Aromatic fresh thyme lends depth to this dish, complementing the sweet earthiness of the beetroot and enhancing the delicate flavour of the cod.
Ingredients (serves 2)
Prep: 10 minutes/ Cook: 30 minutes
300g whole beetroot, peeled and cut into wedges
1 tbsp olive oil
½ pot Thyme, chopped
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 cod fillets
450g floury potatoes, cut into chunks
15g butter
3 tbsp semi skimmed milk
2 tsp horseradish sauce
Method
Preheat the oven to 200oC, gas mark 6.
Place the beetroot in a small roasting tin and toss in the oil, 1/3 thyme and vinegar, season and bake for 15 minutes. Place the cod on a small baking tray and add to the oven and cook for a further 15 minutes until the cod is cooked and beetroot is tender.
Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in boiling water for 10-15 minutes until tender, drain and mash with the butter, milk, 1/3 thyme and seasoning.
Toss the beetroot in the horseradish with 2 tbsp water and remaining thyme and serve with the cod and mash.
Where do you buy herbs from in the winter?
Pots of British grown, fresh herbs are available from Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose, all year round.
Business Class flying: Is it worth it? Well when it comes to Qatar airways the answer is a definate yes
Fancy skipping the queues and being greeted with champagne and fine wine upon boarding the plane? Do you want a comfortable journey and food that you actually want to eat? Most people think that flying business class is an unnecessary expense, we did too until we flew from London to Doha with Qatar Airways. It opened our eyes to a whole new world. Here are seven reasons why flying business class with Qatar Airways is totally worth it:
Comfort
Long haul flights can be a real pain in the back, but not with Qatar airways. The seats in the business class cabin are super comfortable. The fight for space between your feet and your bag isn’t a thing here, there’s loads of room to stow your belongings.
The wide seats can be moved to lots of different positions including a full flat bed position so sleeping will come easily. There’s even fluffy pillows and comfy blankets to rest your weary head on that are so much better than the ones you get in economy.
Fantastic Food
Plane food is, on the whole, extremely unappetising. We reckon most people only eat it because they’re bored. But not here. Qatar Airways food is not only palatable, it’s good. They serve signature dishes, created by well known celebrity chefs, and no chef would put their name to terrible plane food unless they wanted to ruin their career in one fowl plane dive. You can even order your food on demand. From Iranian grill mixes to a great meze plates, the food here is anything but bland. Also, the wine list is endless. It is however a little sad when you see the air hostess pour the leftover wine down the drain – Doha is a dry airport.
You Can Be Productive
One of the worst things about flying economy is the boredom. There are only so many movies you can watch on a long haul flight before your eyes go square. And forget about trying to get any work done. Trying to get your laptop out of your bag is hard enough, let alone fighting with the person next to you for enough elbow room so you can actually type. However flying business class is a whole different story. The space and free wifi on is much more conducive to working.
The Service
World-class service. That’s all we have to say.
The Toiletries
The chance to freshen up mid-flight with a bag full of Giorgio Armani toiletries it just the ticket. You can avoid that horrible sweaty feeling that comes with long-haul flights with these luxury goodies. Big thumbs up.
All The Awards
Qatar Airways have received World’s Best Business Class from Skytrax so many times it’s hard to keep track. Skytrax commissions leading, independent, global surveys of airline and airport performance. They think that Qatar Airways are the best of the best and so do we.
The Business Lounge
Waiting at the airport for your flight is one of the worst things about flying. But not at when you’re business class with Qatar. All passengers who fly either Business or First Class get free access into the Qatar Airways airport lounge.
The lounge itself is like stepping into a fancy boutique hotel lobby or a private club. The deli counter is a winner and offers lots of fresh food. Also they have fantastic shower facilities if you want to freshen up, complete with heated floors and luxury brand products.
Brazilian food can be a bit hard to get a handle on. The cusine is so diverse and has influences from all over, including Portugal and Africa and most of us are unfamiliar with its own indigenous foods. Ever heard of cupuaçu, bacuri, pupunha or tucumã? Didn’t think so. However, like most places in the world, one thing is for sure – you find the best seafood on the coast and Fortaleza is no exception. Here it’s abundant and delicious. We’ve listed some of the not-to-miss Brazilian foods when your in Fortaleza, but our top recommendation is to eat seafood whenever you have a chance.
CARNE DE SOL
Carne de Sol is a delicious “sun-dried” meat which translates to “meat of sun.” Beef is heavily salted and cured in the sun for one or two days. It’s typically served alongside a semi-hard cheese called queijo de coalho which is also delcious. Try it!
TAPIOCA
The locals love to eat tapioca for breakfast. These unique pearlescent Brazilian-style crepes are made with tapioca starch derived from the cassava root (also called yuca). They are chewy and bland, but turn out to be quite satisfying when filled with something sweet or savoury. We liked having ours with cheese. Other favourite fillings include grated coconut, banana and carne de sol. If you get a chance, watch them being made – tapioca is poured onto a heated pan and somehow sticks together forming a crepe. It’s a bit like watching a magic trick.
Seafood Anything
Seafood is a speciality of Fortaleza. It’s especially famous for its lobster, shrimp and crab. For a great seafood experience go to fish market at the end Avenida Beira Mar. Here you can buy fish or shellfish at one market stall, and another stall will clean, cook and serve it up with some rice for you to eat. For a great seafood restaurant you can’t go wrong with Coco Bambu.
