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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR PAN-GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH LEMON AIOLI

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR PAN-GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH LEMON AIOLI

TV chef Rachel Allen shows us how to create great food that’s both good for you and delicious

Rachel Allen’s shares her recipe for pan-grilled chicken breasts with lemon and marjoram aioli and roast cherry tomatoes.

Top Tip: For the roast tomatoes, try to get hold of cherry tomatoes or small tomatoes that are still attached to the stalk. These look good and the stalk can be cut with scissors into portions before cooking. If the tomatoes are off the stalk, you can cook them whole or cut in half.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts#
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

For the roast cherry tomatoes:

  • About 20 small or cherry tomatoes
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Sea salt and ground black pepper

Lemon and marjoram aioli:

  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely crushed
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 175ml sunflower oil
  • 50ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chopped or dried marjoram
  • 100ml chicken stock (or water)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), Gas mark 6. Place the tomatoes on a baking tray (if they are cut in half, place them cut side up), drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the skin is a little blistered and the flesh soft on the inside. Take out of the oven and keep warm until serving – they will sit happily for up to half an hour in the oven with the heat turned off.

Place a cast-iron griddle pan or a frying pan on a high heat and allow it to get quite hot – it should be just smoking. Rub the chicken breasts with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Place the chicken in the pan skin side down and cook for 4 – 5 minutes or until the one side is a deep golden colour or has good scorch marks (if using the griddle pan). Turn the chicken over and reduce the heat, continuing to cook for 8 – 12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (it should be opaque in the middle).

Meanwhile, make the aioli. Place the garlic, marjoram, egg yolks, lemon juice and mustard in a bowl. Place the oils together in a jug and pour into the egg yolks very gradually in a very thin stream while whisking constantly. Continue to add the oils, whisking all the time until all the oil has been added and the aioli is thick. Transfer the chicken to a warm serving dish and keep warm.

Deglaze the pan by placing the roasting tray on a medium heat and pouring in the stock (or water) and using a whisk to dissolve the delicious juices stuck to the tray. Bring up to the boil, then pour into a jug and allow to sit for a minute for the tart to float up to the top. Spoon off the fat. Reheat the liquid if it has cooled down completely, pour into the aioli gradually, whisking constantly.

To serve, place the chicken breasts, whole or sliced, on warmed plates, spoon some sauce over the top or around the edge and place a portion of cherry tomatoes on the side.

  • Serves 4, preparation time 40 minutes)

Ecover has teamed up with chef and mother of three Rachel Allen to launch its ‘Eat Clean, Feel Good’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the hidden ‘nasties’ in washing up liquid.

3 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE HAY FEVER

Rachel Stevenson
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3 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE HAY FEVER

Say goodbye to the streaming eyes, runny nose, sneezing fits and the general puffy-face misery of hay fever

For many of us, summer is the time to don our flirty floral dresses, slip on our sandals and prettily plait our hair. However, your stunning summer look can easily be ruined by one thing: hay fever.

According to the NHS website, one in five of us suffer from hay fever: that’s why many of us spend the warmer weather with streaming eyes and a running nose.  With this in mind, we’ve put together this handy guide packed full of everything you’ll need to handle your hay fever this season.

Antihistamines

A hay fever sufferer’s best friend during the summer is their trusty pack of antihistamines! When a hay fever sufferer comes into contact with pollen, histamine is released. The body recognises the pollen as a threat and releases the chemical in order to minimise the effect it can have, usually resulting in streaming eyes and sneezing. Taking an antihistamine blocks the effects of histamine which in turn prevents pollen causing a reaction in the body.

Antihistamines are most commonly found in tablet form, although there are nasal sprays and creams available too. They’re relatively cheap to buy: use online pharmacy sites like Medicines2U and stock up on them now so you don’t run out!

Tissues

Walking around with streaming eyes can not only attract some strange looks from others, it can result in a makeup disaster! Keep on top of your tears by carrying a packet of tissues around with you, so you’re prepared for when hay fever strikes. Avoid buying aloe vera infused tissues as the scent could cause your eyes to run even more.

Sunglasses

They may not be the most obvious item when it comes to relieving hay fever symptoms, but a pair of wraparound sunglasses are actually really effective when it comes to protecting the eyes from pollen. Not only can they relieve your symptoms, they’ll look great too!

 

7 IDEAL SUMMER TIPS FOR SKIN

Rachel Stevenson
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7 IDEAL SUMMER TIPS FOR SKIN

Amanda Elias, beauty expert and founder of Bravura London shares with IDEAL her top tips for a skin-friendly Summer

One

The first thing you want to think about is sun protection; the sun is the main cause of premature ageing which can leave your skin dull, dry, wrinkled and with hyperpigmentation (brown spots). Most London dermatologist‘s advise to protect all exposed skin with a broad spectrum SPF (protects against both UVA & UVB) of at least 30, preferably a mineral SPF which acts as a sunblock to instantly block the sun’s rays. Look for a product that’s waterproof and don’t forget your lips, ears and the back of your neck. Re-apply frequently.

Two

You may know about cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising your face but do you spend as much TLC on your body? Ensure you exfoliate at least twice a week and if possible, slather yourself daily (after your shower) in your favourite body lotion.

Three

Do you find your skin flushes when you get hot? Keep a refreshing water spray or toner spray at hand to spritz your face and neck when you feel yourself overheating

Four

Avoid wearing perfumes on your skin; when the sun hits the areas of skin that contain perfumes it can cause irritation. Fragrance your hair by spraying your hairbrush then brush through your locks, every time you swish your hair you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful fragrance.

