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5 IDEAL TRAVEL HACKS TO MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL TRAVEL HACKS TO MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER

It’s probably fair to say that we’d all like a little more money in our pockets when we go on holiday. After all, all those entertainment and dinning bills soon add up! Holidays are no time for cutting corners or selling yourself short, but at the same time you have to be realistic.

Which is why it’s a good idea to arm yourself with a few tips, tricks and hacks from the experts, before you set sail for foreign shores. They might not make you rich, but they could certainly help ensure your money goes at least a little bit further!

Care with Currency

It’s largely unheard of these days for any traveller to get a better exchange rate at home than in the country they’re travelling to. That is, unless you make the mistake of using exchange offices in airports, around local tourist attractions or even in your hotel. Always change your cash on the other side, but be sure to have a little on-hand for emergency purposes when you arrive.

Clear Cookies and Enable Private Browsing

You know those cookies that ensure websites know which language to fire-up in and various other bits and pieces each time you access them? Well, they can also result in you paying more than necessary for flights, accommodation and so on. Some experts have warned that dynamic pricing models adopted by many airlines and hotels gradually increase prices, each time the same user re-visits the site in question. It’s a tactic to tempt you into buying impulsively, but can be beaten by clearing cooking and enabling private browsing.

Use the Right Cards

Traveling internationally? You need credit and debit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. There are benefits when paying for flights and hotels with a credit card such as improving your credit score – you can read more information about that over at ClearScore. You might also want to consider reward/cashback schemes like Avios, which over time can lead to heavy discounts or perhaps even free airline tickets! Also call your credit card company to let them know you’re traveling, otherwise your card might well be put on hold.

Tell Your Bank

One of the best ways of getting a great exchange rate and never ending up with too much foreign currency is to withdraw as you go using your bank card. However, you’ll need to speak to your bank first as they may attach totally OTT charges to the service, rendering it completely unviable when looking to save money. In some instances, they may offer a facility for free international withdrawals and use of your card in general.

Use Free Stopovers

Last up, instead of planning an adventure holiday step by step, why not work in accordance with scheduled flight stopovers? For example, if you’re looking to fly to the US, you could always choose a flight that swaps in Iceland and spend a few days there, without paying an additional supplement. If you’re savvy enough, any point-to-point trip can be transformed into the holiday of a lifetime – all while paying a lower price than a comparable non-stop service.

4 IDEAL PASTRIES TO EAT IN LONDON

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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4 IDEAL PASTRIES TO EAT IN LONDON

We’ve eaten our way through a lot of pastries in London – some have been bad, some have been good and some have been downright excellent. In our eyes you can’t beat these four – they just cry ‘eat me’. Try not to think about how bad they are for you, just go, enjoy, and run later.

Cronut – Dominique Ansel London

Do you remember when the whole world went crazy for the Cronut? In 2013, Chef Dominique Ansel came up with the croissant-doughnut hybrid and hasn’t looked back since. This legendary pastry looks like a doughnut, but is made from croissant-like dough, rolled in sugar, filled with a flavoured cream (that changes every month) and topped with a beautiful glaze. These pastries live up to all the hype and are worth making a special trip for.

IDEAL Tip: The cronut is always in high demand and sell out daily, so we advise pre-ordering them to avoid disappointment.

Address: 17-21 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP, UK

Website: http://dominiqueansellondon.com/

Cinnamon Buns – Nordic Bakery

As far as we’re concerned, these are the most delicious cinnamon buns in town. Originating from a rustic home-style Finnish recipe, these buns are the real deal. Think layer-after-layer of buttery,  perfectly spiced rolls with a sticky sweet golden glaze that gives them a slightly crunchy bite.  So what makes these cinnamon buns the best? Nordic Bakery’s trick is to bake them on their sides, so the sweet cinnamon and butter filling stays enclosed inside.

IDEAL Tip:  Nordic Bakery celebrates Cinnamon Bun Week each year on 28th – 4th October – every year they do something special like limited edition flavours  -as seen in the above pic!

Address:  14a Golden Square, Soho, London, W1F 9JG

Website: nordicbakery.com

Custard Doughnut – St John’s

St John’s is THE place to go when you’re in the mood for a delicious doughnut – it’s owned by Fergus Henderson, who is like a god to chefs around the world and his vanilla bean custard doughnuts have a cult following.  Every Saturday and Sunday, doughnut disciples descend on St. John Druid streey bakery to sample them.

IDEAL Tip: Their doughnuts are also available every day from other St John outlets: Bread & Wine, Monday to Friday from St. John Smithfield and Wednesday to Sunday from St. John Maltby.

Address: 72 Druid Street London SE1 2HQ

Website:  https://www.stjohngroup.uk.com/bakery/

Biskie – Cutter and Squidge

Another hybrid that we love, the biskie is a biscuit /cookie/cake creation filled with buttercream. The texture may sound a bit weird, but it totally works – it’s crisp, soft, chewy and melty all at the same time. And for the health conscious, they have created a special buttercream that only uses half the amount of butter and sugar than most recipes, it’s packed full of real fruit, premium chocolate and over delicious things instead doe maximum flavour.

IDEAL Tip: Apparently the best way to eat a biskie is to leave it in the fridge for a day or so until it is softer, then take it out, leave it to warm up a bit and then to devour it – cookie monster style.

