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TOFFEE APPLE TOPPED PORRIDGE RECIPE – IDEAL BONFIRE PORRIDGE

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TOFFEE APPLE TOPPED PORRIDGE RECIPE – IDEAL BONFIRE PORRIDGE

For lovers of all things warm and toasty, we’ve got the perfect bonfire toffee porridge recipe to get you feeling snug and cosy this season.

What better way to celebrate bonfire night than with a warming Wintery recipe for caramel apple topped porridge. With sugar, cinnamon spice and all things nice, these toffee apples make the perfect partner for your porridge.

This flavourful recipe will remind you of the warmth of bonfire night, as well as providing a solid staple to kickstart your day.

Follow this easy recipe to learn how to make the best bonfire porridge.

Ingredients

For the caramel apples – Serves 4 – Prep time: 15-20 mins

  • 25g unsalted butter
  • 2 large cooking apples (peeled, cored and sliced into 2cm thick pieces)
  • 1 tsp cornflour
  • 65ml cold water
  • 40g dark brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the porridge – Serves 1 – Prep time: 5 mins

  • 1 MOMA almond nut butter and salted caramel vegan porridge pot
  • Boiling water

Method:

  1. Heat a large frying pan or saucepan to a medium heat and melt the butter in the pan.
  2. Add the sliced apples and stir constantly until the apples are almost tender.
  3. After the apples have been cooking for around 6-7 minutes, dissolve the cornflour in water and add to the pan.
  4. Stir in the cinnamon and brown sugar and boil for 2 minutes whilst stirring occasionally.
  5. Whilst the apples are caramelising, add hot water to your porridge pot and allow to sit until ready.
  6. When both the apples and the porridge are ready, add the finished caramel apples to your porridge pot and serve whilst warm.
  7. Woolly hat & gloves optional!

5 ALTERNATIVE FANCY DRESS IDEAS IDEAL FOR HALLOWEEN

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5 ALTERNATIVE FANCY DRESS IDEAS IDEAL FOR HALLOWEEN

Don’t rely on recycled ideas for this year’s Halloween party – after all, it’s the one day of the year when you can really go wild! Cheshire-based lingerie and outfit specialists Sparkling Strawberry want you to make your spooky bash a fright night to remember with these five fearsome themes.

Stranger Things

It’s the 80s throwback that has cemented its position as a cult phenomenon – there are even club nights themed around it! Featuring mum jeans and bouffant hair as far as the eye can see, there’s plenty of outfit inspiration. Shake the mothballs out of your most hideously patterned jumper, or grab a lab coat to fit in among the Department of Energy’s scientists.

Movie Inspiration

In another nod to pop culture, your guests can create their own terrifying versions of characters from the year’s big films. Whether it be a creepy Captain America or a horrifying Harley Quinn, the big screen is a treasure trove of ideas.

Pitch Black

Dancing in the dark is bound to include some screams! For a simple and cheap night, ask your guests to dress in dark clothes that they don’t mind getting messy. Next, place UV paint all around your pitch-black party location. Your guests can then decorate themselves as they please or stay paint-free for maximum scare effect.

If You Go Down To The Woods Tonight…

It’s no coincidence that forests are a popular horror movie setting. After all, who knows what’s hiding in the wood with you? For this fancy dress idea your guests can go wild, dressing either as animals of the forest or terrifying creatures. Think teddy bears’ picnic meets Blair Witch Project.

Your Worst Nightmare

Everyone is scared of something, whether they admit it or not. Encourage your guests to turn up dressed as their greatest fear, either from childhood or the present day. You’ll be greeted by a variety of intelligent and probably very funny disguises, from furry monsters from sexy vampire queens.

With such a great opportunity to unleash your fancy dress box, it would be a shame to stick to overused outfits. Take inspiration from our unique themes for a party to be proud of.

Now, it’s time to sling up those Halloween decorations… Can we expect our invite to your party in the post?

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO AUTUMN FOOTWEAR 2017

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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO AUTUMN FOOTWEAR 2017

Just as we were getting used to slipping on our sandals every time we wanted to sashay into town, the season changed and the Weather Gods have deemed shelter and warmth a necessity for our tootsies. There’s a choice to be made here; quietly regress into the comfort of some tired, weather-ready old autumn favourites or react to the new season with corresponding bluster, and get noisy about your shoe choice. Autumn fashion needn’t all be muted, earthy hues and hygge, and your footwear is a great way to announce your fierce side. So, here’s our ideal guide to autumn footwear.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO SPARKLE

Back in early 2017, predictions were of an autumn spent with feet adorned in glitter. Back then it felt a crazy proposition, October was a long way off and we had vast stretches of sunshine to contemplate first. The year has sped by and now the prediction is finally set to be realised. Expect to see boots of glitter and sparkling high heels brighten up the coming months, keeping things radiant as the nights draw in and the mood threatens to darken. This extends to all things metallic and eye-catching; perfect for the duller months! We love the Flat Slip On Glitter Plimsoll Trainers available from online retailer Uppersole in a range of sparkly colours.

MILITARY PRECISION

Seemingly in harmony with the autumnal colour palette comes fall’s affinity with military fatigues this 2017. In all actuality, this doesn’t simply mean camo colours in tune with the season, but more a style befitting of the sturdy, functional and powerful statements made by army fashion. This means combat boots with strong, heavy heels, high-set laces with colourful stitching against statement black, and of course, weatherproof leather.

© Pixabay

RED

As the leaves turn this colour, so the footwear moves in tandem. If there is one hue  for your hooves this autumn it’s anything from the crimson to coral spectrum. Evoking fire and passion as juxtaposed against the most domestic, comforting season is a sure fire way to keep things interesting and individual when others are forgetting their carefree summer and turning functional.

