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5 IDEAL DESTINATIONS FOR A FISHING HOLIDAY

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL DESTINATIONS FOR A FISHING HOLIDAY

For travellers who love a bit of fishing, the best spots to head to within your local area, where trout flock to your bait, will already be very much familiar.  Less likely to have crossed your mind though, is the idea of leaving the local pond and going on a fishing holiday with some buddies. It’s not usually the first idea that springs to mind when planning your next vacay, but why the hell not, we say. We couldn’t imagine anything better than pitching up somewhere in the sun, cracking open a couple of cold ones and casting your rod, with the possibility of cooking your catch over fresh coals as the sunsets. Heaven. With that delicious dream firmly in mind, here are 5 IDEAL destinations for a fishing holiday.

THE BAHAMAS

To kick things off, the Bahamas offer some of the best fishing in the world, all in tropical surrounds; pure paradise, to us. For the experienced fishers looking for something to test their abilities and show off their skills, this is the place. This is because the surrounding waters are home to some exceptionally large fish, such as Marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi and sailfish. Before even considering a set to with fish of this size, you’re going to need to consider some seriously battle ready equipment, so be sure to visit a Fishing Tackle Shop to get a sturdy rod; catching fish such as these could prove to be quite challenging.

The Abacos Islands are particularly good when going after the “big fish.” There are multiple tournaments all through the summer to participate in so be sure to head over and take on some of the world’s best fisherman, with the aim to catch that “big one” and win the tournament.

COSTA RICA

Moving onto another one of our favourite locations, Costa Rica. It has rich coastlines that offer some of the best fishing spots worldwide. Costa Rica is incredibly lucky to have two beautiful, unique coast lines, one on the Pacific coast and the other on the Caribbean. Therefore when it comes to what coast to choose, you are somewhat spoilt for choice. The Pacific side gives you an amazing opportunity to catch tuna, dorado, marlin, wahoo, roosterfish, snapper and many more, while the Caribbean side is famous for its big tarpon and snook. So, if you want the chance to catch a wider variety of beautiful fish, head to the Pacific coastline. If you’re a more experienced fisher however, and looking for a challenge, try and catch fish with a bit more mass on the Caribbean coastline.

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico is the next place on our list. Due to the fishing season being all year round, it has been nicknamed he “Marine Capital of the World,” with the peak times being between May and December.  The area has a strict catch and release policy which is implemented to help boost the population of marlin, so bear this mind if you’re planning on cooking what you catch.

SICILY

If you are looking to stay within Europe for your fishing trip then Sicily is the place for you. At the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is well placed to offer some of the best fishing experiences. The island is well populated with fishing villages as well as the fact swordfish and tuna are the most common catches, making it a sea fishers dream. The cuisine of the island, with a heavy focus on seafood, is fantastic too; fresh, clean and healthy.

THE ISLE OF WIGHT

We couldn’t write a list of fishing holidays without coming home to England to finish. The U.K offers some of the best fishing-dedicated holidays around, and for us, the Isle of Wight is the finest on offer. It’s perfect for anglers of all styles and skillsets, with plenty of carp and pike found in the local waters.

Whether you choose for your next holiday, consider factoring in fishing as a unique, interesting alternative to the sun, sand and sea traditional holiday. You can get all of things and much more if you pack your rod. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get fishing!

5 IDEAL AUTUMN BEAUTY TIPS FOR THE NEW SEASON

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL AUTUMN BEAUTY TIPS FOR THE NEW SEASON

September’s now over, and with it the hope of an Indian summer has faded away in the rear view mirror in time with our tans. Those things we love about summer; the sea, the sun, the sand, the swimming pools and the overindulgence, are now the cause of hair, nail and skin issues that don’t look so great in the cold (brrrr) light of Autumn. The bright, vibrant hues of summer, as well as the skin-bearing now unimaginable against the early morning frost, also need a rectifying touch. So, with this in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL autumn beauty tips, ready for the new season.

GET A SEASON SPECIFIC HAIRCUT

Sun, sea salt and swimming pools can wreak havoc on your hair, making it dry and brittle. Autumn is the ideal time to inject some moisture into your hair. If you feel the call of experimentation, take advantage of the new season to test-drive a new hair colour. While summer haircuts are awash with sun-kissed highlights, Autumn sees darker, more earthy, natural hues. Something chocolatey or auburn, autumn leaf coloured suits this time of year perfectly. Don’t neglect the fried, frazzled ends that summer has subjected your locks to – get a trim and neaten up, appropriate for the demands of the new season.

HYDRATE HAIR, HANDS AND FACE ALIKE

The sudden change in temperature can be a shock to both your hair and skin. Summer’s product range has seasonality in mind, with hair products in use to stop an overloaded, overly glossy appearance, and skincare sunshine specific. The lack of humidity in Autumn, as well as the dryness of skin that the colder weather brings, means regular application of moisturizer and hand cream is important. A summer’s long over reliance on leave-in conditioner may now be showing, so switch to a hair product suited to the new season.

