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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.

5 IDEAL SKINCARE TIPS FOR SUN AWARENESS WEEK

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL SKINCARE TIPS FOR SUN AWARENESS WEEK

We all know how harmful UVA and UVB rays are for our skin. Which is why we constantly lather ourselves in a high sun protector, but sun exposure is not the only thing that causes damage to our skin. Chanele Rosa, Clinic Trainer at Ellipse

Heat

The use of saunas, steamers or holding the hairdryer too close to our face, may cause high colour or little thread veins to appear. This is a result from the heat of these particular appliances.

Pigmentation

Pigmentation is not only caused by sun exposure. Some women may find that after taking the contraceptive pill, pigmentation has appeared on their upper lip, forehead or both sides of the face, which has left them feeling self-conscious. This type of pigmentation is hormonal and known as Melasma.

Technology triggers

TV screens, laptops and mobile phones can also be harmful to the skin as they emit a blue light also known as HEV (high – energy visible light) that is more dangerous, if not more, than sun damage.

Poikiloderma of Civatte

Spraying perfume or aftershave on your chest and neck and going straight out in the sun can cause a skin condition called Poikiloderma of Civatte. The appearance can be described as mottled, hyper and hypo pigmentation alongside broken capillaries.

With all these points stated above, we are all guilty of this on a daily basis without thinking of how harmful they are to our skin.

Treatment

The good news is, we can treat the damage that has been done with the Ellipse skin rejuvenation treatment, where hyperpigmentation, sun damage, high colour and thread veins can be removed with as little as three treatments. There is no downtime with this treatment and it can be done in your lunch hour. The treatment works by heating up and breaking down the target (pigment or oxyhaemoglobin) veins will be removed by your body’s natural waste stream and pigmentation will shed naturally.  Your skin will be left feeling more youthful, radiant with an even skin appearance.

A recommended antioxidant serum can be applied to the skin morning and evening, under your moisturiser to help any further damage from harmful lights or rays.

A high SPF of 30 plus is always recommended as part of your daily skin routine.

About Chanele Rosa, Clinic Trainer at Ellipse

Chanele Rosa has been in the Aesthetics industry for 11 years. Working in a Doctor led clinic in South Africa as a trainer and Senior Therapist. She has been in the UK for over 2 years, working on Harley Street before undertaking her latest role at Ellipse as Clinic Trainer.

 

5 IDEAL PLACES TO EAT INDIAN FOOD IN LONDON

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL PLACES TO EAT INDIAN FOOD IN LONDON

 

Nowhere in the food landscape of London does the paradox of choice loom larger than the all conquering, all encompassing genre of cuisine from the Indian sub-continent. From Sri Lanka, through Bangladesh and on to Pakistan, London’s got it covered. With the myriad of options on offer, we’ve whittled it down to just 5 of the best. Here are IDEAL picks for great Indian food in London.

Amaya

Amaya specialises in sub continental Indian food with a heavy focus on all things charcoal and ember. It is awesome. Plates are small and choice large, which leads to the possibility of sampling a great range of flavours, textures and techniques. Theatre is provided by the large open kitchen – expect to see flames licking the ceiling – and the plates dressed with art and vibrancy in mind. The décor is also reflective of this eye for detail. If you love Indian food or like the idea of a tapas style Indian restaurant then definitely check out Amaya next time you are in London.

Cinnamon Club

Imagine an Indian restaurant as a gentleman’s club and you have Cinnamon Club. It is suave, sophisticated and the food is absolutely champion. The restaurant has lead the way in elevated, fine dining Indian cuisine for a long, long time and their presentation is unique and visually stunning. It tastes stunning too.  However, if you want some great Indian food but don’t feel like your dressed for occasion or just want a night in then why not order something to be delivered through a service like Deliveroo. They’ll bring it straight to your door and can even use a ‘takeaway near me’ feature. Their blog also recently had an interview with the head chef from Indian restaurant Motu, so curry buffs should definitely check that out.

Apollo Banana Leaf

For authentic Indian food, there is nowhere better than Apollo Banana Leaf. Generous portions, finely crafted flavours and service that is lovely as it is competent, Apollo Banana Leaf really has it all. If you’ve haven’t been yet, then you should definitely do something about that. They specialize in South Indian and Sri-Lankan food, helping to set their flavours apart from other restaurants. Any Indian food addict will be right at home with the delicious dishes made here.

