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6 IDEAL WAYS TO GIVE YOUR SKIN A BEAUTY BOOST IN 2017

Our skin is the body’s largest organ and one of the most important, but you wouldn’t have thought it with the way that so many of us mistreat it. The fact is that of all our body parts, the one thing that we mistreat most is our skin, but we shouldn’t do. Each day our skin goes through a lot; it’s surrounded by chemicals thanks to air pollution, it has makeup smeared onto it, it gets covered in dirt and grease. It’s no wonder that so many of us complain about premature ageing when we aren’t making sure to give our skin the care it needs.

You know those women that you see in magazines and on the catwalks who have that radiant and beautiful glow? Well, these are the women that are taking proper care of their skin. Sure, they also have a professional makeup artist on hand, but their skin wouldn’t look as radiant as it does just because of makeup – these are the women who take care of their skin and treat it as it should be treated. The question is, what are they doing differently to us and why does their skin look so incredible

Want to give your skin a beauty boost in 2017? We’ve done some digging and have the answers to achieving more beautiful skin.

Go natural

A lot of us opt to buy the beauty products that are the most affordable, rather than buying the products that are of the highest quality. The truth is that when it comes to beauty products, from face creams to foundations, you get what you pay for. If you want to ensure that your skin is as healthy as possible, it’s worth paying a little bit more for your beauty products and going natural with them. The fact is that a lot of face creams, makeup items, and facial cleansers are packed full of harmful chemicals that make our skin more prone to early onset ageing, as well as acne, dryness, and redness. So if it is affordable for you, it’s best to go natural. If you can’t afford to buy natural products, your best option is to go DIY and make them yourself – something which is much easier to do than you would think.

Get into a routine

 

One of the biggest mistakes that we are making with our skin is failing to give it the TLC that it needs on a daily basis. Far too many of us don’t have a daily skin care routine in place when we really should do. Study after study has shown that the women with the best and most beautiful skin are the ones that give their skin daily care. This means cleansing and toning each morning and evening before applying a day or night moisturiser, depending on the time of day that it is. If you don’t already cleanse and tone your skin each day, now is the time to start. As well as cleansing and toning, it’s also important to moisturise your skin each day, and once every three days you should also exfoliate your skin using a gentle salt scrub.

Quit smoking

If you are a smoker, then you need to take the leap and quit smoking. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you smoke, your skin will suffer for it, it’s as simple as that. Not only are smokers twice as likely to develop adult acne, but they are also more prone to early onset ageing including wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fine lines. Then there’s the fact that cigarette smoke discolours the skin and causes it to smell. The truth is that smoking impacts your skin in a big way, so if you are a smoker and want to boost the health and beauty of your skin, now is the time to quit. Instead of trying to go cold turkey, why not swap to using an e-cigarette instead and slowly wean yourself off of nicotine? Companies like Aspire eCig UK offer a range of e-liquids that come in various flavours and nicotine strengths so that you can slowly wean yourself off of normal cigarettes more easily. When it comes to skin health, because e-cigarettes don’t produce any smoke, just steam, they are much better for your skin.

Stop eating processed sugar

There is nothing wrong with indulging in the odd treat now and then, but it’s important to realise that processed sugar damages the skin. Natural sugars like the ones found in fruit are perfectly fine, but processed sugars cause the skin to age prematurely. When processed sugars enter the body, they produce enzymes that attack the collagen and elastin, meaning that the skin isn’t as plump or elastic as it should be, leading to earlier ageing. So if you want brighter, healthier, and more beautiful skin, try to stop eating processed sugar or, at least, cut down on the amount that you are eating

Drink more water

Whenever you are dehydrated, your body begins to lose its ability to function properly, and the first place that this impacts is our skin. Each time you allow yourself to become dehydrated, it impacts your skin. In the short-term this causes it to become dry and dull looking, in the long-term it can cause early onset ageing to occur. To ensure that your skin looks and feels healthy, aim to drink at least two litres of water a day, ideally more than that. Do this for a week, and you will notice that not only do you feel better in yourself, but also that your skin looks healthier.

Limit your sun exposure

If there’s one thing that damaged our skin more than anything else, it’s the sun. A lot of people believe that you can see sun damage, and if you have never burnt your face or had visible sunburn, then you don’t need to worry. However, that’s not actually the case, when it comes to sun exposure, you can’t always see the damage. If you want to keep your skin looking beautifully smooth and wrinkle-free, it’s crucial that you limit your sun exposure and wear sunscreen day in, day out, even on cloudy days because the sun’s harmful UV rays are still able to penetrate through the clouds, causing damage to your skin.
By making these simple changes, you can give your skin the beauty boost that it needs.