Acai Bowl
If you’re a foodie or really into your fitness, then you’ve probably heard of the acai berry. Grown on palm trees in the swamps and floodplains of the Amazon, the acai berry is one of those super foods that everyone raves about. Some people even call it the youth berry. When you’re in Brazil, you must try an acai bowl. It’s basically a really thick smoothie that sort of resembles ice cream and is commonly topped with granola and banana. It tastes a bit tangy and bitter, but even if you don’t like it, remember it’s doing wonderful things to your body.
Caranguejada
Going to Fortaleza and not experiencing Thursday night crab-fest and having a crab-blowout is inconceivable. Head to Varjota which a neighbourhood where you’ll find lots of bars and great restaurants. Order a “Caranguejada” which is a crab dish with lots of fresh spices. It’s authentic, local and delicious.
Pão de queijo
Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. These little cheese puffs are made with tapioca flour and are a much loved snack. We liked having them for breakfast.
Tacaca
This is a delicious soup of shrimps common to the North of Brazil. It’s made with shrimps (obviously) yellow pepper and other herbs boiled in manioc root broth.
Peixe delicia
This is boiled or grilled fish served with bananas and coconut milk. It may sound like an odd combination, but it totally works.
Vatapa
This is a delicious dish made from bread, shrimp. coconut milk and finely ground peanuts, mashed into a creamy, if not a little grainy paste.
GETTING THERE: TAP Portugal flies from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester to Fortaleza, via Lisbon, with prices from £532 return. Call 0345 601 0932 or see flytap.com.
STAYING THERE: Bed and breakfast at Hotel Vila Gale Fortaleza is from £50 per room per night; all inclusive at the Hotel Vila Gale Cumbuco is from £119 per room per night, see vilagale.com.
If you thought that Dover was the only place in Europe famed for its white cliffs, you’re far from in the minority. Contrary to popular belief, gleaming white cliffs aren’t exclusive to the south coast of the UK. Take a trip to France’s Alabaster Coast and discover a beautiful corner of the country that all too often goes overlooked.
Known informally as “The White Cliffs of Normandy”, this region has been inspiring artists, poets and romantics in general for centuries. It was a favourite of Monet and Pisarro alike – not to mention travellers from all over the world who visit the region each year.
The strip – know more formally as Côte d’Albâtre – stretches for more than 80 miles and has within its midst many pleasant towns, villages and coastal resorts. One of the easiest ways to reach The Alabaster coast is to take the car on the cross-channel ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre. As such, it’s a great destination for a simple, relaxed and enjoyable road trip. Even if you only have a weekend available, there’s still plenty of time to explore what’s on offer.
Just be sure to stop by a few of the highlights along the way, which include the following top-picks:
Le Havre
As you’ll most likely be exiting the ferry here anyway, you might as well take the time to explore one of France’s most important maritime port towns. Steeped in history, Le Havre is home to interesting buildings, galleries and unique local attributes. The historic town centre makes the perfect place for an aimless stroll with no destination, being sure to stop by the impressive Eglise St Joseph on your travels. And of course, it would be a shame not to sample the very best of the local cuisine served up at the eateries of Le Havre, which for the most part centre on high-quality seafood.
Etretat
The Côte d’Albâtre as a whole may be beautiful, but the cliffs of Etretat are a real highlight. You might have seen l’Aiguille (The Needle) in any number of photographs, but nothing can prepare you for the sight of the famous rock formation in real life. Less of an option, more an absolute must for a coastal stroll, or a more rugged hike for those out for a challenge. Weather-dependant, the beaches make for ideal afternoons in the sun, along with the perfect spot to take in the sunset. There are several local seafood restaurants around Etretat that are every bit as impressive as the coastline itself!
Fécamp
Here’s where you’ll find the highest of all cliffs in Normandy and a spot that Monet was particularly fond of. The peak rises a full 300 feet above the bay beneath, though to really take it in for all its worth you need to book yourself on a boat trip out into the bay. It makes a great excursion for the whole family (weather permitting) and there’s always the option of indulging in a spot of fishing.
Dieppe
It would be a shame to take the time to visit the Côte d’Albâtre and not also take the time to stop by Dieppe. A popular holiday destination for France’s most elite circles for generations, Dieppe really does have it all. The architecture is beautiful, its maritime history is enthralling, the beaches are great and the food is quite legendary. Dieppe has a well-earned reputation for serving up some of the best seafood in the world in any number of traditional cafes and restaurants that haven’t changed for generations. It’s also the kind of place where a total transformation occurs at sundown and many quiet streets suddenly burst into life.
Côte Fleurie
Last but not least, consider including Côte Fleurie in your road trip itinerary. It’s another example of a seaside haunt that was previously exclusive, though has since become much more accessible and considerably less snooty. Home to an annual American Film Festival that brings the rich and famous of Hollywood into the area, Côte Fleurie is also home to a strip of stunning sands referred to as “The Queen of Beaches”. Coupled with a world of amenities for the whole family, you could easily spend a week or two at the heart of Côte Fleurie and never run out of enjoyable things to do.
You don’t have to be frugal to appreciate the value of a fantastic bargain. Whether it’s a 50% online-only sale or a local store clearance that is literally giving away items, those big red numbers almost always give us that tingling sensation that we’re stretching our pennies. It might sound silly, but there are many people who don’t actually look around for deals, don’t value their pennies or even shop smartly. If you’re someone that doesn’t put too much thought into your their purchases, or if you want to know how you can save even more money by shopping smartly, here are a couple of tips.
