Category: Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Ways To Detox Your Body

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Ways To Detox Your Body

There’s no better way than feeling healthy and full of energy. At the start of the year we decided to have a month of pure detoxification which involved cutting out fizzy drinks, red meats, alcohol and snacks, including sweet treats and crisps. It wasn’t the easiest thing to take on in January, but we are happy to say that we stuck to it and feeling great!

If you are thinking of getting healthier this year, or need more of an insight into doing so, take a look at a few tips below.

Drinking more water: Water does so much more than quench your thirst. It regulates your body temperature, aids digestion and nutrient absorption, and detoxifies your body by removing waste products. Water transports waste products, removing them through urination, breathing, or sweating. So staying properly hydrated is important for detoxification. It is said that the daily water intake for most adults is about 2 to 2.5 litres which is around 8 glasses. You may need more or less depending on your diet or your activity level. To make water that little bit more tastier, we add a slice of lemon and mint!

(Photo credit: Mariah-Hewines)

Focus on sleep: Getting quality sleep each night supports your body’s health. Sleeping allows your brain to recharge itself. Not getting enough sleep can lead to stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. It is said that we should regularly sleep 7 to 9 hours per night to help gain and maintain good health. If you have difficulties staying or falling asleep at night, try to relax before bed by taking a hot bath, reading a book or stick to a sleep schedule and limit using your phone before bed.

(Photo credit: Toa-Heftiba)

Limit your intake of sugar and processed foods: Even thought this can be so difficult at times, but you can keep your body’s detoxification system healthy by consuming less junk food. You can limit junk food by just leaving it on the shop shelf. Not having it in your kitchen takes away the temptation altogether, and replacing junk food with healthier choices like fruits and vegetables is also a healthy way to reduce consumption.

(Photo credit: Vinicius-Amnx-Amano)

Gut health: Gut health is so important for keeping your detoxification system healthy. Prebiotics is a type of fibre that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Eating foods rich in prebiotics can keep your immune and detoxification systems healthy. Good food sources of prebiotics include tomatoes, artichokes, bananas, asparagus, onions, garlic, and oats.

(Photo credit: Cleo-Stracuzza)

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

Ways to clear your mind

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Ways to clear your mind

There are many things we need to tackle daily. Emails, meetings, errands, making meals. The list is endless. Clearing your mind is a great way to reinvigorate yourself and complete your tasks to the best of your ability. Anxiety usually rises when we’re weighed down with worries, thoughts and upcoming projects. And to be completely honest life itself can be full of many challenges. Making time for yourself and your mind should be the number one go too. If your mind is not a 100% how can you be your best self.

It’s ok to say no: There are always things happening constantly in our day to day lives. Catching up with friends, family and work commitments. As the days go by it is easy to get caught up, and when you eventually stop you realise half of the year has gone by already. In life we have to prioritise and make decisions and you can’t always say yes. It’s ok to put your needs first and it’s ok to say no, especially if you are feeling rundown and overwhelmed. Saying no will reduce your stress, leave your mind clearer and leave you with valuable time for yourself. You can’t help others if you don’t take care of yourself first.

Take a break: Stepping away from phones, computer screens and what you’re currently working on will help you find space for whatever types of rest you need throughout the day. Plus, it will enhance your attention when you return to it. Take a deep breath when you can, do a short guided meditation, go out into the fresh air for a walk or run, read a chapter from your book, listen to music or take a nap. These are great ways to get things off your mind and improve memory.

(Photo credit: Jessica-Lewis)

Make a to-do list: Writing down what you need to accomplish in a day and even in life will help you stay organised and on track. Doing this lets you empty your thoughts on paper, freeing up space in your mind. By writing things down, that thought will no longer pop into your head every few days or hours.

(Photo credit: priscilla-du-preez)

Vocalise how you feel: We all need a little extra help from time to time. Even If you need to speak to someone other than friends and family, seek medical advice from a doctor or a therapist. Be honest about what you’re experiencing — to yourself, and others, too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed say so. Acknowledging and vocalising how you’re feeling will keep your mind at ease.

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

Digital Immersive Arts Experience At London’s Frameless

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Digital Immersive Arts Experience At London’s Frameless

If you love art and fancy experiencing art a little different then Frameless is the place for you. Situated a short walk from Marble Arch, Frameless is London’s first permanent digital immersive arts experience. And you won’t be just looking at paintings, you’ll be inside them with its incredible displays of animated masterpieces. Each one with its own theme, showing the work in exciting ways.

