Right, that’s it – enough of this grim British weather. It’s spring already and the weather is still rubbish so that can only mean one thing: a holiday. Get online, book your getaway and then get packing.
Many people like a long break at this time of the year and there’s nothing wrong with that – far from it – but spring is the perfect time to soak up the sun with a quick city break, perhaps even making use of the Easter or May Bank Holidays.
When you’re looking to cram maximum enjoyment from your break it’s vital not to lose sight of the holiday essentials.
Keep our ‘5 Cs’ in mind before you go and you won’t go too far wrong…
Clothes
You’ll be wanting to look at your very best on your spring holiday, and quite right too. Clearly the clothes you take will vary depending on your destination and the length of time you’re away. However, bear in mind that if you’re trying to avoid taking that whopping summer holiday suitcase on your trip (more on that later) then you need to box clever and pack well. That’s where a quality pair of jeans is like gold dust. Great to wear on cooler evenings out with a smart top, or ideal for a casual day of shopping or sightseeing, a pair will be a perfect element for your holiday outfits. If your wardrobe is lacking in this department, click here and put that right.
Camera
You’ll want to capture every fun moment of your spring holiday so you can re-live the highlights when you return. Nothing quite beats a quality camera to get high quality images that you’ll treasure for years to come. This handy guide offers suggestions of decent holiday cameras to suit different budgets.
Cream
It might well be grim back in Britain but that doesn’t mean you can happily forget about the sunshine, especially if you’re jetting off to warmer climes. Make sure that sun cream makes its way into your bag for the journey – you won’t want to come back looking an unsightly shade of pink or risk unwanted skin problems.
Currency
You’ll get nowhere without a bit of cash to spend. Don’t pay a massive premium by waiting until you’re at the airport and don’t fall foul of credit and debit card fees if and when you withdraw/spend money on your cards abroad. Check out Money Saving Expert for an extensive guide to making your holiday cash go further.
Case
Heading off for a spring adventure means you’ll be needing a decent case in tow. If you’re flying, study your airline’s baggage restrictions and get a bag to suit the requirements. It’s perfectly possible to squeeze a long weekend’s worth of stuff – especially if you are travelling as a couple – into hand baggage if you want to save cash and time checking in and collecting your bags.
So there you go. Arm yourself with a good camera, your best clothes, a trusty case, some cash and your all-important sun cream and you’ll be ready to combat the gloom with a great spring holiday.
Beauty Guru’s rejoice, nail your next manicure with these trendy Tricks For Finger-Tips!
Laptop Manicure Salon
We’ve all been there, painting our nails and then *shock* the varnish spills! The usual victim is the carpet or our favourite pair of jeans. Well fear no more, spilt nail varnish is now a thing of the past with this Laptop Manicure Salon. The salon will hold your varnish and remover steady while you’re giving yourself a manicure, with the gorgeous hot pink micro-bead cushion underside that will mold to your legs, sit and style your fingertips in safety. Now with your new steady salon surface you can have the most gorgeous nails that will be the envy of your friends. Design delicate nails now for only £19.95 now from www.prezzybox.com.
The Tweexy
Apply your nail polish with ease, this nifty device is perfect for portable painting! Tweexy is the ultimate accessory for beauty gurus. Simply slip on the pink or mint green ring holder onto your fingers, secure your nail varnish bottle in place and have instant effortless painting. Whether you are on the go, in the car, on your bed, or by the beach you can ensure you have tip top nails without that pesky paint toppling over! This totally trendy tool is small and compact, great for packing in your handbag, and the bottle base gripping silicone system allows you to open varnish easily without any spills.
Maintain your manicure with the Tweexy, available now from www.prezzybox.com just £14.95 each.
SensatioNail
Ever wanted salon-quality nails without having the hassle of having to go to the salon? Well thanks to SensatioNail you can! SensatioNail is identical to an in-salon Gel Polish manicure, but only at the fraction of the price. A SensatioNail manicure works out around £5.77 per manicure, vs £25 per manicure in a salon – that’s some major savings. Their starter DIY Gel kit provides all the necessities you need to prep and complete up to 10 salon quality gel nail polish manicures at home; that will last up to 2 weeks with no chipping, smudging, cracks or dulling. The kit is availale from Boots and Asda stores nationwide and on www.boots.com and www.asda.com
Do you have a phobia of bad breath? Would you pluck up the courage to tell someone that they had embarrassing mouth odour? A new survey by UltraDEX found that only 4% of us are likely to tell someone if they had unpleasant breath. Nearly 80% of respondents knew poor oral hygiene was a factor but many failed to recognise other common causes of halitosis.
UltraDEX have teamed up with leading dentists to list the top bad breath watch-outs:
ON THE GO
The intensity of bad breath differs during the day depending on oral dryness due to stress, fasting or eating certain foods or drinks. Modern day lifestyles can be very busy and the survey found that many are lost for what to use as an on-the-go freshness burst.
TOP TIP: For fresh breath on-the-go, dentists recommend the UltraDEX Fresh Breath Oral Spray to instantly eliminate bad breath bacteria. The spray fits perfectly in a handbag or pocket and is clinically proved to deliver 12 hours fresh breath and whiter teeth too!
DRY MOUTH
Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. Without enough saliva, the mouth becomes a breeding ground for plaque bacteria. You produce less saliva when you are sleeping and this can lead to pongy morning breath along with mouth breathing overnight. A blocked nose due to a cold or talking a lot, whether for work or pleasure, can also lead to a dry mouth and bad breath.