Making Smart Purchases
First of all, before you make a purchase you should think about what you’re actually buying and if you need it. You have to discipline yourself to not fall into the trap of spending money during a sale on items you don’t actually need. For instance, if there’s a 50% sale on a large 4K television, then you might be inclined to upgrade your current television. In this case, think how much you actually use your television and if it will be worth the upgrade. The fact that there’s a sale doesn’t necessarily indicate a great deal either, it could just mean that the television in question isn’t very good and they’re getting rid of stock in anticipation of a new model.
In this case, you should do your research. Look online and Google a review of the product in question. If the reviews look good and the price is within your range, then you can consider buying it based on the fact that it’s a good value purchase. But let’s not stop there, let’s go back to what was said previously—do you actually need it? Far too many people become hoarders because they keep buying cheap furniture and electronics whenever they’re on sale. In the case of a 4K television, you need to have compatible media in order to make use of the larger resolution. If you currently use your television to watch Netflix, then you need to understand that not every show or movie currently supports 4K programming, meaning you won’t get to make the most of your new television. According to Lifewire.com, only a couple of shows on Netflix can be viewed in 4K, and the quality isn’t a huge difference compared to regular HD streaming.
How to Look for Deals
Deal-hunting is one of the most satisfying things for a frugal shopper to do. Whenever you have a couple of minutes spare, you could log on to deal websites such as DontPayFull.com and make some fantastic savings on everything from groceries to electronics. Many coupons go out of date within just a couple of weeks or even days, so if there are coupons for something you need such as groceries, then it’s best to make use of them as soon as possible.
Whenever you shop online, it’s a good idea to search for coupons for the online store you are using. You’d be surprised at how many times an online business hands out discount coupons on their social media channels or gives a code to reviews in order to get a bit more publicity. It doesn’t take long to look around for a coupon code either. Just do a simple Google search and spend about five minutes searching. If you can’t find a working one, then chances are there probably isn’t an active coupon around that you can use.
Separating Good and Bad Reviews
Online reviews on the store’s website are usually pretty horrible. Sometimes they’re filled with angry customers that bought a product and don’t understand how to use it, sometimes they’re reviewed by people who didn’t even buy the product, and occasionally there are reviews by people who are far too optimistic about a company or brand and they write a review that is borderline false advertising. These are the types of reviews you want to avoid, but it can sometimes be difficult trying to discern whether a review is legitimate or bogus. In other words, it’s best to avoid product reviews completely on websites such as Amazon, and you should only use the star rating as a general indication of the quality of a product.
If you want more detailed information, you should try and find reviews on YouTube that actually show you the product so you get a better idea of what it’s like. In addition to that, reviews on popular blogs that have reviewed similar products are also trustworthy, and they typically offer coupon codes or affiliate links that help you save money on those specific purchases. You can find a useful list of trusted reviewers at Cision.com. Keep in mind that some lesser-known blogs will review products only because they have been sponsored to, and although they are legally obliged to let people know they have received the product for free or that it’s a paid sponsorship, they sometimes neglect to do so.
Refurbished, Used and Older Models
Depending on the type of item you want to buy, you might get a fantastic deal on used or refurbished equipment. For instance, a new MacBook Pro starts at around £1,149, but a refurbished or opened box laptop of the same model could save you around £300 or more. If you look at refurbished versions of an older model, you could save even more money. The product still works, it comes with all the same software, the hardware is comparable and you could save a huge chunk of money.
Unless you absolutely need to buy something new, there’s almost no reason to buy it straight from the manufacturer or full price on a website or in-store. You should always look for older models because in some cases, they actually function better and have more features. For instance, the newer iPhone 7 doesn’t come with a headphone jack, meaning you can’t plug in your traditional headphones. This could be a problem if you don’t have a Bluetooth headset, which is why the iPhone 6 is still so popular because it still has the headphone jack, it’s cheaper and it still functionals fine.
In other words, always do your research and don’t be afraid of buying refurbished or used. You could save a massive chunk of money and there are usually always guarantees that the product will still work, and if it doesn’t, you have a right to return it to the seller and claim your money back.
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha : A splurge worthy hotel that will satisfy your fantasies of far-flung Arabian luxury
Doha is a place filled with huge wealth and ridiculously over the top luxury experiences. It’s one of the favoured playgrounds of the rich elite and UHNWI’s (ultra high net worth individuals) in pursuit of the finer things in life.
There’s no point of coming to Doha and staying in a luxury hotel when you can experience a hotel that excels in ultimate luxury in one of Doha’s most sought after locations. Enter the Marsa Malaz Kempinski , The Pearl – a splurge worthy hotel for luxury seekers.
We wish we could adequately convey how luxurious this hotel is. As Arabia Food and Travel so eloquently puts it, the hotel is a ‘tribute to the luxury of days gone by, an architectural showpiece that reflects the traditional warmth of its Arabic heritage combined with the classical grace of European style’. The Marsa Malaz Kempinski sets the benchmark for luxury in Doha.
Idea
An ultra-luxury hotel on Doha’s iconic man-made island.
Location
With it’s gigantic horse and audacious opulence, The Marsa Malaz Kempinski is located on it’s own private man made Island with 150 meters of private beach. It’s location is like no other in the Middle East.
Atmosphere
Imagine if you will, a hotel of unabashed opulent luxury with unrivalled views over the Arabian gulf. An island of pure relaxation where you can can happily submit to letting others do everything for you. Require your luggage unpacked or a bubble bath drawn? Your butler will take care of that. Relaxing by the pool and need a new fluffy towel or a refill of you drink? Consider it done, by a smiling and happy attendant no less.
Here you can put aside all your cares in the world, knowing that you only have to eat, rest, maybe read a little, eat again, sleep and repeat. You could spend days here on the sun loungers in a sun stroked, semi conscious and blissful state. It’s a place to rest and play.
