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There’s absolutely no excuse for using tomato sauce out of a jar. It just doesn’t taste as good as the real thing, and is also filled with too much salt, sugar and other additives you really don’t need. When it comes to cooking Italian, Jamie Oliver is the next best thing to an Italian. So we’ve taken our inspiration for this recipe, inspired by his friend and mentor Gennaro Contaldo, from Jamie. It’s quick and easy to make, and goes fantastically on a pizza, with fresh pasta, or served with fish or meat. (Read more…)

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Regular exercise gives you more energy, reduces your risk of heart disease, helps you manage stress better, and is great for weight loss. Running is an excellent calorie burner, but it’s not as easy to start running as it is to start walking or swimming. You need to know a little bit about running before you put on your running shoes and hit the open road. Here are our five top tips for beginner runners. (Read more…)

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Health experts have discovered foods that can prevent cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure, but did you know they’ve also discovered which foods are best for brain power? While there’s no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s, the good news is that eating smart can help keep your brain healthy for years to come. Make sure your diet is brain healthy by including these top three brain boosting foods. (Read more…)

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For years we’ve been told to eat brown rice rather than white. Brown rice (particularly brown basmati rice) is a low-GI food that’s full of fibre and packed with B vitamins. But now health experts are praising black rice, long coveted in China where, according to legend, it was once considered so rare, delicious and nutritious that only emperors could eat it. If you’ve never heard of black rice, read on. (Read more…)

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Are you dreading getting up in the mornings and going to work? Do you fear losing your job during this tough economic climate? Do you find yourself zoning out in front of the computer when you should be working? Whatever the reason for considering a change in career, it’s essential that you choose wisely. Heading in a new career direction could take training that’s both expensive and costly in terms of time, so it’s important to think very carefully before you take the leap. (Read more…)

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Some home bakers have used cooking chocolate all their lives and wouldn’t think of using anything else, while others say that there’s no point in cooking with chocolate if it’s not ‘real’. And just what is ‘the real thing’? It’s dark chocolate that contains more than 75 per cent cocoa – many chefs will tell you that the higher that percentage, the better. Read on to find out more about making your chocolate choice. (Read more…)

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The Emmys might be awards for the best of what’s on TV, but as at every awards show, there’s a focus on the fashion, too. This year the Emmys didn’t disappoint in providing plenty to look at in the form of fabulous fashion. Read on to find out about the key trends, as set by the stars. (Read more…)

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Rumours abound that H&M’s latest collaboration will be with French fashion house Lanvin. While neither of them would confirm or deny the reports, the clothing chain released a very ambiguous video that hinted at who’d join H&M in producing their newest range. Now, the news is out: WWD has confirmed that Lanvin and H&M are working together to produce a collection that’s sure to amaze followers of fashion. (Read more…)

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Making a vision board is about putting all your dreams and wishes, your vision for yourself and your future, on paper. Besides being a fun DIY activity involving finding inspirational images, drawing, painting, and decorating, you can get really creative with your vision board and make it as elaborate as you like. The idea is that we create our own futures through the power of our thoughts, as expressed by your vision board. Even if you don’t believe that, though, having a visual representation of where you would like to be in life will help keep you motivated in attaining your goals. (Read more…)

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Fat isn’t the ‘F word’ anymore. Your body can’t survive without fat, and you need to take in the right amount to stay healthy, even if you’re trying to lose weight. All fats are not created equal, though, so before you start stocking up on full cream milk, learn the difference between the healthy fats, the bad fats, and the downright ugly fats. (Read more…)