TOP TIP: Dentists advise drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep the mouth hydrated and smelling fresh. Only 11% of survey respondents reported drinking 6 or more glasses of water a day and less than 3% would think of drinking water to freshen breath. It’s important to see your dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of dental problems, especially if you have a dry mouth.
FOODS
Odorous sulphur compounds in garlic and onions linger in your mouth and are expelled when you exhale. However, eating non-smelly foods can stimulate saliva production to help clear bad breath bacteria. However not eating anything can also cause bad breath. Less than 15% of those surveyed realised that skipping a meal causes halitosis. The low carb diet craze, nicknamed “ketobreath”, often brings an unexpected side effect, as it increases the production of odour causing volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs).
TOP TIP: Dentists’ advice is to follow a healthy diet and to simply never skip a meal, especially breakfast, as VSCs build up overnight. Eating fruit can be particularly helpful as it provides you with both vitamins and plenty of water to give you a fresh smile.
DRINKS
Drinking lots of coffee is a well know bad breath culprit. The caffeine can dry out your mouth by slowing saliva production. Coffee taken with milk can have the additional disadvantage of smelling due to the inclusion of dairy, which can also encourage bacteria growth. Alcohol is also well known to dry out the mouth and 42% of people said bad breath was a hangover concern.
TOP TIP: Pair your coffee with an odour-neutralising snack such as apple slices, or a piece of fresh ginger. Lemon is another option; a slice of lemon in your water will offer similar protection. Drinking water also helps keep the teeth brighter as it removes any stains left from the coffee and can also help us ease those hangover pains.
HYGIENE
Bacteria can easily build up in the cavities and cracks of our mouths and start to produce VSCs if they are not cleaned away properly.
TOP TIP: Brush twice a day with anti-bacterial, fluoride toothpaste, floss and rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash and visit your dentist and hygienist regularly. Bacteria can also cling to the back of our tongues and happily sit there producing VSCs, so invest in a good tongue cleaner and use it for a few seconds’ morning and night for added bad breath protection.
Maintaining a good work-life balance can be difficult, so unless you have a physically demanding job most of us will spend several hours a day sitting down. Such a sedentary daily routine can have serious consequences on our health and productivity. In fact, a recent report suggested that an inactive lifestyle is as bad for you as smoking. As such, health experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity per week – just over 20 minutes a day. The problem is that two out of three adults in the UK don’t manage this.
The reason for this, for many of us, is that there simply isn’t time to fit in exercise into the working week. But have you ever considered trying out some fitness ideas around your working day? Yes, work and working out don’t necessarily need to be mutually exclusive. While exercise can seem time-consuming, Michael Cheary at reed.co.uk offers some tips for how to fit in some all-important physical activity around your working day.
Make the most of your journey
Your daily commute presents a great fitness opportunity for those within walking, running or cycling distance of the office. If you don’t want to take this option every day, even just a return journey a few times a week could help boost your fitness levels. However, having changing facilities at your workplace is also a must for anyone working up a sweat on the way to work.
Take the stairs
If you’re interested in keeping fit while still keeping a close eye on your finances, then this could be the perfect option for you. Why not skip the lift and try taking the stairs? For anyone on the second floor or above, this is sure to provide regular workouts throughout the day.
Use your colleagues
Getting colleagues on board with office fitness ideas is a great way to motivate yourself and others. You could suggest a few laps of the local park at lunchtime, a friendly game of squash on a Thursday evening, or put together an office sports team. There could even be opportunities to challenge other departments at sports activities to foster some friendly competition. Getting colleagues involved is a great way to ensure you stay motivated and inspired to do exercise.
Start a fitness class in the office
If you don’t want to go elsewhere to try out new activities, why not bring them to you? One great use of office space after hours is for an in-house fitness class, such as yoga or dance. Friendly local instructors for a range of activities can be brought in to help more of the workforce stay in shape. This also offers a great chance for people to try something new they wouldn’t ordinarily think of doing, in a friendly environment and convenient location.
Don’t sit for too long
Even if you can’t manage fitting any strenuous exercise into your working day, it is important to take regular breaks away from your desk. A report from the European Heart Journal showed that taking lots of short breaks – even as quick as a minute to stand up, move around or climb the stairs – can be beneficial for your waistline and heart health.
The evidence is clear from health professionals; getting plenty of exercise and having a good diet is the best route to a healthy lifestyle. While office exercise isn’t the answer to all your health needs, it can go some way towards achieving the minimum of 150 minutes of exercise you should be aiming for each week.
Some of the most naturally beautiful places in the world are at risk of disappearing within our lifetime and for this reason, they should leap straight to the top of your travel bucket list. Whether you’re looking for an action packed holiday, in need of a week of ultimate relaxation, or lusting after a romantic city break, we’ve got it covered. Our friends at Quintessentially reveal five ideal places to visit before they disappear.
Great Barrier Reef
If the Great Barrier Reef is your dream destination, we suggest that you go sooner rather than later. In 2016, the reef suffered badly from the largest global coral bleaching event in history, caused by a temperature rise in the ocean waters. In addition to global warming issues, the reef is also subject to human threats, such as over-fishing and shipping accidents, and its idyllic appeal will decrease before we know it.
Venice
Historically named ‘the floating city’, rising sea levels have led Venice to ‘sink’ at an average of 2mm per year. Several factors, both natural and man-made, cause Venice to flood around 100 times a year; a phenomenon known by locals as the acqua alta, or high water. To avoid the flooding season, we recommend visiting between June and the beginning of October.