Rooms
The vast rooms, with their marble appointed bathrooms are all exquisite. We’re going to let the pictures below do the talking on this one and just say you’ll feel like royalty staying here – especially since they all come with a butler. Oh and that all rooms have a private balcony or terrace where you can enjoy the sea breeze.
Amenities
This is a high class island that offers the best everything. Think outdoor swimming pools, water sport facilities, a yacht jetty, tennis courts, more first class restaurants than most English cities. If you don’t want to leave during your stay don’t have to, the hotel provides everything and more that you will ever need or want.
Food
The Marsa Malaz Kempinski has become a culinary destination in it’s own right. Think world class, award winning chefs creating an array of mouth watering dishes from cuisines all over the world. In the mood for simple Italian food, Japanese artistry, Pan-latin or maybe some Iberian? This hotel has it all.
In the Know
The Marsa Malaz Kempinski have also made brunch a thing in Doha. Make sure you make time to celebrate the weekend at one of the hotels 5-star brunch experiences (would you expect anything less). We love the Thursday BBQ brunch at Amwage – think delicious grilled meats and sweet treats. The Toro Toro brunch is equally good, offering a selection of Pan Latin favourites as well as Toro Toro’s signature mouth-watering churrasco grill.
Why Go
There’s no point in trying to pretend otherwise, the Marsa Malaz Kempinski is the most luxurious hotels we’ve ever come across. It’s the perfect luxury travel choice. Staying here is pure, exquisite, flawless luxury. If you’re looking for exceptional surroundings, exquisite food and exemplary service in Doha, then look no further.
IDEAL Magazine flew to Qatar with Qatar airways and stayed as a guest of the Marsa Malaz Kempinski
For more information on Qatar please visit:www.qatartourism.gov.qa
For more information on Qatar Airways please visit:www.qatarairways.com
Beetroot Risotto. Bright in colour and delicious in flavour. This vibrant recipe by G’NOSH is absolutely fantastic
INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4-6 people)
500g fresh whole beetroot
G’NOSH Beetroot & Mint dip
2 tbsp olive oil
Knob of butter
1 large onion , finely chopped
1 garlic clove , finely chopped
500g risotto rice
250ml white wine
600ml of hot vegetable stock
Handful of grated Parmesan
4 tbsp soured cream (or use crème fraiche)
Handful chopped flat parsley
METHOD
Peel and dice the whole fresh beets into quarter wedges. Roast on 175 deg for 20minutes.
When beets are cooked dice into small 1cm cubes.
Melt the butter in a saucepan and cook the onion until softened, together with garlic. Add in the risotto rice and stir until well coated and avoid rice sticking to pot.
Pour over the vermouth and cook, stirring until almost fully absorbed. Add a ladleful of the stock to the rice and once again, stir until almost fully absorbed.
Continue adding the stock, a ladleful at a time, until the rice is tender and creamy. You may not need all of the stock.
Stir through a tub of G’NOSH Beetroot & Mint dip. This gives a further depth in colour, richness in flavor and a kick.
Remove from the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan and flat parsley, gently stirring to mix through.
TO SERVE
Serve on a white plate. Add dollop of sour cream or crème fraiche on the top with cracked pepper.
You may want to sprinkle some more Parmesan or even crumble
Trying to be fashionable and look good can be an absolute nightmare. What to wear? What style of clothing suits your figure? What type of accessory works with your outfit? The list of questions are endless. To try and help answer your fashion queries, the chic and affordable online shop Avenue A, shares their top ten fashion tips that every lady should know…
TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLOTHES
Taking good care of your wardrobe collection will keep things looking newer for longer and in turn keep you looking freshly turned out every time. Having a good dry cleaner for those dreaded “dry clean only” pieces, and the right washing detergent for everything else (no fabric conditioner on knitwear- also, fold knits to keep their shape don’t hang them), protective spray and cleaner for shoes, shoe boxes, dust bags, spaced rails rather than crammed in all contribute to keeping everything as good as new.
REMEMBER THE COMFORT FACTOR
This doesn’t mean free-reign to wear hoodies and sweats everywhere, it means that if you feel uncomfortable in what you have on then no doubt you will look uncomfortable too. This goes for clothes and shoes.
Heels- if you wear them make sure they fit – not too tight they hurt and not too big they clunk & fall off your heel, and that you can walk in them properly! Wearing clothes too tight can make you feel, not to mention look all kinds of wrong, and clothes too baggy will never flatter your figure- enhance your shape don’t hide it! Feeling comfortable in yourself and your clothes makes you and your outfit look even better!
Remember that plenty of everyday outfits can look even more stylish with just the right sneakers that contribute to a leisurely, but chic, appearance. For example, try searching for a seller such as this one found on FastSole.co.uk or other similar sites. Always check reviews before making a purchase and make sure to find a reputable retailer with a good return policy. That way, if the sneakers don’t fit quite right, you can easily send them back.
WEAR THE RIGHT UNDERWEAR
Wearing the right underwear makes a bigger difference than you may realise. My hard fast rules to cover all eventualities are: nude underwear with white clothes (always- no exceptions!), thongs to avoid VPLs, shapewear to give you a sleek silhouette, the correct bra- plunge, balconette, push-up to suit the neckline of your top or dress, and the right fabric for what you’re wearing- lace under tighter clothes may look a bit uneven whereas plain will keep it smooth. And, for an added confidence boost wearing a matching set puts a nice spring in your step!
