Lithuania - House Of Coco Magazine

Australia November 9, 2023

Top five destinations for a hair transplant

If you’ve ever thought about getting a hair transplant, it’s likely you’ve looked at getting the procedure done in the UK. However, like most people, you’ve probably found that British hair transplant clinics are incredibly expensive. But there’s no need to panic as the work could still be affordable. This is because it’s far cheaper to get a hair transplant abroad, and there’s no need to worry about sacrificing quality or safety, either. With this in mind, here are the five top global destinations you can visit for a hair transplant.

#1 Turkey

Turkey is an incredibly popular destination with Brits who decide to head abroad for a hair transplant. In fact, figures from Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board suggest that the country’s hair transplant industry was worth more than US$1 billion last year.

Brits love heading to Turkey for their hair transplants because the procedure is significantly cheaper. In fact, the latest figures from GetHair claim that it’s around 80% cheaper to get a hair transplant in Turkey than in the UK. Due to this, it’s unsurprising that 68% of the world’s hair transplant procedures are performed in the country. Actually, the procedures are so popular that the country is informally known as the ‘headquarters of hair transplants in the world’.

#2 South Korea

If you don’t mind venturing a little further afield, South Korea is also a great destination to visit for your procedure.

The country is actually known as ‘the world’s plastic-surgery capital’ because Seoul alone has more than 600 clinics – and more than 50,000 foreign patients received plastic surgery in the country in 2017 alone, according to The Korea Herald.

Although figures suggest that getting a hair transplant in South Korea is slightly more expensive than in Turkey, the procedure still costs less than half of what it would cost in the UK.

However, it’s important to know that most surgeons in South Korea don’t speak English. As a result, you may need to pay to have an interpreter accompany you for your procedure.

#3 Thailand

Thailand’s a destination that’s particularly popular with Australian, American and Canadian visitors because it’s significantly cheaper to get a hair transplant here than it is in these countries. However, it’s not much cheaper to get a transplant in Thailand than it is in the UK.

But, one of the main advantages of visiting Thailand for a hair transplant is that the country is a hub of innovation and technology. As a result, it’s a location where the surgeons are highly experienced and practice new techniques regularly.

As an added bonus, it’s also a fantastic place for a holiday, so you can stay for a few days after your surgery and enjoy the stunning views.

#4 Poland

If you’d rather stay in Europe than travel all the way to Asia, Poland is a great location for a hair transplant. Plus, its close proximity to the UK means it’s really easy to get cheap flights, which also brings the overall cost of the procedure down. In fact, due to the cheap flights and the general price policy in the country, it’s actually cheaper to get a hair transplant in Poland than it is in Turkey.

Like Thailand, Poland is also a country that’s renowned for its innovative techniques. In fact, many clinics in the country use the innovative ARTAS robot to complete FUE hair transplants. These machines are so advanced that they’re even more accurate than skilled surgeons. The machines have precision-focused technology that helps them select only the highest-quality hair follicles to replenish thinning scalps. By helping the surgeon, they also make the procedure quicker and less painful.

#5 Lithuania

Finally, Lithuania takes fifth position on our list. As a real up-and-coming destination, Lithuania flies a little under the radar with potential hair transplant patients. However, its facilities are well worth investigating because they achieve excellent results and employ many of the latest technologies.

In addition to this, hair transplant prices in Lithuania are among the lowest in Europe. Plus, the cost of living over in Lithuania is also low, meaning it’s cheap to enjoy your break while you’re out there, too. Similar to this, like with Poland, the country’s close proximity to the UK also means it’s easy to get cheap flights. This brings down the cost of the operation even further.

If you choose one of these five destinations for your hair transplant, you’re likely to receive a quality service at an affordable price. However, before you commit to a clinic in another country, you should do your research – sadly, black-market operators do try to lure in customers. So, before you book your appointment, make sure you inspect the qualifications of the surgeons they use and check their independent reviews. This way, you can rest assured you’ve chosen a provider you can trust.

Denmark November 9, 2023

9 Amazing Reasons to Visit the Northern Europe

Northern Europe often gives off the impression that it’s a remote quiet part of the world given its small populations and cold weather that sometimes could border on the extreme. The truth is, it’s a beautiful area that is rich in culture and history – a true gem of a travel that’s off the beaten path compared to usual European destinations like Rome, Paris, or London. If you’re itching for a different kind of European experience, consider going on northern Europe tours that will introduce you to another beautiful side to the continent. Here are 9 amazing reasons that will convince you to bite the bullet and start planning your Northern European getaway!

1. Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. Satisfy your thirst for Viking knowledge by witnessing first hand five actual Viking ships that were discovered in the Roskilde Fjords found around the city.2. See the first ice hotel in the world in Kiruna, Sweden. Time your vacation around the winter Snow Festival to make the most of Sweden’s wintertime activities.3. Attend a festival in Tampere, Finland. This city located in between two lakes is popular for holding so many cultural festivals – from theater to film to music and nearly everything in between.4. Walk through the streets of Aalborg, Denmark. This Northern Europe harbor was very prominent during the Middle Ages. At present, it is home to half-timbered mansions along streets that are picturesque in the daytime and become party central at night.5. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland. This nature reserve might not be European in the strictest sense, but it does have its connections to it through its Norse heritage. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa where you can relax and get all warmed up amidst the coolness of the environment.6. Discover the richness of history in Vilnius, Lithuania. The capital city has ancient churches and the famous Old Town, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.7. Take a tour of the Stifsgarden royal palace in Trondheim, Norway. This is quite possibly the largest wooden building in the entire Northern Europe, and is worth a visit for the socio-economic history of the Trondheim and the River Nidelva which flows through it.8. Soak up the fantastic scenery in Uppsala, Sweden. The city has a decidedly slower pace of life, which is the perfect complement to its amazing scenic areas and parks. Uppsala may be smaller than other Swedish cities, but it has a life worth witnessing all on its own!9. Stroll through the world’s best preserved medieval town in Tallinn, Estonia. On this side of the world lies the Old Town, a city that has never been raided or pillaged in all of its history.The result? A beautifully preserved town that you can explore to have the most genuine experience of what medieval life was like.

Clearly, there’s more about Northern Europe than meets the eye. If you are set on discovering more about such an amazing part of the world, read more about Northern Europe to have a better idea of what awaits you when you get there!

Destination Inspiration November 9, 2023

Top 6 Must Do Experiences in Malaysia

Towering cities, idyllic beaches, lush rainforests and unrivalled cuisine make up the diverse fabric of Malaysia, where the buzzing metropolises of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore give way to gushing waterfalls, tea plantations and orang-utans. The vastness of the mainland and its surrounding islands unfurl with an endless sense of adventure, perfect for wanderers looking for the ultimate variation of city glitz and wild.

Go waterfall hunting in Langkawi

Rainy season in Langkawi is home to a labyrinth of waterfalls, transforming from dusty trickles in the summon months to gushing spectacles during low-season. Hire a car for a day spent driving the wide and largely quiet island roads. Visit the several falls one by one; each different yet beautiful, a hot and humid afternoon is pleasantly subdued by the deep watering holes framed by thick forest.

Camp in the Perhentian islands

A true slice of paradise within the azure waters of the South China sea, Perhentian Kecil is a mecca for travellers yearning for a slice of calm. With no roads to speak of and very little accommodation, the island is rarely crowded and maintains its sense of remoteness. The Rainforest campsite is nestled in the canopies behind the shores of Rainforest beach, offering the perfect back-to-nature escape for budget travellers and nature lovers alike. It’s remote location (30-minute walk through the foliage to the main hub of Long Beach) means that communal dinners are cooked and prepared by the site’s local owners – encouraging travellers to mingle, eat and share stories along an old oak table under the stars each night. A flurry of deserted white sand beaches are available only by boat – once deposited on the shores by a local fisherman, you’re free to swim and bathe in silence for a few isolated ours before being picked up again. Bliss!

Roam tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands

A 3-hour drive north of Kuala Lumpur gives way to the emerald tea plantations of Malaysia’s largest hill-station area. The sticky heat of the city is swapped with fresh mountain air, where fleets of weekenders can roam the plantations, enjoy high tea and pick strawberries amidst endless swathes of green. Remnants of the areas colonial past are stark, discovered in 1885 by British surveyors and quickly utilised by British planters who realised the potential of its fertile grounds for growing tea. The town itself and its surrounding architecture are distinctly British, leading to a fascinating mixture of Malay and British influences and customs. Take a few days to get acquainted with the slower pace of life; rummage through the mossy forest with its thick foliage and sweeping viewpoints, followed by a visit to the century old BOH plantation, offering ample opportunity to learn about the local tea industry and enjoy the glass-house tea room overlooking a blanket of terraced green.

