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3 IDEAL WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR LIVINGROOM & ADD A TOUCH OF CLASS TO YOUR HOME

Rachel Stevenson
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3 IDEAL WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR LIVINGROOM & ADD A TOUCH OF CLASS TO YOUR HOME

Our homes are where we return to, after a tiresome day at work and where many of our most cherished memories have taken place. However, over time, they can appear a little dull. The floorboards creak in the hallway, the paint looses its vibrancy and the doors  begin to chip and stiffen over time.

Luckily, to breathe some new life into your home, you don’t have to re-decorate the entire house. Instead, choose one of the rooms to start with and move on from there. We reckon the living room is a good place to start – after all, it’s the main room in the house and probably where you tend to spend the majority of your time at home.

There are many small things you can do to add an extra touch of elegance to your living room. With this in mind, here are 3 IDEAL ways to update your living room and add a touch of class to your home.

SWITCH UP THE DOORS

It is incredible how a door can impact the look and feel of a room. An old chipped door that squeaks every time someone opens it, does not scream class or elegance. It’s more likely to give your guests a headache and have them raising their eyebrows, rather than complimenting your unique taste and envious eye for style!

Replacing your living room door will not only brighten your room, but it can also make it appear fresher and new again. Ken’s Yard has a fascinating range of internal doors, including gorgeous walnut, elegant pine, traditional oak doors and many more. Inserting a new door will help add class to your living room, opening up your home to a more elegant and stylish new beginning.

WHITE FURNITURE

Nothing screams class quite like the colour white. It is a shade that makes everything appear so much cleaner. From white doors to white fluffy rugs, you really can’t go wrong with this angelic hue. If you are worried about getting your white furniture dirty, worry no more! A useful tip from Good House Keeping suggests sticking with durable fabrics and surfaces that can be cleaned easily. These include white leather, plastic and a white lacquer table. You can DIY this look yourself with a splash of crisp white paint. You could even paint the walls white to make the room appear much larger and brighter.

Adding a touch of class to your living room is essential if you’re trying to make your home look more grown up and respectable. A gloss tv unit would fit in perfectly if you’re trying this.

MINIMALIST DECOR

An elegant living room usually appears to be quite spacious with strategically placed items. Sofas tend to only display a handful of cushions and sport nothing that could be seen as cluttered or messy. Hanging silver platters on the wall is classy décor technique that will add a hint of sophistication to your living room. Other ideas include hanging chandeliers and using alternative objects such as books as side tables to help create a unique sense of style and class.

Now that you have learned the basics of decorating an elegant living space, you can take what you’ve learnt and start to apply it to other rooms in the house!

IDEAL WINTER SCONE TOPPINGS

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL WINTER SCONE TOPPINGS

Tea Time in Wonderland Winter Scones Recipe Image 1

Warm up this season with a cup of tea and some delicious winter scones

If your having scones this winter don’t just go for jam, instead top with roasted fruits and spices for a festive feel. This recipe for winter scone toppings is a wonderfully warming treat for teatime.

You will need:

– 4 Genesis Crafty scones
– 4 ripe plums
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 8 star anises
– 4 tangerines –  3 peeled, one juiced
– 150ml whipping cream (very cold)
– 3 tsp vanilla paste
– 70g sugar

Preheat your oven to 200C.

Cut the plums in two, discard the stones and place them in a dish, flesh up. Place a mandarin segment in each then pour the juice of the pressed one on top.

Mix the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this onto the fruit. Place the star anise on top of each plum/tangerine. Put in the oven for 20 mins.

Whisk your whipping cream until it takes on a chantilly consistency. Add the vanilla paste gently, just enough to create a marbled effect. Keep in the fridge until serving time.

In a saucepan, make your caramel – you just need enough water to moisten your remaining 50g of sugar. Take it off the heat when it is a light blonde colour and dip the tangerine segments (that fondue set will come in handy but a fork will work as well). Let them dry a few seconds in the air then place on baking paper until solid.

Time to indulge. Warm the scones a few seconds, cut in two (in that order or the heart will dry out). Add a generous spoonful of cream on each half, top with either plum or tangerine.