Five

Sun and lip gloss aren’t a good combination, remember the days of people baking in the sun covered in baby oil? Same thing. Get yourself a good lip balm that contains an SPF, you can get plenty that have colour or line your lips with a lip pencil then top with a clear SPF balm.

Six

Parched skin after too much alcohol and sun? Intensely nourish your skin with an oil such as jojoba oil, this non-comedogenic (won’t block your pores) oil is more of a wax and is close to your skin’s natural oil. For sun burnt skin, help the healing process with pure aloe vera gel and apply 3-4 times a day.

Seven

Don’t forget to hydrate yourself, to keep your body functioning properly and to aid in the removal of toxins from our body it needs to be well hydrated so be sure to drink 2-3 litres of liquid (sadly this doesn’t include dehydrating substances such as cocktails and coffee) per day.

You can transform your skin from dull to fabulous this summer with Bravura London’s amazing cruelty Free Skincare range. Check it out here: Bravura London

 

IDEAL TIPS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT VEHICLE FOR AN AWESOME ROAD TRIP

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL TIPS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT VEHICLE FOR AN AWESOME ROAD TRIP

Road trips are a fun way to see the world. Air travel is great, but flying from one destination to the next means that you miss a huge amount of fun in the middle. It’s like eating a Victoria sponge cake minus the jam and buttercream. Sure, the sponge tastes OK, but the best bits are missing!

Most people don’t travel from one continent to another via car. It would simply take too long. In this instance, air travel is a sensible mode of transport. Flying from A to B is quick, relatively inexpensive (unless you upgrade to First Class), and convenient, but if you want to take the scenic route, a road trip is a lot more enjoyable.

Road Trip Essentials

To extract the maximum enjoyment from a road trip you need three things:

  1. The right vehicle
  2. A fun travel companion
  3. An interesting route/itinerary

If any of the above are lacking, your road trip will be sadly diminished. You might still have fun, but it won’t be the trip of a lifetime. For the purposes of this article, let’s take a look at the first requirement: vehicle.

Rentals vs Own Vehicle

There are hundreds of different vehicle options available for hire if you prefer not to take your own, from basic car rental all the way to van lease Mode of transport is a personal choice, but if you have a long trip planned and you’re traveling overseas, it is sensible to hire a vehicle. Rental vehicles come with comprehensive insurance, are well maintained, and road legal. If your rental vehicle breaks down, you can request a replacement and continue with your trip. It’s a lot better than being stuck in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, with a vehicle that is beyond economic repair and no alternate means of transport.

Transport and Accommodation

You will need accommodation while you are on the road. Some people choose to book their accommodation on the hoof, using sites like Airbnb. Others prefer to be super organised and book hotel rooms for every night of their trip. However, both of these options give rise to a degree of inflexibility, as you will have to follow a predetermined route. One other option worth considering is hiring a camper van. You then have the freedom to wander off the beaten track and stay anywhere you like.

Different Types of Car

Assuming you’re not keen on the idea of trundling along in a slow but steady campervan or skipping showers for a week, let’s take a look at cars you might wish to hire for your trip.

The larger the vehicle, the more expensive it will be to hire. BMWs or Audis are fast, comfortable, and luxurious, but not cheap to run. A hot hatch such as a Mini Edinburgh looks sexy, is cheaper to hire, and is great for a Mr. Bean-style trip along the French Riviera.

However, if you really want to enjoy a trip of a lifetime, rent a prestigious sports car, pull on your designer shades, and act like a celebrity.

FROM WARY TO WHY NOT – ESSENTIAL CAREER MOVE CONSIDERATIONS

Rachel Stevenson
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FROM WARY TO WHY NOT – ESSENTIAL CAREER MOVE CONSIDERATIONS

It’s not every day that we get offered a new job. Sure, we might be secretly looking for something else, but it takes a lot of nerve to actually go for it. After all, there are so many considerations to take into account. Many jobs demand a change in lifestyle. The commute, the hours, and the change in pay are just a few of the reasons for this. But ultimately, timing is everything. Are you really ready to take that leap?

Bye Bye Bad Boss

If you really hate your boss, it’s no wonder you’ve been looking for ways to escape! Of course, personal relationships are tricky to manage in any workplace. There is no guarantee that your next role will be free of bullying bosses. Don’t forget that there are ways you can manage the difficult working relationships you’re currently experiencing.

If you are a union member, chances are there is someone you can talk to that will help you with any kind of workplace dispute. Start there, but try your best to step back from your personal feelings as much as possible. Most HR departments will encourage you to try to resolve your differences together in an informal way. This can be very uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s all that is needed to get your boss to back off.

If your boss is guilty of any inappropriate workplace behaviour such as bullying, sexual advances, discrimination, or inappropriate demands, your HR department must take it seriously. Don’t walk away from your current job until you have exhausted every avenue to manage this relationship. If nothing else, you need a good reference at some point.

Financial Woes

Most of us feel that we’re not paid enough for our jobs. You may also be having trouble managing your personal finances right now. Finding a better-paid job could definitely be on your radar. However, you may find yourself in more difficulties if you leave your current job right now.

Mortgages and other loan applications often demand that you have been in your employment for at least a year. If you move job now but need to renew your mortgage soon, this could be a problem. The main reason for this is the probationary period you’ll be under for the first 6 to 12 months of your new job. Your new employer can simply terminate your job with no notice during that time for no reason. Job security is essential here.

