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5 IDEAL WAYS TO TREAT YOURSELF THIS AUTUMN

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO TREAT YOURSELF THIS AUTUMN

ideal ways to treat yourself

Summer is over and winter is coming (cue Game of Thrones theme tune). Right now we’re getting into Autumn. The nights are drawing in and the darker days can really take a toll on your emotional well-being. If there was ever a time for a pick-me up, it’s now. With this in mind, together with Time and Place, we share 5 IDEAL ways to treat yourself this Autumn.

TAKE A TRIP

Before the long cold days set in, why not treat yourself to a dose of sun somewhere warm. Autumn is the ideal time to get away for that final blast of sunshine and to avoid those annoying summer revellers. The throngs of tourists thin meaning you can enjoy the sights without having to queue and can grab that prime position by the pool without having to fight off sun-bed nabbing tourists and their beach towels. With children back to school, the lower season usually means plane tickets are considerably more reasonable than the summer months. If you need a little guidance on where to go, here’s our pick of IDEAL destinations to beat the heat and the crowds this October.

VISIT A FANCY RESTAURANT

It’s no secret that food makes us happy. Who doesn’t love being wined and dined. Autumn sees the release of this year’s Bib Gourmand and Michelin guide, giving you dependable tips on the upper echelons of the U.K’s restaurant scene. Be sure to book in advance, don’t arrive full and get ready to indulge yourself in a wonderful meal to beat the onset of the Autumn blues.

MAKE YOUR ROOM COSY

Being warm and cosy is essential to those feel-good vibes you’re seeking this Autumn. Snuggling up under a warm duvet with a good film is the perfect semi-hibernation that this time of year demands. Consider investing in some new lamps or dimmer-controlled lighting so you can adjust the light levels to suit your mood – low and sultry for an evening in with your lover, bright and vibrant to unleash energy at the start of the day. A new rug or bedspread will add that extra, much sought after feeling of hygge that those Scandinavians have mastered.

ENJOY THE SEASON WITH FRIENDS

Autumn is the perfect time for evenings by the fire pit and toasting marshmallows on the bonfire. It’s also a beautiful time of year. The magical misty mornings and crisp, clear days of Autumn are ideal for walks in the countryside. However it doesn’t last for long and soon you’ll probably be stuck indoors more than you’d like. Go make the most of it with your loved ones and really enjoy the season. Spending time with your friends is important for your health and well-being and will make you feel happy. Autumn also yields a harvest of seasonal foods like butternut squash, pumpkins, apples and blackberries. Why not arrange a weekly dinner date with your friends and cook with the season’s beautiful bounty?

MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

We know that it’s impossible to squeeze more hours into a day, but in Autumn we seem to have more time in the evenings. Sociable summer schedules are a thing of the past and the busy festive season has yet to begin. Make sure you use this time for yourself. From taking a long bubble bath to cosying up in front of the fire with your favourite book and a warm hot chocolate, treating yourself to some ‘me time’ is important. Here’s a list of 30 little things to start doing for yourself that will make the world of difference to your month.

 

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO BUILDING A GREENHOUSE: PLASTIC VS GLASS

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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO BUILDING A GREENHOUSE: PLASTIC VS GLASS

Greenhouses are perfect for horticulturists and novice gardeners alike. They allow them to make the most of the seasons, experiment with growing more exotic plants and more tender vegetables like cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes.

There are a range of different glazing options for greenhouses and they all have advantages and disadvantages when compared. The right glazing for your greenhouse will be determined by your requirements, personal preferences, climate and budget. 

If you’re passionate about gardening you should consider a greenhouse. This way, you’ll never have something like the weather stopping you from doing the thing that you love. With a greenhouse, you wouldn’t have to worry about the condition of your plants because they’ll be shielded from extreme weather conditions and they’ll be like a baby being cradled in a rocker.

Your life will be much more organised, too, since everything you might need for gardening will all be in one place; your greenhouse can double as your shed with your tools and whatnot. 

Sounds fantastic. Together with The Plastic People, retailers of polycarbonate sheets, we look at the pros and cons of creating a greenhouse from plastic or glass:

Fitting a greenhouse

With gardeners keen to grow their own produce in their backyards, greenhouses remain in high demand. Customers first face two choices when they decide that they would like a greenhouse – to build or to buy. Although buying a ready-built greenhouse can save time and energy, purchasing the parts from a supplier and assembling it yourself could save you hundreds of pounds.

If you’re dedicated to this project and would want every bit of it to meet your stamp of approval, doing it by yourself may well be the way to go. Suppose you have the luxury of time, why not? After your greenhouse is built, you’ll be prouder and more committed to this endeavour.

The experts at Gardeners World estimate that building your own greenhouse would only take up one weekend too. There are plenty of tutorials online to guide you into building a greenhouse but it consists of five main steps:

  • Ensuring you have a level foundation
  • Assemble each section and attach loosely with clips and bolts
  • Fitting the door runners, the door and any automatic window openers or vents
  • Lining the glazing bars with foam glazing tape or rubber strips to act as a seal. Fit the roof first with glass or polycarbonate sheets and then the wall panes
  • Tighten all the bolts, starting from the top of the fixture

If this sort of DIY is not up your street, alternatively, you can buy one from a garden retailer.

Pros and cons of a glass greenhouse

Gardeners who greatly value the aesthetics of their garden tend to go for glass greenhouses as it gives the ‘traditional’ look. Research by gardeners at The Telegraph found that, compared to twin-wall polycarbonate sheets, glass had a 2-3% higher light transmission. However, this is because the light scatters as it passes through the twin-wall and manages to reach areas that light penetrating through glass cannot which could be advantageous.

