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We often travel abroad and forget that our own country has amazing things to offer. Each of England’s counties have something amazing to discover if you are looking for ideas for days out. Here we go through each English county and provide you with a couple of ideas for things to see and do. Whether you are looking for somewhere to take your children, a great family day out, somewhere to go with friends, or just looking for stunning views and scenery, we have you covered.

Bedfordshire: Whipsnade Zoo, Woburn Abbey Gardens, Woburn Safari Park

Berkshire: Windsor Castle, Legoland, Ascot Racecourse

City of Bristol: Brunel’s SS Great Britain Suspension Bridge, Bristol Cathedral, Ashton Court Estate

Buckinghamshire: Bletchley Park, Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Cambridgeshire: Imperial War Museum Duxford, University of Cambridge, Ely Cathedral

Cheshire: Chester Zoo, Lyceum Theatre, Tatton Park

City of London: British Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, Barbican Theatre

Cornwall: Eden Project, Tintagel Castle, Fistral Beach

Cumbria: Lake District, Hadrian’s Wall, Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s Home)

Derbyshire: Chatsworth House, Kinder Scout, Bakewell

Devon: Woolacombe Beach, Dartmoor National Park, Exeter Cathedral

Dorset: The Tank Museum, Old Harry Rocks, Kingston Lacy House

Durham: Durham Cathedral, Beamish – the living museum, Raby Castle

East Sussex: Beachy Head, Seven Sisters, Ashdown Forest

East Riding of Yorkshire: RSPB Bemptom Cliff Seabird Centre, Flamborough Head, Burnby Hall Gardens

Essex: Colchester Zoo, Colchester Castle, Clacton Pier

Gloucestershire: Hidcote Manor Gardens, Gloucester Cathedral, Clearwell Caves

Greater London: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park

Greater Manchester: The John Rylands Library, Old Trafford & Ethiad Stadium, The Lowry

Hampshire: Highclere Castle, Jane Austen’s House Museum, Mottisfont

Herefordshire: Forest of Dean, Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, Hereford Cider Museum

Hertfordshire: St Albans Cathedral, Warner Brother Studios Leavesden, Lee Valley White Water Centre

Isle of Wight: Monkey Haven, The Needles Landmark Attraction Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Kent: Canterbury Cathedral, Botany Bay, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Lancashire: Blackpool, Lancaster Castle, Morecambe Bay

Leicestershire: Twycross Zoo, National Space Centre, King Richard III Visitor Centre

Lincolnshire: Lincoln Cathedral, Steep Hill, Belton House

Merseyside: Cavern Club, Mersey Ferries, Knowsley Safari

Norfolk: Sandringham Estate, Norwich Cathedral, Cromer Beach

Northamptonshire: Rockingham Castle, Pitsford Water, Kirby Hall

Northumberland: Cragside House and Gardens, Alnwick Castle, Northumberland Coast

North Yorkshire: National Railway Museum, Whitby Abbey, Flamingo Land

Nottinghamshire: Clumber Park, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, The D H Lawrence Birthplace Museum

Oxfordshire: Blenheim Palace, Oxford University Museum of National History, Bridge of Sighs

Rutland: Rutland Water, Aquapark Rutland, Barnsdale Gardens

Shropshire: The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Ludlow Castle, Shrewsbury Castle

Somerset: The Roman Baths, Glastonbury Tor, Wells Cathedral

South Yorkshire: Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Sheffield Cathedral

Staffordshire: Alton Towers, Biddulph Grange Gardens, Lichfield Cathedral

Suffolk: Africa Alive, Southwold Pier, Newmarket Racecourse

Surrey: Hampton Court Palace, Thorpe Park, London Bus Museum

Tyne and Wear: Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Angel of the North, Victoria Tunnel Tours

Warwickshire: Warwick Castle, Stratford upon Avon, Tudor World

West Midlands: Cadbury World, Black Country Museum, National Sea Life Centre

West Yorkshire: Bronte Parsonage Museum, Hardcastle Craggs, Salts Mill

West Sussex: Arundel Castle, Nymans, Chichester Cathedral

Wiltshire: Stonehenge, Longleat, Lacock Abbey

Worcestershire: Worchester Cathedral, West Midlands Safari Park, Malvern Hills

We hope this article has provided you with some great ideas of where you could visit when you are next in a different county. However, this is not an exhaustive list, so please recommend your own suggestions in the comments or let us know by connecting with us on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Want to hold on to the summer that little bit longer, or just fancy a getaway? We highlight some of the best destinations to travel to during the Autumn months that will guarantee you have an amazing holiday.