Don’t forget that you know the ins and outs of your current company. You don’t know if a new company is hitting financial difficulties that will see lay-offs as soon as you start your job. Do your homework and check their returns before you accept the job. Make sure you’re aware of the probation period and negotiate it down to as little time as possible. Also, as tempting as it is to take a holiday between ending one role and starting the next, consider the difference in pay dates too.

Commuting Hours

Nobody likes a commute. If your new job is going to increase the time you are travelling this should raise some concerns. It will eat into your home life as well as your personal time. Most employers don’t consider your commute as part of your working hours, but you should. After all, you can’t do much for yourself sat in traffic driving to your job. Perhaps you’ll need to move house as well as companies?

The new commute may cost you more money too. You might even need to buy a car, or change at a different station on your way in. Parking charges will undoubtedly be different. Then, of course, is the cost of lunch. If your new company is out of the city centre, you may have to eat in their canteen, or travel into town each lunch hour – more travel!

Promotion Opportunities

If you’ve been at your current company for a while, you know you’re due for a promotion. Starting with a new company could put you out of the promotion running for a long time. Is there room for career growth at this new company or would you have to change companies yet again to get that boost? You may also want to consider if there is ample opportunity for you to shine in this new role.

Friends

If you’ve made some good friends over the years from your most recent employment, it could be quite tough to let them go. Perhaps you’re quite a sociable character, and you’ve never had trouble meeting new people. But if you’re quite shy and struggle to make quality friendships, be a little more wary about leaving. We all need a lot of support, especially when we’re starting somewhere new. Think about how you’ll settle in. What is the new office layout like? Will there be a mentorship program available or social activities to get involved with?

Flexibility

Let’s face it, things change. Chances are you’ve been hunting for another job because your current one simply isn’t flexible enough to help you through those changes. Is your new one going to be flexible enough to let you live the life you want? Kids get older, and so do parents. There may come times when you need to be able to work from home to act as a carer. Can you do that in your new job?

Benefits

Of course, one of the most attractive things about a company is the benefits package they offer. Have you fully taken advantage of your current one? Do you know exactly what pension you’ll get, bonuses, or other allowances with the new one? It’s worth doing your homework here because all those extras can add up to a substantial value.

Changing jobs will always have advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes it’s best to tough it out where you are. Other times, you’re absolutely right to jump ship. Try a pros and cons list to see where you would be better off.

5 IDEAL REASONS TO FLOCK TO AVIARY’S ROOFTOP TERRACE THIS SUMMER  

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL REASONS TO FLOCK TO AVIARY’S ROOFTOP TERRACE THIS SUMMER  

London’s latest rooftop hotspot, Aviary, ten floors above Finsbury Square, offers breathtaking views of the capital’s iconic skyline, sensational cocktails and internationally renowned DJs for a vibe that’s more Café Del Mar than City of London.

This alfresco ‘room with a view’ features the sort of furniture and soft furnishings seen in the pages of a glossy interiors magazine – picture sink-in sofas, scatter cushions and vintage lampshades while fire pits, lit at night, ensure that chilling under the stars comes without…well any chill. Here are five reasons to flock there this summer:

 SUMMER SIPS

Aviary’s summer sips are as delicious as they are instagrammable. Shaken and served by some of London’s finest mixologists, contemporary concoctions come in copper tankards and pineapple sharing serves. For a cocktail with a caffeine kick, Aviary offers one of Europe’s first on tap nitro espresso martinis, alongside frosé – a frozen blend of rosé wine, Belsazar rosé vermouth and strawberries, made for sultry nights. There’s also a great range of chilled white, red and rosé wines, craft beers, including brews from ETM’s Long Arm Brewing Co. and zero proof cocktails.

THE SOUND OF SUMMER

Globally established DJ and producer, Jez Pereira is responsible for the music at Aviary, providing a line-up of some of the world’s hottest DJs including Rosie, CiCi Cavanagh and Nico. Expect an intoxicating mix of soulful lounge beats, 1970s funk & disco and contemporary house, Wednesday – Friday evenings.

DAY-TO-NIGHT DINING

Food is taken as seriously as Aviary’s liquid libations with a week-day lunch menu that’s big on seasonal British ingredients and responsible sourcing from whole bone-in wild fish through to rare breed steaks.  Come evening, it’s all about bar bites – think lobster tacos, prawnish pasties and beef yakitori.

WEEKEND HIGHS

Weekends at Aviary feature an impressive brunch with live music. Classic egg dishes and maple bacon butties sit alongside the more adventurous pulled beef belly with American cheese, potato and confit duck egg skillet and a king scallop crumpet with seaweed butter and hollandaise. Sugar cravings are sated with a fried Nutella and marshmallow sandwich, or French toast with blood orange and crème fraiche.

SKY HIGH PARTIES

Aviary’s terrace is available for partial or exclusive hire as are the three Palm Rooms, on the ninth floor below and complete with a private terrace. Whether a summer soirée, business breakfast, weekend brunch or product launch, elevate your event at Aviary.

The rooftop terrace at Aviary – an uplifting alfresco experience with added altitude.