Climb the KL Tower

With a skyline punctured by sprawling skyscrapers towering above leafy banyan trees and bustling food-stalls, there’s no better place to view Malaysia’s capital than the KL tower. As the 7th tallest telecommunication tower in the world, the TV tower offers a 360-degree view of the city from a 300-metre-high observation sky deck, with panoramic views unrivalled even by the infamous Petronas Towers. The tower’s wall to wall glass sky box extends out from the sky deck ledge offering a dizzying suspended feeling above the bustling streets below.

Hike through jungles in Borneo

Over in the eastern Malaysian states, Kuching offers a fascinating introduction to contemporary and tribal life in Borneo. Sarawak’s sophisticated capital is characterised by a blend of heritage shop houses and narrow alleyways lined with cafes and market stalls. Though the capital of Malaysian Borneo, its laid back vibe is a refreshing alternative to the flurry of Asian cities which have succumbed to the weight of tourism. Kuching maintains its sense of wild – with no high-rises littering the view and the jungles fare never far away. Take a trip to the Semenggoh Wildlife centre for the increasingly rare opportunity to see orang-utans in their natural habitat. The creatures roam free in the jungle surrounding the rehabilitation centre, though daily feeding routines allow for sightings if you’re lucky. Bako National Park is the oldest and smallest national park in the surrounding area; accessible only by boat, its remote location adds to the allure. Several jungle trails give way to waterfalls, mangrove swamps and dense tropical vegetation, home to wild proboscis monkeys who hide in the canopies. Most trails lead to the South China sea, where you can hail down a local fisherman near the shore for a boat ride around the island’s infamous sea stacks.

Discover the Street Art of Penang

Most travellers use Georgetown Penang as a stopover destination to the glistening island of Langkawi, but those who stay a while will be rewarded. Penang is a town to lose yourself in. A potent injection of Asian culture and creativity, colourful Chinese shop houses blend with old colonial architecture, wherein a jumble of old-world Asian influences collide with an increasingly cosmopolitan urban centre. Georgetown offers a unique cultural vibrancy made possible through the influx of migrants from China, India and Indonesia in the 19th century, allowing for a diverse local identity. The winding roads of Little India, littered with trishaws and roadside restaurants, brim with gusts of Indian spices and fragrant incense. Turn a corner, and the towering Mosques and Sari shops give way to Chinese temples and red paper lanterns, which line the chaotic cobbled streets of Chinatown. Following the annual Georgetown Festival in 2012, Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic decorated the city with interactive street murals depicting Georgetown life. The engaging art pieces have put Georgetown on the map as a creative hub and an art tour across the city will reward you with kaleidoscope streets sprawling with colour and originality.

Belarus November 9, 2023

National Vodka Day 4th October

Some of the #TeamCoco girls are serious when it comes to vodka, they would even class themselves as vodka connoisseurs, so for those of you who are only just hearing about this wonderful day to celebrate all things vodka, here is a round up of general info to get you in the mood for a little vodka based cocktail or two!

Stats

National Vodka Day falls on 4th October annually. It runs across the world not just in the UK, National Vodka Day has been running since 2009 when it launched in United States.

In Russia, 31st January is Russian Vodka Day.

More vodka is produced in Poland and Russia than anywhere else in the world, this area is known as the vodka belt and also includes Ukraine, Belarus, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Events

This National Vodka Day is being celebrated at London Cocktail Week with international mixologist Joe McCanta who will be mixing some vodka cocktails especially for the event. Joe is an expert on taste and brings together a passion for great cocktails made from the freshest ingredients and the creative skill of a master mixologist. Joe has delivered master classes at trade shows including London International Wine Fair, and he has worked alongside world-famous chefs, including Alain Ducasse, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.

Joe says; ‘’My favourite vodka-based cocktail will be Vodka Martini, it’s the best cocktail for tasting the actual spirit and expressing the flavours. It’s a classic authentic cocktail which has stood the test of time, which makes it the perfect drink for any occasion. And to end the night it has to be the Espresso Martin, it’s rich, indulgent and deliciously smooth ’’.