For the sunseekers
Even though summer has ended it doesn’t mean there are not some amazing places you can visit that will provide you with the sun you are looking for. Some of the destinations are not even that far away, meaning you don’t always have to jet off on a long-haul flight in order to get some sun during the Autumn months.

1. Sardinia
This Italian beauty is a gorgeous holiday location and even in Autumn you can experience temperatures up to the high 20’s. Not only is the island beautiful and still sunny this time of year, Autumn also transforms into festival central with local streets inland being turned into markets, allowing you to experience the island with the locals. If you want to stick to the coast, then enjoy the slightly quieter beaches and soak up the sun.

2. Cyprus
With average maximum temperatures just above 30 degrees Celsius, this is a great place to visit. Although still lovely and warm, as the days get slightly cooler, you can explore some amazing destinations by foot which is difficult to do during the blazing heat of summer. Whilst everyone back in the UK is putting on their scarves and coats, you can relax by the pool or spend the day at the beach in peaceful bliss.

3. Lanzarote
Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is such a popular Summer destination but can also be enjoyed during the Autumn months. With temperatures still just below 30, you can enjoy the sun whilst you also enjoy the quieter hotels, poolsides and beaches. Now that the peak heat has gone you will as well be able to explore more of the island on foot, including its volcanic peaks and national park.

4. Dubrovnik
This Croatian city has seen a dramatic rise in tourism over the past decade, with a lot of help from it featuring in Game of Thrones. It’s a beautiful city to visit and you can understand why it is popular, but Autumn brings the beauty of being able to see the city when it is slightly quieter. During Autumn you will have more options for accommodation and will feel that the streets and beaches are a bit less overcrowded. With temperatures settling around the mid-20s, it is still warm enough to relax on the beach as well as walk around the city to see what it has to offer.

5. Florence
Florence is a gorgeous city to visit and the temperatures remain mild throughout Autumn. The later Autumn months are a great time to visit as the tourist crowds have started to disappear, the hotel prices are cheaper and you can enjoy walking around the city in pleasant temperatures, exploring the culture, food, and entertainment that is widely available.

For the City Breakers
Need a break in Autumn but looking for more adventure and culture rather than sun, sea and sand? Then these top city breaks are great for you.

6. Reykjavik
Increasingly growing in popularity, Iceland is a fantastic place to visit with its capital having a lot to offer, from lagoons and glaciers to amazing museums and cosy cafes. The overall cost of hotels starts to fall once the summer is over. You also benefit from being more likely to see spectacular Northern Lights. A once in a lifetime experience.

7. Madrid
Autumn means the intense heat has subsided and you can enjoy the city and all it has to offer. You can still eat outside as the temperatures are not cold and you can spend you days visiting amazing buildings such as the Royal Palace and The Prado, go on a great shopping spree, embrace your sporting side and visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid, stroll through Retiro Park or relax in cafes and bars drinking wine and eating tapas.

8. Vienna
The Austrian capital is beautiful in Autumn. Visit the range of palaces and cathedrals, walk through the stunning Schonbrunn Gardens, embrace the culture in the amazing museums, walk through the market places to experience the local atmosphere and relax in side street cafes for amazing sweet treats and coffee.

9. New York
Last but certainly not least has to be the city that never sleeps. Although people love to visit New York in Spring and Winter when it is lit up for Christmas, there may not be a better time to see this city at its most beautiful than in the Autumn. With Central Park full of orange and red leaves, to being able to witness preparations for Halloween and Thanksgiving, there is something special at this time of year. You will never be bored in this city with so much to do from visiting the MET to seeing a show on Broadway to having amazing food and pumpkin spiced lattes.

Let us know about any Autumn holidays that you have particularly enjoyed by connecting with us on social media @TimeForYouGroup

One of the best parts of a holiday is surely the food. You can really experience a country’s culture through the food they eat, and being on holiday is the perfect time to indulge yourself. Here we travel across Europe and pick some of our favourite local cuisine that all tourists must try.

Belgium - Waffles
Everyone will have probably heard of Belgian waffles and how amazing they are, but you cannot truly appreciate them until you have eaten them for yourself. With a range of toppings to choose from, they are an indulgent treat that you will not regret. Nutella and strawberries are always a winning combination in our eyes.

Italy – Arancini
There are very few countries that have as much amazing food and flavours to offer than Italy. From pizza and pasta to tiramisu and gelato, we have a lot to thank Italy for when it comes to food and drink. But despite how amazing these foods are, we have decided to focus on Arancini. These are little fried rice balls that are typically stuffed with meat, mozzarella, mushrooms, aubergines or tomatoes and are gorgeous. They are coated in breadcrumbs and then deep fried, creating a mouth-watering treat. You may as well finish the meal of with some refreshing gelato, which seems to come in every flavour imaginable!