Another great thing about glass is its aesthetic value. The structure will look more elegant, especially when cleaned and maintained regularly.  The clarity of the glass and the way it’s decorated will make it an iconic part of your home.

One negative of glass is durability. If your greenhouse is in the flight path of any birds or footballs, you could find yourself replacing the panes regularly. Glass is very fragile as a material and can become damaged off a small bump.

Pros and cons of a plastic greenhouse

There are many advantages of introducing polycarbonate panes to your greenhouse. Some polycarbonate sheets, like the ones sold by The Plastic People, were found to be 200x stronger than glass yet half of its weight. This makes the material easier to use and more durable. Due to its hardwearing properties, polycarbonate does not need replacing as much as glass and has been found to be a longer lasting alternative for traditional glass panes. Upon testing (vigorously with a hammer), the plastic sheets for greenhouses were found to be shatter-resistant which is perfect for any mishaps that may occur in assembly or in the garden.

Polycarbonate sheets also filter out nearly all the harmful UV rays that you may become exposed to when gardening in the greenhouse, allowing you to harvest your crop without the fear of sunburn.

If thermal insulation is important to you and key to the growth of your plants, glass is the slightly favourable option. A single sheet of polycarbonate has 0.1 less ‘R’ value (measurement of thermal insulation) than a sheet of horticultural glass. However, this can be solved with a twin-wall polycarbonate panel which assists with useful light diffusion as mentioned.

If twin-wall polycarbonate is your panel of choice, it must be sealed properly as the flutes within the wall can attract moisture, mould and insects – proper assembly would prevent this from occurring. Additionally, you may want to try degassing your greenhouse using products from KNF. Degassing effectively removes unnecessary moisture including aggressive and corrosive gases and vapours. 

At one time, a negative property of polycarbonate sheets was clouding over time. However, technological advancements have prevented this from occurring and the sheets remain clear all year round.

So, it appears that polycarbonate sheets could be the new glass when it comes to greenhouse panes. Boasting durability, shatter resistance and light diffusion in all the right places, it is ready to take on any challenge that the UK weather has to offer.

5 IDEAL REASONS TO ADD A FIREPLACE TO YOUR HOME

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It seems like overnight the leaves have turned brown. Sleeves have certainly been getting longer for some time. Stews have started to appeal and salads seem superfluous. We’ve found ourselves sizing up passing strangers’ sartorial choices as a way to justify an early introduction of a favourite fur coat. Yes, months and months of cold are upon us and we’re no happier about it than you are. There are ways though, as the lovely Scandinavians have taught us, to make the most of the colder seasons. Embrace cosiness with big, fuzzy jumpers, hot drinks and most of all, roaring fireplaces. Obviously, it’s not conceivable that you’re going to smash through a new chimney and build a fireplace out of bricks before the freeze sets in. Enter the gas or electric fireplace. Here are 5 IDEAL reasons to add one to your home.

The Ambiance

The flickering fireplace and the carefully positioned adjacent rug has been the backdrop to many a romantic movie scene – and we all know why. There’s nothing more atmospheric, cosy and all out embracing than a fireplace in the living room. Get the hot chocolate in, put the kettle on and invite the object of your affection round – it’s an absolute guarantee of a good time. Equally, a glass of whiskey and a good book next to the fire is the perfect evening for a bit of you-time.

The Focal Point

Every house needs a focal point; a place where people congregate naturally and conversation flows most readily. A fireplace draws people to it as soon as they’re through the door, which is a lovely positive on any house’s CV. Guests may arrive earlier and leave later, and if hosting’s your thing, then a fireplace focal point will be too. Companies like Real Flame have some gorgeous, wall mounted electric fires that we think are just the trick as the centre piece of the room.

Instant Heat

We all know what’s it like in the colder months; you come through the door and immediately turn the heating on……but it takes aaaaaages to actually kick in. By then you’ve called on last resorts – you’re under your duvet at 6pm, not to re-emerge until morning, or you’re in the sweater your grandma made you that you normally wouldn’t be seen dead in. A gas or electric fireplace won’t land you in the grave, then. Its effects are felt immediately, with an instant blast of hot air. The radiator may need warming up for what may seem like hours, but the fire place won’t let you down.

No mess

Embers, dust, splinters and more. There’s a large cleaning price to pay for a natural fire. A gas or electric fireplace provides the same flicker, the same warmth but with none of the mess. There’ll be no sweeping, no coal stains on your hands and no fuss. In this way, they’re much more efficient.

It’s Often More Sustainable

Do you care about the environment? Then a electric fire could be for you. Companies such a Smartfire provide sustainable alternatives to the traditional household fireplaces. The latter use a heck of a lot of coal and wood, both a drain on natural resources and a cause of pollution. Brands like this are environmentally conscious and have a vision of carbon neutral heating solutions that don’t emit poisonous or harmful emissions. We’re on board with that.

5 IDEAL AUTUMN & WINTER SKINCARE TIPS

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL AUTUMN & WINTER SKINCARE TIPS

5 IDEAL AUTUMN & WINTER SKINCARE TIPS

Though the colder temperatures can bring about rosy cheeks synonmous with a ‘healthy glow’, it’s true that autumn and winter can also bring dry, brittle skin. For some, the change in seasons can even lead to flaking, cracking, and inflammation.