LOAFIN’ AROUND

Bringing all this frivolity back down to earth with a well cushioned bang is this autumn’s loafer love-in. This season is particularly fond of the sturdier, firmer rendition, in muted colours but with a bright, vibrant bow bringing up the stylistics. It’s this contrast; light and shade, functional and fun, brash and humble; that very much epitomises footwear this autumn. Also, owning a stand out animal-print piece can lift your autumn wardrobe and there are some gorgeous leopard inspired loafers out there.

© Pixabay

HEELS AT AN ANGLE

Statement heels are all the rage as we welcome autumn; the bigger, bolder and more outrageous the better. Now, you’ll be pleased to hear that ‘statement’ this season doesn’t translate to height; in fact, heels at a leaning angle are the most on-trend piece in the shoe game right now. Also bang in fashion are thick heels of gold and silver or circular ones. Honestly, this autumn where heels are concerned, it’s the brasher the better.

 

4 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO HOST YOUR OWN “GAME OF THRONES” PARTY

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Game of Thrones is the best TV show EVER! So why wouldn’t you want to dress up as your favourite character this Halloween?  To help here are some amazing tips on how to host your own “Game of Thrones” party.

The Food

The food doesn’t have to be exotic, it just needs to have some resemblance to what would appear in the show. Think aged cheeses, dried berries, artisan breads, fruit like figs and dates, olives, and lemonsweet. Of course, you can make a huge turkey, or roast up some cornish hens, or even cook some chickens.

If you have any baking skills at all, try baking the bread, some pies, even blood sausage and some of the more exotic treats (if you’re up to it).

Vintage Drinks

Put out some cider, sweet cider, Autumn ale, barley beer, iced (and bold) wine – especially reds, spiced wine, claret, and honeyed wine (also called “mead”). These drinks will help get you and your guests get in the mood.

The Costumes

If you want to get good costumes, go to some place like Spirithalloween.com. They have a pretty wide selection of stuff that will fit the bill. Alternatively, you can try to piece things together yourself. The kinds of clothes you’d find in Westeros are going to be made of materials like leather, silk, velvet, and other rich and durable fabrics. If you have your heart set on authentic costumes, you can always shop Renaissance festival suppliers. Be prepared to spend a lot of money though. Where a Halloween costume might cost you twenty odd quid you may spend several hundred, or even thousands on a high-quality period piece.

The Music and Games

Every good party has music. Fortunately, this isn’t a terribly difficult problem to solve. There are a lot of great places to get your hands on Renaissance music – music with lots of flutes, guitar, and angelic voices. Search Amazon or troll YouTube. It’s out there. Or remember that little ditty by Ed Sheeran?

If you have the yard space for it, you can set up horseshoes in the back yard, play period games like Nine-Man Morris, Quoits, or Fox & Geese. Other games from the Renaissance period include Pallone, a game similar to volleyball.

You don’t typically see GOT characters playing games, but this is a party after all.

IDEAL LIGHTING TIPS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR ROOM’S APPEARANCE

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IDEAL LIGHTING TIPS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR ROOM’S APPEARANCE

There are plenty of ways you can transform a room. Most people assume that changing paint, furniture, and even flooring is the best way to go about it, but these solutions tend to be on the costly side and can be time-consuming and just a little too drastic.

These days, we’re all looking for something a bit more on the ‘hack’ side and less harsh on the finances. Well, it’s time to consider the possible impact of simply making changes to a room’s lighting, whether that’s decorative or functional. That’s right, by purchasing new light fixtures or practicing better positioning of what you already have, you can change the look and feel of the whole room.

Lighting is a bit like oxygen. It’s one of those things we all know is needed in a room, but we often don’t give too much thought to it. Take it away though, and vibes are well and truly dispensed with. With that said, you might not be aware of the tricks and tips you can use to maximise its impact.

From well-known Astro lights to more esoteric, integrated LEDs, there are so many ways to deploy different types of lighting. With that in mind, here are some IDEAL lighting tips to transform your room’s appearance.

Understand Different Types of Lighting

In order to take advantage of lighting and get the full impact from it, it’s important to understand that there are myriad different types of lighting. Keep in mind a room can have just one type or a combination. What dictates which to choose is the room itself; its function, style, furniture, natural capacity for light, shape; everything, basically. Different rooms are used for different purposes in the house, so the lighting needs to address those needs.

Some of the different types of lighting are as follows:

  • Mood lighting helps to set the mood in a room. This type of lighting tends to be low-light and warm, often creating shadows and pockets of intrigue.
  • Task lighting helps you to perform a specific task, such as a desk lamp illuminating a surface from which you write, illustrate, cook or compose your masterpieces. It gives light to your workspace and provides a very specific job. It isn’t meant to light a whole room and instead creates focal point in one specific, designated space.
  • Ambient lighting is meant to be used throughout the home so that you can move from room to room without a transition too stark. It can replace sunlight during the evening hours, which means it should be bright enough to stand its ground in darker periods. Ambient lights tend to be wall or ceiling mounted.
© Pixabay
  • Decorative lighting is great as it is adept at multi-tasking. It acts as a decoration in the room as well as providing light. An excellent example of decorative lighting is floor lamps. They add to the décor in the room, yet they also provide plenty of light for tasks such as reading. 
  • Lighting as art or a statement, such as neon lighting. Falling on the fun rather than functional side, neon lights are bright enough to fill your room with a neon glow, but shouldn’t necessarily be used to replace overhead or functional lighting. Instead, those such as the personalised neon signs from Neon Daddy provide visual intrigue to a room.
  • Accent lighting is used to highlight a piece in the room which you’re proud of. It could be a mirror, artwork, or even the kitchen island; whatever it is, if you want something to stand out and catch the eye upon entering, accenting it is the way to go.

