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Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil For Skin

Eating coconuts promotes several health benefits. However, applying coconut oil on your skin can help boost the skincare benefits it provides. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that help smoothen, moisturize, and beautify skin. You can even find different skincare products with this component as the main ingredient. Continue reading to know more about the many benefits that coconut oil has in store for your skin.

Soften Skin

Rough skin is a product of dehydration. Dry skin is prone to itching and cracking. Severe cases of skin dehydration might also lead to bleeding and infection. Use coconut oil for skin to help combat this predicament.

Take a small amount of coconut oil and rub it between the palms of your hands. Apply the organic skincare product on affected areas like your face, arms, and feet.

Coconut oil is also an ideal solution for imparting additional moisture to hardened and cracked feet. This skin condition can happen because of constant stress on your feet. Otherwise, extremely dry feet might also be an outcome of cold weather.

But take note that coconut oil is not a “cure all” solution for all skin problems. With that said, you can still use this naturalcompound on your cracked feet. However, the cracks might not vanish without the help of other skincare solutions. Nonetheless, regular use of this organic skincare product will help your feet and other areas of the skin to soften over time.

Moreover, use coconut oil with natural exfoliating agents like salt, sugar, and baking soda to help remove flakes from the skin. Leaving these particles may cause them to block pores, which can lead to other concerns like acne and blackheads.

The comforting nature of this natural oil, combined with the organic exfoliating material, will leave your skin soft with an even tone. This solution is an ideal choice for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Treats The Scalp

White flakes falling on your shoulders might make you think that it’s snowing outside, even if it’s still the middle of summer. Dandruff comes from the production of excess sebum on the scalp. But some folks are more sensitive to sebum in this area of the skin.

The sensitive scalp can become inflamed, itchy, and red. When the body detects this irritation, it sends signals that indicate to the brain that skin cells should be shed more rapidly than usual. This method is an attempt at shedding the irritant, but it causes dandruff instead.

You can use coconut oil’s moisturizing nature to help reduce the irritation on your scalp. Start by heating three to five tablespoons of organic coconut oil. Apply the natural skincare product on dry hair. Do this procedure before going to sleep at night.

If you’re worried that the oil will make a mess on your bed and pillows, cover your hair with a shower cap before going to bed. Your hair should become less frizzy when you wake up in the morning. Moreover, your scalp will thank you as it acquires more moisture during the night.

As a word of caution, it can be challenging to remove all the coconut oil from your hair after treatment. Thus, it’s best to apply this organic substance when you’re not going to be in a hurry for the next day.

Be patient when using coconut oil in treating the scalp and removing dandruff, as positive results might not appear overnight. But keep applying this solution, along with other proper skin care techniques, to ensure your scalp and other areas of the skin stay healthy and irritant-free.

Helps Treat Skin Disorders

Skin ailments can lower your confidence. You’d rather hide your skin from the watchful eyes of the public than show off your features to the world.

As per a post from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), coconut oil contains vitamin E. This vitamin helps improve and maintain excellent skin health. Take advantage of this nutrient to help improve and treat skin disorders like:

● Acne● Eczema● Psoriasis● Skin cancer

But the positive effects brought about by coconut oil and its vitamin E content may differ for each person. Consult your doctor first before applying skincare products with coconut oil to check if the organic substance can help improve your skin condition.

Removes Makeup

Removing all makeup before going to bed is crucial for excellent skin health. You can buy cleansers on the market to remove cosmetics from your skin. However, some of these products may contain harmful chemicals that are not ideal for individuals with sensitive skin.

Makeup removers for sensitive skin are already on the market, but some products still have synthetic ingredients, which may cause damage to people who are allergic to these substances. If you think the risks are too high when shopping for the right makeup remover, consider using coconut oil instead.

Coconut oil is a gentle yet effective makeup remover suitable for all skin types. But remember to be extra careful when applying this organic oil around your eyes. Wipe it off with a clean, damp, and warm face cloth afterwards.

Helps Heal Wounds

Studies show that coconut oil can help accelerate wound healing. One particular research published by the Department ofBiochemistry at the University of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram, India, showed that virgin coconut oil used on laboratory rats with wounds tended to increase collagen levels and improved antioxidant status. These characteristics of the oil help produce essential proteins that aid in accelerating wound healing.

Additionally, coconut oil has antimicrobial properties to help prevent infection in wounds. The existence of harmful bacteria can become a significant risk factor that complicates or prevents the normal wound-healing process.

An Excellent Moisturizer

All skin types should have ample amounts of moisture to remain healthy. Don’t think that you don’t need the extra moisture if you have oily skin. You should still give yourself the gift of healthy moisture instead of the excess dampness delivered by sebum.

Consider using coconut oil to maintain a healthy amount of moisture on your skin, especially if it looks and feels dry. Moisturize dry skin with this organic oil and its rich vitamin E content.

Take note that you don’t need to go overboard with the application of coconut oil to moisturize your skin efficiently. You only need to apply a small, pea-sized amount to the area of your choice. You may also choose to leave the oil on your skin overnight.

Eventually, the skin absorbs the oil to take advantage of its healthy properties. You can use coconut oil in places where there’s dry skin, such as the knees, elbows, heels, and face.

As a bonus, coconut oil is also an excellent lip moisturizer and cuticle cream. Apply the oil at any time of the day on your lips and nails for that extra luscious shine.

Helps Remove Eye Bags

Stress and lack of sleep can cause bags to appear under your eyes. Sleep deprivation and the pressure of everyday life may reduce hydration in the area around your eyes. Remember, the skin in this area is thinner than other parts of the face.

Make sure you take extra care of the skin around your eyes. But you might not want to spend a significant amount of cash on high-end eye creams, especially if you’re following a tight budget. Coconut oil can be an ideal yet low-cost alternative to these expensive eye care products.

Moreover, you can obtain excellent value for money when you buy coconut oil for your eyes. You only need to dab a small amount of the oil around your eyes after your nighttime routine and before going to bed. That tiny amount should keep the skin in this area plump with hydration.

