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5 IDEAL TIPS TO PREP YOUR HAIR FOR AUTUMN

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS TO PREP YOUR HAIR FOR AUTUMN

As the summer comes to a close and your hair has had too much sun, salt water and experimenting in an attempt to look like a Victoria Secret model on the beach, those glossy locks are starting to look limp, coarse and tired. Not to mention the highlights, straighteners and curling irons routinely used to acquire that summer beach hair, the end result is not a healthy one.

Whether you want to add some extra volume to hair that is lacking lift or want to create a power hold for a special event, the perfect blow-out is your new best friend. Hair maestro Asgar Saboo, who has styled a broad range of A-list personalities such as Cindy Crawford and Eva Longoria  is here to share his top tips on how to achieve the perfect blow-out that will leave you looking and feeling like you have just stepped out the salon.

The Baking Soda Clarifying Wash

Shampoos strip our scalps of natural oils and hairspray, salt sprays, moose, and other products cause build up within the hair. The natural baking soda method is very effective by removing this build up in a simple and chemical-free process.

How to: Start by mixing 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water. Apply the baking soda and water mixture to dry or wet hair by starting at the roots and working to the ends. Let it sit for 1 – 3 minutes then rinse with cold to warm water to give your hair a shiny finish.

The Apple Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar is crammed with nutrients that are great for rejuvenating locks. These include, vitamins B & C and potassium, because it is slightly acidic, it also serves to restore the natural pH of the acid mantle of the hair. Exposure to this acidity hardens the outer layer of the hair and flattens the cuticle, resulting in hair that shines and is less prone to tangling or snagging.

How to: Mix the apple cider vinegar, water in a 2:1 ratio. After shampooing and rinsing the hair, lean the head back and pour the rinse over the entire scalp, allowing mixture to run through the hair, gentle squeeze the product into the hair. Be careful to avoid contact with your eyes as vinegar is acidic. Let mixture sit in hair for 1-2 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Trim Those Tresses

After the summer hair needs a trim, as it can tend to look straggly. Getting a stylist to give you a full haircut or trim of just a little at the ends, will give that freshly groomed look without changing the length too much. The more that is chopped off, the healthier the hair will be. Blunt cuts are great for thin hair to remove the broken ends and make the bottom of the hair look thicker. For long hair even periodic trims are beneficial and vital.

Shea Butter Moisture Mission

Thicker and more viscous products are needed in the upcoming months from the cold winds and drying air. A shea butter mix is great for smoothing the hair out and reducing fly-aways. Hair masks penetrate the cuticle to help rebuild strength and elasticity. It also provides colour protection which the sun and other elements would have taken away from summer. 

How to: Apply the shea butter all over the hair and wrap up in a bun to stop any dripping, fall out and to lock in the product. Cover with a shower cap and leave in overnight for extra permeation. Using this once a week will show a noticeable difference, however the more applications of shea butter the shinier and thicker the hair will look and feel.

Hot Heat Protection

Picking up the heat styling products more in the coming months to battle the tangling of the wind, means scooping up heat styling protection products is a must. Heat exposure of over 110C causes many types of hair issues. Heat damages the hair fibre surface making it feel rougher, it weakens the keratin that makes up the hair, which ultimately makes it break off easily. Heat protection products help by adding a barrier to direct contact with the hair fibre surface. This means they reduce the transmission of the damaging heat to the hair. 

How to: To make it easy, invest in a good protecting spray and spritz all over the hair when damp before heat it applied.

10 Ideal Restaurants For A Competitive Eating Challenge In London

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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10 Ideal Restaurants For A Competitive Eating Challenge In London

The world of competitive eating, where adversaries stuff their faces at high speed in the name of, more often than not, nothing more than a free meal, is a happy place for us. Cheese-laden, protein-heavy, tear inducingly spicy plates are de rigueur in this medieval practice, and we’re all for that. Just look at this article by Netflights on the biggest and best food eating competitions in the USA, you’ve got to admire contestants brave enough to take on a 4lb roll of sushi.

While America seem to have the monopoly on the craze, with diners from East to West acting as the battleground for hungry, wild-eyed participants, London isn’t far behind. Here are our 10 IDEAL restaurants in which to put your competitive eating to the test.

MEAT LIQUOR – The Triple Chilli Challenge

Some eating challenges present obstacles of quantity. Others of fierce chili heat. The Triple Chilli challenge at Meat Liquor does both. Brave participants have to tackle a burger, hot dog and fries all covered with jalapenos. Prepare to get sweaty, your place on their wall of fame depends on it.

Website: meatliquor.com

THE CLAPHAM NORTH – The Infamous Beast Burger

With just 12 minutes to take down this beef, pulled pork and chicken between two buns behemoth, it’s not easy, but well worth it. You get a free drink, a t-shirt AND a your picture on their wall.

Website: www.theclaphamnorth.co.uk

ABSURD BIRD SPITALFIELDS – The Absurd Bird Wings Challenge

£24, 24 wings. Complete it and the wall of fame awaits. Prove yourself chicken to the challenge and cough up the money. It’s that simple.

*ABSURD BIRD IS NOW CLOSED

THE BREAKFAST CLUB – The Breakfast Club Pancake Challenge

An annual challenge, held on Shrove Tuesday, the Breakfast Club’s Pancake Challenge involves finishing a twelve stack in the same amount of minutes. With all proceeds going to charity if you lose, this is a win-win challenge.

Website: www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com

RED DOG SALOON, HOXTON – The Naga Viper Chilli Challenge

The Napa Valley chilli is seriously hot – sweat from your brow may be an additional seasoning in this ferocious challenge. You’re only required to tackle six wings but there’s no drink allowed to quench your thirst and soothe the pain. Will you be a wall of famer or a hall of shamer?

Website: www.reddogsaloon.co.uk

BLUES KITCHEN, SHOREDITCH – The Hot Dog Challenge

A Fourth of July extravaganza, competitors have a 30 minute time limit to see how many hot dogs they can get down their neck, with the winner treated to a £50 bar bill. Speed is the name of the game here, so come hungry and focused.

Website: theblueskitchen.com

OCTOBERFEST PUB, FULHAM – The Double Knuckle Challenge

To win your own litre beer glass, typical of German beer halls, you first have to take down two pork knuckles, a host of sides and a litre of beer. It’s the bubbles that get you.

Website: www.octoberfestpub.com

PORKY’S, CAMDEN – The Iron Pig Challenge

This one comes in race format, the faster you can tackle a pork burger, set of ribs and six wings, the better. The record is just under 11 minutes – can you beat it?

