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10 IDEAL REASONS TO VISIT OMAN

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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10 IDEAL REASONS TO VISIT OMAN


 

Oman exudes culture. From pre-Islamic Frankincense ports to lost cities in the desert, the finest Arabian forts and souks and modern masterpieces like the Grand Mosque and the Muscat Opera House, there’s artistic and architectural majesty abundant. And that’s before we even whisper the real draw of the country; the lure of the great outdoors. Wonderful fish-rich seas, towering mountains and dunes, the empty desert with the occasional oasis and deep cavernous ravines known locally as wadis; getting amongst it in Oman is an adventure.

Practically speaking, Oman enjoys a summer climate all year round (although it’s best to avoid the intense heat of May through September), welcoming and, relative to the region, politically stable. Ed Granville, Red Savannah’s Oman expert and frequent visitor to the Arabian jewel, says “there is so much to do within such a small area and the activities are exotic, adventurous and fabulous fun.” We’ve teamed up with Ed to share our 10 IDEAL reasons to visit Oman.

EXPLORE THE AMAZING WADIS

The Wadis of Oman are a sort of valley or canyon with a stretch of still water at its trough. Head out in a 4×4 to and drive along dry riverbeds, hike up the dramatic deep ravines and swim in the fresh, sweet waters of their clear pools, all fringed with palm trees and a carpet of sand beneath your feet.

VISIT WAHIBA SANDS OR THE EMPTY QUARTER

These undulating desert lands are home to the Bedouin herdsmen and their cherished camels. Mount one (the camel, that is) for a sunset safari, camp under the stars, watch the sun set and rise from atop a dune and see the tracks of desert animals out during the night . Stay in a permanent tented camp or in a private, campaign-style camp for the ultimate adventure.

DUNE DRIVING

Let the air out of your tyres and navigate the soft sandy dunes by 4×4 which demands a certain driving style, one which the locals have perfected. If you’re not up to it, have a someone with the skills take the wheel. Scale the towering dunes with a seasoned driver for a truly exhilarating experience.

ENJOY A CUP OF KAHWA

The Omani people are extremely welcoming and renowned for their hospitality. A traditional greeting in the country is to be offered a china cup of hand blended coffee, called kahwa. Of course, it’s polite form to accept the offering and guests should be prepared for their senses to be thoroughly awakened – rather than taken with milk and sugar, the beverage is drunk through a mouthful of sweet confectionery called halwa and accompanied by dates.

EXPLORE THE FISH-RICH WATERS OF THE GULF OF OMAN

Oman has over 1000km of coastline along the Arabian Sea and this stretch of water offers some of the best fishing in the world, as well as excellent snorkelling, diving and dolphin-watching.

TURTLE BEACHES AT RAZ AL JINT

See the world famous beaches where the Green Turtles lay eggs in their millions. At night, the mothers haul themselves up the beach to dig their nests, and it’s possible to watch as the hatchlings scrabble out of the nests down to the sea, avoiding the crabs and hungry sea-birds en route. This is nature at its wondrous, enchanting best.

AMAZING ARABIAN FORTRESSES

In Oman, sand-coloured, crenelated fortresses and their outlying guard-posts stand guard over the precious date-palm oases. Atmospheric and in tremendous condition, replete with murder-holes, escape tunnels and all manner of traps for would-be attackers, these are some of the finest forts in Arabia, and a carefully preserved insight into the history of the region. Among the best are the forts at Nizwa, Jabrin and Bahla.

GLITTERING CITY OF MUSCAT

The capital, Muscat, is home to the extraordinary Grand Mosque, which, on approach, has a tendency to take the breath away, even if it’s not your first time in its presence. The newly built Opera House is another must-see, as well as the traditional fish market at the port of Mutrah and the adjacent souq. The old town has a couple of Portuguese forts guarding the harbour, whilst the Bait Al Zubair Museum gives an excellent introduction to Oman’s history and culture.