Once you power on the heat indoors, the skin starts to dry out, and even if you use a strong moisturizer and continue your beauty rituals from the spring and summer, the change in weather conditions can still lead to dryness. Best to get to grips with our tips for a clear skin regime, then, with these; our 5 IDEAL autumn and winter skincare tips.

KEEP IT MOIST

With its rough winds, cold temperatures, and low humidity, the late autumn and winter season can leave your skin battered and damaged, particularly on your face and hands as these parts are the most exposed. As a result, it’s recommended that you switch up your normal skin care routine, especially when it comes to moisturising.

5 IDEAL AUTUMN & WINTER SKINCARE TIPS

CHOOSE THE RIGHT OIL FOR YOU

While you may think a thick cream equals great hydration, not all oils found in these moisturisers and creams are appropriate for every face. Therefore, it’s essential that you choose your moisture with care – especially noting the types of oils it contains. For instance, non-clogging oils such as avocado, mineral, primrose or almond oil are much better than shea, which can clog facial pores. In addition to these oils, look for lotions containing humectants, a class of substances that includes glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids and is made to retain moisture, and SPF 15 or more as the sun can still be strong.

Beauty websites such as Skinstation have a wide range of products suitable for seasonal skincare issues, offering products for every skin type.

HYDRATION STATIONS

You may think that hydration is only important during the hotter months; however, it’s crucial that you hydrate just as much during the winter season, too. Not only is water good for your health overall, but, in winter time, it can often be even more necessary as water vapor is lost through your breath, causing you to lose valuable moisture.

Even if you drink your eight glasses of water a day, your skin is still at risk of dehydration. Make sure you balance out diuretics like caffeine and alcohol with plenty of water, and opt for decaffeinated coffee or tea.

5 IDEAL AUTUMN & WINTER SKINCARE TIPS

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Your environment also plays a major role in keeping your skin properly moisturized, so as the conditions outside change, the environment in your home must shift as well. Heating systems used during the colder seasons blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices, making it difficult for our skin to maintain moisture. Sustain a sufficient amount of moisture in the air in your home with a humidifier or dehumidifier, and prevent your skin from drying out.

CONSIDER A CONSULTANT

If your skincare problems persist and they’re not alleviated by traditional methods and products, consider consulting a dermatologist. Hiding your face underneath layers of makeup may won’t do and may aggravate the problem even more. Skin care clinics like Aesthetic Skin Clinic offer a range of assessments and treatments, and can do an in depth Visia Skin Analysis to get to the root of the problem.

6 IDEAL TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOVE ABROAD

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6 IDEAL TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOVE ABROAD

Uprooting your life can be one of the scariest yet most rewarding experiences on life’s vast menu. Moving far from home can bring untold personal and spiritual benefits. You’ll find you become more independent, have richer experiences, live in the moment, and meet exciting, diverse people. So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re moving away for a fresh start, because you’re going to university, or for work, these 6 IDEAL tips for making the move abroad will make things just that little bit smoother.

SAY YOUR GOODBYES

The first thing you want to do, even if you can’t wait to get away from it all, is arrange a little closure. This means saying goodbye, however hard that may be. You might now need to throw a going away party and make a big song and dance of it, but you should at least arrange to see those most important to you to bid a fine farewell. Chances are, you’ll regret it if you skip this step.

GET YOUR VACCINATIONS & DOCUMENTS

If you’re moving to another country, you need to make sure you get the correct vaccinations and documents prepared. Bear in mind, visa restrictions are tight in popular destinations such as Australia and America, so make sure you follow the process to a T, get the right documents, and disclose any information that could go against you later on.

GET ACCOMMODATION SORTED FIRST

Your accommodation is the most important thing you’re going to need when you move, that much is obvious. You can’t just show up to an unfamiliar country, expectant of everything falling into place. Make sure you book homestay accommodation or something similar before you arrive. Do this well in advance, if you can, so that you don’t panic when everything appears to be full. Culture shock happens and having somewhere to stay upon arrival can go a long way to negating the impact of this.

HAVE A CLEAR OUT & BE RUTHLESS

Do you really want to take clothes you haven’t worn for years to your new location? Probably not. It’s time for a huge clear out. There is something therapeutic and frankly, quite thrilling about chucking away unwanted items and being really ruthless about it. Only take what you absolutely need to take – embrace baggage allowances where you’d usually curse them.  Ask yourself, can I sell some stuff to make a little extra cash? Is there a relative that can take care of my things? As a last resort, storage is a feasible stop gap.

When choosing a storage unit there are a few things you need to consider. Do you have anything heat sensitive? If so you may need a facility that offers climate control as opposed to outdoor access units. If you’re storing something like a piano, you’ll want to find professionals that specialise in piano storage, so those ivories are kept in tip-top condition throughout the whole process. Instead of spending ages, scouring the web for somewhere that meets your requirements, use a storage comparison site like whatstorage.co.uk to save you a whole load of time and stress.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR UTILITIES & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Cancel all of your utilities and subscriptions. Don’t forget to have a meeting with your bank either – you’re going to need access to your cash as soon as you arrive, and most accounts need prior warning of your plans to use cash machines abroad – anti-fraud measures often automatically block sudden transactions abroad.

FIND WAYS TO SETTLE IN

There are a few different ways you can settle into your new location. Get sociable, and find friends to help you ease into your new home. Can you join a gym? Perhaps you could head to a class in the area, even if it’s a language class? Are there local art classes you could get involved in? This way, you can make friends and meet people without feeling like an outsider.

