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5 IDEAL BEACHES IN CALIFORNIA

Rachel Stevenson
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With over 420 public beaches scattered across the 840 miles long coastline, beaches in California have a lot to offer. The most popular beach towns in California include San Diego, Santa Cruz, Malibu, Santa Monica and San Jose. So book cheap flights to these beautiful towns using one of the cheap flights apps and choose from surfing, sunbathing, hiking or just relaxing. Here’s a list of the best five beaches in California to help you get the most out of your vacation.

Coronado Central Beach

Coronado is a huge 1.5-mile long beach with mineral mica shining on its sand. This beach is located on a peninsula across the bay from San Diego. The beach gets full on the weekends and getting a free parking space can be difficult. This beach has the famous Hotel Del (open since 1888) as a backdrop and a number of shops and eateries within walking distance. Take cheap flights to San Diego and then a ferry to reach the beach. Visit with your family and park your chairs on the Coronado Beach to enjoy the sun. You can also get your pet dogs along as to the extreme north of Coronado there is a Dog Beach where canines can have fun.

Santa Monica State Beach

With the amazing Santa Monica Pier and its Ferris Wheel welcoming the visitors, this beach can accommodate thousands of visitors each day. The pier houses an amusement park, an aquarium, several restaurants and shops to make sure that the visitors get everything on the beach itself. Rides and water may be fun, but sunset at the end of the day steals the show. This stunning beach is most visited by Los Angeles residents.

Manhattan Beach

This beach is one of the most beautiful in the U.S. The beach has multimillion dollar beachfront homes in its backdrop. This beach is an example of a classic southern California beach full of volleyballs, surfers and sunbathers. There are no dining and shopping options on the beach. So for the same, you will have to visit the nearby Downtown Manhattan Beach.

El Matador State Beach

This beach is a favorite with photographers for snapping pictures of swimsuit models and stunning sunsets. To the north of Malibu, this small beach is a part of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial Beach. You have to hike a little to find your way down to the water. Walk along the beach to have a look at all the rock formations that grace the shore.

Capitola Beach

Located in the Capitola Village, the Capitola Beach is a favorite with kids and families for its proximity to restaurants, bathrooms and outdoor showers. The beach has its own parking lots so there’s hardly any issue over the parking space. Also there is free shuttle service from the parking lot to the beach so you don’t have to worry about carrying the beach gear or any other stuff that you are carrying to the beach. The multi-colored houses on the beach make for a lovely background. You can expect a lot of crowd if you are planning to visit the Beach on a weekend. Grab some last minute flights to San Jose and soak yourself in the cold water and warm sand

7 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE THE PERFECT PICTURE

Rachel Stevenson
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7 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE THE PERFECT PICTURE

Getting a good picture of yourself ain’t easy. However thanks to Beyond Certainty who are lighting experts, we know how to take a picture that won’t make you cringe.

According to Beyond Certainty, the secret to a good photo is to learn how to make the most out of your surroundings and use ambient lighting to your advantage. This will make the world of difference to your photos by softening features and adding warmth to your skin.

Below are their top tips on making the most of ambient lighting to get that perfect picture. By using these tips you’ll be sure to have lots of amazing photos to remember.

The Golden Hour

Avoid direct sunlight and taking a pic between 11 am and 1pm. If you are outdoors, the ‘golden hours’ to take a photo is in the early morning and late evening. This is when natural light is soft and you can escape the harshness of the midday sun, which can highlight imperfections.

Hollywood Lighting

Try “Hollywood lighting” for a dramatic portrait. Place a light high above and just to the side of yourself, angled down. This casts deep shadows that create a sense of volume.  Avoid placing light below you, this is called monster lighting for a reason.

Backlight rule

As a general rule, it’s best to put the light source behind you, so that it illuminates you. This creates a whimsical, dreamy feel to any photo.

Light is your friend

The further the light source, the harder the light.  Hard light can create hard edges and unflattering shadows. If you are having your photo taken indoors move lamps closer to you or vice versa for more flattering light.

Natural Light

Natural light sources offer some of the most flattering lighting possible. When using natural light, make sure the light is soft by taking your photo away from direct sunlight. Light from north facing windows, indirect window light, or shade underneath a tree will help capture you at your best by adding warmth to your photo.

Flash rules

As a rule don’t use your flash indoors. It mutes colour, casts shadows and is extremely harsh, which can make for an extremely unflattering portrait. Also, avoid using flash indoors as it leads to red eye.