Switzerland - Cheese Fondue
The Swiss are not only known for their cheese, but also for what they do with it. Melting it in a pot with some white wine or kirsch for added kick, and then dipping crusty bread into it is a must do experience if you are there. It’s warming, gooey and delicious and will leave you wanting more. It’s also a great meal to share with friends.

Hungary - Langos
Similar to a pizza but with a twist, these flatbreads are deep fried and traditionally topped with sour cream alongside a range of toppings of your choice. They are a speciality in Hungary and something you should definitely try if you are there. The great news is they are readily available at street food markets and a great choice for a cheap but delicious meal. If this doesn’t sound like your thing, then definitely try a traditional bowl of goulash. It is the ultimate comfort food, especially on a cold day.

Germany - Currywurst
Whilst it is not the prettiest dish to look at, it more than makes up for it in flavour. A Bratwurst (fried pork sausage) is cut into slices and served with curried ketchup and fries. You will not have trouble getting your hands on these as they are many stalls and restaurants dedicated to this dish.

Sweden - Kottbullar
Known better to us as Swedish meatballs, this dish has become iconic, especially with the help of IKEA. The meatballs are made with cream and breadcrumbs soaked in milk to create really tender meatballs. Serve it with gravy, lingonberry jam and either mash or chips for a real comfort food treat.

Scotland - Haggis
Some people love it, some people hate it. Whatever side you are on, this is a dish Scotland is known for and should be tried at least once. It sounds unappealing as it is a savoury pudding made from sheep offal minced with onion, oats and spices. Serve alongside the traditional “neeps and tatties” for the complete experience.

Netherlands - Herring
Being on the coast, fish is a longstanding part of the diet in Netherlands, with herring being an extremely popular snack to have. You will easily find them available on street food markets across Amsterdam and although it may not be to everyone’s taste, it is a great way to have a healthy snack.

Spain - Tapas
There is so much to love about tapas. According to the Spanish dictionary, any small dish that can accompany a drink can be considered tapas. Initially meant to be served as an appetiser or as a snack whilst you had a drink, tapas are now eaten as a main meal. From hot and cold dishes ranging from patatas bravas, olives, cheeses, Padron peppers or croquettes, there is something to suit everyone’s taste and the great thing about having such small dishes means you try lots of different stuff! Although tapas are available across Spain and now becoming popular across the world, Barcelona and Madrid deliver tapas at its best.

France - Macarons
There are so many iconic and delicious dishes that originated in France, but we’ve chosen to highlight the beautiful and delicate macaron. These sweet, meringue-based treats come in a range of pastel shades and flavours. They are filled with buttercream, jam or ganache and are the perfect sweet fix. You will struggle to find more beautiful macarons than in a French bakery.

Greece – Gyro
This Greek dish is now becoming popular around the world at food festivals and markets and it’s easy to see why. Made from meat usually cooked rotisserie style, it derived from lamb donor kebabs but has expanded to offer pork and chicken as well. Stuffed in a pita or wrapped in a flatbread alongside onion, tomatoes and even French fries, all topped off with tzatziki sauce. This is a kebab like you’ve never eaten before!

Portugal - Nata
Portugal is famous for these custard tarts. With crispy pastry and a custard filling and caramelized top, these little pastries are to die for and a must-try if you are ever in Portugal.

Denmark – Smorrebrod
If you are ever in Denmark, make sure you have a Smorrebrod before you leave. These open sandwiches are usually served on rye bread and can be topped with a range of foods from roast beef and horseradish to eggs, other meats, cheeses and fish. Best eaten with cutlery to ensure its an enjoyable but not messy eating experience.

England - Scones
Nothing is as quintessentially English as the scone. Whether you prefer it savoury with cheese or sweet with dried fruit, they are truly delicious. Typically served as part of an afternoon tea alongside jam and clotted cream they are amazing throughout the year and truly comfort food. The main decision you have to make is whether to put the jam or cream on first. In Devon they traditionally spread clotted cream on first, whereas in Cornwall, it is tradition to put jam on first.

Let us know your favourite European foods and share any tips that you’ve picked up on your travels by connecting with us on social media @TimeForYouGroup

Camping is a popular and fun way to spend a holiday. Although it may not suit everyone’s tastes, camping has increased in popularity over the years as the facilities, equipment and amazing locations continue to improve, allowing you to have a great holiday and experience. It is a brilliant way to see the outdoors, visit a different part of the country and appreciate nature.

In this guide, we discuss why you should go camping and how to plan a camping trip if you haven’t been on one before. With glamping and other amazing and unique accommodation choices, camping has never been this fun or luxurious.

