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10 ECO-TOURISM DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE THIS WINTER

Rachel Stevenson
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10 ECO-TOURISM DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE THIS WINTER

The world is seeing a boom in environmentally-friendly travel. With the help of LitterBins we’ve put together a list of 10 eco-toursim destinations to explore this winter

If you’re after a trip that’s low on environmental impact and high on adventure then eco-tourism is for you. This type of travelling is all about visiting new places without causing any harm to the existing ecosystem or culture. It’s the perfect type of tourism.  With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of eco-toursim destinations that have been selected based on:

  • Expert advice
  • Seasonality
  • Distinctive ecosystems
  • Natural resources
  • Biodiversity
  • Local commitment to maintaining the beauty and integrity of these places through sustainable tourism

Costa Rica

With its spectacular natural beauty and incredible array of wildlife, Costa Rica has developed into one of the world’s most successful eco-tourism destinations and is frequently praised for its conservational efforts. Whether watching wild monkeys and sloths swinging through the rainforests, climbing volcanoes, swimming with sea turtles or simply relaxing on one of the countless pristine beaches, Costa Rica is sure to provide that fix of life-changing experiences.

Galapagos Islands

These idyllic volcanic islands are completely cut off from the rest of the world and are home to unique and often bizarre species of plants and animals, many of which can’t be found anywhere else on earth. Approximately 90% of the Islands are designated national parks, contributing to the protection of their fragile ecosystem and natural beauty.

Borneo, Malaysia

Borneo is Asia’s largest island and is fast becoming a leading destination with travellers who want to discover unusual wildlife and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Grab your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for the extremely rare Pygmy Asian Elephant and Sunda Clouded Leopard, or traverse the rainforests and mountains in search of Bornean Orangutangs. Dine with the indigenous Dayak people and discover their ancient traditions and cultures.

Peru

Peru is a land of dramatic landscapes and fascinating culture, including the Norte Chico and Incan Empire. The “lost city” of Machu Picchu is a must for all adventure and eco-travellers, as is the country’s portion of the Amazon rain forest, which covers almost three quarters of the country’s total surface. Visitors are also treated to some 25,000 different plant species, 30% of which are native, as well as an extraordinary stretch of the Amazon River that’s home to unique animals such as the pink dolphin, giant river otter, piranha, Amazonian manatee, and the infamous anaconda.

Patagonia

Patagonia is a surreal collision of glaciers, lakes and snowcapped mountains. Explore the Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO world biosphere reserve known as one of the most unspoiled places on earth, and choose one of the many multi-day treks to experience the awesome power of Mother Nature.

Bhutan

Located on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a tiny land-locked kingdom and is one of the least visited places on the planet. Bordered by the Tibetan region of China in the north and India in the south, it is listed as one of the top 10 global biodiversity hotspots. Visit the Wangchuck Centennial National Park in northern Bhutan and discover the country’s largest conservation area, as well as the Eastern Himalayan conservation complex, which is home to snow leopards and Himalayan wolves.

Slovenia

Slovenia is one of finest alpine eco-tourism destinations in Europe. It’s been controlled by communist Yugoslavia since World War II, meaning it remained relatively undiscovered until the 1990s. As well as its cultural charms, Slovenia also borders the Italian Alps and offers some of the most spectacular mountain hiking in Europe.

Botswana and Zambia

Botswana and Zambia are renowned for their wildlife-watching opportunities and combine to make southern Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Botswana is home to most of the world’s San (Bushmen) population and the Tsodilo Hills UNESCO World Heritage site is considered sacred. Inhabited for at least 100,000 years, these ancient hills are decorated with intricate rock paintings, whilst the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to diverse wildlife and the country’s last remaining Bushmen. Zambia is also home to the world’s largest waterfall, the wild Zambezi River.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers a huge variety of dramatic landscapes ranging from giant glaciers and picturesque fjords to rugged mountains and subtropical forests. Get your walking boots on and discover the endless volcanic plateaus or take to the high seas and watch whales, dolphins and seals showing off their acrobatic skills as they propel themselves out of the water with graceful

Vietnam

As well as its extraordinarily colourful history, Vietnam is home to endless expanses of idyllic beaches, protected national parks, snaking Deltas, coral reef ecosystems and Tam Giang-Cau Hai Lagoon – one of the biggest lagoons in the world. Needless to say, Vietnam has enormous potential for eco-tourism.