4 IDEAL SHAVING HACKS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW

Shaving your body hair can be quite tricky to figure out, even if you’ve been doing it weekly for years. Somehow, even after years of religiously removing every hair from your legs with a razor every few days, you can still manage to end up with shaving nicks and cuts or an irritating shaving rash afterwards. That’s why we think that every woman should be aware of these handy shaving hacks. Using these tips will help you to get a more perfect shave every time.

Swap Soap for Shaving Cream

If you’ve been shaving your body hair using just soap for the last few years, it’s time to stop. Investing in a good shaving cream – you can get scented shaving cream for ladies, or just borrow your significant other’s shaving cream – means that you’ll immediately see a difference in the results that you get from your shave. Using a shaving cream that has moisturizing properties is the best choice as this will leave your skin silky smooth and help to prevent shaving rash.

Electric Shavers

It’s not just guys that get to use electric shavers, you can now get them to use on your body hair, too. Getting an electric shaver will make the whole process of shaving much quicker, and you can use it when you’re not in the shower, too – meaning that you can quickly shave any hair when you need to, for example if you’re rushing to get ready for a night out and spot a few stray hairs on your leg.

Don’t Re-Use Cheap Razors

Re-using a cheap disposable razor means that you take longer to get through the packet and save money, however, it’s not that good for your skin. When you use a disposable razor, your hairs and dead skin cells will get stuck under the blade. Not only does this mean that the blade will be duller when you next come to use it, it could also cause skin irritation. A dull blade also means that you’re more at risk of getting shaving rash or ingrowing hairs. Along with that, you may not get a very close shave, either!

©[Dean Drobot] VIA CANVA.COM

Avoiding Shaving Nicks

Shaving nicks are something that pretty much every woman who’s ever shaved her legs will have dealt with. In order to avoid shaving nicks, it’s important to use a good quality razor or an electric shaver. If you’re using a standard razor, exfoliating your legs beforehand will help you to avoid hurting yourself. You can also try putting oil on your legs beforehand, as this will make the skin smoother and help the razor to glide over it effortlessly. When shaving, make sure that your motions are slow and steady – don’t twist or flick the razor, as this will lead to cuts and nicks. Finally, using a good lotion to moisturize your legs afterward will help you avoid dry skin and shaving rash.

For most women, shaving is a part of their regular beauty routine. These hacks will help you get a better shave! For more beauty tips check out our article on 5 everyday ways you might be damaging your skin, and the ideal ways to remedy them.

IDEAL SECRET FASHION FIXES FOR MASCARA LOVERS

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If you’re a mascara, then you will adore this week’s secret fashion fixes from Dee Fitzgerald

We all have those secret weapons that are essential for making sure you look your best at all times! Each week, the wonderful Dee Fitzgerald from Secret Fashion Fixes reveals ingenious and innovative fashion fixes that are designed to make life a bit easier for any woman who wants to look her best, whether it’s a special occasion, an important day at work or simply to be more comfortable in her own clothes. This week she reveals some essentials that mascara lovers will just adore.

Pink Mascara Shield £11.00

Mascara Shield

 

Placed under your top and bottom eyelashes it allows you to apply your mascara without disturbing other make-up or marking the skin. It helps line & coat each lash making any thin or sparse eyelashes easier to see. For thick and long lashes, mascara application goes on more smoothly and evenly. The Mascara Shield can be used in the same way for eyelash tinting & applying individual false eyelashes. This is a must have beauty accessory.

The Beauty Guard (2Pack) £7.50

Makeup Guard

Achieving beautiful eyes is made easier, faster and cleaner using the Makeup Guard.

Get clean, exact applications of eye shadow and eyeliner with this trapezoidal tool which makes eye makeup application a lot easier. Round, bevelled edges resist clumping and catch excess residue and the addition of ruler measurements along the side ensures your eyes are more Angelina Jolie than Maleficent!

Eye Makeup Corrector & Remover Swabs (24 pack x £7.85)

HW makeup remover

These cotton swabs offer precise touch-ups that cotton balls or wipes can’t master. The swabs are pre-filled with a vitamin E & aloe vera eye-makeup remover formula. Snap the swab stick and touch up makeup while applying and for quick on-the-go touch ups. Perfectly packaged to pop in your handbag. Includes 24 pre-filled portable, cotton swabs.

Cleanse off Mitt £2.86

Cleanse-Off-Mitt

Say bye bye to face wipes! The Cleanse Off Mitt quickly removes all make up naturally – including mascara! A mitt designed to remove all traces of makeup with JUST the mitt itself, i.e. NO cleanser is needed! Just add water to the mitt and remove all makeup/ pollution etc. from the face. Easy peasy! Quick and affordable! Reusable! An innovative Irish product.

Panda Pen £21.00

PandaPen

The Panda Pen is for all those times you have stopped in front of the mirror to find your eye makeup has let you down…again. This super portable tool cleans up your Panda eyes anytime, anywhere as it is small enough to fit in your bag.  It has a small renewable woven cotton tip with conditioning eye make-up remover that fits underneath your bottom eyelashes and gives you precise control over what eye makeup stays and what goes. It is tough on waterproof mascara and eyeliner but gentle on your skin, and it doesn’t leave an oily residue.

