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6 UNIQUE WAYS TO DECORATE YOUR IDEAL CHRISTMAS TREE

Editorial Team
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6 UNIQUE WAYS TO DECORATE YOUR IDEAL CHRISTMAS TREE

It’s been weeks since our entrance into a shop hasn’t been soundtracked by reminders that the festive season is upon us. The lights, the advent calendars, even the smell of mulled wine; all of it seems  to serve as a gentle prod to start getting organised. Even if you’re one of those perfect people who annoys the rest of us by having all gifts bought by December 1st (if not the middle of July), there’s still the matter of decorating the house – not too early, please – and most importantly, the tree.

There’s should always be pride of place (hidden at the back, camouflaged amongst the foliage) on the tree for sentimental old ornaments, but maybe this year you’d like to freshen things up. Out with the old, in with the new, indeed. There’s a whole stockings full of great ways to reimagine your Christmas tree so many in fact, that you might just want have a tree in every room! With caution and good taste in mind, we’ve whittled it down to just six. So, here are 6 unique ways to decorate your IDEAL Christmas tree.

Bring Nature In

Bring the beauty of nature into your home with a tree decorated with the bounty of the season. Use pinecones as you found them or give them some shine with a quick spray of gold paint and a sprinkle of glitter. Tie them on the tree with twine or gold cord. Make strings of rosy fresh cranberries (uncooked, of course), and swag them on the branches. Tuck some raffia or burlap ribbons here and there. Compile little ribbon-wrapped bundles of cinnamon sticks and tie them on the tree for their wonderful scent. Dried orange slices are fragrant, too. Go crazy and make candleholders and wreathes if you have the time and willpower. The possibilities are endless and the creativity of foraging only adds to the sense of fun.

Personalise It

Make yours a tree that no one else could possibly have (or want to have!) with personalised family Christmas tree decorations featuring photos of the entire clan. Gather up your favourite snaps, new and old, or shoot some specially for the purpose. You could use photos of your pets, too, and pictures from places that you’ve spent as a unit and are special to you all.

To keep them extra close at this time of year, you might also include photographs of beloved relatives who are no longer with you.  Making some sentimental Christmas ornaments of your kid’s hands out of gingerbread or salt dough adds an extra special touch. Why not got the extra mile and customise your Christmas tree with a monogram, complete with your family’s name embroidered on it, giving a whole new meaning to the term ‘family tree’.

Coat It In Treats

Christmas isn’t all about eating sweets, but it’s a great excuse anyway. Make your tree an edible delight with candy canes, a chocolate Santa, paper cones filled with treacle toffee, striped ribbon candy, gingerbread men and women, small netting bags filled with gold-wrapped chocolate coins or sugared almonds, and whatever other confections strike your fancy. You can use the real deal exclusively, or mix it up with ornaments in the same theme. Swag the tree branches with strings of popcorn and set a beautiful sugar plum fairy on top for the perfect finishing touch.

Channel Your Retro Side

If you’ve got a collection of original vintage ornaments, you’re one step ahead of the game, as they’re very much in vogue this festive season. If you don’t, fear not; you can create a retro look with today’s modern reproductions of the glass bauble and icicle ornaments of years ago. Add chains of coloured paper, handmade snowflakes, strings of old-style bubble lights, and don’t forget the tinsel.

Get Colourful

Traditions of good taste dictate white golds and silvers as an expression of elegance and sophistication. But who wants to conform, hey?  You could create a fabulous rainbow, if you wish, which brings glamour and a sense of playfulness. Look for baubles and ornaments in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, and arrange each colour around the tree starting with red on the bottom tier and progressing to the top in the same ROYGBIV order as the spectrum. Add a bold rainbow patterned Christmas skirt for extra effect and top it all off with a statement golden star.

It Was On A Starry Night

Create a dazzling tree decked out in silver, white, and gold star and snowflake ornaments of all shapes and sizes to give the impression of looking upwards, perhaps searching for a glimpse of Santa’s sleigh? The flicker of twinkle lights and strings of LED lights that look just like candles and clip upright onto the branches will bring the starscape in. Heavenly!

7 IDEAL TRICKS TO CURB YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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7 IDEAL TRICKS TO CURB YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE

From students celebrating their new found freedom to work colleagues going out for a few ‘after work’ drinks, it seems nowadays everybody has an element of social drinking in their lives. But if you’ve decided you want to reduce your alcohol consumption, you needn’t worry about this affecting your social life.

Whether you’ve decided you want to drink less to improve your health or to improve your bank balance, there are plenty of ways to reduce and monitor your alcohol consumption without introducing any tight restrictions or drastic cut-backs. So, with the help of Dr. Wendy Snell, a private GP at Blossoms Healthcare, here are 7 ideal tricks to curb your alcohol intake.

Know exactly what you’re drinking

A great way to monitor and control your intake is to be aware of what you are drinking. Before you purchase a drink, take the time to read the menu or ask your bartender what ingredients are used in each of their drinks and cocktails. This will not only help you make an informed decision when it comes to lower-alcohol alternatives but will also ensure your drinks aren’t too sugary – opting for low-calorie mixers or even asking for no added sugar is always better for you. Even the classic Coke Zero vs Diet Coke debate could be the difference, especially if you are mixing it with spirits. So before you buy, make sure you know what it is that’s going into your glass.

Space your drinks

When next out drinking, reduce the amount of alcohol you consume by adding non-alcoholic ‘spacers’ in between each alcoholic drink. Not only will this usually lead to lower alcohol consumption throughout the night, but it will also dilute the alcohol you do consume. Water is a popular spacer for some as it not only helps combat the dreaded dehydration headaches felt the morning after but it also speeds up the eliminations of harmful toxins built up from alcohol metabolism. This means the negative-side effects of alcohol are reduced allowing you to enjoy more of your evening.

Do not start drinking when you’re thirsty

There’s no denying alcoholic drinks quench your thirst. Therefore, it makes sense that the thirstier you are, the more likely you are to reach for another alcoholic drink on a night out. To prevent this, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your water levels constant. If you do feel thirsty during a night out, quench your thirst with a large glass of water before going back to the alcohol.