Furthermore, adding more moisture near your eyes helps improve other conditions like crow’s feet and fine lines.

Made For Deep Cleansing

Many individuals might believe that coconut oil can only remove dust, dirt, and other unclean particles on the skin at the surface level. But this natural oil can also remove these unhygienic substances from the deeper recesses of your skin.

Use coconut oil to remove excess oil, along with other unclean substances from your skin. This eliminates nasty grease and grime to let you flaunt fresh-looking skin full of hydration and nutrients.

If you wish to use coconut oil for deep cleansing, apply half-a-teaspoon of the organic skin care product on your skin. Gently massage it by rubbing your fingers over the oil and skin for a few minutes. Next, place a warm cloth over your face and keep it there for about 30 seconds. Remove the fabric afterward and wipe away any excess oil.

You will see how clean and revitalized your face will feel after using coconut oil. You may also apply ice on your skin after deep cleansing with this oil to help minimize pores.

The Takeaway

Several health benefits are in store for individuals that use coconut oil for their skin. This organic oil can help remove skin imperfections, treat dandruff, and moisturize the skin deeply. The various healthy components of this natural skincare product can produce amazing results for different people. Consult your dermatologist for any concerns about the use of coconut oil in daily skincare routines.

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Adventures

Destination Inspiration: Discovering Bali, Indonesia

Floating to the north-west of Australia, surrounded by the Javanese, Sunda and Gili Islands, is the island of Bali. Made pop-culturally famous by the book and subsequent moving Eat, Pray, Love and the Instagram feeds of thousands of influencers, Bali is known as one of the quintessential South East Asian backpacker stops, offering everything from vibrant nightlife, to world class surf and exclusive yoga retreats.

Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, particularly for Aussie travellers who are only a short flight away. Overtourism is real, but, as with most popular tourist destinations, it’s focused mostly on a few areas. For those looking for a good time, Kuta and Canggu are what you’re looking for. For those looking to unwind, relax and recharge, Ubud in the central mountain area is calling your name. And for those looking to catch a wave, the south-west coast serves up some of the best surf around.

Despite being a relatively small island, Bali can be divided into 6 main regions; South, Central, West, North, East and the Southeastern Islands, each with its own style, culture and personality. And whilst there’s nothing wrong with lying on a beautiful Balinese beach, cocktail in hand – get off the beaten track in Bali and you’re likely to have an experience unlike anyone else. As usual, here at House of Coco, we’ve got your back. Read on for some of our favourite lesser known Bali hotspots.

South

South Bali is the most heavily touristed part of the island, and not entirely without reason. Coastal towns Kuta and Canggu offer some of the best waves for beginner to intermediate surfers, the most vibrant nightlife, and the biggest range of dining and shopping opportunities. The up style Seminyak is also found in the South, and whilst it doesn’t get as rowdy as it’s younger neighbour Kuta, or as bohemian as Canggu, Seminyak is still one of the most popular spots on the island for those among us who like a bit of luxury.

Central

The mountainous central region of Bali is often described as the cultural heart of the island. Far from the pumping beaches of the south, the central region of Bali is home to Ubud, Gianyar, Bedugul and Tabanan, as well as some of the most reputable yoga retreats on the island. It’s a place to relax, unwind, and get in touch with the beautiful Balinese jungle that surrounds you. Here you can explore the world heritage listed Tegallalang rice terraces; an ancient method of rice farming still practiced today. Central Bali is also home to the temple of Goa Gajah, where legends say that the pools are considered to be the fountain of youth, bathing in which would keep you young forever. Legends aside, hidden away in the thick foliage that surrounds the site is the ruins of a Buddhist temple, one of the only examples of which can be found on the predominately Hindu island. For the more adventurous among us, the Ayung River that flows through the central region makes for great white water rafting.

East

East Bali offers a bit of a different atmosphere from the coastal towns in the south, here, a little more laid-back, a little slower moving. East Bali includes towns such as Amed, Besakih and Candidasa that enjoy some pretty great swell in the wet season from October to March, as well as the only occasionally eruptive Mt Agung. In the foothills of Mt Agung you will find the village of Sidemen, dotted with cheerful locals, rice fields and countless coffee and cocoa plantations. Hire a bicycle and ride along the Unda river and through the mountains to explore this place where time stands still.

The east is also where you can find enough space to spread your towel and then some. With most beaches on the east relatively secluded and a bit of challenge to get to, with a little bit of effort you’ll be able to have them all to yourself. Located about 15 minutes east of Candidasa is Pasir Putih, sometimes called Bugbug beach, is one of the most spectacular. The road down is a little rough, but the journey is definitely worth it.

East Bali is also home to the Lempuyang Luhur, or the Gateway to Heaven. Located at the top of a 1,700 stair climb, make it to the top before the sun and watch the sunrise light up the island. Your Instagram feed will thank me.

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A post shared by Lauren Bullen?Travel + Bali (@gypsea_lust) on Dec 6, 2018 at 5:39am PST

North

North Bali is usually considered the family friendly option on the island. Less crowds, calmer waters and regular dolphin visitors makes it the perfect place for small children and the parents that want to keep an eye on them. But it’s also where you’ll find some of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. Jembong, Sekumpul and Git Git are the most popular, all of which can be reached through treks of around three hours or less through lush Balinese jungle. Git Git has the easiest road access, but swimming in the calm natural pools that collect at the base of all three of these falls will feel so much more satisfying after a lengthy trek.

North Bali is also home to the secret gardens of Sambangan. A chain of natural pools and a total of seven waterfalls are hidden within dense Balinese rainforest that can be reached through a three hour trek that will again take you deep into the heart of the jungle. The gardens are remote and unspoiled and well worth the journey.