If you want t learn more about eco-tourism read our article on ‘The Rise of Eco-Tourism’

TRAVELLING LONG DISTANCE? THE GADGETS YOU SHOULDN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT

Rachel Stevenson
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TRAVELLING LONG DISTANCE? THE GADGETS YOU SHOULDN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT

traveling

If you are planning a long distance trip for business or leisure, making sure that you don’t leave home without the right gadgets is important for making sure that your trip runs smoothly. Whether you’re traveling by plane or are planning a long road trip, there are a number of gadgets that you’ll need to take along. These will ensure that you remain connected and have instant access to the information you need while you travel. We’ve put together a list of some popular tech tools that you shouldn’t leave behind.

Smartphone

Having a smartphone is definitely essential. If you’re flying, it can come in handy with mobile boarding passes and keeping track of your flight. As with Wi-Fi or a local 3G or 4G connection, you’ll be able to connect to the internet to search for information about your destination, directions to places that you need to go to such as your hotel. If you are driving, a mobile phone can be useful for navigation and directions. If you’re leaving your partner behind, a phone is a great tool for getting together for video calling. Alternatively, you could check out arousr.com for some sexchat.

Laptop

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If you’re traveling for work, taking your laptop along with you is crucial.. There are plenty of different lightweight laptops and netbooks on the market today that are perfect for those who travel for business often, or for people who work on a freelance basis as they travel the world. If you’re going to be traveling for a long period of time or taking a series of different business trips, your laptop is al piece of kit that you won’t be able to do without.

E-Reader

When you’re traveling far by air, you’ll need to take something along on the flight to keep you occupied. Many people enjoy reading on flights. they can use the time to catch up on the latest novels that they’ve been wanting to read for a while, or perhaps finally flick through an autobiography that they’ve been wanting to sample since it was published. But, with hand luggage restrictions on many airlines, there’s a limit to how many books you can take – bad news for fast readers on long flights! But, with an e-reader, there’s no limit to how much reading material you can take along for the trip.

Smartwatch

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When you’re traveling, a smartwatch can definitely come in handy. If you’re carrying a lot of luggage, wearing a smartwatch can be much more convenient than pulling out your Iphone. Smartwatches can send you reminders, notify you when you’re getting a text, and you can even answer calls on many of them, making this a great investment for those who travel a lot.

If you’re going to be traveling a really long distance, you’ll definitely need some gadgets to ensure that it’s a smooth trip.

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR ALL YOUR DIFFERENT GIRLY FRIENDS

Rachel Stevenson
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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR ALL YOUR DIFFERENT GIRLY FRIENDS

There may have been decorations in the stores for over a month now. But if you didn’t get the memo, Christmas is nearly here! With all of the festivities that are coming up, we need to find time to do some gift shopping. You might only have a few gifts to buy this year; you might have a lot. However many you need to buy, having some ideas is always useful. So I have put together a few ideas for you this year. Hopefully, you will find this of use for all of the different friends in your life.

For the Yogi

If you have got a friend that is a keen yogi, then, believe it or not, there are plenty of options out there for them. Christmas yoga gift ideas are easier to choose than you might think. You could start buy getting them some new exercise gear. It could be new trainers, socks or leggings. You could get them some baggier yoga pants, or even some new yoga accessories. A new yoga mat is a good idea, as well a water bottle and yoga block. If they are a seasoned pro, then they probably don’t need the latter, though! If you aren’t sure exactly what they need, then you could always get them a gift card for a sports store. Victoria’s Secret do some great workout and yoga clothes too.

For the Foodie

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We all have a friend that is a bit of a foodie, right? We only have to have a look through their Instagram feed to see it. The good news is, is that there are plenty of options for food related gifts. You could get them some kitchen gadgets or accessories for their home. A spiralizer is a great option these days, especially for friends that might have gluten intolerances. You could get them something fun like a waffle iron, or perhaps accessories for baking. If she is a bit of a smoothie queen, then it might be worth getting them some new mason jars or mason jar mugs. Then they can drink they smoothies or juices in style.

For the Beauty Lover

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I’m sure we all have a friend that is a big beauty fan too. So how about some new beauty products for them to try out? I think that eyeshadow palettes are a great idea. They can choose a variety of colors, for a variety of different looks. If you feel like giving them something a little more thoughtful, booking them a treatment could be a good idea. Then they have something to look forward to. You could even go together to get a manicure or pedicure, for example. So it makes an extra special gift!

