Menu
Home Blog Page 341

10 IDEAL TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2018

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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

10 IDEAL WORKOUT SONGS FOR 2018

Editorial Team
-
0
10 IDEAL WORKOUT SONGS FOR 2018

Getting into shape is the top New Year’s resolution this 2018 (as it is ever year) and for many, a good workout goes hand in sweaty hand with a great playlist. The powerful, motivational effects of beats, melody and words can’t be denied. With more than 25 million workout playlists created by Spotify users, there’s clearly a vast pool of cracking tunes to choose from.

In keeping with the enthusiasm for jump-starting each new year with a dedicated workout plan,  listening data reveals that streaming of workout playlists does in fact increase right after January 1st and reaches its peak around January 24th. Big data, hey? They know everything about us. After that, the number of workout playlists streamed subsides and levels off on February 14. So if you’re looking to buck the trend, keep pedalling/running/squatting past Valentine’s Day.

The data doesn’t lie, helping us identify the most popular songs to keep those weights pumping and feet pounding. So, here are the 10 IDEAL workout songs for 2018.

For the second year in a row, Eminem’s “Till I Collapse” was the most streamed workout song globally and is in fact one of Spotify’s most enduring workout songs, reappearing in top 10 lists such as these, year after year. The rapper’s other 2002 hit “Lose Yourself” also finds itself in the top five.

In the UK, MKs hit song “17” takes the top spot for most streamed workout song with the aforementioned “Till I Collapse” coming in second place and “Lose Yourself” also reaching the top ten.

Listeners are also turning to fresh talent for fitness motivation with 2017 breakout star Dua Lipa in the UK top ten, and Post Malone’s hit “rockstar” the third most popular song for people to sweat to in the UK, and the second globally.

Those looking to try something new in 2018 might want to pay attention to some less traditional trending workouts. Aqua cycling playlists jumped 86% in the last year, brew yoga playlists (yes, yoga practiced in breweries) went up 137%, and music for an entirely new workout entered the ring; goat yoga (yes, yoga practiced with a pygmy goat on your back).

See below for a breakdown of workout trends on Spotify. Check out all of Spotify’s workout playlists for more music to kick start your workout and get past the February slump.

Top UK Workout Songs

  1. MK – 17
  2. Eminem – Till I Collapse
  3. Post Malone – rockstar
  4. Avicii – Lonely Together
  5. Jax Jones – You Don’t Know Me (Radio Edit)
  6. Eminem – Lose Yourself – Soundtrack Version
  7. Dua Lipa – New Rules
  8. Kanye West – POWER
  9. J Balvin – Mi Gente (feat. Beyoncé)
  10. Karen Harding – Say Something – Zac Samuel Remix

5 IDEAL ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOU SURVIVE A LONG JOURNEY

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOU SURVIVE A LONG JOURNEY

Whether you’re flying across the world or in the back seat of the car, long journeys can be an obstacle to overcome or a period of relative peace, depending on your disposition. What we think everyone can agree on is that there’s only so much small talk one can endure, only so many hours of local radio to sing along to, and only so many pages even the most ardent bookworm can commit to; all before boredom creeps in and a new activity is called for.  

Variety, then, is the name of the game, and very much the spice of a marathon journey. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL activities to help you survive a long journey.

CATCH UP ON YOUR FAVOURITE T.V

A long journey, in essence, is an opportunity to sit back in front of a screen and escape. While you’re resenting the hours of being motionless, think that you might be spending that time on the sofa anyway, in reclined bliss. The activities are much the same, the perspectives different. It’s just how you look at it, hey?

Traveling is the perfect time to get engrossed in a film or binge-watch a series you’ve been meaning to get into;  there’s little else productive that you can do, so do it, guilt free. Chores around the house, essays for college, or catching up on work from your job are all either impossible or difficult on a fast-moving train or in the back of a packed car, so getting stuck into some good T.V shouldn’t feel sinful in the slightest.

PLAY ONLINE GAMES

Once you’ve had your fill of Stranger Things and exhausted yourself laughing to Curb Your Enthusiasm, it might be time to change things up. As long as your phone still has some juice, online games are a great distraction, as anyone who has peered into the engrossing world of Candy Crush will attest. Games online involving interaction add another dimension – we particularly love the ‘with friends’ series, including such gems as Chess With Friends and Words With Friends.