Editing

Don’t leave the photos as they are – run them through your favourite editing packages such as instagram to remove all imperfections such as red eye. A quick touch up works wonders,

Beautiful light is all around us and can really impact the quality of a picture. When taking a good picture it’s essential to think about where the light is. By using ambient lighting correctly your photos will wow your chums when you inevitably upload them to Facebook.

6 IDEAL OUTDOOR LIGHTING TIPS FOR SUMMER

Rachel Stevenson
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6 IDEAL OUTDOOR LIGHTING TIPS FOR SUMMER

Want to make to most of your alfresco summer nights, look no further. Beyond Certainty who are AV and lighting experts have put together some IDEAL outdoor lighting tips to groove up your garden.

Outdoor Party Lanterns

Lanterns are the must have outdoor lighting staple. You can hang either simple paper or silk lanterns from a tree, fence or lantern hook. To make the most of your garden, place the outdoor lanterns in dark corners in your garden which will make it look bigger and really open it up.

Classic Fairy Lights

Fairy lights can be used as gorgeous garden lights that can give your outdoor area that extra sparkle.  Battery operated fairy lights are so versatile you can light up those areas you thought were impossible.

Connectable Festoon Lights

Similarly to the classic fairy light, connectable festoon lights are always a big summer favourite. These long lasting energy efficient lights are ideal for draping over hedges and bushes.

Waterproof Wireless Lights

Waterproof wireless uplighters can be used to create the perfect atmosphere in any outdoor space, they are fully programmable, and have an optimum battery life of 12 hours and do not need any messy power cables so are extremely versatile

LED Candles

 LED Candles are battery operated and can last for hours. They offer all the warmth and ambiance of soft flames that you get with real wax candles. These candles can come in many different colours and can create an enchanting, festive atmosphere that your guests will be sure to appreciate. Normal tea candles are ideal too.

Torches

Torches with oil lamps can emit a warm, gorgeous glow at the strike of a match. You can illuminate the darkest corner of your garden adding style, radiance and warmth to your garden.

 

5 IDEAL WAYS TO STAY SANE WHEN ASSEMBLING FLATPACK FURNITURE

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO STAY SANE WHEN ASSEMBLING FLATPACK FURNITURE

The following article is arranged in a random order, you have to assemble it yourself! We’re just joking – but even the thought of having to assemble something can induce feelings of fear and worry. Enter the world of flatpack furniture.

If you’ve put together a piece of flatpack furniture with a partner, then we bet you’ve quarelled with that partner about assembling it. Phrases like  “these instructions are wrong”; “there’s a missing piece”; and “it looks nothing like that in the picture!” get thrown about and can cause arguments in an already tense situation.

Online furniture retailer, The Furniture Market, put relationships to the test by challenging three couples to the 30 minutes “DIY stress test” – which highlighted what couples endure when building flat pack furniture together. Our reaction? – been there, said that.

With this is mind, here are 5 ideal ways to stay sane and avoid flatpack furniture arguments with your partner.

EAT SOMETHING FIRST

Have you ever snapped angrily at someone when you were hungry? Avoid becoming hangry (yes it’s a real thing) by eating something before you begin assembling the furniture – working on an empty stomach could lead to disaster.

MAKE SPACE

This sounds like a no brainer but make sure you give yourself lots of room to move. Clear as much space as possible. It’s so much easier to lay all the pieces out in a big space then stacking them all up . Also move any clutter out of the way, there’s nothing worse than losing a small screw under some furniture or in a pile of stuff.

SORT ALL THE PIECES OUT AND READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

Before you do anything read the instructions. Familiarise yourself with the order of assemblage and what the arrows and numbers mean. Also, divide up all the screws, bolts and pieces of furniture before you start into relevant piles – lots of pieces can look the same so organising everything before hand will help you to avoid making mistakes like joining the wrong parts together or using the wrong screw.

DON’T WORK TO A TIGHT DEADLINE

Research into flatpack furniture and relationships found that many couples  underestimated the time that it took to build the furniture, this added to the frustration which led to conflicts. Don’t make this mistake,  give yourself plenty of time to assemble the furniture and take a breather if you need it – there’s always tomorrow.

BUY PRE-ASSEMBLED FURNITURE

The last thing people want to be doing during their spare time is building furniture which might cause conflict or result in unnecessary arguments with their partner. The answer? Don’t buy flatpack furniture at all.  You can get reasonably price, high quality, pre-assembled furniture from places like The Furniture Market  to help you steer clear of flatpack arguments. 

