Category: LIFESTYLE

How to look after your personal data

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Posted: 26/07/2022

These days, it is important for each and every one of us to know how to properly take care of our own personal data. As long as you are taking care of your own personal data, you will find that you are much more likely to have a decent control over your own future, and that you are much less likely to be scammed or find yourself in all kinds of trouble. So what can you actually do to make sure that your personal data is being looked after properly? Let’s take a look at some of the most important steps you might want to take. Pic Source – CCO License Know what it is First of all, you have to make sure that you actually know what your personal data is, where it can be found and so on. If you are unsure about this, then you can’t really expect to be able to look after your personal data properly. In general, your personal data refers to anything that has to do with your personal information, ranging from your name and address to your potential security answers to logins, and financial details as well. You should be trying to keep all of this as safe as possible. Dispose of electricals properly One of the main ways that unscrupulous people get hold of personal data is by looking through electrical items that have been thrown away. Whenever you are disposing of an electronic item, such as a laptop, computer, or phone, you should be sure… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: How to look after personal data, Personal data, Tips for online safety

3 important tips for new landlords

by THE F

Posted: 26/07/2022

If you’re new to being a landlord, you’re soon going to find out that there are many responsibilities and complications you weren’t expecting. Not letting surprises stop you from moving forward is the same for any business. You should know that being a landlord isn’t a walk in the park, and sometimes you’re going to have much more challenging situations than other times. The experience you have as a landlord will differ from person to person, and it’s up to you to make sure everything goes smoothly. Take time with tenants Before you start to think about renting your property out to new tenants, keep in mind that you need to take care of who you pick. As hasty as you might be to start seeing some return on your investment, you could be losing money if you choose in too much of a rush. You want to make sure the tenants you rent your property out to are going to be reasonable, as well as able to keep up with the rent. Create a listing online and wait a little bit while looking through the contacts. You can also use an agency to help you pick your tenants, giving you a much better chance of reasonable clients. You might feel like you’re bleeding money, but you’ll regret it when you’re looking into drug testing for rental properties after a bad decision. A property manager can make all of the difference, and they can help to guide you in a field you know nothing about…. Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: Landlord tips, Tips for new landlords

The best tiny office desks for small offices

Tips declutter set up work space desk office

by THE F

Updated: 26/07/2022

Don’t have much space? Don’t worry! It’s not impossible to find a suitable workstation desks for a functional workspace. There are many innovative small desk designs that allow you to make good use of limited space. Don’t believe us? Here are some options you should consider to create a comfortable and space-efficient office. West Elm Mid-Century Mini Desk If you’re looking for an incredibly stylish tiny office desk, this could be it. It features a glass tabletop, a wood shelf perfect for storage, and a lovely steel frame. It’s elegant and minimalist but it provides enough space for comfort while you’re working or engaged in other activities. Just Right Height Adjustable Desk The Just Right White Electric Height Adjustable Desk comes in multiple sizes and colours, giving you the freedom to personalise according to your style. At this point, we all have an idea of how harmful sedentarism can be for our mental and physical health. The constant lack of physical activity has been proven to increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and more. The good news is there are many ways you can avoid sedentarism at work. Getting a height-adjustable desk is one of the best options. Corner Desk with Storage When your space is very limited, a corner desk is one of the best options. This one is beautiful and it features lower shelves and a drawer. The tabletop offers enough room for a laptop and the storage is generous considering this is a tiny office… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: Best office desks, Home office desks, How to buy a desk, Office desks

Save money on car ownership with these tips

by THE F

Updated: 03/03/2023

Owning a car makes life much easier, but there is no doubt it can be expensive. It is widely reported that the price of everything seems to be increasing. From buying a second-hand vehicle to filling it with fuel, rising costs seem to be occurring on everything you buy. With living costs so high right now, it is understandable that many people are looking for ways to save money and reduce the cost of running their vehicles. When using your vehicle less is not an option, and you depend on it as your primary means of getting to work and everywhere else you need to be, it is challenging to see where savings can be made. If you want to save money on car ownership and are searching for tips to keep running costs low, you have come to the right place. Take a look at these tips to help reduce the cost of car ownership: Shop smart When it comes to sourcing the auto parts, shopping smart for a vehicle is the best way to choose a car that will keep your costs low. Searching for vehicles that are less expensive to run and have good fuel economy is a great place to start. When trying to save money on car ownership, buying new should be avoided if you intend to sell your car and buy another in a few years. This is because depreciation rates can be shockingly high on new vehicles, and you will lose money quickly. Instead, it is helpful to… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: Car ownership, Car ownership saving, How to save money