The little extra? A drizzle of maple syrup. Genesis Crafty also makes mini-scones, ideal if you are having a party!

Recipe created for Genesis Crafty by lifestyle blogger Coralie Grassin of Teatime in Wonderland http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/

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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR PUMPKIN SOUP

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR PUMPKIN SOUP

Pumpkin soup – perfect as a starter for your Halloween party, or as a winter warmer on Bonfire Night, courtesy of Knorr.

Recipe information:

Serves: 10-12

Preparation time: 25 mins

Cooking time: 24 mins

Ingredients

2-3 tbsps of olive oil

2kgs pumpkin, peeled and chopped into approx 2.5cm chunks

1.2ltrs fresh carrot juice or water

2 Knorr Vegetable Stock Pots

50g finely grated Parmesan cheese

100ml double cream

Black pepper

Serve with:

Freshly grated Parmesan to sprinkle over the soup and a twist of freshly ground black pepper

Method

1.Heat a large heavy casserole dish on the hob. Add in a splash of olive oil, spread evenly in the dish and then add in the diced pumpkin.

2.Cover the dish and cook over a medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pumpkin begins to break down.

3.Add in the carrot juice (it’s important to use fresh carrot juice as bottled can be very acidic) and then the 2 Knorr Vegetable Stock Pots, stirring until the Stock Pots have dissolved. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8 minutes.

4.Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the double cream; these will enrich the soup, adding flavour and a smooth texture. Bring back to the boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from direct heat.

5.Working in batches, transfer the pumpkin mixture to a jug blender and process each batch for 2 minutes until smooth. Alternately, use a hand blender to process the soup in batches until smooth.

6.For an extra smooth texture, the processed soup can then be passed through a fine sieve, using the back of a ladle to push it through.

7.Gently heat through the blended, sieved soup and serve with extra grated Parmesan on the side, seasoning it with a twist of freshly ground black pepper.

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR SMOKED HADDOCK WITH CHEESE SAUCE

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR SMOKED HADDOCK WITH CHEESE SAUCE

A truly tasty, easy fish dish, ready to eat in 20 minutes.

Serve:  4

Preparation time: 10mins

Cooking time: 20mins

Ingredients

25g butter
25g flour
550ml semi-skimmed milk
1 Knorr Fish Stock Pot (or vegetable stock alternative)
50ml double cream or half-fat crème fraiche (optional)
100g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
4 pieces of smoked haddock fillet, around 500g
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
Parsley, to garnish

Method

  1. First make the cheese sauce. Over a medium heat, melt the butter in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Add in the flour and whisk together thoroughly.
  2. Gradually add in the milk, whisking well between each addition so as to thoroughly mix it in.
  3. Add in the Knorr Fish Stock Pot and whisk it thoroughly in until dissolved into the sauce. Add in the cream and whisk in.
  4. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, whisking as you do so. Add in the grated Cheddar cheese and whisk sauce until the cheese has melted.
  5. Heat a large, heavy-based frying pan on the stove. Add the cheese sauce to the pan and heat through gently.
  6. Add the smoked haddock fillets to the hot cheese sauce, shaking the pan to coat them in the sauce. Poaching the smoked haddock in the cheese sauce means that the flavour from the fish infuses the sauce.
  7. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the smoked haddock is opaque, carefully turning over the fillets halfway through cooking so that they cook evenly.
  8. While the smoked haddock is poaching, chop the hard-boiled eggs.
  9. Once the smoked haddock is cooked, sprinkle over the hard-boiled egg.
  10. Garnish with parsley and serve at once. I like serving this with fresh garden peas.

Recipe courtesy of Knorr

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR SPAGHETTI SORRENTINA

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR SPAGHETTI SORRENTINA

 A wonderfully quick and easy meal, cooked in 10 minutes. Dissolve a Knorr Vegetable Stock Pot (or a vegetable stock alternative) in boiling water and use this tasty stock to cook the spaghetti in until al dente. Meanwhile, fry together cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and tomato sauce. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato mixture and chopped mozzarella. Add a grating of Parmesan cheese, sprinkle basil for garnish and there you have it!