Use Lighting to Chance the Appearance of the Paint Colour

An interesting way you can use lighting in your room, and one often not given much thought, is to also play around with different types of lights, shades, and even the bulb itself, in an attempt to transform the look of your paint colour. Without having to re-paint your walls, you can make the room look more neutral, brighter, warmer, or softer. You can pull undertones out of the paint that were not noticeable before and really change the feel of the room. It’s amazing what you can do without actually picking up a paintbrush, hey?

© Pixabay

Draw Attention to Details in the Room

Does your room have architectural features that most people don’t notice (and you’d like them to, of course)? All you need could be the right lighting to make it really pop and stand out in the room. Accent lighting could make those unique elements become the star of the room with not much investment; think of it as a really brilliant picture frame.

Lighting Allows for Creativity

When it comes to lighting there really are no set rules. Instead, it’s better to play around with different types of lighting and see how they transform the feel of the room, the illusion of space, and even the colour of the walls and furniture.

And if you’re looking for more ideas on how to brighten up your home, then why not next consider these ingenious ways to add fun and funky lighting to your interior design?

Top Image © Pixabay

5 IDEAL STEPS TO GETTING STARTED IN MODELLING

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5 IDEAL STEPS TO GETTING STARTED IN MODELLING

Despite the sometimes grim realities of the industry – low pay, long hours and pressure to look a certain way – modelling can still be an alluring profession for many. Perhaps to some the dream of being in front of the camera expressing yourself is too strong. Maybe the desire to to live in New York, Paris or Milan is a pull too hard to resist.

The truth is this; although making it as a model is still tougher than tough, the industry is more diverse than it has ever been, and even if you don’t fit the traditional catwalk mould, there is always room for people with talent and passion who come alive in front of the camera. There is a heartening, increasing exposure being given to models of all shapes and sizes, and hopefully this equates to an industry whose moral compass is starting to point in the right direction. Knowing where to start in this game can be tough, with false leads and occasionally unscrupulous characters making things confusing, especially if you don’t have any genuine contacts in the profession. So, we’ve put together all-you-need-to-know guide to getting started. Here are 5 IDEAL steps to getting started in modelling.

Find Your Niche

There are all sorts of niches and specifics within the modelling world, and you should begin with an honest assessment of where your talents lie and what unique qualities you have that are likely to appeal to prospective clients in bookings. As well as the catwalk stuff most aspire to,  there are also editorial models , spokesmodels who need presentation skills, trade show models and even models for specific body parts, such as hands, feet or legs. And of course, plus-size modelling. Knowing where you fit and honing in on that will enhance your chances of success no end.

Prioritise Your Portfolio

To get appointments with bookers, you are going to need some good shots, so concentrate on finding a local photographer with a reputable background to work with. You need to get comfortable in front of the camera and work out exactly what look you have – your U.S.P is everything- so getting a professional shoot sorted is essential. You may be able to find student photographers looking to build their own portfolio who will shoot you for free. You need a mix of headshots and full body, so try to think ahead regarding how you showcase yourself, therefore wasting less valuable time during the actual shoot on trying to position yourself to best accentuate the features you want to focus on. Should you go for commercial looking shots in a home environment, or something a little bit artsier? It’s entirely up to you, but retain focus, always.

Approach Agencies

To get work, you either need to list your portfolio on modelling jobs websites or approach some agencies, preferably in person. Always ensure that the organizations you approach are reputable and be aware of your personal safety at all times.  Sadly there are quite a lot of scams out there, make sure you read this guide by The Association of Model Agents on avoiding fraud and scams and how a legitimate model agency will operate.  

After you’ve checked legitimacy, submit your pictures, and if the agency are interested, they will most likely contact you to come in for a brief interview, where they will take your measurements and may snap some headshots as well. Be wary of paying any ‘joining fee’ – most agencies take a share of your fee from any work booked, but a joining fee should be a red light of a possible scam. If they think you’re genuinely bookable, they shouldn’t be asking for lots of cash up front.

Take Care of Yourself

As you are going to be selling a commodity – you – it’s important to take care of your appearance and mental well-being in a sensible, mindful way. So, make sure you set aside time to look after yourself – after all, it’s part of your job now. You need to have lots of energy and an excellent appearance, so factoring in a daily workout is vital; exercise keeps your energy up and your skin glowing. Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and take care of your skin by following a proper regime with regular masks and exfoliation alongside cleansing, toning and moisturising each day.

It’s also equally important to take care of your mental health. Modelling can be a stressful profession, with the focus on your looks and the constant maintenance often leading to mental strain, combined with uncertainty about what work is coming in. Therefore, taking time out of each day to practice mindfulness can help you stay on top of the potential negatives of being judged on your appearance alone. Remember the inner you is also part of your ‘sell’ – you need to project happiness and confidence to make clients want to work with you.

Be Patient

Recognise that success may not be instant. Just like any trade, the business of selling yourself as a model can take time to get going, and you will need patience and commitment to elicit the results you desire. Also, remember to always behave professionally on any booking and use a calendar app to ensure that you are always on time for an appointment. If you get a reputation for being difficult to work with, any bookings will soon dry up. However, never do anything that your uncomfortable. Treat every job as a learning experience. Everyone you work with from the photographer’s assistant to the hair stylist will have something to teach you, so be open and ask them about their experiences.

And one more thing; remember, you are beautiful no matter what.

7 IDEAL WINTER HAIR CARE TIPS

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7 IDEAL WINTER HAIR CARE TIPS

There is no doubt that winter can play havoc with our hair. Blustery winds snarl our locks, snow, rain and ice make hair brittle and dry and indoor heating is just as damaging as a hair dryer. With all these factors to take into account, Naturtint has revealed a few easy tips to help you beat bad winter hair and avoid split ends to dry frizz!