PICK UP A PAPER

The printing press seems to be getting a, ahem, bad press of late, with sales in freefall and accusations of malpractice abound. For many though, there is nothing better than a morning of relaxation with the Sunday papers. If your journey falls on a weekend, make sure to get a broadsheet for the trip, and divvy up the sections according to which members of your group you like the most to least. Remember to bring a pen so you can puzzle it out or do the crossword – our idea of a perfect time, make no mistake.

PLAY TRADITIONAL GAMES

Okay, so the battery on your phone or tablet has certainly, by now, bitten the proverbial dust, and heaven forbid you might actually start a conversation with your loved ones. No, any of that serious stuff is best avoided, so If you’re travelling with your siblings, parents, or friends, there are plenty of traditional games that you can play to keep yourselves occupied, invented way before the advent of smartphones. We’re thinking of you ‘I Spy’. Lovely, wholesome stuff.

GET THOSE Zzzzs IN

Life often gets in the way of your beauty sleep, so take the opportunity to get some zeds in on your journey. Pack an eye mask and travel pillow, position yourself next to the biggest bore in your group and get your head down. Job done.

4 MOTORING MISDEMEANORS TO LOOK OUT FOR AND THE IDEAL WAYS TO DEAL WITH THEM

Editorial Team
-
0
4 MOTORING MISDEMEANORS TO LOOK OUT FOR AND THE IDEAL WAYS TO DEAL WITH THEM

We get it. It’s hard enough to keep your own eyes on the road ahead and own hands on the wheel when the music needs turning up, that itch on your back needs scratched and your child needs chatting to. And that’s before your phone starts ringing and the dashboard flashes a light you’ve never seen before. There’s enough to worry about inside your car, let alone the behaviour of other cars on the road. But it is really important to pay attention to those you’re sharing the road with, and be vigilant to bad driving and misbehaviour. So, here are 4 motoring misdemeanours to look out for, and the IDEAL ways to deal with them.

Drink Driving

Research from Motorpoint has delved into the tricky subject of your fellow driver’s road behaviour from the perspective of badly behaved celebrity drivers. Alison Weatherley, Head of Marketing at Motorpoint, said “while some might find it entertaining to see celebrities getting into trouble in such ways, there is a serious message behind this research, which is that, celebrity or not, they are breaking the law and potentially putting themselves and others at risk’’.

Countless celebrities have been caught for drink or drug driving recently. However, by far, the most high profile was footballer Wayne Rooney, who was pulled over and caught driving at three times the legal drink drive limit. It only gets in the press if the perpetrator sells papers, but in reality, it’s happening much more than you’d think.

So, if you see a driver driving erratically, report them  – for the safety of themselves and others on the road. If there is someone close to you who you know to be a persistent offender, then things can get more complicated. Offer guidance, advice and prevention techniques, but if all this falls on deaf ears, you may well have to get the authorities involved.

Speeding

Speeding happens a lot, whether you’re a celeb or simply Joe Public. Former X-Factor winner James Arthur managed to amass a staggering 15 points from speeding in one year alone, along with a hefty £2,000 fine while Geordie Shore star Stephen Bear has received multiple parking fines recently.

If you’re witness to someone doing well over the limit, especially in a residential area where kids may be playing or an elderly person crossing the road, then the advice is clear; firstly, hang back to avoid collision and secondly, report it if possible, taking in the number plate registration and make of the car. The DVLA provides an anonymous number to call if you wish to do this.

Phones At The Wheel

While the Kardashian family are routinely caught on camera using their phones when behind the wheel, it’s not just celebrities snapchatting and instagramming as they drive. In fact, it was recently reported that a third of us still do this with abandon.

If you see someone doing this, official advice is again simple; report them via the non-emergency 101 number. Of course, we don’t want to spend all of our time judging and snitching, so a simple tap on the window and a disparaging wag of the finger should guilt them into ceasing the activity.

‘Careless’ Driving

This catch all legal term refers to a number of activities that may or may not be illegal, depending on circumstance, the effect on driving and the discretion of the law enforcement body. Activities which can result in being charged with careless driving include eating, smoking or using headphones when at the wheel. So, if you’re in the car with someone doing this, a gentle reminder that it could land them in trouble seems to be the best way to go.

5 IDEAL REASONS TO CALL YOUR MUM AND DAD TODAY

Editorial Team
-
0
5 IDEAL REASONS TO CALL YOUR MUM AND DAD TODAY

The millenial’s 2018 New Year’s Resolutions List will be all too cripplingly familiar for many; less wine o’clock, more gym time; less swiping right, more settling down; more pull ups, less put downs; and so on and on.

