The Recommended
type: channel
link: https://www.therecommended.com
description: Your source for expert recommendations and advice.
date: 2023-10-02T10:01:09.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: The best hooded blankets to keep you comfy and warm this winter: Oodie, Kuddly, Snuggy and more
items: The best draught excluders to keep your home warm and cut down your energy bills this winter
items: The best electric blankets to keep you warm this winter
items: The best hair dryers, recommended by expert hairstylists: ghd, Parlux, Shark and more
items: The best shampoos for all types of hair, recommended by expert hair stylists: OLAPLEX, Kevin Murphy, Pureology and more
items: The best yoga mats, recommended by expert yoga teachers
items: The best mascaras, recommended by make-up artists: No7, Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty Beauty and more
items: Seven tips for better focus and improved concentration
items: Tips for better sleep: 6 ways to improve your sleep quality
items: How to improve your posture: top tips and advice on building a healthy back and good posture

The best hooded blankets to keep you comfy and warm this winter: Oodie, Kuddly, Snuggy and more
type: item
date: 2023-09-28T13:30:42.000Z
creator: Ruairidh Pritchard
subject: Household
subject: Winter
description: Stay warm this winter without having to put the heating on with our selection of the best hooded blankets.
encoded: As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there’s no better time to invest in some cosy loungewear to see you through the cold nights ahead. A hooded blanket is one of the best pieces of clothing you can buy for keeping warm this winter and ensures both comfort and toastiness. In recent years, these oversized, fleece-lined hoodies have gone from being a mere internet oddity to a winter wardrobe must-have, offering levels of wearable comfort that make them ideal for staying warm in colder weather without having to turn your heaters on. Some hooded blanket brands have even become household names - Oodie, anyone? - but look a little deeper online, and you’ll find a plethora of hooded blankets available to buy - but which is the best? That’s where we come in. The Recommended has scoured the web to find the best hooded blankets you can buy online, from the premium original Oodie to more affordable Oodie alternatives and hooded blankets for kids - we’ve even included options for dogs - to help keep you and your family comfy and cosy this winter. To further assist your hooded banket search we've answered some of the internet’s most asked questions about hooded blankets at the bottom of this page - to help you keep your new favourite wardrobe essential in top-tip condition all year round. The best-hooded blankets at a glance: Best for premium comfort: Oodie, £89, at theOodie.co.uk Best Oodie alternative: Kudd.ly Hoodie Blanket, £89, at Kudd.ly Best hooded blanket for kids: Lushforest Blanket Hoodie, £19.99, at Amazon Best affordable hooded blanket: Sienna Hoodie Blanket, £12.99, at Amazon Best luxury hooded blanket: Snuggle Blanket Hoodie, £80, at The White Company Best extra-long hooded blanket: Sienna Extra Long, £16.99, at Debenhams Best stylish hooded blanket: Dreamscene Camo Plush, £24.99, at Robert Dyas Best zip-up hooded blanket: Dreamscene Tie Dye, £16.99, at The Range Best for superhero fans: Marvel Hoodie For Men, £38.99, at Debenhams Best hooded blanket …

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The best draught excluders to keep your home warm and cut down your energy bills this winter
type: item
date: 2023-09-27T10:11:26.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Household
subject: Cats
subject: Heating
subject: Winter
description: There’s nothing worse than a cold chill making its way into your home, so we’ve rounded up the best draught excluders to help you insulate against the element and keep warm this winter.
encoded: It doesn't get much worse than a cold breeze making its way through the gaps, windows and doorways of your home during the winter months. A good draught excluder will sort you right out, and is an efficient way to save on energy bills by keeping the chill out and the warmth in. In a study conducted by the Energy Saving Trust, it’s estimated that the average UK home could save over £60 on their household energy bills per year by installing simple draught-proofing measures, including draught excluders on windows and doors. Here at The Recommended, we've pulled together some of the best draught excluders on the market to help you find the most effective, affordable and easy-to-install ones for your living space. From stylish, patterned designed, to personalised and child-friendly options, we've got you covered with something for everyone. Plus we've included a handy buyer's guide for all the top tips and tricks you need to know when it comes to draught-proofing your home. The best draught excluders at a glance: Best doorway draught excluder: John Lewis Diamonds Draught Excluder, £30 at John Lewis Best unique draught excluder: Personalised Draught Excluder, £41.56 at Not On The High Street Best stylish draught excluder: M&S Velvet Draught Excluder, £19.50 at Marks and Spencer Best patterned draught excluder: Scandi Floral Draught Excluder, £14 at Dunelm Best budget-friendly draught excluder: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=therecommended-4904&awinmid=3769&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dunelm.com%2Fproduct%2Fstormguard-rubber-foam-weather-strip-35m-white-1000218663%3FdefaultSkuId%3D30846826%26branchCode%3D0115%26ds_c%3DHome%2BDecor_Draught%2BExcluders%2Band%2BDoorstops_%255BGOO-LIA-HOMEDECOR-DOORSTOPS%255D%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwpc-oBhCGARIsAH6ote8UyMk9a3uBFp22glr1lF7rY1whMzQ2s8wNdAXjaIKIINA2mI8vWB4aAnsdEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Stormguard Rubber Foam Weather Strip, £6 at Dunelm Best draught excluder for kid’s bedrooms: The M…