Avoid drinking when you’re hungry

It’s not uncommon for people to crave alcoholic drinks at the end of a long, hard day’s work. When your blood sugar levels drop your body can crave the high-sugar content of your favourite alcoholic drink when what your body actually needs is a good hearty meal. Before you next head out, make sure you get in a good meal with plenty of carbs. Drinking on a full stomach will also slow down the rate alcohol is absorbed into your system allowing you to remain in control of your consumption.

Measure your drinks correctly

It’s important to understand what a ‘standard’ measurement is when it comes to your favourite tipple and it can be a worthwhile investment buying a good measure for when you make drinks at home. With over-sized measures, not only are you drinking more than you expect per glass but you’ll also loose the taste of your favourite drinks and cocktails as they become overpowered with strong spirits. Wine drinkers should also keep an eye on their glass level too.  It’s easier to control and limit your intake when drinking from a small glass of wine and avoid a ‘top off’ of your glass before it’s empty to help you keep an eye on your intake.

Reduce the alcohol content of your favourite drinks

If you don’t want to be left empty handed after finishing your half pint quickly, you can reduce your alcohol intake without actually reducing the amount you drink. Shandies, spritzers and ‘mocktails’ are great alternatives to high-alcohol drinks and you won’t feel like you are drinking less than you used to. Keep an eye out for the alcohol percentage of your wines and beers as well and choose ones with a lower percentage volume.

Don’t drink just because you have to

Contrary to what most people think, wine can keep overnight. So the next evening you open a bottle for just one glass, it can be just that. Invest in a good cork to keep it fresh and you won’t feel obliged to finish a bottle to prevent wasting good wine. And although it may go against the traditional British bar etiquette, it’s OK to opt out of buying rounds. In groups of large people, you may feel pressured to drink as much and as quickly as others. Buying your own drinks and drinking at your own pace is a great way to stay in control when it comes to drinking out with groups of friends.

IDEAL FOR AN ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS DESSERT: STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING FROM STORK

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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IDEAL FOR AN ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS DESSERT: STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING FROM STORK

This Sticky Toffee Pudding is perfect for those who aren’t fans of the regular Christmas pudding.

Number of Servings: 8

Preparation Time:  25 Minutes

Cooking Time:  1 hour

Ingredients

  • 130g (4 ½ oz) dates, chopped
  • 1 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 65g (2 ½ oz) Stork tub
  • 130g (4 ½ oz) light muscovado sugar
  • 2 eggs, small, beaten
  • 200g (7 oz) self raising flour
  • 1 level teaspoon mixed spice
  • 1 dessertspoon black treacle, optional

Sauce:

  • 200g (7oz) light muscovado sugar
  • 120ml (4 fl oz) Elmlea Whipping, plus extra to serve
  • 125g (4 ½ oz) Stork packet
  • 1 tablespoon brandy, optional

 Method

  1. Pre-heat oven to 180° C, 160° C fan, Gas mark 4.
  2. Place dates in a mixing bowl, add 225ml (8 fl oz) boiling water. Add the bicarbonate of soda and leave for 10 minutes.
  3. Grease a 2 pint  pudding basin.
  4. Place the Stork, sugar, eggs, flour and spice in a mixing bowl and beat together until smooth. Stir in the dates together with the soaking liquid.
  5. Pour mixture into the basin and bake for 1 hour.
  6. To make the sauce, place all the ingredients in a heavy based pan and heat until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally.
  7. Pour the sauce over the pudding. Serve with a large spoonful of Elmlea Whipping if liked.

IDEAL FOR THE KIDS AT CHRISTMAS: RUDOLPH RED VELVET CUPCAKES

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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IDEAL FOR THE KIDS AT CHRISTMAS: RUDOLPH RED VELVET CUPCAKES

These adorable Rudolph red velvet cupcakes are simply impossible to resist.

  • Prep time: 15 mins
  • Cook time: 20 mins
  • Makes 10 cupcakes

Ingredients:

  1. 115g (4 oz) Flora Buttery
  2. 115g (4 oz) caster sugar
  3. 2 eggs, medium
  4. 115g (4 oz) self-raising flour
  5. 15g (½ oz) cocoa powder
  6. 30ml red food colouring (gel is best)

Icing

  1. 55g (2 oz) Flora Buttery
  2. 225g icing sugar, sieved
  3. 1-2 tablespoons milk
  4. 25g (1 oz) cocoa powder

Decoration

  • White chocolate buttons and plain chocolate drops
  • Pretzels
  • Red sweets

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C, 160°C fan, Gas mark 4.
  2. Weigh your eggs. Note the weight and measure the same amount of Flora, sugar and flour. Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat with a wooden spoon 2–3 minutes until well mixed.
  3. Place dessertspoons of the mixture in 10 paper cases or greased bun tins. Bake for around 20 minutes until soft and springy to touch. Cool on a wire tray.
  4. Mix icing ingredients together and spread over the cakes. Decorate using pretzels for antlers, chocolate buttons and drops for eyes and red sweets for the nose.

5 IDEAL OUTFITS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL OUTFITS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

It’s a day when nobody is quite sure what to wear. You’re in the bosom of your family, regressing into a role you haven’t played since childhood, and as such, you want to be low and loose. The TV is on, the fire is roaring, and yet flopping around in your dressing gown isn’t going to look right as relatives or friends burst through the door full of festive cheer. You’ll want to mark the day with a little effort, pazzaz and glamour, even if only your grandmother is going to compliment you. Still, it’s Christmas, so you’d be forgiven for throwing all the usual rules of fashion and etiquette right out of the window. Jesus Christmas, we’re so confused here!

Still, the question remains: do you pay tribute to the Christmases of your youth and stay in your loungewear, or should you dress up in something sparkly and festive for those inevitable family snaps? However you’re spending the big day this year, here are 5 IDEAL outfits for Christmas Day.

The Christmas Jumper

Although sales of Christmas jumpers saw a steady decline in 2015, 2016 reversed the trend and this year our favourite novelty knitwear is back with all-conquering a vengeance. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one festive jumper making an appearance, so don yours with pride. Be sure to wear with leggings for ultimate comfort.

If you’re conscious of spending good money on a one-day-wonder, then keep an eye out for discounts, vouchers and special offers. Just remember to have a backup outfit at the read in case an elderly family member cranks the heating up to ful; those prickly numbers can get itchy in warm temperatures. We love this one, but at $90 000, we might just keep it conventional this year.