All the artworks have been brought to life using state-of-the-art digital techniques designed to complement the specific art techniques and artworks on display. It’s like you have entered another world whilst interacting with both the artworks and the music.

Frameless features masterpieces from some of the world’s greatest artists. Including the likes of Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Dali, Van Gogh, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt.

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

Top 5 Health Benefits of Saunas And Steam Rooms

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Top 5 Health Benefits of Saunas And Steam Rooms

Saunas and steam rooms are not for everyone, but this is one thing we look forward to most after a workout. It is a great way to relax and recharge. Steam rooms and saunas are similar, both are heated rooms and used for relaxation and to help relieve symptoms of certain medical conditions. There are differences between the two, steam rooms offer moist heat, while a sauna provides dry heat from a wood or electric stove. We researched more into the benefits, and here are some of the reasons you need to steam and sauna your way to better health.

Post-workout relaxation: Muscles need to be relaxed and stretched after they are exercised in order to promote healthy recovery. This process is expedited by muscle relaxation, which occurs in response to a hot environment. Saunas and steam rooms also relieves joint and muscular tension. The heat soothes, warms and relaxes your muscles. Which is why this is so important to do after sport. It is said that it helps with joint pain as well as arthritis, migraines, and headaches.

(Photo credit: HUUM)

Removes toxins and clears the skin: We found out that sitting in a sauna and steam for just 20 minutes can get rid of an entire day’s sweat and all of the toxins! Steam clears the skin of impurities.  It improves circulation in the whole body, which gives you a healthy glow and will make your skin look and feel amazing.

Reduces stress: The heat causes the body to release endorphins that reduce the feeling of stress in the body. After you will feel rested and rejuvenated.

(Photo credit: Lukas Kubica)

Helps with weight loss and a healthy blood flow: The heat of steam and saunas get you sweating which can help even shed a few extra pounds of water weight. Capillaries dilate when exposed to the heat of a sauna or steam room, so blood flows freely and easily through the whole body, transporting oxygen everywhere you need it and leaving you feeling refreshed.

Opens the sinuses: Wet heat opens and thins mucous membranes in your body, sinuses, throat and lungs. Loosening mucous can be felt after entering a sauna as your breathing feels clearer. This can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from chronic congestion or sinus infections.

Shelley & Michelle xx

Food, Lifestyle

Dining at Brat, London

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Dining at Brat, London

If you are a food lover then you have to experience the delicacies Brat has to offer. Based in London’s Shoreditch, the vibe of the restaurant was so relaxed and there’s always something extra special when the chefs cook the meals in an open kitchen. It shows professionalism and excellence as well as allowing diners to admire the chefs expertise.

We started with a variety of different small plates, each and every one was excellent, and couldn’t tell you our favourite dish as they were all so tasty.

The small plate portions were just right and consisted of Maldon Oyster with Cucumber & Seaweed, Grilled Bread, Grilled Padron Peppers, Spider Crab Toast, Scarlet Prawns, Green Salad followed by the Beef Rib and Smoked Potatoes. We were so stuffed and actually asked for a doggy bag! The food was too good to just throw away and would have regretted that in the morning. We shared dessert which was the Caramel Cream and was delicious.

Instead of us typing away, we’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy.

Maldon Oyster with Cucumber & Seaweed
Grilled Bread
Grilled Padron Peppers
Spider Crab Toast
Scarlet Prawns
Green Salad
Beef Rib
Smoked Potatoes
Caramel Cream

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

PROUD CABARET ALL STARS

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PROUD CABARET ALL STARS

If you’re in the UK and fancy an unforgettable night out filled with circus acts, burlesque artists and fire breathers then Proud Cabaret is the place for you. You can choose different shows to see from Cabaret Underworld, Drag Brunch, or Cabaret All Stars. We chose Cabaret All Stars and loved it so much, we went twice! Cabaret All Stars has a celebrity host to lead the stellar cast of performers. From boyband Blue’s Duncan James, Love Island’s Amber Davies, and actresses Denise Van Outen, Claire Sweeney and many more.

Cabaret All Stars is a Vegas-style show introduced to London’s West End, so be prepared for an unforgettable night out. Proud Cabaret have glamorous venues around the UK including Embankment, Brighton and Proud City, which is located in the city of London.

You can enjoy a delicious three-course meal whilst watching the show sipping on Prosecco, wine, or a cocktail of your choice. The seated burlesque entertainment usually starts from 7pm until 10.30pm. You won’t be seated for long, by the end of the night you will be up on your feet dancing along to great tunes sung by the celebrity host to close the night on a high.