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The best electric blankets to keep you warm this winter
type: item
date: 2023-09-26T14:30:08.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Heating
subject: Winter
description: Cold winter nights are just around the corner, so now’s the perfect time to invest in an electric blanket to keep you warm at night without having to keep the heating on.
encoded: As the temperature begins to drop and the nights draw in it's now time to put BBQs and picnics behind us and start to think about staying cosy and warm inside. However, with the price of energy bills, it can now be a struggle to keep comfortable during the winter months without splashing the cash on heating. If you're looking for a cheaper way to stay snug at home during the cold then an electric blanket could be the answer. On average, an electric blanket costs around 3p an hour which is much less than the average central heating cost of around £2.70 an hour (for gas). Unlike your radiator they are transportable, you can bring them to bed, and they are perfect for nights on the sofa. So, if you're on the market for an electric blanket we've curated a list of the very best to keep the shivers away this winter. We've got everything from traditional undersheet electric blankets to dual-zone control blankets designed for couples and even wearable electric blankets. We've also broken down approximately how much each electric blanket costs to run per hour. For more information on how we calculated this, and how to calculate how much any electric appliance costs to run, check out our explainer at the bottom of this article. The best electric blankets at a glance: Best double electric blanket: Premium Comfort Double Electric Blanket, £44.99, at Amazon Best electric blanket for couples: Homefront Electric Blanket Double Size Dual Control, £94.95, at Amazon Best single electric blanket: Cozytek Single Electric Blanket Single, £29.99, at Amazon Best-fitted electric blanket: Dreamland Organic Cotton Double Heated Mattress Protector, £124.99, at Lakeland Best king-size electric blanket: Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket King-Size, £45, at Argos Best wearable electric blanket: Electric Heating Pad for Back Neck and Shoulders, £29.99 at Amazon Best electric blanket throw: Dreamland Luxury Heated Throw, £69.99, at John Lewis Best budget electric blanket: Cosy and Warm E…

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The best hair dryers, recommended by expert hairstylists: ghd, Parlux, Shark and more
type: item
date: 2023-07-28T10:15:37.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Household
subject: Beauty
subject: Haircare
description: We spoke to two top hairstylists to find out what you should look for and avoid when buying a new hair dryer, and discover which models they think are the best hair dryers. We've also answered some the most commonly asked hair dryer questions to up your hair care routine.
encoded: Ask any honest hairstylist what the secret is to a salon-worthy hairstyle, and they’ll tell you that 99% of the time, it comes down to which shampoo and hairdryer you use. But which is the best hair dryer? From cutting-edge models that use the latest haircare technology to affordable travel-friendly models perfect for packing for a weekend getaway, we’ve covered all types of hair dryers to suit all types of hair, with expert guidance to help us along the way. The Recommended spoke to two top hair care experts to help us find the best hairdryers to suit all types of hair, with their own recommendations on which hairdryers they use when styling their clients. Based on their expert advice, which you can read at the bottom of this page, we pulled together our list of the best hairdryers below. We've also included a handy buyer's guide to answer some of your most commonly asked questions when it comes to purchasing a new hair dryer. And once your sold on your next styling device, check out our guide on How to give yourself a salon-quality blowout at home, with the ultimate tips and tricks from highly experienced hair stylists. Or head to our step-by-step guide on How to blow dry your hair straight to achieve the perfect silky smooth finish. The best hair dryers at a glance: Best hair dryer for a salon finish: ghd Air Hair Dryer, £119 at Cult Beauty Best versatile hair dryer: Shark STYLE iQ Ionic Hair Dryer & Styler HD110UK, £179.99 at Shark Best professional hair dryer: Parlux 3200 Plus Hair Dryer Black, £119.95 at Amazon Best basic hair dryer: Remington D3010 Power Dry Lightweight Hair Dryer, £18 at Boots Best smoothing hair dryer: TRESemme 5542DU 2200W Power Smooth and Shine Dryer, £26 at Boots Best hair dryer for fast drying: BaByliss Super Power 2400 Hair Dryer, £65 at Feel Unique Best travel hair dryer: ghd Flight+ Hairdryer, £99 at John Lewis Best kids hair dryer: Deogra 1000W Children’s Hair Dryer, £39.99 at Amazon The best hair dryers Best hair dryer for a salon …

