Be healthy and happy with this Mediterranean chicken, garlic potatoes and green bean recipe.
For the chicken:
2 Skinless chicken breasts
Small handful of dried black olives
1 onion
1 tomato
2 springs of fresh tarragon
2 sprigs of fresh parsley
Salt & pepper
1 egg – lightly beaten
Breadcrumbs
For the potatoes
2 large potatoes
50g butter
Garlic crushed
1/4 pint of cream
¼ milk
3 cloves of garlic
Pepper
Chopped parsley
Place the peeled onion, black olives and the herbs into your food processor and blitz for 15 – 20 seconds.
Cut your tomato into quarters and remove the centres then add to the mix and blitz for a further 10 – 15 seconds. Add a pinch of salt and some cracked black pepper.
Peel the potatoes and then slice them in your food processor.
Add the crushed garlic and the slightly softened butter.
Take an oval medium sized baking dish and smear the sides and base of the dish with garlic butter. Layer the potatoes in the dish, seasoning as you go with parsley and salt & pepper to create four layers.
Add the cream and milk mix to almost cover the top layer.
Take the chicken breast and cut them along the long side – butterflying them out. Place a good spoonful of the mixture along the central section of the butterfly. Then fold over to recreate the chicken breast shape again.
Use your food processor again to create some breadcrumbs. Put some flour into a bowl and add salt and pepper. Then, whisk the egg in a separate bowl.
Put the potatoes dish into a pre-heated fan oven 150 C (non-fan oven 170 C). Bake for around 40 minutes. The top will have a good brown colour and the mix should be just a little runny.
Meanwhile, dip the chicken in the seasoned flour, dip in the egg wash and then roll in the breadcrumbs.
Place the chicken on to a baking tray and place in for 30 – 35 minutes. At 15 – 20 minutes turn once to ensure a lovely golden colour all over.
Freshly made Chicken Kiev, an old favourite that everyone loves and is perfect for both friends and family
Chicken kiev, vine tomatoes and boulangère potatoes (serves 2)
For the kievs
2 Skinned chicken breasts
2 cloves of fresh garlic
50g salted butter (softened)
2 sprigs of fresh parsley
1 Egg – lightly whisked
Breadcrumbs
A little flour
Pepper to taste
For the potatoes
2 large potatoes
1 white onion Sliced
½ pint good chicken stock
Pepper
Chopped parsley
Peel the potatoes and then slice them.Then peel and quarter an onion and then put that through the slicer.
Layer the potato and onions in a baking dish. Add the stock with the chopped parsley so that it just covers the potatoes.
Next, make the kievs. Peel the garlic and place it in your blender along with the parsley and a good sprinkle of black pepper and blitz for 10 – 20 seconds. Add the softened butter and mix for a further 15 seconds.
Take the chicken breast and slice it along the long edge into a butterfly shape, but don’t cut it completely in half. Then place a piece of cling film over the chicken and batten it out (use a rolling pin) to flatten it out slightly.
Place a good spoonful of the garlic, parsley and butter mix in the middle of each breast then roll the chicken breast over the mix so no holes are left. You will now have a tight roll of chicken.
Place the Boulanger potatoes in a pre-heated fan oven 150 C (nonfan oven 170 C). They will take 30 – 40 minutes to bake.
Use your blender again to create some breadcrumbs. Put some flour into a bowl and add salt and pepper. Then, whisk the egg in a separate bowl.
Dip the chicken into the seasoned flour, then into the egg wash and then roll it in the breadcrumbs – coating completely. Repeat for the second breast.
If you have time, leave the cling film on the chicken and leave in the fridge for an hour to rest. This will help the filling to stay in the chicken whilst it bakes.
Place the chicken onto a baking tray along with the vine tomatoes and place in the oven for a total of 30 – 35 minutes. At 15 – 20 minutes, turn the kievs once to ensure a lovely golden colour all over.
Do you ever look in the mirror after a late night and see a puffy red eyed person with dark circles and lacklustre skin staring back at you? Yep we’ve all been. But although it’s easy to bounce back from the occasional late night, getting back to looking your normal self if you don’t get enough sleep all the time isn’t so easy. With this in mind we discover why beauty sleep really matters…
Your sleep matters in a big way. It matters for your health and it matters for your lifestyle. But does it also matter for the way we look? In other words, is there such a thing as beauty sleep, and if so, how does it work?