 

 

 

 

10 IDEAL SUMMER HOLIDAY WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

Rachel Stevenson
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10 IDEAL SUMMER HOLIDAY WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

Are you heading to Ibiza or going on a city summer break? We’ve put together a list of 10 summer wardrobe holiday essentials for your convenience

Packing for your holiday can be an absolute nightmare, especially with those pesky luggage allowances. First you have to decide what to take, then there’s the dilemma of having to fit all those clothes into one small suitcase. And then after all that, inevitably you end up wearing the same things while on holiday, despite having to sit on your suitcase in order to shut it. So you don’t have to go through all the stress of holiday packing, this year, we’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of chic staples which means you have more space for gifts and any cute souvenirs you want to bring home with you.

Casual top

A versatile casual top that you can dress up with some jewellery for the evening or use as a casual cover up in the daytime is a must.

Denim Shorts

Denim shorts are the quintessential summer staple. They are tried-and-true and never go out of style. We absolutely love our vintage Levis denim short.  The high waist makes them perfect for teaming with this summer’s crop-top trend. If you don’t have any get some now. Places like Brick Vintage sell a great range!

A cute dress

No summer wardrobe is fully complete without a cute dress.  We love floral maxi dresses that can be worn in the city and on the beach. They also look fab with a pair of wedges for an evening look.

Small handbag

This is something that we always forget and as a result, end up lugging a huge bag around with us – annoying. Make sure you pack a handbag that’s small and goes with all of your outfits.

Sunglasses

No one likes the sun in their eyes and no summer wardrobe is fully complete without the perfect pair of sunglasses.

Bikini

Take two bikinis or swimsuits for a week’s holiday (they are, after all, very small).

Wedge Sandals

Go from day to night effortlessly with a comfortable wedge. We love the espadrille style which are so versatile and easy to wear. The look great with summer dresses and teamed with some denim shorts.

A denim jacket

A denim jacket is the ideal summer holiday wardrobe investment. It’s perfect for the evenings and if the weather turns a bit sour. Also it goes with absolutely everything and has a timeless appeal which means when you look back at your holiday snaps in year’s to come, you won’t be cringing and thinking ‘what the hell was I wearing’.

5 IDEAL KITCHEN BASICS FOR SMALL RESTAURANT OWNERS

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL KITCHEN BASICS FOR SMALL RESTAURANT OWNERS

Are you a serious foodie thinking about taking the plunge and transforming your passion into a career? There are a few practical issues to think about first – one of these is outfitting your first commercial kitchen. Here are five must-have pieces to pick up so that you have everything you need.

Fridge-freezer

No matter what size your restaurant is, you’ll need to keep it up to health and safety standards. This means a reliable refrigerator is essential to keep food chilled until use. However there’s a lot of variation within this general framework. For a taco truck, a basic counter refrigerator could do the trick, while an organic vegetarian kitchen might need a cold room to handle large quantities of produce.

Regardless of your operation, sourcing high-quality commercial refrigeration units from reputable suppliers like Ancastert food equipment can ensure your perishables are stored safely and efficiently.

Prep surfaces

Get the perfect surface to chop like a champ. Look for a professional butcher block crafted from anti-bacterial materials, or go for stainless steel worktops. These tend to be the easiest to clean, and give you the added bonus of being super durable so you get more for your money. You’ll get bonus points for adding a sink next to the prep surface for no-fuss cleaning.

Dishwasher

When you’re just starting out, washing dishes by hand may be the most cost-effective choice. But as your restaurant starts to grow, you’ll soon find that a proper dishwasher is worth its weight in gold. Look for one that can handle tough stains without the need to pre-wash in order to save time. 

Extraction Unit

If your restaurant menu invovles frying anything, an extraction unit is a must-have. On top of the general fire hazard, you don’t want your customers smelling like food. Make sure that your kitchen design is compliant with any local regulations.

Beverage Dispensers

A good way to boost your bottom line is with a lengthy drinks menu, but if you have a small restaurant you may not have the space for a lush lounge. Still, you can kit out your kitchen with a standard bar, ice machines, and beverage dispensing system. This will require some initial investment, but could enhance the appeal of your outfit immensely.

While the specific needs may differ depending on the kind of restaurant you’re after, these basics will get you off to a running start with your new biz.