Website: porkys.co.uk

10 IDEAL RESTAURANTS FOR A COMPETITIVE EATING CHALLENGE IN LONDON

THE COUNTY ARMS, WANDSWORTH – The Two-Foot Sausage Roll Challenge

A sausage roll? Easy peasy, you might say. Two foot’s worth though, all that meat and buttery puff pastry, gets seriously filling. It’s free if you can conquer it without assistance and lubrication. Even if you can’t, at least you’ll never have your head turned by Upper Crust at the train station again.

Website: www.countyarms.co.uk

THE PRIDE OF PADDINGTON – The Terry Tucker Challenge

This challenge changes according to the day, with anything from a giant lasagna to massive shepherd’s pie cropping up. The last time we checked in was a triple-burger with sides including a tripple portion of fries – if you finish it’s free, if not your wallet is damaged to the tune of £25.

Website: theprideofpaddington.co.uk

5 IDEAL WAYS TO KEEP WARM IN YOUR BED THIS AUTUMN

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO KEEP WARM IN YOUR BED THIS AUTUMN

We’re all in denial. Praying for that Indian summer that will never come, inviting friends round for a barbeque that’s sure to be rained off and planning an Autumn camping trip. All full of promise but all you’ll be full of is flu. It’s time to wise up, the cold nights are coming. With that in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL ways to keep warm in bed this Autumn.

DUST OFF THE OLD HOT WATER BOTTLE

There’s nothing like an old fashioned hot water bottle to warm the cockles. It’s a sentimental choice – the smell of faintly burning rubber taking us back to childhood nights of warm cocoa and bedtime stories. What’s more, it has the magical ability to hone in on whatever part of the body is feeling particularly chilly. Cold arms? Hold it in a warm embrace. Feet are numb? Caress it between your toes. 

SWITCH YOUR BEDDING

That thin sheet was great during those two nights of balmy summer, but get real, those nights are gone for another a year (did they ever exist?). Change up your bedding to flannel sheets, use a down comforter and deploy extra blankets with enthusiasm. Just don’t pile them too high or you’ll have none left for the next push into winter.

GET A HEATED MATTRESS PAD

Say goodbye to cold sheets and chilly feet with a heated mattress pad, guaranteeing a toasty bed and the feeling of being a old lady. Most feature sleepguard overheat protection for added peace of mind – highly recommended. In fact, with one of these installed, the biggest danger is never wanting to leave your bed again. Go on, hibernate – nobody is judging you.

WEAR THE RIGHT PYJAMAS

It seems so simple, but we’re as guilty as the next person when wearing the wrong attire to bed. It’s common sense that sleeping nude in winter isn’t going to result in a cosy sleep, and wearing a boiler suit when you hunker down in summer is probably going to be a little too hot. Be smart about what nightwear you don – flannel trousers are insulating yet loose enough for the autumn months, and paired with a simple white t-shirt become something of a fashion statement. Equally, the right nightdress provides warmth, comfort and appropriate looseness for a good night’s sleep.

USE AN ELECTRIC BLANKET

For warmth and comfort, electric blankets are ideal for the cold winter months. All electric blankets now adhere to strict safety standards with overheat protection. However, electric blankets can cause fires on rare occasions if you don’t take the right precautions. So, although the best bet for maximum warmth, it’s super important to stay safe, too. Sleelypeople.com have put together this great infographic which looks at some of the steps which you can take to ensure that your electric blanket is safe. 

 

5 IDEAL REASONS TO VISIT THE LAKE DISTRICT

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS TO VISIT THE LAKE DISTRICT

The U.K and Ireland is home to 33 World Heritage sites, something we should be very proud of. The must-visit locations stretch from Northern-most Scotland to the very South of England, taking in Ireland and Wales, too. This great infographic by Citybase Apartments maps them out – suddenly making the ‘staycation’ a very tangible, plausible, appealing prospect. It really is a wonderful advert for the Great British Isles, check it out and ponder – how many have you been to?

Earlier this year the Lake District was announced as a new UNESCO World Heritage site – great news and only surprising that it didn’t happen sooner. We love it there, and can’t wait for our next visit. With that in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL reasons to visit the Lake District.

NATURAL BEAUTY

The obvious, and only, push you should need to visit – the natural, breathtaking beauty of the Lake District is second to none. We’ve travelled the world over in search of something more majestic, of somewhere more grand in its untouched grace, but we just keep coming back here. It’s a quiet, reflective space, at the peak of a hike you could hear a pin drop, and there is such beauty the solitude you can find there. Hills and mountains stand proud and tall, lakes shimmer below, and your heart is left there forever.

ARTISTIC INSPIRATION

Wander lonely as a cloud just like William Wordsworth, for this is the place that inspired his famous daffodils poem.  Not content with being a muse just for one, the Lake District also inspired Beatrice Potter’s writing and drawing – you can even visit her former home Hill top at Near Sawrey. Also in 1816, J.M.V Turner famously captured the transcendent views in paint. The list goes on, and quantity does not lessen its quality.

A GREAT FOODIE SCENE

Not a place you’d traditionally expect to find a foodie mecca, but the Lake District is a haven for culinary creativity. For the first series of their new famous food/travel/comedy mash-up The Trip, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon explored the area’s restaurants and landscapes, putting the foodie scene of the Lake District firmly  on the map.

It’s home to quite a few Michelin- starred restaurants, the most famous being Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume – another star of the Trip. His ingredients-led, wildly inventive British cooking is some of the best in the country, if not the continent, and is worth the visit alone. If fine-dining isn’t your thing, some of the very best pub grub in the country can also be found in the area. A couple of famous sweets also herald from the Lake district – kendal mint cake and cartel sticky toffee pudding.

ACTIVE ADVENTURES

The Lake District is not just for contemplative long-walks and musings from the top of a mountain, it’s also a great opportunity for some adventure sports. As you’d expect from anywhere with this amount of natural water, there’s more kayaking, canoeing and white-water rafting than you can shake an oar at. Additionally, the sheer faces of the mountains provide some ace, hair-raising rock climbing and abseiling. If wheels are more your thing, mountain and quad biking are also a lot of fun here.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

There are conservation areas abound in the Lake District, offering some amazing, protected wildlife and fauna. See red squirrels running wild, otters building dams, wild deer standing proudly and meerkats doing their hilarious thing, to name but a few.

5 IDEAL REASONS NOT TO DESPAIR OVER LESS THAN DESIRED EXAM RESULTS

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL REASONS NOT TO DESPAIR OVER LESS THAN DESIRED EXAM RESULTS

There is no denying that exam periods are one of the most stressful and mind-challenging times in any student’s lives. With tedious revision sessions, heaps of worry, lack of sleep and the dreaded results day itself, it is understandable that there is an air of negativity from teachers, parents and students alike. However, hard work pays off and good exam results can provide a foundation, guidance and structure in the subsequent choices you make.

However, do exam results really determine your future? Should you be re-evaluating your life if you don’t achieve your desired results? We think not, and here are 5 IDEAL reasons why.

