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DIDN’T ANYONE TELL YOU ABOUT USING EMU OIL FOR ACNE

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Yes, by Emu we mean the second-largest living bird by height. The oil produced from it also has heightened skin benefits, especially helping with acne. There is not much to lose if you use it, but what if you may see it work in a couple weeks of use?

What makes it work?

All the studies which we referred while knowing about emu oil uses for acne and even scars couldn’t stop us from sharing them with you through this article. EMU oil has been known as miraculous for its all natural ingredients to help acne and blemishes. For a simple reason that the oil gets readily absorbed through the skin, it is able to offer to the most of its capabilities to stop bacteria & reduce inflammation. The fatty acid profile of the skin also matches with the lipid fatty acid composition of emu oil. This is the key reason why emu oil is used to promote healthy skin. With the high levels of omegas, Emu oil may help to gently nourish and moisturize the skin.

Why is it called carrier oil?

You might have seen blameless organic acne treatments that contain pure emu oil. If you ever happen to read their label it is often mixed with natural herbs and essential oils which are absolutely necessary for optimal skin health. High quality essential oils are derived naturally and there are about 90 pure extracts obtained from various plants which won’t clog pores. Because of their purity, many essential oils are used to help diminish acne.

Coming to carrier oils now, which by its name suggests that carries something. Carrier oils are used to not exactly carry but dilute essential and other oils before being directly used for topical application. Emu oil is an excellent carrier of essential oils which means it can carry other ingredients deep into your skin when used in a formulation. So, skin products for acne usually blend the finest quality essential oils into with emu oil to gain the full benefits.

But since emu oil is non-greasy and won’t clog pores, it is sometimes confused as an essential oil. Some acne game changer products also use a combination of emu and tea tree oils which can give softer, moisturized skin with a pleasant smell-all while reducing acne. You are lucky if you get a skin cream having both of them.

Turn your hand to Emu Oil for Acne Treatment

With all the benefits painted in front of you, emu oil seems a great addition to the skin care regime as far as breakouts are concerned. But now crops up the big question of how you can use emu oil naturally for acne treatment. For facial use, the following Emu oil acne regimen is recommended:

  1. Begin with washing your face with mild cleanser and water and pat it dry with a clean towel. We hope you didn’t rub the towel across your face. Don’t do that, this can increase inflammation and redness.
  2. Not precise (as we told it won’t be harmful) but pour just a few drops of emu oil onto a clean cotton swab and then dab it gently on the area of the face affected by the pimples, blackheads as a little can take you a long way.
  3. Allow the oil to merge in your skin on its own. You need not force it into your skin by rubbing it. If you need to reapply, use a new clean cotton swab for the second application, third, and so on. Does your skin feel oily a few minutes down the line? You might have probably used too much, so cut down a bit next time.
  4. Recreate this act twice a day preferably once in the morning and then in the evening, may be before going to bed. This will allow the oil to work on your skin throughout the night.

 

This emu oil acne treatment regimen is simple, quick and safe to help stop bacterial action in the skin and reduce swelling and redness. At the same time, this may help promote faster healing while reducing the risk of scarring. Beyond the obvious acne benefits of emu oil, nourished skin which is glowing and soft to touch is just like the festival bonus.

If you are still apprehensive about Emu Oil, you can have a good conversation with your doctor before beginning with your Emu Oil for Acne Treatment. Whether you are using natural products like Emuaid Cream that uses emu oil as its core ingredient or just plain emu oil, you need to be pretty sure that it suits your skin. After all, it is not to blame the oil but the differently designed body structure of humans which leads to varying results.

10 REASONS YOU NEED A RUG IN YOUR HOME

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If you don’t already have a rug in your home, here are the 10 reasons why you should invest in one ASAP.

MAKE YOUR PLACE YOUR OWN

We like to think of rugs as art for your floor. You can use them to make a statement and to inject your own personality into the room.

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME

A rug can effortlessly transform any room, instantly lifting your home out of its design funk.  Have fun with bright, bold colours or go for a light, neutral shades such as cream and taupe to keep the ambience of the room gentle and calming – the choice is yours.

COVER UP THE PROBLEM

Are you renting? Can’t change the flooring? Does your new place come with some tacky blue carpet that reminds you of university halls? Are there some questionable stains?  If this is the case, a rug can be your saviour. A large enough rug can cover up ghastly coloured carpets. They can also cover a multitude of sins – think red wine spills.

BRIGHTEN UP A ROOM

Throw a light rug over dark carpet or flooring and voila – a lighter room.

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CHANGE YOUR COLOUR THEME

We think that it’s nice to inject a bit of seasonal colour and pattern into your home. A rug can easily change the colour theme of your room.  Try one for winter and one for summer. Online shops like Modern Rugs often have amazing sales, so you needn’t spend a fortune on changing your colour theme.

YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU

If you’re thinking of moving house later down the line, you can’t take expensive flooring or a carpet with you. But you can take your lovely rug.