Extra Hair Care

We all know that central heating can dry the skin but it can also dry out the hair very quickly, so give your hair some extra care during the winter months and use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep it hydrated and moisturised.

Get Intense

For hair that is very dry and in need of an intensive treatment, try one that can be left on overnight to deeply penetrate, nourish and moisturise the hair.

Timing

Try to increase the time between shampooing the hair to allow your skins natural oils to moisturise and protect the scalp, providing a natural defence against the elements

Turn Down the Heat

When possible, try to let your hair dry naturally after washing as cutting down on heating appliances like hairdryers and straighteners will keep your hair moisturised and soft. Constantly moving from the cold outdoors to the warm, dry indoors in winter can affect the hair so reducing your hair’s exposure to further extreme changes in temperature will keep your hair healthy.

Bristle It

If you are finding the harsh weather means you are brushing your hair more frequently, invest in a natural bristle brush to reduce mechanical damage and keep your hair silky smooth

Accessorise

If you are planning on being out in the elements for a while, wear a hat or head scarf to give your hair some protection from the cold

Beat the Frizz

British winters often mean wet and drizzly weather, so if you are prone to humidity-induced frizz, try a styling protect to help tame your hair and provide some gentle hold.

 

9 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE ENERGY (AND MONEY) ON A DAILY BASIS

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9 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE ENERGY (AND MONEY) ON A DAILY BASIS

Want to save money this winter? Making small changes around the home can save your loads of money. We share these IDEAL tips on the small changes that can make a big difference to your bills, and even the value of your home.

The Big Switch Off

It may sound simple, but switching off appliances at the plug is a good starting point to helping to save on your energy bills. Nearly half of the UK population admits to only switching their appliances off when they go on holiday and for 22%, not at all – just think of the difference that could be made by taking a couple of minutes in the day to switch off a plug.

Don’t Overfill

As Brit’s we love nothing more than a good cup of tea but we have a tendency to overfill the kettle each time we make a fresh cup. Boiling the water uses alot of energy so only fill for the number of cups you need and make a saving in the long term.

Invest in an Electricity Usage Monitor

It’s always encouraging to be able to actually see how much money you are saving. An energy monitor is a great investment and a fantastic way to see the savings firsthand.

The device allows you to see how much energy is being used in your home instantly as well as the appliances that are costing the most, meaning you can monitor your energy use more efficiently and in turn save money. You can also link your energy saving monitor to your smartphone so you can even monitor and control your appliances whilst on the go.

Turn 40 in to 30

The weekly wash doesn’t just waste precious free time over the weekend, but can also put quite a dent in your annual energy bills. Turn the temperature to 30 degrees for each wash and where possible use a clothes airier instead of the tumble dryer to dry clothes naturally. Similarly, ladies, why not give your hair a break from the heat and reduce how much you use hair styling appliances.

We are all quick to take up the offer of a phone upgrade but when it comes to upgrading within the home, there can be some hesitation. 25% of the energy you buy to heat your home is being lost through single glazing, or older inefficient double-glazed windows. Now is the time to look at upgrading your windows to modern ‘A’ Rated windows. This will help to reduce the loss of heat through your windows by up to70%, reducing the cost of your heating bills as well as your carbon footprint.

Don’t boil over

It’s the moment all home owners dread, the old boiler breaks unexpectedly mid-month! Be one step ahead and take a look at your boiler now. Boilers account for around 60% of your annual expenditure on energy bills; however, an efficient boiler can make a significant difference to the running costs of your home.

Layer Up

When the weather turns cold we are quick to layer up to keep warm but what about layering up the home? External wall insulation (EWI) is a great way to increase the efficiency of your home as well as giving it a new look. EWI will dramatically reduce the amount of heat that escapes through solid walls making your property up to 10 times better at keeping the heat in.

Keep out the draught

A door is designed to shut out the cold but in some instances this isn’t always the case – with cracks and gaps that biting winter wind always seems to find a way through. A draught excluder is a short term, yet fairly in-practical solution but a double glazed, PVCu door will keep out the draught and retain heat in the long term. It will also add increased security to your home and add a new welcoming look too.

Earn back your tax

Solar panels are a fantastic way to generate energy for the home whilst also reducing costs – they are the ultimate sign of being energy efficient.  But did you know that if you fit solar panels to your home you will also receive tax benefits from the government for your efficiency?

5 IDEAL WAYS TO INCLUDE MORE WATER IN YOUR DIET THIS SUMMER

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO INCLUDE MORE WATER IN YOUR DIET THIS SUMMER

Yes, we know what you’re thinking – simply drink more water, no need to read on. Well, we wish it was that easy, but in reality, so many of us go through the day not drinking enough of the good stuff.

In the UK, it’s recommended that between six and eight glasses of fluid are drunk each day depending on activity levels and climate, there’s no denying that sometimes this can be difficult to achieve. Maybe we’re too busy at work, preoccupied with to-do-lists, distracted by the internet, snowed under socialising, or simply not a fan of the taste.

At times we can come up with any excuse, it seems, as to why we’re not keeping hydrated. Drinking enough water can be even harder in autumn when the weather cools down. Without the warmth of the sun to remind us to quench our thirst, it’s all too easy to forget.

We all know that staying hydrated and sipping on H20 is absolutely integral to keeping healthy and feeling well. We’ve teamed up with Vitabiotics – who have developed The Wellness Score to highlight the importance of ‘Wellness’, to bring you our 5 ideal ways to include more water in your diet this summer.