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The best shampoos for all types of hair, recommended by expert hair stylists: OLAPLEX, Kevin Murphy, Pureology and more
type: item
date: 2023-07-27T12:30:42.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Cosmetics
subject: Beauty
subject: Haircare
description: We spoke to two top hairstylists to find out what you should look for and avoid when buying a new shampoo, and discover which brands to look for and which products they think are the best shampoos.
encoded: When it comes to maintaining, growing and styling your hair, one of the most important products you need is a good shampoo. But with so many different brands offering multiple different kinds of shampoos, which is the best shampoo for you? From hydrating shampoos that promise to repair dry hair and specially formulated shampoos to target greasy hair to products created to maintain colour or specifically developed formulas for men's hair, we’ve covered all types of shampoos to suit all types of hair, with expert guidance to help us along the way. You can also check out our full guides of the best shampoos for each hair type by heading over to our haircare section on The Recommended. At The Recommended, we spoke to two top hair care experts to help us find the best shampoos to suit all types of hair, with their own recommendations on which shampoos they use when washing and styling their client's hair. Once you've read through our best list, keep reading to discover some of our experts' advice on what you should look for (and avoid) when looking for your next shampoo, and we'll answer some of your most frequently asked shampoo-related questions. The best shampoos at a glance: Best strengthening shampoo: Kerastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo, £27.15 at Feel Unique Best volumising shampoo: Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying Shampoo, £28 at Cult Beauty Best for regaining moisture: Pureology Hydrate Moisturising Shampoo, £23.80 at LookFantastic Best anti-dandruff shampoo: Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, £7 at Boots Best thickening shampoo: OGX Volumising Biotin & Collagen Sulfate-Free Hair Shampoo, £10.48 at Amazon Best vegan shampoo: Faith In Nature Natural Shea and Argan Shampoo, £6.69 at Holland & Barrett Best shampoo for coloured hair: OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, £28 at Cult Beauty Best shampoo bar: Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Hydrating Shampoo Bar, £7.99 at Boots The best shampoos Best strengthening shampoo: Kerastase Resistance Bain…

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The best yoga mats, recommended by expert yoga teachers
type: item
date: 2023-07-27T11:30:43.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Fitness
subject: Yoga
description: We spoke to some expert yoga teachers to find out which mats will help you perfect your poses and achieve your yoga goals.
encoded: Despite being over 5000 years old and originating in India, yoga is now performed by over 400,000 Brits each week. It is becoming increasingly popular, and if you live in a busy area, you've probably seen people with a yoga mat in hand on their way to a class. Yogis (those who do yoga) will tell you they take part in yoga for the physical and mental benefits that come from the stretching routine. But, if you want to start yoga yourself, you may be put off by notoriously expensive classes and high studio membership fees. Luckily, there are millions of free online classes and videos, which means you can practise yoga from the comfort of your own home - all you need is a mat. Now you're met with your first challenge, finding a good yoga mat. To help you navigate this, The Recommended set out on a quest to find the best. We spoke to two of the most knowledgeable yoga experts to guide us in discovering a mat which will form the perfect foundation for your planks and pigeon poses. The best yoga mats at a glance: Best overall yoga mat: Liforme Original Yoga Mat, £114.50 at Amazon Best multipurpose yoga mat: Umi Yoga Mat, £24.99 at Amazon Best yoga mat for families: <a href="https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mp/manduka/manduka-begin-yoga-mat-5mm-navy-blue/_/R-p-c1fa7143-5b9e-41e3-b9cb-b145b40a681a?mc=c1fa7143-5b9e-41e3-b9cb-b145b40a681a_c195&gclid=CjwKCAjwsvujBhAXEiwA_UXnAGcOx8aPO0866-sx4S7eOnppxnlHelyjJ9TP2T84ayBSxOdsFWNedxoC8jAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_139010140952_c_608415470534_w_aud-439935392134%253Apla-1419847003141_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_x_pla_y_15177021_f_online_o_e5f22273-b590-43c7-bda9-6d8e5433e43c_z_GB_i_en_j_1419847003141_s__e__h_9045946_ii__vi__&utm_term=e5f22273-b590-43c7-bda9-6d8e5433e43c" target="_blank" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer">Manduka Begin Yoga and Pilates Mat, £45 at Argos Best yoga mat for taking to class: Liforme Travel Yoga Mat, £94.95 at Amazon Best yoga mat for travel: Jade Voyager Yoga Mat, £59 at Decathlon Best thick yoga mat: Maximo…