BRING YOUR COLOUR PALETTE BACK DOWN TO EARTH

Summer’s hues are great when the sun’s out, complimenting the vibrancy of the weather and light, as well as bringing out your carefully curated tan. When the lighting drops to a muted grey, and rain rears its ugly head with more regularity, it’s important that your colour palette reflects this, both in your clothes and make up. That doesn’t mean wearing full outfits of overcast and beige. No, greens, browns and dark, confident reds look amazing during this time of year and are currently all the rage on the high street, which is a blessing for your wallet if you’re in need of a wardrobe update.

BENCH THE SUMMER ACCESSORIES

Sea salt spray designed to replicate the waves of the beach will suddenly look very out of place when the shore and sand has been rendered a no-go zone by temperamental weather. Equally, shimmering make-up products designed to mimic the sun’s sparkle are no longer at home in Autumn. And with regards to dark fake-tan….well, it’s going to look really fake when England hasn’t seen the sun for weeks, so go easy and exercise restraint. We suggest using a moisturiser with a hint of fake tan instead of going whole hog.

Consider heavier make up with a darker, moodier palette, exploiting plenty of shadow and matte. Espresso is this season’s hottest shade, so bear that in mind when you reach for tinge of summer time peachy pink.

PREPARE FOR WINTER

Although we’ve not long ago said goodbye to summer, a good level of foresight and forward thinking will stand your skin in good stead when winter hits. A pre-emptive skincare regime, designed to counteract the bluster of winter wind and the subsequent dry, red and flaky skin, is a great idea. This also goes for your nails, which get particularly brittle in the cold weather. A simple system of conscious filing should do the trick.

 

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR CRÈME BRÛLÉE WITH CITRUS MARMALADE FROM BRASSERIE BLANC

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR CRÈME BRÛLÉE WITH CITRUS MARMALADE FROM BRASSERIE BLANC

Brasserie Blanc, the home of real French cooking, has launched a new Autumn/Winter menu bringing a perfect French feast of authentic, classic flavours. To celebrate they’ve shared this recipe for Crème brûlée with IDEAL.

N.B This recipe should be started the day before you intend to serve it, to allow time to soak the citrus peel.

MAKES 4

INGREDIENTS

For the marmalade

(This will make more than you need so ensure you have some sterilized jars to store the leftovers in)

  • 1 grapefruit
  • 2 lemons
  • 1 Seville orange
  • 1.4kg granulated sugar

For the crème brûlée

  • 500ml double cream
  • 1 vanilla pod, split in half and seeds scraped out
  • 1.5 leaves bronze leaf gelatin
  • 8 medium egg yolks
  • 90g caster sugar
  • 3-4 tbsp demerara sugar, for the topping

METHOD

  1. To make the marmalade, juice the fruit and pour into a large, lidded pan. Add 1.75 litres water.
  2. Scrape out the flesh and pips from the fruit. Put the flesh into a food processor and blend. Place the blended flesh and the pips in a muslin bag and add to the pan.
  3. Chop the citrus peel finely and add it to the pan too. Set aside to allow the peel to soak for a few hours or overnight, if possible.
  4. Bring the lidded pan to boil, reduce the heat and simmer very gently for two hours or until the peel is very tender.
  5. Preheat the oven to 140ºC. Pour the sugar into a baking dish and warm in the oven for a few minutes.
  6. Remove the muslin bag from the pan and squeeze the liquid out of it into a bowl. Pass through a sieve into the pan. Put a plate in the freezer (you’ll need this to test whether the marmalade is set later).
  7. Weigh the contents of the pan – it should be no more than 1.4kg. If you have more than this, simmer again to reduce the liquid until the correct weight it achieved.
  8. Add the warmed sugar to the pan and stir until dissolved. Gradually bring to rolling boil. After about 10 minutes, remove from the heat and take the plate out of the fridge. Spoon a little of the marmalade on to the cold plate and leave for a minute to cool. Push your finger through the mixture – the marmalade’s surface will wrinkle if it is set. If it doesn’t wrinkle, put another plate in the freezer and return the marmalade to the heat. Boil again for another 5 mins, then repeat the test.
  9. Leave the marmalade to cool a little until a skin forms (this should take about 10 mins). Remove any scum from surface and give the marmalade a stir. Spoon into heatproof ramekins, if you don’t have a blowtorch, or little jars, if you do. Put the remaining marmalade into sterilized jars.
  10. For the brûlée, gently heat the cream and vanilla in a pan until steaming. Put the gelatine in cold water to soak.
  11. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk and sugar together. Pour the warmed milk over the egg mixture and stir to combine. Return to the pan and cook over a very low heat, stirring gently and continuously with a rubber spatula until the custard is thick and smooth (if you have a thermometer, the custard is ready when it reaches 82ºC).
  12. Transfer the custard to a bowl. Squeeze the excess water from the gelatine and add to the custard. Stir until dissolved.
  13. Whisk until cool, then spoon into the serving ramekins/jars. Use the back of a hot spoon to level out the surface and then chill in the fridge for three hours.
  14. Sprinkle each brûlée with a thin, even layer of sugar and caramelize using a blowtorch (or, in ramekins, under a very hot grill). Leave to cool before serving.