SCHOOLS ARE LOOKING BEYOND RESULTS

As research grows into learning styles, different speeds of development and different forms of intelligence, it is now becoming more commonly accepted that exams should not be the only way to assess performance. Many schools are now willing to look beyond result and take a broader snapshot of the individual based on a variety of factors. Cognita Schools, for example, have made it clear that there is no need to worry unnecessarily if you didn’t get the results you’d wished for, especially at GCSE level. There will always be alternative options that will help your life pan out in the most suitable way for you.

CHARACTER AND COMPETENCE, NOT QUALIFICATIONS

Potential employers won’t simply look at your exam results and give you the job, no questions asked. Sure, they may be important on paper, but nowadays, employers are looking for far more than multiple A grades. A few things that employers value over exam results include; creativity; the ability to work in a team; motivation and determination; resilience; and experience.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE OVER NON-APPLICABLE ACADEMIA

Perhaps the most important factor listed above is experience. It is so important to rack up as much experience as possible, preferably in your desired career field. Employers will always be impressed to see that you have taken the initiative and reached out to companies to help enrich your knowledge and skillset. Experience will always be a valuable attribute in your armoury. If you’re planning a career in finance, time spent in an office will stand you in better stead than a C grade in textiles. Go figure.

GRAFT AND GRIT GOES A LONG WAY

Your ability to work and communicate well within a team is another skill that will impress your potential future employer. There is nothing better than to simply get stuck in, getting to know you co-workers and making an effort. Although your precise role and responsibility will vary from job to job, the objective is simple. Communicate with your team, listen to your team and understand your team’s needs. When employees are happy with their working environment, the increase in productivity is remarkable – and you can play a part in this.

YOUR TRUE CALLING AWAITS

At the end of the day, it can be tough to establish whether you should depend on exams to determine your future. Exams are an excellent start in building your future, providing foundation and guidance. However, being shoehorned by success in a specific field at a young age could, in fact, close doors, rather than open them. Be open-minded and willing to look beyond your skillset at paths you may not have otherwise trodden. You may surprise yourself!

THE IDEAL TRAVEL GUIDE TO BANGKOK: WHERE TO STAY IN THAILAND’S CAPITAL

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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THE IDEAL TRAVEL GUIDE TO BANGKOK: WHERE TO STAY IN THAILAND’S CAPITAL

We love Bangkok. The mega metropolis is all things to all people, managing to be both sophisticated and rugged, and all things in between. You can be anyone here – get lost and lose yourself, or show off and flaunt – in Thailand’s capital, you can have it all. When visiting the capital the hotel options are endless. We’ve spent a lot of time in Bangkok and in doing so, we’ve developed an affection for some places that keeps us coming back again and again. Here are our 5 IDEAL hotels in Bangkok.

RIVER SURYA – LOCATED ON THE RIVERSIDE

A boutique 4 star hotel offering dreamy views across the water, River Surya is an idyllic urban getaway, offering easy access to Bangkok’s historic past from a vantage point of the city’s sophisticated present. The hotel is located on Phra Athit Road which is one of the hippest streets in Bangkok. Lining the street is an abundance of cute cafes, groovy bars and local eateries. With it’s thriving music scene and eclectic mix of clientele, the area has a unique and inviting vibe that attracts locals and tourists alike. It’s also right next to Khao San road – supremely handy as you can make the most of the area’s budget vibe while staying in a gorgeous hotel.

Read our full review of River Surya here 

TOWER CLUB AT LEBUA – LOCATED ON SILOM ROAD

If your have a penchant for opulence and insist on the finest things that life has to offer while you’re on holiday, then the Lebua will not disappoint. From the service and facilities, to the rooms and the captivating views over Bangkok, all aspects of the hotel play a part in making your stay at the Lebua one to remember. Towering over central Bangkok, the Tower Club at Lebua is located in Bang Rak, close to the Silom business district and the Chao Phraya River

Read our full review of Tower Club at Lebua here

ANANTARA RIVERSIDE – LOCATED ON THE RIVERSIDE

Situated on the west shore of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, Anantara’s location feels a little isolated from the rest of the city, however in reality it’s not at all.  On the edge of Bangkok’s business district, its position differentiates the hotel from others in the Sathorn area and it’s all the better for it. The quiet location is a welcome escape from the madness of the city, but close enough to the bustle and excitement of attractions like Asiatique (opposite) that you still feel part of it. The hotel has an elegant old world charm about. Traditional wooden carvings abound and marble floors gleam. The grounds are stunning with an abundance of tropical plants and gorgeous palm tress. The sweeping views of the river are breathtaking and you can get lost, watching all the boats go by. Also, you can’t beat sunset here. Witnessing day become night from the edge of the Anantara’s pier is something that will stay with you forever.

Read our full review of Anantara Riverside here

THE SIAM, BANGKOK – LOCATED ON THE RIVERSIDE

Nestled amongst Bangkok’s historical palaces, temples and museums; a lucky few will happen upon the boutique gem, The Siam. With just 39 suites and villas set in three acres of prime land on the banks of Chao Phraya River in the city’s lesser known Royal Dusit district, The Siam is a true benchmark property in Bangkok. The Siam offers all the services expected in a property of this calibre and more, all delivered with panache and intuitive Thai service.

Read our 5 ideal reasons to stay at The Siam here

SIAM KEMPINSKI – LOCATED BEHIND SIAM PARAGON MALL

If you are looking for a hotel that will take your breath away then you have found it. Although five star hotels in Bangkok are abundant, few hotels in the capital can compare to the luxurious world of Siam Kempinski. Tucked just behind one of Asia’s largest shopping complexes, the hotel is a stone’s throw away from the Siam Paragon Mall, Central World, MBK and the markets of Pathuwan. Out of all the luxury hotels in Bangkok, this one really is in an enviable position and the perfect place for people who love to shop, allowing guests to easily enjoy the restaurants, shops and hustle and bustle of the walkway-linked luxury shopping malls of Bangkok

Read our full review of the Siam Kempinski here

SO SOFITEL – LOCATED NEXT TO LUMPINI PARK

A boutique hotel in the centre of Bangkok that fuses French luxury with Thai culture, and at the heart of it all – The Tree of Life; an emblem designed by famed couturier and design legend Christian Lacroix. The emblem combines the five elements of water, earth, wood, metal and fire into one uniting icon.  Situated on the corner of North Sathorn Road and Rama IV roads, the Sofitel So Bangkok has a phenomenal view and looks over the lush green Lumphini Park – Bangkok’s equivalent of Central Park.Come here To stay in a ultra-stylish boutique hotel where everything is plush, lush and modish.