Here in north Bali you can also find Mt Batur. Smaller than it’s occasionally disruptive neighbour Mt Agung, Mt Batur is a relatively easy climb and will reward you with some of the best views of the island. Hikes usually start as early as 2am to catch the sunrise at the top, but don’t panic just yet, there are a slew of mountaintop cafes waiting to serve you possibly the most picturesque morning cup of coffee in your life.

West

West Bali is the least popular part of the island with very little tourist infrastructure or activities. However, its a great stop for nature lovers; home to the West Bali National Park, and Menjangan Island. Here you can find the rare Javan Rusa deer, calm waters and coral gardens vibrant with marine life and excellent visibility the whole year round. You can also catch a ferry to Java from this side of Bali if you want to explore Indonesia a little further afield.

Southeastern Islands

Around a 30 minute boat ride from the mainland, the last region of Bali is the three Nusa Islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan. Relatively undertouristed for what they are, the Nusa Islands are a beautiful insight into the Bali of 20 years ago, before the island became a tourist hotspot. Each of the islands have something different to offer travellers, but as with most good things in life, you have to put in just a little effort to get a big reward.

Nusa Lembongan

The most popular of the Nusa Islands, Lembongan is gaining popularity for its fairly consistent year round swell and for its proliferation of both high energy as well as relaxing water sports. It’s a good place to base yourself if you want to spend some time exploring the Nusa Islands; it has the biggest range of hotels, restaurants and the easiest connection to both the mainland and the other two Nusa Islands.

Nusa Penida

Penida is the biggest of the three Nusa Islands and offers the biggest range of activities for travellers. With sights like the Peguyangan Waterfall and its iconic, if not heart pumping staircase, the Broken Beach and mesmerising Angel’s Billabong, Penida has plenty of hidden little gems to explore. Don’t miss the Kelingking Point Lookout and Secret Beach for that iconic Bali snap. It’s a bit of a rough journey, and the safety leaves a little to be desired so be careful and know your limits before seeking this little one out.

Nusa Ceningan

Smallest of the three, you can get around Ceningan mostly on foot. The island is accessed by the iconic yellow suspension bridge and has a reputation for being the haunt of the adventurous and thrill seeking. Ceningan has the biggest range of safe cliff jumping points, including Mahana Point and the Blue Lagoon. For those of you who don’t consider hurling yourselves off cliffs to be the epitome of a good time, the Blue Lagoon is also a great place to swim or just soak in the beauty.

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Brunch

What to Eat in London This Month

The mornings are getting that little bit lighter, the mercury edging up just enough to switch your Big Coat for something a little less hefty and with spring on the horizon our palates are turning from indulgent winter comfort food to something altogether lighter as the days lengthen and we hurtle towards a new season.

London is, as ever, a harbinger of new menus and with a host of delicious dishes springing up this month, it’s the perfect opportunity to leave winter behind and awaken your tastebuds.

  1. Discover the Taste of Istanbul with Yeni’s Pre-Theatre Menu

Located in the heart of Soho, Chef Civan Er of Yeni has just announced a new seasonal set menu for lunchtimes and the pre-theatre slot. The Istanbul-inspired eatery has split the menu into three sections – Vegetables, Meat & Seafood and Desserts – featuring some favourites from their a la carte menu along with new dishes.

Sample classics such as the delicately handmade Manti dumplings served in a bed of double fermented yoghurt, the Samsa savoury meat pastry made from hand rolled beef phyllo and yoghurt or the delicious Octopus rings a la plancha, served with bulghur, aioli, sumac and parsley.

The menu is priced at £16 per person for three dishes and is available for lunch Monday to Friday and from 5-6pm Monday to Saturday. Additional dishes can also be added for £6 each.

www.yeni.london

2. Celebrate Holi at Saffron Circle

New on the London restaurant scene last month, Swiss Cottage’s Saffron Circle is the first international opening from esteemed restaurateur Lavanya Mahate, founder of five successful outposts in Salt Lake City, Utah. Specialising in the most popular dishes from the North, South, East and West of India, Saffron Circle takes guests on a journey, highlighting the subcontinent’s immense culinary diversity.

This month, from 9th – 15th March, celebrate the Indian Holi festival as Executive Chef Santosh Shahhas introduced an eclectic array of dishes to the Festival of Colour Menu, at just £29.95 per person. To start, choose from either the succulent lamb chops marinated with fresh ginger, dried fenugreek, herbs and spices or the tender chicken tikka marinated in ginger garlic, spices, yoghurt and lime juice. Mains are served up in the traditional Indian Thali style, where guests will sample Saffron Circle’s signature dishes including Kerala Prawn Curry, Saffron Paneer and Chettinad Chicken Curry.

www.saffroncircle.co.uk

3. Indulge in Every Kids Dream Dinner at Waffle Week

Yes, you read it right. Prayers have been answered; Waffle Week is a thing. We of course have city hotshots Duck & Waffle to thank for it, instigators of the forthcoming 24/7 celebration featuring a menu of new and signature homemade waffle dishes running from sunset to sunrise to sunset again. From Monday 23rd March to Sunday 29th March, the inaugural Waffle Week will feature everything from the namesake signature dish to new offerings inspired by traditional British desserts, created by Executive Chef Elliott Grover.

Breakfast fans can kick off their day with a Duck Benedict, while for those with a sweet tooth, the signature Full Elvis, with PBJ, caramelised banana, Chantilly cream and all the trimmings will satisfy all the cravings. If those weren’t indulgent enough, late night visitors can indulge in the Caramelised Banana Waffle of housemade hazelnut & chocolate spread, vanilla ice cream, and peanut crunch or the new Lemon Meringue Waffle with lemon curd, Italian meringue, lemon sherbet ice cream, and dill.

www.duckandwaffle.com

4. Get an Injection of Latin Flavour at Cha Cha x Sister Jane

This spring Notting Hill will be getting an injection of Latino flavour with the opening of Cha Cha x Sister Jane, a restaurant and bar that will be big on taste and on music to match. Due to open at the end of March, the multi-story restaurant and roof terrace on Golborne Road will feature a menu developed by Head Chef Kai Rykowski (ex Chiltern Firehouse), featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a Latino twist.