Well to answer these questions the lovely Laura Barnes from the Sleep Matters Club powered by Dreams looked into the relationship between sleep and our physical appearance and made a few interesting connections.
Skin, hair and nails treatment as you sleep
During sleep, especially during deep and peaceful sleep, our body goes into ‘repair’ mode. It does this by producing growth hormones, which help to rebuild damaged cells, including those of the skin, hair and nails. So the more sleep we get, the longer our bodies can continue with this repairing, restoring and rebalancing process. Which all means that beauty sleep isn’t a myth, it’s a fact.
If you don’t get enough sleep – it shows
When we don’t sleep enough, the body struggles to produce these growth hormones and the end results are visible signs of sleep deprivation, like dark rings under the eyes, waxen skin and dull hair . Lack of sleep can also create a stress hormone, which causes skin ageing and other physical signs of exhaustion.
And the real beauty is, it’s free
Along with being one of the best beauty tips for your body, beauty sleep also has the key advantage of being absolutely free. Why spend a fortune on expensive skin creams, hair treatments and anti-ageing products, when getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis could quite possibly give you visibly better results? Many models and celebrities know the value of beauty sleep, so join the rich and famous by making the most of it.
Be sure of your beauty sleep
To enjoy your beauty sleep, make sure you have everything you need to get plenty of it. That, of course, includes a comfortable bed and a comfortable mattress right at the top of the list. So if you’re sleeping on anything less than comfortable, do something about it by popping into your local Dreams showroom and seeing what’s on offer.
Better sleep means a better you, but in this instance it could means a better looking you too.
If you fancy some exceptionally well-cooked French food, then Brasserie Blanc is a restaurant you’ll want to visit
Raymond Blanc. As if his restaurants need any more good press. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons has just retained its two michelin star status in the 2016 guide and after scouring the internet, we could find nothing but rave reviews about him and his empire. Raymond is undisputedly one of the UK’s most respected chefs.
Amongst other endeavours, our favourite Frenchman owns a chain of restaurants offering French cuisine under the name of Brasserie Blanc.
Restaurants by celebrity chefs like this either live up to your expectations or they don’t. There’s no inbetween about it. And Brasserie Blanc in Southbank lived up to all expectations and to be completely honest, even exceeded some.
Idea
To be a French restaurant at it’s very best. Brasserie Blanc aims to feel as authentic and as warm and welcoming as Maman Blanc’s home, with a comfortable space where guests can gather & savour all the various moments of the day.
Location
Situated between Waterloo Bridge and the Royal Festival Hall, this Brasserie Blanc is in the perfect spot for commuters, tourists and those who are in the area to soak up all the cultural delights that Southbank has to offer.
Style and Ambiance
Even though this place is ultimately a restaurant chain, somehow we don’t see it as a restaurant chain. It’s not in the same league as places like Cafe Rouge or Cote, and we mean that in a good way. To start, the service is perfect. Our waiter was one of the best waiters we’ve ever had. He was friendly, without crossing that line where he pretended to be our new best pal and was really knowledgeable about the menu.
The food is authentic and warming. They only use freshly prepared seasonal ingredients, unlike some chains who simply warm up ready made food – if you’ve ever worked in a chain restaurant, you know what we’re talking about. And even though it’s an upscale brasserie, it still has a relaxed vibe. The restaurant is sylish and well lit. It’s one of the best dining experiences we’ve had, and we’re not even using hyperbole.
The Food
The menu harks back to Raymond’s childhood and is all about classic French cusine. It’s packed full of dishes you will have heard of and probably already eaten, but they are done well. Here’s our food rundown.
STEAK TARTARE ‘MAISON’
An excellent steak tartare. It’s made with plenty of capers and the balance of flavours is spot on.
BŒUF BOURGUIGNON
This dark, rich, deeply flavorful concoction of beef is a good thing. They say that the secret to making an excellent Beef bourguignon is to use all wine and no stock and we really want to know how they make it here. The dish is served with a smooth mash. It’s the type of mash that will wow you – we also want to know what kind of potatoes they use.
DUCK LEG CONFIT WITH BLACK CHERRY SAUCE
Here at IDEAL we love the way slow-braised French dishes fall off the bone. That’s why we love duck confit – tender meat with crispy skin to us is perfection. This classic dish is an exquisite combination of duck and cherry sauce. Order it.
