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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR A GARDEN PARTY: SUPERFOOD SALAD WITH SEABASS

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR A GARDEN PARTY: SUPERFOOD SALAD WITH SEABASS

Our lovely friends at The Saucy Fish Co have shared this delicious new fish recipe, ideal for any garden party this summer. Enjoy.

Ingredients (serves 2)

  • 2 sea bass fillets
  • 80g long stem, sprouting broccoli
  • 50g edamame beans
  • 2 avocados
  • 150g cooked quinoa
  • 2 bags baby spinach
  • 1/2 pomegranate, remove the seeds then set them aside to use
  • 30g pumpkin seeds
  • tossed gently in a dry pan until slightly popped

For the Salsa Verde sauce

  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • Tbsp. of capers
  • Tbsp. of gherkins
  • 2 anchovy fillets
  • 2 large handfuls parsley
  • 1 bunch fresh basil
  • 1/4 tablespoon of mustard
  • 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil

What you need to do

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190C and drizzle the sea bass fillets with olive oil. Place in the oven until the fillets are flaky and cooked through (approximately 15 minutes).

Step 2: Put the quinoa in a medium pan and add 300ml of boiling water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This should be between 15 and 20 minutes. Once liquid is absorbed, fluff with a fork.

Step 3: Pour a spoonful of olive oil to a frying pan, then add the broccoli and a pinch of salt & pepper. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes to soften, then add the edamame beans and cook for an extra minute. Remove all from the heat, and mix together in a large bowl with the quinoa.

Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. Chop the capers, anchovies, garlic and herbs, mixing all together well. Add the mustard, vinegar and seasoning, then stir in the olive oil until the sauce is at the right consistency. Set aside.

Step 5: Cut the avocados in half, remove the stones and slice. Toast the pumpkin seeds in a frying pan for several minutes, then add to the top of the salad.

Step 6: Begin to plate everything up. Add the spinach, then the quinoa and broccoli mixture.  Top with pumpkin and pomegranate seeds, then add your sea bass to the topof the salad. To finish, pour the previously prepared Salsa Verde sauce over the top of the fish.

THE IDEAL GUIDE ON HOW TO ORDER A BEER/PIZZA/TAXI/COFFEE IN 15 LANGUAGES

Travel Team
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THE IDEAL GUIDE ON HOW TO ORDER A BEER/PIZZA/TAXI/COFFEE IN 15 LANGUAGES

‘Uno servicer por favour senior?’.

Que?

…..God does no one speak Spanish around here?

We all know the drill. A one-off hash of an order, followed by pointing and shouting in English and if this does not compute, shout louder.

No wonder Brits suffer from a less than favourable reputation on the continent for a lack of local language learning. If only we had a handy guide, preferably with pictures, in an easily accesible font and groovy design, with which to provide translations for our most popular orders in our most popular holiday destinations. If only……

Well, Silver Door Apartments have taken matters into their own, multilingual hands by showing you how to order the essentials in 15 different languages around the world. All together now, A allaf I gael pizza os gwelwch yn dda!

5 IDEAL REASONS TO STAY AT ES SAADI RESORT ON YOUR TRIP TO MARRAKECH

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL REASONS TO STAY AT ES SAADI RESORT ON YOUR TRIP TO MARRAKECH

With so many hotel’s in Marrakech, there are almost too many choices. However if you’re looking a luxurious stay, we’ve found the ideal place. Here’s five reasons to stay at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort on your trip to the city.

THE QUIET LOCATION

You’ve probably heard by now that Marrakech is an assault on the senses – well it’s true. Although we adore this amazing city, sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. That’s why Es Saadi Marrakech Resort is in the ideal location. The hotel is set in the quiet residential district of Hivernage, facing the snowy summits of the Atlas. Nestled in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Marrakech, it’s also surrounded by 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens – here you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax. However, don’t worry, you’re only a short stroll from the bustling souks and Jemaa El Fnaa square. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds, whilst still being in the heart of the action.

MESMERISING ART WORK

If you’re a culture vulture, then you’ll love staying here. From the moment you enter Es Saadi’s grounds, you are immediately mesmerised by a range of profound artwork from young emerging artists and renowned Moroccan talent reflecting the diversity and culture of modern Morocco. From an important triptych depicting Moroccan scenes of life by Said Qodaid to signature abstract paintings by Abdellah Sadouk and Ahmed Ben Ismail, the resort’s art collection is magnificent and can be found everywhere.

A HAUTE COUTURE SPA

No trip to Marrakech would be complete without visiting a hammam and for those pining for a first-class pampering, the exotic and glamourous ‘Dior Institut’ Spa is for you. Inspired by Christian Dior, “the architect of design”, the treatments here are customised especially for you, and the result? Heaven.