Ingredients

1 Knorr Vegetable Stock Pot

1½tbsp olive oil

400g spaghetti

300g cherry tomatoes, halved

A handful of fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

2–3 ladlefuls of Marco’s tomato sauce or ready-made tomato sauce

2 x 125g low-fat mozzarella cheeses, chopped into chunks

Black pepper

A grating of Parmesan cheese

Garnish

A few basil leaves

Method

1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add in about ½ tbsp olive oil and the Knorr Vegetable Stock Pot, which will season the water. Stir until the Knorr Vegetable Stock Pot has dissolved and return to the boil.

2. Once boiling, add in the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to packet cooking times.

3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a large frying pan.

4. Add in the cherry tomatoes and fry for 1–2 minutes. Tear the basil leaves and add to the pan. Add the tomato sauce to the frying pan.

5. Drain the cooked spaghetti (reserving the flavoured pasta cooking water for use in soups or stews).

6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the tomato mixture in the frying pan.

7. Sprinkle in the mozzarella chunks and toss together well, add a touch of black pepper, grate over Parmesan cheese and garnish with basil.

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR CHICKEN SWIRLS WITH RED PEPPER AND HONEY BY FLORA CUISINE

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR CHICKEN SWIRLS WITH RED PEPPER AND HONEY BY FLORA CUISINE

 

Try this delicious recipe for chicken swirls with red pepper and honey

Serves 2- 4 people

Prep time: 25 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Calories per serving: 334kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large red pepper
  • 2 chicken breast fillets
  • Salt and pepper
  • A little runny honey, for brushing
  • A handful of basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp Flora Cuisine (or olive oil alternative)
  • 2 tbsp runny honey mixed with 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard, for glazing

Method

1. Preheat grill until hot. Grill the red pepper until blackened. Place the red pepper in a plastic bag and set aside until cool. Peel off the blackened skin and slice in half, discarding the seeds

2. Place the fillets between sheets of cling film. Use a rolling pin to pound until flattened. Season fillets with salt and pepper, brush lightly with honey, top each fillet with half the grilled pepper and a few basil leaves

3. Roll up each breast around the red pepper and secure firmly with cocktail sticks. Brush each chicken roll with Flora Cuisine

4. Preheat grill until hot. Grill the chicken rolls for 10 minutes on both sides until the chicken is cooked through

5. Towards the end of the cooking, brush the chicken with the honey and mustard mixture to create a sticky, sweet glaze

LET’S UNDERSTAND THE GLAMOROUS POP ART MOVEMENT

Rachel Stevenson
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pop-art

Pop art is quickly gaining a lot of popularity at the moment. The term stands as an abbreviation what people always knew as Popular Art, a trend that appeared in the fifties in the UK. Over the following decades the art form spread towards the US and many other countries. This acceptance and spread was then referred to as pop art movement. Pop art canvases are nowadays available all around the world. You can even use online photo to pop art services to create yourself. While this is definitely the present, the truth is that we still do not fully understand the real differences and influences that are present in the twentieth century.

Pop art is basically a focus on being completely different and stands out as a complete rebellion. Abstract art was what dominated the entire world before pop art appeared. This was the case for over 20 years. NYC was the main center of that movement. Well-liked art forms are rare and abstract art did offer a sophistication that was very important for the rich and powerful. However, the masses did not actually have the sophistication to understand or the money to access abstract art.

We also saw that many were beginning to be bored with abstract art. Popular art appeared as a change that was really refreshing. It was completely distinct and new. People were not used to it. We were faced with funky and bright colors, canvas use and even billboard advertising that was appealing for the broader masses. Commercial and fine art were now seen as not being divided, which was important for people.

Audiences basically ended up being drawn in by the extra aesthetic qualities offered and the use of items that everyone saw every day, icons and images that were capable of redefining modern culture elements. Mass media was what highly influenced the pop art movement as it showcased it in movie posters, some album covers and in advertising. Most people interested in art know the Andy Warhol prints of Marilyn Monroe, long after she died. Those were some of the really iconic prints that will always be a part of art history.