Kilimanjaro
For those looking to take on a challenge this year, why not climb to ‘the roof of Africa?’ In the last century, 85% of the 10,000 year old glaciers on Africa’s tallest peak have melted away, and it’s predicted that they’ll completely disappear by 2030. Plan your trip soon for a chance to see the legendary glaciers before they disappear.
The Maldives
Whilst we’ve all heard that Venice is sinking, it’s a lesser acknowledged fact that the Maldives are too, and at an alarming rate. The nation is comprised of hundreds of beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, and most of these are less than a metre above sea level. These exquisite islands are in grave danger of becoming entirely submerged within this century, if sea levels continue to rise at this rate.
Borneo
The once luscious jungle, located on the third largest island in the world, is under serious threat. Half of the annual global tropical timber acquisition comes from the Bornean rainforest, as does a large quantity of palm oil, leading to the Bornean forest shrinking at an alarming rate per year.
Fancy a cake making challenge? To mark Titanic Belfast’s fifth birthday, Great British Bake Off Finalist, Andrew Smyth has engineered a bespoke birthday cake for the occasion, and we’ve got the recipe!
Andrew, who is originally from Northern Ireland, the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, expertly designed this awesome cake.
The bottom layer has taken inspiration from what first-class passenger would have experienced on board. The luxurious genoise sponge incorporates the flavours of fresh strawberries, grapes and pink roses.
Whereas the top layer, shaped like Titanic’s funnel, takes a more modern twist as a chocolate madeira cake with a Bailey’s Cream filling, reflecting Titanic’s Northern Irish roots and celebrates the success of Titanic Belfast today.
Ingredients
For the 3 genoise sponges for the bottom tier (do in separate batches if too large)
465g caster sugar
15 medium eggs
465g plain flour
95g melted unsalted butter
For the Strawberry and Red Grape Jam
340g red grapes, halved
290g strawberries, cut into slices
300g jam sugar
1 ½ tsp lime juice
For the rose buttercream
700g unsalted butter, at room temperature
2.1kg icing sugar
4 tbsp soured cream
A little semi-skimmed milk
1 tsp rose water
For the 3 chocolate madeira sponges for the top tier (do in separate batches if too large)
2 tbsp baileys Irish cream liquor (plus a bit extra if required for texture)
A few drops brown gel food colouring
For the Biscuit Ticket
200g plain flour
100g golden icing sugar
Pinch salt
200g cold unsalted butter, diced
1 medium egg
½ heaped tsp vanilla bean paste
200g Royal Icing Sugar
Around 35ml Lemon Juice (~ 1 lemon)
Gold/Yellow food colouring
Black food colouring
For decoration
A large 15-16” diameter round cake board, preferable a blue colour
Handful dried rose petals
Fresh strawberries and red grapes to lay around the board for photos
White fondant (for the number 5 on top tier)
Black fondant (for top part of chimney tier)
Light brown fondant (for bottom part of chimney tier)
Rust-coloured fondant (for Titanic stencil on base cake board in style of Titanic Belfast sign)
Method
For the 3 genoise sponges for the bottom tier (do in separate batches if too large)
Preheat the oven to fan 165 C and grease and line 3 10” diameter cake tins.
Recommend this stage is done separately for each sponge: On a large bowl over a pot of simmering water, whisk the eggs and sugar together until lukewarm. Remove from the heat and keep whisking for 5-7 minutes until trebled in volume and thick ribbons fall from the beaters when removed from the batter.
Gently sift in the flour in small amounts and fold gently to incorporate, ensuring no flour pockets get stuck at the bottom. Pour the melted butter around the rim of the bowl and quickly fold in to incorporate.
Gently pour the mixture evenly between the lined tins (quantities above are for all 3 cakes) and cook on the middle shelf of the oven for 20-22 minutes until spring to touch and golden brown. Cool completely on a cooling rack and level the top with a knife if necessary once cool.
For the Strawberry and Red Grape Jam
Add the fruit, jam sugar and lime juice to a large heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring the the boil, stirring regularly. Leave to bubble continuously for 5 minutes then check for consistency.
The jam is at setting point when a small teaspoon of the mix is set on a chilled plate and left for a few minutes and wrinkles when pushed with a finger. If not ready, continue to boil for a few minutes at a time then test again. Set to one side to cool.
For the rose buttercream
Add the soft butter to a large stand mixer with paddle attachment and beat gently until fluffy, usually a few minutes. Sieve in the icing sugar and mix very slowly to start with (to avoid massive clouds) until the icing starts to come together. Scrape down the bowl then mix on a higher speed for 3-4 minutes until it is not grainy and is uniform.
Add the soured cream, rose water and a little milk and gently mix on low speed until combined. Add milk as necessary to achieve a spreadable mix that still holds its shape when piped.
Transfer ⅔ of the mix to a large piping bag with star nozzle and keep the remaining ⅓ to one side and cover with cling film to stop a crust forming.
For the 3 chocolate madeira sponges for the top tier (do in separate batches if too large)
Preheat the oven to fan 140 C and grease and line 3 8” diameter cake tins.
In a large mixer with paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (a few minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing in between each addition. Sieve in the flour and mix until combined.
Add the vanilla and melted dark chocolate and quickly mix to combine before the chocolate sets.
Pour the mix evenly between the lined tins (the quantities above are for all 3 cakes together) and cook on the middle shelf of the oven for 1 hr 20 – 1 hr 30 or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool on a wire rack and level the tops off with a knife once cool.