FORGOTTEN TRADITIONAL DISHES

One of the greatest cuisines of the world, Morocco’s delectable culinary offering is a phenomenon known far and wide.  The resorts restaurant, ‘La Cour des Lions’ is a perfect fusion of modernity and traditional. The chef has enhanced traditional but forgotten dishes making this beautiful restaurant a principle gastronomic delight in Marrakech.

THE PALACE VILLAS

The Palace Villas here are simply stunning. Situated around Es Saadi’s lush green gardens they pay tribute to Oriental styles, drawing inspiration from Persia, Andalusia and Egyptian architecture whilst still keeping its core essence Moroccan.  Looking out over the city’s electrifying centre from the Hivernage district, you can be a part of the bustling city from the comfort of your back terrace.

For more information visit: www.essaadi.com

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO NAILING DANISH STYLE

Rachel Stevenson
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Chic, sophisticated and oh so effortless, it’s no wonder the Danes are teaching us a thing or two when it comes to fashion. Much like their vaunted phenomenon of ‘Hygge’, Danish fashion focuses on toned down, minimalist living with a relaxed feel. Take a look at our tips on how to create a Scandinavian inspired wardrobe all of your own.

Keep it casual

Unlike Brits, Danish women rarely get dressed up for a night out, sticking to the likes of jeans, blouses and jackets. If you want to dress like a Nordic native, you’ll need to cut down on the dressy evening wear and create a wardrobe of casuals that are versatile enough to be worn both day and night. If you can’t resist adding a bit of glam to your ensemble, introduce a piece of statement jewellery or a bold lip colour to jazz things up.

Tone down your colour palette

Greys, whites and blacks are the most common colours you’ll see on the streets of Copenhagen, with the occasional pop of colour. Outfits of black jeans, white shirts and grey duster coats paired with a colourful scarf can create a go-to Danish look that’s easy to achieve. The added benefit of sticking to a minimal colour palette is that putting an outfit together becomes much easier, and re-wearing an outfit less noticeable!

Mix high street with designer

The basis of minimalist style is to buy less often by avoiding impulse clothing purchases. Norid fashion follows this rule, with clothing and footwear from Scandinavian designer brands like ACNE, Wood Wood and Malene Birger being popular wardrobe staples. Treat yourself to a few designer items such as shoes, a handbag or a jacket, and pair them with quality high street clothing.

Know your knitwear

If there’s one thing Danish fashionista’s love, it’s a piece of quality knitwear. Cardigans and oversized jumpers are layered over skirts and jeans to create an effortless thrown-together ensemble. Pick out some key knitwear pieces for your wardrobe, focusing on high quality materials and stylish cuts. Avoid garish patterns or busy details – a simple grey cashmere jumper will give you that Danish feel and make for a timeless style staple at the same time!

Think about footwear

When it comes to footwear, Danish fashion relies heavily on comfort mixed with laid-back feel. Trainers are a Danish style essential, worn throughout the seasons and styled for both daytime and evening. Smart flats and leather ankle boots are also good options for pulling off the Scandi look, and the perfect way to add some extra elegance to a casual outfit.

Top & Middle Image source: Giphy

5 IDEAL USES FOR HAIRSPRAY YOU’VE NEVER THOUGHT OF

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL USES FOR HAIRSPRAY YOU’VE NEVER THOUGHT OF

We know that it holds your hair, but did you know there are loads of other practical uses for hairspray. Here’s five of our favourite.

No more ladders

Do you constantly get holes in your tights where your toes are? There’s nothing worse than picking out an outfit that needs tights, but then realising every pair you own has a run in them. To avoid this wardrobe disaster, simply spray some hairspray on the feet of your tights. This will strengthen the threads, making runs less likely. It also means your tights will last for longer.

Tame those brows

Who said hairspray was only meant for the hair on your head? Use it to tame your eyebrow hairs too. Simply spray a little on an eyebrow brush and comb through for a more controlled look.

Fix your makeup

We don’t recommend doing this all the time, but if you desperately need your makeup to stay in place and don’t have any finishing spray to hand, use a little hairspray instead. This will help fix your makeup. But remember, hairspray contains harsher chemicals than the makeup meant for your face, so don’t do this all the time.

Self defense

We hope that you never have to defend yourself, but as a woman having some form of safety with you when you’re out like a rape alarm is essential. If you ever need an extra sense of security, know that a small bottle of hairspray can be used as form of self defense.

Sewing help

If you struggle to thread the eye of the needle when you’re sewing,  hairspray has just become your new best friend. By stiffening the end of thread with a little hairspray, it will be so much easier to get it through that little hole.

5 IDEAL TIPS TO COMPLETE THAT TRIATHLON

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL TIPS TO COMPLETE THAT TRIATHLON

Heard of the campaign This Girl Can? To give you the rundown, it’s a celebration of active women who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets.