Find all these products at www.secretfashionfixes.co.uk

10 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP

couple

Sarah Rozenthuler author of Life-Changing Conversations, 7 strategies for Talking about What Matters Most shares her top ten tips on how to make the most out of your relationship

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air. It’s easy to be swept away by the romance—the candlelit dinner, the bunch of fresh blooms, the softly playing music—the “pinkness” of it all. But love has many colours, including some deep and dark hues, so it can also be timely to ask: What does it take to make a relationship work?

Our intimate interactions with our beloved can be a source of great joy—and immense stress—in our lives. Whether you want to rekindle some of the magic, heal some hurt or deepen your joy, here are ten top tips for a happy and harmonious relationship.

Put that phone away

Give your partner some quality time by having a “media break”. Switch off the TV, put down your phone and turn off your tablet. Make your beloved the object of your attention rather than checking your emails. Even if it’s only for 10 minutes, take time to listen to what your partner has to say and then reflect back what you’ve heard.

Resist the temptation to interrupt. Let them finish their sentence. Listening receptively is a powerful aphrodisiac that can soften the hardest of hearts.

Create a shared vision

A long-lasting relationship is all about standing shoulder-to-shoulder, facing the same direction. When a relationship ends, the most painful part is often the loss of shared dreams.

To strengthen your bond, create a “vision board” together. Recycle your old magazines by cutting out inspiring images and use these to create a collage. Place it where you can both see it every day so that you consciously “call in” what you want as a couple.

couple having fun

Spice up your sex life

If the physical side of your relationship has become routine, take a risk and do something different. Spice up your sex life. Go to a sex shop together, do a tantra workshop or join the mile high club.

If you’re stuck for ideas, ask your partner for a memory of some great sex they had (with you!) and see what you can learn to re-create some of that excitement. It might be making love in front of an open fire, having sex in the kitchen or taking time to massage each other. Savour the specialness of this side of your relationship.

Monitor your mood

Be aware that partners are susceptible to absorbing each other’s moods. This can be great when one of you has had a good day but it can be a real downer when one person’s bad day at the office contaminates you both.

To combat the contagious effects of negativity, develop some strategies for shifting state when you’re down in the dumps. Take a five minute walk round the block, sit and watch the sun go down or enjoy taking in the scent of some fresh flowers. Each  of you needs to take responsibility for your own state of being so that your moods become mutually enriching.

Have Some Fun

A relationship can be hard work as you each try to find ways to accommodate the other’s needs, wants and desires. Differences of opinion can cause tension and unresolved conflicts can lead to contempt.

To counterbalance the heavy lifting, make a mutual commitment to spend time together doing things that you enjoy. Go to the cinema, take a dance class or plan your next holiday. Find things that bring a smile—or even better, some belly laughs—and agree to do these things regularly. Remember that when you fell in love, your inner child felt alive and well. Nurture that part of you and your relationship will reap the rewards.

person-couple-love-romantic

Keep the romance

Cherish your partner by doing things that make them feel special. Treat them to something you know they’ll love whether it’s cooking their favourite meal, running a hot bath or playing their favourite track of music.

As you go about your day, bookmark memorable moments in your mind to share with your partner when you next see them. It’s the kind of thing you probably did when your love was freshly minted, so bring some of that attentive energy into your relationship now.

Invest in your relationship skills

If your relationship has become riddled with tension, get some help. Identify what the core issue is and search out ways to deal with it. If, for example, you have a temper that is toxic to the relationship, book yourself onto an anger management workshop or at the very least read a book such as Beating Anger by Mike Fisher.

Expand your communication skills by practising the tools contained in Creating the Love you Want by Harville Hendrix or in my own book, Life-Changing Conversations.  Keeping the air clear and free of past resentments will do wonders for you both.

Have some “me” time

Although it may sound somewhat paradoxical, it’s important to spend time apart when you’re in coupleland. It’s a tragedy that many people lose themselves in a relationship and feel “less than” they were before—less attractive, less interesting, less fulfilled.

To minimise the risk of this, take regular doses of your own company. Do whatever it takes to stay grounded in your own experience whether this is through going for a walk, writing your journal or listening to music. Some breathing space will invigorate your relationship, not least because you’ll have things to share with your partner.

me time 1

Decide how you decide

Many a relationship has suffered as a result of one individual making decisions without consulting their partner. It can leave the other person reeling, feeling that their opinion doesn’t matter. Any couple will benefit from having a conversation about how they make decisions together, for example, agreeing up front the sum of money above which a decision must be joint.

For significant decisions, agree that you’ll both take time separately to consider the different options and then share your thoughts. Moving from “me” to “we” in this way maximises the likelihood that you’ll reach decisions that take into account each person’s perspective. Finding practical ways of integrating both individual’s needs is a key relationship skill.