The key to getting this right is to get comfortable with feeling weird. It won’t feel right for a bit, but eventually, you’ll settle down!

 

4 IDEAL WAYS TO PREVENT PREMATURE SUN-AGING

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4 IDEAL WAYS TO PREVENT PREMATURE SUN-AGING

Summer is here and you can’t wait to get out there and soak up the rays. Sure, in Britain, this isn’t all that likely, but if you’re heading off on holiday, you’ll probably spend a lot of time laying around the pool or exploring in the sun.

Everyone likes a sun-kissed glow — but at what risk? Without the correct protection in place, you could be severely damaging your skin, all in the name of a tan. Together with official Dermalogica retailer Pure Beauty, we explain the IDEAL ways to prevent premature sun aging.

SAFEGUARD YOUR EYES

“Crow’s feet” wrinkles around the eyes are the dreaded visual sign of growing old for many men and women. What they don’t realise is that by exposing the sensitive skin around the eyes to the sun, bringing the temporary, tan-fuelled illusion of youth, they are actually speeding up the premature aging process.

The skin around the eyes is one of the first to show visible signs of aging, so wearing sunglasses is a great way to shield both your eyes and skin. You may be tempted to purchase a budget pair of shades, but you’ll need to ensure they offer 99% protection against the sun’s UV rays, as a minimum.

ALWAYS WEAR SUN PROTECTION

This is an obvious one, but one so often neglected by young and old alike. Wearing sun protection is vital in fighting the signs of sun aging and keeping your skin safe. Choose a sun lotion with an SPF factor of at least 15 or greater to protect against UVB rays, and look for a minimum of a four-star UVA protection rating. Apply liberally and don’t forget oft neglected areas like your ears, feet or the back of your neck.

Even on cloudy, overcast says, you’ll still need your SPF factor — 87% of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds, fog and mist, explaining why we get burnt on a seemingly ‘cold’ day. In fact, when the sun is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm, the NHS recommends spending time in the shade and covering up.

WEAR A HAT

If your priority is protecting your face from sun aging, wearing a hat can help, especially if it has a peak or a wide-brim. However, it’s not enough to just wear a hat—light can reflect off surfaces and still hit your face, so you should always wear it alongside your SPF factor.

Naturally, wide-brim hats shade more of your face, neck and shoulders, so offer greater protection than baseball caps, for example, which only shade part of your face. Consider the material of your hat too — straw allow more rays to pass through than those with tightly woven fabrics.

PROTECT YOUR LIPS

Lips are often forgotten about, yet with their delicate, thin skin, they can become damaged by the sun quickly. As such, it’s important to protect your lips using either a lip protectant with a built-in SPF factor or at the very least a layer of your usual sun protection.

Don’t assume that your usual lip products will block the sun’s rays. One study has found that lip gloss and its high-shine effect actually magnifies and attracts the sun, potentially causing more damage. Don’t leave anything to chance – always protect your lips from the sun.

IDEAL SOLUTIONS TO SUMMER EYE PROBLEMS

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IDEAL SOLUTIONS TO SUMMER EYE PROBLEMS

From polished nails to smooth, tanned skin, bronzed, beach bodies and the rest, we all want to look our best during the summer. Unfortunately, the warmer months can play havoc with our peepers. We’re all prone to dry eyes at times, and we all want to avoid those pesky crow’s feet, make no mistake. It seems that the more Vitamin-C boosting exposure to the big yellow circle in the sky, the more prone we are to the eye issues. Together with Dermalogica retailer Pure Beauty, we share our IDEAL tips for combating summer eye problems.

Itchy eyes

Pollen levels can rise in the summer, posing problems for hay fever suffers. As well as sneezing and a runny nose, symptoms can include itchy, watery eyes.

Hay fever allergy tablets, particularly anti-histamine, can help to manage the symptoms of a reaction, while closing windows and wearing sunglasses will act as a physical barrier to the irritating pollen and dust particles. If you wear contact lenses, swap them for glasses when the pollen count gets too high.

Alternatively, look for lenses that offer a small amount of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in the lens’ surface, since this helps to stabilise the tear film and moisturise the eye.

Dry eyes

Although Britain rarely experiences tropical temperatures, even mild to warm weather can lead to some people suffering from dry eyes. Although many people associate the condition with wintry winds and weather beaten features, it can equally occur in the summer when the heat or our increased exposure to air conditioning causes our eyes to become dehydrated.

Dry eyes occur when the oil in our tears is insufficient to lubricate the eyes. Symptoms can include a dry, gritty feeling when you blink, burning or itchy eyes, redness and light sensitivity. You may also experience watery eyes — a rather ironic response to dryness.

So what is the solution? Drinking more water will help you combat dehydration, while using eye drops will work to replenish the oil your eyes are lacking. Avoiding time spent in front of a computer screen can also help, as will minimising your expose to air conditioning. It all adds up.

Preventing wrinkles

When the summer sun is bright, we can find ourselves squinting. As the skin around the eyes is thin, the number of supportive structures within the skin— such as collagen and elastin — is limited. The sun’s rays can cause this collagen and elastin to break down, leading to the development of wrinkles.

To protect the skin around the eyes, wear a pair of sunglasses with between 99% and 100% protection against UVA and UVB light. A wraparound pair offers the greatest level of protection, as they consider rays reaching your eyes from multiple angles.