Address:

10th Floor, Montcalm Royal London House Hotel

22-25 Finsbury Square London, EC2A 1DX

020 3873 4060 | www.aviarylondon.com |@AviaryLDN

Salon Spy: Percy and Reed

Editorial Team
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Salon Spy: Percy and Reed

 

Rolling into the bright and sunny East London studio at 8am on a Tuesday morning, I was welcomed by Percy and Reed’s lovely Senior Stylist Taylor. With over 10 years experience in the business, plus a fab burnt orange shade of lippy and covetable blonde choppy bob of her own, she immediately put me at ease. Next up, I was presented with a colourful tray of proper coffee and a Tunnocks Tea Cake to breakfast on while Taylor got to work on a full head of highlights.

Before the transformation…

The Percy and Reed salon is refreshingly warm and inviting with rustic wood paneled walls (an regional feature – the building was once a banana trading stall of Spitalfields Market) and none of the sterile feel that some hairdressers have. Quirky vintage looking furniture, a selection of cool giant afro wigs on display and a strong collection of tongue-in-cheek fashion prints on the wall with sayings like ‘Pissing Everywhere isn’t very Channel’. give the feeling of a charming, fun and slightly Ab Fab personality to the place. Taylor explained she was going to use L’Oréal  product Smart Bond (the equivalent of the brilliant Olaplex, for all you Bleach heads in the know) to protect and repair my locks while the bleach got to work. An ashy toner was then applied and left to work for 10 minutes. I was particularly impressed with Percy and Reed’s own styling products that were used on my hair The ‘Wonder Treatment Oil’ containing Camilla Oil to give shine (I usually don’t use oils due to my fine hair, but Taylor explained the molecules are finer than those used in Argan Oil so it doesn’t weigh your hair down or look greasy. She was right. Plus ‘The Perfect Blow-Dry Spray to give texture and volume.

After an expert trim and Blow Dry (one of the best I’ve ever had) the end result was a gorgeous beachy blonde tone with a (shockingly) healthy shine and glow – which I’d thought pretty much impossible for my bleached out barnett. This is why we go to hairdressers. I’ll definitely be back for more glowing shiny hair…. and Tea Cakes.

https://www.percyandreed.com/salons/find-us-east-end/

IDEAL’S treatment was complimentary

IDEAL CAREER TIPS: HOW TO CREATE A POSITIVE COMPANY CULTURE

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL CAREER TIPS: HOW TO CREATE A POSITIVE COMPANY CULTURE

It is common to overhear your employee’s plea for Friday to arrive, bringing in the weekend, however, this could be a sign that your employees are finding their work life stale and no longer enjoy coming in anymore. This could be down to the company’s culture, or lack of one, therefore, we are providing tips on how to create a more positive working environment for your team.

Listen to Your Employees

No employee wants to feel as though they are just a number. Every member of staff wants their voice to be heard, which is why you must listen to your employees at every opportunity. From holding face-to-face meetings to brainstorming sessions, give your employees an opportunity to air their opinions and ideas, so they can play a part in the company’s future.

What’s more, you could develop an employee survey from insightlink.com, which will help to identify any problems affecting job satisfaction or personal performance, so you can take the necessary steps to improve internal processes.

Hire the Right Employees

An engaged employee will work ten times harder than a member of staff whose heart just isn’t in their job. While the culture you create will determine company morale, the staff you hire can also determine the workplace atmosphere.

For example, a lazy member of staff could encourage others to procrastinate, which could be a slippery slope. Also, mismatched values could lead to communication issues or conflict, which you might be unable to change through training. It is therefore essential to hire committed, hard-working employees who share the same values as your organization.

Encourage Employees to Take a Break

It is important an employee finds a balance between their professional and personal life. Try to create a system that allows you to track an employee’s task list, so a member of management can identify if they are taking on too much. If they are, you might realize the time has come to hire a new member of staff, which will help to reduce a person’s workload.

Also, if you believe someone is working a little too much or deserves a break, tell them to step away from their desk or, if you are feeling generous, you could give them the day off. Not only will the break help boost employee morale, but it will allow a team member to recharge their batteries, so they will be more productive once they return to their desk.

Create a Fun Environment

The workplace doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Don’t be afraid to paint the walls in bright colours, add some fun chairs into the mix or hang some stunning artwork. You could even ask the team to help you decorate the office, so you can create an environment that people enjoy coming into each day. These improvements might make your employees start looking forward to Mondays.

There are so many ways you can transform company culture, and the best way to do so is by listening to your staff and making the necessary changes.

THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS: IDEAL SECRETS TO HOLDING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MEETING

Rachel Stevenson
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THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS: IDEAL SECRETS TO HOLDING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MEETING

Okay, so you’ve started your business and it’s actually gone reasonably well, so far. There have been no major problems, a few hiccups here and there, but you’ve managed to cement your startup into the market and it’s performed well. However, there will come a time when the nature of the business world will force it to grow to a new level, and you will have to do things that you’ve probably never done before in order to facilitate this growth. If you really want your business to play with the big boys, you need to be able to hold a successful business meeting; fortunately for you, if you’ve never done that before, then you can find a few hints and tips on how to do so below.

Prepare the room beforehand

First of all, you should prepare the room beforehand. It will not look professional if you are still setting up once the people who are to attend the meeting start to file in which is why it is essential, if you want your meeting to be a success, that you cover all the bases thoroughly prior to when you open your doors. This includs:

  • Locating a room to hold the meeting or conference in (of course).
  • Searching out the locations of all the electronically outlets in the room so that you don’t look silly trying to find a place to plug in the devices you are to be using during the meeting.
  • Ensuring that if anybody was in need of an outlet, that you would be able to cater to their needs.
  • Making sure that the table at which everybody in attendance is going to be sat at is long enough to fit everybody in ( you don’t want anybody to be forced to sit on the floor).
  • Checking that each and every person in the room has everything that they need laid out on the table before them, i.e. a notepad and pen.
  • Setting up all the visuals that you need, like boards to write on or an electronic board to use interactively.
  • Ensuring that refreshments, such as tea, coffee, water and possibly even snacks, are made readily available to all those who get a bit first or hungry during the course of the meeting.