For the Stationary Queen

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Even if you aren’t students at the moment, then you still might have a friend that is a stationery hoarder. Some cute notebooks, pens, and accessories are a great gift for anyone that likes to be organized. It is a great idea to get them stickers and things like washi tape too. Then they can be organized in style.

THE MOST UNDERRATED SKILLS THAT’LL MAKE YOU A ROCKSTAR IN THE FASHION STAKES

Rachel Stevenson
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THE MOST UNDERRATED SKILLS THAT’LL MAKE YOU A ROCKSTAR IN THE FASHION STAKES

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Keeping up with fashion can be hard work. You need to know what colours are in and what styles on an on trend. Then you need to know where to get these things in your budget, and how to layer and style them together. Let’s be honest you need some serious fashion skills to be social media ready these days. Read on for some help in this area.

Eye for a bargain

Unless your last name is Jenner and you have a sister called Kim, you’ll probably be working on a budget when it comes to your fashion choices. While it can be frustrating, it can also help hone your fashionista skills and your eye for a bargain.

There are plenty of places you can find fashionable items that won’t break the bank. You can try online stores. Keep an eye out for money off codes like the ones at http://www.plusvouchercode.co.uk/offers-discount-code-debenhams.html.

Auction sites like Ebay are also useful. You can often grab something way below its ticket price there if you keep an eye on how the bidding is going.

Then there are secondhand shops. The best place to go second-hand shopping is in the posh part of a big city. You’ll find all sorts of crazy bargains there, often by designer labels! You can get some tips at metro.co.uk.

Understanding Colour

Understanding which colours go well together is a very underrated skill. Sometimes it is not enough to just watch what colours are in fashion, but you have to know how to combine those shades for maximum effect.

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If you get really technical on this, some people use colour theory to work this out. It basically states that colours next to each other on the colour wheel are analogous. Or like each other, so they will go rather well.

It also says that colours that are opposite on the wheel are complementary. This means that although they are different, the contract will work well together.

You also need to bear in mind that some colours suite cool tones skins, while others suit warmer tones. You should ignore a colour, even if it is the high of fashion if it doesn’t match your skin tone.

You Get Accessories

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To be a diehard fashionista, you need to understand accessories. That means you need to be able to work the on-trend themes into your outfit by way of using bags, shoes, and jewellery. You also need to do this without looking like like a poor excuse for a Christmas tree.

As Coco Chanel said, “Before you leave the house every woman should look in the mirror and take one thing off!”

You Can Bring It All Together

Of course having skills in each individual are is useful but it doesn’t mean much unless you can bring it all together as a cohesive whole. You need to be able to choose on trend items that are in budget, in the right colours and accessorise properly to get the overall look you are aiming for. If you can do this, then you truly are a  Rockstar In The Fashion Stakes.

TOP TEN IDEAL WAYS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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TOP TEN IDEAL WAYS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

With Christmas and New Year just behind us, we are right in the middle of winter. The short days, dark nights and cold weather often brings around a bout of winter blues. There has been a lot of attention on the festive season, but once turns up, many of us sink into mild depression. The urge to curl up and hibernate can be very strong, but it’s important to fight back and start living your life to the full, come rain or shine.

My Favourite Voucher Codes has got 10 of the best ways to beat those winter blues.

Stick to New Year’s resolutions

Many people start the New Year with the best intentions, but by the second week of January, it all seems a little bit too much like hard work. If you want to feel better about yourself, set realistic resolutions and stick to them.

Read: 5 IDEAL tips to help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions

Enjoy yourself

After weeks and weeks of buying presents, indulging in food and drink, and generally celebrating, January can be quite depressing. However, it doesn’t have to be Christmas to spend on yourself. Keep your costs down by taking advantage of Virgin Experience Days voucher codes and do something special every now and again.

Get out of the office

Your job can often seem like the most important thing in the world, after all, it does pay the bills. But remember, if you’re spending too much time at work, are you getting to see your loved ones as often as you should?

Catch 40 winks

With the dark nights and mornings, it’s easy to oversleep throughout winter. While we do need our sleep, we need the right amount of sleep. By sleeping too much ad for too long, you might end up feeling more tired. Try to get between seven and eight hours a night, even at the weekends. If you start to lag by the afternoon, have a 30 minute nap instead of those long lie-ins.