 

10 IDEAL BODY BUSTING SPICES YOU SHOULD BE CONSUMING

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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10 IDEAL BODY BUSTING SPICES YOU SHOULD BE CONSUMING

Variety is the spice of life, an old adage that rings no truer than when talking about diet. Unfortunately, spices are often relegated to the sidelines when it comes to food and healthy eating, a move which we believe to be to the detriment of both flavour and to the health of the nation. All too often spice brings to mind calorific curries, but this needn’t be the case.

Indeed, it’s a certainty that spice deserves more recognition for the nutrients they provide, the anti-oxidants they contain, the calorie-free flavour they impart and the aroma they give to the home. Spices do so much more than simply enhance the flavour of food, and there’s tons of research out there that revels in this glorious fact. It’s time to put spice on pedestal it deserves, pronto.

So, now that National Curry Week is upon us (as if we needed an excuse) we think it’s fair to focus the weekly shop on one style of cooking alone, to embrace spice as an old friend, not an ingredient to be mistrusted or feared. There are so many body-boosting benefits to cooking with spice, and the below mouth-watering infographic from Fisher & Paykel, who have been designing kitchen appliances and encouraging people to cook since 1934, sheds light on the best, along with some super interesting facts associated with them.  So, with the argument for this kind of cooking ringing loud and true, and with everything from flavour to health covered, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get spicy!

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR AN EPIC DINNER PARTY

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR AN EPIC DINNER PARTY

Here at IDEAL we’re huge fans of dinner parties – food, wine and friends in the comfort of our own home – yes please! Meljo Cheriyan, Restaurant Manager at Island Grill, offers his years of experience and professional advice on the best ways to make sure your evening is one to be remembered.  

Plan your Time

The first vital step is to create a timeframe of your evening. Think about your oven and hob space, and what you’re going to need to be able to serve your starter, main course and dessert on schedule. Three courses which all require an oven will be tricky, so opt for a cold starter or dessert. Then create a timetable – and try to stick to it!

Create Ambience

Creating a sense of occasion at Island Grill is something we work hard to do, from our low-hanging pendant lights to the flickering tea-lights on the tables. To create a relaxed atmosphere, turn the lights down, play quiet background music and light your favourite scented candles.

Don’t Forget the Nibbles

Appetisers are the perfect way to open your evening, but they don’t have to be complicated. Visit your local delicatessen and purchase something simple and delicious like our Green Olive Ciabatta, served with olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar – the perfect sharing plate!

Go Seasonal

Here at Island Grill we are known for our ever-changing seasonal menus. The best dinner parties are the ones where the host is at ease from start to finish. Cook a dish that showcases seasonal produce, as the ingredients will shine without using an overcomplicated recipe. Produce that is in season is also cheaper, so the host’s wallet won’t suffer either.

Add the Finishing Touches

Slick presentation can transform a simple dish into something straight from the chef’s kitchen. For starters and mains, add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze, a grind of black pepper or a garnish of micro herbs. To elevate your desserts use a tea strainer to sprinkle a powdering of icing sugar or cocoa powder across the dessert. If you’re feeling creative, you could pipe some coulis in a design of your choice from a chef’s squeezy bottle.  

Island Grill, Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY
Reservations on 020 7551 6000 or visit www.lancasterlondon.com

5 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP YOU BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP YOU BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

It’s that time of year again when the dark evenings start to draw in, the temperatures drop and our morning coffee doubles up as a much-needed hand warmer. These factors combined can leaves us feeling a little blue.

So with that said, we’ve asked our experts for their top tips to keep us feeling bright even on those bleaker days!

Rise and shine

Even if it’s dark outside when you wake up, as soon as you’re out of bed open your curtains and let as much light in as possible. “Sunlight or bright daylight stimulates our body’s production of serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’. So the dark and dull days of winter can easily deplete your serotonin levels, making you feel low, sluggish and tired. Do what you can to maximize your natural light exposure,” explains Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com the online shopping destination for health & wellbeing.

Get moving

A recent study from the American Journal of Psychiatry, has found that even an hour of exercise a week may help prevent depression. So, even though it may be cold outside, make sure you don’t neglect your exercise routine. If you’re lacking in energy, try Nature’s Plus Ultra Juice Green Powder (£29.95), which will not only help to support your energy but is also rich in natural anti oxidants which can help support your immunity during the winter months.