Don’t get me wrong, the campaign is absolutely brilliant. It gets us girls out there exercising with pride: running, breathing hard, improving our fitness, sweating and monitoring our heart rates. What’s more? It celebrates health, fitness and exercise.

We all know that social media and content marketing is essential to modern life and #thisgirlcan is honing on this. It’s getting girls healthy, active and best of all, competitive. Females everywhere are out there training with gritted teeth, lifting weights and exercising hard. 

But, at the same time, doesn’t it suggest that girls originally thought we couldn’t? Why do we need to add a hashtag to our fitness training?  

Can’t we just admit it? Girls can be competitive.

What’s more, a triathlon is the perfect competition in which girls can really race ahead of the hashtag.

If you’re not sure, a triathlon is a multi-sport race combined of swimming (usually open water), cycling and running. The distances range from sprint distance (750m swim, 25km bike, 5km run) to Ironman distance (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42 km run).

So here are some tips on getting into the ‘I want to complete a triathlon’ mindset and, even better, ‘Bring on the competition!

The advice is divided into two IDEAL parts: ‘Training for the Triathlon’ and ‘Race day’ and includes ideal tips for us girls to really get competitive.

Ideal Training

Join a triathlon club

Don’t be scared to join a triathlon club and, what’s more, don’t be afraid to get in the fast swimming lane, if you really think that’s where you’re at. So many of us will modestly climb into the slow lane thinking ‘It’s only my first session so I’ll assess the standard of other people first’. Instead, bite the bullet, test yourself and you’re way more likely to succeed.

Okay, so don’t put yourself at a level way above what you can achieve, but I just don’t be afraid to raise your blood pressure and train hard.

Be Selfish and get in your Training Time

Find time for your training. Of course, childcare can be an issue for many mums and you can’t skip work but don’t feel guilty about the amount of training you’re doing.

Use your time wisely and you’ll fit in your training as well as look after your kids, your husband, your boyfriend, your off-the-rails best friend, sister etc.

In fact, you’ll probably find you’re happier and much more energetic if you do devote some time to yourself and your training. You’ll probably work more efficiently too.

Make Friends

There is nothing better than going for a bike ride with a couple of friends. You’ll push each other, encourage each other and you’ll find you’ll want to be more competitive.

Before you know it, gone are the days when you want to cycle along the cycle path, stopping for half an hour for a cup of tea, you’ll want to push yourself on the hills, go hard on the flat and feel the wind in your hair as you descend, taking the corners as precisely as you can.    

Race Preparation

Taper before the Race

Your training taper period will depending on the distance of the triathlon, but during this time you will take your training slightly easier in order to get race ready. In addition, eat well, sleep well and you’ll be set to compete.

Race Day

Go Hard. Be confident. Get a great time

The advice for race day? Race hard and show what all your training has been about. Try to avoid getting caught up in the crowds and be confident in your swim, bike and run abilities.

If you’re confident, you’ll enjoy yourself much more and perform better too.

You see, this girl can be competitive and she doesn’t need to hide behind a hashtag.

Image sources: Giphy

7 IDEAL SMELLS THAT MAKE US BRITS NOSTALGIC

Rachel Stevenson
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7 IDEAL SMELLS THAT MAKE US BRITS NOSTALGIC

Often, one whiff of a familiar smell can transport us back in time and immediately evoke nostalgic feelings. Ever been in a lift  when someone with perfume walks in and the scent suddenly sends you back to secondary school? Or does the smell of suntan lotion remind you of summers spent by the seaside with buckets and spades, perhaps in a tent, no doubt eating ice cream on the beach? Nostalgia has a funny effect on people and our noses have a way of sniffing it out.

According to experts smell goes into the emotional part of the brain and also the memory section, whereas words are processed by the thinking mechanism. So it’s no surprise that smell is one of the most powerful senses when it comes to evoking and triggering memories.

To find out more about our relationship with nostalgia, Supplies for Candles asked which British smells people loved the most, and according to their research these are some of our favourite scents.

Great British BBQ

The low-and-slow smoking smell of meats grilling over glowing coal embers is intoxicatingly good. Just a whiff of the Great British BBQ is one of the best things about summertime. It reminds us of good times spent with friends and family, imbibing and laughing in the sun.

Baking bread

Slicing through the smell of our favourite scents is freshly baked bread. It’s comforting, homely and mouthwatering delicious.

Cup of Tea

The aroma of a cup of tea is something that us tea drinking Brits absolutely adore. How to describe the smell of a cuppa? We’re not sure. But for us it reminds us of pure comfort and utter joy.

Freshly cut grass

Who doesn’t love sniffing the smell of a newly mown lawn, reminding us of heady summer days spent in the sun.