Address: 20 Brewer street, Soho, London, W1F 0SJ

Website:  cutterandsquidge.com

 

5 IDEAL PLACES TO EAT FRESH SEAFOOD IN LONDON

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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5 IDEAL PLACES TO EAT FRESH SEAFOOD IN LONDON

Finding fresh fish in London is like shooting them in a barrel, but a little research goes a long way in separating the good from the best. Although not on the coast, the best restaurants are now shipping amazingly fresh produce up to the capital daily. Here are our IDEAL picks for the freshest seafood cooked with flair and precision in London.

Outlaw’s at the Capital

Nathan Outlaw is often called the best fish chef in the world and it’s easy to see why – his approach is one of utter respect for the ingredient, pure and simple. He sources the best quality seafood money can buy and cooks it with clarity, with supporting acts only allowed to grace the plate if they serve to elevate the main event. His London outpost reflects this ethos perfectly, with a regularly changing menu dependent on season as well as the daily catch from head chef Tom Brown’s native Cornwall.  Outlaw’s lobster risotto with orange and basil is the stuff of legend and the restaurant’s way with turbot – usually roasted on the bone with a simple butter sauce – is sensational. One of our favourite places to eat fish, period.

Website: www.outlaws.co.uk

Scott’s

One of London’s oldest and most famous restaurants, Scotts, located in Mayfair, is not for those on a budget. Often, you get what you pay for where fish is concerned and this place serves premium product, often served very simply over ice, by the bucket-load. In the centre of the room is their famous oyster bar, and you’d be mad not to eat a few while you were here. One for a special occasion, certainly, but worth every penny if fish is your thing.

Website: www.scotts-restaurant.com

Hix Oyster and Chop House

Mark Hix knows his oysters. He’s written books about them. His Oyster and Chop house is frequently named as one of London’s favourite places to eat oysters. Though the oysters are certainly worth the visit alone, we would recommend the cockle popcorn as well as the owner’s own brand Hix Oyster Ale, the perfect accompaniment to all that slippery saline nourishment.

Website: www.hixrestaurants.co.uk

Wright Brothers Borough Market

Borough Market is an exciting place to be for lovers of the shelled species. The Wright Brothers have five outposts over the city, spanning from West to East and North to South, but their place in the market is our favourite. There is a buzz any day of the week, with clinking glasses of bubbly and lively chatter vibrating through the establishment. Refreshingly lacking in starched white formality, Wright Brothers lets the seafood take centre stage, where it quite rightly belongs.

Website: thewrightbrothers.co.uk

Chip Shop

Not so much precision, but a lot of flair – this hip hop themed Fish ’n’ Chip restaurant in Brixton seems an odd proposition, but try telling that to the hugely mixed clientele of old and young attending this place with regularity and enthusiasm. It may seem odd to see your elderly grandfather dunking chips in homemade mushy peas whilst his foot slyly taps along to Biggy, but the quality of the cooking and bargain price will certainly bring him back for another visit.

Website: www.chipshopbxtn.com

TOP TEN IDEAL SUMMER WEDDING DOS AND DON’TS

Rachel Stevenson
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TOP TEN IDEAL SUMMER WEDDING DOS AND DON’TS

Are you planning a summer wedding? Then follow these fabulous summer wedding dos and don’ts for a celebration that goes off without a hitch

If you are having a summertime wedding, your vision for that special day probably includes beautiful weather with bright blue skies, gorgeous flowers, guests milling around with their favorite cocktail enjoying scrumptious hors d’oeurves and raving about how beautiful everything is.

While it is possible your day could turn out exactly the way you dreamed it would, you need to prepare for the possibility that a number of things could indeed go wrong if you don’t plan ahead. However, if you have never planned a summer wedding before, how do you know what to anticipate?

That’s where the experience of a qualified wedding consultant comes in. Kathy Byrum of Dream Wedding and Event Planners has been planning and coordinating summer weddings for over 14 years. Below are some of Kathy’s top tips for preventing you and your guests from feeling the discomfort of the summertime heat, maintaining the beauty of your dream cake, ensuring your flowers stay fresh, and other important details to make certain your dream wedding goes off without a hitch.

One

If you are planning an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, always have a backup plan in the event of rain. Make sure you have an indoor option if Mother Nature doesn’t go your way.

Two

Make sure your guests are well taken care of, especially if they are sitting out in the warm sun without some sort of shade overhead. Have plenty of ice cold water available in pretty glasses with slices of lemon and lime or bottled water in ice buckets, and have your hostesses and ushers hand out fans or umbrellas (and perhaps a little insect repellant) to keep everyone comfy during an outdoor affair.

Three

One of the best ways to keep your makeup from sliding right off your face on a hot, humid day is to hire a professional makeup artist. If your budget doesn’t allow that: a) use an oil-absorbing foundation primer ; b) layer your eye makeup with a translucent face powder; c) mist on a makeup setting spray; and d) carry some makeup blotting papers in your clutch so you can absorb any excess oil without removing your makeup.

Four

When selecting your bridal gown for an outdoor celebration, stay away from heavy fabrics such as satin or brocade. Multiple layers of crinolines or slips should be avoided because they can trap heat making you very uncomfortable. Added beads or sequins will weigh down your dress causing it to cling to your skin as well. You should also take into consideration lighter materials that breathe for the men’s tuxedos or suits.