See the bigger picture

Drop your expectations that your partner is there to make you happy. If you’re expecting them to provide you with something you haven’t brought into the relationship yourself, you may be making the biggest mistake of your life. Ask yourself how you can evolve into a bigger version of yourself without demanding anything of your partner.

Place what is happening in your relationship into the larger context of how you are growing as an individual. Are you becoming more sensitive, more selfless or more savvy? Staying in touch with the bigger picture will stop you from retreating to your corner and enable you to create a life-enhancing relationship.

For more tips from Sarah and visit: www.sarahrozenthuler.com

TOP 10 IDEAL TIPS FOR MIND-BLOWING SENSITIVITY IN THE BEDROOM

With the help of Durex, we share 10 tips for mind blowing sensitivity in the bedroom. Enjoy!

To celebrate the launch of the new Invisible condom, Durex’s thinnest ever natural rubber latex condom, Durex wants to help everyone experience the best possible sex with maximum sensitivity. 

Durex sex and relationship expert, Alix Fox, shares her top ten tricks and tips on how to take sensitivity levels from zero to sensational.

Carousel Kissing

This is a simple foreplay game that allows you and your lover to take turns as to who is in control, while simultaneously playing with different surfaces to heighten your sensitivity to touch.

With both of you standing up – topless, naked or just in your underwear – the woman should begin by kissing her partner, at the same time gently pushing him backwards against a surface or wall.

After a little while, the ‘kissing carousel’ should spin: rotate so that the gent is now in command of the kisses. Spin again every few minutes and aim to back your partner up against a different, new surface every time such as a cool, smooth window onto some plush velvet curtains. This will enliven the nerves in their shoulders and spine.

Raspberry ripples

Don’t restrict non-medicated balms and salves just to your lips – they also work fantastically on nipples.

Applying a dab of fruity berry lip balm to your nipples moisturises them, enhances their colour, and tastes great for your lover. You could also try tracing circles around your partner’s nipples with a non-medicated spearmint lip balm for a cooling sensation.

Remember that vibrators aren’t exclusively for use in the genital area. If you or your lover has sensitive nipples, try teasing them with a small, pointed bullet vibe like the Durex Play Delight, designed for pinpoint stimulation to heighten sensitivity further.

The couples count ‘n’ cover

‘Invisible’ is Durex’s thinnest ever natural rubber latex condom which helps you maximize sensitivity. To enhance sensation even further, why not try putting one on together?

The man should kneel on the bed, with his partner kneeling behind him. After ensuring the correct positioning of the condom, as he begins to slip it on, she can reach around his hips and help smooth it down.

Another option is to try counting slowly to ten while putting on a Durex Invisible, and ban your lover from touching you until you hit double figures – they can only watch. This brief pause whilst sliding on a condom is a way of actively building anticipation and creating a tantalising moment of tease.

Teasing tummy turn-ons

They say that a man’s stomach is the way to his heart – but did you know that massaging his tummy during sex can heighten the sensitivity of his parts, too? And that the same can work for women?

Try using the flats of your palms to stroke your partner’s stomach during intercourse while you’re on top. Start by placing your hand just above their pubic bone, then move upwards over their bellybutton, before starting again at the base of their tummy.

Make your movements smooth, but fairly firm. This will pull lightly against the skin of their pelvic region, making it tauter and more sensitive. The repeated motions of pulling upwards can bring a climax on.

A helping hand

Men’s testicles are incredibly sensitive, so experiment with cupping and downward stroking motions, taking things slowly and gently. Avoid pressure or squeezing unless your partner specifically tells you they enjoy this.

You’ll notice that there’s a ‘join’ or ‘line’ running down the centre of the scrotum – running a soft fingertip all the way along this can feel dreamy. As well as providing delectable new sensations for him, it will enhance trust between the both of you.

Pay close attention to your partner’s reactions as you touch him. You can ask him to rate how intense each action feels on a scale of 1 to 5. Having clear communication like this is an invaluable boudoir skill, and can be applied to all sorts of experimentation!

A breath of fresh air…

Deliberately focusing on the air travelling in and out of your lungs can be as crucial to incredible sex. Paying attention to your own breathing patterns can hugely ramp up the sensitivity of your body and the intensity of your orgasms.

To get in the right mindset and make sure you’re both aware of your breaths during sex, you and your partner should sit or lay facing each other, both breathing deep into your bellies. This helps decrease stress, aid relaxation, and delivers more oxygen into the bloodstream which will help aid orgasm.  

Try to keep breathing deeply and consciously during sex. Experiment with whether you inhale and exhale through your nose or mouth, and see if breathing faster or slower changes the sensations in your pelvic area.