Due to open its doors at the end of the month at 36 Golborne Road, breakfasters can look forward to daily specials of cheese and truffle toasties, French toast with vanilla custard and rhubarb pistachio, and acai bowls topped with pumpkin, sunflower and chia seeds and coconut powder. From 11am until midnight, an all-day menu will showcase moreish sharing plates of sea bass ceviche, tempura squid with wasabi mayo and lime, and oysters with green tomatillo and jalapeño mint gazpacho; bountiful salads such as grilled baby gam with maple butter, queso fresco and lemon brioche crumble, and showstopper mains hot from the robata grill including a half lobster tail, duck breast and octopus.

5. Embrace Cherry Blossom Season at May Fair Bar

This spring the May Fair Bar has partnered with the House of Suntory’s Roku Gin to celebrate the arrival of Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season, and centuries-old practise of Hanami; the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers, as the bar is transformed into a blush-hued cherry blossom-filled escape.

Guests can enjoy bespoke cocktails alongside a selection of exquisite contemporary pan-Asian small plates including tuna, salmon, Yellowtail and sea bass served with wasabi and soy, Wagyu beef sliders with creamy spiced shichimi mayo, chicken truffle teryaki robot skewers and crispy wasabi prawns. A weekend brunch will also include the likes of a decadent toasted lobster bagel and Bao buns filed with Wagyu beef fillet, with crispymelting gorgonzola cheese and chilli habanero sauce. Delicious.

www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

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Australia

#GirlBossesofGreatBritain : Changing career paths & falling in love with whisky with Alwynne Gwilt, Brand Ambassador for Balvenie

One of the greatest joys that #TeamCoco get out of interviewing great business women is the motivation that you don’t have to have it all planned out and that following your interests and getting your hustle on can get you to amazing – and unexpected – places.

Today’s interviewee Alwynne Gwilt started out listening in to police scanners for scoops at a national newspaper in Toronto and is currently a brand ambassador for Balvenie whisky based in London. Along the way she shifted her aversion to whisky from the spirit that gave her terrible hangovers from drinking on the beach at uni (!) to a love of the beautiful, nuanced and exciting spirit she knows it is today….

HOC: Hey Alwynne! We especially love speaking with businesswomen with interesting and varied backgrounds and yours certainly is – what brought you to the UK from Canada?

Alwynne: So my background is very different to what I do today… I started working in broadcast journalism in my home country of Canada when I was 16 and then went off to study broadcast journalist. I had the full intention to sticking around the journalism industry for the rest of my career and started working for national newspapers in Toronto and then moved to the UK in 2007 with the intention of staying for just a year. I’d moved over on a freelance contract and, at that time, being paid in Canadian dollars but living in London wasn’t the smartest way to do business!

I promptly got a job in financial journalism which is not my background at all. I ended up at an Insurance Magazine just before the crash and it was crazy and lavish – it was like ‘let’s go to Paris for lunch!’ very strange and such a different journalism world to Canada where that’s DEFINITELY not allowed…

HOC: Sounds pretty crazy! And where does the whisky come in?

Alwynne: Long story short, in this insurance company, I ended up going along to a whisky tasting in Soho as so many people in the financial world drink whisky. I was very anti-whisky and thought it was this horrible, disgusting liquid and I really didn’t want anything to do with it.

At this event I was totally blown away! It’s so great to look back and remember that moment when I was really taken aback – it doesn’t happen that often in life! I left the tasting and decided I wanted to get a bottle and it kind of went from there with friends buying me interesting whiskies for my birthday, I really got into it.

A couple of years later, I decided I’d had it with the investment world and decided to go freelance. I remember going to a food blogging workshop, and this was back in 2011 when nobody really had a clue what a blog was. I didn’t want to become a blogger – I was a journalist! – but when I got chatting to a food editor at The Guardian he recommended that that I needed to start a blog, so that I could start pitching articles about whisky. So I started a test blog called ‘Gwilty Pleasures’ – a riff on my surname – all about food, drink and travel just to try it out. I took a break from work and headed to Costa Rica for a few months and while I was there I formalised this idea I’d had in my head to blog specifically about whisky. When I came back, I started Miss Whisky (MissWhisky.com) and that’s really where it all kicked off!

HOC: Is the whisky industry the boys club I’d imagine that it is?

Alwynne: Not really! When I started my blog there weren’t any females writing specifically about whisky in the UK market but there have always been females involved in the creation of whisky. Industry people always ask me if it was intimidating getting involved as a younger female and do you know what, I always found the industry so welcoming. The only reason I ended up learning so much, so quickly was because I’d meet people at a show and when I followed up with them they said ‘yeh, sure why don’t you come and visit?’ . I never felt that I wasn’t part of the club and no-one wanted to talk to me. I think, from my journalism work, I have a brain that’s interested in so many things and I love to ask questions, I think that was appreciated!

HOC: Before we go any further – I have to admit – while I enjoy a whisky cocktail from time to time – I have no idea what is the difference between a whiskey with an ‘e’ – and one without!

Alwynne: I help you with that! With an E is generally Irish and American and pretty much everybody else doesn’t use an E and there’s various debates about why that came about. One story is that, back when Dublin used to produce more whisky than Scotland, they decided to put their stamp on the spirit and add an E – clearly marking which whiskey was the spirit of Dublin.

HOC: Ah that wasn’t as complicated as I thought! What’s happening in the whisky / whiskey industry at the moment and what should we look out for?

Alwynne: We’re seeing a proliferation of start ups, like we’ve seen in gin. Now when you go to a bar you see the gin list and have no idea where to begin – I don’t even bother trying to keep up with it! But the reality is that whisky takes a lot longer than gin so it’ll take a few years for things to really change.

There’s more and more whisky companies coming through which is interesting and we’re seeing lots more family owned businesses. There’s also some great things happening in world whiskies. Like a few years ago when people got really excited about Japanese whiskies, there are loads of places to look out for. Tasmania and Tawain and India and Africa…. it could easily get a bit overwhelming!