Probably less likely to find its way onto the list, though, is a pledge to keep up more regular contact with the beloved senior figures in our life. Though whatsapping and facebooking makes constant contact easier than ever, all too often we dedicate our busy thumbs to matters innocuous – we approve of cat videos and express dismay at the inevitable stupidity of Donald Trump, but rarely do we make it our mission to call our folks with anything nearing regularity. Well, we here at IDEAL say a promise to prioritise our parents should sit top of the resolutions this year. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL reasons to call your mum and dad today.

TO ASK HOW THEY ARE

Any conversation with a parent tends towards discussion of the children’s pursuits, problems and plans. What we often neglect is to return the interest. Don’t assume your folks have nothing of note going on in their lives; life begins in retirement after all. There’s wisdom to learn and anecdotes to enjoy that only a life’s worth of experience can bestow, so do what sometimes feels unnatural in the child-parent relationship, and just listen.

TO TAP INTO THEIR EXPERTISE

Knowledge is something only truly accrued through maturity and practice, so trust in your parents to provide the best advice around in times of strife or ignorance. Rather than consulting endless online recipes, for instance, pick up the phone and give mum a call for that secret family lasagna. Even if it’s terrible, she’ll appreciate the contact and the brief opportunity to play Nigella.

If you’re on the road and in a pickle, rest assured that new research from Dayinsure has revealed that two thirds of young drivers prefer to call their parents than a registered breakdown service. Reasons ranged from the more serious (having an accident) to the downright silly (hitting a low flying pigeon). One driver even forgot where they were going and had to ring their Mum to remember.  But the consistent theme was this; parents are nonjudgmental and enduringly helpful when it comes to relying on them for car issues. 

TO SAY I LOVE YOU

Although we may think it’s obvious, or we wrote it in our Christmas card so there’s no need to vocalise repeatedly, in our view those three words can never be delivered enough. It may seem easy, flippant even, to say it to your partner, but for some reason, it becomes more of a block when speaking to your parents. Don’t let it be this way, say I Love You today.

TO APOLOGISE

We all know the score. Christmas drinks were consumed with an abandon you thought you’d left behind at university. Family tensions and sibling rivalries repressed for the rest of the year reemerged with reckless abandon. Things got said. The New Year signals a fresh start, so if you’re one of the many who caused unnecessary offence over the festive period, pick up the phone now and say sorry. Nip simmering resentment in the bud and start 2018 with positivity in mind.

TO SAY THANK YOU

They brought you into this life. They tolerated endless crying and whining, and changed your nappy without flinching (yes, we did say Christmas was boozy this year). They made you who you are today and for that you owe them a show of appreciation from time to time. Always remember to say thank you and if you haven’t been sufficiently grateful recently (we’re all guilty of it sometimes) then give them a call today.

 

4 IDEAL STEPS TO MAKING YOUR BUSINESS MORE ECO-FRIENDLY

Editorial Team
-
0

 

recycle-2

Being an entrepreneur can certainly have its benefits, but it also comes with responsibilities. One area where you might feel under pressure is your company’s carbon footprint. People are increasingly aware of the importance of protecting the planet, and so it’s no surprise that a rising number of businesses are looking for ways to go green. So, if you’re keen to give your company’s environmental credentials a boost, keep reading. Here are four steps you can follow to make your company more eco-friendly.

Use renewable energy sources

From powering up your computer, to switching on lights and heating systems, to boiling the kettle, you may not realise how much energy your company uses on an average day. So that your business is able to stay up and running without doing unnecessary harm to the environment, you could use renewable energy sources instead of relying solely on mains electricity and gas. For example, you could have solar panels installed on your premises. As energy suppliers Flogas point out, this can help keep your carbon emissions low and enable you to benefit from significantly reduced overheads.

Set up a ‘cycle to work’ scheme

It’s no secret that car emissions are bad for the environment, and since it’s likely a large proportion of your personal drive into work each day, now could be the ideal time to set up a ‘cycle to work’ scheme. These programmes encourage workers to ditch their motors and cycle instead, which in turn puts less strain on the environment. When you sign up, you’ll be able to take advantage of National Insurance savings, while your employees can benefit from discounted bikes and accessories. Aside from being kind to the planet, this is a great way to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Introduce a recycling system

Making a conscious effort to recycle is an easy yet highly effective way of making your business more eco-friendly. Instead of carelessly using one bin to get rid of scraps of paper and unwanted plastic packaging, you could introduce a recycling system and encourage your employees to separate their rubbish. Although this is a fairly simple task, it’s a great way to make sure your business is doing its bit for the environment.