For the Baileys buttercream
Follow step 1 as for the rose buttercream.
Add the soured cream and baileys and gently mix on low speed until combined. Add baileys as necessary to achieve a spreadable mix that still holds its shape when piped. Beat in a few drops of the food colouring to give a golden brown shade then cover and set aside until use
For the Biscuit Ticket
Line a large baking tray with parchment and pre-heat the oven to Fan 160 C
Mix the flour, sugar and salt together then add the diced butter. Rub together lightly until it resembles breadcrumbs – you can also use a food processor and pulse to get to this stage. Whisk the egg and vanilla extract together then mix into the other ingredients.
Knead until uniform but no more then chill for 30 minutes in the fridge. Roll out to 5 mm thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out a large 5” by 2 ½ “rectangle. Using a small round cutter, take small semicircles out of the perimeter of the rectangle to resemble and old-style ticket. Use the leftover dough for biscuits in any shape you like. Chill for another 15 minutes in the fridge then bake for 15-17 minutes until lightly golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the royal icing, put the icing sugar into a bowl along with the 35ml of lemon juice and beat with an electric hand mixer until it is thick and glossy. We want it to be pipeable but no slacker than that.
Transfer a quarter of the icing to another bowl and add black gel food colouring until very dark. Transfer to a small piping bag with No 2 small round nozzle and set aside. To the remainder, add some gold gel colouring to the icing or gold lustre to give it a sheen. Transfer a third of this icing to a different small piping bag with No 2 small round nozzle.
Pipe a rectangular border on the inside of the biscuit with the gold icing, leaving a few mm clearance around the outside of the biscuit. Add a little more lemon juice to the rest of the gold icing until it is pourable. “Flood” the inside of the piped perimeter with this icing and use a cocktail stick to push it to the edges. Leave to dry completely before icing “World’s #1 Tourist Attraction” in black icing on the biscuit. Set aside to dry.
For Assembly and Decoration
Put a little of the rose buttercream on the base of the cake board to secure the first cake. Layer the 3 genoise sponges on top of one another, with a thick layer of rose buttercream and the strawberry and grape jam between each layer.
Cover the outside of this entire cake in a crumb coat of buttercream then chill in the fridge for 20 minutes until firm. Pipe white rosettes onto the side of this cake, ensuring the gaps between rosettes are as small as possible.
Use cake dowelling to create a stable base for the 8” cake on top of the 10” cake. Assemble the 8” cakes on an 8” cake board, sandwiching them together with the Baileys buttercream. Cover the lower half of the cake with light brown fondant and the top half and top with black fondant to resemble the Titanic chimney stacks. Set this layer carefully on top of the dowelling in the middle of the 10” cake.
Sprinkle dried rose petals over the exposed top part of the 10” cake (which should be covered with a little rose buttercream). Carefully stick the iced ticket biscuit into the top tier along with setting a “5” cut out of white fondant on top of the cake. Cut out the “TITANIC” script out of rust coloured fondant to resemble the Titanic Belfast sign and set this at the base of the cake on the cake board.
Claire Treen, VavistaLife Physiotherapist, shares her top tips on how to make fitness fun
Fitting exercise in between other commitments can seem difficult when life is so busy. And if we set our goals too high, it can be off-putting. Ironically, if exercise is seen purely as a means to an end, it can be harder to get off the sofa and get moving. Here are some hints to get you started.
Choose something you enjoy
When you’re thinking about exercise, consider physical activity in its broadest sense. Some love the freedom of swimming, whilst others love the feeling of the wind in their face on a brisk walk. The key is to treat exercise not as work (a means to an end) but as play (an end in itself). The joy of exercise for the fun of it can be greater without the pressure of deadlines and competition.. You don’t need to buy expensive kit, or push yourself to the limit – and by doing soething for yourself, you will also feel physically and mentally better.
Value doing a little, often
Each step you take towards being more active is important. Doing a small amount of exercise, such as a short walk at lunchtime, parking your car just a little further from your destination or using stairs instead of a lift, all make a difference.
Once you get started it’s easier to build. Meaning you are more likely to stick with it and enjoy it, and you’ll get a great sense of purpose and achievement from improving steadily over time.
Make it social
Try exercising with friends and family or make new acquaintances. Research shows that exercise helps you feel good about yourself and the world around you, and doing activity whilst connecting with others makes us feel happier and more secure. Great for mental wellbeing. Exercising with friends means you are more likely to enjoy the experience and stick with it. It’s also a great way to network with people who share your interests. There are a growing number of local sporting businesses and social media groups who coordinate groups interested in getting or staying active. Running for beginners, team sports and more – often requiring little or no financial commitment.
Being active as a family can be great fun too, whether it’s a walk in the woods or kicking a ball in the park – and it’s a great habit to instil in your kids.
Time out for you
It might be that you need time alone to focussing on yourself. A walk or designated time for exercise can be a chance to clear your head and it’s amazing how much more creative you can be in the fresh air.
Reconnect with your younger self
Fond memories of school netball matches, tennis, football or hockey but not given them a thought since leaving school? Many sports clubs and dance groups run short courses for those of us who are a bit rusty usually at cheaper introductory rates, whilst some have free ‘open days’. If you have lost your confidence with a particular sport it is a great way to get back into doing it under the guidance of a relative expert, without overcommitting or breaking the bank.