SMELL THE HEADY SCENT OF THE ROSE TERRACES

In March and April, the famous rose terraces of Jabal Akhdar come into bloom and the dusty landscape is transformed into a shock of pink hues, with a fragrance to match. Explore the villages where the aroma is captured and turned into valuable rose water and walk the steep terraces among the bright blooms and pomegranate trees.

SERIOUS COMFORT

Oman offers some of the most stylish accommodation in Arabia. In Muscat, The Chedi is famed throughout the world for its stunning location, sophisticated rooms and wonderful service. Up in the mountains, the newly opened Alila Jabal Akhdar is perched in a jaw-dropping spot on the edge of a mighty wadi, and in the northern exclave of Musandam lies the glorious Six Senses Zighy Bay resort, on a majestic crescent-shaped beach framed by the Al Hajar Mountains behind.

5 IDEAL UNIQUE VALENTINE’S GIFT IDEAS

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5 IDEAL UNIQUE VALENTINE’S GIFT IDEAS

We hear the collective sigh from here. In fact, we breathe it too. Christmas’ Amazon Wish Lists have been exhausted and gift barrels well and truly scraped clean. Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it, and with it, the expectation of flowers and chocolate and nothing in the least bit imaginative.

While these may be great fallback items, they are just that. For your sister, lover or mother perhaps; to be brought on from the sub’s bench in times of crisis but certainly not used to express undying adoration. To capture the romance of the occasion, then, and to show appreciation for the one you love, give a gift from the heart; personalised, individual and partner-appropriate. So, here are 5 IDEAL unique Valentine’s gift ideas.

REST AND RELAXATION

Sometimes a busy man or woman just wants a night off to unwind and relax. As simple as that. Rather than venturing out to dinner on one of the busiest nights of the year – spending a fortune in the process as restaurants rack up the prices to cope with demand – why don’t you set up a night of rest and relaxation at home? Buy your partner a new pair of pyjamas or robe and some slippers. Open a bottle of wine, put on some relaxing music, run them a bath and let the stress melt away.

A RESTAURANT VOUCHER

A voucher for your partner’s favourite restaurant can be a great gift, and one far more warmly welcomed than the usual, boring suspects. You’re essentially putting down a deposit for them – and you – to have a good time. So, when the evening of your meal comes around, you can indulge in all of the food and wine completely stress and worry free; no fearing the bit where you ask for the bill (oh, that’s just us? whoops). An added bonus; restaurants often offer special offers and discounts on vouchers, earning you a free glass of something fizzy on arrival, or a little extra nibble. Lovely stuff.

UNIQUE JEWELLERY

This Valentine’s Day, forget the heart-shaped everything and look past the advertisements. Jewellery will always have a place at the top table of gifts, but if you’re getting the same pair of earrings as everyone else then that table might as well be at McDonald’s. If you are going to tread a cliched path, present-wise, then at least make it unique. Consider a family ring with everyone’s birthstones for mum. Or, perhaps an emerald pendant, perfect for the Spring season which – thankfully – isn’t far away. If you’re shopping for the man in your life, cufflinks or a tie clip make a great accessory piece which provide function as well as sparkle.

COFFEE, TEA, OR ME?

If your partner is a coffee or tea connoisseur (aren’t we all?) then make them a gift basket celebrating their love of caffeine. If coffee is the name of the game, add a few bags of specialty coffee, biscotti, and a new mug. If your coffee lover doesn’t already have a French press, add one of those as well. Don’t forget to make them the coffee, preferably serving it to them in bed on Valentine’s Day when they wake up. Little gestures like this are often the biggest, and really show how much you love someone.

For tea lovers, create a selection of specialty teas and consider getting them a three-piece steeping mug. You could also get them one of the many hilariously shaped tea infusers, like a shark, submarine, deep sea diver, or rubber duck. Pair with some delicious cookies (bonus if they’re homemade). 

AGREE NOT TO

Hey, here’s a thought. Valentine’s Day is just a commercial construct, manufactured and manipulated by marketing departments to fleece the already struggling public of their hard earned money through guilt. You’ve already had to prove your love for family and friends through Christmas presents. So if you’re still reeling from festive splurging 6 weeks later, for Valentine’s Day you and your partner could just agree not to. 