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE JEWELLERY EVER

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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE JEWELLERY EVER

If you’re obsessed with all things that sparkle then you are in the right place. The world is filled with so many beautiful and precious materials, these materials are then made into equally beautiful items of jewellery. If you are wondering what are some of the most expensive pieces in the world are then this infographic brought to by Berganza is perfect for you.

If you love Antique diamond engagement rings then the Golconda diamond ring is one that may really interest you! This beautiful diamond ring was owned once by India’s ancient mogul rulers. The diamond was discovered in the legendary Golconda mine, many other incredible gems were found in this mine. This diamond ring was sold at auction for £5.05 million in 2011

The Golconda mine also produced the most spectacular diamonds that have ever been seen. If you are wondering what other pieces of jewellery have produced from this mine then the answer is a pair of diamond earrings. The Golconda diamond earrings were snapped up during an auction in Hong Kong. They were bought for £7.1 million by an anonymous bidder. Each earring has a drop-down cushion snapped stone weighing an extraordinary 23.11 carats each. It’s no surprise these earrings caused a huge frenzy and ultimately were snapped up immediately.

10 IDEAL TIPS FOR A LONDON WEDDING WHICH DOESN’T BREAK THE BANK

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10 IDEAL TIPS FOR A LONDON WEDDING WHICH DOESN’T BREAK THE BANK

Getting hitched in the big smoke can be a whole lot of fun – and do a whole lot of damage to your wallet, equally. It may be the dream – you met in London, you’re both locals or you simply want to have a big city blowout, and only the biggest will do.

Whatever your reason for having a capital celebration, it needn’t mean you’re having to honeymoon in Croydon and eat beans and toast and for years afterwards. Yes, it really can be done on-the-cheap, and here’s how. These are our 10 IDEAL tips for a London wedding which doesn’t break the bank.

CONSIDER A WEEKDAY WEDDING

Sure, most want to get married on a Saturday, with guests reluctant to make a dent on their annual leave in the name of living it up for love. But consider a week day wedding as a great way to save money on venues – prices are generally at a premium at the weekend, especially in bigger cities, and cheaper during the week.

It’s also a neat little way to streamline the guest list (more of that later), separating the dedicated, loyal few from some of the inevitably larger attendance of a weekend wedding.

TIE THE KNOT IN THE LATE-AFTERNOON

A simple shift away from the traditional timings of a wedding, with the ‘I do’s going down in the late-afternoon, will lead to a far cheaper affair. You only have to feed your hungry guests once and you’ll need to hire a wedding for a significantly shorter period of time. It’s a no-brainer for those city-dwellers keen to keep the cost low.

ARRIVE IN STYLE

Transport in the capital is notoriously erratic – who would be foolish enough to rely on the tube to deliver them on time to such an important event? Equally, being on the bus in your dress isn’t a good look, and one fraught with the potential for fashion, with spillages, tears and dirt just a few of the pitfalls awaiting.

Moreover, if you’re unreasonably late, your venue may have to cancel and send everyone home so they can be on time for other ceremonies that may be taking place that day.

Therefore, a stress-free, on-trend arrival is a worthy investment, and one which the budget should allow for. Smart City Weddings offer classy yet affordable cars, with drivers who know how to exploit London’s shortcuts to get you to your wedding in time and in style.

CHOOSE A UNIQUE VENUE

The scope for unique venues with oodles of personality at a fraction of the cost of a traditional one is massively high in London. The capital has plenty to offer in terms of leftfield wedding options – all that’s required is a little imagination and creativity. Who wants to conform anyway? We’d much prefer a more individual celebration.

CALL IN THE FAVOURS

Baker friend? A wedding cake could be their gift. Chef in the family? The catering could be covered. Interior designer who you went to school with? Fire up the Facebook and get in touch. Call in the favours wherever you can to limit the cost of things which, while not seeming much individually, certainly mount up when accumulative.

KEEP THE GUESTLIST STREAMLINED

Yes, it’s great that your old piano teacher’s best friend’s cousin lives close to the venue, and you haven’t seen them since you were 4, but ask yourself, would you even notice if they showed up? Keep the event streamlined, family-orientated and free of baggage. A London wedding may be prohibitive (in the best possible way) to those less interested and only coming along for the ride. Your wallet will thank you for it.

BYOB

One of the biggest costs is, inevitably, booze. People love to get blottoed at weddings and self-control often goes more south than Morley’s. Wedding venues make the bulk of their money on alcohol sales, with mark ups often stratospheric, and punters only too keen to splash out. Consider finding a venue which allows you to stock up the fridges with your own bottles, saving a large wedge but possibly not your liver in your process.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN CHOONS

Hiring a DJ can be costly and what’s more, a night of ABBA and eighties-cheese awaits. Choose your own tunes – an iTunes playlist hooked up to some speakers is the ultimate in simplicity – and actually have the music which meaningful to you playing on your big night. For free, too. Perfect.

USE A STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHER

London plays host to a number of Arts colleges and universities, and with them, a glut of budding student photographers only too happy to get some practice in. Consider hiring one to take the shots, they’ll be enthusiastic, have all the right equipment and charge a minimal fee, if anything.

DIY DECORATION

Sometimes the bog-standard, identikit decorations of a wedding venue can be soulless and uninspiring. Do it yourself and inject your own sense of fun and style into proceedings. Money will be saved and you’ll have a great sense of achievement from curating the event very much as your own.