Pyjamas

According to a recent Independent survey, it’s now perfectly acceptable for us Brits to wear pyjamas as daywear, with 90 percent of women wearing loungewear to relax at home, 14 percent changing into their PJs before they eat dinner, and a staggering 13 percent going shopping in their jim-jammies. Despite this national acceptance of loungewear, pyjama-clad shoppers caused an outcry in Tesco stores last year, with one customer posting an open letter to his local store asking them to ban customers wearing pyjamas from their store. The furore continued when it was reported from the front line that some parents were picking up their kids from school in their pjs….would someone please think of the children?

Christmas, though, is a law unto itself. Putting aside the aforementioned controversy, it stands to reason that it’s almost expected that you’ll wear your comfiest clothes on Christmas Day for the full, familial experience. So if you don’t fancy splashing out on a new dress that you’re only going to wear until the Queen’s Speech comes on, rest assured you won’t be the only one relaxing in your PJs this, or any other, year.

Something With Sparkle

The joy of an outfit full of sparkle and glimmer is that it can be as gaudily glamorous or understated as you want. This year’s sparkly offerings are high street approved and Christmas Day ready, just in time to match the glitter of the tree’s fairy lights. Alternatively, simply wrap yourself in the aforementioned lights and spend the day close to a plug for the requisite twinkle.

Slogans

Maybe the Scandi-inspired Christmas jumper has had its day in the spotlight. Make a statement by forgoing the traditional knitwear for something with a slogan; still festive, but a much more unique and personalisable proposition. In fact, this year slogan jumpers are where it’s at, so jump on the bandwagon now before it’s too late.

A Festive Dress

Of course you want to be comfy when you veg out on the sofa come Christmas Day, but there is also an enormous amount of pressure to dress up, at some point, out of respect for your family (and fear of unflattering Instagram snaps) if nothing else. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to look your best even in the aftermath of the big feed, so be sure to go for circle skirts or hip-skimming dresses that will flatter your figure, even when you’re several courses down. Don’t forget to add an oversized coat to keep you warm on that winter walk.  

IDEAL WAYS TO LIVE A RETRO LIFE IN LONDON

Editorial Team
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IDEAL WAYS TO LIVE A RETRO LIFE IN LONDON

For a city at the cutting edge of fashion and innovation, it may seem somewhat converse that London often gets its inspiration from casting gazes backwards. The capital has a great love of all things retro; whether you’re looking for a vintage market packed with classic threads from more fashionable, flared days, or a dancehall packed with lindyhopping, jitterbugging couples, or even a speakeasy, where you can sip gin cocktails out of teacups, it’s easy to leave the present behind and take a step back into the past. To help you turn back the clock, here are 5 IDEAL ways to live a retro life in London.

GO DANCING OLD SCHOOL STYLE

If you hanker for days when dancing was highly choreographed, co-ordinated and comprised a whole lot less fist pumping, take a step back into time and join Swing Patrol. This community of thousands of dancers, troupes and teachers hosts a range of classes and festivals across the capital. You can join in the at dance studios, dance halls and even pubs – a great way to make new friends and get some exercise at the same time.  If you’re looking for somewhere down south of the river, Lindy hop classes every Monday at Market House in Brixton is an excellent way to start your week.

If swing isn’t your thing there are plenty of other eras you can sample to seek best fit. From special nights for lovers of classic ska, reggae and soul to the glory days of 80s electro pop, you can find something in the capital to suit all tastes. Why not consider a Blitz Party by Bourne and Hollingsworth, with punters dressed up in 1940s garb, recreating the spirit that helped Londoners make it through the dark times by dancing the night away without care in the world.

ENJOY NOSTALGIC FOOD

London retro life is often best enjoyed through food and hospitality. The capital is now home to a number of 50s-style diners and American-style burger joints, many of which offer great grub in classic surroundings. Delightful touches such as red leather booths, and a jukebox filled with music from the era transport you right back to a place where you’ll enjoy great food and feel as though you stepped onto the set of Happy Days. For this experience we can’t recommend Fat Boy’s Diner enough – you can even rent out this amazing retro space in all it’s glory for your own themed party.

One of our favourite places is Coin Laundry in Clerkenwell, a laid back retro-themed joint serving up proper old school guilty pleasures, think chicken Kievs and fish finger sandwiches. They also have a great menu of 70s revival cocktails with bar snacks like cheese and pineapple and pigs in blankets – need we say more.

If you’re after lighter bites, head to one of London’s vintage tea rooms, such as Hillman’s in Walthamstow, or enjoy the retro charm of the Age Exchange Cafe in Blackheath which features its own vintage toy shop. London is also home to a number of old-fashioned tuck shops like Hardy’s replete with jars of cola cubes, rhubarb and custards and other treats for those with a sweet, nostalgic tooth.

For a blowout, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is the place to take you back in time through food, with a menu exploring British gastronomy through historical recipes – meat fruit anyone?

RETRO THEMED BARS

London is brimming with retro-themed bars primed to take you back to a different era. If speakeasy 1940’s is your style, Cahoots is the ideal choice, set in a disused underground station with an elicit feel and cocktails to match. Nightjar brings the 1920s to the capital – expect the low hum of jazz and a mood of sophistication. If you’re after something a touch more lively, Four Quarters in Hackney is a fun retro arcade bar; expect pacman iconography, a game of space raiders and plenty of craft beer. To get your groove on, Strawberry Moons fabulous 70s style flashing dancefloor, with chart classics from the era, as well as the previous decade, is just the ticket.

GO VINTAGE SHOPPING

If you want to go that extra mile in your search for vintage styles, you’re spoilt for choice in London. One of the joys of searching through such shops is that there’s always a chance of finding a hidden gem that perfectly matches your personal sense of style and sets you apart from the crowd. 

Beyond Retro in Dalston is an all time favourite of IDEAL. With vaulted ceilings and an enormous open floor plan, the space which was once a former factory is now a chic, vintage hangout where you can grab a coffee and peruse racks of handpicked retro clothing.

Other top destinations include Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone, the iconic weekly Portobello Market in the heart of Notting Hill and Frock Me Vintage, a collection put together by curated dealers all over the capital. In addition, there are regular pop up fairs to get stuck into in locations including East London, Hammersmith, Clerkenwell and Cabot Square.

If you’re looking for something specific that’s not second hand, Revival Retro is an independently owned store near Fitzrovia where you can find an absolutely stunning retro inspired outfits from the 1920’s to the 1950’s.