4 IDEAL CONTEMPORARY IDEAS TO ADD WOW TO YOUR WEDDING VOWS

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL CONTEMPORARY IDEAS TO ADD WOW TO YOUR WEDDING VOWS

It’s all changing on the wedding front. Gone are the days of having to attend a sobering service, with every bride in white and guests in dark, the same old walk down the aisle to the same old processional wedding march song.

With new technologies and changes in social behaviour and norms, contemporary weddings have shifted significantly from traditional notions of how the big day should be. If you’re looking for ideas that express your individuality and differentiate your special day from the hundreds of other weddings you’ve been to, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 4 IDEAL contemporary wedding ideas to add wow to your wedding vows.

MAKE IT MEANINGFUL TO YOU

It’s all about personalising your big day in every way you can, and we think the music is the best way to start. From your entrance and first steps down the aisle to dancing the night away as newly weds, make the soundtrack of your special day meaningful to you. Equally important are your vows and other quips and quotes to be made and visualised throughout the day.

It’s true that some traditional quotes about love and marriage will never go out of fashion, and many websites like weddingforward.com have tons of classic heartfelt inspirational wedding sayings that are perfect for even the most contemporary of weddings. However, make sure the service, poems and music are meaningful to you. Ask a relative to officiate your nuptials, get your best friend to write a poem. If you fell in love at a Father John Misty concert, for instance, then why wouldn’t you walk down the aisle to Chateau Lobby?

MINIMALISM IS IN

With so many little details to take care of, couples tend to get anxious about their wedding day when they should be loving it. However, a wedding shouldn’t be about remembering a million different things. It should be about enjoying yourself. Why not let go of all the stress of a big production by opting for minimalism.

This understated wedding trend isn’t about fine details of décor, like table linen and candles. It’s all about clean, minimal details that are beautiful and effortless. There’s no need to go over the top with a minimalist theme wedding; think vines, tea-lights and simple flowers.

Another minimalistic approach is to incorporate sparklers for weddings during the couple’s grand entrance to the wedding venue instead of using smoke machines and other lavish grand entrance equipment. Every little helps!

CUSTOMISE IT WITH TECHNOLOGY

It’s no secret that technology is integral to planning a contemporary wedding. Websites, e-invites and e-thank you cards are becoming the norm, and are better for the environment than sending all that paper back and forth.  Why not go the extra mile and include include technology on your big day, too?  

Create a wedding hashtag. Custom a Snapchat Geofilter exclusively for your nuptials . Slip a GoPro into your bridal boutique or in the Maid of Honour’s for a unique perspective. Capture an  incredible aerial shot of all your guests with a drone. You can even use an interactive digital guestbook  where guests scan a QR code and leave a short message. Quirky and fun 3D printed wedding cake toppers which are custom printed from a photograph is a cool tech extra. Or to really add some  fun and flair, a digital projection on your wedding cake will make it one-of-a-kind. You could even consider live streaming your wedding for those guests who couldn’t make it. With a world brimming with exciting, ever evolving technology, anything is possible.

YOUR CHARITY OF CHOICE

Buying wedding gifts for a couple is so passé.  These days, most newly weds live together before they get married so they already have the traditional wedding list items like a kettle, toaster and lots of cutlery. Of course, you can use your gift list to upgrade to a better toaster or to donate to your honeymoon – but bear in mind your wedding could already be costing your guests a small fortune if they have to pay for travel, accommodation and a new outfit.

However some gifts people are more than happy to give. An increasing number of couples are including a charity of their choice as focal point of their wedding themes. Their idea is to arrange for charity registries that let the guests make a donation to a noble cause instead of giving gifts to the couple. This, again, is a unique idea that makes the wedding memorable not only for the couple but also for the cause they support.