Fish & Chips

Fish & chips is not only one of the nations favourite dishes, it’s one of our favourite smells. Whether it reminds you of summer holidays by the seaside or going down to the chippy for a treat as a kid, one thing is for sure – the mouth-watering aroma of fish and chips just makes us happy.

British, Sunday roast

Ah, the sweet, sweet smell of a Sunday roast. It reminds us of good times spent with family and friends. There truly is nothing like it.

Salty sea air

The salty sea air always tantalizes our memories, reminding us of relaxing days by the beach, fun coastal walks and boat trips. We love it.

8 IDEAL TIPS ON INFUSING YOUR SPIRITS WITH FRUIT THIS SUMMER

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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8 IDEAL TIPS ON INFUSING YOUR SPIRITS WITH FRUIT THIS SUMMER

Infusing your spirits with fruit is one of the best ways to add some fun and freshness to any summer soirée. To help you create some unique and delicious drinks that will impress and entertain we’ve asked Tim Hampson, author of the Haynes Flavoured Spirits Manual, to share some tasty tips on alcoholic infusion.

It’s all about experimentation

The joy of making infusions and/or liqueurs lies in exploring all the things that might be growing in your garden or allotment, or have in your kitchen, that you can then use to make a more interesting drink. For example, I’ve discovered how much I like cucumber as a vodka or gin infusion you can make quickly. Or why not try adding Skittles – you can make a very colourful infusion very quickly, and it makes a student party go very well indeed!

Infusing booze is nothing new

People have been distilling alcohol for many years. Alcohol was often used as a medicine and it was pretty unpalatable, so herbs and spices were added. That is how we arrived at gin today. Over the last decade, 250 new distillers have opened, and for many, the first thing they will be making is gin. They are doing much of what is written about in my book – looking what is growing in herb garden or hedgerows, and seeing if they can find a variation.

Less is more – and watch the sugar

You don’t need to make large quantities of an infusion. Rather than worrying about a full 75cl bottle of vodka or gin, try making a 250ml infusion – about the same amount as a large glass of wine. A lot of the older infusion recipes involved adding a lot of sugar. I prefer not to add sugar when you make the infusion – granulated sugar takes a long time to dissolve – but to add sugar syrup at the end for taste.

Use vodka as a base

You can use any spirit to make an infusion. We here in the UK tend to use gin and more recently, vodka. I prefer to use vodka as the base for infusions as it has a more neutral flavour. Gin already contains juniper and other botanicals, remember.

My top three vodka infusions

1) Sloes: you can pick sloes off a hedgerow, to make a variation on the sloe gin that your granny used to drink. Again my preference is not to add lots of sugar at the start. Modern tastes aren’t as sweet as they used to be.
2) Rhubarb: again, commonly found and makes a fresh, aromatic drink.
3) Raspberries: another very fresh tasting and vibrant infusion.

Drink while fresh

The biggest mistake I’ve made is to leave fruit for too long in the infusion, particularly rhubarb. The infusion is still drinkable, but is much more palatable if drunk while fresher.

Forget shop-bought infusions

By making your own infusions, you are getting the drink you want. It’s much more enjoyable and personal. A raspberry or strawberry infusion also makes a lovely present, particularly if you have grown the fruit yourself.

Infusing beer

Many craft brewers are adding lemongrass, juniper, cloves, and coriander to add new twist to beer. Remember, though, that most beer is only about 4-5% in terms of alcohol content, so it’s not very strong compared to spirits. You need the extra alcohol to draw the favours out of the infusion. Actually, beer always had some infusion, namely hops, which add flavour and preservative quality.

The Flavoured Spirits Enthusiasts’ Manual is priced at £22.99 and is available from www.haynes.com

Image sources: giphy.com

WIMBLEDON WHITES: THE IDEAL STYLE GUIDE

Rachel Stevenson
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WIMBLEDON WHITES: THE IDEAL STYLE GUIDE

As the nation gears up for Wimbledon, all eyes will be on the court. Attention will be on the players—especially their fashion!

Wimbledon has a notoriously strict dress code, which requires all players to dress head-to-toe in white with the exception of some small accent colours. Inspired by their perfectly pressed, crisp whites, womenswear designer Ralph Lauren explains how you can steal their style and work all whites off the court.

The LWD

Move over the little black dress; there’s a new style staple in town! A white dress is the perfect way to channel Wimbledon-inspired, effortless summer style. A crisp white shirt dress is the ideal choice for a smart-casual vibe. The formal collar smartens up the outfit, while the shape remains relaxed.

Pair with white sandals and a classic pair of sunglasses. Either keep your handbag white or introduce a pop of colour—it may not strictly follow Wimbledon’s rules, but it’s all in the name of fashion!