Why should you go camping?
There are so many reasons why a camping holiday can be fun for all the family. Here are just a few reasons why:

It’s affordable
Although this is not always the case, as there are plenty of campsites where they offer glamping which is relatively expensive, camping can definitely be done on any budget. This is a great option if you have children as you can avoid the high prices of travelling abroad during school holidays. Campsites can start from less than £10 a night and although you will be investing in all the camping gear if this is your first time, you will use these hopefully time and time again, making the overall cost of the holiday extremely low. You also have control of how much you spend during the day. Choosing free activities such as going to the beach or visiting free museums and cooking for yourself instead of eating out are also great ways to keep the cost to a minimum. You can also bring a lot of the stuff you need from home. If you have your car nearby you can bring duvets, pillows and blankets from home as you don’t have to worry about carrying it far.

It’s great for the whole family
A big bonus of camping is that the whole family can enjoy it. No matter what age your kids are, there is a campsite that will be suitable for you. In addition to this, you will also be able to bring your dog with you to many campsites which allows them to be part of your family holiday as well as saving you money on kennels. Camping is not only fun for kids (they can spend the whole day playing and running around outdoors), it is also educational. Camping can teach kids many important skills, such as putting up a tent and cooking.

It’s fun
If you embrace all that camping has to offer, then it is a really fun holiday. It allows you to escape from your daily life and routine and get away from things. Stripping back to the mere basics with no TV and other distractions can be really rewarding. Trying to cook amazing meals with limited resources is a fun challenge. You can sleep under the stars, and there is a ton of activities you can do so that you will never be bored. Playing games, reading, playing sports or visiting local attractions are just some of the things that can fill your days quickly. Choosing a campsite that has a range of facilities is a great option, or you can go for a campsite that is walking distance to entertainment, restaurants etc.

You get to see the beautiful UK
Camping allows you to visit places in the UK you have never visited before. When you go on holiday abroad regularly, it is sometimes nice to remember how many beautiful locations we have in the UK which we may not have seen yet. Whether you fancy a mountainscape, beaches, rolling hills, valleys or lakes, you will find a campsite with these spectacular views.

How to plan a camping trip
Here is a step by step guide on how to plan your first camping trip

1. Decide what trip you want to take (what would you like to see and do. Choose a location from there). Try somewhere relatively local and easy to get home in the car if you have not camped before. This means you can go home if you have forgotten anything important.
2. What accommodation would you like? (Tent, Glamping or Static Caravan) Decide what facilities you ideally would like the campsite to have.
3. When do you want to go? Aim for warmer months for your first trip
4. How are you going to get there? If you are travelling on train or bus you need to be careful about how much you are able to carry. If its by car, you can bring more things from home.
5. Who’s going? This will determine what type of campsite you choose and also what activities you want to do. Make sure if you are bringing children and pets that the campsite allows this as some do not allow pets whilst others are adults only.
6. What’s your budget? Campsites, although not expensive, vary in price so check beforehand. Also, book online in advance if possible. Although some campsites allow you to pay at the door when you arrive, you don’t want to risk the campsite being full once you get there.

List of camping essentials
Although you can bring as much as you or your car can carry, there are a few things which you should not leave home without
- Tent (practice putting the tent up in your garden first before you go camping)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Torch (one for the tent and one for you to carry with you)
- Cool box for food and drink storage
- Water bottle for you to refill
- Food (amount will vary on how much you are planning to eat out)
- Utensils, cutlery and plates
- Pillow
- Blanket (Have one for inside the tent and one for outside the tent to create a relaxing area outside)
- Camping chairs and table (unless you are happy to sit on the floor)
- Camping Stove (BBQ but check if they are allowed at your campsite)
- Solar panel charger for emergency
- Clothes for all weathers (its surprising how cold your tent will get even on the hottest summer’s day)
- Wash kit
- First Aid Kit

Let us know if you have any top camping tips by connecting with us on social media @TimeForYouGroup

With the increased use of technology and social media as well as an increased knowledge of the impact our travel can have on the environment, we have recently seen a change in travel trends which impact not only how we travel but where we travel to. Here we discuss what these latest travel trends are and how it changes the way we holiday.

Micro trips
One trend that has been growing in popularity is the micro trip. More and more people are sacrificing a large summer holiday and splitting it into several weekend trips across the year. These micro trips (also called bitesize travel) have increased due to many factors. With improvements to flight routes, it is easier for people to get to cities quickly, meaning that you can now go further afield for a shorter period of time. Having these shorter breaks with jam-packed itineraries are a way of seeing more of the world, quickly. Planning a 2-week holiday can also be extremely stressful, making more regular but shorter breaks seem more desirable and easier to organise.