And exquisite exhalations

Dial back your foreplay and begin by using barely-there breaths as a sensual tool to stimulate your lover’s body. This will prompt them to concentrate fully on every subtle feeling, fully awakening their skin’s sensitivity.

Lay your naked partner down on the bed, and hover your mouth over their body. Exhale slowly and slightly harder than usual so that they can feel the heat of each breath on their skin, whilst taking care never to actually make contact. Follow the curve of their neck and shoulders; sweep up and down their legs, and along their spine.

Mix things up by painting a ‘treasure trail’ onto your partner’s skin using Durex Play Tingling pleasure gel, and then follow it with your breath. The pleasure gels’ sensations are enhanced by the flow of air.

Suite talk

Increasing sensitivity in the bedroom isn’t just about enhancing physical sensations – it’s also about being sensitive to your lover’s moods, desires, tastes and emotions.

Balancing sexual give-and-take is a key part of a healthy relationship, and ensures that both partners feel looked after, fulfilled and appreciated, and assured that their lover is genuinely sensitive to their feelings and needs.

A light hearted way to ensure that both of you are equally catered for is to each keep a suite of playing cards: one of you is diamonds, the other clubs. Every time your lover indulges you, give them a card. If, at the end of each month, one of you holds a much larger hand than the other, it may be time to discuss how the more ‘giving’ partner could be better satisfied.

Material girls (and boys)

It’s a well-known (and excellent) move to slide a pillow underneath a woman’s bottom during sex, to help raise her hips and pelvis to a feel-good angle.

Take things a step further by using a cushion with a tactile cover on it instead; try sleek satin, fake fur, or even daring PVC. Investing in a variety of washable cushion covers is a quick, easy and budget-friendly way to play with different material textures in bed.

You could also pop a Durex Play Delight underneath the fabric of a pillow’s case to create a brand new soft, buzzing toy, which she can ‘ride’ between her thighs or lay on for added stimulation.

Number crunching: Switch ‘69’ for ‘64’

It’s time to recalculate the classic ‘69’ position and try the more practical ‘64’ position. One partner lays on their back, while the other straddles their torso, facing away from them with a knee either side of their body.

The lover on top then bends down to perform oral sex, whilst raising their bottom into the air; their back and thighs form a ‘V’ shape while their shins remain flat on the bed – a little like a number 4 tipped forward.

In a ‘64’, the lower partner should use their hands (or a vibrating toy) to stroke their lover from behind. This allows them access to some highly sensitive areas of the body, leading to exciting new sensations.

Recipe: Poached Salmon & Quick Caesar Salad

This delicious poached salmon with quick caesar salad recipe from the British Leafy Salads Association is ideal for a summer’s evening. Romaine is the leaf for the Caesar salad. Its refreshing crunchy leaves add great texture and the surface of the leaves are perfect for holding the dressing.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients 

2 salmon fillets (300g)

5 anchovy fillets in olive oil, drained and finely chopped (20g)

1 clove garlic, crushed

2 tbsp low fat mayonnaise (50g)

3 tbsp semi skimmed milk

25g Parmesan cheese

1 whole Romaine heart, leaves separated and roughly torn (200g)

Method

Poach the salmon in boiling water for 10-12 minutes, remove and cool slightly before breaking into large flakes.

Mix together the anchovies, garlic, mayonnaise, milk and half the Parmesan, finely grated.

Toss the Romaine leaves in the Caesar dressing, top with the salmon flakes.  Shave the remaining Parmesan and scatter over the salmon and serve.

Cooks tip

Try using cos or little gem lettuce instead of Romaine.

See www.makemoreofsalad for more recipes and information.

Recipe: Pear & Blue Cheese Salad

Having a bag of salad or a head of lettuce in the fridge provides a quick and easy way to whip up a meal. This recipe pear and blue cheese salad is a great way to use up leftover cheese and it’s ready in just 5 minutes!

Preparation & Cooking Times

  • Preparation time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking time: None
  • Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 (200g): bag crispy salad leaves
  • 2: ripe but firm pears, quartered, cored and sliced
  • 75g/ 3oz: Danish blue cheese, crumbled
  • A handful of walnuts
  • Pickled Onions

For the dressing

  • zest and juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp: vegetable oil
  • pinch of caster sugar
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Divide the leaves between two plates, top with the sliced pear. Scatter over the blue cheese, walnuts and pickled onions.

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together then season to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve.

Cooking Tips

Serve with some crusty bread if you choose.

For more delicious salad  recipes and tips visit:  www.makemoreofsalad.co

Design by IDEAL image © Bhofack2 via Canva

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR EASY SPINACH SALAD WITH ORANGES, POMEGRANATE SEEDS & FETA

Spinach Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate seeds, feta & sweet olive dressing

This crowd pleasing spinach salad isn’t just super tasty, it also bumps up the iron and calcium in your diet. The perfect salad for a healthy summer.