Go digital

While there may be certain pieces of paperwork you simply need to have hard copies of, for everything else you could go digital. By scanning, uploading and storing vital information on your computer system, you’ll be able to significantly reduce the amount of paper you need to use, which is good news for the planet. There are a whole host of electronic sharing platforms you and your team can use to share and edit documents. Aside from being a more eco-friendly approach, it will mean you’re able to spend much less on paper and printer ink.

By putting these suggestions into practice, your organisation is guaranteed to reduce its harmful impact on the environment.

 

 

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR CRISPY BEEF WITH SOY & CITRUS GLAZE FROM BRASSERIE BLANC

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
-
0
THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR CRISPY BEEF WITH SOY & CITRUS GLAZE FROM BRASSERIE BLANC

Brasserie Blanc, the home of real French cooking have shared this recipe for crispy beef with soy and citrus glaze with IDEAL. Enjoy!

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE DRESSING

  • Zest and juice of 3 limes
  • Zest and juice of 1 orange
  • 2 tbsp palm sugar
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1 cm piece of ginger, peeled and grated

FOR THE CRISPY BEEF

  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 4 tbsp cornflour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 400g minute steak, sliced thinly into strips

FOR THE SLAW

  • 2 carrots, cut into long thin strips using a vegetable peeler
  • ¼ white cabbage, finely sliced
  • ¼ red cabbage, finely sliced
  • 4 spring onions, finely sliced
  • Handful of coriander, leaves picked

TO PLACE

  • 1 Bag of mixed salad leaves
  • 4 tbsp cashews, toasted
  • 2 candy beetroot (or red, if you can’t find candy beetroot), finely sliced
  • 2 tbsp white sesame seeds

METHOD

  1. To make the dressing, put all the ingredients (apart from the lime and orange zest) in to a small saucepan. Simmer until thickened and syrupy, stir in the zest and set aside.
  2. Heat 2-3cm of vegetable or sunflower oil in a wok or deep pan. You can test if it’s hot enough by dropping a cube of white bread in – the oil is ready when the bread turns golden in just under a minute.
  3. While you’re waiting for the oil to heat up, make the batter for the beef by mixing the eggs, cornflour and salt together. Dip the beef slices in the batter and carefully place in the hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper before coating with some of the dressing.
  4. In a big bowl, mix all slaw ingredients together.
  5. In a separate bowl, toss the mixed salad leaves and cashews with the remaining dressing and divide amongst four plates. Top the salad with the crispy beef strips and decorate with the beetroot slices and slaw. Finish with a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

www.brasserieblanc.com

IDEAL FOR DINNER: MALABAR FISH CURRY WITH TOASTED COCONUT FROM BRASSERIE BLANC

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
-
0
IDEAL FOR DINNER: MALABAR FISH CURRY WITH TOASTED COCONUT FROM BRASSERIE BLANC

Seafood lovers will delight in this recipe for Malabar fish curry courtesy of our friends at Brasserie Blanc. This classic French colonial recipe, made with grilled king prawns and served with toasted coconut is absolutely delicious. 

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

For the marinade

  • 1 tsp galangal, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 6 tbsp sunflower oil
  • ½ tsp chilli curry powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • Generous pinch of salt
  • 450g skinless hake fillets

For the curry sauce

  • 5 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1-2 Birdseye chillis, roughly chopped (deseeded if you don’t like it too hot)
  • 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Thai fish sauce (Nam Pla)
  • 1 tsp fresh turmeric, grated
  • Thumb-sized piece ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, 1 finely chopped, 1 crushed
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar or soft light brown sugar
  • ½ tsp grated nutmeg
  • 3-4 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 3 lime leaves
  • 400g tin coconut milk
  • 180g raw king prawns

For the pilaf

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 350g long grain rice, rinsed
  • 1 lime leaf
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 400g tin of coconut milk