The white suit

Whatever the colour, tailoring is always chic. A white blazer and trouser combo is perfect for cooler summer evenings. Tailoring can be heavy, so if it’s a warmer evening, don’t be afraid to swap the trousers for chic culottes-style shorts.

Although you may think of the white suit as a primarily formal ensemble, when styled right, it can actually work for casual events too. Wear belted white culottes with a loose-fitting striped t-shirt tucked in. Throw over a tailored blazer and wear with chunky block heels or wedges.

When day turns to night, a few simple changes is all you’ll need. Swap the shorts for wide-leg white trousers and wear with a black bralet. Keep your shoes simple with barely there heeled sandals. Add a dash of sparkle with statement jewellery.

The summer essentials

What’s summer without shorts and t-shirts? An all-white combo works perfectly with these style staples. White denim cut-offs are an everyday essential — wear yours with a sports-inspired white polo shirt. Canvas shoes or espadrilles will finish the look and leave you looking as fabulous as the ladies on the court.

Image sources: giphy.com

5 IDEAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR BALI

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR BALI

Exploring Bali is an incredible experience. The culture, the warmth of the people, the incredible landscapes and the overwhelming sense of peace when you land on the island is captivating enough for even the most hard worn traveller. This is a country with many traditions and etiquette that spans generations.

With the help of travel experts, Destination2.co.uk, here’s a few pointers that will help make your stay in Bali the perfect getaway.

Learn the language

The Balinese don’t expect you to arrive speaking fluently, but learning a few phrases goes a long way. By saying key phrases in conversation, you come across as polite, respectful and friendly. Here are a few pointers:

  • Hello – om suastiastu
  • Goodbye – s’lah-mawt ting-gahl
  • Please – minta
  • Thank you – terima kasih
  • Yes – yaw
  • No – tiduk

Like anywhere, your attempts at the language will be warmly welcomed by the locals. Semoga beruntung (good luck)!

Dress for the occasion

Bali maybe a beach paradise, but some beach bars and restaurants don’t always allow people in wearing bikinis and trunks. Most places have a dress code, so it’s worth checking out what the rules are before you turn up anywhere.

In terms of visiting anywhere religious, both men and women need to cover their legs below their knees for any trips to a temple, so remember to pack a sarong. Covering up should also be practiced in the more rural areas of the island.

Expect – and respect – religious customs

Bali is a very spiritual island – and Hindu is the chief religion. Customs and traditions are everywhere, from Balinese dancing, the belief that the mountains are the homes of the gods to the huge, grandiose religious festivals that occur annually on the island.

It goes without saying that these should be respectfully observed, and if you’re guide has to stop briefly for a few minutes of prayer, or the road you need to go down is blocked for a religious rite, accept this as part of what makes Bali so magical and unique.

Beware of the monkeys!

The wildlife of Bali is renowned and as much as it is wonderful, it can impinge on your day to day life on the island. There are many wild animals roaming about. While most of them mind their own business, the monkeys on the island have been known to pickpocket and steal from tourists. Not only can they be naughty, they’re also carriers of parasites, diseases and rabies, so best completely avoided.

Be beach safe

While Bali is known for its beaches and watersports, the waters that surround the island carry some strong currents, and can be quite risky to swim in at times. If you do fancy a dip, make sure you’re in visiting a beach that doesn’t have any red flags flying. The south west part of the island from Kuta to Canggu, are renowned for having pretty dangerous rip tides and undertows.

Keep the midnight dips to swimming pools and make sure all water sports are carried out by an expert instructor.

 

Bali is an incredible country and needs to be visited at least once in a lifetime. We hope these tips help someway in make your holiday to Bali an incredible, life affirming experience.

5 IDEAL PLACES TO EAT THE BEST BAO BUNS IN LONDON

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL PLACES TO EAT THE BEST BAO BUNS IN LONDON

What rhymes with Bao? Wow – and wow indeed. If you’ve ever experienced one of these these fluffy pseudo-sandwiches then you’ll know what we mean.

A good bao bun is a thing of beauty. They’re both sweet and savoury all at once. The world over has fallen in love with this moreish East Asian treat. Here’s where to get your fix of these soft fluffy pillows of joy in London.

Bao, Various Locations

Want to talk delicious? Then let’s talk about Bao. Everyone knows about the steamed buns here. They are so mind-blowingly good we reckon David Chang, who propelled the bao bun craze, would definitely approve. Get the confit pork bun, because it’s the best one. It’s filled with tender pork belly; crispy shallots that give sweetness, bitterness and crunch; and topped with their homemade, Bao branded XO sauce, adding a certain vigor. If you’ve read up on Bao, then you’ll know that the queue for this place can be pretty intense. However, the buns are totally worth the wait.