Define your message

But the preparation for the event isn’t just about making sure that the room is up to scratch, you have to prepare yourself as well. A crucial aspect of this is that you have define your message beforehand to ensure that you don’t walk into the meeting and proceed to start babbling on about nonsensical aspects and elements.

Accordingly, it’s important to refine your management meeting optimisation strategy, which can include sharing a brief run-through of your message prior to the meeting. This lets management members gather any relevant information and formulate questions. 

Practice your points

You need to practice every single piece of detail until it reaches a point where it is coherent, concise and confident. In dealing with these points respectively, you should: practice your speaking skills until you are producing your chosen speech without falling over your words, you should aim to summarise each point that you make down to three to five points in order to retain focus throughout, and you should be able to speak without reading from paper as this exudes confidence.

Don’t let nerves get the better of you

The most important aspect in preparing yourself for the event is to ensure that you don’t allow for all the work you’ve done beforehand, not only in preparing for the meeting but the work you’ve done generally with your business, go to waste because of nerves. If nerves induced by public speaking are a plight that you suffer with them, then you can overcome presentation nerves before the event by attending training courses in Presentation Skills. This kind of training offers up a relaxed, yet professional, environment for you to overcome your nerves and should be sought if you feel that they could hinder you at any point.

Be the hostess with the mostess

And then it is time to put your preparation and practice to work during the meeting. First and foremost you need to be welcoming host; even in the first point of contact a lasting impression can be formed which is why you need to make sure that the impression you leave in each person’s mind is one of confidence and professionalism; you should also point out all the refreshments that you have made available to diffuse any tension that may arise in such a strictly professional environment.

Be timely

You should start no later than five minutes after the scheduled start time even if everybody has not turned up: holding back on the start time because of somebody else could be construed as a sign of weakness on your part. And once you have started you should not allow anything to deter you from the presentation you have gone over so meticulously in your head — not external forces, such as an interruption from elsewhere, or even your reddening face.

Speak confidently and clearly

Don’t use filler words such as ‘erm’, ‘well’ and ‘like’ at all during the event, even when you feel as if they are bursting to jump off of your tongue and always be open to questions being thrown your way; if any questions come at you that catch you off guard and stop you from thinking of a suitable answer then just try to remain truthful and do not let the pressure induce a lie out of you. And once the ordeal is over, breathe a sigh of relief (although you shouldn’t actually let anybody see you do this), say goodbye to everybody, thank them for coming and shake their hands firmly.

Dress to to impress

And remember when hosting a meeting you should always seek to dress like an absolute boss. You should wear clothing that connotes the fact that you are in control of the situation and exudes professionalism, yet still makes you feel comfortable and confident enough to perform the ceremonies of the event. The most important thing to remember, however, is that you should never go into a meeting unprepared, yet at the same time you never overthink the situation, neither before or during. Over-thinking can lead to chaotic scenes in the meeting room, so if you ever do find your mind slipping that way just take a few deep breathes and pull it back the way you want it to go.

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR LEMON CHICKEN WITH OMEGA COOL PESTO

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR LEMON CHICKEN WITH OMEGA COOL PESTO

The Groovy Food Company ,  an award-winning British brand committed to sourcing and producing natural foods that taste delicious and nourish the body’s overall health and wellbeing, share this delicious ‘Lemon Chicken with Omega Cool Pesto’ with IDEAL.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Lemon chicken: 

4 free-range chicken breasts

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

2 tbsp The Groovy Food Company Omega Cool Oil

1 tbsp The Groovy Food Company Agave Nectar Amber and Mild

Sauce:

200g baby plum tomatoes halved

2 cloves garlic crushed

1 tsp The Groovy Food Company Agave Nectar Amber and Mild

1 tbsp The Groovy Food Company Omega Cool Oil

 240g dried linguine

Omega Pesto:

Large bunch of fresh basil

½ clove garlic

50g almonds

30g Parmesan

Lemon juice to taste

60ml The Groovy Food Company Omega Cool Oil

 Fresh basil for serving

Method:

Place the halved tomatoes onto a baking tray then scatter over the garlic then drizzle with the oil and agave, season with salt and pepper then roast in a pre-heated oven set at 150°C/gas mark 2 for around 30 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Marinade the chicken breasts in the lemon juice; zest and oil then leave for a couple of hours for the flavours to develop.

Season and seal skin side down in a hot pan for around 3 minutes until golden turn over then glaze with the agave, transfer to an oven set at 200°C/gas mark 6 for 12-14 minutes or until cooked through.

Place the basil into a mini blender along with the almonds, garlic and lemon juice and oil then blend until you have a loose consistency, add the parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cook the pasta according to the packets instructions, drain then stir through the pesto and serve with the sliced chicken, tomatoes. Finish with another grating of Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil.