ESCARGOTS
Order it if you’re into snails. They aren’t served in the shells, which we kind of missed. This dish was meaty, garlicky and delicious.
PISTACHIO SOUFFLE
This dessert is simply wonderful. In terms of dessert souffles, it’s not quite as good as the one at The Sportsman, but it’s up there.
Address: 9 Belvedere Rd, London, South Bank SE1 8YL
Blogger Briony Goodhall, founder of The Daily Face, shares her favourite beauty tricks that every woman can do for free!
Did you know that the average woman will spend a crazy amount of £100,000 on cosmetics over her lifetime, which equates to £40 a week and £2,000 a year. Yes, we all know how expensive it is to look after our skin, hair, nails and all the rest. However, you don’t always have to spend a small fortune to look good. Fact. Here are some free and quick beauty tips and tricks that can easily be adapted to any women’s lifestyle, making a difference to your beauty regime without the need for extra cash.
The Iced Water Facial
If you’re feeling a bit tired and you need to wake up – submerge your skin in ice cold water. It sounds crazy but this little trick will not only wake you up, it will also instantly tighten pores and make your skin feel smooth.
The Headstand Glow
Did you know that a headstand basically gives you a “face lift” by letting your skin hang in the opposite direction. No joke.
I recently started doing a new class at the gym which is a mixture of pilates and yoga, involving a lot of stretching and upside down-ness and also headstands. But through all the redness and dizziness, headstands really get the blood pumping and flushes fresh nutrients and oxygen to the face, creating a nice glow on the skin. If you’re not into exercises or headstands you can always stick your head off the end of your bed I suppose!
The Ice Cube Spot Reducer
You can use your ice cubes for more than just your cocktails! Ice cubes are a great natural spot remedy. When you feel a spot coming on, instead of trying top pop it, press a cold flannel/ ice cube on the area which will work to reduce the swelling and redness around the spot. This trick not only helps to shrink your spot, it also reduces its lifespan by reducing the size of the spot.
The Toothbrush Hair Saviour
Do you have those annoying flyaway bits when you’ve just done your hair? To rectify this simply take your toothbrush and gently smooth them down. This one isn’t completely free as you do need a toothbrush – but I’m assuming everyone has one of those?
The Natural Wave Trick
Don’t have time to dry your hair before bed? Then just brush your hair in the shower after conditioning and when you get out – tie it in a little bun on the top of your head. This means that when you get up in the morning, you’ll have a natural wave through your hair and you won’t have to worry about styling it.
The Face Massage
If your skin is looking dull, give it a quick massage morning & night. This will get the blood pumping and the muscles working to ensure your skin is naturally plumped and glowing. If you already have a facial oil/ serum, you can use that too but technically that doesn’t count as free!
The Credit Card Trick
Lastly, when you’re doing a smokey eye, take something with a straight edge like a credit card and use this as a guide. Place it at the corner of your eye and wing it out slightly so you can create that perfect party look. This method will also stop any fall out from dropping onto the skin!
For more beauty advice, tips and tricks from Briony, follow her on Twitter and like her on Facebook
Pesto and Salmon Drop Scones: Perfect nibbly bites to serve to your guests – more of a canapé than a starter to accompany the conversation!
Pesto and Salmon Drop Scones (Makes 20)
For the scones:
115g (4 oz) of self-raising flour
1 egg
2 tbsp Pesto sauce
100ml (4 fl oz) milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
For the Topping
Crème fraîche or sour cream
55g (2 oz) smoked salmon, make up into small rolls
For the Garnish:
Lemon wedges
Chopped fresh dill
Place the flour in the food processor bowl. Add the egg, pesto sauce and half the milk and blend on a slow speed. Thin to a dropping consistency with the remaining milk. Season.
Wipe a sauce pan or hotplate with a little oil on a piece of kitchen paper. Drop tablespoons of the mixture onto the hotplate, when bubbles rise to the surface, turn over and cook the other side.
Place the mini pancakes on a serving plate, top each with a spoon of sour cream and a roll of smoked salmon. Scatter chopped dill on top.
The property market is growing at a fast rate, according to recent reports Bristol is the fastest growing rate in the country, so there’s never been a better time to get onto the housing ladder.