Website: baolondon.com

On The Bab, Shoreditch

The baos at On The Bab are generously filled and can get messy. If you’re after something other than the obligatory pork filled bao then come here. On the Bab’s buns are full of punchy flavour but with an added Korean twist which naturally involves some kimchi. Order the bulgogi beef – it’s wonderfully tender and full of bovine flavour. The spicy pork and chicken buns are indeed spicy, so arm yourself with plenty of their delicious beers.

Website: onthebab.com

Address: 305 Old St, London EC1V 9LA, United Kingdom

Yum Bun, Spitalfields Market

Yep. These buns are yum. Offering eight varieties, bring your vegetarian friend here to try their magnificent, meat-free buns. Dishing up three vegetarian options in total, the crispy tofu bun, dressed in black bean mayonnaise and garnished with garlic choy sum and chilli pickles is our favourite. For the carnivores, you’ve got three meat options and two fish options to choose from. 

Website: www.yumbun.com

Address: Unit 3, The Kitchens, Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW, United Kingdom

Mr Bao, Peckham

This pocket-sized restaurant in Peckham serves up steamingly good buns. The buns are a little larger than the ones you find at Bao, but we’re not complaining. Their pork belly is braised for 24 hours – low and slow just the way we like it.

Website: www.mrbao.co.uk

Address: 293-295 Rye Ln, London SE15 4UA, United Kingdom

4 IDEAL STEPS TO MAKE YOUR MAKEUP LAST FOR LONGER THIS SUMMER

Rachel Stevenson
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4 IDEAL STEPS TO MAKE YOUR MAKEUP LAST FOR LONGER THIS SUMMER

Summer has arrived! This week we are talking all about how to protect your skin against the heat of the summer.

The heat can dry out your skin and clog your pores which will cause you to break out, but there are things you can add to your makeup routine to beat the heat.

Dazzler Beauty share their top 4 steps for perfect summer make up with IDEAL Magazine

One

The first, and most important, step in your makeup routine should be applying SPF. A lot of moisturizers already have SPF in them, but you should still apply additional sunscreen under your makeup. You can never have too much!

Two

The second thing you should add to your makeup routine, if you haven’t already, is primer. This is going to keep your makeup from melting off of your face in the middle of the day! Many primers also have SPF in them, so that’s always a good addition.

Three

The type of products you use can also make a huge difference. In the summer, cream and liquid products are best because they will sink and blend into your skin rather than just sit on the top layer of your skin. They will stay on longer and won’t wipe off as easily as powder products.

Four

The last step in your makeup routine should be spraying a few pumps of makeup setting spray t lock your makeup in place. There are tons of makeup setting sprays out on the market, but they are also easy to make yourself.

3 IDEAL CHOCOLATE RECIPES IN CELEBRATION OF CHOCOLATE DAY

Rachel Stevenson
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3 IDEAL CHOCOLATE RECIPES IN CELEBRATION OF CHOCOLATE DAY

It’s National Chocolate Day.Yay! To celebrate and with the help of Waitrose, we bring you these 3 ideal chocolate recipes. From moist, gooey brownies dotted with chunks of creamy sea-salt fudge to easy to make chocolate honeycomb fridge cake, these recipes will make you very happy.

Sea Salt Fudge Brownies

  • Preparation time:20 minutes
  • Cooking time:25 minutes to 30 minutes
  • Makes 24

Ingredients

180g Hope & Greenwood handmade salt caramel fudge or other fudge
250g Waitrose Continental Plain Chocolate, chopped
175g unsalted butter
3 eggs
225g light muscovado sugar
75g self raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
100g roasted, salted large peanuts, chopped

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 190C, gas mark 5. Grease and line a 27 x 18cm shallow baking tin with baking parchment. Cut the fudge roughly into 1cm cubes.
  2. Put the chocolate and butter in a bowl and melt, either using the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes or by resting the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir to make a smooth sauce.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until thick, smooth and beginning to froth. Stir in the slightly cooled melted chocolate mixture, then the flour and baking powder.
  4. Lightly stir in half the fudge and nuts and turn into the tin, spreading into the corners. Scatter with remaining fudge and nuts. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until a sugary crust has formed but the mixture feels wobbly underneath. (Check the brownies frequently towards the end of cooking as the flavour and texture are better if moist and gooey. Don’t forget that both the chocolate and butter will firm up as the cake cools.) Leave to cool completely in the tin.
  5. Lift out of the tin and cut into 24 small squares.