Read our full review to the So Sofitel here

SHANGHAI MANSIONS – LOCATED ON YAOWARAT RD (CHINATOWN)

On Yaowarat Road, right in the heart of Bangkok’s most vibrant Chinatown, this 4-star hotel can be found right in the thick of things. Stepping off the busy street into its calm, cool surroundings is immediately relaxing, like applying Aloe Vera to sunburnt skin. The building is nine floors high, and steeped in glamorous history. It used to be owned by one of the country’s most prominent Thai-Chinese families, and was a Chinese Opera House for performing arts. It also served as a house of ill-repute for a while. The hotel still has a sense of theatricality and artistry about it today which can be found in its decor.  Here, the romance of old-world Shanghai is met with the modern comfort and style of new-world Shanghai.  Although the fabulous décor transports you back to a bygone era, the modern amenities allow all the comfort you so desperately need after 12 hours hunched up on a plane or bus.

Read our full review of Shanghai Mansions here 

5 IDEAL AT-HOME EXERCISES THAT WILL DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL AT-HOME EXERCISES THAT WILL DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE

Just like any form of physical exertion, there are great ways to improve stamina, technique and strength during sex. Implementing these simple but incredibly effective techniques into your workout routine could improve your experience between the sheets tenfold. With this in mind,  Keith McNiven, owner of Right Path Fitness, shares 5 IDEAL exercises to help dramatically improve your sex life – allowing you to last longer, use more adventurous positions and generally be a ‘freak in the streets’.

GLUTE BRIDGE

The glute bridge literally involves thrusting your hips in a rather bedroom-like manner, so it is an absolute must to build your sexual skills. It works your core, hamstrings and your glutes, keeping your body strong, toned and ready for action.

HOW TO DO IT: Lie on your back with your feet on the floor and knees up, hip-width apart. Rest your arms on the floor and slowly lift your bottom from the mat upwards, until you’re resting on the tops of your shoulders with your back off the ground completely. You can add a bar with weights across your hips in the gym to increase the intensity.

INCHWORM

Similar to the plank, but more advanced. Works on your core, strengthens the lower back muscles and helps to keep those shoulders strong and those glutes pumped – all essential assets for great bedroom skills.

HOW TO DO IT: Start from a standing position, bend down and gradually use your hands to take your weight and walk yourself out to a plank position. Hold this position for a couple of seconds, and then walk yourself back up to a standing position. This move requires upper body strength, tensed tummy muscles and a lot of determination. The stronger you get, the faster you’ll be able to get up and down.

FIRE HYDRANTS

They may be the oddest-looking exercise of the bunch, but Fire Hydrants are certainly not to be sniffed at when it comes to sex god making. They tone your bum and thighs, and help you manoeuvre into the more unique positions that we’re sure your partner will thank you for.

HOW TO DO IT: Start on your hands and knees with your wrists underneath your shoulders and your knees directly underneath your hips. Tense your butt and your stomach as you lift one leg straight out to the side and upwards towards the ceiling. Gradually release the control to return to your starting position, and then go again with the opposite leg.

V LEG UPS

Like a sit up on steroids, nailing your V leg ups will bring you a core of steel, and the ability to navigate the whole Kama Sutra should you so wish!

HOW TO DO IT: Start sat on the floor with your legs straight in front of you, parted in the centre in a V shape. Lean back slowly and as you do so, lift your legs upwards to a 45-degree angle so that your body recreates a V shape. Keeping your tummy tensed and your balance strong will ensure you really feel this move working. It’s tough on the abs, and the slower you get into position whilst tensing, the more it’s going to work those muscles.

RESISTANCE BAND KNEELING HIP FLEXORS

With a peachy butt, great sex doth maketh (we’re pretty sure that was in a Shakespeare play). These will help work that peach and practice your all-important thrusting.

HOW TO DO IT: Tie a resistance band around a pole or something strong and sturdy. Put the other half around your hips. Get yourself into a kneeling position. Sit back on your heels and slowly kneel upwards until you’re in a strong kneeling position, tensing your buttocks at the top. Go slow and steady to really feel the burn on this.

5 IDEAL TIME-KILLING ACTIVITIES WHEN YOU’RE ON THE TUBE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIME-KILLING ACTIVITIES WHEN YOU’RE ON THE TUBE

Any citizen of the big smoke, or visitor to it for that matter, knows the trials and tribulations that tube travel entails. You muscle, scrap that, shuffle, your way through a crowd of grumpy, hungover people just like you, to a seat which has long been taken, only to be sandwiched between someone dropping KFCrumbs on your shoes as they mouth the lyrics, incorrectly, to Despacito.

We all know there’s desperate need for distractions, whether it’s from the mind-numbing monotony of the daily commute or the risk of making eye-contact with a co-worker in the same carriage. With this in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL time-killing activities when you’re on the tube.

PLAY A GUESSING GAME IN YOUR HEAD

We all do it, don’t we? We have a whole host of go-to-guessing games which only require an imagination and furtive glances. To name but a few; we like to look at everyone’s shoes and decide which we’d be happy to wear and on what occasion. Weird? Probably, but it’s a game that keeps on giving, as passengers alight and disembark with regularity.

Making suppositions about what people got up to the previous night, or where they’re headed the current one, is another simple game. Londonist have a great list of games to play on the tube here if you’re after more ideas. 

Or, get more ambitious and create Haikus about the rich tapestry of characters in the carriage. Here’s one we made earlier…

guilt stricken, hidden

by beard, make-up and scent

but i know your game

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MYRIAD FREE PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE

We wish ‘rush hour crush’ in the Metro was its own, feature length daily. It’s the perfect blend of comedy and romance and fills a few minutes of any journey. Stylist, NME, Time Out and Foodism also have enough going for them to be worth extending your arm for as you pass their keen distributors. You think you don’t need them, you might politely decline, but everyone has felt the joy and relief of finding one on the train before a long ride when your phone is out of battery.

TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN NEW SKILLS

It seems absurd, counter-intuitive even, but your commute is a large heft of time that could genuinely be well spent. Set simple, achievable goals for a week of travel. Maybe learn and memorise 20 common sign-language phrases. Listen to an audiobook of Ancient Japanese history. Read a recipe book of a cuisine you’re unfamiliar with. Do anything to use the time productively.

PLAY A GAME ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR USE AN APP

A fail-safe option, and one you’ll notice half the bloody train are doing if only you’d look up from your candy crush. Games, both simple like snake, or battery and data-draining like the new addition of mobile Football Manager, are so adept at killing tube-time that you’ll be genuinely disappointed when you reach your destination. 

Or if you think playing games is a waste of time, there are a number of apps you can download for life-hacking and getting stuff done during your commute.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

There is no place more infuriating, more irritating, than a packed commuter train. We’re jealous of all those commuters on the Oxford Tube (with all that legroom) who don’t  have to deal with the underground and all the torment it brings. Jealousy aside, when you’re on tube, there is no place more worthy of mindfulness. Download a podcast which guides you through breathing techniques, keys to relaxation and more, and spend the journey blissed out, peaceful and unaware of the annoyances you’d otherwise be fixated on.