Hello makes oral care fun and delicious

by Emi Berry

Updated: 25/07/2022

Spit just got real! Hello is on a mission to make the world a friendlier place, starting with your mouth. Free of dyes, artificial sweeteners, flavours, parabens, triclosan, microbeads, and gluten, the Hello toothpaste range is also vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA. And the best part is they have never been tested on unicorns. What? Unicorns? Let us introduce you to one of our favourite tubes of Hello toothpaste – Unicorn Sparkle. For kids aged 7 to 107, this bubble gum natural flavoured toothpaste has no artificial sweeteners, no colourants, no artificial flavours, no spicy mint, and no SLS or sulfates. It’s also vegan and the tubes are BPA-free. Seriously, brushing has never been so delicious and fun! But the fun doesn’t stop there. The hello range also includes: Naturally whitening fluoride toothpaste with farm-grown mint, tea tree + coconut oil (RRP $9.99) Epic whitening activated charcoal fluoride toothpaste with fresh mint + coconut oil (RRP $9.99) Goodby Plaque, hello whitening fluoride-free toothpaste in natural peppermint with tea tree + coconut oil (RRP $9.99) Activated charcoal mouthwash (RRP $9.99) Charcoal toothbrush (RRP $5.99) Goodbye plaque, hello whitening toothpaste tablets (RRP $15.99) Now you’re probably wondering how toothpaste tablets work? Plastic-free – in a recyclable tin – travel friendly with a delicious natural peppermint and fluoride-free, these tablets help to whiten teeth by removing surface stains, brushing away plaque and freshening breath. They are formulated with natural peppermint, tea tree oil, and coconut oil, and all you do is simply chew, brush, spit and… Read More

Category: GROOMING

Tags: hello oral care, Hello toothpaste, toothpaste

How to store your car at home: a simple guide

by THE F

Posted: 25/07/2022

Parking your car outside your property on the side of the road is a real risk, as all kinds of dangers could be lurking around every corner. There are many different things that can go wrong for you and your car when you fail to take the right steps to store it safely on your property, but thankfully you needn’t face these threats for much longer! This simple guide contains some of the best tips and ideas that you can make the most of to keep your car secured on your property out of harm’s way, and there’s truly no time like the present to get started! So, if you’re interested in discovering more, then read on. Create a dedicated covered carport One of the best steps that you must follow if you want to protect your car when storing it at home is by creating a dedicated covered carport. A carport is such a great addition for your home and subsequently your vehicle, as it can protect your car against a wide variety of different risks and dangers that could otherwise do real damage. This includes physical damage from things like falling tree branches during storms, and even discolouration and bleaching that can happen when your car is left under the summer sun. A carport can also help to hide your car from those who pass by your property, minimising the risk of theft or criminal damage too. Fortunately it’s so easy to find a brilliant flyover carport that can act as the perfect… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: car guide, How to keep a car safe, How to store car, Where to keep your car

Greece in summer: 8 sensational ways to spend your time on Mykonos

by James Banham

Updated: 25/07/2022

Greece is peak summer. With its crystal clear blue waters, countless islands, rustic living and out-of-control seafood and dining culture, it’s high on every traveller’s list for good reason. And then, there’s Mykonos. Reachable by ferry or commercial flight, the small Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea is playground of those after postcard views with a globetrotter’s price tag, but don’t let that out you off! Much like the rest of Greece, there’s enough options for those who want to blow their salary as there is for those who are more about a chill holiday with nice weather and a good excuse to hit the ocean. Here are 8 favourite new things to add to your list when you’re next heading Mykonos way, courtesy of the luxurious Myconian Collection hotel group. Heaven in a helicopter Take to the spectacular blue skies above Mykonos by helicopter for a bird’s eye view of the sun-baked earth dotted with whitewashed houses surrounded by the expansive Aegean Sea and neighbouring Cyclades islands, including Delos, Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. Taking off from a private helipad at Myconian Villa Collection or Panoptis Escape, just above Elia Beach, this is the ultimate way to take in the Greek isles in all their glory. A sublime step back in time For a divine day discovering the World Heritage-listed ruins of the island of Delos, start the day with breakfast in bed before boarding a boat for a private tour hosted by a certified guide. Sail past the beautiful beaches of Psarou and Ornos en route to Delos,… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: Greece holiday ideas, Greece Mykonos, How to do Mykonos, Mykonos ideas, Mykonos what to do, What to do on Mykonos, Where to stay Mykonos

5 best places to go in Italy for wellness retreats

by James Banham

Updated: 26/07/2022

The concept of wellness in Italy isn’t new. In fact, it’s ancient. Extending well past 1,500 years to the Ancient Romans whose passion for baths, public bathing and their freedom and flexibility with sumptuousness and nudity is now only too-well known. Good things the modern day ‘Romans’ – the Italians – are keeping the tradition alive and well across the entire country and the famed Italian Rivieras where health and wellness spas, hotels and establishments don’t just exist and thrive, but have a clientelle of the most global scale. Working with the Italian National Tourist Board, we’ve found a round-up of five of the best wellness retreats to consider when you’re next on the back of a Vespa, wondering which way the Mediterranean breeze should blow you… Terme di Saturnia, Tuscany Occupying 120 hectares among the rolling Tuscan hills, Terme di Saturnia is centred around legendary open-air thermal springs which have been flowing from the centre of the earth for more than 3000 years. The special ingredient here is Saturnia bioplancton, a naturally occurring ‘miracle’ ingredient in the 37.5°C water which leaves skin silky smooth and soft, as well as minerals said to help reduce blood pressure, soothe tired muscles, and help cleanse and detox the liver. From massaging your shoulders in invigorating whirlpools to surrendering to treatments in the on-site medi-spa or beauty clinic, resident guests enjoy a personalised wellness program, while day visitors can hit the spa, hot springs, tennis court or geo-certified golf course for quick pick-me-up in a picturesque setting. Palazzo Fiuggi, Lazio Is there… Read More