Chocolate Honeycomb Fridge Cake

  • Preparation time:15 minutes + chilling
  • Total time:15 minutes + chilling

Ingredients

2 x 100g bars Montezuma’s Very Dark Organic Chocolate
50g Waitrose Duchy Organic English Salted Butter, diced
4 tbsp golden syrup
150g pack Waitrose Duchy Organic All Butter Shortbread, broken into small pieces
100g whole organic almonds, roughly chopped
45g pack Cooks’ Homebaking Honeycomb Niblets
150g Love Life Ready To Eat Organic Soft Dried Apricots, diced

Method

1. Break the chocolate into a small pan, then add the butter and syrup. Heat very gently, stirring from time to time, until smooth and glossy.

2. Place the shortbread in a large bowl and stir in the almonds, honeycomb and apricots. Pour in the chocolate mixture and stir until evenly coated.

3. Tip the mixture into a 20cm loose-bottomed cake tin, patting down carefully to get it right into the corners. Chill for at least 2 hours until set. Slice into wedges to serve.

Ideal tip: Mix things up by adding your favourite fruit, nuts or sweet treats. Try scattering pumpkin seeds over the top, dusting with freeze-dried raspberries, or stirring fudge chunks through before chilling.

Mint Chocolate Tart

  •  Preparation time:15 minutes, plus 2 hours chilling
  • Serves: 8 – 10

Ingredients

200ml Waitrose Extra Thick Double Cream

25g unsalted butter

200g Waitrose

Chocolate Mint Thins, roughly chopped

1 tbsp whole milk

205g Waitrose

Sweet Pastry Case

Method

1. Put the cream in a small saucepan and gently heat until just below boiling. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and chocolates until smooth. Add the milk and stir well to combine. Pour into the pastry case and allow to cool. Chill for 2 hours in the fridge.

2. If liked, dust with icing sugar and/or cocoa powder, decorate with fresh mint leaves and serve with cream, if liked.

5 IDEAL SNACKING TIPS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL SNACKING TIPS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Some people find the idea of following a set of snacking rules ridiculous. Snacking is just snacking, right? Well, not really. Done right it can keep your body healthy, happy, satiated, and free from disease. However, mindless snacking can potentially do the opposite. 

Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for snacking. However there are specific snacking practices you should follow if you want to be a better version of yourself inside and out. No matter what your personal goals are, remember that the food you eat will influence your health, happiness and well-being. 

If you’re ready to learn about smarter snacking, then make this article your guide. Here’s some simple yet very effective ideal snacking tips everyone should know. Enjoy. 

SLOW DOWN WHEN

When you get those midday munchies do you gobble your snack down without even thinking? When we’re hungry we tend to scoff down our food. Stop doing this and eat slower. Rushed and distracted eating has bad effects on your body which include indigestion, weight gain, and sluggishness. Ideally, it takes about 20 minutes before your brain recognizes that you’re full. Enjoy your morning or afternoon snack and savor every bit of it. You will thank yourself later.

PROTEIN & COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES

Eat foods that are rich in protein and complex carbohydrates. The reason you need these nutrients is because they help keep you fuller longer (preventing overeating), aid in body repair and keep your blood glucose levels stable. We understand that sometimes nothing but a doughnut will do, but try and limit your intake of junk and unhealthy sweets. Try to replace your bad cravings with healthy snack bites. For example, instead of eating ice cream, you could prepare a bowl of fresh fruits. 

DON’T GET THRISTY

What does preventing thirst have to do with snacking healthily? Here is the answer: Once your body experiences mild dehydration, it easily mistakes thirst for hunger. Even if you’re working sedentarily hours in an office, your body is losing water through breathing, perspiration, and urination. Before you mindlessly munch on a bagel thinking that you’re hungry, drink a glass of water and wait for a few minutes. This will give you enough time to confirm if you are truly famished or not.

SNACK TO ADDRESS PHYSCIAL HUNGER

Many attempts to adopt a healthier lifestyle fail because people satisfy their need for happiness and emotional satisfaction with food. Notice that when you are stressed, you crave something sweet. Cortisol, your stress hormone, is the reason behind this. Try to be mindful and remember that real-life problems cannot be solved with food. Even if you’re snacking on the right foods, you still need to be careful not to use them irresponsibly.

DON’T BE TOO RESTRICTIVE

If you’re serious about getting fit and healthy, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of something you want to eat. There is no such thing as a perfect diet. We are humans and it’s natural to crave things that tastes good. The secret to achieving the best results is to find a healthy eating plan that fits your lifestyle. If you have snacks that you love but know they’re full of sugar, have a small serving instead of none. If you deprive yourself, you’ll be less likely to stick to your healthy eating plan. 

What do you think of our ideal snacking tips? Follow these 5 great pieces of advice on snacking and we assure you that you’ll be reaping the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of a better lifestyle. 