Pop art quickly grew in popularity because of the association with really well-known objects and icons, together with various celebrities that adopted the style. As time passed, pop art increased its glamour and the art did end up being redefined as years passed. Mass produced art was cheap but it did achieve something really important: capturing society and culture essential changes.

At the moment we see a revival of pop art. In 2009 we saw one print art piece being sold for an astonishing $100 million, which made the Eight Elvises print become one of the most expensive of all the paintings that were ever sold.

If you are interested in pop art, think about learning about the movement first. We say this because so many more items are available, many more than what many believe. All that you really have to do is use the internet and popular art understanding will be right there.

5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDITATION

Rachel Stevenson
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5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDITATION

This form of meditation is great for religious individuals as spiritual meditation is supposed to help you communicate with your chosen deity. Like other meditation styles, you aspire to be as calm as possible but during spiritual meditation you are to ask a question or focus on a problem you have. You can also use this form of meditation to try and read your akashic records, where all the data in the universe is stored.

Concentration Meditation

Whilst mindfulness meditation aims to help you stop focusing on outside influences, concentration meditation is the complete opposite. So, if you’re not into the idea of clearing your mind entirely then you can instead focus on a specific sound, mantra or object. By concentrating on one of these things entirely you can slowly begin to relax and let go of everything else.

Mantra Meditation

As mentioned above, mantras can be used in focused meditation but can also be used on their own. During mantra meditation, mantras are chanted loudly and focused upon. Om, which is often used during yoga, is a great mantra to start off with as it creates a vibration deep without your body that is easy to concentrate on.

Reflective Meditation

Also known as analytical meditation, reflective meditation is used to aid disciplined thinking. This form is very similar to concentration meditation in that you choose something to focus on, however in reflective meditation you are to concentrate on a theme, a question or a topic to reflect upon. As you begin, you will probably find your thoughts wandering but as time goes on you can train your mind to focus.

Creative Meditation

Creative meditation, or visualisation, will help you to nurture and fortify all of the thoughts and traits held within the human mind. Gratitude, happiness, love, patience, empathy, thankfulness, modesty, courage and every other quality you posses can be amplified when using creative meditation.

Heart-Centered Meditation

When you are struggling with difficult emotions, heart-centered meditation can help you let go of any fear or melancholy you are holding on to. Instead, you will hopefully feel kindness and love radiate within you. The more you practise heart-centered, also known as the heart chakra meditation, the easier it will be for you to deal with and cope with past and future challenges.

HOTEL REVIEW: JUMEIRAH LOWNDES HOTEL, LONDON

Rachel Stevenson
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HOTEL REVIEW: JUMEIRAH LOWNDES HOTEL, LONDON

A chic and contemporary 88-room boutique hotel set in fashionable Knightsbridge

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Knightsbridge: Harrods, Harvey Nics, Michelin star restaurants. Where tourists and Londoners with lots of disposable income spend their hard earned dollar on new threads and swanky restaurants. Then there’s the luxury hotels and Knightsbridge has a lot. And then there’s this gem of a place, that’s tucked away from the commotion on a leafy square. The Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel is a lovely, luxurious boutique hotel that’s perfectly set for exploring London’s more opulent areas.

Idea

The chic smaller sister of the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel is a calming and luxurious retreat.

Location

If you’re looking to explore and experience London’s posher areas, this is your place. The Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, close to Hyde Park, enjoys a serene position overlooking a leafy London square surrounded by beautiful white terraces and seems a million miles away from the hullabaloo of Knightsbridge, even though Harrods, Harvey Nics and other high-end pursuits are only a short walk away. It’s the ideal hotel to stay at if you’re in town for a spot of Christmas shopping.

Style

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The decor is confidently stylish and like lots of hotels, plays it safe with a muted colour palette.  A wonderful thing about this hotel is how much natural light there is. Too many London hotels feel like you’re staying in a cave and this is a lovely exception. With 88 rooms, the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel place is on the larger end of the scale when it comes to boutique hotels, but manages to retain the charm of a smaller boutique.