Save money and enjoy the outdoors
Commuting on foot or by bike can even save you money, and possibly time, if you usually spend your journeys fuming in traffic jams! Not only is this a free and easy way of fitting exercise into your life, but it can improve concentration and help you sleep better. Being outside, especially in the summer, also gives us a chance to reconnect with nature and discover new places, and you will be doing something positive for the global environment.
Exercising at home has many advantages and can give you great results when done regularly. We’ve asked Rick Hay, Fitness Expert at Ideal World TV, to share some insight that might just get you moving regularly at home.
Save money
Firstly fitness routines that are done at home save you money. Gym memberships can be pricey and often you are locked into long-term contacts that can be difficult to break. Buying a day pass can be even more expensive! Travel costs to and from the gym can also add up over time too.
Save time
By working out at home you are using your time efficiently – often we spend more time travelling to and from the gym than we do actually in it. If you only have an hour and a half to work out, shower and change, exercising at home it a great way to pack in some effective workout routines that will be far more beneficial than spending less time in the gym. Lack of time is often our biggest enemy when we are trying to get in shape so use your time wisely.
Multi-task
Being at home means that you can multi task – you can exercise whilst preparing dinner or in between emails. Some HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training or Burst Training) exercise routines are great for this as they allow you to exercise in short sharp bursts and provide great results. Effective HIIT exercises are burpees, skipping and star jumps.
A great product to use in between your high intensity routines is the Wonder Core II, a seated design enabling you to work on a variety of upper body workouts, helping you get lean and toned arms, back and abs. You can also weave sessions on the Wonder Core in-between household tasks, spend ten minutes on the Wonder Core then go back to your task, and repeat throughout the course of the day depending on what works with your schedule.
Avoid uncomfortable weather
Often if it’s too cold, too wet or too hot you can be put off from venturing outside to exercise – it is very easy to talk yourself out of exercising when it is pouring with rain! Exercising in the comfort of your own home means that no matter what the weather, you have no excuses and can still get in shape.
Avoid added pressures
Dedicating an hour and a half to two hours at the gym is a good chunk out of your day, especially when you have a busy schedule. When working out at home you can break up your workouts over the day and exercise at your own pace. There’s less pressure this way and you can fit in your workout at a time that suits.
Keep self-confidence at a high
Many people find gyms or bootcamps intimidating and feel the pressure to wear the latest gym kit or look their best when working out. When exercising at home you can feel comfortable and confident in doing more intensive workouts and trying out new exercises and there is no need to wear makeup!
Avoid the crowds
There is nothing more frustrating than turning up at the gym and finding the place packed with other people and the machines you want to use are being occupied. The time you spend waiting for a machine, or not working to your optimum level because you are waiting for someone to finish, adds up and those wasted minutes could be put to much better use working out at home, where you can do everything at your own speed.
Tailor your workout to your own needs
When you’re at home you are in control of your own surroundings. A product like the Chair Gym, which offers you an entire gym in one compact and portable chair, means you can work to your favourite music or whilst catching up on your favourite TV programme. Your home workouts can also be tailor made for your own needs – you can spend more time on specific body parts that cause you concern. To help you achieve the body that you want, check out calisthenics for beginners at athleticmuscle.net.
Control your own timetable
If you work out without leaving the house you are in control of your timetable so there is no stress as a result of missing a class or for always running late!
And finally…
At home you can workout before breakfast and really help to kick start your metabolism – it’s a great way to boost mood and to get great results. This way you can start the day on a positive note and you may even have more energy throughout the day if you move early.
The Canary Islands are a popular holiday destination as they offer the sun, sea and sand that you expect somewhere like the Caribbean, but they are much closer to home. Each of the seven islands has its own personality and all are equally fantastic places to visit, so how do you decide between them? With the help of John Dixon, Managing Director of Prestige Holidays,we’ve put together our guide to the Canary Islands.
Culture Vultures – Tenerife
If your idea of a great vacation involves museums, art galleries, impressive architecture and immersing yourself in local culture (and plenty of sun!) then Tenerife is the island for you. It is the most popular of the Canary Islands, but this is mainly due to the tourists heading to the south coast where there are many inviting sandy beaches. This leaves the lively port and capital city of Santa Cruz largely tourist free and it is here where you can soak up plenty of culture. There are many fascinating museums and galleries to enjoy, but it is the Auditorio de Tenerife is highly recommend. Completed in 2003, this striking modernist building hosts many concerts throughout the year so be sure to see what is on during your stay. If you happen to be there in the autumn, the Tenerife Opera Festival is supposed to be a marvellous event and something that any culture vulture will get a real kick out of.
Nature Lovers – La Palma & La Gomera
Nature lovers will want to head to the peaceful La Palma and La Gomera islands, which are somewhat hidden gems as they are largely free of tourists (shh, keep it a secret!). These islands boast outstanding and varied natural beauty, which make them perfect for those that like to hike or simply enjoy being surrounded by nature.
La Palma
Caldera de Taburiente National Park offers many rewarding walks along epic cliffs that allow for spectacular views of the ancient forests and volcanoes that inhabit this rugged yet beautiful island.
La Gomera
Just 14 miles in diameter, keen walkers will adore this tiny yet scenic island. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, La Gomera is bursting at the seams with volcanic mountains, thick forests and black-sand beaches. The best area to explore is the superb Garajonay National Park, which is located in the heart of the island and is a magnificent place for hiking.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the Canary Islands and 46% of it has the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation. Exploring the nature reserves on foot or bike is great fun. If you’re lucky, from the south of the island you can spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat .
Maspalomas
Another one for the nature lovers. Maspalomas is best is known for it’s vast expanse of coastal dunes which is a protected area that provides a habitat for some rare species of flora and fauna to flourish. It’s also a favourite spot for nudists.
Salobre Old and New
Avid golfers will want to head to Salobre Golf Resort, which features two excellent 18-hole courses. That’s right; here you can enjoy a full 36 holes (the only resort in the Canaries where you can do this). The Old Course can be played by those with mixed abilities, whilst those who like a challenge will want to tee-off on the more technical and demanding New Course.
Our lovely friends at MyJobMatcher.com, talks us through the do’s and don’ts of wowing at that all-important job interview
Adrenaline is a powerful drug and, on the day of a job interview, your body will be flooded with it. Much will depend on how you handle the nerves and perfect preparation will help prevent you from flapping about like a bat in a blind panic.
When under pressure, even the most mundane, routine decisions can become stressful. So if you really want to do yourself justice, here are Jim Harvey’s top 10 tips:
One
Get to know the company website inside and out and do some revision. Become completely fluent with who they are, what they do and what their message is. It will help you identify some pertinent questions of your own to ask on the day.
Two
Decide whether you’ll take public transport or drive. Then allow plenty of time for unforeseen circumstances; like engineering works, traffic jams and parking. Rehearsing the route can be useful, but only if you do it at a comparable time, on the same day of the week. Know what time you need to leave the house by and subtract five minutes.
Three
Find out who the interviewer is. Nothing is more likely to wind an interviewer up than a candidate who gets their name wrong.
Four
Learn the job spec by heart. It will direct your research, help you compose questions of your own and boost your confidence. And whilst you’re at it, re-familiarise yourself with your cover letter.
Five
It is always worth revisiting why you applied in order to define your goals. This will be the crux of how you pitch yourself during the interview. If your goals match theirs, they’ll be looking for reasons not to hire rather than reasons to hire.
Six
That suit might have been hung neatly in the wardrobe for months, but is it a) clean and b) does it still fit? Make sure your entire ensemble is washed and ironed the day before and polish your shoes – something that often gets overlooked by everyone except the interviewer. Decide in advance what you want to do with your hair and/or make up.
Seven
If you’ve been asked to bring certain documents, make sure they’re ready ASAP. Put them in an A4 envelope, clutching paper with moist hands is never a good idea – trust me! DON’T forget to take them with you (I’ve made that mistake too!)
Eight
Remember to take two working pens for taking notes. If you only take one I guarantee it’ll decide not to work. And a notepad.
Nine
If you don’t get asked ‘Why did you apply for the job?’ I’ll be highly surprised. So don’t fumble for an answer to a question you had weeks to prepare for.
Ten
Relax. If you have prepared properly you’ll have less to worry about and your answers are more likely to flow. And that will leave you in a much better position than the candidate who is 15 minutes late because they got lost.
To access thousands of live jobs that are waiting for you right now visit www.myjobmatcher.com
If you hankering for a fix of good Italian food this week, then get yourself down to Tozi, London -stat
From the 3rd – 9th April, London’s specialty cicchetti restaurant and bar TOZI will feature a limited-edition menu inspired by the culinary delights of Italy’s Piedmont region.
Located in the north west of Italy, Piemonte is where the global slow-food movement began and is known for the quality of its primary ingredients. Beef from Fassona cattle braised in local wine such as Barolo or served as a carpaccio, perfectly cooked agnolotti pasta and truffle-based dishes are among the region’s most famous delicacies.
In celebration of this cuisine, TOZI’s head chef Maurilio Molteni has created four delicious dishes showcasing the very best of Piedmont’s culinary offering. Using local Piemontese ingredients, sourced from small, artisan producers and matched with regional wines, each dish on the menu is a taste of Piemonte.
Maurilio has also matched each plate with its perfect wine pairing.
TOZI’s Piemonte-themed menu:
Carpaccio di Fassona,pickled mushrooms and parmesan £ 9.50
Wine pairing: Gavi di Gavi, Ernesto Picollo £8.50 (125 ml)
Planning for a wedding takes all kinds of time and energy and if your wedding isn’t that far off, the stress and anxiety level rises even more. This is why it should come as no surprise that so many brides and grooms are now shopping for their wedding apparel online.
Online shopping has become the norm with people nowadays. In the UK alone, the e-commerce industry was expected to reach €174 billion in 2016, which is an 11% growth over 2015. It should come as no surprise that the wedding industry has caught on and is also trying to capitalize on these numbers.
If you’re a bride-to-be, then these tips should come in handy. They will help ensure that you get exactly what you want to help create that dream wedding.
Get Your Measurements
Before you even start the shopping process you want to begin by taking your measurements. If you are also buying clothing for your groom-to-be, then you’ll also want to get his measurements. It’s a good idea to have them done by a professional if you’re feeling unsure. These measurements are what will ensure the proper fit. If you are off even by a touch, it will dramatically affect how the clothing fits and looks.
For women shopping for a wedding dress, the measurements you’ll need are your hips, waist, bust, and height. If you’re shopping for your bridesmaids, you’ll need their measurements as well. For men, the measurements needed are waist size, height, hips, and inseam.
Try On Different Styles
Again, this goes for brides and grooms to be. Even if you plan on ordering all your wedding day apparel online, it’s still helpful to visit stores in person to try on different styles. Brides will want to know what neckline and style best flatters them, while grooms need to know such things as what style of waistcoat or jacket they want.