INDULGE YOUR SENSE OF TOUCH

There’s nothing like kicking your shoes off and letting your feet sink into a textured rug. Or lying on a rug in front of a roaring fire.

TIE UP YOUR ACCESSORIES

A rug can be a fantastic way to unify the decor in any room.

PROTECT YOUR FLOORS

Want to avoid spills, stains and scuffs on your wooden floor or carpet – a rug will do the trick.

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WARM UP YOUR HOUSE

Hardwood floors can look lovely, but unfortunately they don’t retain any heat – a big problem in winter. A rug can be essential when it’s cold, providing much needed warmth to your home.

4 FASHION RULES FOR BAGAHOLICS

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Women and handbags go together like peaches and cream; it’s an undisputable fact of life. You only have to stroll through the designer bag department of any major fashion store to catch doe-eyed women stroking their precious wish-list favourites with longing.

Not content with merely lusting over arm candy, we sure know how to build up a large collection of handbags too. Totes, clutches, backpacks, satchels… You name the style, we’ve got one, not to mention the hefty price tag to go with it.

But halt, bagoholic! Before you punch in that 4-digit password to handbag heaven, read our fashion rules first to check if your bag crush is worth the hype.

Buy modern classics, ignore the fads

Highlighter neon shoulder bags, transparent clutch bags, futuristic printed backpacks…Before you rush to the checkout all guns blazing; consult your common sense first. Ask yourself whether or not this handbag is going to be relevant to your collection in 12 months time. If the answer is no, bid it a remorseful farewell and move on. This doesn’t mean you have to discard every on-trend handbag out there, but think twice before investing in the latest fad. Two-tone, block coloured bags are the one-stop solution to all your modern classic needs.

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If it doesn’t match your existing style, it isn’t worth buying

Picture the scene: you go out on a shopping spree and return with bags full of shiny new garments. The only problem is none of your new-found items go together or match. Sound familiar? It’s time to consider fashion rule numero 2. There’s no point in shelling out for a luxury handbag only to find that you’ll need to shell out plenty more to match said handbag with an outfit. Choosing a neutrally shaded handbag  is a wise move. Not only will you be much more likely to use go-to handbags frequently but they’ll also save you precious time in the mornings due to their uncomplicated styling qualities.

Only good quality handbags should make the cut

The merits of a high quality handbag are undeniable. As tempting as it might be to buy 3 cheap handbags instead of one investment piece, the likelihood is that you’ll be throwing 2 of them away before the year is out. High street fashion is made to be disposable, but a high-quality handbag made by an esteemed designer will last through the ages.

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Consider the designer, collection and re-sale value

As much as we love to convince ourselves that the handbag we spent two months rent on will be in our hearts forever, the truth is there will probably come a day when you’ll want to sell it. And that’s why you should always consider the following three amigos: designer, collection and re-sale value.

Ask yourself, does the handbag you want come from a classic designer? Is the collection the handbag comes from covetable? And finally, what is the resale value like? These three questions are paramount.

Take Modalu England for example: marrying traditional methods and meticulous attention to detail, the Modalu England brand has cornered the high-end market with their eminent line of designer handbags. This is one example of how buyers can purchase an investment handbag safe in the knowledge that there will be a high ROI should they ever wish to sell.

 

 

 

IDEAL LONDON LANDMARKS YOU JUST NEED TO SEE

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London is such a diverse and cultural city, there is no wonder that millions of tourists flock to its streets every year. So what do you have planned during your time in the big city? Well, some of London’s most famous sites and attractions are extremely iconic, and a spot of sightseeing is always a great way to spend a day in the capital! Not sure what to see while you are there? Here are some of the best spots to head to.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral

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Saint Paul’s Cathedral towers above most of London’s skyline and is visible from most places in the centre of London. The large cathedral dates back to 1673 when it was famously designed by the architect Sir Christopher Wren. Even though regular services still take place in the cathedral, it is also open to visitors. Visitors are allowed to look around the church every day except Sundays. Visitors can wander around on their own or join a guided tour.

Buckingham Palace

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Another of London’s historic sites, Buckingham Palace is the London residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Even though the whole palace isn’t open to the public, many tourists head there every day to explore the state rooms or just take photos of the exterior. Another highlight is the daily changing of the guards which takes place daily at 11.30 am from April to the end of July.

The River Thames

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One of the largest iconic attractions of London has to be the famous River Thames. This huge river doesn’t just flow through the capital city, though – it cuts through most of southern England. People enjoy the river in various ways, with thousands walking along its banks in the city. There are also regular events on the river, and tourists can also enjoy a Thames Dinner Cruise.

Big Ben

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Standing at the north end of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben is the large clock tower that is probably one of the most recognisable sights in the city’s skyline. However, even though the tower itself is now known as Big Ben, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, the name was originally only meant for the bell that strikes the hour. The tower dates back to 1859 when it was added onto the Houses of Parliament. Most tourists settle for a picture of this iconic clock, but you can also join a tour to get up close to the famous bell!