Service

The service, simply put, is lovely. You’re greeted with confident smiles and staff who are eager to please.

Rooms

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Everything that you’d expect from a luxury boutique hotel. The beds are comfortable with mattresses to sink into just enough. The lighting is nice and the decor is contemporary. Our bedroom had thick and pleasing carpet which was a nice change to wooden floors. The bathrooms are finished in marble, plus robes and come with luxury Temple Spa bathroom products that smell wonderful.  If you’re addicted to coffee like us, the Nespresso coffee machines are welcome and all guests have complimentary wifi access – a must for any hotel.

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Spa

Allow plenty of time for the spa. Guests of the hotel have complimentary access to all the facilities at nearby Jumeirah Carlton Tower, which is only a one minute walk away (we walked there in our robes). Ideally positioned on the ninth floor this hotel spa and health club is wonderful.

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With fantastic views over South London, it boasts a gymnasium, an aerobics studio, a sauna, a steam room and a 20 metre indoor stainless steel swimming pool with a jacuzzi. With so much natural light, you could spend a long time gazing up at the roof light and watching the clouds pass by here.  Expect to come out with pruney fingers.

Food & Drink

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Lowndes Bar & Kitchen describes its fare as modern British dining. Relaxing at the restaurant in its comfy Chesterfield tub armchairs with a complimentary newspaper and a cup of coffee after a day traipsing around London is a glorious thing.

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The hotel is also home to ‘The Terrace’ , which is open from late April to September.  It’s been named as one of London’s top three al fresco restaurants and is an ideal spot in the warmer months.

If you’re in the mood for meat, pop across to The Rib Room at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel. With a meat-heavy British menu, it’s one for the carnviores.

Two for the Price of One

Stay in a lovely boutique hotel and get all the amenities of a large 5 star hotel. When you stay here, you’re really getting the price of one hotel for two.

Why Stay?

If you’re a Londoner looking for a staycation, this place is perfect. With its serene setting and wonderful amenities (by that we mean spa and bar) you feel like you’re checking out of London when you check into this hotel. If you’re a tourist and want to experience all the hustle and bustle of London, but want to come back to a peaceful place, then stay here.

Address: 21 Lowndes St, London SW1X 9ES.
Fo more information and to book visit: www.jumeirah.com
IDEAL stayed as a guest of the hotel and received a complimentary stay

 

10 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO STAY WARM WITHOUT THE HUGE HEATING BILLS!

Rachel Stevenson
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10 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO STAY WARM WITHOUT THE HUGE HEATING BILLS!

With winter creeping in, temperatures are starting to drop and the big switch on is fast approaching. From hugging hot-water bottles to consuming countless cups of tea – we Brits will do everything in our power to avoid sky-high energy bills while trying to keep warm . Luckily, there are plenty of ways to safeguard your home against the winter winds while keeping your energy bills cheap and cheerful. With this in mind and with the help of energy saving experts Zenith Home, here are 10 IDEAL ways to save money on your energy bills this winter.

DRINK HOT DRINKS – BUT DON’T OVERFILL

Being British, we love nothing more than a warm cup of tea, but we have a terrible tendency to overfill the kettle each time we make a fresh brew. The more water you boil, the more energy you will use, so be sure to only fill the kettle for the amount of cups you need.

LOVE YOUR LAYERS

While out and about, we are always quick to add on an extra layer – but what about layering up the home? External wall insulation (EWI) is a great way to increase the efficiency of your home as well as giving it a new look. EWI will dramatically reduce the amount of heat that escapes through solid walls, making your property 10 times better at keeping the heat in*.

FOLLOW A ON WHEN IN, OFF WHEN OUT MANTRA

Setting your central heating timer correctly is a simple and easy way to save on your energy bills. Fix the heating to come on for a couple of hours when you wake up to make those chilly morning showers much more bearable, and then for a couple of hours again in the evening. Don’t waste money by having the heating on during the day when no-one is reaping the benefits!