Start eating healthily

You don’t have to aim to lose weight or start some crazy celebrity diet to feel better about yourself, just eating healthy food will give you the vitamins and minerals you need.

Reduce caffeine intake

We drink hundreds, maybe thousands, of cups of tea and coffee over our lifetime, but caffeine can make you feel worse after its temporary lift. If you often find yourself with a mug in hand, switch it for herbal tea.

Go on an alcohol detox

Over Christmas and New Year you probably indulged in one too many alcoholic drinks. Did you know that alcohol is actually a depressant? Rather than helping you feel better, drinking can sink you deeper into depression. Switch wine and beer for a refreshing glass of ice cold water instead.

Jet off on holiday

The sun is a great source of Vitamin D, and without it we can start to feel miserable. So, instead of sulking around at home this winter, why not jet off somewhere exotic for a bit of winter sun? You can get some great deals at this time of year.

Read: How to save money when booking a last minute holiday.

Exercise

Chances are, you’ve been meaning to start making the most of that gym membership for quite some time. Well, there’s no time like the present. Regular exercise can help relieve stress and release endorphins, helping you feel much happier.

Socialise with friends

The holiday season is often filled with unexpected visits from old friends, catching up with work colleagues and spending days with family members. This social interaction can be sorely missed once the festivities are over. Make a social date at least once a week to boost your mood.

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR TASTY MIXED VEGETABLE BRAISED RICE WITH OLIVE OIL & HONEY

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR TASTY MIXED VEGETABLE BRAISED RICE WITH OLIVE OIL & HONEY

Tasty mixed vegetable, braised rice with olive oil & honey by Phil Vickery for Enjoy Sunday Lunch, sponsored by Shloer

Serves 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

4 tbsp olive oil

2 small onions, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped

1 red pepper, cut into 1cm pieces

1 yellow pepper, cut into 1cm pieces

2 medium courgettes, roughly chopped

1 carrot, thinly sliced

½ tsp paprika

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 tbsp tomato puree

350g long grain rice

150g frozen peas

Approx. 600mls boiling water

2 vegetable stock cubes, crumbled

Pinch of salt

Course ground black pepper

1 x 50g bag baby spinach leaves

1 large bunch of fresh parsley, chopped roughly

150g thick Greek yoghurt

2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

2 tbsp runny honey

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6.

Heat the oil, and then add all the vegetables apart from the spinach and the peas. Cook for 10 minutes and then add the paprika, cumin and tomato puree mix well. Next add the rice and peas and coat well.

Add the boiling water, stock cubes, a little salt and pepper and mix well. Bring back to the boil, cover with a tight fitting lid and then pop into the oven. Cook for 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven, remove the lid and fluff up well with a fork. You may need to add a little more oil. Add the spinach and parsley then mix well, cover and leave for 10 minutes.

Serve with a little thick natural yogurt, chopped fresh mint and drizzle of honey.

IDEAL TIPS: WHICH SOCIAL PLATFORM IS BEST TO PROMOTE A LOCAL BEAUTY BUSINESS

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL TIPS: WHICH SOCIAL PLATFORM IS BEST TO PROMOTE A LOCAL BEAUTY BUSINESS

The advent of social media has provided business a more direct and targeted marketing tool that reach across large and diverse audiences and costs less than traditional marketing techniques. But it can equally be overwhelming trying to divide your time between running and improving your business and networking with your clients and targeted markets on social media.

One way to effectively maxmise the power of social media is to avoid spreading yourself too thin. Attempting to register business presence on all social media networks could turn out counterproductive on your health and business interest. You should first review the peculiar advantages and disadvantages of each social media platform and decide how relevant and effective it is to promoting and securing your business.

Considering the general demographic and psychographic composition of beauty business, here are social media platforms a beauty entrepreneur should focus their energy, time and creative.

Facebook

The Facebook ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ buttons are viewed more than 22 billion times a day, not just on the network, but across millions of other websites. This social media platform is made for social interaction and is great way to keep up with your current client, as well as connect with other segments of your target market.

Twitter

Twitter is trendy, engaging and chatty. It is your ‘on the go’ network as it is mostly viewed on mobile web. And with 650 million users and 58 million tweets, the news virtually breaks on Twitter – and your new business updates should get in here too.

