5 ways to exercise more (without even knowing you’re doing it)

Sep 4, 2024

Let's face it, most of us would benefit from a little extra time outdoors, but busy schedules and work commitments don't make it easy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, healthy adults should should aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day and while it can be hard to set aside half an hour of your time, there are little ways you can increase your activity throughout the day – and you won't even know you're doing it.

1. Stop meeting for lunch

For many of us, lunch dates are our go-to way to catch up with friends with haven't seen in a while.

We're not saying you should completely cut it out of you routine, I mean who doesn't love a good moan while enjoying a flat white and tuna melt?

But the next time your mate asks you to meet up, why not suggest something outdoorsy and active like going for a hike, walking your dogs or you could even try your hand at rollerblading? (can you imagine the lols?)

2. Cycle to work

OK, so not everyone will be in a position to do this one, but if you do live close enough to your place of work, why not give it a try?

You'll save money, gain fitness and probably shed a few pound while you're at it.

Bikes can be pretty costly investments, but have a look around online – you'll be surprised at what you can get second hand.

3. Park farther away

If driving is a must for your daily commute, make a conscious decision to park farther away.

The extra few steps may not seem like much, but they all add up.

4. Get out of the office

Even if it's end of the month or a 'sad desk lunch' kind of day, make the effort to step away from your station for a while.

You don't need us to tell you just how bad sitting at a desk all day can be for your health, and getting out into the fresh air, even just for a few moments, can be hugely beneficial for both your mind and body.

5. Laugh more

Studies have shown that laughing for just a few minutes per day can burn up to an extra 40 calories – that's about 12 grapes for reference.

So, binge-watching that hilarious Netflix series may not be so bad for you after all.

Another day, another blonde: Emily Ratajkowski debuts brand new ‘do

Sep 27, 2016

by Amber Saunders

From Kylie Jenner to Chloe Ferry, at the rate we’re going there won’t be a brunette left by the end of 2016.

And just as Michelle Keegan makes the seriously savvy decision to return to her roots, another notable brunette has traded in her luscious locks in favour of a lighter look.

Ever since she first achieved major fame through Robin Thicke’s controversial Blurred Lines video, Emily Ratajkowski has maintained her glossy brunette mane, but now it looks like the star’s putting the “blondes have more fun” theory to the test, as she’s been pictured with a shoulder-length, platinum-coloured bob.

While the 25-year-old model definitely looks better brunette, we have to admit that she’s well able to work a lighter shade.

And the best news? Emily’s ‘do is for her role in the new Netflix series Easy so hopefully she’ll be back to her dark self in no time.

A photo posted by Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) on Sep 12, 2016 at 12:32pm PDT

Centre images: Scope Features

Eight healthy breakfasts for when time is tight in the morning

Oct 19, 2015

by Amber Saunders

When it comes to breakfast, the options are endless. But when you're stuck for time in the morning it can be hard to find something quick AND healthy to eat.

Many of us will either avoid (big no-no ladies) breakfast or eat something that's not exactly healthy (muffins, we're looking at you), so when a hectic mornings strike, these eight options will have your tummy full in no time:

1. Peanut butter and banana smoothie

Smoothies are the perfect on-the-go snack. Simply blend one frozen banana, two tablespoons of peanut butter, one cup of almond milk and a few ice cubes.

2. Zapped scrambled eggs with veggies

Yes, it's possible to make really good scrambled eggs in the microwave. All you need to do is beat two eggs and throw them in a microwave container. Add in a handful of your favourite veg and sprinkle with cheese. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, stir, and cook for another 30 seconds. A delicious meal in less than two minutes!

3. Fruit and yoghurt parfait

One of the easiest, healthiest and tastiest breakfasts out there is a classic fruit and yoghurt parfait. And the best bit? It can be topped with whatever fruit you like. Try choosing fruits that are in season to get the most flavour.

4. Breakfast burrito

Who doesn't love a burrito?! It will take about 10 minutes to make in the morning but if that's still pushing it, you can make it the night before. Scramble two egg white, 1/4 cup of black beans, two tablespoons of salsa and some shredded cheese. Wrap in a whole-wheat tortilla and you're good to go.

5. Leftovers and egg

Stuck with last night's leftover meat, veg and potatoes? Pop them in a microwave container and crack on egg on top. Heat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds and your breakfast is ready!