DRINK HERBAL TEA

Somehow, during the work day, we always find the time to make that hourly (and that’s a reserved estimate) cup of tea, but don’t necessarily drink water with the same regularity. Factoring a cold-busting ginger, honey and lemon infused hot drink into your tea break could be the perfect solution to your lack of hydration, as it’s tasty, good for you, and doesn’t dehydrate you as caffeine can. What’s more, a ginger and lemon tea can help relieve symptoms of a cold, is immensely soothing to a sore throat and is considered to contain calming properties. It is also known to bolster the immune system. This autumn, as colds become a more common and unwelcome occurrence, it’s a no brainer really.

MAKE IT PART OF YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

Most of us already have a morning and bedtime routine; teeth-brushing, face-washing and maybe a bit of light reading. Make drinking a large glass of water just as much of a habit; start every meal with a glass of water.

Wake up, have a glass of water. Keep a glass by your sink and have some water before you brush your teeth. Whenever you pass the water cooler at work, you know what to do. Before you leave the house, you guessed it, have a glass of water.  It may sound simple (and result in more trips to the loo) but the health benefits are impressive.

INFUSE IT WITH FLAVOURS

Jazz up your water with fruit and keep a jug in the fridge. The autumn harvest brings a variety of healthy and delicious fruits from apples and pears to cranberries, perfect for infusing your water with. We love this recipe which uses 1 apple, 1 pear, 1 plum and 2-3 sticks of cinnamon which is the perfect spice for adding that extra autumnal kick. On average us Brits look in the fridge 14 times a day. Seeing a jug of water brimming with delicious infusions from the season’s bounty will catch your eye each time, reminding you to have a glass and rehydrate.

Autumn’s lower temperatures may mean a cool glass of water is less appealing, but the fruity flavour brings excitement to the usually ordinary.

ENLIST HELP FROM YOUR PHONE

We all spend hours scrolling through our phones, browsing away the boredom. Turn this into something useful and set a reminder to drink a glass of water every hour. Your phone has a myriad apps and features which can help you keep on top of your water consumption. An app can remind you to drink more and even, in the case of Waterlogged and Daily Water, help track your intake.

INVEST IN A WATER BOTTLE

Investing in a water bottle can be a good idea to encourage you to drink more water and keep track of your intake. This also has a positive impact on the reduction of one-use plastic bottles, which are terrible for the environment. Also, it’s going to save you a lot of spare change in the long run, as those daily purchases of branded water really do add up.

If you’re keen to channel the Kardashians or introduce a sense of bling into your water drinking routine, then a crystal water bottle is a great way to nourish your mind and body every time you take a sip of water. The fact you’ll look so damn glam while doing it is, of course, a very welcome bypdroduct.

Make sure you find one that’s dishwasher safe for durability and best hygiene practices.

4 IDEAL AUTUMN HOME IMPROVEMENTS THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK

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4 IDEAL AUTUMN HOME IMPROVEMENTS THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK
 

Autumn is upon us. Don’t allow yourself to be fooled by that freaky, apocalyptic red sky that Britain has been under the blanket of for the last few days; things are going to get colder. With that change in the seasons. then, comes the perfect time to take stock of your home and see what might be cleaned-up or upgraded. Not only do you want your home to look nice, but to make adjustments that also save you money would be IDEAL. To deliver a desirable outcome that’s aesthetically appealing is one thing, but to come away with change in your pocket, and a smile on your face, is another. Don’t assume professional help to be a necessity. Consider a project you can tackle by yourself or with a friend first. So, with that in mind, here are 4 IDEAL autumn home improvements that won’t break the bank.

CHECK YOUR WINDOWS

Take a look around the house and check if it’s time to install new windows. Your goal is to get rid of drafts and lower your heating costs.  There are many ways to save money on double glazing, these include using quote comparison services such as ExpertSure, UK Power or or Compare Companies who will compare the top companies for you. If you decide to go with a small company it’s recommended to pay on a credit card for extra insurance!. Double glazing adds to your home’s value, reduces heating bills and has long-term warranties. It reduces your energy bills by slowing heat loss, so you spend less money heating and cooling your home. While the amount you save is low, it adds up a great deal over time and can help you to reduce your total yearly bills, avoiding breaking the bank and your windows. A double win!

Another way of keeping the heat in is by fitting shutters. You may want to weigh up the pros and cons of shutters before you have them fitted as blinds could also provide you with the same effect.

AN AUTMNAL FACELIFT

Replacing kitchen and bathroom cabinets is a large undertaking that’s also expensive. Consider painting your cabinets and replacing the hardware, instead of going all-out with a full remodel. You’ll love the savings and the fact that this is a task you can tackle yourself – rewarding and refurbishing go hand in hand. Your rooms will look brand new when it’s complete, and you’ll have money left in your wallet; you couldn’t say the name after a full replacement. A facelift with a fresh coat of paint gives you all the benefits of a new look in your kitchen.

GARDN & GUTTER

Get the family together and make a day of it cleaning up your yard; at first maybe not the best idea of a bonding exercise, but you’d be surprised. Clearly much cheaper than hiring a professional crew to come and do it for you, and much more fulfilling too. Pick up leaves and sticks, and trim down your plants and flowers. Prune your shrubs and give the grass a final cut. It’s also a good idea to use a ladder and clean out your gutters, so there’s no debris blocking the pathway. After all this effort you can rest assured. knowing your yard is ready for all types of weather and that you don’t have to worry about your gutters backing up. If you ignore this necessity, you risk damaging the exterior of your home, as blocked gutters can result in water build up and leakage from above. And no one wants that.

CONSIDER A FAN

Worry less about your cooling and heating costs by installing ceiling fans in your rooms. It’s an inexpensive one-time cost that you’ll appreciate having for regular use in the home. Direct the fan according to the season to create cooler or warmer air in the room, saving a significant amount on your annual heating bill in the process. There are attractive designs these days that have lights on them and are easy to install, which means the decision is one of aesthetics as much as practicality.