Snack Happy

When we are feeling down, we can be tempted by snacks that are high in sugar or quickly absorbed carbohydrates, such as cakes, biscuits and chocolate.  This is because carbs and sugar can provide a quick boost – not only in energy, but also in serotonin (the ‘happy hormone’). However this benefit will only last an hour or two, then we are likely to feel down again and reach for more sugar or stimulants – a vicious cycle! These highs and lows in energy induced by sugary foods can be unhelpful for anyone’s mood, but may be especially associated with low mood in winter – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). To achieve a healthier balance, go for snacks that contain a good combination of slow-releasing (unrefined) carbohydrates, proteins, and if possible, some healthy fats.  So for a mood-boosting snack try a slice of smoked salmon on two oatcakes. The salmon provides protein and essential fats, while the oatcakes provide slow-releasing carbohydrates,” suggests nutritionist Cassandra Barns.

Pop a happy pill

Vitamin D can help with the symptoms of mild depression and SAD. The best way to get this vitamin is through sunlight on the skin. Although you can get some vitamin D from foods such as butter and oily fish, it’s not really enough. The best way to get vitamin D is from spending lots of time in the sun. Make sure you take a supplement, such as Once A Day Sunshine D (£5.24) says Cassandra.

Give yourself a pick me up

If you hit that mid afternoon slump, perk yourself up with a couple of squares of raw cacao chocolate. Cassandra explains, ‘Cacao contains a compound called phenylethylamine (PEA for short!). PEA is thought to elevate mood and support energy and is said to be one of the reasons that many people love chocolate! By choosing raw chocolate, such as OMBAR chocolate [£1.99, Ocado] made with raw cacao and without refined sugar, you’re getting the benefits of the energy-supporting nutrients without the sugar rush.”

Have a laugh with a friend

You may just want to crawl under the covers after a long day at work, but catching up with your friends may actually benefit your health more! “Oxytocin is another ‘feel good’ hormone. Released when we bond socially and feel general trust, comfort and love, this hormone is just as powerful as serotonin. Whenever you feel low and need a lift, spend time with your family and friends to mellow down and feel instantly better,” says Shona.

Marilyn Glenville, one of the UK’s leading nutritionists, adds, “Many studies show that laughter boosts our energy, decreases stress hormones, improves immunity and diminishes pain. But what’s very important for anyone, who is stressed or feeling down, is that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that make us happier and relaxed.”

MAKE YOUR MORNING MARVELLOUS WITH THIS IDEAL RECIPE FOR EASY OVERNIGHT OATS

Editorial Team
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MAKE YOUR MORNING MARVELLOUS WITH THIS IDEAL RECIPE FOR EASY OVERNIGHT OATS

The mornings may be staying darker as we roll into autumn, but don’t forget that TOMORROW, 10th October is World Porridge Day, so why not pay ‘hommage’ to the humble oat and make your morning marvellous with this gorgeous overnight oats recipe from award-winning White’s Oats.

Don’t forget that oats are a natural superfood, 100% wholegrain and an excellent source of fibre, protein, vitamins and antioxidants. Naturally high in fibre with a low GI index, they keep us fuller for longer, helping to keep snacking at bay.

Ingredients

  • 40g Whites Organic Jumbo Porridge Oats
  • 40g Whites Speedicook Oats
  • 280ml Semi-Skimmed Milk
  • 10g Toasted Sunflower & Pumpkin Seeds
  • 20g Raisins
  • 10g Chia Seeds
  • Grated Apple

Method

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and transfer into two jam jars. Make sure the lid is airtight and leave to soak the in the fridge overnight. In the morning add a dollop of oghurt, a sprinkle of toasted seeds and a handful of blueberries and sliced banana. Then drizzle with honey.

Toppings

Honey, Natural Yoghurt, Fresh Blueberries, Banana, Sprinkle of Toasted Seeds

5 IDEAL PROACTIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL PROACTIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE

We all, at one point or another, have periods where our self-confidence isn’t as assured, as steadfast, as we’d like it to be. Equally, we’re all after that feeling where everything falls into place just that little bit more. That sweet spot where you could take on the world and win shouldn’t be a once a week occurrence, it should be your modus operandi. Period.

So, if you feel the onset of a deeper malaise, one which isn’t simply a getting out of bed on the wrong side, then it’s a good idea to be proactive about counteracting it.  Everyone has the right to a strong feeling of self-worth, and with that in mind, here are our 5 steps to improving your self-confidence, and achieving the IDEAL you.

GET INTO FITNESS

Your fitness plays a significant role in how you feel, how you relate to yourself and everything around you. The science is there to prove it, with recent studies showing with unwavering certainty the link between exercise and good mental health. Good physical health achieved through fitness can be achieved through a variety of channels. ‘Fitness’ needn’t take the form of gruelling gym sessions and expensive memberships; a simple, brisk daily walk, or taking the stairs not the elevator, can make all the difference.