The Tower Of London

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Officially known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, this large castle is on the north bank of the Thames. The tower is completely open to the public, and you could easily while away a few hours exploring its various exhibitions and rooms. The tower is also home to the crown jewels so you will get the chance to see some very important crowns during your visit!

As you can see, there is plenty that will keep you busy during your time in London. Have fun!

HOW TO TRAVEL LIKE A PRO

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We all want to look like confident travellers, but half the time we have no idea where to find our passport, how to pack our cases or no idea what to do in a flight delay. However, to help you become a more assured traveller, here’s how to travel like a professional…

Do Your Homework

Don’t turn up at your destination and ask the hotel staff about the best places to eat, drink and dine. Instead, do your homework before you travel to ensure you visit the best places across your chosen destination, which will allow you to make the most of your experience.

While it is always helpful to ask the hotel staff about the best places to visit, they might have little knowledge themselves or might be less clued up than you are, especially when it comes to tourism spots they regularly take for granted. Make an informed choice with the help of mrhudsonexplores.com.

Check-in Online

Skip the annoying airport queues and check into your flight online the day before your journey. You can often print off your boarding pass or have it sent to your smartphone. Airports prefer you to check-in online to eliminate significant queues and some airlines have even started charging for printing off boarding passes at the airport.

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Correctly Pack a Carry-On Case

You can eliminate all the trouble with check luggage by simply learning how to pack your carry-on case. Instead of spending hours waiting for your case to be unloaded off the plane, or having to sort lost luggage, you can just walk off the plane, through the security gates and onto your hotel transfer. The best way to successfully pack your carry-on case is to pick staple items that work in different ways throughout your trip, which will eliminate your need for multiple clothing items you don’t really need or will wear. Remember, most destinations will have the essentials you will need, such as toiletries, beach towels and cosmetics, so don’t fill your luggage with unnecessary products.

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Flight Delays

So many travellers don’t know their rights when it comes to flight delays, which is why you should look up your entitlement should you endure a delayed flight. For example, if you depart from an EU airport and experience a flight delay of more than three hours, you could be entitled to compensation, and the airline is also required to provide food and drink airport vouchers, as well as overnight accommodation, if required.

Comfortable Footwear

Most tourists make the big mistake of packing the wrong footwear on their travels, only to be left with sore feet after a busy day of walking. While those high heels might make you feel as fabulous as Carrie Bradshaw in New York, you will feel less glamorous an hour later when walking block after block across the busy city. Opt for sensible footwear that will ensure you’re not stuck in the hotel with your feet in a bucket of ice water.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO BOOST YOUR LIFESTYLE WITHOUT BECOMING A GYM BUNNY

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WAYS TO BOOST YOUR LIFE

At this time of year, there is always that flurry of hopeful resolutions that mean the gyms are jam-packed with eager people that will sign an expensive 12-month contract with all the best intentions only to forget their way to the gym by the time it hits February. That’s why it is better to be realistic about lifestyle changes. You’re not going to go from being a couch potato to a marathon runner in a couple of months. Possible? Yes but realistic? Not at all.

Don’t kid yourself and end up retreating back into your comfortable lifestyle that you’ve occupied for the most part of your life. Changes should be gradual rather than sudden if they are going to have a better chance of lasting. There are lots of small changes that you can make that don’t take up your entire life.

Here are a few little ways you can boost your lifestyle:

Improve your diet

You might not need a complete overhaul in this area, so try introducing some small adjustments to your diet. Fruit and vegetables can boost your energy and provide a more balanced diet that will improve your overall health and mental wellbeing. You don’t have to join Weight Watchers or put yourself on a strict diet, just slowly make small changes that will have good, long-term benefits. Take an apple with your lunch, add carrots to your dinner: small changes with big benefits.

HEALTHY FOOD

Get more sleep

Sleep is such a vital ingredient of your overall health. Scientists link the lack of sleep to serious health problems such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. It is also associated to depression so if you can get more sleep, this will help you on many fronts. There are lots of reasons that impact you ability to have a good night’s sleep, from having the right bed through to noise from passing traffic. Investing in a good bed is one of the best investments you can make in life, so why not have a look at custom solid oak beds to help you to get the quality of sleep that your body needs.

Hydrate more

You might be surprised how little you actually drink throughout a day compared to what is recommended. Experts suggest trying to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day, now this can seem hard to maintain but if you are not drinking frequently you will be missing out on the vital health benefits of water, such as healthier skin.

WALK

Walk more

Walking is an easy way to add a bit more exercise into your daily routines without feeling like you’ve made a big fitness change. Walking just an extra twenty minutes a day gives you a considerable health boost. Its not just high intensity exercise that leads to weight loss, walking can have an impact too. If you can walk outdoors regularly then you are also increasing your vitamin D intake which with have further health benefits.
You don’t have to live at the gym to boost your lifestyle, try these simple changes and find out how you can benefit from them.