Conscious Travelling
The adverse effect we have had and are having on the planet cannot be ignored, especially as this is constantly being discussed in the news. According to a study carried out by Booking.com, over half the people asked would not go to a destination if they felt it would negatively impact the locals that live there. Hotels and other businesses have had to make this shift in conscious travelling and embed it into their strategy. Banning single-use plastics such as miniature toiletries and highlighting what sustainable practices they do are becoming more common in order to entice people to stay with them. One study stated that over 80% of the travellers they asked would be willing to spend time doing activities that offset the environmental impact their travelling was having. This has also led to a spike in eco-tourism companies.

Technology
From having our boarding passes on our phones, artificial intelligence, speech recognition and virtual reality, there have been so many recent advancements in technology that have changed the way we travel. On the whole, these developments in technology have led to smoother holidays. Technology also significantly helps us with our holiday research. No longer does the average person head into their local town to visit a travel agent. With all the information you need on the internet, you can cut out the middle man and enjoy planning it all from home. Although online bookings have been around for years, it is the future use of technology in the travel and tourism industry which is interesting. There are several projects being worked on such as keyless room access which is controlled by your phone, using artificial intelligence as concierge so that they always speak the language of their guests and having a digital tour guide to provide tailored information to each person. It is impossible to truly predict how technology will continue to change how we travel in the future, but personalisation seems to be an important factor.

Social Media
Social media, in particular, Instagram, has recently affected not only where we want to go on holiday but also guided our decisions on what to do when we are there as we share our holiday pictures. A lot of people, especially millennials, constantly seek photo opportunities to post on Instagram, such as being “alone” at the top of a mountain when in reality there is a queue of people waiting to get the same “isolated Instagram shot”. For some people it is like you were never there if you didn’t post a picture on holiday. In a survey from UK company Schofields, more than 40% of the people asked under the age of 33 consider “instagrammability” the most important factor when choosing a holiday destination.

New Destinations
One destination that seems to be more possible to visit than ever before is space. Although this is not a reality yet, it is something people are considering for the future and has also led to people wanting to go to completely new destinations such as accommodation under the sea. Cheaper flights and new routes have also led to an increase in people visiting places that were not that popular before. Further afield places such as Abu Dhabi and Oman are now becoming more popular as they provide the tourist with a more unique holiday and experience to share with friends.

Unique Accommodation
Gone are the days where all we want is a nice hotel. Although this is still desirable, people are wanting alternative and different accommodation to make their holiday unique. Over the last decade, we saw the rise in air bob which allows you to stay at apartments and other people’s homes whilst they are away. It also opened up the growth in people staying in unique accommodation such as boats, cabins and yurts.

Craving experiences and to learn
A trend that is growing is the need for experience. Tourists are now more driven by the experiences they can gain on holiday, with learning a new skill high on a lot of people’s lists. Companies are jumping on board this trend by providing people with these experience packages. Having an experience on holiday is now deemed preferable to buying new material possessions. These experiences range from the adventure seeker to the nostalgic where people are trying to feel like a child again (think inflatable obstacle courses). People want to tick things off their bucket list and this tends to go beyond your typical sightseeing and is focused around certain activities and experiences. This goes hand in hand with the rise of social media influence as they seek amazing shareable pictures.

Change in timings
With the internet allowing you to book holidays extremely last minute, a lot of people choose this option when booking their holiday, leaving it until the last moment to organize your trip in order to try and get the best deal. Searching for offers is popular as well as changing the time of year they go. Visiting places like Dubai in the summer and Sydney in their winter are becoming a cheaper and attractive option for people to experience these places without having to pay the peak prices.

1.    Not preheating your pan
No matter what you are cooking, always make sure you start off with a hot pan. If you don’t, it will take longer for the dish to cook and will increase the risk of overcooking your food.

2.    Leaving spoons on the counter whilst cooking
It’s very easy to just give your food a stir and then place the spoon on the countertop until you need it again. Although you try and keep your kitchen tops clean, so many items are placed on it daily, from shopping bags to pets, so you can never be too careful. Place the spoon on a plate or spoon rest instead.

3.    Using dull knives
Although you may think shaper knives are more dangerous, this is not always the case. Having sharp knives for cutting food means you don’t need to add as much pressure to cut. With blunter knives, more pressure is needed which, if you slip, if more likely to cause injury. Sharper knives are also better for chopping ingredients up more precisely and finely.

4.    Not drying your salad
Despite food labels saying the food has already been washed, it’s always a good idea to wash your salad again. However, when people are in a rush, they do not always take the time to dry the salad off. Use a salad spinner to dry the salad quickly, resulting in a much better looking and tastier salad that is not sitting in a pool of water.