4 IDEAL SKIN FRIENDLY & DELICIOUS DRESSINGS BY LIZ EARLE

Rachel Stevenson
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4 IDEAL SKIN FRIENDLY & DELICIOUS DRESSINGS BY LIZ EARLE

 

Liz Earle, creator of the award-winning Liz Earle Beauty Co., mother of five and organic farmer shares her favourite skin friendly dressings

Dressings are the fastest way to liven up raw vegetables and salad combinations, making summer salads tastier whilst adding more skin-saving nutrients. The thicker dressings are based on yoghurt and can also be used as dips for raw veggie crudités. For the thickest dips, use a Greek-style yoghurt. Quick and easy to prepare in advance, simply store in a plastic sealable pot or jam jar to pack with your summer picnic.

Fine French Dressing

If stored tightly sealed in the fridge, this dressing will also keep for up to a week. Makes 300ml (1/2 pint)

175ml (6fl oz) unrefined sunflower or safflower oil
120ml (4fl oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
freshly ground black pepper
1/2tsp mustard, Dijon or whole grain can be used
1/2tsp freshly grated root ginger
1-2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

Put all the ingredients in a screw-top jar, replace the lid and shake vigorously to mix well. This twist on the traditional classic has added fresh ginger for a unique zingy freshness. Works especially well when combined with skin-cleansing salads based on cucumber, chicory and fennel.

Cucumber Dressing

A delicious, refreshing dressing that also works well on sliced avocados, one of the richest sources of the skin-saving antioxidant vitamin E.
Serves 2-4

150g (5oz) cucumber
150g (5oz) natural low-fat, plain live (bio) yoghurt
1tsbp cider vinegar
1 sprig of dill
½ tsp dried sill seeds

Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor (or hand-held whisk) until the dressing is smooth and creamy. The bio yoghurt is packed with healthy acidophilus, the beneficial intestinal bacteria that can also help to keep skin clear.

Yoghurt and Chive Dressing

Serves 2-4

150ml (1/2 pint) natural low-fat, plain live (bio) yoghurt
1tbsp lemon juice
1tbsp Dijon mustard
2tbsp chopped chives
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
freshly ground black pepper

In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together, adding black pepper to season, and stir vigorously. Alternatively, place ingredients in a large, screw-top jar, replace the lid and shake well. Yoghurt and chives are a tasty, skin-friendly combo containing calcium and vitamin C.

Orange and Tamari Dressing

Tamari sauce is made from soya beans and is similar to soy sauce. This tangy recipe works very well with raw baby spinach or dark green salad leaves. It is also a useful dressing for those who dislike vinegar.
Serves 2-4

150ml (1/2 pint) freshly squeezed orange juice
1tsp grated orange peel
2tbsps tamari sauce
1tsp finely chopped fresh root ginger
3tsbsps cold-pressed olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed

In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together and stir well before using. Alternatively, put the ingredients into a large, screw-top jar, replace the lid and shake well. Use organically grown oranges where possible, alternatively, scrub the skins in mildly water to remove fungicide residues and rinsing well before grating. A cleansing and refreshing dressing, rich in the skin-saving antioxidant vitamins A (in the form of beta-carotene from the oranges), vitamin C (also from the orange juice) and Vitamin E (from the olive oil). Orange peel also contains skin-friendly bioflavonoid nutrients and fresh ginger is a traditional intestinal cleanser.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SUMMER PICNIC FOOD

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SUMMER PICNIC FOOD

Picnics are a great way to enjoy lazy summer afternoons in the sunshine . Of course, the great British weather can be very unpredictable, but keeping picnic food really simple means planning ahead is easy; you can still throw a delicious meal together with minimum fuss.

Emma Bridgewater, the handmade kitchen and dinnerware company, has shared her five tips for the perfect picnic, so get out that summer picnic ware and make the most of the sunshine while it lasts!

CHOOSE FOODS THAT TRAVEL WELL

Hopefully you’ll be taking advantage of a really beautiful day, in which case your picnic will be just one part of the day’s fun. With this in mind, choosing food which travels well means dishes remain intact and that your sandwiches aren’t disappointingly soggy by lunchtime! The most delicious sandwiches are often the simplest – ham with really good mustard is a favourite, as is smoked salmon and a thin layer of cream cheese. Use lettuce or baby leaf spinach to surround mayonnaise-based sandwich fillings to keep the bread dry.

KEEP FOOD SIMPLE

Think about how practical certain dishes are when you prepare for a picnic. Dishes that work brilliantly around a dining table may not be so sensible served balanced on a picnic rug. Finger food eliminates the need for cutlery and will usually mean less mess at the end of the meal!