SIZE MATTERS
This may sound like an obvious one but it’s amazing how many women don’t wear the right size clothes. The solution- don’t be so focused on the number in the size label, just try things on! Clothes sizes vary dependant on the retailer, brand, and even style and fabric so there’s no harm in picking different sizes and trying them on or asking a sales assistant for their advice on fit. Even online retailers offer a fit description, or advice service and if not most returns are so simple now that you can easily send back what isn’t right.
KNOW YOUR BODY
Nobody knows your body better than you do so trust yourself! Dressing for your body is so important and that includes your shape, size, height and skin tone. Necklines, waistbands, colours and leg lengths all come in to play here. Be aware of what accentuates your good points and disguises those insecurities that we all have. For example: a more scooped neckline will flatter a bigger chest better than a high neck; opting for a higher waistband will smooth out any lumps and bumps around your middle and avoid a “muffin top”.
Always buy jeans with rear pockets no matter what your size, no pockets = spread, pockets = shape. Cropped trousers, midi dresses and skirts all cut at the widest part of your lower leg making calves look bigger, shoes with ankle straps also emphasise larger legs and can make you look shorter. If you’re quite fair be wary of some colour shades that may make your skin look sallow. It’s best to experiment till you find what is right for you.
PROPORTIONS ARE KEY
Getting the right top to bottom proportion is key to having a well put together look. Fitted and fitted go well together but the same can’t be said for loose and baggy. If you have a loose fitting top team it with slimmer more fitted bottoms such as skinny jeans, jeggings, leggings or even shorts or a fitted mini skirt if these latter styles are right for your shape. And vice versa for the loose fitting bottoms- pair with a more form fitting top.
DON’T ALWAYS FOLLOW TRENDS
Don’t feel under pressure to follow and copy all of the latest fashion trends exactly. Trends are there to guide you in your style choices each season, but not all aspects of all the trends are suitable for everyone, and that’s OK! Be selective and pick what flatters you and complements your natural style. Trends come and go but you’ll always have your own personal style!
HAVE SOME STAPLE PEICES
Every woman’s wardrobe should have key staple pieces in it to build from. My choices would be: jeans, plain t-shirt, fine knit cardi (draped to make it more versatile to tie and wear), a blazer, LBD, plain dressed up top and smart trousers (not necessarily tailored) or skirt whichever is your preference. Shoes- ballet pumps, nude peep-toe heels and black boots. With these you can create virtually any look by mixing the pieces together and adding different accessories, which takes me to my next tip….
ALWAYS ACCESORISE
If you don’t normally like to take risks with fashion but like the idea of adding some colour or something different to your outfit then do it with carefully chosen accessories; a handbag, belt, statement necklace or fabulous shoes can all liven up any outfit on their own and complement it as the perfect finishing touch. This is also a great way of taking an outfit from day to night time; just switch up your accessories!
SMILE
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile” this is so true! Smiles are infectious, they give everyone a little boost. Looking and feeling happy will change your appearance and give you a glow that money can’t buy, so get smiling.
With the amount of gym memberships slowly increasing every year since 2000, it’s clear to see more people than ever before are relying on the gym for their exercise fix. From the variety of equipment to the motivational atmosphere, the gym can be an enticing environment for many wanting to maintain or improve their fitness levels.
But, with women statistically more likely to quit the gym than men, it’s high time active women got their mojo back and started enjoying going to the gym again. And what better way to motivate you to stick with the gym? A brand-new gym bag of course! If you’re looking to inject some much-needed style into your gym gear to ensure you never forget any of your exercise essentials, read on to discover some handy options.
Hands-free
For years the trusty backpack was considered bulky and unfashionable, even in the exercise world. But backpacks are back with a style vengeance, able to carry all your essentials whilst leaving your hands completely free for added convenience.
Often featuring useful pockets both in and outside the bag for easy access, you can be rest assured all your quick-fix post-gym makeup essentials and hair ties will all have their own space to make sure they don’t get lost when the time comes for touch ups. Featured in an almost endless array of colors and styles, the humble backpack certainly isn’t to be ignored for gym-goers!
Duffel bags
Probably the best option for those who like to have a choice of fitness-wear and some of their own exercise gear with them, duffel bags are a tried-and-tested favorite among active women. Often boasting an array of straps allowing you to carry the bag in whichever position is most comfortable, duffel bags provide the perfect balance of both style and space.
For more information, take a look at some detailed reviews of gym bags for women to discover what duffel bags really have to offer.
Totes
For a classier, more ‘put-together’ look, a tote bag is the perfect option. Ideal for those who need to be somewhere important right after their gym session and still want their clear bag to look classy and elegant, the tote bag is a sure-fire winner.
Often providing a little more open space than a backpack, totes are brilliant for carrying slightly larger items like dry shampoo, hair brushes, and even a hairdryer if your gym doesn’t provide such facilities. Still likely to feature useful zipped pockets inside, you’ll still have a place for your smaller essentials with a tote.
If you ever feel yourself suddenly lacking in motivation to exercise and go to the gym, try treating yourself to a stylish new gym bag and see if you notice a difference. Offering an array of styles to suit virtually any taste, today’s modern-day gym bags are designed with style, comfort, and space in mind to ensure you continue to maintain your fitness levels and enjoy going to the gym once more.
When you’re working full time, it can be difficult to stay on top of things at home. If you’re a pet owner, it’s even harder. There’s nothing worse than coming home to a misbehaving dog and having to spend your evening tidying up after him/her.
If your life is being controlled by your dog and you don’t know how to take it back, try these 4 solutions.
House Rules
Professionals must create a home environment that is warm and minimises stress. This is an essential element of any successful household. When bringing a dog into the family, families should first discuss and agree on the house rules. Topics should agree on furniture rules, range of the house, and dog chores, just to name a few.