5 IDEAL PIECES OF ADVICE ON HOW TO COMBAT NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AT THE GYM

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL PIECES OF ADVICE ON HOW TO COMBAT NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AT THE GYM

Building a healthy relationship with the gym and exercising is one of the most rewarding things you can do. There’s nothing quite like the post-workout buzz to brighten up your day, make you feel accomplished and ready to tackle the world.  

But our minds can be our worst enemies when it comes to exercise. The journey to achieving our goals can be plagued with negative thoughts – especially at the gym. We often tell ourselves we’re not good enough. We pick ourselves apart for not being at the finish line and put pressure on ourselves to achieve dramatic results too quickly. However, with time, patience, commitment and determination, you will see changes – you just need to believe in yourself.

Keith McNiven, British and National wrestling champion, and owner of Right Path Fitness, shares his advice on how to stop thinking these 5 negative thoughts at the gym.

Everyone is looking at me and laughing

No they’re not – they’re looking at themselves. Everyone at the gym is focused on their own personal goals, progress and workout. No one will be looking at you, and definitely not judging you. If they do look at you it will be an acknowledgement that you came to the gym whilst others didn’t. Be proud of yourself – building up the courage to actually get to the gym and work out is often harder than the workout itself!

Build your confidence by buying snazzy new gym gear and listening to a playlist that gets you pumped!

I’m not fit enough to be here

The gym is a place for absolutely everyone – and everyone starts somewhere. You may not feel at your peak physicality right now, but after a few consistent months in the gym you will most certainly be on your way there. Picture your future, fit self and make that your motivation. Don’t walk away and never give up. Everyone you see in the gym had a starting point. Your journey is just beginning, so keep going and think of your end results.

I don’t know what I’m doing

Figuring out which types of exercises you need to be doing can be a bit of a nightmare in the gym – especially when you see others navigating machines you’ve never even heard of before. The first step is to relax. Ask the staff or personal trainers at the gym for some tips on where to start – most gyms offer an induction session to get you started. If you’re still a bit nervous to ask, then watch some of the many exceptional blog posts and YouTube videos out there showing you different types of exercises that target different results and areas. Or why not go to a fitness class? Attending a class will teach you some new moves that you can start to incorporate into your own workouts, and exercising in a group will remind you that you’re not alone on this fitness journey.

I’m never going to burn off all the calories I ate yesterday

Once you stop viewing the gym as a punishment, then implementing regular workouts into your life will become so much simpler. By banishing the idea that exercise is for burning off everything you ate, you will be less likely to be disappointed at the end of a workout. If you had a bad day yesterday, draw a line and start again. Don’t go to the gym to punish yourself – go because it makes you feel good, you enjoy it and you know it will give you great results.

I had a terrible workout

We all have off days. Sometimes you get to the gym and your body just won’t cooperate. Perhaps you find yourself struggling to lift as heavy, or struggling to run as far. Don’t worry – you’re only human. Don’t feel disheartened – any exercise is better than no exercise! Just be determined to come back and smash your next workout even harder.

5 WAYS PROSECCO IS IDEAL FOR YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL

Editorial Team
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5 WAYS PROSECCO IS IDEAL FOR YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL

There’s no denying that prosecco is the drink of the moment. Brits consumed a third of all the Italian fizz produced last year, according to Metro, we’re desperate to find any guilt free excuse for a glass of the good stuff.

So here’s for the good news. Studies have now suggested that prosecco fans could be onto something, with evidence suggesting that a glass or two a week could actually have some health benefits. In case you need another excuse to enjoy a tipple this weekend, together with Steve King, director of the online gifts retailer Bottled & Boxed, we’ve settled upon five ways in which prosecco is IDEAL for your mind, body, and soul.

It could improve your circulation

Prosecco and champagne could be good for your heart and circulation, according to research carried out by the University of Reading. This is because the polyphenols (plant chemicals found in the grapes used to make prosecco) are absorbed into your circulatory system, slowing down the natural removal of nitric oxide — the chemical that controls your blood pressure — from your blood. Because the nitric oxide is given more time to work its way around your vessels, it can improve the overall blood flow around your body. The University of Reading says that, as a result, a glass or two of prosecco could lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of blood clots.

It can boost your mood

Sparkling wine contains natural trace elements of zinc, magnesium, and potassium. According to The Express, this means the tipple could have the power to boost your mood in a similar way to fast-acting antidepressants. This is ideal if you’ve had a long day at work or need a pick-me-up every so often, but scientists have warned that alcohol shouldn’t be regarded as an effective treatment for depression. So, while it can help to improve your mood if you’re having an off day, it’s important that you don’t come to rely on it. Everything in moderation, of course.

It may help to keep your lungs healthy

Drinking white varieties of wine could help to keep your lungs healthy, says the University at Buffalo. This is because it is believed to contain certain nutrients that help to keep lung tissues in good condition. Research by a team at the university found that, while red wine in moderation has been found to improve heart health, the link between white wine and lung health could be even stronger.

It can reduce your chance of getting the sniffles

Drinking wine could reduce your risk of catching a common cold, research from the American Journal of Epidemiology has found. So if you frequently drink prosecco, you could be protecting yourself against the most common illness among Brits, which smallbusiness.co.uk claims accounted for approximately 34 million lost work days last year.

It’s great for your skin

Studies have shown that prosecco can help to detoxify, plump and smooth out your skin, according to Xtra Wine. As a result, it can help to combat some of the most common signs of ageing. It has also been found to do wonders for people who regularly struggle with breakouts or oily skin. So, why not add the odd glass of prosecco to your current skincare routine?

While I’m sure you didn’t need more reasons to enjoy a glass of your favourite prosecco, you can now go out and enjoy your weekend guilt-free. Just remember that prosecco should always be consumed in moderation, and the benefits discussed here certainly won’t apply if you do go overboard. Happy drinking! (in moderation).

10 IDEAL REASONS TO VISIT WEST SWEDEN

Editorial Team
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10 IDEAL REASONS TO VISIT WEST SWEDEN

A unique region at the heart of Scandinavia, West Sweden is a mix of stunning coastline, wilderness areas and countryside. It has everything – offering visitors the chance to go on lobster safari, go sea kayaking among the marine national park visit historic manor houses and peruse fine art in its many refined, elegant museums.

Gothenburg, the gateway to it all, is a city with a lively cultural scene and a growing reputation as a gourmet capital. High praise indeed, and with all of this in mind, here are our 10 IDEAL reasons to visit West Sweden.