 Ingredients

1 kg. fresh baby spinach leaves

2 cups arugula

2 oranges cut in wedges

1 cup pomegranate seeds

2 cups feta cheese cut in small squares

1 cup almonds, blanched and sliced 1 jar (330 gr.)

Navarino Sweet Olives

Method

Wash greens thoroughly, cut by hand into small pieces and place in a large bowl. Season with salt. Add feta cheese, orange wedges, pomegranate seeds and almonds. Pour on top one jar Navarino Sweet Olives.

Navarino Icons are home-grown and produced by Costa Navarino, a prime and sustainable luxury destination in the southwest Peloponnese in Greece. Navarino Icon products are sold at Harrods, London” www.navarinoicons.com

Blend well and enjoy!

TOP TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID LOSING SLEEP AS THE CLOCKS GO FORWARD

Spring Forward, Fall Back! The clocks have changed and while we’ve been super excited about the extra hour of sleep all week, we’ve just realised that we’ve been mistaken and actually we lose an hour in the morning. Here are some tips on how to cope with this news…

It’s that time of year again, when we reset our clocks and try to readjust to the Daylight Saving Time (DST). However, when the clocks go forward on for the official start of British Summer Time, it is somewhat a double-edged sword.

We are happy to see the start of lighter evenings and longer days, but we also lose an hour in bed. Missing one hour’s sleep may not seem a great deal, but it can have a negative effect on our body clock, taking up to a week to re-adjust and get back to a normal routine. Here is some helpful advice from Dreams to help cope with the clocks going forward this weekend:

Be prepared

A few nights before the clocks are due to change, start going to bed a little earlier. This should ensure that it is easier to wake up, and the adjustment will not be as much of a shock to the system.

According to Lisa Artis of the Sleep Council, “Some people suffer with fatigue cognitive slowing, mood problems and slower reaction times when they miss out on sleep. Studies have shown an increase in heart attacks, traffic accidents and workplace injuries in the days following the shift to British Summer Time.”

Lisa advises, “You can prepare in the days leading up to the time change. Start the Wednesday before: go to bed 10-15 minutes earlier each night, and wake up 10-15 minutes earlier each morning. When Sunday arrives, you will already be adjusted. This is particularly helpful for those with young children.”

Sleep in on Sunday if you can

For those not in a position to prepare in advance, if there is an opportunity to sleep in, simply ignore the change in time and sleep through that missed hour on Sunday morning. However, it is advisable not to snooze for too long, as this could impact the body clock for the following day, making it even harder to adjust.

Compensate on the Sunday night

For those who cannot avoid losing the hour’s sleep, it is a good idea to compensate by heading to bed a little earlier on the Sunday night. This is particularly beneficial for those who rise early on Monday mornings and need to be refreshed for work.

Change the time on the clocks the night before

Don’t leave it until the morning to change the clocks – do it before going to bed, otherwise there is a risk of oversleeping, which could be a disaster for anyone who needs to be somewhere important. It is also a good idea to change all the clocks in the house at the same time, so none are missed.

Have an afternoon nap

If it is not possible to grab some extra sleep the night before, or to go to bed early on Sunday night, then perhaps a forty winks power nap on the Sunday afternoon might be the solution. . Especially important for new parents, make the most of that time when you can nap since to recharge and refresh your overall sense of wellbeing.

However, it is advisable to keep any naps short, or they could have a negative effect on sleep at night. Always set an alarm – even if just taking a short nap.

Read: 5 IDEAL reasons you should nap more often

Don’t worry about not sleeping

The change in sleeping pattern – even just an hour’s difference – can throw a person’s body clock off kilter for a few days. However, anyone struggling to get to sleep should try not to worry, as this can just make the problem worse. There are various activities and solutions that can help, for example, eating cherries or these other sleep-inducing foods, or trying one of these sleep remedies from around the world. 

Keep the light out of the bedroom

Sunlight naturally wakes us up, and with the clocks going forward, the sun will seemingly rise earlier. While sunlight is a positive way to wake up, it will not help combat that rogue lost hour’s sleep. Invest in some blackout blinds and ensure all nooks and crannies around the blinds and curtains are blocked. It can be difficult to get up for work on a Monday morning at the best of times, so be sure to catch up on that lost hour.

Create a relaxing sleeping environment

To ensure a good rest on the Saturday night, creating an atmosphere conducive to sleep is essential. Interior designer, Joanna Thornhill, recently explained how you can make your bedroom a relaxing retreat on the Dreams Sleep Matters Club. Designer Ella Jade also has tips on how to use colour schemes to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Keep children awake longer on Saturday night – or tire them out

If you want to avoid the children waking up early on the Sunday morning, then try tiring them out and keeping them awake a little longer on the Saturday night. To avoid disrupting their bedtime, however, try wearing them out during the day with games and activities that may help them sleep for longer naturally. Going forward, lighter evenings can play havoc with bedtime routines, as children will often want to stay up later, so it is important to maintain their usual schedules as far as possible.