If you’re going to make updates to your home, take the time to confirm they’re cost-effective. There are ways to improve the look of your space without breaking the bank. These are changes to improve your home and save you money.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: ROYAL CHINA BAKER STREET -THE IDEAL PLACE FOR A AUTHENTIC CHINESE FEAST

Editorial Team
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: ROYAL CHINA BAKER STREET -THE IDEAL PLACE FOR A AUTHENTIC CHINESE FEAST

London is full of Chinese restaurants. Quality of food and price ranges in extremes from the dingiest dodgy kind-of-love-them-anyway take-aways through to mid-range China Town staples and right up to the glamorous gourmet heights of Mayfair’s Hakkasan and Hutong in the Shard. If you’re looking for quality Cantonese food without paying the Michelin star prices, word on the grapevine is the Royal China group is your best bet in London, counting critics like Jay Rayner and TV chef Gordon Ramsay as fans.

Idea
The Royal China Group consists of six of London’s most authentic and best-loved Chinese restaurants, including the luxurious and critically-acclaimed Royal China Club.  Each restaurant has a dedicated Dim Sum Chef, as well as a Head Chef and the group are most well know for being the place to go for creative, quality Dim Sum in London.  The restaurants are centrally located on Baker Street, as well as in Bayswater, Fulham, Harrow-on-the-Hill and Canary Wharf. We visited Royal China Baker Street to see what all the fuss is about.

Location
Located on bustling Baker Street in West London, the restaurant is perfectly placed for a refuelling lunch or indulgent dinner after shopping on Oxford or Bond Street.

Atmosphere
Traditional elegant décor in contrasting rich golden hues with striking red and black lacquered murals compliments the reliably authentic menu and makes for decadent surroundings. Service is brisk and efficient, running like clockwork to cope with the hoards of tourists (many of them Chinese – this is always a good sign) and London locals returning for their umpteenth visit to the largest flagship restaurant in the group. The atmosphere is elegant, yet pleasantly buzzing.

Food
The group is renowned for its Dim Sum, which is served daily from Noon until 5pm and includes Steamed Seafood Dumplings with Spicy Sauce; and Pan-fried Fillet of Duck Breast Rolls.

The extensive al la carte evening menu is full of recognisable classics like sweet and sour dishes, crispy duck or spring rolls, while also offering some more obscure dishes to tantalise such as hotpot of Stewed Egg Plant with Minced Prawn in a Spicy Sauce and Jellyfish with Cucumber if you’re feeling brave. We start with mixed Hors D’oeuvres which are a special selection of spicy squid, smoked chicken, Vietnamese pancake rolls, butterfly prawns and crispy seaweed. Everything is perfectly crisp, sweet, savoury and spicy in exactly the right places and its a lesson in how really good Chinese food should taste. We’ve a feeling its going to be tough going back to local takeaways after this. There are only a few dim sum dishes available in the evenings, as its traditionally consumed during the day mostly in China. The Crispy Peking Duck is hand-shredded at our table and has a beautiful crust and meltingly soft pink meat inside. Special fried rice was spiked with delicious chunks of sweet pineapple and a dish of Sautéed Szechuan Red Chilli prawns was unashamedly fiery.

Drinks
We started with some fruity Mai Tai cocktails and moved onto a lovely dry glass of Prosecco. The wine list ranges from a good solid house red and white to an £800 bottles of Chateau Pauillac Latour 1991, for those with the cash to splash.

Must Try
The Royal China restaurants have the same à la carte menus.  In addition, each restaurant dedicates a full page to signature dishes created by the restaurant’s individual Head Chefs.  These dishes are changed frequently, while the seasonal dishes are changed four times a year. Stewed Pork Belly Hot Pot with preserved cabbage was a glorious unctuous hot mess of chilli and salty rich meat – if we had to pick one favorite dish it would be this.

Why Go
If you’ve never been – you are missing out on a reliable mecca of Chinese food. Get your fix of sweet, sour, spicy and salty done in exactly the right way.

Address
24-26 Baker St, Marylebone, London W1U 3BZ

Website

Disclosure: IDEAL dined as a guest of the restaurant

6 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO COMBAT OILY SKIN

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO COMBAT OILY SKIN

Many of us suffer with oily skin, resorting to the use of blotting sheets in a desperate attempt to hide an unwanted shiny appearance. But how does oily skin happen?

To get all scientific,  Oily skin is due to the over-production of the skin’s natural oils known as sebum. This is mainly a genetic trait but is also heavily influenced by hormone changes that increase the amount of male hormones (androgens) in the system, such as during puberty and in the condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Androgens stimulate the grease glands in the skin resulting in excess production of sebum.

Other external factors that may aggravate the problem include changes in climate and also using products that disturb the oil balance on the skin, such as certain make up and beauty products which can trigger over production of oils.

Oily skin creates a shiny appearance to the skin which results in make-up not lasting for long periods of time.  Together with debris and dead skin cells, the sebum on the skin can clog the pores also making it prone to breakouts of acne.

But how can we combat this? Consultant Dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong shares 5 ideal ways to combat oily skin with us.

Master your skincare routine

Wash your face twice a day, in the morning and evening only and ensure all makeup is removed before going to bed. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid in face washes can help to cut through grease but also effectively unclogs the pores and ensures a deep cleanse. Oily skin has nothing to do with poor hygiene so washing more frequently is not necessary and if anything doing this can dry out your skin too much and actually trigger even more sebum production. Toners are not a necessity. In fact, many toners contain alcohols which can damage the barrier function of the skin making it more sensitive and irritated.