Pinterest

It is visually appealing and inspiring. The catch for beauty businesses is that a great chunk of Pinterest’s 70 million users are women. In fact, one third of women in the US currently use Pinterest.

Instagram

Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder; and Instagram is basically designed for ‘beholding.’ It’s mostly a new generational network with 150 million users (90% are under 35) and offers you a great platform for visual representation of your business. It allows you to share remarkable, original and creative photos with image filters that will spark the interest of your target market.

Nextdoor

A private social network that links directly to your neighbourhood and local businesses, Netxdoor keeps you in the loop on goings-on around you and can be the perfect digital rendezvous to connect you’re your business prospects through great reviews from your current customers.

Bangstyle

Bangstyle is the only social network solely focused on hairdressing and the stylists that inspire, providing a catalogue of salons and stylists with great looks they create. New contents are published daily on useful tips, resources and images for beauty business owner.

YouTube

The web’s most visible video-sharing site may have been largely ignored by business in the past, in part because it attracts millennial more, but since 2015, the importance of YouTube as a marketing tool has been growing. With over a billion users, YouTube’s demographic is fast and extensively spreading to mums, young men, senior citizens and other niche markets that makes it easy to penetrate with the right content.

IDEAL TIPS: CHILD SAFE ALTERNATIVE PUMPKIN DECORATING IDEAS

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL TIPS: CHILD SAFE ALTERNATIVE PUMPKIN DECORATING IDEAS

It’s difficult to think outside the box when it comes to decorating your house for halloween. Pumpkin carving is a traditional way to celebrate, however it’s not that kid friendly! CNM online have provided you with a list of alternative pumpkin decoration ideas that don’t include a knife. Go one step further from traditional carving this halloween and follow these fun steps to decorate your halloween pumpkins :

Rainbow Pumpkins

Painting your pumpkins is such an easy way to make your pumpkins look fun! This is kid friendly, knife free and very creative. Create rainbow colours on your pumpkin by using different colours to make a bright decoration. Alternatively, embrace the spooky theme and paint your pumpkins black or white with creepy blood stains. Use water based paint that’s easy to wipe up just incase there are any spills.

Glitter Pumpkins

Create a style statement with a dipped glittery sparkly pumpkin! Use a paintbrush to cover the bottom end of the pumpkin with PVA glue. Scatter and sprinkle a handful of glitter over the pumpkin base to make a distinct glittery line. Black glitter will keep with the halloween theme, whereas gold and silver will make a style statement!

Fishnet Pumpkins

Cover your pumpkins with some fun lace tights and let the orange show through the funky patterns. Place the pumpkin into the tights, trim at each end tie to secure in place. You could tie a bow or string around the the top of the tights and wrap these around the stalk. This adds a final finishing touch and hides the knot created in the tights. You could even recycle an old pair of tights to save some money!

Lollipop pumpkins

Create a tasty pumpkin treat by sticking different flavour lollipops into the pumpkin. Cover the pumpkin surface all the way around and place on a table during halloween celebrations to keep the kids busy!

Chalkboard Pumpkins

Chalkboard paint has become a really popular way of entertaining kids. Usually, chalkboard paint is used to decorate playroom walls to allow kids to draw and write on the wall. Cover your pumpkin with chalk paint and use the surface to draw on spooky eyes and a mouth. Alternatively, use chalk to write scary messages or start writing a countdown of days until halloween.

Mummy Pumpkins

Embrace halloween by creating creepy mummy pumpkins. Use a length of gauze to wrap around a pumpkin to make it look like a mummy. You can use PVA glue to stick the gauze down or alternatively stick on some craft-store adhesive googly eyes to finish the look. Use the creepy mummy as a table piece or on top of the fireplace for decoration!

TIPS FOR WINTER TANNING

Rachel Stevenson
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TIPS FOR WINTER TANNING

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I don’t know about the rest of you, but my Summer tan has well and truly gone! As devastating as this fact is, we all know it’s better to fake it anyway, so make like Lauren Goodger (well, maybe not that much) and get a golden glow that will see you right through to the summer months with IDEAL’s tips on winter tanning.

Shave or Wax

Ensure you de-fuzz at least a day before you tan to prevent irritation and clogging up your open pores. Tan goes on a lot better a day or so after waxing.

Exfoliate

Before, during and after tanning! To ensure the longevity of your tan, be sure to exfoliate well before and after, but also gently whilst your tan is on to get rid of dead skin cells and expose the best tan throughout its wear.

