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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR HOT TODDY

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR HOT TODDY

With this cold and gloomy weather, National Hot Toddy Day (11th January) is a welcome way to default on Dry January. This traditional Northern drink is popular for a reason; the strong blend of whiskey, cloves, cinnamon, lemon juice and honey will banish those winter colds, awaken your sinuses and give you the verve to get through the coldest of January nights. . To celebrate this delicious drink, The Dubliner has the perfect Hot Toddy recipe to keep you warm:

INGREDIENTS

  • 50ml The Dubliner Irish Whiskey
  • 25ml lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons of honey
  • boiling water
  • Cinnamon stick

Add 50ml The Dubliner Irish Whiskey, 25ml lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of honey to a warmed heatproof glass. Top up the glass with boiling water, stir until all the ingredients are dissolved and mixed. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

IDEAL’S TIP: Add cloves and star anise to the garnish for an extra kick of aromatic flavours.

 

5 IDEAL HERBS THAT CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL HERBS THAT CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY

So-called ‘Blue Monday’ (15th January) is nearly upon us and said to be “the most depressing day of the year”. Its timing is calculated by a combination of the winter weather, time since Christmas, the impact of Christmas credit card bills rolling in, and failed New Year’s resolutions. It’s enough to make anyone feel down in the dumps.

Whether Blue Monday really is gloomier than any other day is questionable. But it’s undeniable that this time of year can be particularly challenging for our good spirits. So, what can we do to beat the post-Christmas blues? Although seemingly esoteric, we can consider looking to natural herbs for help. Together with top London nutritionist, Cassandra Barns, here a 5 IDEAL herbs that can make you happy.

HOLY BASIL (TULSI)

Holy basil is a herb with a particular affinity for the brain and mood. It’s said to stimulate circulation to the brain to improve concentration and help clear brain fog. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and acts as an adaptogen – a herb that helps us cope with and adapt to stress. These different actions work in tandeml to help lift our mood, particularly when stress or anxiety are involved.

CHAMOMILE

Popular as a tea for aiding sleep, chamomile is an amazing ‘nervine’ – a herb that calms the nerves. It can also help relieve digestive cramps and spasms that accompany stress or anxiety. If you want to bring the zen, soothe frayed nerves and sleep better, then chamomile could be a great choice for you. Drink it as a herbal tea before bed, but also throughout the day to help calm you down.

ASHWAGANDHA

Like holy basil, ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, helping to balance the effects of stress on our body and mind. It’s known for its calming, anti-anxiety effects, but also for helping to restore energy and vitality. So if you’re feeling tired or run down or suffering the winter blues, ashwagandha could be the herb for you. It can be good for libido, too, which often suffers when we’re feeling miserable.

MATCHA GREEN TEA

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, turning to coffee for a boost may do more harm than good. High doses of caffeine and other stimulating substances in your ‘cuppa joe’ can cause your body to make more stress hormones, increasing the draining effects of stress on your mind and body.

Instead, try matcha green tea. Green tea contains a small amount of caffeine to give you an energy lift, but also contains theanine, which can have a relaxing effect on the mind, reduce anxiety and help with focus and concentration. Matcha green tea in particular is said to contain a high percentage of calming theanine.

TURMERIC

This golden super-spice is associated with a multitude of health benefits. These include helping to protect the brain and memory via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. But turmeric may also have a direct benefit for mood; because depression is thought to involve excessive inflammation, the anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric may help bring things back to normal.

5 IDEAL TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF YOUR DESIGNER JEANS

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF YOUR DESIGNER JEANS

In life, there are times when spending that little bit extra will bring exponentially better results – when budgeting just won’t do – and buying jeans, we think, is one of those times.

Higher quality denim simply holds its shape and structure better, meaning that, although an initial investment, your designer pair will stand the test of time when other pairs shrink in the wash, tear at a festival or lose their colour with age. Wear and tear is inevitable whatever jean you choose,  but luckily for us,  there are ways to maintain the colour and shape of your designer denim. We like to think of our jeans like a long term lover; it may take a while to find the perfect pair, but if you nurture, love and take care of them, you could have a companion for life.

With the help of Trilogy Stores, stockists of designer skinny jeans, here are 5 IDEAL tips on how to take care of your designer jeans.