HOC: What a dream – combining travel and interesting whiskies! Where’s the most amazing place you’ve visited in the search for great whisky?

Alwynne: It’s funny but one of the first distilleries I visited was Balvenie in Speyside when the then brand ambassador brought some bloggers to see it! It was such a memorable visit, in the heartland of the Scottish whisky industry – there’s around 50 distilleries in that area. I really fell in love with Scotland through my blog when I’d pootle around the west coast to visit distilleries. I never got to drink anything on site though, as I was driving but I’d be taking my little bottles to get samples to drink in my hotel! Scotland reminds me of Canada, it’s very open and people are super friendly – really welcoming and the landscape is incredible.

The Mackmyra distillery in Sweden is so fascinating. It’s in the woods and is gravity fed which means that no energy is used. The whisky is matured in war time bunkers underground! You drive into the distillery and there’s all these signs almost warning you about a nuclear disaster. It a former bomb creating space and now they use it to store their whisky?! They’ve also got a female master distiller – Angela D’Orazio. They are really cool.

I’m dying to go to Tasmania, there are 8 distilleries there which you wouldn’t expect and it’s like a mini Scotland in the way the land sits – lots of mountains and water… There are so many beautiful stories. For the people who work at these places, this is their way of life and they don’t always realise the impact that their work has down the line, often on a far flung country. It’s fascinating when you think about all this spirit that has been maturing in warehouses goes all around the world and all the time and history and knowledge that goes into it. It’s really quite beautiful.

HOC: I always remember that Parks & Recreation episode where Ron gets to visit the remote Lagavulin distillery on the isle of Islay and gets super emotional…

Alwynne: YES! I was so excited when I saw that episode. I’m a big fan, I bought my other half a t-shirt that said ‘This is LITERALLY the best t-shirt’! Haha!

HOC: If someone fancied themselves a Ron Swanson (!) and wanted to try getting into whisky, what advice would you have for them? I’ve found it’s too often passed off as a ‘man’s drink’, whatever that means and it can seem intimidating for women?

Alwynne: So strange, I mean why is a certain flavour thought of as ‘manly’, whatever that means?! In fact, flavours are the key to finding a whisky you like. I got two of my best friends into whisky and I had it in my head that they’d only like the lighter ones as they’d never really tried whisky before. But, after some experimenting, it was the peaty, punchy ones they loved. They’d always prefer savoury food over sweet and loved smokey flavours – why wouldn’t that be the drinks they’d prefer as well? There’s so many ways to enjoy whisky – some great cocktails out there and some great options to try at home, which is becoming more popular.

HOC: Whisky can be seen as an expensive thing to get into, do you have any tips for House of Coco readers?

Alwynne: That can be true but there’s a lot of time and work that goes into whisky as opposed to other spirits and you’re not likely to get through a bottle too quickly! Generally, independent bottlers like That Boutique-y Whisky Company will be great value and really high quality – they release great bottles with really funky cartoony artwork. In all, there’s a growing trend to drink less but drink better and people are spending a bit more on spirits.

It’s always worth keeping an eye out at Christmas on places like Aldi! Every year, they bring out old whiskies insanely cheaply. Last year, for the first time, they’d bottled an old Irish whisky… I’m usually so late to the party on new releases but, for the first time ever, I read the article on the day this whisky became available. I discovered it was available online so snapped up two bottles I was dubious as it was so reasonable priced and it was so good. Two days later I came back home, after few cocktails, and bought two more bottles online before it sold out!

HOC: It must be so strange for you, looking back on your career and where you’ve got to…?

Alwynne: Definitely! I mean, I’ve now been a full-time employee of Balvenie for a year and a half and before that spent time working across the William Grant brands. I still have my blog, Miss Whisky, which is so important to me as it’s my roots!

It’s been a very different career path than I expected. My dad has been very happy, he’s got a lot of whisky over the years! One of the best things was when I did the opening tasting at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Canadawhich is right by where my Dad lives so he got to come along. It was one of those moments of thinking – ‘this is the most random thing!’ When I left home at 17 for journalism school, this is not where I thought I was going but it was so nice to almost bring it home….see, it all makes sense now! I totally knew what I was doing the whole time!

With that inspirational thought, we went off on a tangent about in-the-know bars in Seoul in South Korea and how Netflix could commission a series like ‘Nailed It’ based on making cocktails. But it would likely be a bit too messy!

To find out more about Alwynne’s work head to her blog MissWhisky.com

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Food & Drink

#CocoDrinks: Cadello Hits The UK

With an Asian and Italian heritage, a smooth recipe that took more than three years to develop and the inspiration that arose from Venetian masked balls, Cadello is released in the UK. A brand unlike any other that you have seen before, its premium spirit claims to define a category of its own, and we at House of Coco can’t wait to see it on a drinks menu around the UK’s top bars and restaurants.

Cadello serves up a spirit as magnificent as the wealthy merchants of Venice and masked balls that came to be the inspiration behind this brand. Providing a distinct and singular experience, this spirit is crafted with eight carefully selected ingredients, which unveil flavours of coffee, chocolate, star anise and vanilla, with hints of caramel, hazelnut, mint and toffee. The ingredients are infused in grain alcohol and then distilled separately, before being carefully blended into French Oak barrels with coffee beans, to age into a spirit that encapsulates the perfect depth, complexity and smoothness.

Cadello is perfectly smooth and can be simply enjoyed on its own to allow a full sensory experience of the flavours mentioned above. A spirit that is pleasing at any time of the day, Cadello works well as an aperitivo, digestivo and a delicious addition to any cocktail. Fashioned by top bartenders in Zurich, London, Paris, Scandinavia, Germany and Mumbai, Cadello offers a wide range of cocktail recipes; satisfactory to everyone’s tastes.