A City Break In Gothenburg

With its compact centre of elegant squares, gardens and canals, Gothenburg is the ideal short-break city and the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside too. Head for the sweet-smelling central park, Trädgårdsföreningen, where the Palm House stands among manicured lawns and the perfume of over 5,000 roses.

A tight grid of smart streets buzzes with a vibrant café culture, intriguing food markets, impressive museums and a multitude of enticing restaurants – five with coveted Michelin stars.

If you thought Ikea was the pinnacle of Swedish creativity, a wander around the fin-de-siècle Art Nouveau architecture of Gothenburg will make you think again. 

While you´re there, head to the Röhsska Museum for displays of Scandinavian design classics, especially 20th-century modernist furniture. Swedes have shown their class on canvas, too, notably the Art Nouveau paintings of Carl Larsson and more modern watercolours at the Nordic Watercolour Museum on Tjörn Island. Gothenburg is also known for its many independent design and clothes stores.

Season’s Greetings – Swedish Style

With its lingering, dark winters and never-ending summer days, it´s no wonder that Swedes feel a close affinity to their seasons. To bring light to the darkest month of the year, on 13th December each town and village is filled with processions of singing children, each one led by a local girl crowned with candles, in honour of St. Lucia (the Queen of Light).

The climax of the year is the Midsummer Festival when Swedes head for the country for a day of ribbon-flinging and maypole-dancing accompanied by generous helpings of fresh strawberries and schnapps. Perfect.

The Koster islands – Sweden’s first marine national park

The Koster Islands lie at the centre of Kosterhavet, a serene marine national park – the first in Sweden – which protects Sweden’s most species-rich marine area. Visitors are able to experience this fascinating, beautiful area through a number of new activities that are sympathetic to the environment, including trips on a scientific research boat to kayaking and wildlife walks.

For Taste of West Sweden

West Sweden is a culinary destination with a huge variety of flavours and experiences. Most known for its exceptional seafood (more on that later), game, extensive range of cheeses and the all-important fertile soil, these ingredients have been used by an innovative community of chefs who blend traditional and modern culinary techniques to delicious results. Fikka and cake is a must.

For A Seafood Safari

The West Sweden culinary calendar would not be complete without the lobster season. Each year, from the end of September to November, the air along the west coast comes alive with the sound of cracking shells and the sighs of satisfied diners.

The Bohuslän coast north of Gothenburg is home to fishing villages and an abundance of seafood. Here, you can join the fishermen catching the lobster, learn how to prepare them properly from local chefs and best of all, feast on them too. Alternatively, take a boat trip to the oyster banks of Grebbestad or go for the whole Big Five – lobster, oyster, shrimps, crayfish and mussels.

Speaking of crayfish, you can’t come to Sweden without experiencing a crayfish party.

Castles & Manor Houses

The Swedes are renowned for neutrality and pacifism, but perhaps that´s because defence is better than attack. The country is littered with castles and fortified manor houses – the southern region of Sane alone has well over 200.

Sitting on its promontory on Vanern, Sweden´s largest lake, Lack Slott vies for the title of the country´s most fairytale edifice; its 17th-century baroque towers, cupolas and mouldings built on the site of a 13th-century castle. Visit Gunnebo House and Garden for tasty organic fare in café-restaurant and stay Bjertorp Manor for elegance in the country.

Sea Kayaking Along The Bohuslän coast

Sweden´s a big country – the third-largest in Western Europe – with one of the lowest population densities. It´s a land of woods and mountains, of fjords and lakes with plenty of space to enjoy whatever activities float your boat.

The Bohuslän coast draws a host of sea kayakers to paddle among its islands and fishing villages, and canoeists bob around the Dalsland lake district. Cyclists tour cross-country bike paths, passing prehistoric sites, lakes and picturesque churches, while hikers have it their way on short one-day routes or long-distance trails covering hundreds of kilometres.

The Göta Canal Cruise

A Gota Canal cruise is a classic journey through Sweden between the great cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm. Travel aboard historic steamships operated by the Gota Canal Steamship company offering nostalgic cabin accommodation and fine Swedish cuisine.  A unique cruise, you’ll travel along the iconic Gota Canal, rivers and great lakes, and visit sites of cultural interest en route.

For further information: www.westsweden.com , www.gothenburg.com

5 IDEAL PLACES TO ENJOY OYSTERS IN LONDON

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL PLACES TO ENJOY OYSTERS IN LONDON

For those of you who crave a smooth saline treat, London has a shellfull of places well worth their salt serving magnificent pearls of the ocean. Whether you’re an aficionado or looking to lose your virginity, the capital is truly your oyster. Here are our IDEAL picks for the best London restaurants to enjoy beautifully fresh oysters.

HIX OYSTER AND CHOP HOUSE  –THE IDEAL PLACE FOR OYSTER HAPPY HOUR

Hix Oyster and Chop House is as good a it gets during happy hour. Come here and pull up a stool between 4 and 6 p.m week-daily and slurp down oysters for just £1.25 each. That’s 8 for a tenner! You’d be hard-pressed to find better value anywhere in the capital.

Address: 36-37, Greenhill Rents, Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6BN

Website: www.hixrestaurants.co.uk

PRAWN ON THE LAWN  –THE IDEAL PLACE FOR PADSTOW’S BEST PRODUCE

Split between a fish mongers and sit-down restaurant, Prawn on the Lawn has been making waves with their fish in the capital for a while now. The shellfish come into the restaurant everyday from local suppliers in Padstow (where their sister restaurant is) and there is a real family-feel charm to this joint. Take a front row seat at the bar where you can watch the chefs at work for that little extra theatre.

Address:  292 – 294 St Paul’s Rd, Highbury East, London N1 2LL

Website: prawnonthelawn.com

RICHARD HAWARD’S OYSTERS – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR MARKET FRESH OYSTERS 

Borough market can be crowded and a little overwhelming, but a respite can be found at Richard Howard’s mollusk market stall. This place has stood the test of time and still remains one of the best places to enjoy oysters . The owner is a seventh generation oysterman and his family have been harvesting oysters in Essex since 1742. Richard specializes in cultivating Colchester native and Gigas oysters. Here, the oysters are shucked before your eyes, confirming freshness.

Address: 7 Stoney St, London SE1

Website: www.richardhawardsoysters.co.uk

WHEELER’S OYSTER BAR & GRILL ROOM  –THE IDEAL PLACE FOR OYSTERS AND CHAMPAGNE

If you’re in the mood for oysters and bubbly this is the place to come. Every weekday between 5 and 7pm you can enjoy the two famous aphrodisiacs for just £10. For this price you can enjoy 2 oysters, a glass of champagne and a whole lot of fun with your partner when you get home.