Hoppers

Since its October 2015 opening on Frith Street in Soho, Hoppers has been making big waves in London. Its no reservation policy only serves to drum up free marketing, with the queue snaking round the block every night of the week. Sri Lanka hoppers are the main draw, a bowl shaped savoury crepe alongside deep rich curries and chutneys, and are sensational. Seating is tight and space at a premium even on the tables, but the long wait and the shared conversation with other diners is worth it for the gloriously moreish (and very reasonable) Sri Lankan fare on offer.

Tayabs

A much-loved, Punjabi London institution, serving lamb chops famous the city over, there is little not to love about Tayabs. Located in a contemporarily stylised building in east London’s Whitechapel, the place has been open since 1972 and recipes haven’t changed much in this time. When the quality is this high and the dishes this addictive, why would they need to? Add to the mix that it’s BYOB and there’s really no reason not to visit.

Image source: Tayabs

AN IDEAL GUIDE TO TRAVELLING MORE (EVEN WITH A HECTIC JOB)

Rachel Stevenson
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AN IDEAL GUIDE TO TRAVELLING MORE (EVEN WITH A HECTIC JOB)

How many people out there don’t wish they had more time to travel? It’s one of the most widespread desires around; after all, few of us have the desire to look back at our lives and wish we spent less time at the office and more time seeing the world.

But let’s face it: a career that has us working 9-5 and then some is pretty difficult to balance with a life filled with travel. Still, it’s not impossible. A lot of people simply give up, assuming that their hectic career will prevent them from doing the travelling they want to do. But this isn’t the case. Here are a few tips that can help you see more of the world without having to sacrifice a great career

Start earning more money

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “easier said than done!”. But it’s definitely something you should start thinking about more actively. A lot of people feel pressed for time due to money pressures; they feel that they can’t afford to take the time off, or that the time off will affect their chances of earning more money in the future. Getting yourself to a point where you don’t have to worry about this so much requires more work now, but it can pay off big time. Consider taking further training or education – something like an online MBA can help increase your value.

Be strategic with vacation days

No employer should expect even their star employees to abstain from taking time off. You have vacation days; your aim is to use them wisely in order to maximize the bulks of time you get off. Consider using your vacation days to bookend national holiday weekends. This will grab you a good four or five days off while using only one or two of your vacation days – and that’s a good amount of time to go on a trip! Remember: travelling more doesn’t require you to spend weeks in each location.

Consider a transfer

If you want to see more of your country, then why not consider getting transferred to one of the satellite offices of your company? In the United States, a lot of companies have offices in both the east and west, so someone working in New York City may be able to get a temporary transfer to, say, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Your company may even offer exchange problems, allowing certain workers to work in their main headquarters in exchange for someone going to work elsewhere for a while.

Get good at negotiating

Negotiating is always a handy skill to have, and this is especially true if you want to better balance travel and business. Consider negotiating with your boss to get more time off. A negotiation, of course, will require something from your end – many employees are willing to take a slight pay cut in order to get more time off, or even get more time off instead of accepting the offer of a pay rise. This is also good to consider when you’re negotiating terms and a salary when you first accept a job.

5 IDEAL HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS FROM THE PROS

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS FROM THE PROS

house-5

Once you own your own home, you start to develop a sense of pride. It feels good to have your own pad, and you suddenly want to look after what you’ve got. Finally, all the years of renting have come to an end.

One day, you notice that you’ve got the home improvement bug. You home is a blank canvas, and you’re the artist, transforming it into something beautiful. The world of home improvements can be tricky to navigate. Here are tips to help you along the way.

Focus On Improvement That Add The Most Value

Let’s say that you have £100,000 in cash lying around waiting to be used on home improvements. Which home improvement would give you the best bang for the buck do you think? You probably have a long laundry list of improvements you’d like to do to your home. But it turns out that some home improvements add more value than others. For instance, decking is extremely popular right now. And people who invest in decking see their homes rise in value by 87 percent of the cost of installation.

Choose Whether To DIY Or Not

If you’ve got a well-stocked shed, you’ve probably entertained doing home improvements yourself. As long as you know your limits, that’s okay and a good way to save money.