IDEAL GUIDE ON HOW TO GET YOUR FOCUS BACK

You likely suffer from the same dilemma as many people in today’s digital, 24/7 world. Despite the fact that you always seem to be doing something, so little of it seems to be productive, or you might not be achieving what you want to achieve because you find yourself torn between endless distractions and novelty. The feeling of underachievement tends to grow and grow as you lose your capacity to truly focus and complete the tasks that you need to. Whether it is essential work to be done around the house, or finishing a creative or business project that could change your life–you just can’t seem to find the time to do something you really want to do.

The first step is to forgive yourself! All of us feel the pressure to explore the new world of unlimited content and 24/7 updates that is now available to us. If you’re a curious person then you want to see what’s out there, particularly as it relates to things you want to achieve. But if you find yourself combing through endless research and realise that it is merely a distraction that keeps you from finishing the task, then you need to get ruthless. Here are some tips to reclaim your productivity.

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Get some digital discipline:

1. Turn off notifications on your phone–think about it, most of the time it’s nothing that can’t wait until later.

2. Limit your computer use outside of work hours. When you want to work on a project after work try good old pen and paper. This will also make it easier to wind down when it’s bedtime.

3. Figure out what’s distracting you in your environment and block it out. If you live on a busy street the sound of sirens and people talking might pull you out of your focus zone. Use earplugs to prevent this. Studies have shown that once you are distracted, it takes 25 min to settle fully into the task you are working on. According to a survey by RIFT, 40% of people complain about noise pollution to their residence.

Rediscover the attention span heavy things you love:

1. Did you know that concentrating on a good book is the same as concentrating on a very difficult task? Reading builds attention span so don’t feel guilty about making more time to read.

2. Meditation is a great way to wean your data addicted brain from bright screens and instant messaging. Spend at least 15 min each day just sitting and focusing on one calming thought.

3. Exercise is a great way to focus and physically pull yourself away from your digital life. Try a form of cardio like running, swimming or cycling or try yoga in combination with tip number 2, meditation.

Your attention span will take a while to build back up but once you begin to feel more calm and find yourself thinking about your e-mail inbox less and less, you will find that the time you do spend working on work or personal projects is much better spent. Remember that rest is essential to performing at your best and a brain that gets too little rest cannot function optimally. The best thing you can do? Get a full nights sleep.

SMART AND STYLISH: HOW TO TURN YOUR SMARTPHONE INTO A FASHION ACCESSORY

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A phone has been, for a very long time, a clunky piece of metal that serves many purposes, but just doesn’t look very stylish. Sure, the new iPhone 7 looks fantastic and even Samsung’s Edge phones have a sleek border and industrial colours that would work well with any style that you come up with.

If you want to perfect your style, you must not forget about your phone. If you have your phone out with you on a regular basis, you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb when you take it out of your designer bag and put it to your ear. You want it to match the rest of your clothing, the colours should complement each other and it helps to have a stylish case.

To give you a helping hand, here are a couple of handy ways to promote your phone from being just a device to a fashion accessory.

Get a new case

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There are many websites that sell art-inspired iphone cases You can get beautiful designs that will make your phone look like a work of art instead of a business and communications tool. With so much choice available, it can be difficult trying to pick out a case that matches your mood or fashion for the day, so why not buy several? Cases can easily be swapped around to match your style, and they are relatively inexpensive considering they turn one of your most used electronic devices into a fashion statement capable of holding its own in the fashion world.

There are flip-cases that you can use to store money and cards, there are simple cases that slip onto the back of your phone and there are also sturdy cases that protect your phone from being damaged if you drop it. The functional cases often come with very boring designs since they’re not meant to be fashion items, but there are a few designers that make beautiful and sturdy phone cases for all makes and models of smartphone.

A matching pair of gloves

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The cold season might be going away soon but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wearing a pair of gloves to keep the heat in and the cold out. Sadly, as many people might have realised, it’s almost impossible to use a phone when you have a warm pair of gloves on. To remedy that, why not buy a comfortable and great looking pair of gloves that work with your phone? Touchscreen gloves used to look very bland and serious, but nowadays there are many fashion designers who have taken the concept to the next level and you can now get a wide range of touchscreen gloves that look the part and work brilliantly.

Don’t forget your headphones

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When we’re out in the open, the most typical pastime is to get a pair of headphones and listen to podcasts or music. Whether you’re on public transport commuting to and from work or just taking a walk with your dog, your earphones or headphones will always be showing. There are plenty of stylish headphones that will fit all head shapes and sizes, and they aren’t bad quality either.

IDEAL HAIR DETOX TIPS FROM NICKY CLARKE

January is a time to detox not just your body, but your hair too. With this in mind we speak to the professionals at the London Nicky Clarke salon who share  their top tips for a hair detox

Your hair suffers the same way your skin and body does to a poor diet and being stressed, it also has the perils of day to day life to deal with – UV rays, wind and pollution are all elements that will cause irritation to the hair shaft and cuticle. Coupled with the excessive use of heated electrical equipment like straighteners, hairdryers and curling tongs, hair can take a serious pounding which will ultimately have an adverse effect on the condition.