SPRING FEVER: 5 IDEAL WAYS TO OPEN UP TO NEW LOVE

Rachel Stevenson
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SPRING FEVER: 5 IDEAL WAYS TO OPEN UP TO NEW LOVE

International Love & Relationship Expert, Julie-Anne Shapiro, shares with IDEAL 5 things that we should be doing so we can open up to new love

Spring is here and love is in the air!  Flowers are blooming, trees are turning green again, birds are building their nests as we all naturally become more interested in love, sex and romance.  With longer, lighter and brighter days, you have a spring in your step as you start to think about new beginnings.

Are you ready for new love? It may be you could do with a little “spring cleaning” to draw in the love you want.

Take a look at how you can de-clutter and prepare YOU for new and true love now.

5 THINGS TO OPEN UP TO NEW LOVE

1. Your Mind

Are you wishing, dreaming, waiting and longing for love?

You can go for years wishing and dreaming.  Like most of us, you were probably brought up to believe in fairytales – that one day (if you wait long enough) your prince will come and you will live happily ever after!

When looking for love, there is a call for a new mindset. Rather than wishing, you get on a mission to attract the love you want. To do this you give up blaming anyone else for your plight and you take complete 1000% responsibility to create the relationship of your dreams.  You become willing to do whatever it takes for love.

So instead of passively waiting for love, decide to become your very best YOU and be on a mission to magnetize the love of your life now!

2. Your Confidence

We’ve all heard the saying “You are what you believe you are.”  Your beliefs actually run your love life.  So if you are walking around thinking you’re not good enough, are not lovable or don’t deserve love, then guess what?  You will probably meet men who don’t think you’re good enough either.

A confident, radiant woman who knows her worth is incredibly attractive to a man.

Start to catch those negative voices and begin telling your self what you would like a man to tell you; that you’re beautiful, loveable and so worthy of love.

3. Your Heart

Are you still pining over an ex?  Is there someone in your life that you are calling a “friend” but you are secretly hoping that you will get back together?

When you want to attract new love but you are still thinking about an old love, you give out a confused love signal!  It’s vital that you are freed up from any old loves so that your new love can come to you.

You may also have an ex-love who is no longer in your life but you still have feelings for him and secretly find yourself comparing him to new men you meet.

It’s time to be honest with yourself, let the old love go if necessary, learn as much as possible from the experience and carry it forward into your new relationship.

Get clear of that old energy now and go towards the love of your life.

4. Your Body

Do you think that you’re too old, too fat or not attractive enough to meet someone? Are you telling yourself that no one could ever love you because your hair is too frizzy, your stomach is too fat or your eyes are too small?

Your true love will fall in love with all of YOU and will love and accept the whole package.  But you have to love and accept yourself first.

If there are things you want to change, do so because you love yourself so because you love yourself so much that you’re worth it, rather than because you think no one will love you if you don’t.

Start seeing yourself in the way that your soul mate will see you – as a beautiful, radiant and lovable woman!

5. Your Home

Part of preparing for your true love is looking at your home and environment.  That’s not to say that your new love is going to move in with you right away or that you need to rush things before the time is right.  Rather, what you are doing here is symbolic. By preparing yourself on every level, including your environment, you create an energy that says “I’m ready for my soul mate now!”

You want to create a feeling of “togetherness” and a welcoming space for your true love, even if you don’t think you will continue to live where you are now once you meet him.

Here are some tips:

  • Your Bedroom should be a warm, romantic space, free from office equipment or old love-letters and gifts from your exes
  • Create pairs of things: pairs of candles, a pair of night-lamps, a pair of coffee-mugs
  • Clear out a drawer or cupboard to make some space for his belongings
  • Put up a picture that represents something you would like you and your ideal partner to do together for example: walking on the beach hand in hand
  • Get rid of any pictures or ornaments that represent “aloneness” and replace them with happy people together

Open up to love with these 5 things now and watch as new love magically comes to you – like a magnet.

About Julie-Anne Shapiro

Julie-Anne Shapiro is an International Love & Relationship Expert, Speaker and Founder of Magnetizing Love. She has helped thousands of women around the world to find and keep the love of their life through her one-on-one coaching (can be taken from anywhere in world via Skype or phone), dynamic live events and homestudy programs.

Sign up for her FREE eb00k & Video Series: Your 7-Step Path to Mr. Extraordinary on her website: www.magnetisinglove.com

8 IDEAL TIPS FOR A HAPPIER PERIOD

Rachel Stevenson
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8 IDEAL TIPS FOR A HAPPIER PERIOD

One minute you’re hysterically laughing, the next minute you’re hysterically crying. Ring any bells?  Is it that time of the month again? Periods can give us cramps, cause mood swings and even put a dampener on our nights sleep. To help you get one up on Mother Nature, we have asked our experts for their top tips on how to power through your period…

Curb the cravings

Cravings can sometimes tie in with Mother Nature’s monthly delivery of a period. A woman’s appetite usually increases, particularly during the second half of the menstrual cycle. However reaching for all the chocolate bars in the house won’t help your mood – the higher your sugar intake the more severe your symptoms are likely to be. Plus, you’ll be caught in a vicious cycle in that the more sugary stuff you eat, the more your blood sugar fluctuates, which means stronger sugar/food cravings. Keep your blood-sugar levels steady and help beat cravings by eating foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Oat cakes with nut butters does it for us.

Don’t spend all day curled up

You may feel like you want to spend the day tucked up with a duvet, but try not to be a couch potato. Regular exercise is important as it lowers cortisol production, as long as it is not too intense. Exercise also increases the levels of those feel good brain chemicals called endorphins, which can improve your mood.