Setting rules will immediately give the dog a consistent message of what is allowed in the home, and what isn’t. It’s a way to ensure that the home is an environment that minimises stress for the homeowners and the dog. When a rescue is involved, this is especially important because they are then corrected less often and will feel more loved and praised.
Training
As a busy professional, the process will go beyond house training. It will include obedience training to meet your lifestyle and possibly crate training. This exercise must begin the moment the puppy arrives at home. The demand for this is high and there are now many dog trainers who specialise in obedience who can help you control how your pet behaves.
Obedience training is also vital to helping everyone get along. We sometimes need a few minutes after work to catch up with loved ones and simply relax. Dogs won’t be able to understand “give me a minute”. Establishing simple commands and using them before getting angry or frustrated can help maintain the peace and love in your family.
The first tool for house training is patience because the process could take a while. Day crate training can be a support tool for house training, as well as adding security by establishing a den-like substitute for the puppy as a safe, warm location. It will also minimise the frustration of coming home to a huge cleaning task after a long day at the office.
Schedules
The new family member may not like being alone. Like a new baby, they will need schedules to help them with training. Parents should set schedules for food and water, as well as the puppy relief schedule. Developing a feeding routine will help your puppy body develop a refuse schedule. In your schedule, you should be ready to give them attention as soon as you get home if they are 8 months or older, and they should have provisions such as a training pad for younger puppies.
The Unexpected
An essential tool for new dog parents to have is to be prepared for the unexpected. Puppies may rebel against being home alone or just not getting their way like a human child. When you have a rescue, they may play up because of past trauma in their life. The most effective support for your family is to employ a dog behaviourist.
When you’re getting a new dog, the key is to prepare yourself and your home before they arrive. Know the rules you want to set and how you wish to train them. Once they arrive, it’s down to you (and the help of a trainer) to bring them up with the right set of behaviours.
The fashion industry is one of those “prestige industries” – a little bit like the movie industry or the music industry. Everybody wants to be a part of it because of the glamor.
But because the industry is quite small and so many people are jostling for the same jobs, getting a career in the sector is difficult. It takes more than mere luck to make it in the industry. Here’s some advice from some of the industry’s leading gurus.
THERE’S NO RIGHT OR WRONG PATH
Justin Mahmud is the executive talent director of Macy’s, a retailer who stocks some of the world’s most famous clothing lines. Mahmud’s advice is simple. He says that there is no right or wrong path to take in the fashion industry. He’s known people take all sorts of different paths in the sector and be successful. The world is random and so everybody’s journey is a little bit different. You never know when opportunity will rear its head and you’ll be given the big break you were looking for.
THE FASHION INDUSTRY IS ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS
The fashion industry, according to Alechia Reese the strategic marketing director at Daya, is all about relationships. It’s who you know, and how you entertain them that matters, not whether you’ve got a posh logo or amazing suppliers. She says that opportunities in the fashion industry come from knowing people who have the right connections. This means that it’s essential that you attend every social gathering in the industry that you can and start building links with people. The way to exert power in the industry is to make sure that you’re the person that people want to go to if they want to get something done.
LOVE WHAT YOU DO
In many jobs, it’s easy to stop loving what you do. But in the fashion industry, this can be a disaster, according to Leigh Ray the chief blogger and Pink Vintage Heart. She says that in order for people to do their best work in the industry, they have to be passionate about what they do. The only way to a happy and fulfilling work life is to go to work everyday and be exciting to be in the industry. Even if your phone never stops lighting up, it’s worth pausing to remember all of the people who don’t get to indulge their interests all day long, doing boring jobs. Fashion is life-affirming, and that’s enough to put a smile on anybody’s face.
GET INTERESTED IN THE STUFF NOBODY’S DOING
Consumer love novelty, especially when it comes to fashion. After all, fashion is changing all the time. Veronika Harbick of Thursday Finest, says that people need to target the blank spaces in the market if they want to proceed in their careers. Consumers want to buy clothing and accessories that is a little bit different to what their friends have got, but not too different so as to look stupid. These blank spaces in the market, Harbick says, are opportunities to make a name for yourself.
VISUALIZE YOUR SUCCESS
Some people go through their careers without really thinking about what success really means. Hilary Sloan, the director of business development at ShopStyle, says that people need to quantify their success somehow. They need to ask themselves questions like: how much you can make on a fashion merchandising salary? And, what job role do I want to have in five years time? Visualising your success Sloan says, helps you to make the most of every single day. Also think about the route it takes to get there whether it’s going straight into the business and hustling or by looking into fashion graduate programs.
DON’T GIVE UP
No career is a straight line all the way to the top. Everybody suffers setbacks and disappointments along the way. But according to Shira Galler, the director of Outreach at Wix, you should never give up, especially in the fashion industry. Because of the competition in the industry, it’s one of the hardest to rise in. But it’s also one of the most rewarding. People at the top of the industry are literally billionaires, immortalized forever by their brands.
BE APPROACHABLE
Some people are naturally prickly and don’t trust others. It’s a kind of defense mechanism to protect them from being hurt. But Tiffany Aita of Joe Fresh says that people have to put their hang ups aside in the fashion industry. It’s essential, she says, to be approachable. Because the world of fashion is so tight-knit, you never know whether somebody you’re talking to might be a future boss or employee. It’s your job to make sure that they feel at home around you and want to come and speak to you. Connection in the industry are everything, Aita says.