Address:  5 Threadneedle St, London EC2R 8AY

Website: www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk

WRIGHT BROTHERS – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR AN OYSTER MASTERCLASS

No list on the capital’s best oyster bars would be complete without the Wright Brothers. Delicious fresh seafood and a veritable “oyster experience” is on offer and a reputation for amazingly fresh seafood is well deserved. Now having five outposts across the capital, no one can argue with the sway these siblings hold. For £60, you can enjoy an oyster masterclass, with a regional tasting of various oysters from around Britain and France, as well as plenty of theory for those wishing to expand their knowledge of these great molluscs. A two hours of shucking and scoffing very well spent.

Website: www.thewrightbrothers.co.uk

14 IDEAL TIPS FOR WORKING AT HOME

Editorial Team
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14 IDEAL TIPS FOR WORKING AT HOME

 

 

Working at home (in your own business) has tremendous benefits – no long commute in the rush hour, no need to ask permission to go the Dentist or to leave early to pick the kids up from school. But it can also bring a whole draft of problems too – especially if you are new to working at home. Losing the structure provided by an office setting can be very unsettling for some. Problems may include things like, never actually switching off! Or other people not respecting your time. Or just not getting organised enough to actually get anything done!!

So, when working at home, how do we remain productive – and keep a work-life balance? With the help of Louise Fleming, business coach & entrepreneur, here’s 14 IDEAL tips for working from home.

DEFINE YOUR WORK SPACE

You need to have a workplace – and that isn’t sitting on the sofa in front of the TV! If you don’t have a separate study (which is the ideal option) then try setting yourself up with a desk in the spare bedroom or dining room. You need a space where you can shut the door and feel like you are ‘at work’ and therefore feel like you have ‘finished work’ when you move out of that space at the end of your day. Psychologically this is important as it changes your state of mind from “at home” to “at work”.

Being able to shut the door on your separate space is vital – if the door is open it can signal to your family that you are available to chat (or play!). Wherever your workspace is, make sure you keep it tidy – the old adage about a tidy desk equalling a tidy mind is true! The tidier and more organised your workspace, the more productive you will be. Also, make sure you have the equipment you need – in particular ensure you have a comfortable chair with back support.

SET GROUND RULES WITH THOSE AROUND YOU

Set your working hours (see tip 4) and ensure that your friends and family are aware of this and respect it. You are NOT available for coffee, for long lunches or for play! Your friends and family probably wouldn’t disturb you at an office with questions that can easily wait until you get home – but if home is your office they may not show the same restraint. A lot of friends and family will also think that as you work from home you are able to stop for coffee or a long lunch at a moments notice! Ensure that everyone understands that interruptions are for urgent matters only.

PREPARE FOR WORK – PHYSICALLY & MENTAL

Have breakfast, take a shower and get dressed. You don’t have to wear a suit – but don’t stay in your pyjamas! Getting dressed first thing in the morning prepares you for work – it gets your mindset in the right place.

Don’t turn the computer on just to check emails as you walk past the study first thing in the morning (I am guilty of this one!) Suddenly you realise it’s lunchtime and you are still in your PJs with a stinking headache cos you haven’t had breakfast (let alone a shower!)
Make sure you are in the right mind set for the day. Start the day properly.

SET REGULAR HOURS AND STICK TO THEM

A benefit of working at home is that you don’t have to work 9-5 if you don’t want to. I tend to work from 9.30-3.00 (with a break for lunch) and then 7.30-8.30 in the evening (after my Son is in bed). Think about what works for you. You may need to work early mornings or evenings to fit around your family life or to communicate with colleagues in other timezones.

Whatever hours you decide – stick to them! (You are allowed some leeway – but don’t let work run your life).

I think this is one of the hardest ‘rules’ when working from home – it is so easy to actually never switch off. But a healthy work-life balance is important – even if you do work at home.

DON’T THINK YOU NEED AN IMMACULATE HOUSE

Don’t spend more time on housework than on working! A bit of light housework in your ‘lunch hour’ is acceptable, as is popping the odd load of washing on, but really, when you are at work, you are at work – even if you are working at home. If you can afford to get a cleaner and you would have one if you were working a ‘proper job’ in an office – still get one. Please don’t think you have to be Superwoman (or Superman) and do it all yourself because other people think you have lots more time because you work from home!!

If you take your work seriously, especially if you have just started a new business at home, then you need to put the hours into your work – not into cleaning the house!! Schedule non-work time for household chores and get the rest of the family to do their share. It is important that you don’t take on every household job just because you work from home – those around you need to respect the fact that although you are at home you have serious work to do during your scheduled hours.

LIMIT DISTRACTIONS

If your work permits- TURN OFF the telephone so that you can concentrate and get on without distraction. Only check your email at certain times of the day. It is so easy to get distracted by emails that you think have to respond to IMMEDIATELY! If you do this, you will never get any tasks finished!

TURN OFF your Skype, FaceBook, Twitter etc while you are working. Check your IM at certain times and only go on FaceBook in your break times. I know that working from home can be lonely so using Social Media can feel like your lifeline to the outside world – but this can quickly take over your day and ruin your productivity.

MAKE A DAILY TO DO LIST

Making lists can really help you to focus and stop you procrastinating – which for some reason we seem to do more of when we are sat at home on our own!! I do a weekly list of tasks and then break that down into daily tasks. Don’t just pick the easy tasks – spend quality time on your Big Rocks and your business will fly!

If you really do struggle to focus (even with a to-do list) try planning out what you are going to do each hour which should help you stay productive!

CREATE SMALL DEADLINES

This follows on from tip 7 – and can also help stop the dreaded procrastination! When you start the day it seems like you have lots of time and it can be easy to get sidetracked by the TV or the Telephone. Set targets for finishing pieces of work – e.g. “I will finish writing this blog by 11am”. “I will complete this marketing activity by 1.00”. This helps to break up your day and keep you focussed on task.

DON’T JUST TAKE A DAY OFF WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH

Don’t just take a day off because you don’t feel like working today!! If you are having a hard day – persevere – do some work anyway! If you are sick, be sick – take a proper day off to get better. If you organise a holiday day off that’s fine – but don’t just decide you can’t be bothered to work today – that is a slippery slope to go down when suddenly you never achieve anything!

TAKE SCHEDULED BREAKS

There are various ways to do this – depending on your working style. But give yourself breaks. Some people find it helpful to take a 15 minute break for every hour worked. Or maybe you would prefer to take a 15 minute break twice a day. In addition to small breaks take a proper lunch break. Eat something healthy – AWAY FROM YOUR DESK! Leave the house and get some fresh air – it will genuinely make you so much more productive when you get back to your desk. Just sitting in front of your computer with no breaks will just result in ‘diminishing returns’. You think you are working really hard – but the results just aren’t that great!!