PRESERVE THEIR SHAPE

First of all, wear them as much as possible before the first wash (okay, you twisted our arm!). This will help the denim conform to the contours of your body, helping to preserve them in the shape you desire. Instead of washing following each wear, as you might with other clothing, denim experts recommend that you wash your jeans as seldomly as possible. Some even go as far as saying you should never, ever wash your jeans unless truly you have to. Yeah you may be smelly, but at least you’ll be wearing a pair of jeans that look darn good.

WASH INFREQUENTLY

However, if you don’t want a hoard of flies hovering around you, just wash them as infrequently as possible. Washing often has been shown to fade the colour and damage the denim material. Instead, spot clean with a damp sponge or soft toothbrush to remove smaller stains. Or, if you feel as though your jeans need a freshen up, hang them outside to air or spray them with a fabric freshener.

WASHING WITH CARE

The washing setting you choose can be the cause of faded jeans which don’t last as long as they should. Before the wash, turn your jeans inside out, which reduces fading and prevents colour from running in to other garments. This method also stops buttons hitting against the drum in the washing machine and avoids damage to zips or press studs.

Wash on a cool, gentle cycle that is no hotter than 30 degrees. The heat can destroy the elastane in your jean and ruin the fitting shape you’ve worked so hard to achieve. If you’re serious about your jeans, consider buying a denim wash that’s been designed to care for the colour and fibres in denim.

Whatever you do, don’t put too many pairs of jeans in the washing machine at once; it’s recommended that you wash a maximum of 4 jeans at once due to their weight. Don’t put an indigo pair of denim jeans in with a pastel pair as the darker colour may run onto the lighter jean. When it comes to coated denim, these jeans should avoid the washing machine completely — opt for a dry clean instead.

You could also try hand-washing, a good way to avoid damage that could occur in the more aggressive washing machine. Simply soak for 20 minutes in detergent and then air dry. Adding salt and vinegar to a hand wash is said to prevent colour bleeding and keep the fabric colour set for longer.

DRY DUTIFULLY

When it comes to drying your designer jeans, you must be careful to not distort the shape or encourage fading.

Do not wring dry. This can bring about wrinkles and creases and cause the shape of the jeans to change, irrevocably. Instead, roll up the jean and press firmly to release any excess water. You could hang the jeans outside and allow to air dry, however exercise caution, as the sunlight can cause fading. Alternatively, you could dry on a flat surface indoors or use a clothes rack.

Avoid drying on a radiator or in a tumble dryer — the heat from these can do damage to the denim. For the same reason, don’t iron your jeans. Simply put them on and the creases will fall out on their own. A final tip is to read the manufacturer recommendations on the tag. The manufacturer knows the material inside out – as it were – and how to care for it without causing damage.

FINISH WITH A FOLD

When storing your jeans in the wardrobe, try to avoid hanging them up with clipped hangers. These can dig into your denim and create impressions in the waistband or knees which can be hard to get rid of. Instead, fold jeans and place them on a shelf, or buy S hooks which you can attach to the belt loops and hang on a regular coat hanger. These simple steps all add up to a better looking, more durable jean.

4 IDEAL WAYS TO ENGAGE YOUR STAFF

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL WAYS TO ENGAGE YOUR STAFF

If you run a company then you’ll know that having happy, healthy employees is the key to financial success. To attract the best people, promising future job satisfaction is, nine times out of ten, more important than offering a high salary. Contentment in your job comes in many forms; feeling part of a team, being wanted and appreciated, and feeling like you’re making a difference in the world, are just a few key components that make up the perfect role.

This job satisfaction, if fostered correctly, ultimately leads to more loyal workforce, increased productivity and brand positivity. – and who doesn’t want that? So, getting your staff content, motivated and engaged is crucial to company prosperity. With that in mind, here are 4 IDEAL ways to engage your staff.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

If all you know about your staff is things you’ve gleaned from their C.V, then it’s time to reassess your approach to approachability. Simply declaring that your door is always open isn’t enough. It’s time to hit the floor and show an interest; remember birthdays and names of family members, ask questions rather than talking about yourself, actually listen.