Make sure you moisturise

Although the skin is overproducing grease it still requires hydration to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Many anti-acne products dry out skin so it is important to rehydrate the skin to prevent it from producing more sebum to combat the dryness. Avoid heavy moisturisers and opt for oil free creams or serums instead.

Exfoliate but don’t over-do it

Exfoliation encourages healthy skin turnover. It also helps to remove surface dead skin cells and prevent blocking of pores but again being overaggressive with exfoliation can leave your skin sensitive but can also cause a breakout.

Treat your skin

Using a retinoid (Vitamin A) based product at night and have regular light chemical peels (e.g. glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid peels). These can reduce the oiliness of the skin and prevent breakouts of acne.

Carefully select your make-up

Avoid heavy foundations and look for key words like matt-effect, oil-free and non-comedogenic when choosing your makeup. Oil control blotting paper or pads can be helpful on-the-go for those greasy areas that break through in the middle of the day.

Watch your diet

Cutting out refined sugars, highly processed foods and saturated fats can help in some individuals to reduce sebum production.

7 IDEAL WHALE WATCHING TIPS FOR SOUTH AFRICA

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7 IDEAL WHALE WATCHING TIPS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
 

South Africa is one of the best destinations in the world for whale watching and the winter months provide the perfect opportunity to spot Southern Right Whales, as they migrate from Antarctica to mate and rear their calves in the warmer climates of South Africa from June until November.

TV presenter and whale expert Mark Carwardine, has teamed up with leading optic specialists SWAROVSKI OPTIK, to share these top tips on the best places to whale watch this season and what viewers can expect to see with IDEAL. Enjoy.

Head to the whale capital of South Africa

Whales can be spotted from the West Coast of South Africa, around the Cape Peninsula, all the way to the Mozambique border and even from Cape Town itself. However, perhaps the most famous hotspot is Hermanus which holds a Whales Watching Festival every September and even has an official Whale Crier alerting shore-based watchers to the whereabouts of whales by blowing a coded message on a horn made of kelp.

Whale watching from the comfort of your hotel room

Southern Right Whales can be seen playing, courting and nursing their newborn calves sometime just a few metres from shore so try watching them from the comfort of your hotel bed. Just check-in to a hotel overlooking the sea (such as The Marine, one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels, or the more affordable The Windsor), push the bed up against the window, order a drink of choice, grab your binoculars and watch whales cavorting in the bay below.

Drive along the world-famous Whale Route

A meandering scenic road along the South African coastline dotted with whale viewing sites.

Spotting Southern Right Whales

Look for an enormous, rounded, jet-black back (unlike most other whales it doesn’t have a dorsal fin) and a distinctive head covered in callosities which acts like a fingerprint and are used by scientists to tell one whale from another. It also has a tall and unique V-shaped blow or spout.

What to Pack

Ensure to take a good camera, hat, sun cream and of course a good quality pair of binoculars such as SWAROVSKI OPTIK’s EL 32 ensuring a crystal-clear and outstanding field of view.

Surface Activity

 Southern Right Whales are very active at the surface and it’s quite common to see them breaching (leaping into the air and falling back into the water with a huge splash) and lobtailing (slapping the surface of the sea with their tails).

Other Wildlife to Spot

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for other species, such as humpbacks, Bryde’s whales, surfing bottlenose dolphins and, on the west coast, rare and exceptionally beautiful Heaviside’s dolphins, as well as a host of other wildlife from African penguins to Cape fur seals.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS WITH A MEDICAL CONDITION

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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS WITH A MEDICAL CONDITION
© Pixabay

If you have a serious medical condition, you’re generally advised to steer clear of large amounts of long distance travel. The safety of home and the close proximity to local, familiar medical professionals can mean that plunging into the big, wide world can seem daunting. That’s completely understandable.

However, a medical condition should not be treated as an obstacle to getting out there and seeing the world. In fact, it has never been less of a barrier to travel, with many embracing the freedom that technology and greater health information brings. People with pre-existing medical conditions are getting well-informed, safety-savvy. and welcoming the broadening of experience that all of this brings.

Whether or not you have a medical condition,serious or less so, precautions should be taken before setting off on an adventure. From a perspective of safety and staying healthy, here are 5 IDEAL tips for travellers with a medical condition. 

Check In With Your G.P Before Travelling

Visit your doctor and have him or her assess whether you are currently fit enough to travel. If your condition has flared up recently, it may be worth waiting for a more opportune time to see the world, as complications may arise which could spoil your trip. Your doctor may be able to prescribe something extra to bring with you to negate problems. 

Keep On Top Of Vaccinations

Check whether you need to get a vaccination, or if any need updating. Vaccinations for diphtheria, polio, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera are available for free on the NHS. Certain medical conditions may make you more vulnerable to infection than the average patient, so bear this mind and be transparent with your doctor about what’s required.

Plan Diligently To Avoid Unnecessary Stress

Start packing a good amount of time before you leave, and make sure that you have everything sorted and in place. The stress of trying to organise yourself at the last minute could exacerbate your condition.

Find out in advance where the nearest hospital, clinic and pharmacy are to where you will be staying. It may be good to avoid travelling to countries where the medical care is not very high quality, though don’t let this put you off entirely – many preconceptions about the quality of amenities in some far flung countries prove to be false. 

Check that you can bring your medication with you, as some countries require you to have a licence to bring in certain medications. Try to find out if you can obtain the medication from a pharmacy near where you are staying should your supply run out or be lost. 

Talk to the airline (or cruise company etc) you are travelling with about what special provisions they offer for someone with your condition. They may be able to give you priority boarding, a more suitable seat, a different meal and so on. 