5 IDEAL REASONS TO INCLUDE BUGS IN YOUR DIET. YES, BUGS.

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5 IDEAL REASONS TO INCLUDE BUGS IN YOUR DIET. YES, BUGS.

russavia

It’s not a joke, nor are we being facetious; around the world, millions of people eat bugs and insects. Now – and not a moment too soon in our opinion – the Western world may finally be catching on. Fortunately, crunching down on a cricket or inhaling ants is getting less and less controversial and more and more mainstream. Far from being the preserve of toddlers foraging in the garden, and easily incorporated into your diet, eating bugs has an abundance of benefits, both for your health and the environment. So, here are 5 IDEAL reasons to include bugs in your diet.

THERE’S LESS FOOD WASTE

According to the United Nations, there are plenty of reasons why we should consider making the switch. For one, it is sustainable in terms of agriculture. Communities can farm insects without enduring high costs and overheads. This leads to more efficient production, and food waste is reduced as insects don’t need to be fed other animals; a very different story to the farming of livestock used for meat.

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Farming and the processing of meat cause high levels of pollution and huge damage to the environment. That’s before we get started on a cow’s methane expulsion. In short, greenhouse gases could be significantly reduced if we move away from meat consumption and include more insects in our diet.

© Pixabay

 

MORE PROTEIN PER POUND

Assuming you’re a meat eater, eating insects isn’t actually much different to eating meat in terms of nourishment. Stay with us on this one. Bugs provide plenty of nutrition, and in fact, contain more protein per gram than meat, and far less fat. Calories reduced, benefits still present – what’s not to love? For those conscious of improving their health, this should be welcome news.  If you can’t face whole bugs, then products like cricket powder (cricket flour) is a fantastic way to add a protein punch to loads of dishes.

DISMISSING THE UNFAMILIAR IS SIMPLY NARROW-MINDED

Let’s face it, as a culture, we’re squeamish. If this attitude was all encompassing, it’d be meat and two veg for the rest of our lives, and no exceptions. Thankfully, people are becoming more tuned in to the impact that one can exact on our planet, as well as an ever increasing awareness of what constitutes a healthy diet (and what doesn’t). Thanks to pop-up restaurants such as Eat Grub in Shoreditch, an increased level of conversation around the topic now purveys. Entomophagy, it turns out, is nothing new. Cultures worldwide have practiced this for as long as records have existed.

© Pixabay

THEY’RE DOWNRIGHT DELICIOUS

Across Asia, it’s commonplace. In China, insects form parts of dishes as a special delicacy. Even high-end restaurants happily include them in their menus; it’s not just the “street food” you might have seen across on Khao Sarn Road or in Siem Reap’s Pub Street that utilises these delicious critters. In Brazil, queen ants are a hugely popular snack. The list goes on.

Closer to home, last year (to mark the return of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here), Australian-made Doughnut Time sold the UK’s first doughnut loaded with creepy crawlies. Coined ‘The Bushtucker’, those who were brave enough to endure the trial ate a milk chocolate glazed ring doughnut, laden with salt and vinegar-flavoured crickets. The doughnut also included a generous helping of Oreo crumb, Shredded Wheat and raspberry jam to sweeten the deal. Anything to normalise this much needed change in the global diet, we think, is a good thing.

So much of the aversion to eating bugs comes from a fear of the unknown, but there’s no need. If you never try, you’ll never know, so why not be brave and expand your culinary horizons today?

Top Image bugs©mckaysavage/wikcommons

5 UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS, IDEAL FOR THE SPECIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE IN 2018

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5 UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS, IDEAL FOR THE SPECIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE IN 2018

So we bid farewell to another festive season. We hope yours was merry and generous, and your teeth survived all of the gritted smiles you issued in one piece. Discarded Christmas trees line every urban pavement and ‘can I recycle wrapping paper’ is entered into google once every 3 seconds.

But just as you thought it was curtains on courtesy for another year, you remember that special someone, whether it be your father, husband or even nephew, has a birthday fast approaching. Well, if all your imaginative presents were used up under the Christmas tree, then we’re here to help. Here are 5 unique gift ideas IDEAL  for the special man in your life in 2018.