Five

Don’t plan on having a fondant wedding cake if it will be outdoors. Hot weather can trap heat on the inside of the cake causing the fondant frosting to bulge and sag. Opt for buttercream, and skip the mousse fillings that can go rancid in just a few hours. Either way, try to keep your cake refrigerated until just before your guests arrive.

Six

Don’t stretch out the cocktail hour for more than the traditional one hour. Since summer weddings can be quite warm, too much alcohol can be a bad thing. Make sure your appetizers are substantial enough to prevent the alcohol from going to everyone’s heads! Also, your guests want to move into the announcements, toasts and dinner hour without delay so they can get on with the socializing and dancing. Unnecessary gaps between events can cause your guests to lose that essential party mood.

Seven

In the months of May through August, there are a wide variety of summer blooms from which to choose. If you stick with seasonal flowers, they will be more affordable. Talk with your floral designer about whether your flowers will be inside or outside for the evening, and they will educate you about which flowers are more sensitive to the outdoor heat.

Eight

Order a backup boutonniere. They are fragile, especially since your groom will be wearing it all day, and it needs to withstand the heat and hugs. Order an extra one so you can replace it when his begins to droop.

Nine

Summer heat and humidity can cause your feet and hands to swell. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and try to stay cool before walking down the aisle. Apply a bit of hand lotion to your ring finger to avoid trouble getting that ring on during your vows!

Ten

Provide Powder Room necessities for both the men and the women. Assemble baskets with useful items such as Band-Aids, deodorant, toothbrushes/toothpaste, mouthwash, hand lotion, baby powder, bobby pins, body spray, Tylenol for the occasional headache, mint flavored gum, etc. Customize the baskets to suit the needs for men and women alike.

These are just a few of the highlights involved in thinking ahead while planning your summertime nuptials. Having a professional plan your wedding and be there to oversee the day’s events is the best wedding gift you can give yourselves. Invest wisely in your wedding and make sure you are well taken care of so you can enjoy all of the special moments that you will treasure for a lifetime.

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HANGOVERS

Rachel Stevenson
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10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HANGOVERS

Brits will spend two years of their lives feeling hungover – and rely on a fry-up, a lie-in and a hair of the dog to get them through it a study as found.  With this in mind, here are 10 things you need to know about hangovers, and 5 things that will help you recover from them.

1. Age matters – they do get worse with age

2. Studies reveal women suffer worse hangovers then men due to possessing fewer of the enzymes that metabolise alcohol

3. Avoid strong coffee as it actually dehydrates the body

4. Choose your fizzy hangover cures wisely as some contain well over the recommended allowance of sodium – which in the long term could ramp up your blood pressure

5. The stronger the alcohol the quicker the blood levels raise so you get drunk quicker so think about the types of drinks you are drinking

6. Alcohol has a general anaesthetic effect on the brain. Initially it ‘anaesthetises’ pathways involved in inhibitions which is why you lose your social brakes, then it anaesthetises other areas so you feel whoozy and lose those essential motor skills etc.

7. Shaky hands are caused by alcohol relaxing the arteries and dehydration – reducing your blood pressure

8. Throbbing temples and headaches are down to dehydration of the brain – one of the reasons why exercise isn’t all that sensible when hungover – and to the effects of toxins such as acetaldehyde which the liver is unable to process quickly enough to clear them if you are drinking lots in one go.

9. Alcohol irritates the digestive system and increases acidity – BUT dry biscuits can help mop this up.

10. Eggs contain cysteine – an amino acid thought to mop up the toxins that build up in the liver. So boiled eggs and soldiers are a good option.

Top five products that work for a hangover

Whether you’re looking for a hangover treatment near you in Boston, Berlin or Barcelona, the below have been shown to be somewhat effective in soothing that sorehead you’re currently nursing…

  1. Water to address dehydration

2.  Effervescent tablets to replace vitamin C and B vitamins which are quickly depleted when metabolising alcohol

3. Globe Artichoke to stimulate liver function and increase bile production to reduce bloating

4. Milk Thistle – protects liver cells from the toxic effects of alcohol by raising levels of a liver antioxidant, and is a traditional herbal medicine for intestinal distress

5.  Silicol gel – to absorb toxins and line the stomach to reduce irritation and indigestion.

Study by  Healthspan Ruby Effervescent Vitamin C 

3 IDEAL REASONS TO LEARN SPANISH

Rachel Stevenson
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3 IDEAL REASONS TO LEARN SPANISH

There’s a staggering number of people out there who speak Spanish. You probably already know that it’s one of the most spoken languages in the entire world, but a lot of people still haven’t quite grasped just how many people speak the language. Estimates have put the total figures somewhere around 420 million at least, and close to 500 million when being less conservative.

People do often overestimate how much of an edge Spanish has over the English language when it comes to sheer numbers. In truth, Spanish is only slightly ahead. If you count the number of people who have learned English as a second language, then Spanish doesn’t have that big a lead in terms of numbers.

This is why so many English-speaking people can travel all over the world quite comfortably without ever learning more than a few very basic terms in other languages. English is the lingua franca, and that’s probably not going to change any time soon.

So the argument goes that there’s no point in learning a language like Spanish. Why bother learning any language if it’s so easy to go on vacations without needing to speak in or listen to a foreign tongue? Well, the fact is that knowing another language will make your vacations that much more enjoyable and educational. When you don’t know the language of a country in which you’re vacationing, you’re actually missing out on an awful lot about that country.