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The best mascaras, recommended by make-up artists: No7, Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty Beauty and more
type: item
date: 2023-07-19T10:00:51.000Z
creator: Ruairidh Pritchard
subject: Cosmetics
subject: Beauty
subject: Make Up
description: We spoke to some of the world's top make-up artists to uncover the best mascaras on the market, and answer some the most commonly asked mascara questions too.
encoded: They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and one of the first things people notice when they look at us, so then, a good mascara should be one of the must-have items in any beauty lover's make-up bag. A truly exceptional mascara can elevate your entire look, but when you're looking for a new tube, it can be difficult to know where to start. Some formulas promise to lengthen, others volumise, while more advanced mascaras offer solutions for both and promise to wrap your lashes for long-lasting results. But which mascara is really the best? Whether you're looking for length, volume, or dramatic curls, we have scoured the market to find the perfect formula with the help of our world-renowned beauty experts, who told us their top picks and tips for all eye-enhancing scenarios. Once you've read through our best list, make sure you continue to the bottom of this article for our beauty gurus' advice on what you should look out for (and avoid) when shopping for your next lash-enhancing mascara, and some of our answers for the most commonly asked mascara questions. Jump to the best mascaras: Best affordable all-rounder: No 7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, £14.95 at Boots Best everyday mascara: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational, £9.99 at Boots Best curling mascara: Benefit Roller Lash, £25.50 at Cult Beauty Best volumising mascara: Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara, £32.40 at Cult Beauty Best lifting mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, £26 at John Lewis Best defining mascara: Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Mascara, £23 at Boots Best lightweight mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara, £29 at LookFantastic The best mascaras Best affordable all-rounder: No 7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, £14.95 at Boots Gives length, volume and curl This No 7 mascara is a favourite of make-up pro Joy Adenuga and promises to deliver a dramatic false lash effect thanks to its hourglass-shaped wand. Enriched with shea butter and vitamin E, this mascara promises to nourish and conditi…

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Seven tips for better focus and improved concentration
type: item
date: 2023-07-13T13:34:57.000Z
creator: Ruairidh Pritchard
subject: Wellness
subject: Burda
subject: Mindfulness
description: Unlock improved focus with our top seven tips for better concentration, from mindful tech use to the Pomodoro technique.
encoded: Ever found yourself knee-deep in a critical project, only to be derailed by the bleep of a smartphone notification or the addictive scroll of social media? You're not alone. In our fast-paced digital world, maintaining concentration is becoming increasingly difficult. We're all trying to keep up with emails, notifications, and the latest tweets, but the more we juggle, the harder it gets to stay focused on one thing. And here's the kicker - when our concentration is all over the place, we're not as productive, and it can get pretty stressful. Sounds familiar? Don’t sweat it, we've got your back. To help you out, we've put together seven top tips for cranking up your concentration and making your attention span the best it can be. Get ready to take notes! Say goodbye to smartphone notifications Our first tip might seem harsh but is based on scientific research. A study conducted by Professor Larry Rosen from California State University demonstrated that smartphone notifications can trigger stress and anxiety. It's tough for our brains to ignore these alerts, leading to distractions. The simple solution? Switch off notifications on your smartphone to create a peaceful, distraction-free space. Harness the power of the Pomodoro technique If you're prone to juggling tasks all at once, this technique is a game-changer. Multitasking can diminish productivity and hike stress levels. Using the Pomodoro technique can prevent this productivity nosedive. Here's how to do it: Break down your tasks into four 25-minute chunks. Concentrate fully on the first task for 25 minutes, then enjoy a five-minute break. Repeat this for the remaining sections. After four 'pomodoros', take a lengthier break of around 15 to 20 minutes. Prioritise exercise and meditation Don't underestimate the power of taking a screen break. Our brains need time to recharge, and a bit of exercise or meditation during working hours can boost your concentration and productivity. Whether you decide to meditate for…