Why not try the Cadellotini? Cadello’s very own spin on the much-loved Martini. This cocktail was created by Goethe Bar in Zurich and includes Cadello, Vodka, Frangelico, Cherry Liqueur and Espresso. If that’s not to your tastes, then why not combine Cadello with fresh lemon juice, Tio Pepe Dry Sherry Fino and Ginger Syrup to create the Fizzy Fiddler. A cocktail created by award-winning bartender Chloé Merz-Salyer.

Priced at £30 for 50cl, available online from Honest Grapes.

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Bangladesh

What to do in London over the bank holiday weekend

Here at #TeamCoco we are a little a bit over excited that it’s the spring bank holiday weekend, meaning that spring is finally here (with a whole lot of April showers), but we’re rolling with it, and it’s a three-day weekend! The early May bank holiday always brings a variety of exciting activities to London, so we’ve listed our top picks for you to enjoy if you’re in the city this weekend!

Kerb does Alchemy: The brilliant Southbank Asian street food festival is back and lucky for us, it falls right over the bank holiday weekend, from 3 – 7 May. Transforming the SE1 concrete into a rambunctious raft of heat and spice. This year they are packing in the flavour with a 29-strong fleet of traders cooking up dishes from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as part of Southbank’s South Asian Alchemy Festival 2018.

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Arcadia festival: To celebrate the tenth anniversary, the spectacular Arcadia is landing in London. For those of you who haven’t seen Arcadia at Glastonbury, Boomtown, or the likes, this is now your chance. The 50 tonne Arcadia Spider is one of the world’s most iconic festival stages. Arcadia London is an immersive festival, fusing monumental spectacle, high octane performance and thunderous bass into a spellbinding sensory experience. Explore the festival as sun soaked bass rumbles across three stages, barbecues sizzle, and cocktails flow. Groove Armada and Norman Jay are amongst the talent playing Saturday, and on Sunday, Noisia and Rudimental close the party. Best thing is, tickets are still available. Grab yours here.

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Picasso at Tate Modern: We would seriously recommend spending some of your Bank Holiday going to see the incredible Love, Fame and Tragedy exhibition at Tate Modern. 1932 was an intensely creative period in the life of the 20th century’s most influential artist. This is the first ever solo Pablo Picasso exhibition at Tate Modern. It will bring you face-to-face with more than 100 paintings, sculptures and drawings, mixed with family photographs and rare glimpses into his personal life. This exhibition is complex and rich, and gave us an insight into Picasso’s life that we had never seen before. Book ahead as it sure gets busy! If you can’t go over bank holiday weekend, the exhibition is on until 9 September 2018.

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Skylight returns to London: After two incredible seasons of fun that saw over 60,000 people enjoy some of the best views, tasty cocktails, wine, beer and fun – Skylight is back for summer in the same spot in Tobacco Docks, and coincidentally reopens today! We think it is only polite that we pop in for at least one cocktail…especially as word on the street is that the watermelon mojitos and skylight sangrias are something else!

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Accessories

#WomenWorldwide: Talking Everyday Hustle with Maddy of MADLY Gems

One of the things we love most about our career series is the ability to showcase that not everyone has the same path. Being entrepreneurial might be in your blood but a solid career foundation can be the perfect springboard to launching your own thing. That’s the case for Maddy, founder of MADLY Gems, based in Singapore…

HOC: Hello Maddy! Tell us about your journey to being an entrepreneur?

Maddy: The seed was planted in me by my dad who worked in a bank most of his life and was responsible for approving bank loans and helping many small businesses get a head start. Growing up, I’d hear stories of all kinds of business ventures, what he thought made a sound or not so viable one, and why some succeeded while others didn’t.

But it wasn’t until I met my husband 15 years ago that I felt that I was ready to take on the challenges of running a business, which I knew I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to do alone. Two businesses, in fact, when we were living and working in Bangkok, Thailand. MADLY is our 3rd venture together. He’s always been my advisor and confidante, and he’s great in areas I’m weak at (vice versa) so we make a pretty formidable team, complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

I think it is important in any business to NOT do it alone and to find mature, like-minded people with complementary skills to plug all the holes and fill every gap. No one can do it all and everyone’s role is different, and this diversity should be embraced.

HOC: Amazing and when did MADLY come into being?

Maddy: MADLY came into being late 2014 and started with just myself and one designer working out of a bedroom/home office! I was the ‘hustler’ who got the word out, told everyone what we are about; and got every friend and family member to custom make something for themselves or loved one.

I don’t think I had any expectations for MADLY at that point, except to share my love for beautiful gemstone jewellery which the local market was, and still is very new to, and create a new shopping experience for jewellery lovers.

HOC: What else was happening for you when you started this business?

Maddy: I also hold a full time job as a breakfast show radio presenter, so it’s tough juggling 2 jobs and motherhood!

The business grew organically and just took on a life of its own and we had to put in more resources to cope with the growth. For instance, we had to upgrade our premises thrice to cope with the growth since we needed more space for more designers!

HOC: And how has MADLY grown since then?

Maddy: You could say MADLY just took on a life of its own and became larger than any one person or designer as it is with many bespoke jewellery outfits. I kind of like that, because that gives us variety and diversity – with each designer having their unique sense of style; and affinity to different fashion of jewellery designs.

So depending on a client’s style, we try to match the client to the designer so there in synergy. The more a client is able to tell us about his/her likes and dislikes etc the better we are able to pair them with a designer that shares similar style because jewellery is personal and totally subjective!

HOC: Sounds like an exciting place to be. What does being a Girl Boss mean to you?

Maddy: To me, it’s a mindset and attitude rather than a position or role. You don’t actually have to own a business to be a #girlboss. A great leader or manager who takes care of her team and takes ownership of her decisions, good or bad is a boss in her own right.

In my mind, a Girl Boss understands what is important to the success of the company (whether or not she owns it or works for it) and does not sweat the small things.

HOC: Business culture seems very important to you, what is the MADLY culture like?