Make the most of the extra hour awake

Obviously, getting a good night’s sleep is of huge benefit, but there’s also much to be said for making the most of the extra hour awake. Grab a healthy breakfast and maybe go out and get some exercise, to help stay more alert and awake. This also helps to promote a better night’s sleep generally. Tai chi or yoga is a great way to start the day without being too strenuous, while exercise such as swimming or cycling has a reasonably low impact on the body, so won’t be too much of a shock first thing in the morning.

More advice on sleep and wellbeing can be found on the Dreams Sleep Matters web site at www.dreams.co.uk

Recipe: Greek Feta & Griddled Pitta Salad

This is summer in a dish and is ideal for a picnic…

This is summer in a dish and is ideal for a picnic. Little gem leaves are perfectly formed for scooping so you can use your fingers for this one! The salty olives and feta cheese are the perfect balance for sweet, grassy little gem.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 3-4 minutes

Serves 4

 Ingredients 

3 pitta bread (200g)

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 plum tomatoes, cut into wedges (260g)

½ cucumber, diced (200g)

50g pitted black olives, halved

½ x 25g pack mint

200g pack feta, broken into chunks

Juice of ½ lemon

4 whole little gem lettuces, leaves separated (250g)

Method

Brush the pittas with a little oil and griddle for 4-5 minutes until golden, turning half way through, tear into pieces.

Mix the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, half the mint leaves and the feta in a large serving bowl.

Whisk the remaining oil with the lemon juice, finely chop the remaining mint leaves and add to the dressing, season. Toss into the tomatoes with the pitta pieces and Little Gem leaves.

Cooks tip

For extra convenience, try using tubs of cubed feta marinated in oil with olives.

For more delicious salad recipes and tips visit:  www.makemoreofsalad.com

IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO BEAT JET LAG NATURALLY

Hectic airports, delayed flights and lost luggage – travelling on a plane can be very stressful. Unfortunately, if you are crossing multiple time zones, you can also expect symptoms of jet lag. From headaches and irritation, to diarrhea and a pounding heart – jet lag hits without warning and it can transform you into a zombie.

Once your body’s natural 24-hour clock has been disrupted there is nothing that can completely beat jet lag. However, there are things you can do, to ease its symptoms and enjoy your holiday. We have asked Michela Vagnini, Nutritionist at Nature’s Plus to give us her top tips on beating jet lag naturally.

Look at the Sun

To rebalance your day and night rhythm try to force yourself to get up just after sunrise. To boost your cortisol production, which is responsible for waking up in the morning, look towards the sun when waking, an open window will do the trick if you can’t get outside. In the evening, look at the sunset until it gets dark. This will stimulate melatonin production in your brain, which is also known as the ‘sleeping hormone’.

Stay away from Starbucks

Several studies have identified dietary components, such as glucose, sodium, ethanol or caffeine as capable of phase-shifting day and night rhythms.  Be careful with sugary and junk foods that might have some stimulating additives or flavorings.

Stay away from coffee, colas, teas and other energetic drinks or herbs. Be careful with crisps and salted peanuts – they are very high in salt. Try to reduce your salt intake to 2g a day max (1/2 teaspoon). Make sure you read labels as some snacks may contain MSG, which is a popular flavor enhancer, also known as a brain stimulant.

Having an alcoholic drink might seem like a good idea to help you fall asleep but in fact, it will compromise sleep quality and dehydrate you, making it more difficult to adapt to new time zones.

Turn off your phone

Long-time exposure to blue light from our phones, iPads and TV’s can interfere with a production of melatonin and confuse our tired body, which will take it as a daylight and sign to stay awake.

Go for a walk!

Sunlight stimulates the secretion of serotonin, known as a ‘happy’ hormone that will give you a quick boost of energy. In addition, when our body gets physically tired it induces a deeper better sleep.

Support your adrenal glands

These peanut-size masses of tissue located on top of your kidneys are essential for your stress response and sleeping patterns. When you are jet lagged they are doubling up their workload to keep you awake so they need an extra sup

port. The most important nutrients for adrenal health are vitamins B, which you can find in eggs, organic meat, green leafy vegetables and whole grains (Don’t get tempted with sugary muffins!). Spirulina and algae extract are great super foods for our adrenal glands providing essential minerals and amino acids. To get a complete green foods blend, add a tablespoon of Nature’s Plus Green Lightning (www.nutricentre.com, £1.29 per sachet) to your coconut water and feel the energy!

5 IDEAL REASONS TO FLY BUSINESS CLASS WITH TAP PORTUGAL

plane

We used to think that business class was crazy and a waste of money, after all, we all end up in the same place. And even if you have all the money in the world, why waste it on a few more inches of legroom. Like most people, we’ve always been happy to make do with “cattle class”. But of course, that was before we flew with TAP Portugal.