Enrich your travelling experience

Think about all the incredible and interesting countries where Spanish is the primary language. Argentina. Colombia. Cuba. Peru. (Peru is basically worth visiting for its coffee alone!) These lands are rich with incredible cultures and interesting people – and knowing Spanish will help you deepen your appreciation of it all. It could be argued that no travel experience is really complete unless you’re able to speak to the natives of that land. If you’re only going to a country to gawk, then perhaps you don’t need to know the language. But what if you want more?

Understand your surroundings

Consider your daily life in your home country. Wherever you look, you can understand every sign, poster, shop name, etc. When you understand the written word, you can scan your surroundings and find cool new places and novelties with ease.

Interact with the locals

When it comes to the spoken language, you can listen in on the amusing or otherwise interesting conversations with the locals, and even engage in them yourself. You can exchange stories, communicate problems, help others, and strike up other friendly conversations with ease.

Consider the above; you’d be missing out on a lot if you didn’t know the language of the place in which you live! This should help highlight to you just how much your experience and connection to the country is aided by your knowledge of its language. It’s these micro-communications that make you feel really connected to a place.

The truth is that, if you don’t know the language of the place you’re visiting, the bulk of your interaction with the place will be superficial. Besides, knowing the language will make you feel safer and make it easier for you to drift off the beaten path!

IDEAL TIPS: GET YOUR SMILE SUMMER READY

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL TIPS: GET YOUR SMILE SUMMER READY

In a  survey from UltraDEX, 35% of people said that a nice smile is the first thing they notice about someone. With that in mind, spare a thought for your pearly whites this summer. Holidays can often involve over-indulging on food and drink, as well as an irregular brushing routine, so follow these tips for healthy teeth and gums on your travels:

1. Along with your bathing suit, sunglasses and sun lotion, don’t forget your toothbrush! The complementary hotel toothbrush just doesn’t compare to your own

2. If squeezing into the toilet cubicle to clean your teeth is just too much to bear, the UltraDEX Fresh Breath Oral spray helps you feel fresh on a long flight and ensures optimal oral health on the go. The conveniently sized pump action spray is a hand luggage essential

3. Snack wisely: wherever your travels take you, soft fruit is likely to be in abundance. But over-indulgence of highly acidic foods and drinks can lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay. So keep your sugar hits to a maximum of four per day – yes that includes fruit!

4. If you’re super organised, 2 weeks before you travel, start using the UltraDEX Recalcifying & Whitening Toothpaste for exceptional oral care, stronger brighter teeth and healthy gums. This will gently oxidise organic stains and reveal the true whiteness of your teeth within 14 days. You’ll notice those pearly whites really stand out against the healthy glow you’re inevitably going to pick up the minute you leave the UK

4. Be honest, when was the last time you paid a visit to the dentist? Before you leave the country, it’s well worth getting your teeth checked out. Nothing spoils holiday fun faster than a toothache

Once you’ve got all that in hand, you’re ready to floss and go!

11 IDEAL TIPS FOR A BRIGHT SMILE

Rachel Stevenson
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11 IDEAL TIPS FOR A BRIGHT SMILE

Dr Peta Leigh, teeth whitening expert at award-winning, highly specialist dental and orthodontics practice, www.ellevendental.com offers 11 top tips for achieving the best and brightest white smile for  National Smile Month. 

EAT YOUR WAY TO WHITER TEETH

Foods that are firm or crisp are known to help clean teeth as they’re eaten. Apples are considered to be ‘nature’s toothbrush’ and are a great way of cleaning teeth on the go or at lunch time when you are at work and unable to brush your teeth. Other choices include raw carrots, celery, and popcorn. All of these foods are known as ‘detergent’ foods, as the rough edges act as a cleaner to remove bacteria from the teeth. Try to make these the final foods you eat in your meal if you know you won’t be able to brush your teeth right after eating.

WASH AWAY THE STAINS

Water is not only essential for overall wellbeing, it is also vital for great oral health. Water acts as a natural cleaner and has the power to wash away bacteria and residue left on the teeth after eating so be sure to drink a glass of water after every meal.

GET A CALCIUM BOOST

This may come as a surprise to many but cheese is also known for helping to maintain healthy white teeth. Although very fattening, cheese speeds the neutralization of acid and remineralisation of enamel. Less damage to our enamel equals fewer discolourations. In addition, cheese is also high in calcium which is known for strengthening bones and teeth. For a healthier alternative, milk and yoghurt act in the same way as the cheese, containing calcium and phosphorus which promotes the remineralisation of tooth enamel.

NEUTRALISE ACID

Chewing gum is also very beneficial when it comes to maintaining a white smile. Chewing gum helps to clean teeth mechanically by removing debris, and it stimulates production of saliva, which increases your saliva’s ability to neutralize acid and remineralise your enamel, ultimately strengthening teeth. Make sure you choose a sugar-free gum and if it has whitening properties, even better!

QUIT SMOKING

Lifestyle choices can also influence a natural white smile with smoking being one of the biggest causes of teeth decay and discolouration. The nicotine and tar in the cigarette result in teeth darkening, losing their natural white. Smoking can cause teeth to turn yellow over a very short period of time and years of smoking can even turn teeth brown. To stop this from happening, the answer is simple- stop smoking. Plus it will improve your overall health dramatically.