A BEARD GROOMING KIT

For something as natural as the hair which grows on our face, beards have never been more personified, eulogised and given way too many column inches to. After years of the bigger the better in terms of facial hair, 2017 had commentators declaring that all things hirsute were over. Well, 2018 is set to see a return of beards, albeit in a more kempt, refined style. Buying gifts – and kissing, for that matter – will be less fraught with uncertainty, and we think a beard grooming kit is the perfect present for those seeking tidy, nuanced facial hair this year.

A TICKET VOUCHER

Giving a gift the recipient genuinely, wholeheartedly, truthfully wants is tough. Really tough. Giving them that little touch of autonomy, it seems, is the answer.

An all-encompassing ticket voucher to a generic ticket website places the choice in the hands of the receiver as to which concert, theatre performance, show and so on, they go to. You might benefit from this one, too, as they’ll more than likely choose to take you as their plus one! A double-win.

Read: 5 perfect personalised gift ideas for your fella

A CHEF’S KNIFE

Blokes love to think they can cook, spurred on by the macho posturing of shouty, sweary T.V chefs. He’s already got the effing and blinding down, so why not coax the culinary out of him too. Silliness aside, encouraging fresh food and focus is definitely no bad thing, and without doubt great cooking starts with a great chef’s knife.

A STATEMENT WALLET

A subtle, unshowy statement of sophistication; the simple wallet can show real elegance in the owner. We’re all for dark colours and a single fold design, and please, no money clips. We particularly like the enduringly cool Aspinal design or maybe something a little more out there, such as crocodile skin wallets, both for their simplicity and relatively compact size.

ELECTRONICS CLEANING PUTTY

Guys and gadgets; a modern marriage made in heaven. But clumsy accidents happen to the best of us and technology isn’t exactly resilient. Electronics cleaning putty, then, is just the thing for someone always at a keyboard or with a phone in their hand. It’s reusable and gets in all the crevices that simply blowing on a device won’t.

This slime-like putty causes zero damage too, so like magic, all those coffee spillages and food splashes are a thing of the past.

5 IDEAL VEGAN BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO CELEBRATE VEGANUARY

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5 IDEAL VEGAN BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO CELEBRATE VEGANUARY

It seems that ignorance was bliss, beauty product-wise. What we didn’t know didn’t hurt us, but the realisation that many of the best beauty products aren’t vegan-friendly brings with it the necessity to change our buying habits. So, to celebrate national Vegan month this January – Veganuary to those who love an ill-crafted pun – here are 5 IDEAL vegan beauty products.

KNOW COSMETICS – NO BLEEDING LINES, £12.50

A Sephora phenomenon, this invisible vegan lip liner helps to stop lipstick from feathering and bleeding. No wonder it’s a bestseller, selling 1 every 2 minutes. Now that’s fast.

Website: knowcosmetics.com

DESIGN.ME – HAIR PUFF.ME, £9.95

The first ever super-voluminising powder spray in a pump. Formulated to give you instant volume and bounce, it’s sulphate, paraben and gluten free – what’s not to love?

Website: designmehair.com

SHEA MOISTURE – 10-IN-1 RENEWAL SHAMPOO, £10.99

With many key benefits, this helps to age defy, revive body and protect colour for all hair types. With nothing but goodness, this contains biotin and marula Oil, and absolutely no nasties.

Website: www.sheamoisture.com

ROSEHIPPLUS – ROLL ON SKIN BOOST, £10

100% pure, organic and natural, this cold pressed beauty wonder has key anti-aging, anti-oxidants. Containing essential vitamins and omegas to help maintain healthy, balanced skin.

Website: www.rosehipplus.com.au

EMBRYOLISSE CC CREAM SPF20, £29.99

From the famous French pharmaceutical brand, this CC cream promises to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and protects against premature aging.

Website: www.embryolisse.co.uk

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR AN IMPACTFUL HIIT WORKOUT THIS NEW YEAR

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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

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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

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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

 

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