Launches

October 4th sees the world famous vodka brand GREY GOOSE reintroduce an all-time favourite back into the UK. GREY GOOSE La Vanille is due to make its revival at London Cocktail Week amidst much anticipation and excitement. The essence of GREY GOOSE La Vanille is the discerning spirit for any cocktail, from an early afternoon GREY GOOSE La Vanille Spritz to a late-night GREY GOOSE La Vanille Espresso Martini cocktail, there is a perfect serve for every occasion.

GREY GOOSE La Vanille is due for national release into top bars across London and parts of the UK, and available to purchase from Amazon and Ocado from mid-October. RRP £40.

Retail

We are loving the vodka based lines at Hotel Chocolat, with their collection of Cocoa Vodka Liqueur made with 70% full bodied dark chocolate, lashings of fresh cream and vodka (priced at £25), and the dreamy Salted Caramel Cocoa Vodka, with a whole cocoa bean inside each bottle and a hint of Maldon sea salt, oozing caramel, cocoa and English vodka (priced at £25). Available from UK stores or online from Hotel Chocolat.

Cocktail Recipes

London Cocktail Club has very kindly put together two of their fave all-time vodka based cocktails for us to try at home. If you are visiting London and fancy trying one of these cocktails then head over to Liverpool Street for the London Cocktail Club’s vodka focused venue.

Confessions of a Cucumber Salesman:

Vodka – 35ml
Elderflower cordial – dash
Lemon Juice – squeeze
Sugar Syrup – dribble
Sparkling wine – 50ml

Black Forest Soufflé:

Vodka – 35ml
Lemon Juice – squeeze
Blackcurrant Jam – 2 tbps
Cherry Mariner – 20ml
Egg white – 1
Sparkling wine – 50ml

Indonesia July 20, 2021

Interview with Aesthetic’s Queen of Youth Ana Sakinyte

Learning more about Queen of Youth, Ana Sakinyte in her recent interview taught us that beauty is only skin deep, and what she cares about is her patients feeling confident both inside and out. She is renowned within the aesthetics world for her hard work, tenacity, and determination to help both women and men be better versions of themselves.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Queen of Youth…

I grew up in a small town where differences or standing out of a crowd would not be tolerated well, I was the tallest girl in the class, I was that skinny “ugly duckling”, had no beautiful girl’s proportions narrow jaw and crooked teeth. I didn’t know much about it, until I came to UK from Lithuania. I started one of my first jobs at a dental practice and whilst there I had my teeth straightened, later on I had some other aesthetic procedures which made me feel confident, not only confident and attractive in looks but it also helped me feel and become a more powerful feeling woman. From this I learnt that there is not a big gap between feeling confident and being powerful of your own life and all that is around you but, the audience feel it too! You own it-the power!

Later on in my career I had an opportunity to become medical aesthetics practitioner where I could help any woman or man to admire the image of themselves they see in the mirror. If my one touch, as an aesthetic practitioner can make such a difference, it is my privilege to recreate harmony and diminish imbalance and each time I touch my patient that “ugly duckling” of myself makes me smile, as I know what change it can make.

I endeavour to provide my patients with access to the latest cosmetic solutions superior to painful surgical procedures. I’m a firm believer of creating natural-looking results. The majority of my patients seek results that are subtle, almost invisible, as well as gradual, which is what we aim to provide.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

That the expectation from the patient and therapeutic reality are always parallel to each other. Aesthetic practitioners are often in the dilemma of fulfilling the demands of every patient. Sometimes, despite of the best therapeutic outcome achieved, the patient may be discontented. The dissatisfaction depends upon how the patient see the result of the treatment, as the old saying goes “beauty is in the eye of beholder”. I do believe I go above and beyond using my knowledge of how to undergo a good consultation before the treatment. Also, we will encounter challenges not only from other aesthetic practitioners but also from beauty therapists. Because, these days most of the beauty therapists or even hairdressers offer injections as well to their customers. We are also into a war on pricing and services. Patients will compare the price but unfortunately not the quality of service or reputation of the practitioner.

If you to were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

To Restore Confidence – Enhance Attractiveness – instill Empowerment

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of skincare aesthetics and injectable treatments?

Don’t believe the hype, it is important to look at clinical evidence and consult with other industry professionals before deciding on new treatments or expensive equipments. I wish I had a good mentor when I started so I have not wasted so much time and money on procedures and equipment which don’t deliver the results I feel they should.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

A snapshot of Ana Queen of Youth’s Before and After images

Now that the Covid-19 chaos is towards the end (I hope so), I’m back on running and strongly growing my aesthetics business. At the moment I’m juggling between 2 dental practices and 9 aesthetic locations – I know, it sounds unbelievable, especially as I’m the only ONE Practitioner! I must say, Dental clinics kept me sane throughout the lockdowns, as we were allowed to be open.