The Importance Of Travel Insurance

A key consideration when travelling with a pre-existing medical condition is getting good quality travel insurance before you leave. 

The majority of travel insurance claims are medical claims, and this figure is growing. Many British people wrongly believe that the UK government will pay for medical costs incurred in a foreign country if they don’t have insurance. According to Gov.uk,  24% don’t purchase a policy before travelling.  

Travelling without insurance can cause issues further down the line and could cost you a large amount of money, especially if you have a serious chronic medical condition. Always declare all of your conditions and don’t omit important medical information. It may also be worth getting cancellation insurance in case a sudden worsening of your condition means you have to forgo travel plans. 

Having an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) when travelling in Europe is useful, but many holidayers have misconceptions about these cards. 17% believe that having an EHIC card means they don’t need travel insurance. This is wrong. You always need travel insurance. 

Find The Right Travel Insurance For You

Many travel insurance providers also specialise in offering travel insurance plans to those with pre-existing medical conditions, which is well worth doing the extra research into. They offer cover for a wide range of different medical conditions – over 1000 – including asthma, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, epilepsy and heart disease.

If you have a condition that isn’t currently covered, you may still be eligible for an insurance plan; medicaltravelinsurance.co.uk can offer you one of their alternative plans, or even create a customised coverage just for you. Simply contact medicaltravelinsurance.co.uk, declare your condition(s), and an insurance quote will be made.

5 IDEAL REASONS WHY EVERY DAY SHOULD BE NATIONAL SLEEP-IN DAY

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS WHY EVERY DAY SHOULD BE NATIONAL SLEEP-IN DAY

It seems that with every ticked off box on the calendar, on seeing every rising sun, we welcome a new National insert something whacky/mundane/anything here Day.

Well, the bright sparks who choose these titles sure lack generosity, for the 30th October – the ONLY day when we, by law, have to enjoy an extra hour in bed –  is the day bestowed with the honour of National Sleep-In Day. Our precocious, presumptuous little smart phones will automatically change in accordance with the clocks, and we’ll likely be none the wiser to the extra hour’s rest. The ‘forgot to change the clocks back’ excuse for office tardiness will be met with a chiding, not chuckles, and we’ll wake up having not luxuriated in the knowledge of our indulgent, nationally cherished extra hour.

30th October. What a date to deem National Sleep-In Day.

How unimaginative. How frugal. How tight. How completely against the spirit of having a lie-in. So, with that rant out of the way, here are 5 IDEAL reasons why every day should be National Sleep-In Day.

It Enables Creativity and Is Indicative of Intelligence

We all know the health benefits of sleep per se, and there is nothing more positively impactful than getting enough, but we’re here to talk about lie-ins specially.

Being a night owl and enjoying sleeping-in are inextricably linked, and a higher creative output is the natural bedfellow of the accordant sleep pattern. Scientific studies have shown that those who go to bed later tend to be more intelligent and creative. The most creative, successful companies in the world now tend to operate with flexible starting hours and allow people to work from home (translating as ‘from their beds’, don’t you think?). Maybe it’s something about the dead of night and lack of external distractions, but we tend to agree with this assessment. Whether you think this article was written in the morning or evening, then, we’d prefer you not to comment on.

It’s Non-Conformist

Society seems intent on making us feel guilty and ashamed for everything. We’re criticised for oversharing yet the overly private are deemed suspicious. There are derogative terms for those who like to spend and for those who like to save, equally. Show too much interest in something and you’re obsessed, not enough and you’re apathetic. We seem to be living in an age where you can’t win.

One fool proof way to issue a raised middle finger to ‘the man’ without doing any harm to your fellow humans in the process is by having a lie-in. There’s something decadent, extravagant and ostentatious about waking up of your own accord at 11 in the morning; a feeling which the miserable fools who wake up at 6am for no reason other than to meet societal expectations will never have the pleasure of experiencing.

It Promotes Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreams are those which we have a sense of control over and occur best (you guessed it) during the lie-in phase. When we’re aware that we’re dreaming, and start to exercise some autonomy over our actions within the dream’s landscape, it is said that there are benefits. As dreams are a space for personal reflection, and a way to process the day’s events, lucid dreaming increases the ability to gain real-life mediation. It’s also said that this type of dreaming allows for a ‘mental rehearsal’ of the day ahead, allowing you to practice for occasions for may feel apprehensive about and hopefully, in the process, soothing your fears.

It Strengthens the Brain and in Doing So, Your Memory

REM is an invaluable period of sleep which occurs late in the sleep cycle and is widely accepted to be vital for healthy brain function. As it happens towards the end of a 90 minute course, only by not waking up to an alarm can you naturally complete the final one of these cycles before you wake up. REM serves to sift through the facts and figures accumulated during the day and binning those not deemed useful – clearing space and aiding memory retention in the process.  This crucial part of sleep also assists your brain in procedural retention; that is, establishing methods and ways of doing things which you’ve learnt in your waking state. This REM stage is best nourished, undisturbed, during your morning lie-in.

It Leads to a More Laid-Back Temperament

Never are tensions more frayed than during the rushed morning routine a missed alarm has caused. Coffee is spilled on your ill-judged, un-ironed white shirt. Breakfast is eaten under the running shower head; where the lather begins and cereal milk ends, you’re not so sure. You slam the door behind you only to realise your keys are inside. Any attempt to block out rush-hour’s soundtrack of sneezing and sighing is torpedoed by your phone’s lack of charge. This is not the way to stand your day in good stead.

If only you’d have slept in; slipping out of bed on the right side, taking everything low and slow and in your stride, carrying out your day’s jobs with the mellow afterglow only a lie-in can bestow.

So, ignore the draconian ‘one-lie-in-a-year’ diktat. Switch off the alarm. Your work will understand…..

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