Maddy: MADLY is not your average workplace. We work with only the finest gemstones and craftsmen in the world, meaning that we are very serious about what we do, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously! We know that you’ve got to have fun at work and we value this equally!

HOC: You clearly have an entrepreneurial soul, what advice do you have for them to start their own thing?

Maddy: To me, true success is being able to do what you love and use your strengths every day while being paid for it!

It doesn’t necessarily culminate in owning a business because not everyone is cut out for it. If starting your own business is what you really want, then you need to ask yourself which part of the puzzle are you?

Bearing in mind your strengths and weaknesses, are you comfortable to lead, because every business like an organisation needs a good leader. Or, are you better off finding a partner or hiring someone to run the business while you do what you’re really good at?

Almost every entrepreneur I meet forgets to ask that very crucial question and every company needs a leader but the fact is, not everyone wants or likes to lead, and there are brilliant people who make very lousy leaders, yet make/create the absolute best product. A business isn’t there for you to prove your worth but to serve a purpose and fill a need. It’s not about you, but rather about those you hope to serve.

HOC: Looking forward, what does 2019/2020 have in store for you and for your brand?

We are looking at bringing the MADLY experience overseas by next year and have a few locations in mind. I just need to decide where would be the first launch pad outside of Singapore and then see where it goes….

My plan is to over-prepare and then go with the flow! Now, I just need to find the time to make it happen and if it’s meant to be, it will be!

Follow Maddy’s business at @MADLYGems

& MADLYGems.com

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India

Seven Reasons to visit Sri Lanka’s South Coast

When it comes to dreamy stretches of surf-swept sand, you’d be hard pressed to find any prettier than the south coast of Sri Lanka. Crowned as Lonely Planet’s number one destination to visit in 2019, the country’s charms are certainly no secret – but despite the burgeoning number of visitors, the southern coast of the country remains an idyllic escape for beach-lovers. Here you’ll find not only palm-fringed stretches of shoreline but charming colonial towns, timeless temples steeped in Buddist spirit and wonderful wildlife, all topped with a selection of seriously stylish villas and hotels in which to stay, alongside unparalleled local hospitality. Almost 10 years after the end of its civil war, here are seven reasons to visit Sri Lanka’s south coast.

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1. Stay in a Sri Lankan Luxury Villa

Sri Lanka’s south coast may have a selection of snazzy hotels, but for a true taste of Sri Lankan living, you can’t beat holing-up in one of the private villas dotted along the coast. Set in their own grounds, you’ll be free to explore the nearby beaches and bars, before retreating to your palm-shaded pool to while away the afternoon. Most villas here comes complete with a local cook, who will whip up a traditional breakfast spread of egg hoppers and traditional Sri Lankan curries for dinner. Better yet, the level of luxury you can get for your money here far exceeds anything you might be able to get at a hotel, and often at a much better price – particularly if you are travelling in a group. For the best selection, try Eden Villas in Sri Lanka – our favourite is Walatta House. (www.evinsl.com).

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2.Galle

Take a step back in Sri Lanka’s past with a stroll through the fortified old quarter of Galle. This exotic old fort town is full of history – vestiges of colonial occupations but the English, Portuguese and Dutch. Nowadays, the fortressed streets and rambling ramparts play host to stylish cafes, quirky restaurants and bohemian boutiques – home to a hip, artistic set. Take refuge from the buzz of the city in one of the carefully restored luxury hotels, before enjoying the fresh catch at the elegant 18th-century mansion, The Fort Printers. Here’s our guide on where you can grab Brunch.

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3. Whale Watching

Mirissa, a beach town on Sri Lanka’s south coast – also happens to be one of the best places in the world to see Blue Whales. Tours don’t run in the Monsoon season and can still be choppy at other times of the year, so we’d recommend a trip between November – April for the calmest conditions. While Sri Lanka may be a fantastic location for whale watching, as it is cheaper to do it here than elsewhere you will find it is a popular activity, so worth spending a little more for a less crowded experience with a company like Whale Watching Club Mirissa, which has the best reviews.

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4. Yala National Park

Where the wilderness meets the ocean, Yala national park is home to the highest population density of leopards in the world, as well as the chance to see Asian Elephants. The best place to stay to experience a safari in this ecological wonderland? Undoubtedly, Wild Coast Tented Lodge – 28 dome-shaped tents formed by woven bamboo and designed by Sri Lanka based Nomadic resorts, these eco-conscious safari tents evoke all the nostalgia of old-world safari, with luxe interiors by Amsterdam-based BoReudler, with free-standing copper bathtubs, some with individual pools alongside spectacular food and drink, which is all included in the rates, as well as a safari.

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5. Surf

Famous for its surf breaks, Sri Lanka’s south coast offers swells to cater to all abilities. For beginners, Weligama beach break is the ideal spot, while those wanting to escape the crowds can head to Soul and Surf in Ahangama, which offers both surfing and yoga lessons. For intermediate and advanced surfers, Midigama just north of Weligama and Mirissa Bay with its crescent-shaped beach offer more of a challenge. Surf South Sri Lanka is a great resource for up to date information on seasonal swells.

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6. Beaches

Less developed than the west coast, the beaches on Sri Lanka’s southern coast are surely some of the most beautiful. The south coast is scattered with sweeps of silver sand, from the insta-famous palm tree swing at Dalawella to Dickwella’s low key local atmosphere. Further down the coast, you’ll find Tangalle’s golden sandy beaches like Mawella not to be missed, while those staying in a villa like Walatta House, often have private access to their own stretch of sandy shoreline, and there’s often a local beach hut where you can find a cocktail to see the sunset away.

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7. Temples

With a fusion of both Buddhist and Hindu heritage, Sri Lanka is dotted with temples devoted to different deities, and in the south, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Just 10 minutes from Galle, the serene Monastery at Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is a 2,000-year-old rock temple surrounded by rice paddies with mural-covered walls. On the hillside west of Unawatuna with beautiful views over Galle Bay and the ocean, Rumassala Temple is the subject of many local legends, with a peace pagoda built by Japanese Buddhist monks, as part of their scheme to build peace temples in conflict zones. Whatever temple you choose to visit, remember to dress conservatively, keep talking to a minimum during ceremonies and always remove your shoes before entry.