CREATE A FINGER-FOOD SALAD

Chop up chunks of cucumber, cherry tomatoes, capsicum, carrot, courgette and celery sticks to make a finger-food salad. Serve in bowls with houmous for dipping for a delicious raw vegetable treat. This way you can still serve healthy food without the need for knives and forks.

SERVE FRESH AND FRUITY DRINKS

Homemade lemonade, elderflower cordial or fruit juices can be kept cool with an ice pack in your picnic hamper. Serving drinks in sturdy tumblers with a wide base mean they won’t get spilled when you spread out on a picnic rug on uneven ground. Wine glasses and champagne flutes may look elegant at a picnic, but can leave guests struggling to hold a delicate glass, cutlery and plate of food.

KEEP THE DESSERT SIMPLE

Bring a Victoria sponge cake and a bowl of fresh strawberries, blueberries or grapes for a refreshing end to your picnic. Avoid sticky foods and cover cakes and sugary deserts to keep insects at bay. Cheese and biscuits are popular with those who are not so keen on puddings. Keeping desserts simple is also likely to reduce the amount of cleaning up required at the end of the picnic!

IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO REVAMP YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE IN AN ECO-FRIENDLY WAY

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO REVAMP YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE IN AN ECO-FRIENDLY WAY

Everyone loves summer. It’s the season of lazy days by the pool, barbecues with friends, and an excuse for a new wardrobe for the warm weather. But rather than sporting past years’ clothes that have been hibernating in your closet all winter, why not repurpose your old threads into the latest summer trends? Not only will this revamp your wardrobe, but recycling clothing also plays a huge role in helping to preserve the environment.

Research shows that the UK throws away over 1.5 million tons of clothes every year. Yikes!  Ninety-five percent of clothing can be recycled, so by finding new ways to repurpose old outfits we are directly helping to reduce waste in landfills and protect the environment. And as a bonus, recycling clothes helps save money! Not sure where to begin? Planet Aid is here to help!

Turn your old jeans into cutoffs

We all have that favorite pair of jeans that we refuse to part with, despite the fact that they’re falling apart. Instead of forcing yourself to throw them away, try turning them into a pair of custom denim shorts. Not only is it easy, but it’s a fun way to keep your favorite jeans, while also gaining a brand new article of clothing.

In addition to simply cutting old jeans, there are many ways you can add your own personal style to your new cutoffs. Try dipping them in bleach, adding studs, or gluing a lace trim around the bottoms. A quick Internet search can bring you to thousands of more tips, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

Repurpose old t-shirts into new shirts

Time to turn that old, worn-out sleep t-shirt into a new top you can wear for any occasion. Whether you’re going to the beach, out with your friends, or even just to run errands, there are so many easy t-shirt transformations that are perfect for the summer! You can keep it classic by cutting off the collar or experimenting with tie-dye, or try something a little more daring like cutting it into a halter-top or adding fabric patches over pockets. If you end up making a mistake with a cut, no need to worry! Cut the shirt into a few pieces and use the cloth as rags around the kitchen.

Make your shirts into accessories

As previously mentioned, there are so many ways to easily alter shirts. Although most of us just think of the basic ways to cut shirts, did you know you can also turn them into new accessories? Turn your old shirts into tote bags, headbands or scarves.

Design new custom shoes

Clothing isn’t the only thing that can be repurposed for your summer wardrobe. Try adding some new designs to old shoes! Grab some fabric dye, doodle with markers, or stick on studs or embellishments for an easy shoe makeover. Try gluing on some new fabric for a complete transformation.

Buy with the environment in mind

If you’re still interested in adding to your wardrobe and buying new clothes, consider buying secondhand. Not only is secondhand shopping more affordable, but it cuts down manufacturing demands, gives a longer life to clothing, and helps reduce landfill waste.

Check out a local charity stores store, for a large variety of affordable clothes. Remember to look for clothing you love, but also keep your eye out for clothes you can repurpose! Oversized shirts, comfortable jeans and white shoes are perfect if you’re eager to try out any of the ideas above. Summer is the perfect time to get creative, so don’t limit yourself when it comes to thrifting. Use your imagination and have fun!  In addition, there are countless brands that use ethical practices to bring you quality clothes. If you’re looking for a new place to buy clothing.