HAVE A SIDE HUSTLE
You want your main gig to be in fashion. But because the work can be a bit stop-start, especially when you’re new to the industry, it’s a good idea to have something on the side to pay the bills. Nataliya Makulova from Spring, says that people new to the fashion industry should have some sort of side hustle, besides their primary job. Perhaps they could work as a tutor or have a job at the weekend. Whatever it is, it needs to provide enough income to sustain you through times when business is slow. You may not always be able to get the business you want, and you could be dropped by your biggest clients, especially if you’re not locked into a contract.
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT AND GO FOR IT
There’s a lot of truth to Nike’s logo: “Just do it.” Nothing gets done unless you do it, and Nike knows this. As one of the most successful fashion brands in the world, they should.
Some people suffer from a phenomenon called “growth anxiety.” It’s where they’re afraid of changing their lives in any significant way because they don’t want to become better people. It’s a common problem according to Kathleen Elie, the chief editor and ConsciousNChic. She says that people should decide what they want to do and make sure they love it. Passion is a great substitute for willpower and can take you much further.
Travel can be so blooming expensive and with rail fares set to increase next year , here at IDEAL we’re in despair as we love to travel. However, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make your way from A to B. There are so many fantastic ways you can cut back on transport costs, and you can use the money to boost your savings or to enjoy life in general more. With this in mind, here are 8 ideal tips for saving money on transport.
GET A RAILCARD
Any 16-25 year old will know of the horrible feeling that comes when you turn 26. It’s the time when you can no longer use your decade-old railcard pass that gives you a discount on tickets. Instead you’ll have to pay full fares until your sixty. Worry not, as you may be eligible for a discount railcard. Here at IDEAL we’re huge fans of the two-together railcard which will save you and a friend/partner a third of your journey – perfect if you tend to travel with the same person all the time. It only costs £30 – which you usually make back in one journey anyway.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS IN ADVANCE
Always book your train tickets in advance, because you are guaranteed a better price than purchasing tickets on the travel day. So, if you need to book a long train journey, try to book a few months beforehand. Thetrainline.com claims it can save you up to 43% on fares nationwide, if booked up to 12 weeks early. Also, If you’re the ‘designated booker’ for a group of 3-9 people on Virgin Trains, you could save up to
GET THE COACH
If you’re a traveler without time constraints, consider getting the coach instead of the train. Travelling around Britain by will often save you a bundle on transport – just be aware that the journey time will probably be long. If you book in advance you’re more likely to get cheaper tickets. The big two operators, National Express and Megabus, often have cheap promotional fares, especially at quieter times of the year such as January and February. Also, if you’re travelling several times a week on the same route, you can usually save money with a weekly bus pass from sites like Stage Coach – their main weekly ticket in most areas is the megarider ticket.
SAVE MONEY ON PETROL
Fuel prices are probably not going to come down any time soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save money on petrol. Instead of thinking you are Lewis Hamilton with your foot firmly on the accelerator, try to limit your acceleration to save yourself fuel and money. You should also slow down your speed and eliminate sharp stops to prevent wasting fuel.
START CYCLING
One of the best ways to save money on transport is by swapping a car or public transport for a bicycle. Some cities offer free cycling initiatives to get people onto a bike to boost their general health. Not only will cycling from one destination save money, but it will reduce your carbon footprint whilst improving your general fitness. You really can’t lose.
OPT FOR INDIRECT FLIGHTS
Whilst indirect flights will take much longer than a direct connection, they can save you a significant amount of money on your travel expenditure. So, don’t pay over the odds for a flight when you can make your way to the same destination for a fraction of the cost. You know it makes sense.
MIDWEEK FLIGHTS
Most people decide to book a holiday at the weekend, as they will want to treat themselves after a busy working week. That’s why it pays to book a holiday on a Tuesday or Wednesday, because websites will have less demand in the middle of the week. So, don’t pay top dollar for a flight between Friday to Sunday and wait a few days to save hundreds on your trip.
ROLL DOWN YOUR WINDOWS
Edmunds’ road testers found that rolling a car’s windows down can increase the vehicle’s fuel economy by 9.5% at 65 mph. So, don’t turn on the air conditioning and simply roll down your windows to enjoy a brisk breeze and save yourself a significant amount of money.
Feeling tired all the time? Not getting a good night’s sleep? Enough of that. Bensons for Beds and The Sleep School’s Dr. Guy Meadows shares his top tips to tackle the woes of sleepless nights to keep you energised
EATING AND DRINKING
Leave at least two hours between eating and sleeping. Limit caffeine to before 2 p.m. and no more than 2 to 3 per day.
SWITCH OFF
Phones, tablets and TVs emit light, which halts the production of the sleep hormone Melatonin. Sleep more soundly with electronics stowed away.
THE BEDDING
An exceptional mattress will provide the utmost support and comfort for your body; helping you to achieve great quality sleep, every night. Spend time considering how soft or firm you prefer your mattress to ensure the perfect sleep. Also the night’s sleep memory foam pillows and sumptuous sheets provide make splashing out totally worthwhile.
DON’T WORRY BE MINDFUL
Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, notice and let go of them by focusing on how cosy your duvet and pillow are. Mindfulness is proven to reduce the time taken to fall to sleep and improve sleep quality.
STOP SNOOZING
Research suggests you feel most refreshed after an unbroken sleep. Set your alarm to go off only when you need to get up rather than snoozing for 15 minutes before.
RECHARGE WITH A POWER NAP
Nap for no more than 30 minutes for an effective natural boost of daytime energy, ideally between 12 and 3 p.m. Research shows that taking a power nap can increase alertness levels by 100% for up to four hours afterwards.