To garnish

  • Crispy shallots
  • Small bunch of coriander, leaves picked
  • Coconut flakes

METHOD

  1. Put all the marinade ingredients in the small bowl of a food processor and blitz until smooth. Place in a large plastic freezer bag with the fish, turning the fish in the bag a few times to ensure it is thoroughly coated. Secure the bag with a loose knot and put on a plate in the fridge to marinate overnight.
  2. To make the sauce, blend all the ingredients (except for 1 lemongrass stalk, the oil, lime leaves and coconut milk) in a food processor until smooth.
  3. Heat the oil in a large casserole and add the lemongrass and lime leaves. Cook until fragrant, then add the curry paste and cook for two minutes. Add 400ml of boiling water and the coconut milk and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened.
  4. While the sauce is cooking, make the pilaf. Melt the butter in a pan and cook the onion for 3-5 mins until soft. Add the rice and stir to coat with the melted butter. Cook in the pan for a further minute until the rice begins to turn translucent.
  5. Add the lime leaf, salt, 300ml of boiling water and the coconut milk. Bring to the boil, then put the lid on and turn down the heat. Simmer very gently for 15-18 mins or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Drain and set aside.
  6. Remove the lemongrass and the lime leaves from the sauce and add the fish and prawns. Put the lid on and simmer for 5 mins or until the hake is just cooked and flaking and the prawns are pink through.
  7. Sprinkle the rice with the crispy shallots and coriander and scatter the coconut over the curry. Serve immediately.

www.brasserieblanc.com

6 IDEAL TIPS FOR GETTING A NEW JOB IN 2018

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
-
0
6 IDEAL TIPS FOR GETTING A NEW JOB IN 2018

In addition to losing weight, and spending more time with family, many people will set a New Year’s resolution to improve their professional lives in the coming year. According to research, one of the top 10 most popular resolutions is job-related, whether it’s landing a new job, a promotion, or to earn more money.

As a result, recruitment agencies across the country will receive a surge of candidates in January, both from people who are looking for a career change and from those that want to get back into the job market after a period of absence. We asked Recruitment Services, Cheltenham  to share their ideal tips to help you stand out above other candidates in 2018.

Promote yourself

When interviewed by a recruitment agency, remember that you still need to promote yourself fully, so that, in turn, they can “sell” you effectively to the job market. An interview with an agency, no matter how informal, is just as important as any other job interview, be presentable and be on time.

Appearance

Appearance is really important when looking for work, and first impressions count. Plan and check the details of your appointment, make sure you leave yourself enough time to get there and, if applicable, where you can park your car. These things might sound trivial but they could make all the difference.

Attention to detail

When you get to the stage of making an application, check that you submit exactly what is being asked. It is surprising how many people don’t send a covering letter or fill in an application by hand when asked to do so. Neglecting to follow instructions shows a lack of attention to detail and this can be detrimental to your application.

Tailor your CV

Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for. As an agency we realise that you will probably be applying for more than one job, so make sure you know exactly what the requirements are for each job and show that you have the specific skills needed.

Manage your applications

Keep a spreadsheet of every job you apply for and make a record of the closing dates, contact names and numbers for each job. This way, you can keep track of all the roles you have expressed an interest in and make follow up calls if you have received no response.

Trust in the agency

If you’re looking to go through an agency, this fragrance recruitment company would be perfect if you would like to dive into the fragrance seller route. When approaching an agency, choose one that you can trust and set out to build a relationship with them.build a relationship with them. Try and find an agency that suits you. For example if your’e looking for a hospital job, find an agency that specialise in finding nursing jobs.  Your perfect job may not be on the market yet but if they know what you are looking for and have a good relationship with you, we will think of you when it crops up.

5 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP REDUCE YOUR BEAUTY CARBON FOOTPRINT IN 2018

Editorial Team
-
0

A recent photograph of a seahorse in the Indonesia Ocean clinging to a cotton earbud by the wildlife photographer, Justin Hofman has gone viral. What with the plastic microbead scandal last year which brought evidence that these beads were polluting our ocean and infiltrating the marine food chain, the discovery earlier this month that tiny pieces of plastic have been found in sea salt and with the catastrophic hurricanes recently, climate change is starting to make a noise and people are beginning to be more willing to listen and less in denial.

Aside from cotton earbuds, the beauty industry in general has produced a major carbon footprint. Generally consumers only really consider the finished product and disregard the combination of exotic and chemically enhanced ingredients that goes in to it, in effect this has contributed to polluting the planet.

We have listed 5 top tips below for you if you are passionate about the environment and pursuing a ‘zero waste’ beauty lifestyle but not sure how:

Homegrown Beauty

Look for beauty brands that source their ingredients and packaging resources in Britain. By doing this you will know that no ingredients or products have been shipped hundreds of miles from abroad causing a mass carbon footprint. Not only will you not share the guilt of polluting the planet but it will also help and encourage smaller homegrown brands to grow rather than endorsing large international corporate brands.