Category: EUROPE, HEALTH & FITNESS, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Amalfi coast hotels, Best Italian hotels for wellness, Italy, Italy health spas, Italy wellness, Wellness retreats Italy

Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms are open: chance to see Platinum Jubilee exhibition is now

by James Banham

Posted: 23/07/2022

Every summer (usually), Buckingham Palace opens its world famous State rooms, to the public for a first-hand look into the space that the Royals occupy. It’s an experience that few are afforded but everyone should take, peeping behind the veil of intrigue that surrounds the British Royal Family and all the glamour and prestige behind their life’s journeys, rituals and ceremonies and private jewellery collections. This year from 22 July – 2 October 2022, the latter is the highlight of a visit to the Buckingham Palace State rooms with an exhibition that keeps the celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee called Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession. It’s a modest, but oh-so impactful exhibition that shares elements of the Queen’s life as the Head of State and her journey from adolescence to adulthood. Through displays of some of the world’s most famous tiaras, crowns and parures (sets of matching jewellery pieces), all accompanied by photos taken by the Queen’s photographer Dorothy Wilding (1893 – 1976) that have inspired postage stamps all over the world, it’s an exhibition worth seeing. If for nothing else, then just to see the diamonds! You’ll see the famous Diamond Diadem, The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, the Delhi Durbar necklace and the South Africa necklace. Through the snaking journey you take past the Throne Room, Queen’s Picture Gallery, Ball Room and many coloured State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, your experience gives you a first-hand glimpse into the life of a Monarch like Queen Elizabeth II, her… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Palace Platinum Jubilee exhibition, Buckingham Palace State Rooms, State Rooms

National Gallery London’s Summer on the Square

The National Gallery London from the front with umbrellas and tables spread out in Trafalgar Square

by James Banham

Updated: 23/07/2022

This summer from 11 29 August in the heart of London, the National Gallery will host a free festival of immersive art, creativity and community. Summer on the Square (Trafalgar, that is), is a festival that’s a re-working of the Gallery’s art collection – creating an entirely new participatory set of experiences and activities that play with scale, spectacle and sound. Come along to immerse yourself in a purpose-built arts studio; participate in practical and walk-in art and sound installations; as well as sketching, making, moving, and exploring The National Gallery’s collection. The sessions will be free, drop-in and open to all ages and abilities. During an unprecedented cost of living crisis, the National Gallery hopes the festival will be an opportunity for local and London-wide communities to enjoy art and celebrate their own creativity with friends and family – creating a space for wellbeing and joy in tough times. For the full program and timings, head to the Summer on the Square website

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: london, London blog, london guide, National Gallery festival, National Gallery London's Summer on the Square, Summer on the Square, what to do london, What's on in London

ARTS & CULTURE

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By THE F

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.

For excellent Flamenco, look to Sadler’s Wells

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Step into a world where tradition meets innovation, where old blends seamlessly with new to create something entirely original and electrifying. At Sadler’s Wells, the iconic Paco Peña, accompanied by his talented Paco Peña Dance Company, presents Solera – a captivating production that breathes new life into the timeless art of flamenco. As the evening unfolds, prepare to be mesmerised by a fusion of exceptional music, dance, and passion that transcends boundaries and embodies the essence of human emotions in all their raw beauty. The show opens with a symphony of everyday sounds that seamlessly transform into a vibrant celebration of the human spirit. Take away the traditional red Flamenco dress and imagine you’re in a studio with friends who are just chilling and decide to have a dance. They chat in-between sets, sip water, play on their phones – all normal every day stuff – that plays an insightful and very real backdrop to the magic unfolding in the foreground. From the rhythmic beats of percussionist Julio Alcocer to the exquisite melodies woven by guitars and voices, every moment is a testament to the skill and artistry of the performers. Directed with precision by Jude Kelly CBE, Solera masterfully transitions from the mundane to the magical, immersing the audience in a world of colour, light, and drama that is nothing short of spellbinding. In the second act, the stage comes alive with a spectacle of performance, accentuated by striking costumes and evocative lighting that elevate the talents of the company to new heights. Dancers… Read More

4 reasons to get excited for ‘Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada’s at Sadler’s Wells

11/04/2024

By James Banham

This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.