8 IDEAL FOODS TO KEEP YOUR BODY HAPPY AND HYDRATED

Rachel Stevenson
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8 IDEAL FOODS TO KEEP YOUR BODY HAPPY AND HYDRATED

We all know that keeping hydrated is vital for good health; every cell, tissue and organ needs water. If you’re struggling to reach your recommended (by the NHS) 6-8 glasses of water a day, combine drinking water with eating your way to boosted hydration. We’ve spoken with our experts on why it is so important to keep hydrated, and the top foods to up our body’s water levels…

How can you tell if you’re dehydrated?

“Symptoms of dehydration can include headaches, dry skin, irritability, lack of concentration and dizziness amongst others. The best way of checking your hydration levels is to look at your urine. Aim for it to be as clear as possible – dark urine is a clue that you might be dehydrated,” explains Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com, the online shopping destination for health & wellbeing

Not a fan of the taste of water? Get fruity with it!

If you find water a bit tasteless and unappealing, so struggle to drink the recommended amount, try adding fruit! “You can infuse water with cucumber, lemon, mint, strawberries or blueberries overnight for refreshing flavoured water,” Lily Soutter, nutritionist and weight loss expert at lilysoutternutrition.com.

Shona shares her top 8 hydrating foods…

Cucumber

Cucumbers are one of the top hydrating foods. They are thought to be composed of a massive 96% water. They are therefore great to eat to keep our water levels up. Try adding them to juices, or snacking on them.  In the summer consider a delicious cold cucumber soup.

Grapefruit

Grapefruits are composed of 91% water. They are also often eaten to help with weight management.  A word of caution though if you are on any prescription medication, as grapefruits can interfere with them so check with your healthcare provider first.

Watermelon

The name is a bit of a give away!  Watermelon is made up of 92% water. It is also a good source of lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant.  Add a slice of watermelon to your glass of water to add flavour, and then eat the watermelon when you’re finished!

Pineapples

Treat yourself to a pineapple.  Pineapples contain 87% water.  They are delicious and also help our digestive system, as they contain a digestive enzyme called Bromelain. Try making your own pineapple ice-lollies for a tasty and refreshing source of water.

Celery

Celery has water content of 94%.  In addition, they are exceptionally low in calories – a mere 6 calories per stalk. They are also high in fibre and Vitamins A, C and K. Snack on these throughout the day and remember that they can easily be added to foods such as soups and stews.

Blueberries

Blueberries along with most berries are composed of approximately 85% water. Blueberries are one of our superfoods, due to their high antioxidant content, so are a great fruit to snack on. Pop them into the water when you’re making ice cubes for a healthy and pretty option!

Lettuce

Lettuce is exceptionally high in water (approx. 96%).  Nutritionists tend not to recommend lettuce too often, as there is very little nutritional content. It however great to add bulk to a meal and of course add to your water intake!

Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain about 94% water. They also contain a rich concentration of lycopene. Remember that tomatoes are one of the very few foods, which are even better for you when they’re cooked!  Add them to stews and soups and have cooked tomatoes on wholegrain toast as a great snack.

THE IDEAL SUMMER RECIPE: OVEN BAKED RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL SUMMER RECIPE: OVEN BAKED RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS

Rachel Allen’s oven baked risotto with summer vegetables is a light, summer dish and unexpectedly easy to make

Ingredients

Serves 6, preparation time 40 minutes

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 250g peas, fresh or frozen
  • 100g spinach (destalk if the leaves are large)
  • 950ml vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed or grated
  • Salt and pepper
  • 350g risotto rice
  • 150ml white wine
  • 100g finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 75g butter, cut in to cubes
  • 12 stalks of asparagus, ends trimmed and cut in half lengthways

Method

Preheat the oven to 180C. Heat the olive oil in an oven-proof saucepan, add the peas and spinach and cook, stirring all the time, for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Add about 50ml of stock and puree in a blender or food processor. Set aside.

In the same saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil, add the onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and sweat over a gentle heat until soft but not coloured. Add the risotto rice and stir it around in the saucepan for a minute, then add the remaining stock and the wine. Stir and bring it up to the boil, cover with the lid and place in the preheated oven for 15 – 20 minutes or until the rice is just cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed. Vigorously stir in the vegetable puree, parmesan and butter and set aside.

Bring a saucepan of water up to the boil, add a good pinch of salt and the asparagus. Boil for 2-3 minutes or until it is just tender, then drain. Serve the risotto in warm bowls with the asparagus arranged on top and sprinkled with the grated parmesan.