PLAY DRESS UP AT RETRO PARTIES

Playing dress up is the ultimate way to embrace retro themed nights in the capital. Events like the Bourne and Hollingsworth’s Prohibition Parties have become legendary. From flapper to retro dresses and even undergarments including modern-day corsets which are surprisingly light and comfortable for freedom of movement (how else would you do the charleston in one?) everyone always dresses up for the occasion. Of course, we’d always recommend finding your outfit from one of the previously mentioned vintage shops, but secondhand underwear and corsets, erm, maybe not. Worry not however, as you can find a wide range of new styles and designs at Corset Deal.

If you’re looking for somewhere that plays Disco classics, where you can boogie till you drop and dress head to toe in lycra, you can’t do better than Carwash, which holds the title of Europe’s longest running Disco and 80s Pop Club nights.

TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME

Although the capital is always reinventing, there are some areas that have changed little since the 1960s or before. Even if the shop fronts have changed, it only takes a glance towards the upper floors of a building to see that the original facade remains in place. The London Palladium in Argyll Street still has much of the same frontage it did when the Beatles played there in 1963, and in doing so became a household name overnight. Ronnie Scott may have died some years ago but his famous jazz club on Frith Street remains. It was where rock band The Who game the first ever performance of their rock opera, Tommy, and also the place where guitar legend Jimi Hendrix gave his last ever performance. You can’t beat that for heritage.

6 UNIQUE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IDEAL FOR KIDS THIS WINTER

Editorial Team
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6 UNIQUE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IDEAL FOR KIDS THIS WINTER

Another year has flown by faster than Santa’s sleigh and Christmas will soon be upon us. Expect port, cheese, copious feasting and drinking to match, with a side order of misbehavior at the office party. Most of all though, Christmas is about the kids. It’s a magical time for children, with an abundance of activities to enjoy, but fun in winter shouldn’t be confined to festive frolics. It’s not just for Christmas, as the old saying goes. Indeed, there are plenty of other interesting activities — from kid’s paintball to hiking — for your children to embrace over the coming months. So, here are 5 unique outdoor activities IDEAL for kids this winter.

Snow Days

Although a ‘white Christmas’ is a rarity for many people living in the UK, every so often – and much to the chagrin of the bookmakers – it does happen; you should take full advantage of the occasion, especially if you have little ones who need entertaining. Snow definitely adds a sense of magic to the festive season, but more importantly, it gives you the opportunity to spend the day sledding and rallying the troops for epic snowball fights.

If you have children that are yet to experience a day of snow, then it will undoubtedly be a an occasion they will never forget, and one that will stick in your mind as a parent. So, get out there; hatted, gloved, camera and sled ready.

One final word: if there’s enough snow, don’t forget to bring a few things to make a snowman. A carrot, scarf, twigs and a few stones should do the job nicely!

Winter Picnics

An average winter will include lots of time being wrapped up warm, sat in front of the fire with a piping hot cup of tea, and that’s great, but there’s no reason not to do those same things outside once in awhile. Granted, you‘ll probably need a few more layers and a decent supply of food and hot drinks, but a winter picnic will give you the opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy your local surroundings with a winter aesthetic as magical backdrop. The perfect winter picnic takes planning, but the rewards are worth the effort, especially if you can find a picnic spot with a view. Don’t forget the mince pies and gingerbread men, a winter picnic wouldn’t be the same without these festive treats. 

Ice Skating

Ice skating is available all year round at an indoor rink, but there’s something completely unique and exciting about using one of the outdoor rinks that appear during wintertime. The combination of Christmas lights, decorations and your children’s excited faces as they glide across the ice makes the falls, bumps and bruises worth it.

Winter sees outdoor rinks cropping up all across the U.K, with cities such as London boasting some absolute gems with regards to location and aesthetic. It’s likely that you’ll be able to find multiple places to ice skate near you this winter, but if not, it’s a great excuse for a quick trip to the capital for a memorable day out.  

Kid’s Paintball

If there isn’t enough snow for a snowball fight this year, an exciting day of junior paintball is the perfect alternative for your children. It’s a brilliant treat for them during winter, as it gives them good reason to enjoy the great outdoors, get some exercise and immerse themselves in a unique activity that’s unlike any other.

Kids paintball is a safer, more reassuring alternative to the adult version in that it uses low-power guns to ensure that participants are safe at all times. It’s also a great opportunity for your children to learn and develop team tactics, as the activity emphasises the benefits of teamwork and communication.

Cycling Challenges 

If your kids enjoy adventure, winter cycling challenges can turn miserable days into exciting ones. Riding on open spaces helps to build focus and balance. Confidence will grow as they take part in fresh-air activity during the freezing cold months.

With the right gear and supervision, they’ll learn plenty about riding and build many motor skills. Make sure you keep sessions short and conditions safe for them to get the best out of their time.

Hiking

Rallying the troops for a winter hike gives you the chance to take in some local scenery, spend quality time with your family, burn off some Christmas calories and have an exciting day that costs next to nothing — or nothing at all, in fact! Living in the UK, we’re lucky enough to have an abundance of beautiful rural locations, charming towns and coastal paths that are all worth exploring. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there!

10 IDEAL TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE

Editorial Team
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10 IDEAL TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE

If you are an online shopping addict and the delivery man knows you by name (and not just because the package is addressed to you) then you need to know about these sneaky ways to save money when shopping online.

The unstoppable rise of ecommerce has made shopping and saving online easier and more convenient than ever.    Us Brits are amongst the highest users of internet shopping in the world and most of us wouldn’t think twice about going online for our shopping needs.

Here, Bertie Stephens from Flubit.com, the online shopping service that creates better, private offers for consumers on products they are ready to buy, shares his top tips for saving money.

Connect with brands

Make ‘friends’ with the brands you buy from and you’ll be the first to learn about daily discounts and upcoming promotional offers. Now more than ever, brands actively reward online customer loyalty with member-only discounts and insider details of upcoming sales. Connect with brands by signing up for email and mailing lists and following brands on social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Shop around and plan ahead

During the traditional gifting seasons, like Christmas, plan ahead and be organised.  You’ll be able to find the best prices and save money if you’re not rushing at the last minute just trying to get all of your shopping done.  Give yourself plenty of time so you can find the most attractive deals.