Often, it really is the little changes that exact the biggest results. If you feel the need to take a first leap into the world of more organised fitness, find time to consult with a personal trainer, such as is available at Origym, as they can give tailor-made, personalised advice on regimes, diet and more. That sense of routine and focus is perhaps as important as the physical gains themselves. Combined, it’s one sure fire way to start feeling better about yourself.

FIND A NEW HOBBY OR RE-INVIGORATE AN OLD ONE

Hobbies offer something to focus on, to nourish the soul, an opportunity to socialise with like minded people and a great starter to have in your conversation kit. Taking a new class can be the gateway to a new social circle as well as skill. Equally as important, we’ve found that in darker times, re-visiting an old hobby can be just as fulfilling as starting a new one. Dusting off the guitar after some time away offers great comfort and nostalgia. Taking up the painting you sidelined years ago can be the reminder that you’ve got serious skills you haven’t been nurturing recently.

EAT HEALTHILY

Dieting isn’t about starving yourself; it’s about eating healthy food, being mindful of what you eat and where it comes from, and striking the right balance between enjoying food and eating healthily. Store-bought, pre-packaged foods sold in supermarkets and fast-food joints just aren’t as fulfilling for the tummy or mind. We’re not saying cut out everything a little naughty, where’s the fun in that? It just pays to be mindful about your diet. It’s as simple as that.

CUT OFF TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS AND MAKE MORE TIME FOR FAMILY

It’s time to cut those hangers-on loose. That ex you keep going back to? He’s gone. That friend who puts you down, who you get nothing back from? Goodbye to them, too. Toxic relationships exist in all our lives, whether you choose to tolerate or eliminate them is up to you. On the flip side, make more time for close friends and family. Invest more in the meaningful relationships and less in the superficial ones, and you’ll notice an improvement in your self-confidence soon, we promise.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

A lack of self-confidence is one thing, but when feelings of a lacking self-worth become persistent and interfere with the everyday, then there is no shame in confiding in someone or seeking help. Speak to someone close to you who you can trust, and consider the range of options on the table for battling low mood. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to consult with your G.P, as many more of us suffer than is widely believed. It’s good to talk. Always.

 

10 IDEAL TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEDDING GUEST CATERING

Editorial Team
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10 IDEAL TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEDDING GUEST CATERING

With a wedding, you only get one opportunity to wow your guests. And given its importance in today’s culture, it’s hardly surprising that the one thing most guests remember above everything else is the catering.

Blow your guests away with killer catering services and your wedding will be the talk of the town for years. By contrast, underwhelm those you invite and you run the risk of leaving a somewhat sour taste in their mouths…no pun intended.

So in order to avoid the latter and ensure your big day is remembered for all the right reasons, here is a quick rundown of 10 expert tips for making the most of your wedding catering:

Go Seasonal

First of all, don’t forget that there are two distinct benefits to working with seasonal produce. Not only do products that are in season look and taste better, but also tend to be significantly less expensive than alternative products that are out of season at the time.

Establish Your Budget

Rather than diving into things blindly, establish your budget before getting started. This will make it so much easier to work with the catering company of your choice, which in most instances will ask you about your budget before anything else.

Theme It

Never overlook the appeal of some kind of well thought-out theme, when it comes to your catering choices. A winter wonderland, summer picnic, best of British or anything else you can think of will ensure the whole event is even more enjoyable and memorable.

Consider Numbers

Be extremely careful when it comes to totting up the numbers and determining how many people there will be and how much food you’ll need. Just as it isn’t a good idea to see people going hungry with a shortage, most also don’t respond kindly to excessive food wastage.

Question Packages

Be sure to question your chosen catering service thoroughly with regard to the actual services they provide. Believe it or not, there are plenty of catering teams out there that will happily cook incredible food, but do not actually include table service in their standard packages.

Read Reviews

Always be strategic and thoughtful when it comes to the catering company you work with, being sure to check out reviews, recommendations and experience ahead of time. In the North of England for example you have Blue Sky Event Solutions in Yorkshire and down in the South West of England you have Kerra’s Catering – both of which have earned rave reviews. These are just a couple of examples, so whatever location you are getting married you’ll find caters never far away.

Remember Dietary Requirements

Go through your guest list and make as many enquiries as necessary, in order to determine whether any of your guests have specific dietary requirements. You should request this information as part of your RSVP, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.

Family-Style Dining

One extremely enjoyable and affordable approach to wedding catering these days is family-style dining. Sharing platters are not only incredibly social by their very nature, but also ensure that everyone gets to taste as many different things as they like and control their own portion sizes.

Nail the Nibbles

Outside the actual meals themselves, it’s a good idea to ensure that there is a ready supply of nibbles available at all times. After all, there will always be those who turn up right at the beginning absolutely starving, just as there will be those who get peckish between set meal times.