However, the terminology associated with buying and selling a home is sometimes a little confusing, especially for those who are looking for their first home. The difference between base rates and capped rates, and bridging finance and mortgage offer, is worth knowing.
The infographic below can give you more confidence when exploring the offers that are available to you. It will help when reading through relevant literature on the housing market for first time buyers in the south-west; when talking with solicitors, lenders and brokers; and when analysing the terms of your mortgage before finally signing on the dotted line!
It has been a long, cruel winter, and now spring is on it’s way. OK, fair’s fair, winter wasn’t all that bad besides a few blustering gales and a few sheets of rain. We probably got off mild. But it did leave us indoors, just as every winter seems to do, and we’re itching to get back to the goods times promised by the forthcoming spring and summer seasons. Oh, they can’t come soon enough! But wait right there, because you don’t need a season to tell you how to live. You can live right now! Make your next Saturday a good one, because…well, who needs a reason?
A Last Minute Adventure
It might have been a long week at work, you might just wait to crawl up and stay in bed all weekend, but where does that get you? Nowhere other than a couple of days older and none the wiser. Instead, promise to make this weekend fun. If you’re in the UK, you have a range of diverse destinations within a proximity that people from other countries would love to have. Why not make the most of it? Pack an overnight bag and see where the road takes you. There’s plenty to do in this country if you’re willing to go find it!
Make It Romantic
The long summer months are going to (hopefully) mean plenty of socialising, with friends in the beer garden, family at the BBQ, and so on. Make this saturday just about the love birds, you and your partner. Take a look at the Gourmet Guide best restaurants list and book yourself somewhere special for a bang-on meal. Find your nearest area of natural beauty and go for a hand in hand stroll. And then there’s always the old classic, Saturday night at the movies….
What’s On?
It’s only when we’re travelling to another city that we tend to take a look at what sort of events are happening in the city. When we’re at home, we don’t tend to realise that our city probably has some pretty good stuff happening too! Cultural stuff, like theatre and exhibitions and comedy shows and the rest. Liven up your Saturday and see what’s there – you might just see a new side to the place you call home.
One Final Winter Warmer
Sometimes, you can’t predict what the weather is going to be like or the mood you’re going to be in come Friday. Plus, winter only comes but once a year, so why not might the most of it and have one big winter blowout? This Saturday, you won’t be saying, ‘oh, I wish we could go out’, you’ll be saying, ‘we’re staying in and we’re going to smash it!’. What does that mean, exactly? Well, there’s an early evening in your favourite pub. There’s the finest takeaway you can find in your local area. It’s bad TV and a few extra tinnies of beer or glasses of wine in your delightful home. It’s all rubbish, effectively, but you know you love it and you can’t do this during summer!
Although your summer may be a distant memory, keep the season alive with this beautiful dessert which showcases the summer strawberry. Elegant and refreshing Strawberry Panna Cotta is the perfect pudding to impress guests. This recipe by David Moss, Co-owner and Chef at The Wensleydale Heifer, based in West Witton in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales will please even the most critical of guests!
In a pan, bring the puree, lemon juice and basil to a boil. Add the gelatine, dissolve, then sieve. Pour 1/2cm depth of the sieved mixture into each panna cotta mould and set in the fridge.
For The Panna Cotta (Prepare the day before)
Place the cream, milk, sugar and star anise in a heavy bottomed saucepan on a medium heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and set aside for one hour to infuse.
Sieve, then return to the pan and bring back to a boil. Stir in the gelatine and set aside. When the jelly is set and the panna cotta mix is lukewarm, pour onto the jelly and return to the fridge to set, preferably overnight.
For The Strawberry Glass (Prepare the day before)
Bring the puree to a boil, ass the Isomalt and boil for five minutes. Spread thinly onto a silicone mat (so you can see through it) and bake overnight in the oven at 55 C. When it’s ready it will be translucent and crisp. Break into shards and store in an airtight container.
For the Strawberry Sorbet (Prepare in advance and freeze)
Blend the strawberries with the sugar and lemon, then bring to a boil in a pan. Leave to cool then add to an ice cream machine and churn.
For The Pebbles
Whip the egg whites into soft peaks. Add the caster sugar until a firm meringue is achieved. Add the lime juice. Divide the egg white mixture into two, add the almonds and poppy seeds into one half and then fold in the other half. Place into a piping bag and pipe little drops (of 2 to 3cm circumference) onto a silicone mat.