Be patient and wait

If you don’t need a particular item right now then sit back and wait for a while, particularly if it’s a newly released or the latest piece of tech.  Most products will eventually come down in price even if you have to wait a few months.

Look at cheaper alternatives

If you’re making a big purchase always check the alternatives rather than just going for the latest ‘on trend’ product.  And don’t always trust the hype. Do you really need that iPad or could a Kindle Fire do the job? If you spend a bit of time researching the key features you’re looking for you might find a cheaper alternative will work just as well for you.

Check the reviews

One of the biggest advantages of the internet is the ability to access information instantly and the plethora of product review sites that now exist. It’s worth taking a few minutes to read reviews on the products you are interested in.  Buying quality and reliability and a product that meets your exacting needs will save you money in the long run.

Buy in the sales

Ok so you need to be super organised to do this but you can save bags of cash if you buy your presents in the Sales.  There are regular online Sales throughout the year so make a list of all the birthday and Christmas presents you need to buy and get them as when they appear.  This will also help you budget effectively and spread the cost throughout the year.

Flash sales

If you can stay disciplined and have a very clear idea of the type of product you want to buy then flash sales or time limited sale sites could be worth a try.  You normally sign up and get alerts sent when products become available. But beware of lengthy fulfillment and delivery times so always check first.

Earn your rewards

Seeing as you you’re paying with plastic anyway, try to use a credit card that gives you cash back or reward points to help reduce the cost of other expenses. If you pay for all of your online shopping and everything else using the same card the money you make back can soon mount up.  Plus it will help with your budgeting to have all your expenditure in one place.  Just make sure you pay it off every month so you don’t get stung on the interest

Be part of the community

Register at community and forum sites such as HotUKDeals.com to be kept informed about the latest deals and offers.   Some of these sites have millions of members so there is always something worth knowing about and you can search by topics or products.

Use Flubit.com!

If you shop on Amazon.co.uk then just give Flubit.com the weblink for the product you want to buy and you’ll receive a better offer.  It’s free and there’s no obligation to buy.  You can get a better price on pretty much everything you buy online!

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5 IDEAL REASONS TO GET INVOLVED IN TRAMPOLINE FITNESS CLASS

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS TO GET INVOLVED IN TRAMPOLINE FITNESS CLASS

Trampolining doesn’t just have to be something for the kids to do;  for fun or to tire them out before bedtime. If you’ve been spending hours at the gym or jogging, trying to shift a few pounds through rigorous routines, the idea that fitness could be fun may be pretty incomprehensible to you. Fear not though, it doesn’t have to be that way.

As a fitness activity, trampolining can offer a big benefits to your fitness and general wellbeing. Trampoline fitness classes are low impact and ideal for anyone with a sense of fun, unlike many other exercises which demand endurance and a sweaty, angry face. With this in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL reasons to get involved in trampolining classes.

It’s Suitable For Anyone

From small kids to grandparents, anyone can get involved and amongst it with a trampoline session. Depending on your comfort and ability level, trampolining can be as energetic or relaxing as you would like; it’s an exercise completely adaptable to the different needs of people. Classes are designed to be the perfect way for people from all walks of life to enjoy themselves whilst working on their fitness in a low-stress, friendly environment.

It’s More Physically Effective Than Jogging

When people think of a traditional way to workout, jogging is the method that first springs to mind. Just because trampolining can be excellent fun – frivolous feeling even – it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t pack a punch, physically.

Studies over the years have shown that a trampoline session can be just as effective, if not more so, than more conventional exercise routines. A 2006 research project by NASA actually showed that trampolining can be up to 70% more effective than jogging when carried out over a similar stretch of time.

Low Impact, Low Strain

Many conventional exercises, especially jogging, can prove to be incredibly high impact and place great strain on both your joints and muscles; no good for the injury prone or creaking boned among us. Trampolining is delightfully low impact so puts a lot less strain on your body. On top of this, jumping can actually help to build and strengthen your entire body to reduce the likelihood of injuries in the future.

The biggest surprise you’ll experience during a trampoline fitness class is that despite knowing you are working out every muscle, it is so low impact that you won’t feel like you are taking part in a high-intensity workout.

It’s A Full Body Affair

Much like swimming, trampolining is a way to work your entire body rather than just specific muscles. No more ‘missed leg day’ memes for you. With every bounce you make, you’re fighting against gravity, so every muscle from head to toe works together to lift you off the ground. Trampolining is especially adept at working the muscles of your abdomen and back, giving massive gains in core physical strength.

Improved balance

The movement involved with trampolining not only provides great exercise and an incredible, total body workout, it can also help improve your spatial awareness and balance over the course of time. As trampoline sessions involve every muscle and limb of your body working in tandem to get you in the air, your brain will train itself to know exactly what every limb and muscle is doing at any given moment, leading to much greater balance and coordination. Goodbye to being clumsy!

5 TYPES OF WORKPLACE HANGOVER AND THEIR IDEAL CURES

Editorial Team
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5 TYPES OF WORKPLACE HANGOVER AND THEIR IDEAL CURES

London 2017. Stereotypes strut the streets where individuals once strolled. We are all in the clasp of a thousand clichés and are somehow powerless to resist.

To be young and living in the capital is to have a Tinder chat-up line copied to your clipboard. It’s daily outrage at the lunchtime meal deal’s deliberately poor choice of sandwich. It is failing Stoptober because of a brunch invitation of bad eggs and inevitable regret. It is avoiding meeting eyes with the same faces on the tube every single morning, and still fantasising that you might one day be friends. It is laughing in the face of self-restraint on payday weekend and crying in its company for the rest of the month. It is the empty Gü pudding as vehicle for everything.

But nothing, NOTHING, is more painfully familiar to the modern Londoner than the workplace hangover and its many wicked guises. So, with that in mind, here are our 5 types of workplace hangover and their IDEAL cures.

THE SLOW-BURNER

‘Hey, I think I got away with that one’ you say. ‘I’m glad I stopped at the fifth’.

You might reward yourself with a pre-work Coca Cola and hope it knocks the lingering headache on the head (wait, that would exacerbate it. Editor?!). You wonder why you’re heading out mid-morning for an all-day breakfast sandwich, denial still in full swing in time with your stomach.

But with every passing minute you get more sluggish. Then post-lunch, you realise: You’re really bloody hungover. You have been for a while. The rest of the day is written off to procrastination; the energy spent earlier in denial now drained from you. An early night awaits you on the long tube ride home.