Make Midnight Snacks

Last up, if you plan on throwing a party that keeps on going until the wee-small hours, make sure there is some kind of midnight snack on offer for those who go the distance. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself at 2am with a group of guests still having the time of their life, only to be scuppered by the fact that you’ve nothing to feed them with!

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR EMAILS

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR EMAILS

Technology is a wonderful thing – it allows us to work virtually from anywhere in the world, and makes our lives easier. However, it can also hinder us, and this is particularly true in the case of emails.

Every day we are bombarded with hundreds of emails, only a small percentage of which are necessary. Spam filters are great at filtering most of the unwanted emails but a small amount do get through, adding to the number we have to sift through!

We can spend hours each day checking, sorting, and reading our emails only to find we haven’t the time left for actual work!

Here are my top 5 tips for managing your emails and giving you back your much-needed time.

WAIT

Emails aren’t urgent! Don’t feel you have to read and act upon your email the second it hits your inbox. You don’t! It isn’t urgent. If there was a real emergency then your client/colleague/friend would call you.

UNSUBSCRIBE FROM NEWSLETTERS

Are all those newsletters you subscribe to really necessary? Probably not! If this the case spend some time going through them and unsubscribing the ones you don’t really want or read.

TURN OF YOUR EMAIL ALERTS

Does your email play distracting alerts, i.e. a sound? If so, disable it. This is a distraction and you could quite easily stop what you’re working on to go and check your emails. It will then take you some time to get back on track again, not to mention the amount of time you’ve just lost stopping what you were doing, reading your emails, and actioning them.

SET TIMES

Schedule set times to check your emails. Once or twice a day is enough, say first thing in the morning and again later in the day. If you subscribe to various industry groups save reading these emails until you take a break from your work – maybe at the end of the day when you’re winding down. You can easily get sidetracked reading all the different topics and replying to them, all of which is taking you away from your paid work.

USE FILTERING TOOLS

Utlise email filtering tools. Set up folders and filters so your email gets sent to the appropriate folder as soon as it arrives.

If you follow these 5 tips above, you will find you are spending less time worrying about and checking your emails, and more time on being productive! That has got to be better for your bottom line.

About the Author

Tracey Lawton is a certified Master Virtual Assistant with many years of experience, helping professional speakers, coaches, and authors operate an efficient, organized, and profitable business. Visit http://www.traceylawton.com/tips.htm to subscribe to her newsletter, Virtual Solutions, full of tips for operating a more productive business and receive Tracey’s ‘The 7 Key Steps to an Organized and Efficient Office’ special report absolutely free.

HOW TO CREATE THE IDEAL BEDROOM FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER

Editorial Team
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HOW TO CREATE THE IDEAL BEDROOM FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER

Decorating a single-person space is easy. You can incorporate your personality and own unique choices into the decor. It’s a way of expressing you, and only you. But when it comes to decorating a couple’s bedroom, things can get a bit complicated. Messy, even. You have to meet in the middle, make sacrifices and accept a few flourishes you may not be wholly in approval of. You may fight over the smallest differences and the faintest fluctuation may become a gaping chasm in opinion, and your relationship. You’ll both need to make a few compromises and work together to create the IDEAL master bedroom for the both of you. Here are just a few tips on how.

Invest in a Good Bed

A bedroom is nothing without a good bed. – it’s the focal point, where the magic (sleep) happens. Not only should your bed be sturdy and comfortable, it also needs to be aesthetically pleasing and to scale with the rest of the room. There are a wide variety of design choices available to the bed buyer, including upholstered beds with tufted padding, ones with rustic wooden finishing, classic wooden ones, and more. You should also look for a bed that suits your unique requirements, whatever they may be. For instance, a bed with storage compartments below is great if your house is running low on storage space. Or, you can look for one that comes with a TV stand if you love watching Netflix together in bed. Companies like Happy Beds have a good, broad collection of different bed designs to suit all body and temperament types.

Find a Colour and Material You Can Both Agree on

The first step to a great bedroom is to choose colours to paint your walls with and continuing that thematic colour scheme throughout the room’s design. This may be a difficult thing to agree on, especially if you have conflicting opinions. One of you may prefer darker, warmer tones while the other prefers cool and light hues. Find space for both of you in the middle ground and see if there’s a way to combine your preferences. Consider making one wall darker with the rest painted in lighter colours, or vice versa. If compromise is not an option, maybe you should consider a divorce. Or, opt for neutral colours instead, and include your colour preferences in the decor – a less permanent feature.