Moisturise

Keep your tan as long as possible and prevent flaking by moisturising evening and night. Choose a moisturiser with tan prolonger for even best results.

Use a mitt

We all know fake tan dies your palms, so make sure to use a mitt at all times. They’re also great for getting a light, even coverage all over.

Don’t forget…

To tan your face, hands and feet. The troublesome areas are sometimes easiest to avoid, but to ensure the look is realistic lightly swipe the tan over these places for an all-over glow. Alternatively, mix a blob or tan with moisturiser to dilute the tan when rubbing into areas that easily streak.

Don’t go too dark

I know it’s tempting to go all-out on a winter tan but make sure you go for one that’s a few shades lighter than one you’d choose in summer, making it believable enough to avoid becoming on the receiving end of the office ‘Tangoed’ jokes.

Splash the cash

The high-street is awash with inexpensive tanning products, but as ever, it pays to spend a bit more. Go for middle of the range options to ensure quality, minimal streaking and a lasting tan. IDEAL’s favourite is LDN: SKINS; these guys organic products are kind to your skin and are transfer resistant meaning the tan won’t stain your clothes or bed sheets.

Choose dark colours

So now you’ve got that lovely winter tan, to maximise it don’t go for whites, creams and pale pink clothes and makeup as you would in the summer. Unfortunately your tan from a bottle doesn’t have the depth and warmth that a real one does. So whilst in the summer white makes you look like a bronzed goddess, in the winter it will wash you out. Go for burgundy and olive jackets, plum purple lips and dark eyes to ensure your tan keeps its glow.

Mix it Up

When applying your makeup, be sure to dust bronzer over the top for a warming finish. In addition, mix a blob of instant tan in with your foundation to darken your base and avoid having to buy another, darker foundation.

Image Source: footlocker2014.com

IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE

The Christmas shopping season is back again, so it’s time to start thinking about some gifts for the special man in your life. If you’re stumped for ideas, keep reading for a short list of a few ideas that can help you start buying gifts to put under the tree.

A Different Kind of Watch

One of the top go-to gift ideas for men is a watch, so you should definitely look into the top brands, such as Fossil, that are available on Watches.com. Fossil watches are innovative, and available in both mechanical and automatic styles, making it easy to choose one that your man will love.  Designed with authentic adventure and freedom in mind, they’re also ideal for men who love the outdoors and exploring.  The weather may be cold outside, but you can still treat your man to something outdoorsy that he is sure to love.

Tickets to a Special Event

Sometimes the best gifts are experiences rather than things, so look into upcoming events, such as sporting events and concerts, that are going to be happening in your area. Purchase a pair of tickets so that you and your man can enjoy this experience together and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Video Games for Fun

If your man likes to unwind in the evenings and on weekends by playing video games on consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, consider getting him a new game or two that you think he will like tackling. The new challenge will certainly be welcomed, and if he has been showing interest in an upcoming release, you can surprise him by getting it for him for the holiday so that he can start playing it right away.

A High Quality Shaver

Giving your man a high quality shaving system is a great way to improve his morning routine, as he will no longer have to rely upon disposable razors that can cause skin irritation and ingrown hairs.

There are several different electric shavers that you can consider, but the best ones are those that will work whether the skin is dry or wet, and those that provide different modes of operation will also give your man the ability to trim and shave his facial hair with greater ease. Just make sure to get an alum block with that, if your partner takes their shaving seriously!

A Few Good Reads

Does your man enjoy reading? Whether he wants to learn how to be a more effective businessperson or he prefers diving into the latest fictional novel that has made it to the bestseller list, consider getting him a few books that he will thoroughly enjoy reading over the next few weeks or months. And if he’s not a fan of books, consider getting him a magazine subscription instead.  There are tons of reading related gifts you could consider, too, like high quality personalised bookmark printing and book lights.

Shopping for Christmas gifts for your man should be fun, not frustrating. With the ideas above, you can start compiling a list of presents that he will be thrilled to find under the tree on Christmas morning.

4 COMMON FASHION MISTAKES & HOW NOT TO MAKE THEM

Rachel Stevenson
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4 COMMON FASHION MISTAKES & HOW NOT TO MAKE THEM

Fashion changes and evolves so fast that a style which was at ‘the height of fashion’ one day will be ‘so last year’ before you know it. But then again it also goes full circle and you could suddenly see one of these come back into fashion months or even years later – making it a complicated and confusing world, to say the least.