Research Different Fabrics
The fabric is another big aspect of your wedding dress, and of your groom’s suit/tuxedo. If you plan on custom ordering your wedding apparel then there’s a good chance you’ll get to pick the type of fabric and colour. Take, for example, the popular website www.lanieri.com where men can find all kinds of custom made trousers, jackets, and waistcoats. They will be the ones who pick their fabric and colour.
Choose a Reputable Retailer
Last, but certainly not least, is to choose a reputable retailer who will stand by their product. Make sure you ask in advance what the return policy is, and the guarantee. This is even more important if you’re getting the clothing custom made.
Get What You Want Right from the Start
Following these tips will help to ensure you get what you want right from the start. The last thing you want to be worrying about is receiving clothing that isn’t the right size or doesn’t flatter you like you hoped it would. Online shopping is meant to make the process easier.
It’s a fact – Bali is on most people’s bucket lists when it comes down to places to visit. From the allure of beautiful beaches to diving, from culture to jungle, from adventure to history, there are so many reasons why Indonesia is one of the world’s most desirable destinations.
If your curious to find out more about why you should visit Indonesia, then read on. We bet your bottom dollar that by the end of this article you will be checking flight prices!
Great Adventure
Kayaking, trekking, surfing, rock climbing… these are only some of the many exhilarating adventures that are on offer in Indonesia. From white water rafting down the rapids of the Maiting River in Sulawesi to climbing the peaks of one of the world’s most famous volcanos at Krakatau, Indonesia has enough thrilling adventures to keep any adrenaline junkie busy. Discover a whole new world of excitement as you climb active volcanos and take in the awe-inspiring views.
Traditional Villages
As a country with over 350 cultural ethnic groups, Indonesia is blessed with a cultural diversity unlike any other. Discover unique cultures and witness traditional life in Indonesia with a visit to one of the many traditional local villages where residents maintain indigenous cultures and live just as their ancestors did centuries ago. Spread throughout Indonesia, traditional villages offer the chance to explore places where age-old beliefs, rituals and practices still dominate daily life. The local communities and cultural groups who live in these areas still maintain ancient ethnic customs, wear traditional clothes and produce exotic arts and crafts, such as intricate batiks, allowing visitors to experience distinctive cultures that remain free from the influences of modern life.
Diverse Cuisine
When it comes to Indonesian food, diversity is definitely what’s on offer. From spicy meat curries to deep fried banana to drinks of iced coconut and jelly – cuisine in Indonesia is remarkably varied. Visitors here will find the food to be a blend of strong flavours always accompanied by nasi or rice. Living in a country that has endless variety of food and drinks, Indonesians do eat out but the majority do not go to restaurants. The local food scene relies heavily on street food. Indonesians savour the delicious meals offered by street vendors day and night for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The types of food vary from a simple fried tofu to a more complicated dish like gudeg (raw jackfruit cooked in a Javanese traditional way that originated from Yogyakarta). In big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang and Medan, the street vendors offer many a traditional food from various regions in the archipelago; but in small cities they are usually of the local cuisine.
Island Hopping
With over 17,000 tropical islands to choose from, your opportunities to hop from one idyllic little discovery to the next are endless. The incredible islands of Raja Ampat off Papua have steep, jungle-covered hills, translucent waters, pristine beaches and mushroom-shaped rock islets. The waters teem with the world’s greatest diversity of marine life. Alternatively, the Gili Islands near Bali and Lombok are worthy of exploration, with three incredible islands all ringed by pure white sand.
Beaches & Watersports
With such a diversity of islands and a collection of glorious beaches, pristine lakes and rushing rivers unmatched anywhere in the world, Indonesia is the perfect place to relax amidst beauty or take a splash and embrace some exciting water sports. From learning to surf in Bali to white water rafting down the rapids of the Alas River in Sumatra to relaxing on the luxurious beach resort on Umang Island, there is no shortage of activities for water enthusiasts. The crystal clear waters and brilliant sunshine make this an ideal place to try some new and exhilarating activities.
Rich Wildlife
Indonesia’s rich wildlife is as diverse as everything else about this captivating archipelago. Komodo dragons are just one of the stars of a world of wildlife that includes great apes, rhinos, tigers and some of the rarest species of birds on the planet. Whether visitors are meandering along a jungle river on Kalimantan to encounter the world’s largest population of orangutans, or trekking on foot in search of the one-horned Javan rhinoceros – one of the planet’s most critically-endangered mammals whose last refuge in Indonesia is the Ujung Kulon National Park – the opportunities for visitors to experience a unique wildlife encounter in this tropical archipelago of more than 17,000 islands are endless.
Diving & Snorkelling
Home to over a quarter of the world’s marine life, Indonesia is famous for its world class diving and exciting underwater beauty. Take a plunge and discover an ocean teeming with all types of marine life, from Weh Island in Sumatra to Raja Ampat in Papua. Where else in the world can you get up close to a whole school of giant manta rays and turtles, dive spectacular drop-offs and explore old shipwrecks?
World Class Surfing
Indonesia lures surfers from around the globe, many with visions of empty palm-lined beaches, bamboo bungalows and perfect barrels peeling around a coral reef. Nias, Mentawai and Uluwatu are world class breaks that can be surfed all year round. It is small wonder that surfers from around the world flock to Indonesia to experience the rolling tubes and spectacular beaches that these islands have to offer. Here the surf is always up, so grab your board and come and discover what other surfers have known for years; that Indonesia truly has some of the world’s best waves.