Put in the oven at 110 C for 90 minutes until dried out. Store in an airtight container.
For The Short Crumb Base
Place all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until fine crumbs are achieved. Bake for eight minutes at 190 C until golden brown. Set aside to cool and place in an airtight container until needed.
For The Marinade
Boil the purees, peppercorns, vinegar and lime juice. Sieve, blend, cool. Dice the strawberries and drop them into the marinade. Leave for one hour.
To Serve
Run the moulds under the hot water tap for a few seconds to release the panna cottas. Assemble as in picture.
Your honeymoon. It’s one of the most indulgent and extravagant holidays you’ll ever take, so expectations are undoubtedly going to be sky high. If you’re looking for a honeymoon that won’t disappoint and where the only decision you have to make every morning is “pool or beach?” then Vila Galé Cumbuco is the perfect place to start your happily ever after.
IDEA
An all inclusive resort that offers a laundry list of enticing features: three restaurants and two bars, a glorious beach, water sports, exciting buggy rides over the dunes, a spa and so much more.
LOCATION
This modern, relaxed resort is located on the famous beach of Cumbuco, between the dunes of Costa dos Ventos. If you don’t know Cumbuco, think of a place with white sand dunes, blue lagoons, endless beaches with coconut palm trees. Got it? That’s Cumbuco. It’s setting will stun you into an appreciative silence.
ATMOSPHERE
The atmosphere here isn’t overly romantic, which accounts for the resort’s broad appeal. But that’s one of the reasons it’s great for honeymooners. You’re not surrounded by a zillion other couples on their honeymoon who think that they are the most loved up couple in the world. This is your honeymoon and you’re the most loved up couple in the world.
However, romance is more than possible thanks to the the hotel’s idyllic setting. You can relax with your lover on the uncrowded white-sand beach, swim together in the pristine pool sipping on cocktails, read together in the charming garden, get a massage together at the gorgeous spa. The level of romance is what you make of it.
ACTIVITIES
Vila Galé Cumbuco is the kind of place where days slip into a dreamy sequence: lounge around by the pool, head to the beach for a swim in the warm sea, eat some delicious food. Repeat. However, if you want to push the boat out and do something different, the hotel offers various activities and excursions for when you’re not snoozing by the pool.
If you’re after an adrenaline rush, rent a buggy and go sand dune bashing. Whizzing over the honey-coloured dunes is a heart-thumping experience and feels just like a roller-coaster ride. If you have a guide, ask him to stop off at the beautiful Águas Crislatinas lagoon where you can zip-line straight into the water. Also stop off at Parnamirim Lake where you can have a go at ski-bunda which is a bid like sledging, but on sand. You basically sit on a wooden board and slide down a sand dune into the refreshing waters of the lake.
The hotel’s location, Cumbuco, is also famous for being one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world. Even if you don’t fancy have a go, bathing in the lagoons and watching the kite surfers do their thing is a cool experience. You can also go horseback riding on the beach. What could be more romantic than riding down a white-sandy beach and frolicking in the warm water? If you want to do something cultural, ask the hotel to organise a day trip to Fortaleza for touring the crafts fair, the market and the historical sites.
THE FOOD
One thing is for certain at Vila Galé Cumbuco, you will never go hungry. The hotel boasts three restaurants!
The hotel’s main restaurant, Versátil, offers a sumptuous buffet breakfast – think big bowls of fruit, a tempting spread of pastries, cakes and cheeses. Hot breakfast dishes and local delicacies like tapioca crepes.
Cajuína & Amêndoa Amarga, a restaurant located by the pool, offers snacks throughout the day and a buffet service with a gargantuan choice in the afternoon.
In the evening it becomes an à la carte restaurant, offering Portuguese and regional cuisine.
If you fancy some Asian or Mediterranean cuisine, head to the fancy Inevitáve. It’s lovely and you can get dressed up.
THE BARS
Swimming around a gorgeous pool while soaking up the rays is thirsty holiday work, right? Well worry not, Kite Bar is literally in the pool, so you won’t have that awful inconvenience of getting out when you’re in dire need of another caipirinha.