Feed your Hair

Essentially you need to feed your hair the proteins it requires to be healthy. Argan oil, Avocado and Macadamia are all natural ingredients that will feed the hair the goodness it needs. Diet is important and like everything water is key, add to that green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and beans. Vitamins are ideal for you hair’s strength, Zinc Vitamin B and C should all be taken but don’t always guarantee results.

Get Into A Routine

Getting into a routine short term to treat the immediate effects and long term something that you can maintain day to day are vital for replenishing you hair.

Use A Cleansing Shampoo

Begin your detox by using a deep cleansing shampoo that will strip the hair of all of it’s impurities. Do this a minimum two times and work the shampoo into the scalp using the pads of your fingers in circular motions, work the shampoo through the mid-lengths and ends then rinse with cool water. Repeat this process until the shampoo no longer lathers; this is an indication that the hair is clean.

Condition Your Hair

Condition the hair to strengthen and soothe, look for ingredients such as oat extracts, honey and argan oil. Add a small bit of peppermint treatment into your conditioner, this will make your head tingle by stimulating the scalp to increase bloody supply to the hair follicle; it will feel both refreshing and invigorating.

Work the conditioner through the hair and comb through distributing evenly. With the hair damp and you out of the shower, take the moisture out of the hair.

Initially, use an intense treatment mask and comb that through liberally. You need to leave this on overnight, pin into a ponytail and put a shower cap on the hair. Rinse in the morning. For the remainder of that week aim to do 3 overnight mask treatments.

At this stage you should be working steamed vegetables, fruit, water and vitamins into your daily diet.

The second week move down to Nicky Clarke Weightless Treatment with Argan Oil, which would replace the intense mask (you will continue to do this once every two weeks)

Now you are going to do the same process twice a week using the Argan oil. Combing through evenly this will allow three key ingredients to penetrate into the hair cuticle, Argan, Kukui and Macadamia…all ideal for adding essential proteins to the hair.

This won’t usually need a rinse in the morning as the hair will of absorbed it. Continue this for two weeks.

In this time you need to get a haircut and get all of the dry ends removed, ensure your haircut isn’t ‘cut into’ and softened, as this will just break the hair shaft.

Your everyday process should include a protein spray or leave in conditioner added to the hair before you use any styling products, this will form the shield over the hair it requires.

Every other day an argan-based product should be used. The beauty of the Nicky Clarke Weightless Treatment with argan is its ability to be used as a conditioner, leave in conditioner, blow drying agent and finishing serum, so you’re getting all the goodness, protection and shine throughout your hair experience.

Avoid Shampoo’s that contain the following ingredients Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Tetrasodium and Propbylene Glycol these are all toxic chemicals commonly found in shampoo.

So go guys and girls and get your hair detox on!

AND THEY CALL IT PUPPY LOVE: TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR DATING EXPERIENCE

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DATING

Dating can be a bit of minefield at the beginning. If you aren’t navigating the whole who to ask out on a first date, then you are wondering where date two and three are going to take you. It’s a crazy rollercoaster of confusing emotions, and sometimes we can often fail to impress or try too hard. Resulting in a fizzled out courtship, and the whole situation starts again. But no longer does this need to be the case. Now is the time to enhance your dating experience and get beyond date three. With that in mind, here are the tips to help you get there.

Don’t overthink things, just go with the flow

Dating can be the most crucial time in any blossoming relationship. It is the time where snap judgements can be made on how you feel without even giving someone a chance to shine. We can all do it. Dating requires you to be open-minded. We can’t all decide who we are going to love in the first five-minute conversation. Try and go with the flow and not overthink how you dress and how you sound. The best possible advice would be to be yourself. After all, it is the only person you can be.

Add to the dating experience with a gift

Sometimes after the first few dates you want to try and how the other person what they mean to you. However, you want to appear romantic from the man’s side of things, but then thoughtful if it is the female wanting to gift the man. There is a fine line to stepping into this territory, but it could be the seal of approval you need to take the relationship to the next level. You may want to buy a pearl necklace, come armed with a huge bouquet of flowers. Or perhaps thinking on a more thoughtful side of things and presenting tickets to their favourite band or theatre production. This sort of gift shows you may have listened to the conversations you previously had.

Be open to different things

Sometimes you may need to be open minded when it comes to dates and conversations. People can get nervous and speak about all kinds of subjects, where as other people may take the lead and book in a date that you may never have considered before. The thing is, when you relax and go with it, you may find that you enjoy the conversation or the activity you are doing. Don’t just stick to the normal dates of a meal and a few drinks, mix things up a little and try a few different activities. It is a sure fire way to really get to know someone.

Be armed with conversation starters

Sometimes a conversation can be a little stale, especially when nerves kick in. So prepare yourself for those dry mouth moments and arm yourself with conversation starters. Think about questions asking about career, hobbies and what they get up to in their spare time. This will surely lead on to other questions and conversations.

Keep your cool

Finally, it may be hard but try and keep your cool when it comes to those first few weeks of dating. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the moment but remember you are just getting to know one another.