5.    Letting food sit before placing it in the fridge
Whilst many people claim the correct way to deal with leftovers is to wait for the food to become room temperature before placing it in the fridge, they are mistaken. The main reason behind this was that fridges were not the best at coping with the rise in temperature. Modern day fridges do not have the same problem and can cope with the temperature change well. It’s important to place the food in the fridge as soon as possible rather than leaving it out on the side. Letting your food stay warm for longer means you are increasing the time it spends in the bacteria promoting zone which can be potentially dangerous for your health.

6.    Cooking wet vegetables
If your place your vegetables in the oven straight after they have been washed, they will probably turn out soggy. Dry them off first before roasting to ensure they come out crispier.

7.    Cutting meat straight after cooking
After your meat is cooked, give it time to rest before cutting it. Especially for steak and beef, cutting it too quickly will mean moisture will not be retained as well and will lead to pooling on the plate, and drier tasting meat.

8.    Using dried herbs instead of fresh
Dried herbs and spices are great things to use as they are convenient and have a long shelf life, however they do not have as much moisture as the fresh version and therefore the flavour is stronger. This needs to be considered before using them and adjust the quantity accordingly.  

9.    Seasoning food at the end
Don’t wait too long to add your herbs and spices. A lot of people quickly season a meal at the end as an afterthought. Adding the seasoning as you cook will give it time for the flavours to develop and will stop the dish tasting too spicy or salty.

10.    Not reading the recipe
Always read the recipe to the end. And read it at least once. You don’t want to be halfway through the recipe when you realise you had to marinade something overnight or have realised you do not have all the ingredients.

11.    Keeping butter in the fridge
Its sometimes a natural reaction to place things in the fridge, however some items do not need to be in there, including butter. Along with temperature, moisture and protein are two other factors that affect the level of bacteria in foods which can make them potentially dangerous. Although butter contains a fair amount of moisture, there is hardly any protein, meaning that doesn’t need to be in a fridge. Place a cover over the butter to make sure it’s not affected by light and oxygen.

12.    Overfilling your pan
Finally, when you are in a rush, putting everything in the pan at once can seem like the simplest and quickest solution, however this can actually increase the cooking time and can risk some of the food not cooking properly. If you cook in batches the meal will be cooked better and will also taste better.

Do you know of any other bad cooking habits? Let us know what they are by connecting on social media @TimeForYouGroup

Dishwashers are an invention that have changed our lives and freed up a lot of time in the kitchen which otherwise would have been spent washing and drying all the dishes by hand. Using a dishwasher can also be better for the environment. However, in order to get the best out of your dishwasher, here are some do’s and don’ts.

Do use all the space you can and try and stack the dishwasher in the most efficient way. Put bigger pieces in first and then fill the smaller items around them.

Don’t overfill the utensil holder. If you cram too many in, not all of them will be cleaned sufficiently.

Don’t rinse plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Scrape the plates to ensure the larger bits of food have been removed but rinsing the plates will use additional water and modern dishwashers can cope with food residue on plates as long as you run the dishwasher that day and don’t leave them standing there too long.

Do run a full load. Dishwashers are a great way to be efficient with water, however if you only run half loads, water will in fact get wasted.

Don’t overload the dishwasher. Although you should only do full loads, don’t go to the other extreme and overfill. You run the risk that not everything will be completely clean, resulting in you having to wash them again (and wasting both water and electricity).

Do run the dishwasher at night. Waiting until later in the evening can lower your electricity bill. It also makes sense as you can place all the dishes from the entire day into the dishwasher and wash them all in one go.

Don’t unload the top drawer first. Sometimes the upper dishwasher rack can store water. If you empty these items first, you can end up getting the dry items on the bottom level wet.

Do use Rinse Aid - using this regularly will guarantee a better, shinier clean.

Do clean the dishwasher regularly. Inspect the drain for bits of food and remove them before running the machine again. Also use dishwasher cleaner once a month on an empty cycle to keep the machine clean.

Items you can safely put in the dishwasher
-    Silicone oven mitts
-    Kitchen sponges and brushes
-    Microwave turntable plate
-    Refrigerator shelves
-    Candle holders
-    Toothbrush holders
-    Bath toys
-    Pet toys
-    Pet food bowls
-    Golf balls

Items you should NOT put in the dishwasher
-    Wooden spoons
-    Wooden chopping boards
-    Kitchen knives
-    Graters
-    Sieves
-    Aluminium pans
-    Copper pans
-    Non-stick pans
-    Acrylic dishes
-    Thin plastic containers
-    Metallic trimmed dishes or cutlery
-    Delicate crystal or blown glass

If you have any other dishwasher tips then let us know by connecting on social media at @TimeForYouGroup.