Located near the hotel’s lobby, Euphoria Bar is a great place to have a pre-dinner drink. Expect some sporadic entertainment here. In the northeast, traditional Brazilian country music called forró is everywhere and on some nights the hotel welcomes a folklore act playing and dancing to traditional forró music. Oh and did we mention that the hotel also has a ‘souls and blues’ disco if you want to get your groove on.
THE ROOMS
Since this is your honeymoon, we reckon you should go all out and stay in one of the detached cottages set in tropical gardens. They are gorgeous and you feel like you have your own little house. Otherwise the rooms and suites are just fine. Featuring modern decor, they all come with include flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and minibars, as well as balconies or terraces.
THE SPA
Is there a better way of relaxing after a stressful wedding than spending some time at a spa. The answer is no. The resort has it’s own Satsanga spa, where you can enjoy its lovely sauna and jacuzzi, take a Turkish bath or indulge in a glourious massage. Bliss.
Why Go
For a gorgeous once-in-a-lifetime (yet affordable) honeymoon where you can do as much or as little as you want.
Add a ¼ teaspoon of creamed horseradish to a ¼ tub of crème fraîche. Sprinkle in a small pinch of sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice, then use the Russell Hobbs Desire Hand Blender to mix.
Taste your topping to make sure it’s seasoned enough for your taste.
Cut your ciabatta loaf into 1cm thick slices and then toast or griddle them. Drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil.
Top with waves of smoked salmon.
Add a dollop of the horseradish crème fraîche to each piece of toast and then scatter over the chopped dill.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a liberal dash of lemon juice.
iPhones, tablets and laptops are top of the checklist when it comes to Britons’ packing essentials. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if the nation opted to recycle underwear to make space for all important gadgets.
These days, tech savvy guests expect more than just an ample supply of sockets in their hotel room, and free Wi-Fi is taken as a given.
For those in dire need of staying connected with the virtual world, check out these hotels, guaranteed to make your digi-dreams a reality. Oh, and don’t forget to ‘gram your room to show your appreciation – think of the filter potential!
The award winning Citizen M hotel, set in the middle of Glasgow, boasts incredible art deco design and luxury tech facilities including the innovative MoodPad which allows you to control the entire room – from TV channels to coloured lighting. With free movies and unlimited iMac access, Citizen M is every techie’s dream. It even offers a nifty self check-in service on touch screen terminals so no matter what time of the day (or night!) you arrive, you’ll have no frustrating issues at reception.
M by Moncalm Tech City
As the name suggests, M by Moncalm Tech City is as digital as it gets. This hotel spoils you with digital detail. Think mood-matched lighting, underfloor heating that you can control by touch screen, as well as a tablet in every room to allow you to create your own bespoke environment – from dimming the lights to ordering room service, closing the curtains and selecting from a choice of exotic room scents – with just the touch of a button.
Blow Up Hall, Poznan
You know you’re on to a winner when you are given an iPhone as a room key, and this is just thetip of a technological iceberg at this Polish hotel.
The rooms at Blow Up Hall in Poznan are all individually designed and kitted out with state of the art tech. What’s more, a massive digital art installation captures guests entering the hotel and projects the images around the lobby – surveillance
This DoubleTree by Hilton hotel is a destination in and of itself. When you’re not gazing out on the incredible Chicago skyline, you can pay a visit to the multimedia theatre or make the most of the iPod docking station and 42” entertainment centre.
Indeed, with an array of amenities and a prime location, it stands out among the finest Chicago hotels, providing a luxurious and immersive experience for every guest.
Best of all, you can schedule wake-up calls from famous Chicagoans like Al Capone and Barack Obama. Let’s face it, who doesn’t want to be woken up by the @POTUS’ dulcet tones?
Eccleston Square Hotel, London
If you’re looking for a lavish London break full of luxury and first class quirks then this beautiful hotel tucked away in South West London is the perfect choice. As well as the adults only guest policy, this hotel boasts technology that definitely isn’t child’s play. Not for the bashful, each room boasts a mind blowing ‘smart glass’ wall which turns opaque at the touch of a button. From the electronically controlled beds to iPads on request, the massage showers and the hidden TV in the bathroom mirror, this hotel is a playground for grown up techies.
Hotel La Tour, Birmingham
For those that cannot bear to part with their beloved gadgets, you’re in safe hands with Hotel La Tour. The impressive media hub connects to any device from laptops to iPods meaning you can keep connected and recharge after a battery draining day of sightseeing and socialising in the city. If you prefer robots to personal service then you can opt to use the check in and out booths, meaning no human contact is necessary during your stay.