6. Overnight oats

This is the ultimate lazy person breakfast. The night before, combine 1/2 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 banana and a handful of chopped nuts in a sealed container. By morning, you'll have delicious overnight oats. You can also heat the meal up in the microwave for a minute or two if you're in the mood for something warm.

7. Avocado toast with egg

Sometimes, simple is just better. Lightly toast two slices of wholegrain bread and top with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Top with two sunny-side-up eggs for a healthy dose of protein.

8. Fruity breakfast quinoa

Cooking quinoa in milk and adding some sweet spices and fruit is a great healthy substitute for classic hot breakfast cereals. Simply cook the quinoa in milk, add some cinnamon or nutmeg and top with fresh berries and chopped roasted nuts.

The top passwords have been revealed and they are too easy

Uncategorized

Aug 6, 2015

by Amber Saunders

So it turns out it might not actually take too many brain cells in order to hack someone if you really want to, there's a good chance you could guess their password.

Unlike some of us who create the most ridiculously elaborate passwords that sometimes we can't even remember them ourselves, the majority of people have simply stuck to the basic '123456' and we can't believe it.

It seems people might be a bit hung up on trying to chose passwords that they can remember easily and it has resulted in some hilariously basic passwords.

According to Splashdata these are the most used and all we can think is "seriously you guys?"

1. 123456
2. password
3. 12345
4. 12345678
5. qwerty
6. 123456789
7. 1234
8. baseball
9. dragon
10. football
11. 1234567
12. monkey
13. letmein
14. abc123
15. 111111
16. mustang
17. access
18. shadow
19. master
20. michael
21. superman
22. 696969
23. 123123
24. batman
25. trustno1

Our favourite definitely has to be number 25 "trustno1".

5 simple and easy hairstyle hacks for long hair

Jan 13, 2015

by Amber Saunders

It can be easy to get stuck in a hair rut, but there are plenty of easy and stunning hairstyles you can do before you rush out the door in the morning – we’ve just forgotten about them!

Up your hair game with these cute and simple hairstyles.

1. The ballerina bun
This is so much easier than it seems. Simply turn your head upside down (stay with us here!), gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure with a hair bobbin. Then, twist the ponytail around itself until it resembles Lauren's bun and simply secure with bobby pins. See, we told you it was easy!

2. The cutesy pigtails
No, not just for five-year-olds – you can totally rock these pigtails too, missy! These are pretty self-explanatory, divide your hair evenly and secure with bobbins. You could also experiment with plaits or even fish tail if you have time!

3. The high ponytail
Make like Ariana Grande and gain a couple of inches with the high ponytail. If you don't have long luscious locks like Ariana, we have a hack so you can fake it. Get your hair into a half ponytail, leaving the bottom half of your hair free. When it is secure, go to the bottom half and tie that into a ponytail directly underneath the top one. Then pull the top one over and no one will know the difference!

4. The side plait
While the fishtail braid may be all the rage at the moment, it takes time you just may not have. Never underestimate the simplicity of the regular plait, and bringing it to the side adds an element of glamour too.

5. The half bun
This is the perfect lazy Sunday brunch hair. Still down, but out of your face – our kind of hair! Simply create a half ponytail and then twist it into a bun and secure with bobby pins.

Peanut butter flapjacks

Jul 28, 2014

by Amber Saunders

If you are looking for something healthy but still a bit of a treat, then you need to try these peanut butter flapjacks. They are not only tasty but easy to make too – perfect!

What you’ll need:

1 tbsp golden syrup
40g brown sugar
150g porridge oats
50g puffed rice
2 tbsp peanut butter

What you’ll need to do:

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar with the golden syrup until dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large bowl combine the oats, puffed rice and peanut butter.
Pour the sugar and golden syrup over the dry ingredients.
Give it all a good mix and pour into the baking tray.
Place in the fridge to chill and cut into squares before serving.

How to make your own chocolate muffins!

Jul 4, 2014

by Amber Saunders

This recipe is not only easy to make but also makes the perfect summer snack.