THE IDEAL TIME OF YEAR TO BUY A BED

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THE IDEAL TIME OF YEAR TO BUY A BED

Buying a new bedroom suite, whether it be a new frame, mattress or new furnishings in general, isn’t generally at the top of the priority list. Most beds only need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years with proper care, but when the time comes, it is important that you shop around carefully, as a good night’s sleep is the key functioning, peaceful you.

Not all beds are created equal, and even identical bedroom furnishings can fluctuate wildly in price throughout the year. When it comes time to purchase a new mattress, you want to be sure that you coordinate the buying with the right time for securing the best deals. Below, we’ll walk you through the best times of the year to shop for a new mattress, frame or other bedroom accessories.

Black Friday

The single busiest shopping day of the year is Black Friday (in 2017, that’ll be November 24), when some of the deepest discounts across all industries are available. The same applies to mattress shopping: you can find great deals on mattress models that were released even just a few months prior.

In addition to this, many retailers are expanding their door-buster sales for the entire weekend, all the way through Cyber Monday (when online deals are at their best).

National Holidays

Check your local newspaper or online listings in the run-up to any national holiday: there is a good chance that your local mattress and bedding store is offering discounts on select mattresses. Some holidays such as Labour day can even offer prices rivalling those on Black Friday, according to bestmattress-brand.org

While the discounts may not be as steep as during other prime shopping periods of the year, you can almost always find savings if you wait to purchase during a holiday weekend. Even though the savings might be smaller, this can be a welcome sight for those in dire need of a new mattress and who cannot wait months for the next big sale.

Late Spring

The mattress industry generally revolves around predictable standards. One of those standards is when the bedding companies release new models for the year. From June through September, new mattress models are arriving in stores. This means that most mattress retailers want to move their older models out by May at the latest.

There are many great brands and varieties of mattresses that go on sale in April and May. The only reason they are deeply discounted is to make room for newer models, so you shouldn’t feel as if you’re getting an “obsolete” mattress. You can research to find which models are rated the best and also determine what price is a fair one.

Near the End of Each Fiscal Quarter

Every business aims to have good financial reports at the end of each fiscal quarter. Whether it be revenue or overall number of sales, most mattress companies are motivated restrict deep discounts to the end-of-quarter sales.

Because of this, you’ll want to look for great deals on beds and mattresses near the end of March, June, September and December. While the discounts may not be as deep as they might be during the May model rotation period, you’ll still find plenty of great bargains to be had when shopping during these times.

When shopping for a new mattress or any bedding supplies, you want the best deal possible. As it turns out, there are sales going on throughout the entire year that provide discounts compared to what you’d pay on most shopping trips. Ultimately, planning ahead and waiting for your ideal mattress to go on sale can provide you with deep discounts on your next new bed.

10 IDEAL TRAVEL TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN VISITING JAPAN

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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10 IDEAL TRAVEL TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN VISITING JAPAN

Japan can seem impenetrable for the first time visitor, with a difficult to crack language, the danger of faux pas at every corner and prices which could bring out a cold sweat even on the hottest Tokyo day.  

Don’t let this put you off though, the Japanese are wonderful, welcoming people and the country is full of spiritual moments and surprises. After a few trips, there’s still some much to understand, but we hope these 10 IDEAL tips will make everything run as smoothly and efficiently as a newly-built bullet train.

TIMING YOUR VISIT

The rainy season, referred to as ‘tsuyu’ is mercifully short, and not like those you may have experienced in other Asian countries. Beginning at the start of June and lasting until roughly the end of July, it tends to rain softly and for the entire day – expect less flood-inducing five minute storms and more constant drizzle. This time is also very, very humid so it’s best to avoid making your trip during these months if you can.  

Just prior to the start of tsuyu, May is fantastic – dry, warm and very comfortable. If you’re planing to come during the cherry blossom (sakura) season make sure you check when and where it is. It usually begins in Okinawa around January/February, then passes through the middle of Japan in March and April, and finishes in northern Hokkaido in May.

LEARN TO BOW

Japanese social and business encounters are full of small gestures of politeness and gratitude, one of the most common being to bow. Prior to arrival, learn the correct gesture for the correct situation, as a small effort on your part will go a long way in lubricating a situation. For example, pre and post meal, a small bow as way of thanks is polite. As an extension of this, if ever you are fortunate enough to be invited to someone’s house, be in-tune with the various shoes on/shoes off and house slippers rules of etiquette.

PURCHASE A WIFI HOTSPOT

Having a wifi hotspot is essential, especially if you get lost. You can carry this in your pocket and access it inexpensively and conveniently. Everyone uses one in this part of the world!

DOWNLOAD THE GOOGLE TRANSLATE APP

If you’re here to, ultimately, teach English in Japan, then you’ll already know that, as the script and tonal nature of the language is totally foreign to the English speaker, Google translate will be your friend during your stay. It’s also wise to have a few set phrases memorised, so as not to enter a dialogue with nothing to say.. ‘arigatou gozaimasu’ (thankyou) and ‘eigo o hanasemasu ka’ (do you speak English?) should be absolute musts in your armoury.

CARRY CASH

Japan remains a relatively cash-heavy society, with cards rarely accepted in smaller shops, outlets and restaurants – foreign cards even less so. Places accepting cards will have a sign outside to indicate such – showing just how uncommon it is. It is also difficult to find an ATM here, so have a fair amount of cash on you or get a Suica card, which you can load money onto to make small purchases at stations, convenience stores and more.