BRUSH YOUR WAY TO A WHITER SMILE

Your toothbrush can also influence the whiteness in your teeth. Make sure you change your toothbrush or the head of your electric toothbrush at least every two to three months, otherwise you’re just transferring bacteria to your mouth. People also underestimate how flossing can transform a smile.

THE LITTLE EXTRAS

Flossing removes some of the staining in between teeth, making your smile instantly look whiter. Try to floss several times a week as this will not only improve the health of your gums, you will also notice your smile looking brighter.

SEE THE LIGHT

Dark coloured foods are also notorious for causing discolouration in the naturally white teeth enamel. The best thing to do is try to avoid these foods and drinks such as coffee, balsamic vinegar and red wine, but if you do want to treat yourself, drink a glass of water after as this will help minimise staining.

HYGIENE HELPS

Regular hygienist appointments at least twice a year will help to preserve a bright white whilst maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The latest technology is dental hygiene uses a special polishing technique which uses high pressure air and water and a specially-formulated powder which can help restore teeth to their natural colour by removing external stains such as those caused by coffee, tea, red wine and daily living.

GET A TEETH WHITENING TREATMENT

Ultimately, the only way to achieve long lasting results is to visit a professional dental clinic  that can offer a variety of whitening options, starting with cleaning, stain removal and comprehensive chair-side (In-surgery) and home combination bleaching treatments. Many specialist dental practices like The Vallance Dental Centre offer bespoke whitening treatments, tailor-made to each patient’s life-style, budget and individual needs, ensuring the best results for beautiful natural white teeth.

ALL ABOARD THE SMILE TRAIN

Ok, so this won’t keep your teeth white, but will make the world a little brighter for someone else. Smile Train is a sustainable charity that helps to fund operations for children who suffer from a cleft lip and/or palette. Why not donate £2 this world smile day to help not only you, but a child smile too! Find out more at www.smiletrain.org.uk.

7 COMMON SLEEP MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Rachel Stevenson
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7 COMMON SLEEP MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Counting sheep and listening to lullabies can only get you so far. The experts from The Sleep Matters Club powered by Dreams  reveal some common bedtime mistakes you might not even know you’re making – and how to avoid them

Caffeinated midnight snacking

Caffeine is a stimulant and in moderate doses can block sleep neurotransmitters causing insomnia. Foods high in refined sugar like breakfast cereals, breakfast bars and pasta sauces can stress the organs in charge of hormone regulation causing you to wake in the night as your levels fluctuate. Snack on foods that contain tryptophan. This amino acid is needed by the body to produce serotonin, which in turn makes melatonin – a hormone that helps to control your sleep cycles. Foods that are high in tryptophan include yogurt, milk, banana, eggs and turkey.

Catching up on sleep

It’s a common misconception about sleep debt: you accumulate lost hours of sleep that you can pay back later on, and your body will be fine.However sleep debt isn’t a straight balance. Most people only usually need two or three good night’s sleep to get back to normal after serious sleep deprivation.

Sleeping with pets

According to research 63% of pet owners who shared their bed or bedroom with their pet experiences poor quality sleep. Keep your pets in a different room. If they’re exceptionally noisy, consult your vet to rule out any medical problems – they might be making some sleep mistakes themselves!

Hitting the snooze button

Any extra sleep you get is fragmented making it low quality. You also prepare the body for a new sleep cycle that you won’t have time to finish, resulting in fatigue throughout the day. Set your alarm for when you actually need to get up. Try to set it for the same time every day. This regularity will hopefully mean you should wake up without the need for an alarm.

Having a nightcap

Though alcohol does not allow healthy people to fall asleep quicker, it reduces REM sleep- the phase of sleep associate with deep dreaming. Disruptions in REM sleep may cause daytime drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol just before you go to bed. On average, it takes an hour for the body to process one unit of alcohol. Instead opt for herbal teas, such as camomile, which have a sedative effect.

Using Technology before bed

78% of people use a smartphone, tablet of laptop before going to bed. However these gadgets emit blue light, which is said to delay the production of melatonin, the sleep inducing hormone. Give yourself a tech curfew. And move your electronic devices out of the bedroom altogether.

Leaving the TV on

38% of people watch TV to wind down for sleep. However, watching TV before bedtime encourages you to stay up later, harming your sleep cycle and leading to poor quality sleep. Keep TVs out of the bedroom. Alternatively listen to the radio to help you fall asleep.

With a few changes to your bedroom routine you’ll hopefully be dozing off in no time. Sweet dreams!

3 IDEAL PLACES TO SHOP FOR AWESOME YET AFFORDABLE INTERIOR ORNAMENTS IN LONDON

Rachel Stevenson
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3 IDEAL PLACES TO SHOP FOR AWESOME YET AFFORDABLE INTERIOR ORNAMENTS IN LONDON

There are many ways you can spice up a room without having to go through a big remodelling project. Changing the colours of the walls or installing new wallpaper is great, but you can achieve the same big effects by adding new elements or changing the decoration a little bit.

London is the perfect place to be if you’re thinking about adding new accents or ornaments to the room, because there are plenty of great ways to get them. So, where should you shop for awesome yet affordable interior ornaments in London?

Online!