HOTEL REVIEW: TOWER CLUB AT LEBUA BANGKOK – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR SWEEPING VIEWS OF THE CITY

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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HOTEL REVIEW: TOWER CLUB AT LEBUA BANGKOK – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR SWEEPING VIEWS OF THE CITY

Breathtaking, staggering, awesome, astounding, splendiferous, phenomenal, remarkable – words fail to describe how utterly magnificent the panorama of Tower Club at Lebua is. But the view isn’t the only outstanding thing about this hotel.

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.

The Idea

A wide range of luxurious suites that epitomize luxury living in Bangkok with sweeping river and city views.

Location

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. The hotel is a ten minute walk from Saphan Taksin BTS, but don’t worry you won’t get lost as the hotel is very easy to find. You just have to look towards the sky and walk towards the majestic cream building with hundreds of neo-classical balconies and the golden rooftop dome.

Lebua-state-tower-hotel-bangkok-thailand-travelscoop-new-zealand

Atmosphere and Ambiance 

The first thing that hits you as you enter the Lebua is the fragrant sweet smell of the flowers and the stylish elegance of the hotel. The staff are courteous and helpful and all your personal and professional needs are graciously attended to. When you arrive expect to receive a Thai Flower Garland, freshly picked from Bangkok”s famous flower market that morning and a refreshing welcome drink. Thai hospitality leaves the rest of the world looking like amateurs and the service as the Lebua is no exception.

The height of luxury and the pinnacle of grandeur, everything at the Lebua is designed to add a touch of extraordinary and extravagance to your stay. The sheer grandiose of this hotel will make you feel like a movie star. This hotel is the whole luxury caboodle, with all things made with the wow factor in mind, from the views to the rooms and award winning restaurants. All the furnishings are comfortable and elegantly appointed, with just the right amount of opulent yet modern décor. The Lebua has undoubtedly made its name as a vantage point for guests to witness some of the most spectacular views that Bangkok has to offer.

The Rooms

The first thought that will run through your head when you step into one of Lebua’s luxury suites will probably be ‘I want this to be my apartment’.

The spacious sky-high suites of the Lebua provide breathtaking views of the city. The luxurious residential style interiors include a full kitchenette, an abundance of living space, marble clad bathrooms with luxury bath products and the sumptuous bedrooms have feathersoft beds with lovely modern furnishings.

The living area is awash with natural light and all rooms have balconies where you can enjoy the cityscape view, not to mention the perfect sunsets that are picture postcard perfect. The rooms have everything you need to function for business and relax for pleasure.

Food and Drink

You are definitely spoilt for choice when dining at the Lebua which is home to some of the most celebrated bars and restaurants in Bangkok. The Lebua is best known for its Sirocco Sky Bar, which has been made even more famous when part of the Hangover II movie was filmed there.

With spectacular views, live music and a chilled out atmosphere, it’s no wonder why there is such a fuss over this bar and why it has received worldwide recognition. Cocktails are on the expensive side but you’re paying for the view which is undeniably magnificent. From the bar you can see Chao Praya river winding its way through the city, the flashing lights of the cars and the buildings that seem to stretch for miles around you – the setting for a perfect evening.

For a wonderful meal we recommend Breeze; a fine dining alfresco restaurant where you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy panoramic views of the city. With a superb selection of authentic Asian delicacies made from bold flavours, the freshest ingredients and by inspired techniques, each dish takes the contemporary to the extraordinary. The restaurant also serves the most remarkable cocktails.

A must try is the Experiment where an exciting science lab set with beakers and test tubes is brought to your table, allowing you to make a cocktail concoction to your own liking. Also if you are a fan of the movie you must try a Hangovertini which the hotels mixologists created especially in celebration of the film. If you have time try and have a drink at the bar when the sun sets. The way the dimming light hits the cityscape is absolutely beautiful and it’s the perfect opportunity to capture a view of the city skyline that will  simply take your breath away.

Elsewhere, Mezzaluna offers a breathtaking 180-degree view of the city and river accompanied with masterly made culinary creations from Thomas and Mathias Suhrung.  The twin brothers bring their Michelin star know how to the restaurant. Adding a touch of European flair with Asian influences to the menu. The prices are high, but the menu is worth it you’re looking to splurge.  You can also dine at the poolside from Cafe Mozu which serves up delectable dishes of the Western, Lebanese, India and Thai persuasion prepared  by chefs from each region.

Facilities

The hotel has many facilities to suit your needs including a state of the art gym overlooking an open-air swimming pool. However the pool only get a couple hours of sun in the morning, so if you want to tan get there early.

Why go

To experience a five-star hotel that epitomizes luxury accommodation in Bangkok with a panorama to die for! We cannot recommend the lebua enough.  If you love luxury, then you will love this hotel. You will leave the Lebua with wonderful memories and magnificent photos.

Address:  1055 Silom Road Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Website: www.lebua.com

IDEAL stayed at the hotel as a guest

 

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