What you’ll need:

125g plain flour
25g cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder
1 egg
60g sugar
2 tbsp. butter
100ml milk
500g icing sugar
1/2-1 tbsp. warm water
25g chocolate chips

What you’ll need to do:

Preheat the oven to 160°C, sieve the cocoa powder, flour and baking powder into a bowl.
Mix the egg, milk, butter and sugar together in another bowl.
Pour the egg mixture into the first bowl, then add chocolate chips. Mix until combined but still lumpy.
Spoon mixture into cake cases and put the tray in the oven at 160°C for 20 minutes.
You can check the muffins are set by cracking the top of the cupcake, if not quite set put back in for a further 10 minutes.
Leave muffins to cool and serve.

Simple cauliflower pizza base

Jun 4, 2014

by Amber Saunders

This simple cauliflower pizza base is so much healthier for you than the regular kind.

Not only is it gluten-free, but it is also low-fat and carb free for those watching their diet.

Add any toppings you like such as feta cheese, olives, kale, rocket – anything you want!

What you’ll need:

1 cauliflower
4 tbsp. ground almonds
1 egg
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. chilli flakes (optional)

What you’ll need to do:

Grate or pulse the cauliflower head into a rice-like consistency.
Cook in the microwave for 3-4 mins on medium heat.
Allow to cook and using a teacloth or a piece of cheesecloth, drain all of the moisture out of the cauliflower. Your hands will hurt after all that squeezing but a dry consistency is essential.
In a large bowl add the almonds, basil and chilli flakes to the cauliflower. Mix to combine and season well.
Add the egg and bring the dough-like mixture together.
On a baking sheet, spread the mixture out into a pizza shape, making sure to keep it nice and round as well as quite thin. This will ensure a crispy base.
Bake for about 30 mins, flipping over once the top gets golden and is firm enough to turn without breaking.
Add your toppings such as a tomato sauce, cheese, veg, meat and anything else you like.
Return to the oven to melt the cheese and enjoy!

5 no-brainer baking hacks

May 21, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Follow these simple baking hacks to give Mary Berry a run for her money!

1. Ripen bananas in the oven
If your bananas are perfect for eating but not ripe enough for baking, don’t panic! Cook the bananas you need for your recipe in a medium temperature oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Be sure to line the pan with foil as some bananas may leak when cooking. Once the bananas are black and soft, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Peel, and start baking that award-winning banana bread!

2. No rolling pin? Grab the vino!
If your mostly-unused rolling pin is on a dusty top shelf, save on cupboard space and just use a wine bottle as your rolling pin! Empty or full, remove the label and scrape off any residue, then wash the outside of the bottle.

3. Cheat! (a little)
If you want everyone to think the cake mix you baked was from scratch, just add one more egg than the box’s recipe calls for, use melted butter instead of oil, and use whole milk or buttermilk instead of water. Shhhh…we won’t tell anyone!

4. Make the perfect cookies
If you’re looking for perfect chocolate chip cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, follow these two steps! First, chill the dough prior to baking (one hour is good; overnight is better). Second, when you remove the cookies from the oven, bang the pan straight down on the stove to force the cookies to settle.

5. Keep brown sugar soft with bread
Throw a piece of bread into the container to keep your brown sugar from going hard. The bread magically keeps the sugar soft and never gets mouldy!

Mixed summer berries pudding

May 19, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Summer pudding is much easier to make than you think, and the perfect fruity dessert for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

What you’ll need:

750g mixed summer fruit
185g caster sugar
1 medium white bread loaf, slightly stale
2 tbsp blackcurrent cordial

What you’ll need to do:

Place the fruit in a pan, pour the sugar over the fruit and stir gently to mix together.
Place the pan over a moderate heat and bring gently up to the boil.
Cut the bread into thin slices and remove the crusts.
Simmer the juices for about 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat and stir in the blackcurrant cordial.
Cut a round out of one slice of bread to fit the bottom of your bowl, then cut the remaining slices into triangular wedges.
Dip one side of the bread circle into the juices in the pan containing the fruit, then place the circle in the bottom of the pudding basin, juice-side down. Do the same with the bread triangles.
Spoon all of the fruit and its juices into the pudding basin. Cover the top of the fruit with more wedges of bread.
Find a saucer that fits neatly inside the bowl. Place it on top to cover the upper layer of bread, then weigh the saucer down with weights – bags of rice, tins of baked beans, or whatever comes to hand. Let it cool, then place in the fridge overnight.
The next day, remove the weights and the saucer. Run a thin blade around the edges, then invert the basin onto a shallow serving plate, before turning the pudding out. Voila!