You can’t live in London and not take advantage of the free shipping offers available online. London is one of the best-covered cities in the UK when it comes to delivery options, which means you can pick up any item you like and shop at top online retailers without having to worry about shipping and handling charges.

There is another great advantage of shopping online too: discounts! Online retailers such as Big Warehouse Sale tend to offer more discounts than their offline rivals. This is because online retailers don’t have to spend so much on overhead costs, allowing them to offer competitive prices as well as great special offers almost all year round.

To make it even better, there are plenty of catalogues to go through online. Want to cover the worn wooden floors with sharp, modern and cheap grey carpet for a completely different interior tone? Search for the right shade and pattern online and you will have the new carpet installed within days.

Ben Pentreath

This next one is a personal favourite of mine because the shop is filled with accessories; they’re all gorgeous and you have plenty of options to choose from. The next time you’re looking for ornaments for your living room, some new kitchenware to spice up those Instagram photos or you just want to pick up new cushions, Pentreath & Hall is the place to be.

You only need to look at the store’s Instagram stream once to know that there are some beautiful items you can pick up from the place. The ornaments and accessories sold at this outlet are also reasonably priced, so you don’t have to worry about breaking your wallet the next time you visit.

Twentytwentyone

Twentytwentyone is where vintage design and modern accents meet. It is a truly awesome interior shop to check out, especially with their gorgeous displays. However, it is worth mentioning that Twentytwentyone is also a high-end store.

Worry not, because the store frequently offers discounts and special offers. You can pick up gorgeous interior pieces for up to 70% off the normal prices if you time your visit correctly. These items are ex-display or items that have been discontinued, but they’ll still look good in your property and they’re definitely a steal at the discounted prices.

The next time you want to spice up the interior of your house, be sure to check out these options and have the best interior pieces brightening up the rooms around your house in no time.

IDEAL TIPS: SUMMER BEAUTY DO’S AND DONT’S

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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IDEAL TIPS: SUMMER BEAUTY DO’S AND DONT’S

SUMMER BEAUTY

The cold weather is finally giving way to sunshine and summer is on the horizon. This means it’s time to shed your winter layers and refresh your beauty routine, so you can emerge like a beautiful soft-skinned butterfly into the next season. The Club Spa’s Manager Lyndsey Jackson-Guy reveals the must-know beauty tricks for a rejuvenated you.

Do use SPF even when it still seems like winter!

Wind and sun are one dynamic (and evil) duo for the skin. So when freezing temperatures and biting winds have left your skin dry, agitated, and pretty much in the fetal position, UV rays have a clear shot at your skin. Using SPF lotion all year round will add moisture to your skin and make it less prone to lines and wrinkles.

Do keep things natural

Lotions using as many natural ingredients as possible are best as the skin can get very delicate during winter. Use a Herbal Steam room if you are looking to shed your winter weight. Herbal Steam rooms accelerate weight loss and a single steam session can burn as many as 600 calories!

Do exfoliate

Central heating and icy weather play havoc with your complexion, making your skin look dull and feel horribly dry. Using an exfoliating scrub can help to shed dead skin to reveal softer, fresher skin.

Do look after your hair

It’s not just your skin that gets neglected throughout the winter. During the colder months, hair can get dry and brittle from lack of vitamin D, so make sure you give your locks some love and attention once in a while too.

Don’t exfoliate too much

Exfoliating too much can dry out your skin. This then can lead to the skin getting too oily as it tries to recover from being stripped. It is best to exfoliate your skin once a week.

Don’t forget to look after your skin

Don’t just wrap up under warm layers and forget about looking after your body and skin during colder months. Harsh cold weather drains out the moisture in skin, however a body lotion will rehydrate and rejuvenate this.

Don’t stress

Massage is a proven powerful stress reliever which not only helps you unwind but can also help with long-term anxiety issues.  Face and scalp massages aid relaxation – perfect for relieving stress. A happy person is a beautiful person.

Don’t stick with the same products all year around.

You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine in the summer.  But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skin care routine.  Find an “ointment” moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based for the colder months, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. (Hint: Many lotions labelled as “night creams” are oil-based.)

If you fancy a treat then The Club Spa is home to an Indoor Salt Water Pool with Hydrotherapy Bench and Thermal Suite, comprising a Salt Cabin, Herbal Steam Room, Sauna and Experience Shower to revive and invigorate.  A soothing Relaxation Sanctuary offers four reclining beds with integrated headphones playing soothing music with  fruit, herbal teas and magazines available.

The Club Spa, Green Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 4UH, Channel Islands

www.theclubjersey.com

IDEAL WAYS TO SLEEP BETTER DURING ALLERGY SEASON

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL WAYS TO SLEEP BETTER DURING ALLERGY SEASON

Sam Atherton from the Sleep Matter Club powered by dreams shares with IDEAL her top tips on how to sleep better during allergy season

Now we’re in summer, many people are spending more time outdoors. However, some are avoiding time spent in the warmer weather due to seasonal allergic rhinitis, known to most as hay fever.

Seasonal allergies occur when airborne pollen from trees, flowers, grasses and weeds enter the body through the nose, eyes or mouth.

One area that is significantly affected by hay fever is sleep. Hay fever sufferers are kept awake by breathing difficulties, sneezing and nose blowing, which can result in significant daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

In one study, only 17% of patients with allergies rated their sleep as optimal. About half of all people in the study said their allergies woke them up at night and made it more difficult to fall asleep.