The Ideal Cure is surely pre-emptive; plenty of water, a couple of paracetamol and zero complacency.

THE STILL DRUNK

That spring in your step is an illusory stagger as you career through the office doors and slur your way through several ill-judged good mornings. It’s impossible to control the volume of your voice as you chat to the office bore for the first time in your life; he looks scared. You deliver uninvited anecdotes which you think are going great until the punchline is met with rolling eyes and  tumbleweed.

Finally, an ally has a word and you slope off to buy some chewing gum and locate your dignity. You spend the afternoon napping in a toilet cubicle.

The Ideal Cure seems counterintuitive, but; set your alarm a little earlier than usual, take a cold shower and generally use the extra pre-work time to sober up.

THE FEAR

It’s a bad one and you know it. The walk to the tube stop is tentative and features a string of mini-embarrassments; bumping into someone, moving your arms too much as you walk, tripping on the curb; that kind of thing.  You’re sure a fellow commuter just flinched at your exhale. Just keep your eyes firmly on the Metro….your red, tell-tale eyes. No amount of polos and fresh applications of roll-on will keep this one undetected. You spend the day in silence, fear and a tangible miasma of gin-cloud.

The Ideal Cure involves restraint on post midnight drinks. A 12am cut-off point on cocktail consumption banishes the next day’s alcohol aroma. If you’re going to drink hard, finish early.

THE SWEET SPOT

You know it’s one of those good hangovers when your commute music sounds great, not paranoia and headache inducing. You’re issuing out smiles and people are reciprocating their warmth. You might even be moved to help someone with a suitcase you’d usually resent for holding up the journey.

Yes, we all get them sometimes; those good hangovers where everything seems right with the world. You breeze through your day at work in a mellow-yellow-hued haze, productive yet carefree, suavely wishing everyone a fine evening as you stroll out of the doors and into an evening of great promise.

The Ideal Cure is more a warning; you’ve been a very lucky girl/boy. Don’t let this false sense of security carry you into another night of excess, for the hangover gods will reap their revenge twofold tomorrow.

THE NO-SHOW

Sometimes the hangover is so bad that your job is actually in danger if you go to work. You put on your best ‘ate something dodgy last night’ voice, whatever that actually sounds like, and hope for understanding. Better still, you text suspiciously late at night/early in the morning and wait in paralysed fear for a reply. The relief when one arrives almost makes you feel like you could go in after all.

The Ideal Cure; well, duh.

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO 2018’S GARDEN TRENDS

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO 2018’S GARDEN TRENDS

Exciting news for house-buyers; this year, plans for 17 new garden villages and towns were announced, which hopefully means that the government is at long last taking the housing crisis seriously.

With crossed fingers, expect to see garden villages popping up throughout the UK, including: Cheshire East, Cornwall, Merseyside, Cumbria, Lincolnshire, Stratford-on-Avon, Lancaster, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Derbyshire, East Northants, Essex, Devon, and Runnymede and Surrey Heath. Plans are also in place to build garden towns in Taunton, Aylesbury, and Harlow and Gilston, which are expected to provide an extra 200,000 homes.

Like many people dreaming of owning their own home, here at IDEAL, a garden large enough to have some fun with is top of the priority list. With this in mind, we couldn’t resist looking at next year’s upcoming garden trends.

Al-Fresco Dining

Usually, outdoor dining spaces are conveniently located right next to the house, on a patio next to the kitchen. However, of late, dining spaces are being pushed back into the actual garden to create a more nature-immersive dining experience, so you feel like you’re in a completely separate outdoor space and more at one with your natural surrounds.

Decking spaces

While outdoor dining areas are being pushed back, decking areas are becoming more like an outdoor living room. Keep your eye out for a rise in people investing in composite decking boards. Ideal for making your decked area safe and usable all year round, more garden villages mean a greater opportunity to make the outside feel like home, so get ready to see a rise in decked areas.

Grow-Your Own Food

As any restaurant worth its flaked sea salt continues to extol the virtues of hyper-local, hyper-seasonal dining, home cooks are starting to follow this trend more strictly. This spells great things for garden spaces (and dinner plates too). Expect to see raised beds of fresh produce – as well as window sills packed with fresh herbs – cropping up in even the smallest garden space in 2018. You can buy fruit and veg plants and seeds online from gardening specialist sites like Bakker. Just remember to pay close attention to the seasons to determine both the best time to plant and the best time to eat for maximum results

Artificial Grass

Have you ever considered a fake lawn? The rise of garden villages means a simultaneous increase in people receiving a garden they must maintain. Although a cherished hobby for many, gardening is certainly not for everyone. So, expect to see demands for artificial lawns increase as garden villages – and subsequently, more houses – are built.

Well-Being Plants

Air purifying and calming plants which help create a relaxed environment are going to be big next year. Studies show that plants make you feel better, often cited is that people feel healthier and less stressed when they’re in a green space around plants. Lavender, for instance, is one of the best known anti-anxiety fighters and has been proven to slow down heart rates, lowering blood and stress levels.  Jasmine, one of our favourite scents, makes you feel less anxious and more at peace, assisting in sleep, and Aloe Vera is said to be one of the most powerful plant air purifiers in the world.

Hot tubs

Although a luxury item, many of us are already treating ourselves to a hot tub to keep in the garden. These are great additions to any private outdoor space, especially if you have a rural view of the surrounding countryside, making them great for garden village homeowners. The influx of invitations to hot tub partys in 2018, then, is going to be difficult to resist.

Outdoor lighting  

When the sun sets, there’ll be no reason to head indoors in 2018. From hanging Chinese lanterns between deck posts to filling jam jars with twinkling LED fairy lights, illuminating your garden creatively is set to be a big spring and summer trend. Perhaps due to the rising cost of going out and socialising, expect the fun to be brought home more often next year.

Antique furniture and Upcycling 

Thee trendiest garden furniture is starting to centre around retro designs and old-fashioned techniques. Expect to see more natural, traditional materials — such as teak and rattan — to create a rustic look, as well as a rise in woven and crochet techniques for the retro effect. 

Summerhouses and cabins

With the rise in first-time buyers finally having the opportunity to have their own garden, there’s likely to be a boost in summerhouses and log cabins. Great for maximising your garden space and creating an extra room for your family without having to pay for an expensive house extension, these are easy to fit into your garden with enough room for a few chairs and a table to unwind around with drinks and food.