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Tips for better sleep: 6 ways to improve your sleep quality
type: item
date: 2023-06-13T11:47:46.000Z
creator: Ruairidh Pritchard
subject: Wellness
subject: Burda
subject: Sleep
subject: Wellbeing
description: By prioritizing good sleep, you can take charge of your sleep health and improve your overall quality of life.
encoded: A good night's sleep is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for your overall wellbeing. Quality sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and promoting optimal physical and mental functioning. When you don't get enough sleep, it can lead to a range of problems that affect your daily life. First and foremost, sleep deprivation can take a toll on your energy levels and mood. It's no secret that a poor night's sleep can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and unable to concentrate. It can negatively impact your productivity and performance at work or school and even strain your relationships with others. Inadequate sleep has also been linked to various health issues. It weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses and infections. It also increases the risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders. By prioritizing good sleep and implementing these six tips, you can take charge of your sleep health and improve your overall quality of life. Let's dive into the actionable steps you can take to enhance your sleep hygiene and experience the benefits of a well-rested body and mind. Six tips for a good night sleep To help put together our tips, we've spoken with sleep experts and nutritionists for their best advice on how to improve sleep quality and achieve a restful night's sleep. 1. Start your day with a nutritious breakfast Certified nutrition expert Liora Bels believes that a healthy breakfast plays a significant role in setting the stage for a good night's sleep. According to Bels, incorporating foods like barley, sweet corn, sour cherries, and walnuts can stimulate the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Additionally, magnesium and potassium-rich foods help relax your muscles, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. 2. Opt for a light and nourishing dinner When it comes to dinner, it's important not to burden your digestion. Bels suggests havi…

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How to improve your posture: top tips and advice on building a healthy back and good posture
type: item
date: 2023-03-07T16:21:59.000Z
creator: Ruairidh Pritchard
subject: Fitness
subject: Wellness
subject: Burda
description: Want to learn how to improve your posture and build a healthy back and spine? You're in the right place. Read on for top tips and exercises for creating and maintaining good posture.
encoded: Head up, chest out, stomach in: there's much more behind this tip than just looking good and gaining a bit of extra confidence. While you're reading this sentence, your posture is likely the opposite: head down, shoulders forward, and a rounded back. Caught in the act? Many people sit in front of computers or laptops for hours on end, and even when we're not working, we're glued to our smartphones or recovering from a tiring day spent sitting in front of a screen on the couch. On average, we sit for seven hours a day, and one in four people sits for over nine hours daily. Therefore, poor posture has become a sort of common illness or even a new form of smoking. All the sitting, lack of movement, and the so-called "tech neck" caused by looking down at our smartphones lead to bad posture, which manifests itself in various ways, including back pain. If you want to make a significant change to your posture and do a lot for your health and well-being, you need to be patient. However, you can make it easier with a few everyday tips and exercises for good posture. Five tips and exercises for a healthy back Here are some top tips to help keep your back and spine healthy and how to improve your posture in everyday life. 1. Stand up regularly Sitting for long periods is detrimental to your posture, and you need to stand up regularly to counteract this. You should leave your desk at least once an hour and move around. Aim to take at least 250 steps when you do. One tip to make it more fun is to take a longer route to the toilet or kitchen. While you're at it, stretch your entire body, reach your arms up, and move your spine from side to side while taking deep breaths. 2. Proper head position When you're working in front of a screen, you may find yourself holding your head in one position for an extended period, which can lead to a forward head posture. Therefore, it's essential to check and correct your head position regularly. Your head should sit directly above your shoulder…

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