Prevent feeling like the size of a house

When surfing the crimson wave, you may feel more bloated than usual. Cut down on salt to reduce bloating and water retention. Don’t be tempted to limit your intake of fluids, which can actually increase bloating. Your body will think it needs to conserve water, which exacerbates the problem. Water is a natural diuretic and it should be drunk as frequently as possible, particularly when you are retaining water.

Clear your diary for some ‘you time’

Set aside regular time to do something that you love and that makes you feel good: reading a good book, watching your favourite television programme, going for a massage, or having a long bath. Doing things that we love naturally lowers our stress hormones.

Go green

Green tea is an excellent healthy mood booster. It contains some caffeine, which gives you a bit of a lift, but also contains the amino acid theanine. Theanine can have a relaxing effect and may help to relieve anxiety and mental stress.

Catch up with a friend after work

If you’re feeling down in the dumps, spend time with a loved one. Oxytocin is another ‘feel good’ hormone. Released when we bond socially and feel general trust, comfort and love. This hormone is just as powerful as serotonin. Whenever you feel low and need a lift, spend time with your family and friends to mellow down and feel instantly better.

Have an early night

According to the National Sleep Foundation some women are more likely to struggle to sleep when they are on their period, as the core temperature can rise by almost half a degree after ovulation which can make you feel less sleepy. Feeling irritable and tired is not a great start to a happier period, so put down that to-do list and get tucked up.

Tips from:  Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist, author ofNatural Alternatives to Sugar and Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com, the online shopping destination for health & wellbeing.

5 IDEAL TIPS TO KEEP YOUR GARDEN AT ITS BEST

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL TIPS TO KEEP YOUR GARDEN AT ITS BEST

So you’ve worked really hard on your garden – spent hours pottering around to ensure that it looks its best and it does; luscious green grass is intercepted by pretty, vibrant flowers – all of which is alive with wildlife.

You may also have an outdoor water fountain (like this one from Soothing Company), and you may be thinking that everything is already perfect and it is time to take some rest. But, you can’t put your garden shovel down just yet. But you can’t put your spade down – just yet.

In fact, you can’t really put it down at all because now you have your garden looking just right, you need to maintain it, to ensure it stays that way.

Leave it and your hard work will quickly disappear, in its place will be yellow, dried-out grass and wilting flowers.

So, before that happens, here are some top tips to keep your garden looking at its best:

TOP TIP 1: FEED THE SOIL WITH WASTE      

Making your own compost is easier than you might think and is the perfect place to ‘dispose’ of not just garden waste, but food waste too. Then, when it is ready you can spread it back around the garden – giving your plants the nutrients they need to help them survive and thrive. Check out this post by the RHS to find out what you can and can’t put into your compost as well as when and how to do it.

flowers2

TOP TIP 2: PESTS A PROBLEM? YOU NEED COFFEE!

Pests, particularly snails and slugs, can be a huge problem – quickly destroying all your hard work. You could, of course, use pesticides. However, there are several downsides to this including that beneficial organisms can also be killed alongside the pests. So, you might want to try some eco-friendly options such as coffee grounds, grapefruit skins, crushed eggshells – all great ways to deter these slimy creatures.

TOP TIP 3: GIVE YOUR WISTERIA A DRINK

Plants get thirsty too and not just for water. Wisteria is a popular plant found in many gardens but what do you do if it refuses to flower? Well, apparently all you need to do is pour rotten cider over its roots and then watch as it blossoms.

hose

TOP TIP 4: KEEP YOUR PLANTS HYDRATED

Do you know the best way to keep your soil moist for days – which is particularly helpful if you are going on holiday? Nappies! You don’t want you plants to dry out as this can cause them to quickly wilt and die. So, surround them with nappies. These absorb a large amount of water and therefore can release it as the plants need it.

TOP TIP 5: GIVE YOUR PLANTS A HAIRCUT

You have bought a selection of beautiful plants and planted them throughout your garden. While they look great now, you need to look after them to make sure they stay that way. Deadheading and trimming back will keep flowers and bushes looking trim and tidy but it will also result in more flowers and a healthier plant.

Make sure you also keep the soil from being clogged by fallen flowers and leaves so that it doesn’t stop the flowers from growing. You may want to get an electric leaf blower to help you keep on top of this effortlessly.

garden3

Ultimately, to ensure your garden is always looking its best you need to be doing little and often and always be thinking ahead in terms of the effect the weather might have on your garden.

5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR BEDROOM MORE SLEEP FRIENDLY

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE YOUR BEDROOM MORE SLEEP FRIENDLY

We all need a bit of beauty sleep. The right amount of kip helps to ensure we are fresh and ready to meet the challenges of the day ahead and is important for our health – physically and mentally. Latest thinking suggests that adults need somewhere between seven and nine hours sleep a night to properly recharge batteries.

Many things can stop us from sleeping – illness, stress at work for example – but sometimes our bedroom really doesn’t help. By creating the right environment, you’ll be able to encourage your body to relax and drift off smoothly.

So, how do you create that environment?

THE RIGHT COLOUR

Some colours are naturally more soothing than others. You’ll find it much easier to sleep in a room that is decorated in soothing light pastel shades, for example, than one adorned with dark, bold tones. There’s always something to be said for giving a room a fresh lease of life with a lick of paint too. A tin or two could be the key for helping your room to feel cleaner, fresher and more relaxing.