Invest in Good Furniture and Meaningful Decor

Before you can start shopping for decorative touches of flair, make sure your bedroom is properly furnished with the essential pieces. First of all, you both need sufficient bedside storage, such as a bureau or a nightstand placed on each side of the bed. This will ensure that you have ample space to keep your personal belongings and there is no clutter, or simmering resentment about an unfair divvying up of prime bedroom real estate. An almirah that complements the rest of the room is also a good idea. As for decor, make sure you choose meaningful pieces that emanate your collective style and complement the colour of the room. Wall hangings, table lamps and artwork are vital pieces you should consider adding to your room. For each of these, there will be pieces that especially speak to you and would look great in your room.

Use these tips to create the perfect bedroom for you and your partner. If you both have an idea of what the perfect bedroom should look like, it would be best to choose the decor pieces and furniture together so there’s no conflict later on. Combine your ideas and come to a compromise to create the IDEAL couple’s space.

IDEAL FOR DESSERT: HONEY PANNA COTTA

Editorial Team
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IDEAL FOR DESSERT: HONEY PANNA COTTA

Head Pastry Chef Steve Penny at Royal Lancaster London has shared his recipe for his delicious but simple Honey Panna Cotta dessert, available at the hotel’s restaurant, Island Grill.

Ingredients

  • 1 litre of Cream
  • 50g of Caster Sugar
  • 100g of Honey
  • 10g of Gelatine Powder
  • 30ml of water

Method

Step 1: Combine the cream, sugar and honey and pour the mixture into a saucepan. Bring to the boil until everything has dissolved into the cream, then turn off the heat.

Step 2: Soften the gelatine powder in the water, and then add to the warm cream.

Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared moulds and leave to set overnight.

Step 4: To serve, dip the moulds into a bowl of warm water for a few seconds and the pannacotta should come out nicely into a bowl.

Step 5: Serve with fresh berries and enjoy!

wwww.royallancaster.com

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY BOOK

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY BOOK

When it comes to choosing a holiday book, the possibilities are endless. Some like to read huge, hefty historic novels, others prefer fluffy love stories, thrillers, or even autobiographies. The opportunity to really get stuck into a book is one of the great pleasure’s of a holiday; guilt-free, uninterrupted and with only the lure of the ocean or sundowner cocktails to tear you away.

Making the correct choice, therefore, is vital, or you’re stuck with woeful reserve options for your holiday reading. We’ve all been there; having to resort to Frankie Dettori’s autobiography, scavenged from the hotel’s ‘library’, or looking up swearwords in a Spanish Dictionary we found on the villa’s bookshelf.

THINK ABOUT ITS SIZE AND LENGTH

Traditionally, holidays are the time when we’d probably read more than any other time period; because we’re usually relaxing, spending time at the beach, and able to devote several hours to getting lost in a good book.

That said, research by ebookers.com found that only 38% of us actually managed to finish at least one whole book on our last holiday, and over a quarter took a book in the hopes of reading it but never managed to open it (25.5%). We love the feeling of satisfaction after finishing a book on holiday, so it’s important to take one of a manageable length. Once back in England and busy with work, you might not find the time to finish it. Of equal importance, a bigger book takes up a lot of room in your suitcase, so be wary of hardbacks or a 1000 page tome.

Read: 6 IDEAL packing tips that will make your life easier

LOOK BEYOND THE NOVEL

Holiday book fiction isn’t the law. Consider a factual book, whether that’s something historical or one which will give you real-life inspiration. Although it may not seem so relaxing and in tune with the holiday ambiance, it can be more fulfilling and lead to a greater sense of satisfaction. We’re not encouraging starting the study of rocket science 101, but the learning of a new skill set needn’t be confined to nightschool classes back in Blighty.

USE AN APP

If you’re really stuck and don’t know what kind of book you’d enjoy, online travel company ebookers.com has come to the rescue; they’ve created a holiday book generator where you can either browse by destination, and it will suggest something appropriate to, or linked with, the area.

You can also take a quiz, and it will recommend a book based on the type of holiday you enjoy and what kind of person you are. This book generator is ideal for people who are stumped by what kind of novel they would enjoy while they’re away. They do all the hard work for you – all you need to do is buy it, then chill out by the pool or the beach and escape into your imagination!

CONSIDER A KINDLE

As we’ve mentioned already, stacks of holiday reading can take up valuable luggage-based real estate. Purchasing a kindle can greatly reduce the load, as it’s the fraction of the size of most novels, and can hold endless e-books. Whilst it takes away some of the magic of holding the hard copy, the convenience and cost-reduction makes it a very worthwhile investment indeed.

Read: 7 IDEAL ways to kill time at the airport

THEY’RE CALLED CLASSICS FOR A REASON

Perhaps in order to try and show we keep up with trends, or want to appear much more intelligent than we are, most of us lie about reading a particular book, especially the classics. However these classics, available in any airport, are deemed such for a reason – they’re really bloody good!