WINTER WARMERS

Stock up your winter wardrobe with onesies, woolly jumpers and thick fluffy socks. Layering up your loungewear will not only keep you warm, but will also save a substantial amount of money on your energy bills. Adding a throw to your sofa will also give your living room a re-vamp while doubling up as a cosy blanket for nights in with a takeaway.

DON’T BE DAFT, AVOID THE DRAFT

When the temperatures drop, our homes can feel cold and draughty. Although doors are designed to shut out the cold, this isn’t always the case as the biting winter wind always seems to find a way through the smallest of cracks and gaps. The usual reaction to this is to turn up the heating, but Zenith strongly suggest buying draught excluders or cushions to place by doors to block out the unwelcome breeze.

SECURE SOME HEAT

Draught excluders are a great short term solution, but a double glazed PVCu door will keep out the draught and retain heat in the long term. It will also add increased security to your home as well as giving it a more modern exterior.

CLOSE THE CURTAINS

20% of your homes heat escapes through cracks and gaps around doors and windows**. Drawing the curtains every evening can act like a draught excluder by keeping the cold air out and the warm air in

SWITCH ON TO SWITCHING OFF

46% of the UK population admits to only switching their appliances off when they go on holiday and for 22%, not at all***.Switching off every day appliances that usually go unnoticed will help you make a large saving in the long run. Make sure you switch off the TV when you leave the living room and unplug any other appliances with a standby mode.

WAIT A MINUTE MR POSTMAN

A letterbox is essentially a whole in the door which lets in the icy outdoor air. Fitting a letter box cover with draught-proof brushes will help to keep out the cold and is easily installed. It won’t stop the postman delivering the energy bills but it will help reduce them in the long term!

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX 

It is not just windows and doors that can let in a frosty draught – holes around pipes and extractor fans can also let in chilly air. Use some expanding foam filler in the gaps to keep conquer the crafty cold air and help reduce the temptation to turn up the thermostat!

6 IDEAL HOTELS TO SPEND THE INDIAN SUMMER IN SUNNY LONDON

Rachel Stevenson
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With summer officially coming to an end, we’re still holding out for that coveted September sun. So after being promised an Indian summer, sit tight with your sun cream at the ready and get yourself to one of these hotels to relax in the idyllic urban bliss whilst the rest of the city mops their stressed brows.

Sip cocktails in style at a rooftop bar, hang out in a secret garden sanctuary, dine alfresco in the hippest terrace restaurants, or soak up the sun in an outdoor hot tub.  And did we mention sultry skyline views over the city at sun set?

Withe the help of LateRooms.com’s, here’s our pick pick of the very coolest hotels for basking in the last of the summer sun.

Four Seasons Canary Wharf

Set in a vibrant city centre district with views over the River Thames and London, The Four Seasons boasts both elegance and luxury. Escape from the clamour of the city below and check yourself in to the infinity edge pool where you can cool down and enjoy the view.

Doubletree Hilton – Tower of London

Everything about this hotel oozes chic city centre living. The roof top bar is the perfect spot for a cocktail in the sun. With an impressive balcony and barbeque area that boast spectacular views of the Tower of London and the River Thames, you’ll feel like you’ve got the best seat in the house.

Sanctum Soho

This stunning hotel is the epitome of indulgence. Sanctum Soho not only has a rooftop garden with an alfresco hot tub but it also boasts an underground cinema, so when the sun goes in you have the perfect evening’s entertainment lined up.

South Place Hotel

With eateries in the Rooftop Terrace and Secret Garden, this hotel in London’s financial district is perfect for those who like to indulge in more than just the hotel room.  If you’re a self-confessed foodie then South Place is definitely worth a visit in the sunshine.  Angler restaurant and roof terrace provide indisputably elegant cuisine, with a knack for exquisite seafood from Britain’s shores. And when you check in for the night you’ll automatically receive exclusive access to Our Garden, a secret escape reserved for SPIES society members and guests only.