Let’s see what my day looks like:

6am my alarm rings – I’m still asleep and dreaming it’s Sunday, I jump out of bed – I never snooze my alarm ever- and the first thing I do is start running my bath (Not shower, I like my bath in the morning). While the water is filling up (I sit on the side of the bath for a few moments and I find the water power coming through the tap quite therapeutic). My quick bath and morning face routine takes around 40mins. I check my phone, emails, my diary – yep, paper one, thanks to Filofax they still exist!

6.40am I’m making my coffee, to go and answer my messages and emails.

7am I sit in my car with my cup of coffee – I have had the same mug over 10years now, still love it, you will think I’m mad but I can’t have any breakfast as it’s way too early for me… While driving I love my audio books! I start my clinics usually at 9am. I can visit various clinics in one day, it is very rare for me to be only in one place in a day, I usually visit 2 – 3 clinics a day.

By 12pm I have my brunch which usually is a full big meal if I’m honest and by 2pm I have to leave clinic number 1, head to my second location arriving at 3pm! Check my diary, answer messages and possibly do few Instagram stories (yes, I do it myself) on my busy days I finish around 7pm – 7:30pm that would be our dinner time, my family will be home waiting for me so we can all have dinner together, we all value the time together at that dinner table.

My phone down and evening is ours… hmmm… not always… you know, Instagram doesn’t stop, patients texting, you need to get back to them ASAP, you snooze you loose as they say! 10pm and it’s my shower time, night time face routine (don’t forget your cleanser and Tretinoin) and yes I’m in my la la land by 11pm… to do it all over again tomorrow!

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

“True forgiveness is when you can say, “Thank you for that experience.”― Oprah Winfrey. I take each and every slope as a learning curve in my business and my personal life too.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

“Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs.”

by Farrah Gray

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media is the place where we interact with the audience, deliver the message, show behind the scenes and we all become one social media family. Even if you want it or not, social media is pure addiction and we as brands have a free advertising platform in Instagram, why not to use it to the full potential. Majority of my patients are through social media or word of mouth.

How do you want people to feel when they first see you for a treatment?

Ana with Dame Arlene Phillips, Ana with Kristina Rihanoff, and Ana with Michelle Heaton

I want my patients to be excited about what is to come, let’s start from the point that I love facial aesthetics but here we are not talking about an overdone look, I’m all the way for the subtle look. You may think that this might not be even possible, you are wrong. I have done some incredible transformations with even the smallest amounts of injectable treatments such as botox and fillers.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which of your treatments would you have before heading off on your travels?

I literally can not wait for the time when we’re able to travel again… I’m off to Bali, I have never been there but oh boy I can not wait to do some meditation yoga and listen to the nature sounds. The only one skincare product I would never leave is SPF50 on my face (my fav is Heliocare with the tint). Before going abroad I always make sure my skin is really well prepped for the sun, the best of the best is skin injectable moisturiser – Profhilo. Make sure start few months before the big date, as it’s 2 sessions 4 weeks apart each other and you will be able to enjoy your radiant, lifted, moisturised and glowing skin. No makeup needed after that, isn’t this a proper HOLIDAY MUST!

What’s next for you and your brand?

Since I have started doing Aesthetic treatments my vision always was to open my own clinic but more than just a clinic, a glamorous place, where Aesthetics and beauty unites… the place where you could have the total transformation, from fashion stylists, hair, makeup, photo shoots, and of course medical aesthetics. A true Beauty Oasis, I just wish I had a crystal ball…

Where can people find out more about Queen of Youth?

The best platform, where you can get to see me, and kind of meet me or get to know me even before your appointment is my Instagram platform. There you will find daily useful info, tips and tricks, and not to forget sprinkle of laughter!
@Queen_of_youth_official

Lithuania May 4, 2021

5 Best Engagement Ring Brands You Can Consider

You’re finally getting engaged to your love interest.

It’s the most important day of your life. You have dreamt of walking down the aisle with your better half for years. We know you’d throw a massive party and make sure that the day stays with all the guests forever. When it comes to symbolizing your love with a stunning engagement ring, it’s worth exploring options from the best engagement ring brands to ensure that the symbol of your commitment is as exceptional as the moment itself.