Amazing Spas
A country that is expert in spa treatments, the serene landscapes of Indonesia make it the perfect backdrop for your rejuvenation and escape from the daily grind. Take the opportunity to recharge your body and soul with a visit to some one of the world’s best spas in Bali, Java and Jakarta. From massages and meditations to facials and body scrubs, a spa is guaranteed to offer something to help you relax.
Heritage Sites
Many of the world’s most ancient wonders can be found in Indonesia. From sacred temples and palace ruins to prehistoric remains and ancient living traditions, visitors from around the world are attracted to Indonesia’s unique and diverse cultures and vibrant heritage. Whether you take the opportunity to see traditional batik cloths being made, experience age-old customs and festivities with a visit to a traditional village, or soak up some history in one of Indonesia’s many museums – the list of heritage attractions are endless.
If it’s incredible temples you’re after then a visit to the magnificent Borobudur temple is a must. The world’s biggest Buddhist monument, the ancient site of Borobudur is widely considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders. After a visit here you will understand why it is Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction and a famous icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
Wave goodbye to your skinny jeans ladies because straight leg denim is back – and its sticking around for . The relaxed jean has been in and out of fashion for years. The fashion favourite fits almost every body type – you just need to learn to master it.
So girls, how do you make the most of straight leg jeans? We have the answers for you.
A priority is to make sure you get the fit right. They should be slim, but not as tight as skinnies. Ideally, they should hug your hips and thighs and then loosen up for the classic ‘straight leg’. Once you have mastered the fit, you can pair them up easily with a jumper or tee to stick with the chilled-out style. But what about shoes? It can be tricky when it comes to finishing off the outfit. Here are some of your best choices…
CANVAS TRAINERS
To perfect that truly casual look, canvas trainers such as Converse are a great partner for your straight leg jeans. They finish off the dressed-down look to a tee. White trainers are best if you are wearing blue jeans. Slip on trainers are another alternative to match with your denim favourites.
When the sun is out, there’s no better alternative than a trusty pair of ballet flats. Stylish and oh so reliable, ballet flats has been a life saviour for so many of us over the years, ideal for allowing your feet to breathe and feel comfortable, and offering support whilst still keeping you light on your feet. When it comes to wearing them with your jeans, keep the hem of the denim about an inch above the floor to show them off.
KITTEN HEELS
Kitten heels have long caused a device amongst fashionistas. However, love or loathe them, they pair excellently with straight legged denim jeans. If you are off for some after work drinks, kitten heels are an essential to have under your desk to dress up your straight leg jeans.
In colder weather, ankle boots with a low heel look great with straight leg denim. Cuff the jeans to show your boots off or leave the jean hanging on the boot.
MULE SANDALS
The open toe mule sandal is another great summer alternative. Pair your jeans with a jewelled pair to really stand out as you walk along the high street.
BROUGUES
The perfect combo for a more formal look. Great for the office or a restaurant, pairing some brogues with your jeans will smarten up your outfit in a flash. You’ll want a smart brown or lighter pair if you’re wearing blue jeans – as black can clash.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As you can probably tell, you’ve got quite a versatile range of footwear to choose from when you decide to don your straight leg jeans. Keep comfort and casual style in mind and you won’t go wrong.
You’ve found the perfect job. But it’s 200 miles away. What you should you do? Changing job can be daunting enough, but when you throw in a house move, a brand new company and a new area to get used to, it’s a lot to take in. If you’re weighing up a job offer, here are some pros and cons to bear in mind.
THE PROS
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES
How long have you wanted a new job? Have you been dreaming of a position like this for as long as you can remember? Sometimes, we have to compromise to get where we want to be, and if opportunities come along, it’s a shame to pass them up. You never know if another opening will crop up, especially if the industry is very competitive or you have a very specific skill set. If you make the move, you’ll be taking advantage of opportunities offered to you, and you’ll get the chance to do something you enjoy every day.
LIVING WITHOUT REGRET
How often do you wish you’d done things differently. Regret may not be something you’re too familiar with at the moment, but fast-forward a few years and how will you feel if you let that golden ticket pass you by? If you give things a go, even if they don’t quite go to plan, at least you can live without regret.
A NEW ADVENTURE
Life can be much easier when we’re settled into a routine, and everything around is familiar. But sometimes, it’s good to challenge yourself and embrace the chance to enjoy new experiences and adventures. Moving isn’t just about doing something different at work. It could also introduce you to new people and encourage you to try new things.
THE CONS
MOVING STRESS
Most people rate moving as one of the most stressful things you can do, but there are ways of making it much easier. If you plan ahead, it’s possible to get things sorted with minimal fuss, using shipping services such as those provided by Sherpr or Shiply, both of whom offer logistical and physical assistance.
Alternatively and you get friends and family to lend a hand. It’s not ideal spending hours packing and unpacking boxes, but at least there’s a fantastic reward on offer at the other end.
BIDDING FAREWELL
One of the biggest concerns people have about moving away is saying goodbye to friends and relatives. When you’ve got a circle around you, it’s lovely to be able to meet up frequently and get together. When you’re in a new place, the impetus is on you to forge new friendships, and it may take a little while to adjust. The good news is that it’s easier than ever to keep in touch, and you can always invite visitors to stay and pop back home at the weekends.
Moving house is daunting enough without throwing a new job into the mix as well. If you’ve been offered your dream role, don’t give it up just because it’s not close to home. Consider your options carefully, and weigh up the pros and the cons. You don’t need to make a split decision, so take your time, and make sure you’re doing the right thing for you.