Due to the fast pace of the fashion world, making fashion mistakes can easily be done. However, there are some mistakes that will always be a mistake and they are more common than you may think.

Here are four of them – but don’t worry if you find you are making them, as you can also discover the best way to avoid them too.

Mistake 1: Socks and sandals

Wearing socks with sandals is a big no-no! They should never be worn together but they still are, particularly during the summer months when socks shouldn’t really be worn with anything.

How to avoid: Avoid this massive fashion mistake by investing in a decent pair of canvas slip-ons. They are lightweight and comfortable while still being stylish and perfect with any outfit.

Mistake 2: Ill-fitting suits

Some men think their suits and shirts should be baggy – they shouldn’t, they should fit. This might be done for comfort but this isn’t necessary and ultimately it will just look scruffy.

How to avoid: Go for a suit and shirts that fits as close to your body as you can while still retaining free range of movement in your arms. This simple change will make you look instantly suave and smart.

Mistake 3: Low cut (v-neck) t-shirts

All low cut t-shirts fit in to this list – but v-necks are the worst offenders of all.

These t-shirts, often seen on the likes of Simon Cowell, result in man cleavage and no-one needs to see that. Similarly, and another favourite of Mr Cowell, is unbuttoning a short much further than it needs to be – two buttons and you have already gone too far.

How to avoid: If you are unbuttoning your shirt to feel cooler in the heat of summer or warmth of a winter office you obviously don’t want to be restricted, so instead undo a couple of buttons and roll your sleeves up to you elbow instead. Or go for a short-sleeved linen shirt, which is both stylish and more breathable as well as being dressy and casual. As for the t-shirt, swap your v-neck for a round neck, like these Nicce London ones from Clues Fashion.    

Mistake 4: Clothing that is too tight

While clothing that is ill fitting or too baggy is a big mistake – so is clothing that is too tight. Jeans, t-shirts, jumpers – if any of it is too tight it won’t only look wrong you will feel incredibly uncomfortable. You don’t want to look like you have bought clothes that are too small for you or borrowed them off a younger sibling.

How to avoid: Always try before you buy and don’t be afraid to ask the shop assistant for their opinion – there is a big difference between slim fitting and far too tight. You will know whether you feel comfortable in it or not – if you don’t, then put it back straight away.

5 TIPS TO BE A BETTER DRIVER ON THE ROADS

Rachel Stevenson
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5 TIPS TO BE A BETTER DRIVER ON THE ROADS

As with many skills, you never stop improving on your ability to drive. Here are some tips that will help you become the best driver you can be.

According to the World Health Organisation the UK has one of the lowest rates of road fatality in the world, in no small part due to the careful driving of its inhabitants. A mix of high quality infrastructure and comprehensive driver training all contribute, but what can you do to become the perfect driver?

DON’T RUSH

Leave enough time to get to your destination: rushing puts pressure on you and makes you more likely to speed and to react aggressively to other road users. Don’t overthink the task of driving, all of the other drivers are simply aiming to get to their destinations safely too and are not out to menace you in any way. Relaxed drivers also make fewer mistakes, errors which can eventually lead to car crash claims.

ANTICPATE

It’s called defensive driving, and involves anticipating the behaviour of other road users. When you approach a crossing and see another vehicle, be ready to apply the brakes and make sure you have your hands on the wheel if you need to swerve. Watch out for drivers who behave aggressively, and take extra caution around them.

FOLLOW THE RIGHT PROTOCOL

The most important thing to remember is that you absolutely have to stop at the scene and get in touch with the other parties involved. At the very least, try to capture the number plate of the other car as this will be invaluable when it comes to car crash claims.

Ideally you should note the names, full address and make and model of the cars for all the parties involved. Take photographs of the scene if it is safe to do so or draw a sketch as soon as you can. This can be given as essential evidence when proceeding with car crash claims such as chasing a higher settlement amount.

INDICATE

Often underestimated, indicators serve as a signal of your intentions to other drivers, and allows them to plan ahead. Signalling before you take a turn-off suggests to other drivers that you will soon slow down; while switching on your indicator before you attempt to change lanes will give other drivers the opportunity to allow enough room for your manoeuvre, and prevent them for being surprised by your actions.