La Suite West

With the stunning refined restaurant set in a luxury private garden, it’s not just the rooms that scream class at La Suite West. Tucked away on a quiet street neighbouring London’s iconic Hyde Park, the surrounding trees and greenery create a haven that feels a world away from the surrounding city hustle.  Pop in for lunch in the sun or relax in the evening warmth so you don’t miss a second of that much needed sunshine.

ME London

This impressive nine-story hotel is perfectly placed for those looking for an escape with a view. Take time to chill out with some exquisite food at the ME’s spectacular dining facilities including Cucina Asselina and STK London.  Complete your ME experience with a visit to Radio bar, oozing with class and elegance, and with the simply jaw dropping views over London you’ll bring the summer to end in style.

7 OF THE BEST WAYS TO MEET SOMEONE SPECIAL

Rachel Stevenson
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7 OF THE BEST WAYS TO MEET SOMEONE SPECIAL

Dating can be tiring, especially if you’ve put yourself out there and had a string of bad dates that make you want to cringe. But don’t be disheartened, we’ve put together a list of 7 ways to meet someone new.

Say ‘YES’ to a set up

We know that set ups are uncomfortable and can be so awkward, but you never know, you could meet someone great. Never underestimate the ability of a matchmaker especially if it’s a close friend, they probably have a good idea of whom you’ll be well suited too. Even if you don’t meet the love of your life, you could meet a new friend.

Never Skip Work Happy Hour

After a long day at work, nothing beats happy hour! Sipping on some discounted drinks while mingling with your work colleagues and other happy hour regulars can be a great way to meet someone. You never know, your co-workers could be bring along a really cute friend.

Take Public Transportation To Work

If the column ‘Rush Hour Crush’ in the Metro has taught us anything, it’s that lust happens on public transport. Did you know that the tube in London handles up to 4.8 million passengers a day. That’s a lot of people, and just think, one of them could be the person of your dreams.  So next time you lock eyes with someone on your way to work, say hello.

Always Go To Friends’ Birthday Parties

Always go to friends or work colleagues birthday parties. It’s a great way to meet people and expand your social circle. You never know, there could be more than one cutie there.

Get a hobby

Run a marathon, take an art or pottery class. Find something that you enjoy doing and maybe you’ll meet someone with similar interests who you’ll hit it off with. Even if you don’t meet any datables directly, your new found hobby friends may have a cute mate who’s single.

Get online

Did you know that about 17% of marriages are a result of meeting someone online. From dating apps like Tinder and Bumble to online sites like Singles Warehouse and eHarmony, you could meet the person of your dreams. Even if you don’t meet someone, e-flirting is fun and can boost your confidence.

Volunteer

Volunteering is brilliant. You can give back and meet quality, like minded people who also want to help others.

10 UNUSUAL GIFT IDEAS FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Rachel Stevenson
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10 UNUSUAL GIFT IDEAS FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE

gift

Whether he’s your boyfriend, brother, or boss, surprise the man in your life with a gift he won’t be expecting. From gadgets to office toys to unique experiences, here are a few ideas if you’re not sure what to give

Subscription box sets

Subscription boxes are all the rage, and many of them are targeted specifically to men. You can send a monthly delivery of posh socks from the London Sock Company, classy grooming kits from The Personal Barber, or healthy snacks for the office from Lifebox.

Beer making kit

If he can’t get enough of craft beer, why not let him try his hand at brewing it himself? Beer making kits come in a range of different styles, and most breweries offer their own kits. The basics include yeast, a thermometer, and a funnel.

Portable BBQ

Grilling is great in the summer, but with Britain’s unpredictable weather you may not have that much time to break out the coals. With a portable BBQ kit on hand, he’ll be ready for any occasion. It’s ideal for picnics.

All-in-one tool kits

If he likes to tinker around, you could splash out on a full toolkit. However, there are now a number of cleverly designed all-in-one pocket tools for repairs on the go. The Leatherman Wave is one of the most popular, featuring two screw bits, a knife, pliers, scissors, a saw, and a bottle opener. There are 17 tools in total in one stainless steel body.

Practical jokes

What is it about the classics that holds such an enduring appeal? Men just can’t resist the chance to break out the old Whoopee cushion. Gifts.co.uk offer unusual gift for him ideas like a hand buzzer or electric shock pen, perfect for the joker in your life.