FINISH WHEN YOU FINISH

Know when to stop working! Just because you are working at home doesn’t mean that you should be working ALL THE TIME that you are at home! Leave work at the end of the day. Susan Seaburg (Field Development Manager for Hewlett Packard) offers her input on working at home in an interview with Santa Clara University: “The good news is that now you can work anywhere – the bad news is that now you can work anywhere.” Most people go home to get away from work – you don’t have that option. So be careful that you still maintain a good work-life balance.

WATCH YOUR MOOD

Everything you listen to will influence your mood – or distract you from task. Personally I hate working in silence so if I really need to concentrate I put on some non-intrusive music just to create background noise! (My husband is the opposite – he has to work in complete silence so we use separate rooms if he is working at home too!) If I am not having to concentrate too hard I listen to educational audios – as I a member of the Empower Network Inner Circle I have access to a whole range of recordings by people at the very top of internet marketing – so I listen to those every day. These can also be great to lift your mood if you are feeling a bit low or unfocussed. Find what works for you and ensure you surround yourself with things that will give you the best frame of mind for whatever you’re doing.

SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER HUMANS

If you know you can won’t be too distracted, go and work in a cafe, hotel or library sometimes as this can just give you a change from being at home all day. Most coffee shops have free wifi these days if you need to be on the internet.

Attend some training courses or local networking events to maintain some human contact – and possibly pick up some business too! Skype or Facebook chat rooms can also be a good way to communicate with the outside world. I use these methods a lot as my team and colleagues are all over the World. But as mentioned earlier, don’t get sucked in to spending hours a day chatting on line and not getting anything else done.

Make the odd phone call too – don’t just use email. It is good for your sanity to actually speak to someone once in a while!

And last but not Least –

BE GRATEFUL

Be grateful that you CAN work at home. That you don’t have to do the awful commute, that you can be home when the kids get in from school, that you aren’t stuck in a windowless office or shared cubicle!! Above all, BE PRODUCTIVE so you can KEEP working at home!

Hope you found my top tips for working at home useful. If you want to see how I make money working at home everyday – please take a look at my blog site listed below.

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR TOASTED SOURDOUGH THREE WAYS

Editorial Team
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR TOASTED SOURDOUGH THREE WAYS

The toppings involve a good amount of pestle and mortar work but it’s much more satisfying doing it this way than in a blender.

  • Preparation time:45 minutes
  • Cooking time:15 minutes
  • Total time:1 hour
  • Serves: 6

Ingredients

Tapenade

1 garlic clove
4 thyme sprigs, leaves picked
6 anchovy fillets
100g pitted black olives
1 tbsp brandy
2 tbsp olive oil

Smashed peas

1 x ½ garlic clove
1 tbsp chopped mint
1 tbsp chopped oregano
1 tbsp chopped parsley
155g Waitrose ready-shelled garden peas
30g grated parmesan
1 lemon, juice
2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoned ricotta

250g ricotta
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 tsp chilli flakes
2 tbsp olive oil

6 large, thick slices white sourdough bread

Method

1. For the tapenade, crush the garlic with a little salt in a pestle and mortar; add the thyme and anchovies and crush to a fine paste. Add the olives and crush coarsely, then stir in the brandy and oil. Transfer to a bowl.

2. Clean the pestle and mortar. For the peas, crush the garlic with a little salt; add the herbs and crush to a paste, then bash in the peas to make a rough mixture and stir in the cheese. Stir in the lemon juice and oil before serving.

3. Mix all the ingredients for the ricotta with a little salt.

4. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat and toast the bread on each side. Cut the toast into pieces and top each with one of the mixtures. Serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of Waitrose

4 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP THIS AUTUMN

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP THIS AUTUMN

 

The hibernation months are nearly upon us and for many the diminishing light and autumn TV schedules means staying-in is the new going-out.  This is conducive to notching up a few extra hours sleep each week however, for others who struggle to drift off, it takes more than an early night and an episode of Homeland to secure the coveted eight-hours.

It’s been well documented that busy lives, high-pressured jobs and an ever-increasing dependency on technology has disrupted our natural daily rhythm.  As a result there is no longer a defined day/night cycle that regulates our sleep patterns.

Below are some tips on how to get a better night’s sleep and improve your ‘sleep hygiene’ which is defined as ‘our pre-bed routine, and the physical environment in which we try to sleep.’  You could be sleeping long hours but the quality of sleep may not be optimal. This can contribute to sluggish energy levels and reliance on coffee hits throughout the day to keep focused.

To get back in sync with natural sleep cycles, we need to think back to a time before the myriad of distractions and stressors.  Think of a cave-dweller who went to bed at sunset and slept in a cool, quiet, dark environment, rising at dawn, repeating the process night after night.

Light

Avoid ‘blue light’ a few hours before bed (i.e. iPhone, laptop etc.), limiting screen-time will give you time to wind-down. Ensure your sleeping space is free from LED lights emitting from digital devices or inflowing street lighting.

Some believe that allowing natural light into the room helps regulate your body clock however if you cannot eliminate all sources of light during the night, a black-out blind or eye mask will help.

Temperature

The temperature naturally falls at night and you should emulate this drop. In winter it can be tempting to set the heating to high and get your 14 tog duvet down from the loft, but you’ll sleep more soundly if the temperature is kept at an ambient 18C.  Simulate cave-like conditions and keep your bedroom cool and well ventilated.

Routine

This means no zigzagging bed times.  Aim to go to sleep and rise at roughly the same time each day.  Obviously this is not always achievable however a consistent approach will re-establish healthy habits.

Maintaining a regular routine with regard to exercise and eating will also help synchronise your body clock.  It’s better to avoid both too near bedtime.  Diet also plays a part; avoiding caffeine, alcohol and sugar (at all times, not just before bed) has been shown to aid sleep quality.

Psychological

Whirring thoughts and anxiety are one of the main obstacles to a good night’s sleep.  Fretting about past actions or possible future events will discourage restful sleep.  If you can, leave any work-related items outside your bedroom (blackberry, laptop, work-bag etc.).

Write a list of things-to-do and leave them in the office to worry about the next day. If you need a perceptible distraction, listen to soothing music or a lighthearted podcast/audiobook to disrupt obstructive or negative thought cycles.  In certain situations Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (or talking therapy) may help you reestablish positive thought processes and curb anxiety related insomnia.

 About our Guest Blogger

Joanna contributes to Style and Then Some . A fabulous blog dedicated to 50% all things fashion and 50% things to do/see/hear/experience in London and beyond.

Joanna has worked at numerous fashion head offices both in London and abroad and loves all things fashion and beauty, boring anyone who’ll listen about a new skincare find.

Starting out as a buyer has made her handy with a spreadsheet and knowledgeable about import logistics however has now crossed over into editorial to pursue her love of writing.

For the latest stylish outpourings from Style and Then Some, follow the blog  on Twitter  @Style_thensome

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