You can never have too much storage in your home. Whether your house is large or small, it is great to be able to have the space to put everything you want away when necessary. However, sometimes it can be a struggle to find sufficient storage. Here are just a few ways you can find extra storage space when you need to.

1.    Using hooks on cupboard doors
Many of us don’t take advantage of the space that is available to us on the inside of our kitchen cupboards. You can easily place adhesive hooks on the inside of your cupboards and use them to hang tea towels, oven gloves and kitchen utensils, keeping them off the counter tops and oven handles.

2.    Under the sink storage
Use adhesive hooks on the inside of the cupboard to hang a small caddy in which you can keep cleaning supplies in or hang cloths. Also, by using small baskets to keep your cleaning supplies in, it will help you find things more quickly and keep things tidier as you won’t have to keep searching for things right at the back of the cupboard. You will also keep track of what is in the cupboard by using this method.

3.    Christmas lights storage
Christmas lights are notoriously annoying to put away. Cut a rectangle or square of cardboard and wrap the fairy lights around this. Not only will it be easy to store, it will mean the lights won’t be tangled next Christmas.

4.    Bedding Storage
Keep matching sets of bedding together by placing the duvet cover and one pillowcase folded inside the other pillowcase. Not only does this save a surprising amount of space, it keeps everything looking tidy and makes it easy to find the whole set when you need to change the bedding.  

5.    Bed storage
Under the bed is a go to place for many when they need extra storage. However, now there are many options to choose from. Built in storage can be accessed through drawers or by lifting up the mattress. You can also get headboards with built in shelves down the side which could be a great space saver.

6.    Magazine holder storage
If you attach a metal or plastic magazine holder to the inside of a cupboard, it’s a great place to store tin foil, cling film, bin bags and sandwich bags which are sometimes annoying to store neatly.

7.    Use picture ledges
Instead of a large shelf, using a picture ledge can still allow you to place photos, small plants and candles etc on without taking up a lot of space. They are great for small rooms and can also be placed next to your bed and be used to charge your phone on or put your glasses on if you don’t have space for a bedside table.

8.    Use your radiator for shelf space
Having a radiator cover or a shelf above the radiator provides additional storage and display space which is usually an otherwise unused area of the home.

9.    Maximise drawer space with dividers
The use of drawer dividers means you can easily split the drawer into different sections, meaning you can make the most of the space. Also, by using folding methods made popular by people like Marie Kondo, you can make your drawers tidier but also see and access all your clothes at once, rather than having to rummage through the drawers to find something you have placed at the bottom.

10.    Vacuum storage bags
Vacuum sealed storage bags are now widely available and are great for storing things like clothes and bedding that you don’t need. Place your summer wardrobe in them during the winter months and you can easily store them away until they are next needed. They also come in a range of sizes to suit your needs. Simply place the items in, place your vacuum onto the attachment and the air will be sucked out of the bag, reducing its size significantly.

Let us know if you have any other amazing storage solutions by connecting with us on social media @TimeForYouGroup

Time For You are the premier international house cleaning service company with hundreds of local business owners across the UK, Australia and Canada. Time For You are currently cleaning tens of thousands of homes across the world on a weekly basis.

Sleep is one of the most important things that we all need. Not only can it improve our mood, it can make us live longer and healthier lives.

Over the years we have been told many facts about sleep, ranging from how much we should be getting each night to what we should and should not be eating before we go to bed. But how many of these facts we’ve been taught about sleep are true? And are any of them affecting our health instead?

Fact 1: You don’t need 8 hours sleep a night – This is partly true. The body can cope well with 7-8 hours a night. It is however false when people say you only need a few hours. Yes, Margaret Thatcher swore by only having four hours of sleep a night and claimed this to be one of the reasons she was successful, however this is not good for our bodies. If we consistently have fewer than five hours of sleep per night, it can increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart attacks and strokes.

Fact 2: You can catch up on sleep at the weekend - No matter how long you lie in on a Saturday or Sunday, it will never completely make up for any sleep lost during the week. The key is to remain as consistent with your sleep as possible.

Fact 3: Alcohol helps you sleep - True in the way it can help you fall asleep, however if you have alcohol in your body you are less likely to have a good night’s sleep. You are more likely to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet or grab a drink of water.

Fact 4: You don’t need as much sleep as you get older - Although older people tend to wake up more during the night and wake up earlier, they still need the same amount of recommended sleep as anyone else.

Fact 5:  Count sheep - This is one of those things you learn when you are really young. However, reading a book or listening to music have been proven to be a much quicker way of falling asleep.