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Egypt

Stuck inside? 7 ways to see the world virtually

Amid COVID-19, many of us have now been isolated into our homes. Working from home can be hard to adapt into, especially if you have small children, and with the Easter holidays approaching you might have had a nice holiday or activity planned which has now either been cancelled or postponed. Well, did you know you can explore many places in the comfort of your own home, many virtual reality travel experiences are as good as the real thing – and free!
This can be a great way to spend your breaks in between working as it lets your brain transport into a happier place. To help you find that dream escape, virtually, the experts at Baltic Travel Company have listed your 7 best options.
1) Museums
Google Arts and Culture have partnered with over 2,500 museums and galleries globally to offer virtual tours of their spaces. Options include Pergamon Museum in Berlin, New York’s Museum of Modern Art and The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. They are all offering virtual video tours of current exhibitions and in depth looks at collection highlights. You can navigate your way around the museums and learn new angles of history and art. Pick a museum you’ve always wanted to visit and write down key facts which stand out to you.
2) Visit the zoo
If animals take you to your happy place, then a zoo is your dream. Immerse yourself into furry friend heaven, zoos like the Monterey Bay Aquarium are offering live webcam viewings of pandas, penguins and beluga whales. This is a great experience for children as they will be amazed that the feed is live.
3) Landmarks
With the help of Google Earth, you can take a tour of some of the world’s most iconic locations. The platform offers places such as the Taj Mahal and Great Pyramid of Giza to explore. Keeping your mind in check is as important as washing your hands. These experiences are vital to explore in order to remind yourself the world is out there to be discovered.
4) National parks
National parks are beautiful, an escape from reality and a chance to clear your mind. Well you can still do just that; many national parks have virtual tours on their websites and via Google Arts & Culture. The parks feature many different climates from across the country so you can pick one a day that suits your mood! One of the parks on offer is the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the virtual tour lets you explore the Nahuku Lava Tube which is a cave made by flowing lava – it is truly magical.
5) Space
You can decide to take yourself off Earth all together and visit another planet! You can explore the surface of Mars through 3D, 360 images which were recorded by NASA’s curiosity rover. If you want to explore more of space, there is a 360 YouTube videowhich allows you to travel and discover all of the planets.
6) Opera
Even if opera is not your usual activity of choice, there is a unique opportunity on offer from the famed Metropolitan Opera. The New York City opera house is closed to the public, but they have revealed streaming sessions starting at 7.30pm EST every night, the recordings will be available here on the website for 20 hours after they’ve been streamed at night. This is a great opportunity to video call friends and enjoy this one-off experience together.
7) Rollercoaster
Easter holidays normally see the theme parks filled with children enjoying their holidays. You can bring the adrenaline of rollercoaster rides into your house as YouTube is filled with videos that allows users be immersed into attractions in Disney resorts. Spend your weekends doing something different and enjoy the ride. Start with the Superman rollercoaster in Six Flags.
This piece brought to you by: https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/

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Cambodia

The Best ‘Eco-Luxury’ Resorts in SouthEast Asia : Luxury retreats with a soul

Eco travel doesn’t always necessarily involve a backpack, and there are certainly ways you can put your feet up without having to go completely off the grid. In many local island communities, eco luxury resorts have actually stepped in where local governments couldn’t; conserving endemic species, supporting ethical local trades, and educating the local communities. I want to do a round-up of the best eco-resorts in South East Asia, not just for their picturesque poolside aesthetic, but also for everything these resorts have done to conserve the tropical islands they call home.

EL NIDO RESORTS, PHILIPPINES

Located amidst the natural limestone cliffs and lagoons of the Philippines’ beautiful Palawan region, El Nido Resorts is a group of four island properties with sustainability at its core. Each island has its own unique personality that explores a different aspect of island Eco-tourism. Apulit is an Eco-adventure island with a variety of thrill-seeking nature activities on offer, while Miniloc is an Eco-discovery island where you can learn about Palawan’s ecology, and even swim with giant Jackfish. Lagen is an Eco-sanctuary island nestled in a four hectare lush forest, while Pangalusian is an Eco-luxury Island, with its own seven hundred fifty metre white beach.

TONGSAI BAY, THAILAND

At Tongsai bay, all wildlife is protected. The resort is home to monitor lizards, monarch butterflies, dolphins, and a total of sixty-seven different bird species. In fact, their green policy dictates that no plant or tree may be cut down without permission. This policy encourages wildlife to the hotel, making Tongsai Bay the perfect sanctuary for both travellers and local indigenous species.In addition to this commitment to wildlife conservation, the hotel also has a number of note-worthy sustainable practices. They have replaced all plastic straws with lemongrass, produce their own natural cleaning agent with local fruits and vegetables, as well as offer a completely plant-based menu. It is no wonder why Tongsai Bay’s environmental credentials are so substantial, and why it has led the way for Koh Samui’s ecological preservation.

PHUM BAITANG, CAMBODIA

The Phum Baitang is sustainability at its finest; a green oasis deserving of its name. The resort is equipped with an autonomous water treatment facility, which provides guests with fresh and drinkable water throughout the year. They have also replaced all plastics with reusable Glosch-top purified bottles, and have banned fuel powered vehicles in and around the resort. The Phum Baitang also takes the farm to table concept to another level by serving locally farmed “Sen Kro Ob” rice among other herbs and vegetables. All of which are grown on site in the resort’s paddy fields. Guests are encouraged to immerse in the local community, with the unique opportunity to interact with the local farmers. Helping them understand the farming culture of Cambodia; and learn more about rice cultivation and processing. All this and more make the Phum Baitang a truly unique retreat, right in the heart of mystical Cambodia.

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