Hay fever affects one in four people in the UK, and, unfortunately, there is no real cure.

Many sufferers will notice that hay fever symptoms worsen at night. Some believe that this is because as the temperature cools in the evening there is less hot air rising, and that leaves a layer of pollen-rich air around ground level.

What can hay fever sufferers do to sleep better?

Fortunately, there are measures hay fever sufferers can take to enjoy a better night’s sleep. Here are some ideas:

Reduce your stress

There have been links between stress and the severity of hay fever symptoms. Stress can keep you awake at night, yet reduced stress levels could mean that your symptoms will become milder. Focusing on this is a no-brainer.

Related: Meditation Techniques To Help You Sleep

Keep your bedroom clean

It is important that you keep your bedroom clean to make sure dust doesn’t build up on areas such as your surfaces and skirting boards. Of course, your bedroom is where you sleep, so for allergy sufferers it’s worth making the effort to make sure your bedroom is clean. By paying attention to the cleanliness of your home and bedroom you can minimise your hay fever symptoms dramatically.

Shower before bed

A great way to ensure you get a better night’s sleep is to have a hot, steamy shower before you go to bed to clear your sinuses. A shower will enable you to wash off any pollen that you might have collected on your skin and in your hair during the day.

Try a shower with eucalyptus as it is great at clearing the sinuses and soothing the throat.

Remove clothing worn outside

When you get in, remove any clothing that you have worn outside and put it in the washing machine. Once the clothes are clean, avoid hanging them outside to dry in order to avoid pollen, as it defeats the object.

Make sure you know when it’s time for a new mattress

As your mattress gets older, your mattress and pillows collect dust mites, skin cells, sweat and body oils. The dust mites in your mattress can trigger your hay fever symptoms, so it’s important that you keep dust mites at bay. Clean your sheets as often as possible and regularly hoover your mattress to avoid dust mites building up.

It’s also important that you know when you should replace your mattress. It is advised that you replace your mattress every 8 years.

If you are a hay fever sufferer and these tips work for you, let us know in the comments section.

3 IDEAL TIPS FOR FAKE TANNING THIS SPRING

Rachel Stevenson
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3 IDEAL TIPS FOR FAKE TANNING THIS SPRING

It may not quite be maxi-dress season just yet, but the experts behind leading fake tan accessory brand, Bronzie, want to educate Brits on how to make the most of their tanning efforts as the sun starts to beam through the clouds this spring.

Eloise-Maryam, tanning expert to the stars and marketing manager at Bronzie said, “As we transition into the warmer months and ‘winter white’ skin starts to call for a little pick-me-up, one of the most popular questions I’m asked at this time of year is “how do I achieve a natural looking tan?” Well the answer is simple, for anything to look good on your face or body, the base needs to be cared for and prepped. You wouldn’t paint walls until they were clean, dust-free and smooth, would you?”

The ladies behind Bronzie believe that it’s really important to look after your skin, especially where fake tan is concerned. Here are Eloise’s top tips for achieving the perfect tan this spring:

Give your skin a little TLC

“Be sure to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will show through your skin. We know that it’s been said time and time again, but water is like a magic tonic for skin, hair and nails, but many of us don’t drink the amount we should. Also, make sure you are buffing your body from top to bottom in order to remove the remains of any dead winter skin cells – you can use anything, like a loofa or bath sponge.  Last but not least, make sure you remove your makeup before bed. Another old cliché, but trust us – your pores will clog with the makeup, and your skin will appear dull.

Perfecting a tan at home

If you’re a DIY tanner, the most common way to achieve the glow you want is to go for a gradual tanning product. You can find a variety of brands in all supermarkets or online.  If you have a tan product you regularly use, go ahead and use that, but just a little less of it. Instead of double layering or doing two coats over two days (which is known as double-dipping), just apply the one coat to achieve a natural glow. Creams will always last longer as they penetrate further into the outer layer of the skin.  It’s also important to be extra cautious with hands, elbows knees and feet as these areas in particular tend to dry up quicker during harsh weather, causing them to develop a darker tone.  In order to avoid dark patches make sure you apply extra moisturiser.

Don’t be afraid to call in the experts

To create your springtime glow with your tan artist, ask for a lighter version of what you normally have – or if you usually have two coats, ask for one instead. To keep the tan alive, avoid anything that will make you sweat too much like saunas, steams, swimming pools etc, as all of these can affect the longevity of the tan, causing it to fade more quickly or even look patchy. Anything oily can also break the tan down, so make sure you use oil-free products to keep your glow looking fresh.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO PERFECT YOUR SMILE

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO PERFECT YOUR SMILE

When you meet a person for the first time what do you immediately notice? Their shoes, how good looking they are? Well generally, we notice a person’s smile – especially if it’s a particularly bad one.

Improve your appearance, and first impression, by altering your smile with these 5 steps

Teeth Whitening

Brighten your smile so your teeth are a healthy white with a teeth whitening treatment. You can do this yourself with a home kit or for a safer and more effective procedure book an appointment with the professionals.

Teeth whitening procedures can lighten your teeth by multiple shades, taking them back to their natural colour before built up staining occurred. This is completely safe, and with the correct maintenance, results can last for months.