Fact 6: Buy a firmer mattress - It is commonly said that a firm mattress will help people sleep better. Although this will be the case for some people, everyone is different so you will have to choose a mattress that suits your own personal needs.

Fact 7: Some people don’t dream - This is completely false. Although some people never remember their dreams, everyone has them, whether they can be recalled or not.

Fact 8: Cheese gives you nightmares – There is no evidence to support this. However, all meals (consisting of cheese or not) should ideally be finished two or three hours before you go to bed if you want to sleep well.

Fact 9: Watching TV before bed helps you relax - Many people head up to their bedrooms to watch some telly to wind down before bed, but this is not ideal for two reasons. Depending on what’s on TV, you could end up going to sleep feeling anxious or stressed, which will cause you not to sleep as well. In addition to this, TV’s, phones and tablets all emit a blue light which delays the body’s production of the sleep hormone melatonin.

Fact 10: Hit the snooze button if we need more sleep - It is normal to feel groggy when you first wake up. It is also natural to think that this means we need more sleep and should hit the snooze buttons on our alarms. However, this is not the best thing to do. Hitting the snooze button allows you to fall back to sleep, but it will only be low quality and for a short amount of time which could make you feel worse. Try and wake up on the first alarm and open the curtains to expose yourself to as much bright light as possible as this will help you feel more awake quicker.

Do you have any other facts or tips about getting a good night’s sleep? Let us know by connecting on social media at @TimeForYouGroup

Bicarbonate of Soda is an ingredient every household usually has shoved away at the back of a cupboard. However, apart from baking, this incredible ingredient has a myriad of uses. After reading all of these, you will never look at a tub of bicarb in the same way again.

 
1.    Clean dirty fruit and veg
Put some on a damp sponge before scrubbing the fruit and veg.

2.    Give hairbrushes a clean
Mix a teaspoon of bicarb and some warm water. Rinse well and dry.

3.    Clean your BBQ grill
Put some on a damp brush, scrub the grill, then rinse.

4.    Clean rugs and carpets
Sprinkle some on the carpet, preferably overnight, then hoover.

5.    Get whiter clothes
Place a small amount in your washing machine.

6.    Remove stubborn food stains from pans
Shake some into pots and pans, add hot water and washing up liquid. Leave to soak before rinsing.

7.    Shine the floors
Dissolve some bicarb in warm water before mopping the floor.

8.    Clean appliances
Place some in the dishwasher or coffee machine and run the appliance on an empty cycle.

9.    Polish silver
Shine tarnished silver with bicarb and water. Create a paste and then rub onto the silver with a clean cloth.

10.    Stop litter tray smells
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda under a layer of litter to reduce smells.

11.    Keep the loo white
Place some in the bowl of the toilet, then scrub clean.

12.    Hair treatment
Mix some bicarb into your conditioner before applying.

13.    Kill garden weeds
Sprinkle on driveways and areas prone to weeds to discourage them growing.

14.    Clean toothbrushes
Soak your toothbrush in a mixture of bicarb and water. Leave to stand overnight.

15.    Soothe insect bites, chickenpox and sunburn
Mix with a litter bit of water and apply directly to your skin.

16.    Ice proof your driveway
Scatter bicarb on icy driveways as its not as corrosive as salt.

17.    Unblock drains
Pour bicarbonate of soda into your drains then add white vinegar. Pour boiling water down the drain after a few minutes.

18.    Stop bins smelling
Sprinkle in the bottom of your bin.

19.    Whiten your teeth
Mix with strawberries and lemon juice to create a natural whitening agent you can brush onto your teeth.

20.    Make a face mask
Mix with a little bit of water before applying to your face.

21.    Clean Tupperware
Sprinkle onto a clean sponge before washing up the containers.

22.    Stop shoes smelling
Sprinkle into your shoes and leave until you next need to wear them.

23.    Clean your oven
Sprinkle into the bottom of your oven. Spray with water to dampen. Leave to soak overnight before scrubbing to remove it, then rinse.

24.    Stop your fridge smelling
Place a box of bicarb into the back of your fridge which will neutralise odours.

25.    Keep flowers fresher for longer
Add a teaspoon of bicarb into your flower water.

26.    Keep ants away
Add bicarb to an equal amount of salt. Sprinkle into corners that are prone to ants.

Have you found any other amazing uses for bicarbonate of soda? Let us know what they are by connecting on social media at @TimeForYouGroup

Time For You are the premier international house cleaning service company with hundreds of local business owners across the UK, Australia and Canada. Time For You are currently cleaning tens of thousands of homes across the world on a weekly basis.