Cutting down on landfill waste and repurposing ingredients that would otherwise be discarded is the central ethos for British skincare brand, Optiat. Their coffee scrubs contain Arabica coffee beans from locally sourced London barista bars and their brand new hemp face mask range uses organic hemp husks from the Oxfordshire countryside as gentle exfoliators, perfect for sensitive skin and leaves skin feeling soft and replenished.

Plastic Pandemonium

As a nation, Britain is falling behind on the amount of waste we recycle, with the goal of recycling 50% of its overall waste by 2020.  Compared to other nations such as Sweden that send less than one per cent of its waste to landfill and recycles everything else, Britain is not the most conscious in minimising the plastic pandemonium that has polluted our oceans. With polystyrene and plastic waste even reaching the arctic and could prove fatal for the Arctic’s habitants including polar bears and seals this is a huge environmental issue.

Take inspiration from the Nordic states and begin searching for brands that use sustainable and recyclable packaging to help reduce the damage of plastic to the planet. Odylique’s packaging is made from earth-friendly recyclable and often recycled materials including old milk bottles, to minimise the impact of waste and plastic on the environment. Conscious of ‘packaging miles’, Odylique chooses to source its packaging and printing from European suppliers only.

Miracle Multitaskers

Another eco-friendly tip the Scandinavians abide by and that you can adopt in your own beauty regime is to use more multitasking beauty products. These could include multipurpose miracle balms which work as lip balms to eye primers. By investing in products you know will serve several functions, not only will this discourage you from buying too many products and cut down on your waste but it will also help save your pennies too!

The What Skin Needs Soothing Skin Gel (£9.99, www.whatskinneeds.co.uk) is a multi-purpose functional non-greasy gel that works to ease your skin from multiple skin irritations from soothing acne to healing insect bites.

Anna Brightman, co-founder of eco-friendly beauty brand, Optiat advises on what to look for to help reduce your carbon footprint when investing in your beauty essentials: “As a brand, we are committed to changing our current ‘take, make, dispose’ world by promoting a circular economy: keeping things in use as long as possible before restoring them at the end of their lives.”

“So, if products have the word ‘disposable’ in them, like disposable razors, or disposable cutlery, then they are best avoided. Small changes like these are very easy to make and they make a big difference. “

“Try to introduce soap bars into your regime rather than just always using liquid soap. Soap bars last much longer and tend to have a lot less packaging. We are excited to be bringing out a new range of soap bars this November made from repurposed chai spices. The chai spices had been used to brew tea, but they still smell amazing, so rather than them going in the bin, we have used them in our brand new soaps!”

Electric Nightmares

If you are partial to straightening your hair or giving your locks a quick blowdry for enviable bounce and texture do take into consideration that using electrical appliances emits greenhouse gases which then in turn has an effect on global warming. This is through the transmission of using electricity that uses unsustainable energy sources such as fossil fuels, which then emits harmful gases including CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Whenever possible limit your electrical use so instead of using hairdryers air dry your hair or instead of using tongs to curl your hair try overnight rollers. Not only will this be more eco-friendly but it will also save your hair from heat damage!

The Ingredient That Destroys Rainforests

One of the main culprits for mass deforestation and the destruction of wildlife habitats is the production and extraction of palm oil.  Approximately a third of the size of Germany is used for palm oil plantations in south east Asia such as Malaysia and Indonesia. You will likely find palm oil in many everyday consumer goods from margarine to shampoo. Organisations such as the WWF who are a part of the Roundtable For Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) are actively encouraging better and less damaging practices for sustainable palm oil production and extraction. Currently only 10% of palm oil production is deemed certified and sustainable by RSPO. Therefore, stop endorsing brands that practice with unsustainable palm oil as there are many brands available who are against the palm oil production and refuse to use the ingredient in their products such as Odylique, Dr Hauschka and Lush.

For a palm oil-free shampoo alternative, try Odylique’s Tea Tree & Gentle Herb Shampoo (£12, www.odylique.co.uk), which contains only natural and organically grown ingredients including coconut oil, tea tree and rosemary to fully hydrate and moisturise your mane.

1...340341342...392Page 341 of 392

Company

WHO we are
SAY HELLO
ADVERTISING

Read More

Ideal
Travel
Food & Drink
Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Social

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

Copyright © 2026 IDEAL Magazine