The reward for taking the time to show an interest will be conscientious, loyal workers. In knowing what makes your employees tick outside of the office, you can make your staff feel appreciated and individual, which fosters an atmosphere of creativity and freedom of expression. Little gestures like buying your staff a cup of coffee and giving them a thank you note can do wonders to boost moral. Just avoid any boss based ‘banter’ – not cool, not endearing, and certainly not productive.

TRAIN, TEACH AND MENTOR

Yes, you offer a handsome salary and a great little parking space out front, but what about personal development? If employees are simply clocking in, working in robot mode then clocking out, and receiving their check at the end of it, then fair enough. But, if you want to get more out of people, you have to put more in. Offer a competitive salary, sure, but also offer the opportunity for progression and the gaining of new skills. This can be done through inhouse training and mentoring, and through outsourcing of the training to experts such as Impel Dynamic. Not only will this training reap the obvious benefits of staff with improved skills, but it will also nurture a sense of loyalty.

RECOGNISE INDIVIDUALITY

Don’t ever underestimate the power of teamwork. But equally, there are many who excel and produce their best work independently and without input from others. It’s vital as a leader to recognise that people have different skill sets and each respond to encouragement, responsibility, autonomy and cooperation differently. Only in the past three decades has scientific research confirmed the existence of myriad diverse intelligences, and by bearing this in mind, you can tune each member of your team individually, to harmonise in chorus.

DELEGATE

You can’t do everything yourself; physically and in terms of time, it’s just not possible. But to put it more plainly, trying to take control of all tasks will be far less productive and creative than delegating. Giving members of your team responsibility is the best way to raise morale and increase performance. The more control workers have over their responsibilities, the better they feel and the harder they work. Simple, really.

 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ECO FRIENDLY AND ADD VALUE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ECO FRIENDLY AND ADD VALUE

The national consciousness seems to be shifting into greener hues, and with the creeping realisation that the world’s resources are finite, people are looking at ways to behave in a more mindful way towards the environment. And about time too. While this is easy to put into practice on a habitual, everyday scale, homeowners often neglect to address issues within their living space which could be doing unnecessary damage to our world.

With the recent budget promising help to first time buyers, it could be the ideal time to invest in being greener. According to reports, spending on eco-friendly assets for your house can increase the value of property by as much as 38%, while it will also cut down on the UK’s emissions and save money on bills, too. So, by helping the environment you can also help your bank balance; socially conscious or selfish, everybody wins. Here are 5 IDEAL ways to make your home more eco-friendly.

USE SOLAR PANELS

Solar panels are a huge investment – it’s no secret –  but they’re also a wise one for a number of reasons. Firstly, aside from the actual value of the panels giving financial worth, you’ll find extra value when it comes to EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). Upgrading your certificate from a D to a band B certificate by installing panels, for example, could add around £16,000 to your home. You’ve also got the appeal of lower bills too which, naturally, everyone wants. Finally, and most importantly, of course, is that they don’t generate greenhouse gases.

INSULATE

You’d be amazed at just how much of a difference insulation can make. Adding both cavity wall insulation and roof insulation can save as much as £500 per year between them and will improve your EPC considerably. If you’re looking to sell on your eco-friendlified home for profit, be aware that most potential homebuyers will now be asking about insulation, so it’s well worth ticking all the boxes if you want to get your house sold.

UPGRADE YOUR BOILER

A brand new, eco-friendly boiler will allow your home to run much more efficiently and will see your bills reduce noticeably. A boiler should be renewed or upgraded every 10 years or so. The effects of a faulty, antiquated boiler on the environment are tangible, so if it’s coming up to that period, it’s well worth investing.

DOUBLE GLAZE

If your windows are only single glazed, heat will be being lost through them and will no doubt be having a significant impact on your EPC. Installing the latest pane technology will ensure as little heat as possible is lost via the windows and even if you can’t afford the very latest, double glazing is a must. The trapping in of hot air will significantly lower the necessity for central heating being on; good for the planet and the bills, then.

TAP INTO WATER SAVING TECHNOLOGY

Excessive water use is a drain on the bills and the globe, so first things first, get any leaks fixed. Next, consider investing in the plethora of water saving gadgets currently out there and available for the domestic space. Additionally, always apply mindful practice when using water in the home; take shorter showers, don’t leave the tap running when brushing your teeth, fill a bowl when washing up….you get the picture.

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

Editorial Team
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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.

Editorial Team
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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

Editorial Team
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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

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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!

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