But if you want an extension, a new bathroom, or plan to install a brand-new inground pool in your garden, you’ll have to hire out a professional. Remember, hiring out a professional isn’t as risky as it used to be. There are now platforms like TrustATrader where you can find out if a trader is reputable or not.

Find Inspiration Online

The internet is abuzz right now with people creating interesting and unusual home designs. Often, these creatives are able to open our eyes to what is possible in our own homes. There are dozens of sites out there, including Pinterest and Instagram, that serve as inspiration. There are also specialist blogs that give tips on particular styles of interior decor, gardens and so on. Spend a few hours browsing what other people have come up with and ask yourself if it would work in your home.

Find The Dough

The sad truth is that the majority of home improvements don’t pay for themselves, despite what you read on other blogs. That means that you nearly always have to stump up the money yourself in order to pay for them over the long term. If you need credit, look for ways of going into debt that doesn’t put your home at risk. The last thing you want is to build the house of your dreams, only to get evicted a month later.

Tackle The Most Important Projects First

With winter on the horizon, some of your home improvement projects will be more important than others. For instance, if you’ve always wanted a heated towel rail for your bathroom, this is the time to get one installed. On the other and, don’t bother getting decking installed in your garden because it’s going to be months before you can use it.

6 IDEAL REASONS TO GO ON A YOGA RETREAT

Rachel Stevenson
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6 IDEAL REASONS TO GO ON A YOGA RETREAT

Ever wondered if a yoga retreat is for you? Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a beginner, here are ideal reasons to go on a yoga retreat.

Focus on you

A healthy holiday is a rare opportunity to focus on ourselves again, think about our passions, overcome fears and understand what is stopping us from living our life to the fullest.

Leave it all behind

Time spent in retreat provides a much needed break from the usual routine to help reset our mental, physical and emotional well-being in a stunning setting.

Do a digital detox

Many of us (whether we care to admit it or not!) are addicted to our digital devices. At ONEWORLD retreats guests are encouraged (optional) to turn them off, and disconnect in order to reconnect with your own self again. The benefits of doing this are endless and include better sleep, a healthier body rhythm and more focus.

A retreat can be extremely useful for your business

If you feel like your business is getting stagnant and could do with a fresh injection of energy, heading to a retreat can be a profound way to make a big change happen. You’ll be able to take a step back, reflect and reevaluate your career, looking at it from a fresh perspective.

Get to the next level in your yoga practice

A retreat is a great opportunity to experience yoga in an intimate environment and under the guidance of an experienced teacher helping you to either learn from scratch or get deeper and strengthen your practice away from the stress of your day to day life.

Learn how to meditate

Many people know about huge benefits of meditation but find it tricky to grasp the technique in order to include it into their daily routine. Learning to meditate in a peaceful and still place during a retreat can allow you to learn this spiritual practice in and out and return home with a new skill.

Whatever stage you are on in your journey a break from the norm could be just what you need to move onto the next exciting phase.

ONEWORLD Retreats located in Bali hosts a new group yoga retreat each week and has welcomed thousands of people through their doors over the years, watching them transform.

For more information please visit: www.oneworldretreats.com

 

RESTAURANT REVIEW: NANBAN, THE IDEAL PLACE TO EAT RAMEN IN LONDON

Joseph Gann
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: NANBAN, THE IDEAL PLACE TO EAT RAMEN IN LONDON

Brixton, South London, is home to a veritable feast of quirky, independent, independently minded small restaurants. With gentrification sweeping through these unique pockets of London, it is vital to keep supporting places with a free spirit or suffer in identikit, Pizza Express and Greene King purgatory forever. Nanban ticks the former’s box in every way, and is an absolute ripper of a restaurant – a one of a kind we should cherish if we value originality in the capital’s dining scene.

Idea

Masterchef: The Amateurs 2011 winner, Tim Anderson, is now a professional and has been for a while. Fronting this ramen Izakaya (a kind of Japanese beer joint), the American born chef venerates this style of Japanese dining with an eclectic but focused menu. Do not come here expecting sushi, this is billed as ‘soul food’ and lives up to the title with hearty, spicy dishes and a strong, varied sake menu.

Location

A short hop from Brixton tube station, nestled in amongst some of Brixton’s most popular pubs and with the market in view, Nanban is positioned ideally for an early bite before a big night out in the de-facto capital of South-London.