10 IDEAL TIPS FOR RUNNING YOUR FIRST MARATHON

Are you ready to train for and run your first marathon?  Running a marathon is an incredible goal for runners but you need to do a lot of preparation before the big day. Maybe you’ve been hitting the gym with extra venom. Maybe each evening has centered around a run of considerable length and high-octane exertion. Maybe your shelves are bulging (more than your muscles?) under the weight of Protein powder. However you choose to prepare, it’s worth bearing in mind the opinions of the experts. With this in mind, here’s some advice for beginner runners about marathon training and running from Martin Yelling an expert coach from Human Race.

KNOW YOUR PACE

You don’t have to be super fast or super professional to have a ‘race pace’.  Knowing to the second your pace per mile (for example, 9min miles) means you actually have a clear target finish time to aim at.  Having a clear target and a pace structure to achieve it helps you stay on track from start to finish. Know your target finish time and work out what this equates to for each mile or km of your race.

PRACTICE  YOUR RACE PACE TRAINING

To really understand what it feels like to run at your race pace you need to practice it in training.  This doesn’t mean you have to go and run the full race distance at race pace but it does mean that you should include sections of training runs at or close to race pace.  On routes you know are accurate distances, e.g, a 400m track, or a measured 1 mile, practice running at target race pace.  Great pacing is learned. Understand how this pace feels.  Start using your watch or GPS to guide you then try pacing without it. Progress to dialing into your target pace on longer sustained ‘paced runs’.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

When you run at different intensities your body sends you different signals to let you know how it’s feeling. For example, your heart rate, how hot you feel, your breathing rate, how much your muscles ache.  How you interpret these feelings during exercise is known as your ‘perception of effort’ (or RPE – rating of perceived effort) and mastering your sensory signals will help you master your own race pace.  Use your perception of effort to gauge and monitor intensity and pace. Don’t be reliant on your GPS. Ditch the distractions and dial into how you feel, your rhythm, heart rate, cadence and effort. As a guide, the faster you are breathing the harder you are trying!

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RACE IT

Try your pacing strategy in a practice race. A race presents real challenges to overcome. Other participants, weather conditions and nerves. Calm down! It’s easy to start off too fast and be pulled along by other runners. Be patient. Be disciplined at the start and in the first few miles.  Don’t get sucked in by the pace and speed of other runners and be drawn into blasting off too quickly. You won’t thank yourself in the later stages of the race.

BE CONSISTENT

Even paced splits typically bring about the best results especially in longer races.  When practicing pacing aim for consistency. Give yourself a parameter either side of your target time to aim at that keeps your pace on track.  For example, if your target pace is 8.15 per mile you might allow yourself a range of 8.10 to 8.20 – if you’re within that you’re on track.  Avoid ‘yo-yo’ running and speeding up then slowing down to hit target paces.  In longer races take an average of your last 3 miles to keep on track with small fluctuations.  Aim for smoothness, control and consistency in your effort to pacing your race for endurance success.  At the same time, expect your target pace to feel much easier in the first part of your race than the second. Your effort will increase but your pace will stay the same. Your goal is to not slow down!

BE POSITIVE

Pacing your race right is a positive and motivational way to approach your race. Feeling strong and coming through the field in the second half is better than blowing up, going backwards and shuffling to the finish.  Practice your pacing mindset in training.  It won’t always feel easy or straightforward to get your pace spot on.  Relax and run.

PLAY WITH PACE

Play with pace in your training. Dial in to different paces. This not only helps you avoid being a ‘one-paced plodder’ but really boosts your fitness.  Explore running faster than your target pace (this helps race pace feel easier), but also running slower than race pace (this helps you recover).  A mix of varied paced workouts helps you understand the spectrum of running speed, broadens your experience of training, keeps you motivated and develops your fitness, efficiency and running economy.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

This doesn’t mean going on in your Friday heels but it does mean making an assessment of the weather conditions and being prepared. If you’ve got the right kit for the job then your workout is so much more enjoyable. Winter gear is now functional and high performing.  Layer up and choose kit to keep you warm and dry but also cool and comfortable.

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PACE IN HARMONY

The best pacing comes from experience, practice and training.  Effective pacing works in harmony with many other factors that make up a great race. When working on your pace strategy remember that keeping your pace where you want it for the entire duration of the race is a balancing act.  Training status, fitness, motivation, race day nutrition and hydration, the course, the weather and your concentration all play in part in pacing your race to perfection.

GO WITH OTHERS

Even for the most motivated going solo can be tough all the time.  Running with others, and agreeing to meet at a certain time and place means you’re more committed to being there regardless of the weather.  You wouldn’t want to let your best running pals down!  Find friends to run with.

 

5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT SUNDAY ROAST

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Here at IDEAL we love a good old fashioned Sunday Roast for so many reasons. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a roast. A good one will transport you back to your childhood and trigger fond memories of family gatherings. 

Roasts are the perfect excuse to get friends together and have a few glasses of good wine on a Sunday. Also, there is a sense of accomplishment when you cook good roast. When you see people fall into a happy food-induced coma after they’ve eaten the food you’ve just cooked – it makes you feel like you’ve done something good. 