 

6 IDEAL WAYS TO HELP THE ELDERLY THIS WINTER

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL WAYS TO HELP THE ELDERLY THIS WINTER

It’s predicted that the first proper cold snap of winter is about to grip the UK, with temperatures forecast to dip well below freezing. The accompanying warnings to wrap up with added vigilance and take extra care of yourself and others are sure to follow.

It’s especially important in these times of strain and struggle to look out for those who are particularly vulnerable, such as older people and those with long-term medical conditions.

Dr Thomas Waite, from the Public Health England’ Extreme Events team, advised: ”As the weather is going to get colder everywhere in the coming days, this is a really good time to check on those who may be at risk. People with diseases such as heart and lung conditions, older people, and young children can feel the ill-effects of cold weather more than the rest of us”.

To stay well this winter, we all need to play a part. Acorn Stairlifts are encouraging everyone to pay particular attention to our beloved grandparents, who are particularly at risk when temperatures drop. Often the smallest act can go a long way to reassure and offer safety. So, with this mind, here are 6 IDEAL ways to help the elderly this winter, inspired by Age UK’s Spread The Warmth Campaign.

Call In More Often

It seems so simple but can get overlooked, as life gets busy and stressful over the festive season, but calling in more often, even simply for a cup of tea and chat, is a great way to help the elderly. Even if you’re only lending company rather than a hand, the conversation and human warmth will be so appreciated. A worrying trend of recent years has seen older people suffering more from isolation and loneliness, so do your part and offer some love this winter.

Make Sure Their Fridge Is Stocked

The idea of venturing out to the shops in the biting cold, having to carry heavy bags with the danger of slipping, is often more off-putting than the idea of going hungry. When you’re visiting elderly relatives or friends, make sure they have plenty of food in the fridge and freezer, and if not offer to get the groceries in. Go that extra mile and cook a few meals to be heated up – it will be hugely welcome. Even from a distance, you can help; shop online for them if they don’t have internet access and phone to check the delivery went smoothly.

Pick Up Prescriptions

If the chilly weather has rendered those elderly loved ones housebound, offer to collect prescriptions. If that’s not feasible for whatever reason, make the necessary enquiries to find out if their local pharmacy offers a prescription pick-up and delivery service. As keeping on top of medication is imperative, consider roping in a friend to help with this small but important task if you’re not able to help physically yourself.

Pre-Empt The Danger Of A Fall 

As we all well know, the icy ground gets hazardous over the winter period. Whilst a slip for you may only cause damage in terms of a red face and possible appearance on You’ve Been Framed, the danger a fall poses to an elderly person is far greater. You can do your bit to pre-empt this. Bring round a mixture of salt and sand for putting on steps or paths in icy weather, making them a safer surface to walk on. Some councils provide free bags of the mix, otherwise try a local DIY store

Remind Them Of The Importance Of Keeping Warm

After a long life, some people may be stuck in their ways in terms of refusing to have the heating high and being layered up. Keeping warm is vital though, so remind elderly relatives that their main living room should be heated to 70F/21C, and the rest of the house heated to at least 64F/18C. Low temperatures increase the risk of flu and other respiratory problems and can raise blood pressure, so highlight these dangers. Make sure the requisite layers are being worn too, and if not, maybe a thick, cosy Christmas jumper could be in order. 

Severe winter weather conditions can cause power cuts also, which can have serious implications for more vulnerable people, especially if the boiler isn’t working. Power and utility companies have schemes, prioritising those at risk for reconnection in the event of a power cut. You can find if you or a loved one meet the criteria for these schemes by clicking here, which you’ll find more information.

Assist With Benefits Checks

Government assistance is available to those in their autumn years, but often the bureaucracy involved in figuring out eligibility and such is prohibitive to access. Therefore, to make sure they’re claiming everything they’re eligible for, help loved ones by assisting in a review of their benefits. Their local Age UK can offer one of these, or they can use our online benefits calculator provided by the official government website. 

 

 

10 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO THROW A CLASSY HEN PARTY

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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10 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO THROW A CLASSY HEN PARTY

Organising a hen do and don’t know where to start? These top 10 tips one how to throw a classy hen party should help!

Calling all best friends, sisters, cousins and everyone else charged with organising a hen do! If the bride-to-be has forsworn strippers, fancy dress and willy straws in want of a more sophisticated soiree, then we’re here to help. We’ve asked leading hen and stag do organisers Chillisauce to put together their top 10 tips on how to throw a ‘classy’ hen do.

Hen perfectionist Rachel Harrison says, “More often than not, bridesmaids will call up and ask for something that doesn’t include L-plates and flashing lights. Many hen parties opt for activities they see as ‘classier’ which in the industry is referred to as a ‘Swan do!”

Here are Rachel’s top tips on on how to throw a classy hen party…

Ditch the plastic

Swap the plastic tiaras and L-badges for a more subtle bridal look; everyone else in colours with the bride in white makes the bride feel special without making her feel silly. A simple pearl design is always classy. If you’re going for any type of jewellery choose a design that’s simple and small, instead of loud and brash.

DIY your drinks

Ditch the Jagerbombs and flaming tequila for a cocktail making class- you’ll still get drunk, but under the guise of learning a new skill. If you’d rather not do the hard work, wine or champagne tasting with your feet up is always a crowd pleaser.

Have a day at the races

Nothing will make you feel more like royalty than a day at the races. Dust of your finest hats, grab a glass of champagne and channel your inner fair-lady.

Book alternative transport

If you fancy adding a bit of extra glamour to your hen party, forget taxis and even limos, opt for some more classic transportation. There are plenty of companies hiring out classic cars, so you can show up to your destination in style.

Afternoon tea

Forget the sugar free diet fad for the day and treat yourselves to one of life’s best luxuries: afternoon tea. It is simply not praised enough nor given enough time as everyone is too busy to take an hour out of their afternoon to simply sit back and reflect while enjoying a cucumber sandwich. For something extra special add a glass of champagne.

Dance Classes

Still fancy a dance, but don’t fancy a room full of sweaty strangers? Chillisauce offers different types of dance classes from salsa to swing and all over the country. We also offer Acapella singing classes at the infamous Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden so not only with you have the moves for the dance floor you’ll also have the voice too!