La Maison Champs Elysees, Paris
Across the seas, technology is streaming into first class hotels. This Parisian delight is just a few steps from the Champs Elysées and is the epitome of French chic design. But it’s not just the interior and location that’s first class, La Maison Champ Elysees has an Apple MAC Mini and iPod station in every room as well as that much sought after free WiFi so you can catch up on your social channels while chilling out in the hotel cigar bar.
Ten ways people can change their lifestyle and diet to help them sleep more soundly
Most of us make a New Year’s Resolution to get fitter or healthier, but just a few small changes to lifestyle and diet can also make a world of difference to our sleep throughout the year
A person’s lifestyle and what they eat and drink can have a dramatic effect on their sleep patterns, according to doctors and sleep experts. A few changes in what people consume, and when they exercise or take a break, could improve the amount of sleep achieved – which will, in turn, help to improve general wellbeing.
Carbohydrate-rich foods
According to dietician at Leeds Beckett University, Louise Sutton, eating carbohydrate-rich foods two to three hours before bedtime, such as toast or porridge, will help stimulate the release of insulin, which opens the pathways for tryptophan – the sleep hormone – to reach the brain.
Fish, fish and more fish
Eating plenty of oily fish such as mackerel, tuna and salmon, which are excellent sources of omega-3 DHA fatty acids, can improve the quality of sleep, as reported by researchers at the University of Oxford.
Breakfast
It’s often mentioned that skipping breakfast is bad for us, but why? The human body reacts to the lack of food by pumping out stress hormones, and therefore making the person more tired. A balanced breakfast provides more energy and focus, and healthy snacks during the day will maintain those levels to reduce fatigue.
All of colours of the rainbow
Eating more healthy red and orange-coloured foods such as carrots and tomatoes, which contain the antioxidant compound, lycopene, can make a difference to sleep, according to the University of Pennsylvania. They also found that people who do not drink tap water during the day are poorer sleepers.
Cherry on top
Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Adults with insomnia who drank a glass of Montmorency cherry juice twice a day for two weeks saw sleep time increased by nearly 90 minutes, as discovered in a study from Louisiana State University.
Exercise
The less exercise a person does, the more tired they can feel, which in turn means they will be even less inclined to exercise! Experts suggest going for a walk, even when feeling tired, to stimulate energy and wake up the body – even just 20 minutes a day can help.
Rice = Sleep
Eating white rice can trigger a deeper sleep, as found by Japanese researchers, however, eating white bread, pancakes or pizza had no effect. Unfortunately, noodles and pasta can have a detrimental impact on sleep.
Break your day up
Working people should take breaks during the day, to lower the stress hormones, particularly if they have a hectic and energy-sapping job. Holidays should always be taken, too – making sure that the person switches off completely during those precious vacations.
Dairylicious
Contrary to popular belief, eating cheese before bedtime does not give people nightmares. In fact, studies have shown that dairy products like milk and cheese promote sleep in several ways, as they include calming minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which relax muscles, as well as peptides, which have anti-stress effects. They are also a source of tryptophan, needed for the production of the natural melatonin hormone, which helps with sleep.
Caffeine bad(ish)
Reducing one’s intake of caffeine, alcohol and spicy meals in the evening is proven to help with sleep. If this still does not work, a short, controlled period of fasting has been shown to improve sleep quality and relaxation.
Dr Susan Biali M.D., nutritionist and wellness expert, suggests that a change in behaviour or routine can significantly improve your sleep. She says, “If you have trouble falling asleep at night, it may be because you don’t take time to transition properly from your busy day into bedtime. Create a wind-down routine for yourself, such as making yourself a drink, some relaxing yoga or a few moments of mindfulness. Practice finding small islands of time for yourself throughout the day, whenever you can. You’ll feel so much better, and you’ll sleep better, too.”
If you’re reading this post, you’re probably on a break or thinking about having one. If you’re frustrated and unsatisfied in your relationship and feel like it’s gone off path, or you’re questioning your feelings towards your partner, then a break could be just the thing you need.
While a break can be very upsetting, remember to stay positive, a break isn’t a bad thing and doesn’t mean that you don’t love each other. This is a great chance for you to come back to your relationship with a fresh set of eyes and ears, offering you a chance to figure things out and resolve any issues within the relationship.