COMFY BED

You’ve got no chance of getting a good night’s sleep if you’ve got a bad bed. You need to find a bed and mattress that can give you the right balance of support and comfort – get this right and you’ll be relaxed and in the land of nod in no time. If your current bed isn’t up to scratch check out places such as the Divan Beds Centre and invest in something that is probably the most important piece of furniture in the whole house.

LACK OF CLUTTER

Is your bedroom full of ‘stuff’ that doesn’t appear to have any proper home? Are there clothes draped here there and everywhere? This won’t be helping you to relax. If you lie in bed at night and can see clutter, there’s a danger you’ll be thinking about this instead of switching off. Take a look at this guide from Freshome to see some space-saving furniture items you could invest in to help, especially if you’ve got a small room and find it hard to find a place for all of the items you own.

REMOVE THE TECH

One surefire way to ensure that you’ll struggle to get to sleep is if your room is full of distractions. Many people are so hooked to their smartphone that they take it to bed with them, scrolling through their Facebook and Twitter timeline well into the night. There’s no doubt that it’s easy to get hooked on modern digital communications but if you do this you aren’t going to make it easy to get to sleep. Even when you’ve put your phone down, you only need the screen to light up with a message or for the device to buzz for your sleep to be disrupted.

It can be hard, with many people using their phones as an alarm, but you can make your room a lot more sleep friendly by removing items such as this. The same goes for a television. Do you really need a set in your bedroom – or does this just tempt you to stay up into the wee small hours binge watching the latest television series that you are hooked on?

10 IDEAL BEAUTY TRICKS WITH COCONUT OIL

Rachel Stevenson
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10 IDEAL BEAUTY TRICKS WITH COCONUT OIL

We’re all guilty of product hoarding in our bathrooms. Vanities overrun with bottles, jars and canisters of “stuff”, containing ingredients that claimed to be the next miracle fix for something and countless hundreds of dollars down the sink when we discover, these “cures” are no more than hope in a bottle. But what if you could clear your shelves, uncomplicate your routine and save both time and money while still looking your optimum best?

Why not turn away from your complex and expensive beauty routine and onto an all-natural, purely organic fix with virgin, cold pressed coconut oil heralded as their new favourite go-to beauty product.

With the help of Brynley King, coconut guru and author of Going Coconuts who uses coconut oil for just about everything, here’s 10 IDEAL beauty tricks to do with coconut oil.

Hair treatment

Indulge lack-lustre, frazzled and over styled locks with a DIY coconut oil treatment that will leave hair soft, shiny and with that ‘just-steppedout-of-the-salon’ look. Comb a dollop through the ends of your hair for a quick frizz fix, or coat the whole hair (including scalp), cover with a shower cap or towel and leave in for 30 minutes or overnight for an intensive, fragrant and super charged moisturising treatment.

Toothpaste

Coconut oil is perfect for promoting oral health due to the bevy of anti-bacterial and detoxifying properties it contains. If you are looking for a whiter, brighter and sweeter smelling smile simply combine 3 tablespoons of organic coconut oil with 3 tablespoons of aluminium free baking soda and 25 drops of natural peppermint oil to make your very own homemade toothpaste. It tastes great and is a fabulous natural alternative to toothpaste.

Moisturiser

Dump your collection of expensive lotions, creams and ointments, and cut your morning and night routine in half. Coconut oil is the perfect organic moisturiser as it is absorbed into the skin deeper than regular lotions and hydrates without feeling greasy or oily. Try massaging into skin after showering in the evening and wake up with baby soft skin at a fraction of the price.

Makeup remover

Unlike harsh makeup removers that seem to take off the top layer of skin along with your foundation, coconut oil is effective at cleansing the face but gentle enough to nourish the skin as well. Apply a small amount to your face, eyelids and eyelashes before gently wiping off with a moist cloth. And even those stubborn waterproof mascaras and long stay lipsticks – gone, with a smear of coconut oil and a gentle wipe.

Dandruff treatment

Instead of using chemical laden anti-dandruff shampoos, massage a dollop of coconut oil into your scalp and leave in overnight. The oil not only moisturises and soothes but protects the hair follicle, promoting hair growth for those long and luscious tresses you’ve always wanted without the flaking, itching or redness.

Eyebrow tamer

If your brows are looking a little less Cara Delevingne and a little more Jack Nicholson, smooth a tiny amount of coconut oil onto unkempt brows and sweep a comb through for brows for all day stay put power. Use regularly and will also discover over plucked brows can regain some fullness due to coconut oils hair growth-boosting properties.

Natural lubricant

Using this wonder product on your more sensitive areas may seem a bit strange; however coconut oil is a great natural alternative to other synthetic personal lubricants which can contain multiple parabens and other toxic nasties.

After-sun lotion

Spent a little too long soaking up the vitamin D? The anti-inflammatory properties in coconut oil will aid in repairing the damage done by the sun’s harmful rays, relieving any burns and redness, and preventing wrinkles caused by sun exposure.

Shaving cream

Achieve a clean shave by coating each leg in about a teaspoon of coconut oil before taking up the razor, for silky smooth pins without the cost of expensive shaving creams.

Exfoliator

Create an inexpensive DIY body and face exfoliator by mixing 1 ½ cups of coconut oil with 1/3 cup coffee, salt or sugar for an all-natural solution to removing dead skin. Adding vanilla bean, cinnamon, chai tea or orange grind will create a subtle burst of flavour for delectably silky smooth skin that smells amazing.

To purchase Banaban Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and your copy of Going Coconuts head to www.naturepacific.com.

 

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