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

5 WAYS TO KICKSTART A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE IN 2022

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5 WAYS TO KICKSTART A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE IN 2022

Invest in yourself: Always make time for you, it may sound a bit cliche but not taking care of yourself won’t give you the ability to be your best self in everyday life. This is easier said then done, as the days can disappear before our eyes so quickly… I mean we are at the end of January already! Try and find ways to show yourself some love and keep your stress levels down, whether it’s getting your hair done, buying that new outfit or a piece of jewelry you’ve had your eye on. Retail therapy can be a good remedy to feel good. Lastly investing in your wellness, for example vitamins is a good way to get through those long winter days. We have a lot of vitamins and minerals in our foods, but if you are suffering with those January blues and needing that extra boost, invest in the vitamins you need to help give you energy.

Make time for sleep: Getting enough sleep is one of the most important health benefits ever! It reduces stress and improves your mood, leaving you refreshed and alert for the day ahead. Without enough sleep the brain cannot function properly. A healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy. It’s not easy for us all to drift off to sleepy land straight away and to get in the recommended six to nine hours a night, but if you try getting into bed at a decent hour most nights, and making it a point to shut out all the distractions such as phones, you may see a difference. Enjoying a hot bath with your favorite bath salts is a great way to help sooth the muscles, unwind and clear the mind. We love spraying lavender mist on our pillows before sleep which helps get us to sleep quicker. If that’s not for you, you can never go wrong with a good book before bed.

(Photo credit: Susan Wilkinson)

Choosing healthier food options: We’re not fans of diets and tend to eat what we want and also enjoy, all in moderation of course! If you are watching what you eat then the best way to monitor this is by evaluating the time of day you have your meals. We find that when we make time for breakfast, lunch and dinner we snack less during the day. A substantial breakfast is not on the cards for us every day due to busy mornings. When on the go grab that banana or fruit pot so you don’t miss out. Try eating at fixed meal times daily, this will help control your hunger. Just have fun with your meals, we are foodies and like a variety of different cuisines. Experiment more in the kitchen and bring fresh tastes to your dining room table.

(Photo credit: Claudia Soares)

Exercise: Being able to fit the time in to even get to the gym a few times a week is a miracle. So when life gets hectic, being physically active throughout the day helps. You don’t need to hit the gym every day to burn calories, deciding to take the stairs over the lift, taking a half an hour brisk walk at lunchtime. And even try a ten minute quick Yoga and Pilates session first thing in the morning or just before bed at the end of the day. Sticking with this routine will keep your fitness levels on track.

Mind and soul: We all have our own way to de-stress, clearing the mind is also important for overall health. Learning to switch off from your day fully is a mindset, to achieve this, you can meditate, pursue a hobby, listen to music and watch a great tv series. Why not treat yourself to the cinema or theatre. Put yourself first, when you try to do that you will feel happier and be able to tackle whatever life throws at you.

(Photo credit: Thanos Pal)

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

DINNER AT LONDON’S MINT LEAF LOUNGE

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DINNER AT LONDON’S MINT LEAF LOUNGE

If you fancy a chilled evening dining out, and to experience exquisite dishes filled with great herbs and spices. Then Mint Leaf Lounge is the place for you. The cosy restaurant provides a great atmosphere with soft lighting and relaxed music.

Based in the City of London, the restaurant offers a variety of different menus to suit everyone, from a romantic meal for two, to a group dinner, and even business lunches.

Diners have the choice from a selection of set menus as well as an à la carte menu to choose from. And as always great cocktails, wines and spirits are on offer. We chose to sip on chardonnay wine for the evening which went down nicely with our meal.

To kick start the evening we chose the Chilli Calamari which was perfectly crisp fried and tossed with roast cumin and green chilli. Alongside a plate of Tiger Prawns with black onion seeds and spiced yoghurt. Both dishes were so tasty, we wanted more!

It took a little longer than usual to choose what we wanted to eat, as everything on the menu looked too good. So we decided on a dish each, and to share the love lol.

We enjoyed the Murgh Tikka Makhani which is a free range chicken, chargrilled in fresh tomato and fenugreek sauce. With Lamb Rogan Josh that included a braised leg of lamb with brown onion, tomato and Kashmiri chilli and Saffron Pulao Rice. Both dishes tasted really well together.

Mint Leaf Lounge is located near to the Bank of England in the heart of the City. If you are based in London the restaurant is easy to travel to, and a great choice to enjoy chic and sophisticated dining.