Rather than reading the new, fashionable thriller from the Kazakhstani journalist turned informant for the Japanese secret service, consider a tried and tested bestseller. You can now  impress with your guilt-free cultural capital at the next dinner party you’re invited to. And stop pretending you’ve read them all, no one has.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: THE JAM TREE, THE IDEAL PLACE FOR BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: THE JAM TREE, THE IDEAL PLACE FOR BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

Bottoms up South Londoners! If you’re looking for a brilliant bottomless brunch that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, head to the Jam Tree

Here at IDEAL we have a motto, if you’re gonna do brunch, it damn sure better include bottomless boozing. What’s more fun than alcohol drenched midday dining? And if you’re looking for an afternoon of eggs and alcohol in South London for less than £20 (£17.50 to be exact) then The Jam Tree is for you.

Location

The Jam Tree has two venues – in the heart of Clapham’s Old Town and on the exclusive King’s Road in Chelsea. We visited the one in Clapham.

The Deal

Do you like prosecco? Do you want to drink a lot of prosecco?  From 12pm to 3pm (Saturday and Sunday) you can drink as much prosecco as your body can handle and eat something too. At only £17.50 this bottomless brunch is one of the best bargains in London. They even give you the bottle, so you’re in charge of topping up your own glass.  To take full advantage of the deal, we witnessed revellers move to the bar after they finished their sizable brunch plates, here they continued to enjoy the unlimited prosecco and ordered some small plates from the all day dining menu – clever. 

Ambiance

This Clapham spot is casual and keeps things low key. It’s the perfect place to hole up and drink away a rainy or cold Saturday or Sunday. In the summer, you can enjoy your brunch in the gorgeous garden. It’s a great place to catch up with friends and is large enough to host big groups.

Food

The brunch menu isn’t huge and the fare isn’t really anything to write home about, but most people here are more worried about the drinking.  That said, the food is still good and hits the spot. The portions are sizable, and that’s a good thing considering the amount of alcohol you’re likely to consume.

If you are a traditionalist brunch lover, then you can enjoy classics such as Eggs Florentine with buttered spinach and lashings of rich hollandaise. If you fancy some big, meaty flavours, try the Cowboy Breakfast – think sticky baby back ribs and mountains of pulled pork. Or if you’re in the mood for something compltely different, order the African inspired spiced egg dish Shakshouka.

Why Go

There are loads of  reasons why you should go to The Jam Tree for bottomless brunch. However, we’ve narrowed it down to three:

For a fantastic deal – We can’t stress how much of a bargain bottomless brunch at The Jam Tree is. A bottle of prosseco is normally around £30 in London – you do the math.

To start your Saturday night – Think of brunch at The Jam Tree less as a Saturday morning excursion and more as the beginning of your Saturday night.

Unlimited hair of the dog – This is the hangover cure from heaven if you need to recover from weekend events

Address: 13-19 Old Town, London SW4 0JT

For more information visit: www.thejamtree.com

Disclosure: IDEAL Magazine dined as a guest of the restaurant.

9 IDEAL WINE TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Editorial Team
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9 IDEAL WINE TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Do you panic when someone asks you to choose the wine at a meal? Do you feel nervous when the waiter asks you to test the wine or when someones asks you to recommend a bottle? Well you are not alone. Two-thirds of British drinkers admit they know nothing about choosing wine so they pretend instead.

Someone who really does know their stuff when it comes to wine is Jimmy Doherty who has a history of working with South Africa’s award winning wine, Nederburg.  For those of you who know nothing about wine, we’ve asked Jimmy and Nederburg to share their top wine tips, so next time someone asks you to choose the wine, at least you will know something about it!  You can say cheers later!

One

Only chill white wine like Chardonnay before you plan to drink it as extended storage in the fridge will affect its taste and aroma.

Two

The quickest way to chill a white wine is in iced water, which only takes 30 minutes versus 2 hours in the fridge.

Three

Always give a bottle of quality red wine like Shiraz, time to breathe. If you can’t wait, decant it into a glass jug first to give it chance to mix with the oxygen in the air to release the flavours.

Four

The correct measure to pour for all wines is a third of the glass; this gives the wine room to swirl in the glass, allowing the flavours to develop.

Five

When pairing wine with cheese, think balance – strong wine, strong cheese. Sauvignon is generally great with cheeses like Cheddar or Gouda.

Six

Know as the world’s most popular wine, chardonnay is best paired with simple seafood such as smoked salmon and grilled fish. It’s also delicious served with oriental dishes like Thai food.

Seven 

Sauvignon Blanc is a very food-friendly wine and is superb with salads, chicken, seafood, veal and light meals.

Eight

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its depth of flavour and aroma. It’s excellent served with heart-warming roast lamb, coq au vin, red meat steak, venison, mature cheese and pizza and pasta dishes.

Nine

Shiraz is an incredibly robust wine that can be served on its own or with Mediterranean meat dishes such as spicy lamb, souvlaki or kebabs as well as with traditional roasts, oxtail and barbecued steaks.

 

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