7/11 CONVENIENCE STORES ARE YOUR FRIEND

Food is expensive in Japan, and while you may want a few blowouts on squeaky-fresh sashimi and sushi tasting menus, you’ll risk your entire budget on eating out if you don’t make use of the 7/11 menu. If you think this shop serves just your average convenience store food then think again. Locals eat super-cheap noodles, soup dumplings, fried chicken sandwiches and loads of fresh offerings like octopus salad in basil dressing and more from these ubiquitous shops, all at a fraction of the price of a restaurant. We’d recommend you do too.

CARRY YOUR HOTEL ADDRESS BUSINESS CARD

It’s inevitable that you’ll get lost. Having your hotel’s business card, with the address written in Japanese, will save you a lot of stress when trying to find your way back.

Photo by Guus Baggermans on Unsplash

CARRY TISSUES AND HAND SANITIZER

Conversely, for a society who regard being well-kempt and clean in such high esteem, many public toilets don’t have soap. It’s therefore essential to have some hand sanitiser and tissues on your person at all times. For goodness sake though, do NOT blow your nose in public. You won’t be looked on favourably.

BUY A JAPANESE RAIL PASS

If you are planning to leave Tokyo, a JRP is a must, as train travel is super expensive and this card will reduce your costs considerably. There are a number of different options available, so be wise in choosing the most suitable on for you. You can book your rail pass from helpful sites like Japan Experience travel in advance.

HEAD SOUTH

Although Japan’s bigger cities are located in the middle of the country, and the north is home to much of its scenic wonder, we’d recommend heading south for a completely different vibe. There is a laid-back, less developed charm to the area and the food takes on a spicier, more hearty look. If you have time, it’s a great way to experience a different side of this wonderful country.

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR BANANA FUDGE CAKE BY FLORA CUISINE

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR BANANA FUDGE CAKE BY FLORA CUISINE

Serves 8 people

Prep 10-12 minutes (+ 5 mins for decoration)

Cook for 45-50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 large ripe banana
  • 1 ½ tbsp skimmed milk
  • 70ml Flora Cuisine
  • 90g self-raising flour
  • 90g soft brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3 chocolate fudge bars diced into small pieces
  • 50g dried banana chips, broken in half (reserve a few whole ones for decoration)
  • 50g dark chocolate, broken into pieces for decoration

 Method

  1. Preheat the oven to gas mark 3/170oC/150oC fan/325oF.
  2. In a bowl, mash the banana and milk together. Add Flora Cuisine, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and egg and whisk well together. Fold in the broken banana chips and diced fudge (keeping a little fudge back for decoration).
  3. Transfer to a greased, lined 450g/1lb loaf tin or 20cm (8 inch) cake tin and level the top using the back of a damp spoon.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the cake is golden-brown, well risen and spongy to the touch.
  5. Allow the cake to cool for around 10 minutes before removing from the tin and leaving it to cool on a wine rack.
  6. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cake and top with banana and fudge pieces.

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO THE HOTTEST MAKEUP TRENDS FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO THE HOTTEST MAKEUP TRENDS FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS

If you like your makeup understated and natural, you might want to look away now as the below infographic by MISSYEMPIRE.COM highlights some of the most popular makeup styles of the last 35 years.

While some of them may seem a little outrageous, and better off left in the past, fashion always goes in cycles, so you could see some of them making a big comeback!

So let’s go back in time to see how the last 35 years of makeup looks. Would you be happy rocking the one from the year you were born?

5 IDEAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING YOUR NEXT CAR

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING YOUR NEXT CAR

It’s easy to lose your head when your heart has fallen for the car of your dreams. Sometimes, in the first flushes of love, our sense of judgment goes out of the (faulty) window. Rash decisions are made and before you know it you’re lumbered with a car that doesn’t give you nearly as much pleasure as your first few whirlwind spins suggested it might. Sometimes, a little voice in your ear is needed to keep you on the right side of the road. Well, we are that voice and here are our 5 IDEAL questions you should be asking before buying your next car.

Does the car have a clean history? 

First things first, it’s vital to do a vehicle check and look at the car’s history. Once upon a time, this would mean thumbing through documents of biblical depth and questionable authority, but now websites exist on which you can carry out a super-quick search. If there’s a sense of a rushed attempt at sale, or a price surprisingly low, then the car may have been stolen.

Websites like mycarcheck.com or regcarcheck.co.uk are a good place to check a car’s history.  They can also tell you if the car has been in a crash recently, or worse, written off. If so, it’s time to back away, money safely in your back pocket.

How is the tread on the tyres and is the spare, as well as tools, all present and correct?

Legally, 1.6mm of tread is needed and many used cars on the market don’t meet this criteria. A simple kick and a serious look on your face isn’t a thorough enough assessment when making such a big purchase. Ask the seller to do the legwork so you’re not on your hands and knees with a tape measure looking the fool. Also of importance, the spare tyre and all tools usually found in the boot should be present, correct and ship shape. Missing items is not only bad at face value, it is also suggestive of other discrepancies in the car’s maintenance and treatment.

Is the mileage consistent with the wear and tear?

Should there be any obvious visual cues that the low mileage isn’t appropriate to the state of the car, there’s a chance the car has been clocked – that is, the mileage has been deliberately wound back. This is unscrupulous and dangerous, and if the visual signs are there, you should be asking further questions. Again, there are websites with registration checkers just a click away that can settle any doubts you might have.

Are all locks, windows and AC in good working order?