Recipe courtesy of Ecover. Find Ecover on Twitter @EcoverUK #EatClean or Faceb

5 IDEAL HOMEMADE TREATMENTS FOR YOUR HAIR

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL HOMEMADE TREATMENTS FOR YOUR HAIR

Save your hair from the damage caused by our hair demons and give your locks a lift by turning to nature.

We all have those hair-dehydrating demons – be it sun overexposure, blowing drying, curling or straightening.  Luckily for us we can turn to natures goodies to save us from the damage we do to our locks!

The following homemade hair care fixes will nourish your hair, replacing the proteins and nutrients it needs in a natural way. An added bonus of homemade remedies is that you don’t have to spend a  fortune on haircare products – you just have to raid your  kitchen cupboard!

Here our favourite homemade treatments for your hair

Raw Egg

To give hair a super shine why not try an egg? The yolk is naturally moisturising because it is full of fats and proteins, while the white  removes unwanted oils. Jut mix together 3 eggs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and spread it over your scalp and hair – leave for 20 minutes, then rinse and wash with cool water (don’t use hot water or you will be dealing with scrambled egg in your hair.)

Honey

Honey is clinically proven to have nutritional benefits as it contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals. To give your lacklustre hair some shine, mix two tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of olive oil and rub into hair. Leave for 30 minutes then wash and rinse.  Use this mask about two times a week.

For more home remedies using honey click here

Yoghurt and Mayonnaise

For frizzy hair mayonnaise works a treat! It will make it more manageable and add some much need moisture to your hair.  Add ¼ cup of organic yoghurt and ¼ cup of mayonnaise. Beat it with an egg and apply to your hair. Leave for about twenty minutes then wash and rinse.  Use this treatment about once a week to get those luscious locks you dream off

Banana and Almond Oil

Almond oil contains Vitamin E which nourishes and repairs the hair whilst the banana adds moisture. Mash two ripe bananas and then add a few drops of almond, massage into the scalp and hair, then leave for about twenty minutes.  Wash and rinse. Use this treatment about twice a week

Avocado

Avocado is full of proteins and nutrients that help to repair the hair. To use mash up half and avocado with an egg and massage it into your hair. Leave for twenty minutes and then rinse. Use this treatment once every week.

MATCHA GREEN TEA: 5 IDEAL REASONS YOU NEED TO START DRINKING IT

Rachel Stevenson
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MATCHA GREEN TEA: 5 IDEAL REASONS YOU NEED TO START DRINKING IT

Everyone knows to eat their greens, but there’s another lesser known green out there that is higher in antioxidants than superfoods such as spinach and blueberries…and you can have it in a cup of tea! Matcha is made from a special type of powdered green tea and just one cup of matcha tea has 100 times the antioxidants compared to green tea. Pukka Herbs gives us the lowdown on why is matcha so good for you and what is it good for?

Boost Your Skin’s Natural Beauty

Plants are naturally brimming with compounds that protect us from those nasty ‘free radicals’ that are known for ageing our skin. Green tea and the super-concentrated form of green tea, matcha, are known for fighting back the damage caused by free radicals.

Calm From The Inside Out

When we are stressed we produce more cortisol, which gives us inflamed, irritated and sensitive skin. Matcha is grown in the shade, making it produce L-Theanine which works nicely with the low levels of caffeine in green tea, creating alertness as well as a deep sense of calm (unlike other caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and black tea).

Drink Green, Get Lean

Matcha helps to burn body fat by a process called thermogenesis, so much so that you can burn fat four times faster than your usual metabolism.

Feel-Good Factor

L-Theanine is a protective compound found in matcha and is five times higher in matcha than it is in green tea alone. L-Theanine increases serotonin and dopamine – giving you the feel-good factor and bringing you clarity.

Antioxidant Fix

One cup of organic matcha tea has 100 times the antioxidants compared with green tea and gram for gram 100 times more than spinach. One cup of match tea has the same level of antioxidants as two cups of blueberries (and is a lot cheaper, bonus!).

Matcha Latte
Mathca Lattee

Top Matcha Tea Tips

Go for organic – if your matcha green tea isn’t organic, it is essentially cancelling out all of the good of matcha, through contamination with pesticides and herbicides…so go organic!