STAY IN BED
Waking up at night? Resist the urge to get out of bed in the middle of the night. Getting up will train your body to wake up more frequently.
THE PERFECT BEDROOM
Aim for quiet, cool, dark and comfortable. The optimal temperature for a superb night’s sleep is 17 Celsius.
KEEP A REGULAR ROUTINE
Keep your body clock on time to strengthen the link between the night-time and sleep by heading to bed at roughly the same time each night.
EXERCISE TO WIND DOWN
Hit the gym in the late afternoon. You’ll tire yourself out, leading to a deeper sleep.
It is very beneficial for a persons well-being that one can enjoy a good night sleep. For more helpful information and guide, check out this helpful Counting Sheep Research.
Some of us have to wear a uniform for work; it’s just a sad fact of life. While other lucky so-and-sos are trawling the racks at House of Fraser for the ultimate work wardrobe, the rest have their daily wardrobe dictated to them, and it’s rarely flattering. While others get to express themselves with cute blouses and pencil skirts, some of us have to pretend we’re back at school every morning. Fair enough, it removes that “what on earth am I going to wear today” dread, but whatever happened to individuality? Well, there are a few ways to jazz up a work uniform without breaking the rules – here’s everything you need to know.
Study the guide
Is there any room for negotiation? Could you wear your own white shirt with darting up the back to flatter your figure, or does it have to be their regulation branded shirt? Work with the rules at hand – if you have to wear scrubs or a jumpsuit, but they don’t specify the colour, choose one which flatters you, your skin tone, eye colour, and hair. Also, are you expected to buy your uniform from the company, or wash it yourself? You could be entitled to a uniform tax rebate from the government. That’ll go some way to cover the costs of all the awesome accessories you’re going to have to buy.
Get a great fit
Poorly fitting clothes are often the problem, not the clothes themselves. If you’re wearing corporate clothing, you could be stuck. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, however, you could hem your skirt or add darting to your shirt. Make sure your shirt doesn’t gape, your collar isn’t too tight, and the trousers or skirt fit. Ask your employer if you can give them a go before you take them home – they want you to look presentable after all.
Accessorise ’till the cows come home
It doesn’t take a genius to know that if your clothes are dictated to you on a daily basis, you express yourself using everything else you wear. Accessories are the way forward: cute velvet chokers, stacking rings, bangles, earrings – you name it. Pay attention to your dress code, find the loopholes, and make the most of them. Be sensible, though. If you’re using heavy machinery, rings and hooped earrings probably aren’t sensible – the same if you work with children. But otherwise, there is no better way to style your work uniform than with some cute accessories.
Have fun with makeup
The beauty of makeup is that the natural look can go virtually unnoticed by even the most eagle-eyed boss. There’s something really therapeutic about putting makeup on every day, and it’s easy to style it when you know exactly what you’re wearing every single day. So make the most of it, and have some fun. If you’re allowed makeup at work, this is the perfect opportunity to perfect the winged liner, experiment with lipstick colours, and have some fun. If not, it’s the perfect opportunity to perfect stealth makeup and the natural look.
Learn some crazy hairstyles
Finally, whatever happens, you’ve always got your beautiful hair. Even if you’re not allowed makeup and fun accessories are banned, you’ll always have to style your hair. So make the most of it. Learn to braid in every conceivable way. French, Dutch, fishtail – you name it! It’s a skill that will turn heads, and it’s always fun to master a new style.
Looking great in a work uniform is partly about making the most of a bad situation, but also about adding a personal touch to your look.
Winter is now officially over which means it’s time to leave hibernation and break out of your comfort zone – making it the perfect time to try something new between the sheets!
Like other parts of your relationship, your sex life needs care and attention if you want to keep the spark alive. However, in a long term relationship it can be easy to get stuck in routine, which might leave you feeling like the va-va-voom has left the bedroom.
Durex Sex and Relationship Expert Susan Quilliam gives her tips on how to get out of your sex rut this spring:
Organize your time
Almost always, what keeps couples stuck in a bedroom rut isn’t lack of motivation but lack of time and space – meaning you never get to experiment. So this spring, put your sex life topof your ‘to do’ list by setting aside regular evenings, an entire day, or sneaking off for an indulgent weekend where you can relax and rediscover pleasure.
Kick start your desire
Especially if you’re a contented couple, passion can so easily get put on the back burner as you happily get on with your lives. This means your bodies may need reminding of how good it feels to touch, fondle and caress. So if you’re not already doing so, start sleeping naked. Then begin each day with a full-body hug and some deep French kisses. If you don’t have time to follow through in the morning, take more hugs and kisses as you get into bed at night – then see where your arousal leads. Even if you don’t have sex every time, you’ll make sure your bodies remember what lovemaking really means.
Bring new life to your positions
It’s very easy to find three or four favourite intercourse positions – then use them every time and never ring the changes. For the next four times you make love, try one of your new ideas – and remember to use each of them regularly so you’ve added to your repertoire.
Revitalise your sex toys
If you’ve never included toys for her or for him in your love-play, make this month the time you start. Try the Durex Thrilling Touch with its simple controls and single speed so you get the pleasure you like easily and instantly. If you already know toys turn you on, make it ‘out with the old and in with the new’. Durex Sensual Bliss is our uniquely-shaped vibrator: the rounded sides deliver gentle, deep stimulation while the tapered edge offers focussed, sharp pleasure
Get creative and set your sex life alight this spring – there’s no excuse not to! You can visit the new website www.durex.co.uk which not only includes the full Durex range from condoms to pleasure gels, but also features sexpert tips and advice on how to get the best out of your bedroom antics and keep the intimacy alive.