BE EFFICIENT

Being a good driver is not only about safety. The way you drive will have a big effect on the amount of fuel your car consumes, and how much wear and tear it undergoes. Constantly accelerating under a full throttle, only to brake at the speed limit will significantly increase your fuel bill; accelerate gently instead. High engine revolutions increase wear and tear; while drivers of manual cars should never use the clutch to keep the car from moving while stationary.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Small efforts with each trip can add to significant savings over time, and efficient habits are core to the driving style of the best drivers.

HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN CUPCAKES – IDEAL FOR TRICK OR TREAT

Rachel Stevenson
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HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN CUPCAKES – IDEAL FOR TRICK OR TREAT

These creepy cupcake creations, courtesy of Stork are wickedly fun to make and ideal for halloween.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Serves: 12

Ingredients

  • 175g (6 oz) Stork tub
  • 175g (6 oz) golden caster sugar
  • 300g (11 oz) self raising flour, sieved
  • 3 medium eggs
  • 5 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 100g cooked pumpkin or butternut squash, mashed
  • 50g chocolate and hazelnut spread
  • Zest of 1 orange

Topping

  • 115g icing sugar
  • A little orange juice
  • 55g (2 oz) plain chocolate, melted or use chocolate and hazelnut spread
  • Liquorice sweets and laces to decorate

Method

1. Place 12 muffin cases into a muffin tray.

2. Place the first six ingredients into a bowl, and beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth.

3. Stir in pumpkin mash and orange zest and divide half the mixture evenly between the paper cases, add a half teaspoon chocolate spread and then top with remaining mix.

5. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 20-25 minutes oven 200°C, 180°C (fan assisted), Gas mark 6 for 20-25 minutes.

6.  Add a little orange juice to the icing sugar until thick and spread over the muffins. Pipe the melted chocolate in 4 circles over the top and then drag a skewer through to give the cobweb effect. Place the sweets and laces on top to look like a spider

 

4 IDEAL REASONS TO BUY CASHMERE THIS WINTER

Rachel Stevenson
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4 IDEAL REASONS TO BUY CASHMERE THIS WINTER

With winter just around the corner, you might be thinking about going shopping for some comfy sweaters to make sure that you’re all set to stay warm once the colder weather starts to set in. When shopping for sweaters, you might be wondering what is the difference between cashmere and wool, and why is cashmere usually so much more expensive? Well, cashmere is more expensive than wool for a whole host of reasons, and if you’re looking to invest in a good jumper that’s going to be your favourite thing to wear this winter, cashmere is a great choice to make. We’ve listed some of the best reasons to choose cashmere this season.

Warmer

Along with being much softer than wool, cashmere can also be up to eight times warmer than sheep’s wool. Considering that cashmere comes from goats who live in extremely cold temperatures, it’s no surprise that it’s a very warm material that’s sure to keep you shielded from even the coldest of winter days. Unlike wool, which you will often have to layer in order to benefit from the warmth, cashmere can be worn as a single layer and still keep you warm and cosy.

Lighter

Another reason to consider buying a cashmere sweater over a woollen one is that they are lighter in weight. This makes them much easier to wear without having to compromise on warmth, and far more comfortable to layer under a coat than a thick, bulky woollen jumper, for example. Along with that, they’re also the perfect item to take along on any winter city breaks or trips, as you can easily pack them without adding much weight to your luggage.

Durability

When you purchase a high quality cashmere sweater or other cashmere fashion item, you can expect it to last you for many years. One of the best qualities of cashmere is that it has a long life cycle, and usually takes quite a long time to start showing any signs of aging such as discolouration or loss of shape. Unlike wool, cashmere does not shrink with water, and therefore will not lose its shape or become smaller when washed. Along with that, cashmere does not wrinkle, and it’ll come out of every wash softer than before!

Softer Feel

One of the main reasons why many people go for cashmere rather than wool is because quality cashmere is pure softness. On the other hand, if you go for a woollen sweater, even if it’s a high quality wool, it’s always going to be a little bit itchy when you wear it. If you compare the two fabrics together, there’s definitely no comparison with cashmere when it comes to softness and comfort. If you’re looking for a soft cashmere sweater or scarf for this winter, you can shop the full Melanie Cashmere range here.

If you’re looking to invest in a quality sweater that you can rely on to keep you warm every winter whilst looking great, cashmere is the best material to choose.

Image © Pixabay

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!

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