Invisible Braces

Gone are the days of metal wires, colourful elastic bands and painful train track jokes. Indeed, as reported by Elite Orthodontics, who provide braces in London, adult braces have now turned invisible!

As Whitehouse Dental, an orthodontist in Richmond, tell us, modern braces are like a see-through fitted gum shield, which is designed just for you. You can smile all you want, without affecting your speech; just make sure to remove the brace when eating or brushing your teeth.

So if you have a slightly crooked smile or would like to realign it slightly, invest in invisible braces from your orthodontist.

Via Canva

Veneers

Do you dream of having the perfect smile? Well, you can create one with dental veneers. But what exactly are veneers?

As Harley Street Dental Clinic, providers of veneers in London, point out veneers are extremely thin, porcelain caps that can be placed on top of discoloured, chipped or misaligned teeth to build a straight, white smile. Veneers are extremely strong and resilient to staining or chipping damage, and therefore are a popular choice with people looking for a complete make-over.

Dental Implants

Having missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious and less likely to smile, but dental implants will have you beaming once more.

Smile Like the Stars tell us that unlike uncomfortable or troublesome dentures, dental implants are a permanent fixture that will stop the bone receding and your jaw changing shape. And you can brush them as you would your natural teeth.

Titanium is used as a manmade replacement for the original tooth’s root and fused for security. A crown or bridge is then fitted on top to mimic the appearance of the surrounding teeth. As a result, when you smile, the tooth should blend in seamlessly with the others around it. And according to Smiles Denture Care Centre, that patients who have opted for dental implants London Ontario services often remark how similar the implant feels to their natural teeth. No one would ever know!

Keep Your Teeth Clean

It may sound simple, but keeping your teeth clean can drastically improve their appearance. Brush twice a day, floss regularly and buy a mouth wash. Try to cut out red wine, stop smoking and avoid foods that may stain your teeth, such as beetroot or tomatoes. These are all simple and affordable tips that can really make a difference.

Will you be altering your smile with one or more of these tips? Well, turn that frown upside down, and show us those teeth! It’s time to smile again.

IDEAL GUIDES: NEED TO KNOW BEAUTY BOOKING ETIQUETTE

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL GUIDES: NEED TO KNOW BEAUTY BOOKING ETIQUETTE

Our IDEAL guide to beauty salon etiquette including how much to tip and when is too late to show up to an appointment

Confused on how much to tip if you get your nails done? Want to know how do you make sure you get the beauty treatment/haircut you want?Vaniday’ s leading hair ambassador, CJ Vineall from top London salon Michael John takes us through the most-asked client questions when it comes to booking beauty services for the ultimate guide in making the most of your appointment and the best customer service possible.

Vaniday is the new booking platform connecting customers with the industry’s key experts in multiple categories spanning hair, makeup and nails right through to top personal trainers, yoga instructors and wellbeing specialists for a healthy mind, body and spirit.

How late is too late to show up for an appointment?

This really does depend on the service you’re having, for a hair appointment we would say to try and not be more that 10-15 minutes late. It is sometimes challenging with the tube and traffic in London but stylists and beauticians do have set timings for appointments that enable us to deliver the best possible service in that time, that includes a consultation to find out what you are looking to have done, a relaxing massage at the basin and the colour/cut and styling of course. The later you are for an appointment the less time we have which increases the pressure to facilitate each part of your salon journey.

Should you prepare for your appointment?

Absolutely, in order for professionals to deliver great results we need an idea of what our clients are looking for, especially when it comes to hair. I would recommend thinking about some ideas or bringing in some images of styles that you really like, this then forms the starting conversation in our consultations. We can see what you like and discuss how we can bring elements to your style, taking in to consideration your hair type, texture, styling routine and personal style. Clients that know what they want but are also flexible when it comes to tailoring that look in terms of suitability enables us to deliver exactly that and makes for a great salon experience. Communication is so key.

“For beauty it’s the same, take in to consideration the treatment you are booked in for, especially a service like waxing where it’s important to not apply oils or lotions that day so you can ensure you get the best results from your service.

How do you make sure you get the beauty treatment/haircut you want?

With Vaniday customers can search by the individual professional so you immediately have access to their personal Vaniday profile which features a photo of them along with images of their previous work and detailed reviews from previous clients. This helps removes the mystery of who you are booking in with so you can already see if you will get on and like their previous work. Once in salon the consultation is key, if you are looking for a big change I would recommend booking in for a consultation prior to your appointment so you have a full understanding of the services you are having and the results. It’s also a great idea if you are looking for some style advice and expert opinion.

Is it rude to use your phone in a salon?

Not at all, we all know how important our phones are, many of our clients use salon time to catch up on emails or read blogs that they haven’t had time to otherwise. It’s especially great to see clients on their phones if they are leaving us a great review!

What do you do if you don’t like your treatment?

Customer Service is important to Vaniday and after each appointment booked through the platform their customer service team contacts each client to review the service and also contact the salon to follow up. If you are unhappy with your service, which although we have detailed consultations in place can sometimes still happen, it’s important you speak to your stylist, the receptionist or salon manager so the team can rectify any problems right away for you.

How much should you tip?

It’s really up to the client’s discretion, it is common to tip around 10%, although we have had lovely gifts from happy clients including home baked treats to bottles of wine at Christmas!

Check out Vaniday’s services here: vaniday.com

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