But what is the secret to creating the perfect Sunday Roast that gives people that sleepy feeling that only comes after well cooked food? Hunter 486’s Head Chef Gary Durrant reveals all with this top tips.

THE MEAT 

If you are buying a beef joint, ask your butcher for cod fat (from between the hind legs of the cow) as it is a natural way to baste your meat. Tie it over the top of the joint to keep it moist and enhance its flavour. To add more flavour to your meat, rub with oil, salt and herbs or place the meat in the pan on top of halved red onions.  

A Nut Roast is the fail-safe veggie option but it doesn’t have to be boring! Top with vegetarian blue cheese or goats cheese for an extra kick, or add mushrooms for a tastier flavour.

THE GRAVY

A Roast Dinner is not complete without a good helping of gravy! While the meat is resting you can get started on the gravy using the juices in the pan.  Thicken this by mixing 1 tablespoon of flour and 250ml of stock. If you would really like to impress, fry chopped vegetables in the base of the pan until caramelised. Add flour, stir and then add red wine before gradually pouring in the stock.  For additional flavour add herbs or a little splash of soy sauce.

IDEAL TIP: Always use a good quality stock and with the right meat a dash of port adds a wonderful richness. If you need to sweeten the gravy, redcurrant jelly works well.

THE POTATOES

Some believe that roast potatoes are the star of the show when it comes to a Roast, so there can be a lot of pressure to get them right! To get those potatoes fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, place them in a colander and rattle them around – this will help to make the skin crispy. The golden rule is that you must cover your spuds in olive oil, butter, goose or duck fat for that wonderful golden colour. While they are roasting, baste them in the fat every so often to keep them moist and make them extra crunchy.  Once cooked, season them with sea salt and black pepper.

THE YORKSHIRE PUD

A traditional Roast is not complete without Yorkshire puddings regardless of what meat you are cooking. Yorkshire puddings can be easily made with flour, eggs and milk. I recommend using all milk for a softer and richer batter, and make the batter a day before as it will be lighter and rise better. If you’re bored of plain Yorkshire puddings try something different by adding some ingredients to the batter. I like to add a twist to this classic dish by adding mustard for a fiery kick, grated cheddar and chives if you’re a cheese fan, or throw some chopped and fried bacon into the batter mix.

THE VEG

Similarly to your Yorkshire puddings, you want to add extra flavour to your vegetables. There’s so many simple ways you can make really tasty veg! I like to cook carrots in butter, fresh orange juice and parsley to enhance the flavour. If you have a sweet tooth I would recommend making honey-glazed carrots by roasting the carrots in white wine vinegar and honey. Or you can change things by baking cauliflower with onion, garlic and parmesan, or roast broccoli with cheese and drizzled with lemon.

The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD

4 IDEAL TIPS FOR A BEACH HOLIDAY WITH THE KIDS

Are you planning a beach holiday with your little ones? Maybe you’re considering jetting off abroad to somewhere hot and sunny, or thinking of a weekend in the summer at one of the UK’s most popular beach destinations. A day at the beach with young children can be a lot of fun, but as most parents will know, it can also be quite stressful. Whether it’s the first time you’ve taken your tot to the beach or you’ve done it before, here are some top tips for you to make sure that you have fun and keep your sanity when you bring your young children along to the sandy shores.

Pack Plenty of Sunscreen

When you’re visiting the beach with young kids, you can never have too much sunscreen. Young skin is very delicate and more susceptible to sunburn, so taking more than enough sun protection products is essential. When applying sunscreen, it’s best to start the process inside before you hit the sand – this way, there’s more time for the sunscreen to absorb into your child’s skin, as well as making for one less time that you’ll need to apply lotion all over their sandy body.

Take Protective Clothing

Although it might be tempting to let your child run around the beach in a little bathing suit, this can also cause more problems when it comes to sunburn and irritation from other elements at the beach such as the sand. Protective clothing such as loose fitting t-shirts and shorts are ideal for a day at the beach, and they will cover your child’s shoulders and other areas which may be more susceptible to burning. It also cuts down on the amount of sunscreen that you’ll need to take along.

Choose Accommodation Carefully

If you’re planning a beach holiday abroad, choosing a family-friendly hotel can make the whole tip a lot easier for you. Choosing accommodation which offers childcare services such as a crèche or kid’s club also means that you can get away on your own for a while and relax and enjoy your holiday without the need to constantly keep an eye on your little ones. For great family friendly holiday destinations in both the UK and abroad, visit awaywiththekids.co.uk.

Beach Essentials

Visiting the beach with kids means that you’ll need to bring along a lot more stuff than if you were on your own. Essentials such as baby powder can help to remove sand that’s stuck on sensitive skin, and help to relieve any irritation – the travel sized versions can be a godsend for parents at the beach. You can also get sand free beach bags, which are fantastic for storing baby wipes, sunscreen, nappies, snacks, and everything else that you’ll need to take along without having to deal with removing tons of sand from it at the end of the day. Mesh beach bags are quite inexpensive, and it’s easy to simply shake the sand from them when needed.