From food that you actually want to eat, to pre-flight drinks (in real glasses, obviously) and meals served on a tablecloth with real china and proper cutlery (instead of those plastic knock-offs back in cattle class), here are 5 reasons you should always fly business class with TAP.

The Comfort

When you’re on a long haul flight, an inch of extra legroom, let alone a foot makes all the difference and you get more than enough room flying business class. Seats can be adjusted with a controller until you’re pretty much lying down. Hello long haul flight nap.

Work Productively

With more legroom and a bigger workspace, it means that you can actually do some work.

The Food

Plane food, it’s usually a culinary journey of hell. Think soggy grey stew or something that’s pretending to be chicken. But not here. When you travel TAP you get edible and delicious Portuguese , Brazilian and International cuisine.

egg-tart

Think the best of Portuguese products and flavours and a menu is designed by award winning chefs. If you have a sweet tooth then you’re in for a treat, most flights serve Portuguese egg tarts which retain their crisp, crackly pastry and rich flavour even though you’re miles up in the air.

Save on time

We’re not advising you to purposely cut it fine, but you can show up at the airport a little later because your business-class boarding pass gives you access to a faster security line at most airports. You’re the first off the plane and so is your bag, so there’s less time waiting at baggage claim.

If you’re going on a long haul flight, business class is better. There is no doubt about it.

This journey with TAP Portugal was hosted as part of a press trip with the Brazilian Tourist Board.    For further information, visit www.flytap.com or call 0345 601 0932.

tap-portugal

IDEAL’S flight with TAP was complimentary

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR SAUSAGE & POTATO SALAD

This salad is a great one for the family and a good way to help get your children to eat more salad leaves.

Preparation & Cooking Times

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

6: sausages
400g: small new potatoes, cooked and halved
1tbsp: olive oil
4: spring onions, sliced
150g: cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (130g): bag Italian or Continental salad leaves

For the dressing

1 tbsp: olive oil
2 tbsp: dry white wine vinegar
1 tbsp: tomato puree
1 tsp: clear honey
dash of Tabasco sauce

Method

Grill the sausages under a medium grill for 8-10mins, turning them occasionally until browned on all sides. Thinly slice and leave to cool. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a non-stick frying pan, add the potatoes and sauté for 6mins or until golden brown. Add the sausages, spring onions and cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3mins. Finally add all the dressing ingredients and toss well. Remove from the heat. Empty the salad leaves into a large bowl, add the potato mixture and toss to mix. Serve immediately.

Cook Tips

This salad can be served with 225g/ 8oz cooked and sliced new potatoes and 1oz/ 25g of walnuts to turn dish into a heartier meal.

Salad Used

Bag Italian or continental salad leaves.

Recipe courtesy of Sausage & potato salad from the British Leafy Salads Association

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR EASY ORIENTAL CRISPY RIBBON SALAD

TV chef Dean Edwards developed this recipe to help inspire people to make more of salad. This makes a fantastic veggie meal and it’s ready in less than 15 minutes! This salad is full of great texture, from the sweet crispiness of the iceberg lettuce to the crunchy carrot and courgette ribbons. Iceberg is really versatile and is a lettuce which is great in both hot and cold dishes.

Preparation & Cooking Times

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3-4 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
200g beansprouts
1 courgette (185g)
1 large carrot (165g)
½ Iceberg lettuce, shredded (280g)
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Method

Whisk together the oil, soy sauce, honey and vinegar. Heat 1 tbsp dressing in a frying pan and fry the beansprouts for 3-4 minutes.

Using a potato peeler, make ribbons with the courgette and carrot and toss into the beansprouts, Iceberg lettuce and remaining dressing.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.

Cook Tips

Dean’s tip: Also great with prawns or sliced cooked duck if you want a meat or fish version.

For more salad recipes visit: www.makemoreofsalad.com

IDEAL MAKE-UP TIPS: GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR EYE PRIMER & EYESHADOW

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Celebrity Make-up Artist Francesca Neill shares her tips for eye make-up and the trends to look out for

We’ve all heard the buzz about make-up primer and how it will be a good investment for our make-up bags but what does it actually do? Despite the eyelid skin being noticeably thinner compared to facial skin, eyelids still produce oil which can cause eye make-up to slide around and end up in the crease. Using primer before eyeshadow application not only provides the perfect even base for eye make-up; it also helps even out any discolouration and smooths the appearance of fine lines on the eyelids too.

A good quality eye primer will blend smoothly onto the eyelids, dry invisibly, intensify the colour pigment of the eyeshadow and prolong the wear of your eye make-up.  Collection & Celebrity Make-up Artist Francesca Neill tells us more and shares her top tips on eyeshadow application and how to achieve the ultimate smokey eye look in this short video

For more make-up tutorials, top tips and get the look how-to videos visit: www.collectioncosmetics.co.uk