You can never have too much – The best time to drink your matcha tea is before a large meal but evidence has also shown that drinking matcha throughout the day will help to maintain a level of beneficial compounds in the blood stream.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO AVOID AND TREAT DRY EYES DURING A LONG FLIGHT

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO AVOID AND TREAT DRY EYES DURING A LONG FLIGHT

Are you a flight attendant or do you fly frequently? Do you often have dry and puffy red eyes? Well you may be suffering from dry eyes –  a reasonably common condition which can be brought on by environmental factors such as air conditioning and prolonged use of computer screens, tablets, smart phones.

According to research dry eyes is a common problem for flight attendants and passengers alike – especially for those who wear contacts. Humidity in airline carriers can run as low as 3% during flights and this dry environment and the pressure controlled cabin air can take its toll on your eyes.

A case study by Pharma Nord, explored this issue with ex-flight attendant Fiona Cameron, who worked as cabin crew for British Airways for 21 years. She would experience red, sore eyes first thing in the morning and they would often be streaming during the day. With their help, we’ve put together 5 top tips on how to treat  and avoid dry eyes during a long haul flight.

STAY HYDRATED

Dehydration often makes dry eye symptoms worse. Make sure you drink before, during and after a flight. If you’re like us and enjoy drinking those little bottles of wine you get on airplanes, be sure to drink extra water to rehydrate yourself.  Don’t be scared to go up and ask the cabin crew for extra water if you’re thirsty – they always have plenty of bottles in the back.

USE OMEGA 7 SBA24

Fiona swears by Omega 7 SBA24. She tried eye drops and sprays for months to no avail. Then she tried the natural supplement called Omega 7 SBA24 which worked wonders.  To get technical, the essential fatty acids/ nutrients  in Omega 7 SBA24 work systemically from the inside to help prevent the eyes from drying out.

Eye Drops

For quick relief, eye drops are great as they lubricate the eye. No one product works for everyone, so you may have to try a few before you find the right one for you. Artificial tears are available in most pharmacies, but it’s always best to consult your doctor before you put anything in your eye.

WEAR AN EYE MASK

Eye masks can help by acting as a barrier between your eyes and the environment on the plane, helping to protect your eyes.  They also help block out the light if you’re trying to sleep!

WEAR GLASSES

Contact lenses are dry eyes’ worst enemy. If you wear contact lenses, switch to a pair of glasses for the duration of the flight. This will help to avoid additional dryness that often comes hand-in-hand with contact lens use.

SAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP: 5 IDEAL WAYS TO STOP SNORING

Rachel Stevenson
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SAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP: 5 IDEAL WAYS TO STOP SNORING

Are you kept awake by your partners nocturnal noises? The effects of snoring can be disastrous for a relationship. According to research by Chemist Direct, severe snoring is an increasing issue for modern day relationships in the UK, causing resentment and arguments. Who wouldn’t get irritable and annoyed if they were kept up all night by the wheezing, rumbling or whilstling sounds of snoring? So instead of blocking your ears, sleeping on the sofa or shouting  ‘wake up you’re snoring’ at your partner, show them these ideal tips on how to stop snoring.

Sleep on your back

Sleeping on your back can squash your nasal airways which causes snoring. Try to sleep on your side rather than your back. If you really can’t sleep on your side, prop yourself up with some extra pillows, rather than lying flat on your back

Avoid lots of alcohol

Most of us snore after going to bed when we’ve had a drink or two.  Drinking alcohol makes your muscles relax more. Because of this relaxation, the air flow is disrupted which causes snoring. According to studies, even if you’re not a habitual snorer, you’re just as likely to snore after drinking alcohol. This is because the relaxation effect on your muscles can raise the level of respiratory resistance by as much as 4 times. Yikes.

Be Healthy

Being overweight or having an unhealthy diet can increase the fatty tissue around your neck. This fatty tissue can squeeze the airway which disrupts the airflow, leading to snoring. If you find yourself reaching for a snack between meals, ditch the doughnuts and check out our healthy snack ideas here.  

Keep allergies in check

Nasal congestion and inflammation caused by allergies is a really common cause of snoring. If you know your nose can’t stand dust, suffer from hay fever or are sensitive to feathers, make sure you keep your allergies in check by whatever means possible. We find antihistamine tablets or a nasal spray work for us, but check with your pharmacist or see your GP for advice if you’re affected by an allergy. You might just find a good night’s sleep is as simple as taking a tablet.

Interesting Fact: Apparently Cardiff is the snoring centre of the UK.  A snoring study by Chemist Direct found that residents of Cardiff are the most severe snorers whilst Aberystwyth has the least severe snorers. Who knew? Check out the below image for a regional rundown on the UK’s worst snorers.

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