Have fun with your kids at whichever beaches you plan to visit!

HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR AMAZING WINTER SUN BREAK YET?

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We may be only halfway through January, only a couple more weeks till payday, but for some of us there may be light at the end of the tunnel. The February half term’s looming, and for many families, overworked couples and eager sun seekers that much needed week off is a chance to jet off somewhere sunny! Yes, you’ll finally feel warm, gentle rays of sunshine again on your pale, cold and covered up skin.

Lanzarote

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Thanks to its almost tropical year round climate the island of Lanzarote off West Africa has long been a hotspot for those desperate to escape the winter chill. One of the Canary Islands, the temperature rarely dips below twenty degrees and it’s always warm enough to sunbathe and swim. Here, family resorts such as Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise are ten a penny, of course that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in something more private like your own personal villa, apartment or even glamping style yurt. Lanzarote is packed full beautiful volcanic scenery, warm sandy beaches and criss crossing cycle paths. Visit the stunning Timanfaya national park, or hire a boat and take a picnic out the island of La Graciosa before exploring the green, leafy and grape-filled vineyards of La Geria.

Majorca

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We know that it’s got a reputation for being a bit of a party town but Mallorca, or Majorca one of Spain’s Balearic Islands may just surprise you! Located in the Mediterranean, Majorca is the perfect place to up your tan and once you’ve landed don’t forget to ask about those airport transfers majorca so you can get dropped literally right outside your hotel. Here, beach resorts, shops and seafood restaurants all jostle for tourists attention while away from the hubbub lies acres of warm golden sand, sheltered coves and chalky, white limestone cliff faces.

 

The island also has numerous Roman and Moorish ruins dotted around the headland. Obviously, the capital Palma is where you’ll find the trendiest bars and clubs but it’s also home to the historic Almudaina Royal Palace, not to mention the amazing 13th-century Santa María Cathedral. Elsewhere, lie entire villages hewn from local stone such as Pollença and gentle, undulating hills are covered in acres of sweet smelling citrus plantations.

Tenerife

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It might be another one of the Canary Islands but with a fabulous, yet very dormant volcano, man made black sand beaches and miles of gorgeous, turquoise ocean Tenerife may be the best of all. Let’s talk about Mt Teide, what was once a lava spilling monster is now silent and visitors are able to wander freely amongst the rocky volcanic landscape which looks decidedly Moon like.

Kids and grown-ups alike will adore a day trip to Loro Parque, a family friendly wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary with on site cinema, restaurants and shops that even has live, whale, seal and dolphin shows. If you’ve come with friends then you’ll be wanting to head to the 24/7 party playground that is Playa De Las Americas! While those looking for an altogether more quiet, restful stay should look towards the seafront hotels and apartments of Playa De Fanabe.

 

IDEAL POST PROMOTION: DO’S AND DON’TS

For the past six months you’ve worked your back-end off to get yourself recognised. You’ve sacrificed your social life, shed countless tears in the toilets and under eye concealer is no longer a fad purchase, it’s a necessity. So when that much sought after promotion finally does come your way, what then?

We’re here to talk you through some of the do’s and don’ts that accompany that well deserved promotion.

DO: Expect your workmates to act a little differently around you. If you’re close work pals haven’t received their promotion yet, crossing that barrier to a place where you may have to manage their activity may take a little time and gentle nudging.  

DON’T: Walk in on your first day you’re new job title kicks in and expect everybody to answer to you. You’re more than likely being watched by everybody to see how you change.

DO: Throw yourself into learning new things. There will be parts of the job that you didn’t even take into consideration before, so now is the time to treat your brain like the sponge it can be and learn, learn, learn!

DON’T: Assume others will take responsibility for your actions. Once you get that promotion you’re one step higher up the food chain and therefore  a little bit less protected. If you see anything going wrong, you have to speak up and become as immersed as possible.

DO: Be prepared for some more late nights. You’ve shown the worlds you talents over the last few months and now that level of productivity is now expected.  

DON’T: Become complacent. There will be lots of eyes on you in this new role and you need to be careful that you’re making the right impression.

DO: Keep the momentum going. Whilst you’re the star of the show for the moment, take it as your time to continue to showcase your skills.

DON’T: Rush too much into looking for that next promotion. This stage now is all about learning.

DO: Stay grounded and remember others. Those you’re now tying to boss around are probably due the same promotion anytime soona dn a happy team is a successful team.

DON’T: Overthink everything. You deserve that promotion so allow yourself to enjoy it and don’t overquestion all of your work!

Catherine Maskell, Head of Marketing at Reed, also shared her own top tip:

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some people working their way up the ladder invest in a mentor or career coach to help, but it’s best to recognise there may be difficult decisions you now have to make a part of your new role. You can confide in a friend who has similar experience, a more senior member of staff or even someone who has good life experience. Quite often these individuals know and understand people, and having an outsider’s perspective really helps.”