Get Crafty

If your bride is feeling creative, there are all sorts of crafty classes you can get your hands not too dirty in. We offer everything from the classic painting and pottery, to making and decorating your own underwear! If the bride is keeping to a budget suggest making something for the wedding tables is not only time efficient but also adds a sentimental element to the hen party but also wedding day.

In London? Head to the West End

Have an unforgettable night in the West End and treat your bride to a musical. London has a fantastic range to choose from whether you want to sing your heart out to Legally Blonde, or go for a highbrow opera. Or get your big hen weekend off to a hilarious start with comedy shows from Comedy Carnival in Leicester Square and have a big laugh.

Sunday Brunch

Always wanted to belong to a group of ‘ladies who lunch?’ There’s no better time to become one. Spend the day with your hens in a beautiful English restaurant or cosy pub, enjoying a classic Sunday brunch. Whether you use this as a finale to the weekend and a way to combat a hangover, or as the main event of the hen party, it’ll definitely please.

Go Vintage

Vintage hen themes are growing in popularity, encompassing everything from the roaring twenties right through to the swinging sixties. A theme can tie the day or weekend together well, and a vintage flair adds a touch of class. To make the day even more memorable, head to a vintage makeover parlour to make sure your look is spot on, and get some fantastic pictures to remember the day! We’ve notices a huge rise in Vintage themed parties because people are looking for a theme that is timeless and Vintage is the perfect decade of design that never looks dated!

4 IDEAL AREAS TO BUY A HOUSE ON LONDON’S CROSSRAIL

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL AREAS TO BUY A HOUSE ON LONDON’S CROSSRAIL

Although the much-anticipated Elizabeth Line won’t be fully operational until 2019, the project is now 85 per cent complete. There’s no better time for those wishing to purchase a property to start thinking about the locations along the new train route that could offer good investment opportunities.

Commuter hotspots on the routes to and from London are well-known for pushing house prices up. With this in mind, doing some research into the Crossrail route is a good idea when it comes to investing in a property in the surrounding areas. With the help of  Elliot Castle, Founder of the UK’s no.1 home-buying service Webuyanyhome.com, we reveal the top commuter hotspots that buyers should keep an eye on.

Abbey Wood, Greenwich and Bexley (Zone 4)

Situated within Kent, Abbey Wood is a part of South East London where house prices haven’t yet reached the high prices of neighbouring areas such Greenwich and Peckham. Vast regeneration plans will see the area welcome new homes, a new library, central square and improvements to roads and pavements – so now is a perfect time to snap up a property as close to the station as possible.

Highlight: Lesnes Abbey Wood, an area of ancient woodland

Average house price: Terrace – £361,439, semi-detached – £388,648, flat – £234,844

Hayes, Hillingdon (Zone 5)

Due to its close proximity to Heathrow, Hayes is known as a bit of a commercial zone, which doesn’t scream desirable suburban commuter town. However, redevelopment on a new ‘quarter’ including new homes and the restoration of Art Deco buildings into boutique shops, cafes, bars and work studios, means the town will soon have a cosmopolitan feel.
Highlight: Renowned for some of the best Indian restaurants in West London

Average house price: Terrace – £373,270, semi-detached – £414,835, flat – £241,534

Harold Wood, Havering (Zone 6)

This suburban spot is becoming increasingly popular for young families because house prices are lower than other areas in east London. With the arrival of Crossrail and a new housing development offering one and two-bedroom flats and three and four-bedroom houses, it’s likely the area will welcome an influx of first-time buyers as the Crossrail arrives, so make sure you get in there quickly.

Highlight: Leafy streets and lots of parks but still well-connected

Average house price: Terrace – £379,115, semi-detached – £402,013, flat – £261,471

West Drayton, Hillingdon (Zone 6)

With Heathrow Airport and the UK’s major motorways on the doorstep of this area, you’d be fooled into thinking this sleepy town has nothing to offer you outside of convenient transport links. However, with plenty of green spaces, great schools (many having featured on The Good Schools Guide) and quaint neighbouring villages, West Drayton is an ideal spot for commuters.

Highlight: Station Road – where most of the town’s independent shops and eateries can be found

Average house price: Terrace – £377,743, semi-detached – £408,145, flat – £292,081

 

4 IDEAL WAYS TO FIND JOB SATISFACTION

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL WAYS TO FIND JOB SATISFACTION

Contentment in the workplace should not be treated as a perk of the job. Being happy and satisfied in your job is something every worker should feel, but all too often the reality falls well short of this expectation. We here at IDEAL say it’s time to take back control of your happiness; you spend enough time at work each day, you should embrace, enrichen and enjoy it. No more irrational hatred of inoffensive colleagues. No more dying inside at every water-cooler conversation about last night’s Masterchef. No more Sainsbury’s Meal Deal being the highlight of your dull day. It’s time. So, here are 4 IDEAL ways to find job satisfaction.

GIVE BACK

One of the primary causes of frustration at work is the sense that you’re simply serving the money-making machine; the rewarding feeling of doing something worthwhile – charitable even – all too often sorely lacking. Finding a career which gives back often turns out bringing your own life warmth, just as much as those who benefit from your generosity of spirit and compassion. Things like care jobs, careers in medicine, and work for non-profit organisations, are all options that allow you to earn a living while doing some genuine good in the world. There are few things more satisfying than coming home from work knowing that you’ve made the world a slightly better place.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SKILLS

A fact of work often overlooked in the job satisfaction discussion is this: making the most of well-honed skills brings feelings of pride that salary can’t buy. Following your skills can be just as fulfilling as following your dreams. If you’re good at something, then you’re going to get a huge sense of satisfaction from the work that you put in, make no mistake. If your job doesn’t make use of your skills, you’ll feel frustration in all that you have to offer being wasted.

PASSION OVER PAY

We all have passions and hobbies in life, and yet so many people seem to keep them totally separate from their careers. The question is why? After all, why wouldn’t you want to make a career out of doing what you love? For many this remains a pipe dream – one rarely acted upon because of fear – but with a little focus and dedication, it can be achieved. Finding a career that you really love often depends on it being about something you really love. Just bear that in mind.

BE REALISTIC

Job satisfaction can sometimes be harmed by unrealistic expectations of career progress, salary and more. If you’re starting at the bottom of the ladder, don’t bank on being C.E.O within a year. A little realism goes a long way, with a patiently paced plan to get to the top the best way to meet your goals.

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