolf exhibition, inspired by the celebrated author’s writing.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE LONG TERM BEHAVIOURAL & LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN 2018

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE LONG TERM BEHAVIOURAL & LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN 2018

Drunk too much during the festive season? Said things and done things you shouldn’t? Over indulged and under performed? Well, you wouldn’t be human if you bid farewell to 2017 with zero regrets. So many of us are in the same boat in wanting to change our habits and routines in the new year, so we’ve asked Dr Carl Brandt, co-founder and medical director at Liva Healthcare, a digital healthcare platform, to share his top tips for those looking to make a positive change in their lives. So, here are 5 IDEAL ways to make long-term behavioural and lifestyle changes in 2018.

SET REALISTIC GOALS

The first step towards making long term lifestyle changes is to set goals that are realistic for you. Goals need to be individual, measurable and able to be monitored either manually or through a device or app. That way it will be possible to track your progress and easily identify if goals are not being met.

BE SPECIFIC

Make sure your decisions and goals are operational. It is all well and good to say ‘I want to live healthier’ but it is important to take the time to understand what that actually involves. To achieve long term change you need to lay out what your goal is and what you have to do, step by step, to achieve this.

GET HELP

Research shows relationships are key to driving long term behaviour change. Don’t try and do it alone. Consult with your GP, a health professional or even a family member or friend to help keep you on track and accountable for the changes you want to make. It’s important to get feedback from someone you trust and who you believe can help you along the way to achieving your goals. These relationships are fundamental to driving change.

TAKE SMALL STEPS

While it’s great to have a long-term big hitting goal, it means nothing if you don’t understand the small steps that need to be taken each day to reach it. Long-term behaviour and lifestyle changes come from consistent small changes in behaviours that eventually lead to permanent changes in habits. It can be small levels of activity, such as walking for half an hour each day, that can tip the balance towards losing versus gaining weight in the long-run.

COMMITMENT THEN ACCEPTANCE

For behaviour change to occur you need to first commit to the lifestyle interventions needed and secondly accept any sacrifices that come with those decisions. To achieve long-term change, it is not just about understanding the benefits of making certain changes but also accepting the short-term negatives that come with those changes. For example, you may want to start exercising regularly before work. However, for this to happen you will likely need to accept that you will have to get up a little earlier in the morning. Once those ‘negatives’ are identified it’s important to assess whether you are truly willing to make those sacrifice

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