If you’re the one who hasn’t initiated the break and the good old AAA (apology, affection and action) doesn’t work, then space is probably just what you need, so you can both take time to understand what each other need and want from the relationship.
Remember, a break isn’t breaking up. One of the biggest misconceptions about a break is that it’s just a precursor to ending the relationship. This is not true. A break in a relationship can sometimes save it and can lead to a more fulfilling relationship. With this in mind, here are 7 benefits of taking a relationship break…
1. Getting some space
One of the best benefits of a break is getting the space you both need. Sometimes if you’ve been in a long term relationship or if you’re living together, it can feel claustrophobic because you’re constantly on top of each other. Everyone needs space sometimes, especially if you’re having mixed emotions and feelings towards your partner. Space will give you the chance to realise if you’re happier with someone or without them.
2. Finding yourself
Relationships can be all consuming and sometimes you can lose yourself. Use this time to reconnect with who you are as an individual and refocus. Go do that class that you’ve been longing to do, or go out with your girlfriends who you hardly ever see. Remember it’s up to you, not your partner to create personal satisfaction and happiness.
3. Figure out your priorities and life goals
What do you want in life? Time apart will give you a chance to focus on what you want. If you don’t have the same priorities and life goals as your partner and you can’t compromise, then sadly this relationship isn’t for you.
3. Learning if you are compatible
No two people are a perfect match by nature, and you may find a number of differences between you and your partner. However, although this doesn’t mean you’re not compatible, if you do doubt your compatibility, then a break is a good thing to avoid a more all-encompassing relationship breakdown.
Take time to think about all the things you have in common. Do you agree on the same things, do you disagree and fight with your partner a lot? Are you sexually attracted to them? Is there still chemistry between you?
4. Is it love or are you just friends?
If you love your partner, but you’re not sure if you’re in love with them anymore, then a break is definitely a good thing. Sometimes in relationships, even if you love the person, there can be an undercurrent of something that doesn’t feel quite right. Even if you really get on with the other person. Taking a break can help you figure out if you’re really in love with your partner. It’s better to know sooner rather than later if you’re still in love or not.
5. Miss each other
Give yourself and your partner the opportunity to miss each other. Remember the saying absence makes the heart grow fonder. Sometimes we forget why we fell in love and time apart can help you remember why you were with them in the first place. However, if you realize during this time apart you hardly miss your partner, sadly, it may be a clear sign that you aren’t a good fit for each other anymore.
5. Rekindle Spark
Sometimes a break is what you need to get the spark back. Both time and distance can refuel that love and longing for each other and make you want each other again. Remember, it’s normal for people in long-term relationships to go through periods of lesser and lesser intimacy, having a break can help you get out of that relationship lull and rekindle the spark you had when you first started dating.
6. Help figure things out
Remember there is a reason why this break is happening. Taking a break will help you figure things out and make sense of all the feelings and mixed emotions that you have. Sit down and ask yourself why you or your partner are unhappy in the relationship. Make a list of characteristics you love about your partner. Remember why you fell in love in the first place. Also, take time to recognise and take responsibility for the role you might have played in any relationship challenges and think about why you may have been acting a certain way. If you need additional support, platforms like BetterHelp offer online counselling to guide you through the process.
7. A break in a relationship sometimes saves it
As mentioned, while you may think taking a break is just a precursor to breaking up, it’s not. Having a break can save a relationship. It can make you realise if you have neglected your partner, taken them for granted and can help remind you of what you’re missing when you’re apart. It means that you can patch up your relationship issues, discover new inspiration to find that spark again, and can make you a better couple in the long term.
Before you go on a break, remember that they do come with their risks . The other person may decide that they don’t want to be with someone who isn’t sure if they want to be with them. If you’re thinking about going on a break, think really hard before you act on it.
Also, if you’re the person who hasn’t initiated the break, don’t spend your time crying and wondering what you have done wrong in the relationship. Although you should let yourself feel whatever your feeling, try not to become stuck in sadness. Devote time to yourself and think about your own needs and ask yourself whether the relationship is fulfilling you. You deserve to be happy too. Remember, if it doesn’t work out, then perhaps it wasn’t meant to be and no matter what you will be fine. Time is a healer after all.