It may surprise you just how many people give a car the-once-over without actually putting the key into the ignition. It’s essential that you check that all locks are working in tandem and that, if applicable, central locking is fully functioning. This goes for the windows and A.C too. So before buying the car of your dreams, make sure these all work. Otherwise someone else may be driving of with your dream wheels.

Does it drive off into the sunset?

After all the rhetorical and genuine questions you’ve asked, it’s time to take this baby for a test drive. There really is no better test of compatibility than hitting the open road with your new potential life partner. During the first spin, there are a number of things you should pay particular attention to. Straight off the mark, the temperature gauge, clutch and transmission should be monitored. Bear in mind you shouldn’t just be using your eyes to check; listen, too. Any issues with the engine will be most apparent via the sound its making.

 

6 IDEAL TIPS FOR BUDDING FILM-MAKERS

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL TIPS FOR BUDDING FILM-MAKERS

So you’re an aspiring film maker? Good on you. However, as we’re sure you know there’s a huge difference between making a few fun home or short movies and a fully fledged film. When you’re trying to break-through into the world of film and make your first movie, it can at times feel like a daunting task, and that’s not understatement. Knowing where to begin is almost impossible.  Although it sounds obvious, your career in film will always start with a great story and script, that’s a given, but how do you best turn that narrative into an enticing, exciting, money-spinning movie?

Without the large cash reserves behind you that most Hollywood directors have access to, turning the visions confined to your mind’s eye into eye candy for a global audience is tough, make no mistake. To put you on the the red-carpeted path to becoming an A-list director, together with Get Film, specialists in film production in Newcastle, we give you the IDEAL tips in how to make your magnum opus on minimum budget.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOCUSING ON THE SCRIPT

Special effects may look great on the big screen, but it takes serious money to manipulate them into something real and tangible.

Stellar performances from aspiring or indeed famous actors can only lift a bad storyline so far.

Be honest with yourself, the building blocks for any great film is the story and the script. It’s also the least expensive element of the package to nail. Think about it, if your story within the film is lacklustre, then does anyone really care about how much was spent making it? Your narrative is going to need poise, twists, turns and tension if the story is going to translate into a masterpiece of the silver screen.

Ideally, you should spend as much time on writing your story and script as you would during filming and post-production, if not more.

THE FOUR ELEMENTS OF A GREAT STORY

Every great story and script contains four elements, combined and delivered to great effect. The first is characters, each with a specific hyperthetic goal, and whatever this goal is, ultimately, they should have achieved it by the end of your picture. If they haven’t, or the plot should clearly steer them off their path deliberately. Everything should happen to your characters for a reason.

Secondly, setting is the vital foundation for a successful story. It doesn’t matter if it’s gritty, real and recognisable of fantastical and completely foreign to the viewer. What does matter is that it relates to the narrative in some way, or even better is part of the narrative (see Baltimore in David Simon’s The Wire for a masterclass). Equally, the setting should cultivate a certain mood and atmosphere within which to influence, and be a frame to, the character’s emotions.

Next, striking the right balance between action and dialogue is essential. Too much action and the impact of more bombastic scenes is lost in the melee of constant explosions, car chases and fisticuffs. Excessive conversation and the audience’s attention wanders – and wonders why this wasn’t a radio drama if only listening is required.

Finally, the ability to weave all of these elements together without making them clumsy and too deliberate, without exposing anomalies in your plot, and without over-thinking it, is a good starting step to production.

STICK TO ONE LOCATION

Location and image capture are traditionally the two most expensive aspects of film-making. Regardless of your budget, the transitioning and safe delivery of both equipment and crew is going to set you back pretty significantly. By reducing the time in transit and distance of travel you’re bound to reduce your budget. Limited location filming can work to your advantage, creating a real sense of place and claustrophobic tension.

Hey, some of the best modern-day directors used sparse locations in some of their most critically acclaimed films. Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (1993) and The Hateful Eight (2015) were filmed in limited location format – the former in an abandoned safe house and the latter in a lodge. True, dialogue needs to be strong and snappy, but putting pen to paper has got to be cheaper than peddle to the metal, right?

EQUIPMENT USAGE

As you’re probably painfully aware of, camera equipment is very expensive indeed. If trying to keep on top of your budget (and hey, we know you are, that’s why you came to us) all you need is a camera, a tripod, a microphone and appropriate editing software for during post-production.

Don’t overextend yourself in terms of equipment when starting out. Gradually invest in newer, more complex equipment as your grasp of more basic techniques increases. There is a large second-hand market when it comes to camera equipment, and when you’re not using other forms of equipment regularly (such as lighting rigs), rental is definitely advisable.

DON’T RELY ON OTHER PEOPLE’S MUSIC

Great soundtracks can lift even a dud film, truly brilliant ones can lift equally brilliant films into the stratosphere. However, when you’re starting out, don’t use your playlist of favourite songs as the soundtrack to your film, as legally royalties will need to be met, and that’s a costly business we doubt you’ll have budgeted for. Musician’s unions are much stronger than actor, writer and film unions, which means you shouldn’t play with fire where copyright is concerned.

Do you have a friend or family member who is musically talented? Ask them if they would like to be involved in your production and write some music for it. Or if you’re a musically talented, try writing the soundtrack yourself. You can even try to get an unsigned band to write the score – they’d be thankful for the exposure if your film generates interest.

BE ORGANISED

It sounds obvious, but make sure you and the actors you are working with are organised and understand what they’re doing. This will make filming run smoother, and will ultimately save you time and money in the long run. By ensuring you’re prepared before you start filming, you may surprise yourself and make a great film on a low budget!

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