Map Artwork

A great gift idea for men who love to travel is converting vintage maps into artwork for the walls. You could frame them yourself, featuring destinations where he’s travelled, or make a collage.

Travel experience

Take the travel theme a step further if you have the budget for it and pay for a getaway to somewhere new and unusual. Look for last-minute deals on city breaks to destinations a bit off the beaten path. You could also pay for an experience like handling birds of prey or taking a helicopter ride.

Camping gear

Camping has come a long way in terms of the gadgets and gear available. Shop around to find a hanging cocoon-like hammock tent, or your very own pressure shower.

Tablet and smartphone accessories

This one will depend on his style – you could get a quirky iPhone case featuring skulls, pugs, or whatever he’s into. There are also unusual tablet holders, including one shaped like a pillow that’s ideal for lounging in bed.

Personalized toys

Get a personalized bobblehead or figuring for his desk, featuring your face, his face, or the celebrity of his choice. Unusual desk art can serve as a talking point with colleagues and also help him think of you during the day.

3 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TRAVELLING AROUNG EUROPE

Rachel Stevenson
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Travelling around Europe can be an amazing experience that you’ll never forget. Whether you’re booking a package deal with transport to and from each European country included or planning your own trip and booking individually, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared. Whether you are only planning to visit two or three individual countries or are preparing for the trip of a lifetime exploring as much as Europe as you possibly can, we’ve put together a few of the most important things to do before you set off.

Get Travel Insurance

Before jetting off on a tour around Europe, one of the most important things to do is make sure that you have your travel insurance policy completely set up. Travel insurance is absolutely vital for in case things go wrong, and not only will it cover your health insurance when in European countries, it’ll also protect your belongings from damage or theft. To  apply for a European Health Insurance Card visit here, it will entitle you to free of charge state-provided healthcare when needed in any of the twenty-eight member states of the EU. Although it’s not clear about the future of the EHIC since the Brexit vote, currently, they are still valid to use.

Plan Your Trip

There are many different methods of travelling around Europe, so it’s important to have your trip carefully planned out beforehand. Even if you’re planning a more spontaneous trip where you’ll simply make up your trip as you go along, it’s a good idea to have a basic plan laid out to work to. Europe is a huge continent with plenty of different cities to see in each country, so deciding which cities are a must-see and which can be left off the list is important to make sure that you don’t end up having to miss out when your trip ends. One of the best ways to get around Europe is on the Interrail network, where you can travel by train, bus, and sometimes ferry in almost all European countries.

Do Your Research

There’s nothing worse than arriving in a country to find that you’ve completely misjudged it, and it’s not at all what you would have expected. Make sure that you do plenty of research beforehand into the places that you’re considering visiting. Along with looking at things such as the main tourist attractions and hotels in the area, it’s also important to look at things such as crime rates or cultural traditions to make sure that you’re fully aware of your surroundings when you arrive. Reading reviews on site such as TripAdvisor will help to give you a better understanding of what to expect in the places that you visit.


Travelling around Europe is a fun, once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should definitely do if you have the chance to. But, in order to make sure that your European trip is both safe and comfortable, it’s important to plan and prepare ahead in good time.

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR QUICK AND EASY SPICY PARSNIP SOUP

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR QUICK AND EASY SPICY PARSNIP SOUP

As the autumn days draw in, this delicious and simple spicy parsnip soup is a perfect winter warmer.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp of olive oil

4 teaspoons of curry powder

1 large onion, cut into 8 chunks

675g parsnips, diced

1.2l vegetable stock

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Over a medium heat, heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan and gently fry the onions until they are soft.  Add in the parsnips, stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil and then simmer for 30 minutes with a lid on or until soft.

Remove the lid and check the parsnips are cooked. If you are happy they are done, then remove from heat and whiz up using a hand blender. Once the soup is a smooth texture mix in the curry powder. Add more salt and pepper to taste and more curry powder depending on how spicy you like the soup.  Serve with warm crusty bread.

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