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

5 WAYS TO TACKLE STRESS AND AXIETY DURING LOCKDOWN

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The Coronavirus Pandemic has had an impact on all of our lives one way or another. Making our anxiety and stress levels reach that all time high. Some of us, feeling worried as we are not sure what tomorrow’s news may bring, bored by staring at the same walls day in and day out. You may live alone and feel lonely, which can then turn into frustration as all you want to do is see and hug your loved ones. For most of us, these feelings will pass and we have for you a few easy little steps you can do in the comfort of your home and to help point you in the right direction.

Meditation: Finding time for you is always beneficial and meditation is a way where you can do this. Meditation can be practiced at any time of the day, we’re not saying to spend hours meditating but, ten minutes a day will keep those cobwebs at bay. A good time to practice is first thing in the morning or just before bedtime. Even If you need a few minutes to yourself during the day, doing a short meditation on your lunch break will give you that time out you need. There are great meditation apps for mindfulness such as Calm and Headspace. YouTube is a great way to find short meditation videos too.

(Photo credit: Lesly Juarez)

Stay connected with friends and family: We have all been using Zoom more than ever this past year. Whether that being holding evening quizzes, meetings, celebrating birthdays and baby showers. We all need to feel connected, so keep in touch with friends and family and try reconnecting with old friends. Doing this more times than not should make you feel a little better as you can catch up and have a good laugh, which is so needed.

Physical health: Our physical fitness has a major impact on how we feel, so looking after our bodies the best way we can is important. It’s so easy to fall into unhealthy patterns in lockdown but you have to just have the mindset to keep your physical fitness going. Try to exercise regularly, this can be as easy as an online ten-minute Yoga and Pilates class, a high intensity half hour cardio session, hitting the pavement for a jog, a daily walk or bike ride helps with fitness and also clears your mind. Eating healthily and preparing a well-balanced, nutritious meal always makes you feel great. As well as drinking lots of water.

(Photo credit: Greg Rosenke)

Make time for yourself: This can include anything, think of things that you really enjoy and that relaxes you. Listening and dancing around to your favourite music always helps, as well as releasing those feel good endorphins. Doing this for as long as you want whilst dancing around like no one is watching is the best thing ever! Reading books can make your mind wonder to a different place. A great book is a good feel factor and whilst doing this why not run a hot bath and enjoy your book whilst soaking your body at the same time. Pamper yourself. This can be facials, giving yourself a manicure and pedicure, masks and hair masks. Looking after you is the way forward. Lastly try out that new recipe you have seen. Cooking a great meal or even baking for yourself and for those you live with is a good way to get those culinary skills on point as well as having a full stomach too!

(Photo credit: Sam Loyd)

Organising your space: They say an organised space is an organised mind, the more clutter you can see around you, the more easily you’ll find yourself distracted. Start by getting rid of the things you don’t need. There is a variety of different online ecommerce websites where you can sell clothes, electrical goods and many more. You may fancy a little revamp, why not give a room in your home a whole new makeover. Doing this will make you feel as though you have got something done, whilst feeling great about yourself at the same time.

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

A NIGHT SPENT DINING AT DUCK & WAFFLE

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A NIGHT SPENT DINING AT DUCK & WAFFLE

It’s quite difficult during these times to do the things we are so used to doing. As England is now in lockdown for a month, a couple of weekends ago we decided to have an early evening meal at London’s Duck & Waffle. It was a night spent eating in the clouds… literally. The restaurant is set on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower which stands at 755 feet, making it the tallest building in the City of London. Before the pandemic Duck & Waffle were one of the only few restaurants open for 24 hours, serving great food round the clock.

Your experience begins as soon as you arrive. Have your phones at the ready, as you enter one of the two panoramic glass elevators you will be whisked from the ground and taken up, it’s like you are watching London go-by from the ground all the way up high. We booked our table in advance and was lucky enough to get a window seat and watch the sunset whilst sipping on a chilled glass of wine.

Duck & Waffle have a varied menu from lamb chops, sea bass, steak or roasted corn fed chicken. The menu is also split between tapas-style small plates and larger dishes for sharing. We went for their signature dish the Duck & Waffle which consisted of crispy leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup, everything tasted so delicious and the combination of the duck, waffle, egg and maple syrup complimented each other really well.

Curfew in England was at 10pm at that time so unfortunately we couldn’t be out till the early hours, but we made the night as good as we could. After dining we walked downstairs to the 39th floor and enjoyed a cocktail or two at SushiSamba which was so vibrant and full of energy. There was a DJ playing in one section of the venue whilst we were taking in the atmosphere, scenery and enjoying the vibes, socially distanced of course.

SushiSamba London features the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe, offering 360 degree views of the City which was the perfect way to end the night.

Shelley & Michelle xx