Atmosphere

Youthful and vibrant, with cheerful and energetic wait staff to match, Nanban draws a diverse crowd any night of the week. The small bar offering a great selection of craft, mainly local, beers adds to the fun.

Food

Ramen takes centre stage, ranging from the bang-on traditional; pork, pork broth and tea-cured egg yolk, to the experimental; braised goat served separately from his deep broth, dipping encouraged. The chef’s signature, championship Japanese burgers find a place on the menu if you fancy sampling Masterchef culinary heritage. Spicy, sticky chicken wings and a selection of inventive small plates with a focus on produce from the market complete the bill. With all the slurping, spice and sauce, dark clothes are a must. We’re still trying to get the stains out!

Drinks

An impressive sake selection is proudly visible to all on shelves behind the bar and the sake-tasting menu is an afformative and enjoyable way to drink at Nanban. The aforementioned craft beers have been curated no less thoughtfully. There’s also wine, but with the other great drinks on offer, why would you?

Must Try

No order would be complete here without two dishes. Firstly, a mood dependant ramen. Hungover? It’s got to be the pork. Feeling adventurous? That glorious goat curry ramen. Secondly, the angry birds chicken wings with seaweed seasoning are an absolute delight, possibly our favourite wings in the city. So spicy, moreish and somehow elevated above the humble, they marry to Nanban’s homemade chili sauce majestically. Sure, they bring on a sweat, but that’s what the craft beer is for alleviating.

Why Go

Support your independents. Support your American born, Japan obsessed, Brixton resident. Support Japanese soul food. Support any reason you can to slurp ramen washed down with lovely, original booze.

Address: 426 Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SW9 8LF, UK

Website: www.nanban.co.uk

 

5 IDEAL DIY WEDDING FAVOURS YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL DIY WEDDING FAVOURS YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE

You’ve got the venue sorted, the guest list is perfected, your engagement ring is glittering and ready for its accompanying wedding band and everyone in the wedding party knows what they’re doing (hopefully). So, now that all the important things are in place it’s time to move on to the last thing on most brides to do lists – the wedding favours!

Many of us don’t wish to spend too much on these gifts. After all you and your partner have paid for the food and most of the drink for the big day, but it’s still nice to have a little something on the table for people to take away. If you’re running out of time and you’re on a budget, then here are a few easy DIY favours to put together:

His & Hers sweets

Perhaps you love Jelly Babies and your partner loves Maltesers? If so, take inspiration from this and grab some large bags of you and your partner’s favourite sweets and pop a few of these into a small cellophane pouch. Label them ‘His & Hers Favourites’ and let your guests work out who enjoys eating what!

Cake pops

Super simple to make and a great post dinner snack – or you could even save money and have them for dessert! – cake pops are delicious and your guests will love them. All you need is cake mix (if you’re not much of a baker pre packaged is absolutely fine) melted chocolate or icing and some sprinkles, plus a silicone cake pop mould and sticks. You could even tie the cake pops in with your colour scheme, opting for icing in matching shades!

Seed bags

‘Plant the seed of love’, ‘watch our love grow’ – grab some plain sticky labels and decorate these with a similar phrase then stick them to small brown envelopes filled with seeds for you and your partner’s favourite flower. It’s such an easy favour to create for a small budget and one that guests can enjoy long after the day is over.

Hangover kit

Weddings are notorious for drunk guests and sore heads the next morning, so a fun favour in the form of a ‘hangover rescue kit’ is a great idea. Order some small drawstring bags – eBay is perhaps the best place to search for these – then fill them with a couple of paracetamol capsules, a small bottle of water and a breath mint. Your guests will appreciate them in the morning!

If you are having kids at your wedding, they obviously won’t need a hangover kit, so instead put together a little colouring book – you can find wedding themed templates online – and tie some crayons together for them to use. Here’s a link to some free downloadable templates.

Do not disturb signs

If your wedding is taking place in a hotel and your guests are staying the night, then this is a great favour to place on the tables. You can find designs for do not disturb signs online that you can edit or they’re so easy to make yourself – here’s an easy to follow tutorial.

So now that you’re feeling inspired, it’s time to recreate one of these great DIY favours! Your guest will love whatever you choose.

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