You’d also want to organise a memorable party with delicious dishes and desserts like doughnuts. You can also order the doughnuts online. Look for doughnut delivery London and choose a good company to deliver tasty doughnuts for the guests.

However, when choosing the wedding ring, you may get confused with many choices in the market Thus, take your time, research, and read comments and reviews about the best jewellery stores online; you could also check the styles and designs of rings by Ethan Lord. In addition, to make the decision process easy for you, we have talked about five amazing engagement ring brands in the world.

Have a look.

Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. (formed in 1837) is well known for its exquisite designs (and their exorbitant prices). Originally it was a ‘stationery and fancy goods emporium’ located in Brooklyn, New York City.

Tiffany & Co. rings are handcrafted and made to order. The lead time for a new ring will vary depending on the type of setting and diamond you choose and range from 8 to 12 weeks. If you opt for the “Tiffany setting”, you’ll have to wait around a year for your ring to be made and delivered. This is because it takes this long for the gemologist to find the right diamond and create the setting.

This is the most popular choice for couples who want a unique engagement ring but don’t want to spend too much on custom-made rings.

Graff

Graff was founded by Laurence Graff, son of Lithuanian jewellers Louis and Rose Graff. The company began trading as Laurence Graff Diamonds Ltd. in Bond Street in 1960 and has since grown into one of the world’s most prestigious jewellers, with stores worldwide.

The company boasts a roster of royalty customers, including Princess Charlene of Monaco and HRH Queen Elizabeth II. The company is also well known for its high-end bespoke diamond engagement and wedding rings, which are so exclusive that they don’t share prices on their website.

If you want to spend money liberally on your wedding ring, you can consider Graff.

Cartier

It’s safe to say that Cartier’s connection to the world of jewellery and fashion extends beyond the walls of their Parisian headquarters – they have a recognised and respected brand around the world.

Their reputation for excellence resulted from their commitment to excellence, and their impressive history includes the fact that they were the first jewellery company to create a complete jewellery collection in 1868.

Since then, they have continued to build on their reputation as a luxury brand. Their high-quality products, such as the Cartier wedding ring collection, result from their commitment to the highest levels of manufacture.

Harry Winston

If you’re looking for a high-quality, luxury engagement ring, Harry Winston can be a good choice.

Harry Winston is a famous jeweller known for its exceptional diamonds and other precious stones and their craftsmanship. Diamonds are graded on a scale of 1 to 10 based on four main categories: colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.

Needless to say, harry Winston wedding rings excel in all these categories.

Chopard

Chopard is a Swiss luxury brand that has been designing and manufacturing beautiful jewellery and watches since the mid-1800s. Some of their most notable items include the Happy Sport wristwatch, the La Strada travel clock, and of course, their stunning engagement rings.

Unlike many of the ring brands you might already be familiar with, Chopard’s designs are an elegant mix of the high-class and the fun. You can surely consider Chopard for your engagement ring.

Final Word

You can’t discount the importance of a beautiful wedding ring. Be liberal in spending money on your ring, as engagements don’t happen daily. When considering this significant purchase, it’s essential to explore the offerings from the best engagement ring brands to ensure you’re getting a timeless piece that reflects your commitment and style.

Which brand will you choose from the above list? Let us know in the comments!

Food & Drink October 1, 2019

What to Eat in London This Month

Ah, October. The month of change. The so-called Indian summer is long gone, dark evenings are drawing in and one’s diet is swiftly changing from light summer dishes to all-encompassing comfort food.

It’s a month for roast dinners and autumnal soups, for seasonal squashes and cosy crock pots. Times are a-changing and your dinner’s a-changing with them. Here’s our pick of some of the best dishes doing the rounds in London this October.

1. Taste some glorious game at Cinnamon Club

This month sees Executive Chef of Cinnamon Club, Vivek Singh, team up with three of London’s most talented chefs to celebrate the game season at his flagship restaurant, The Cinnamon Club in Westminster. Ollie Dabous, Marcus Wareing and Brett Redman will be showcasing theversatility of these seasonal meats, with each chef’s dish available for two weeks alongside all the existing Cinnamon Club Classics.

HIDE’s Ollie Dabbous will be first up, showcasing his quirky take on traditional venison cookery with a dish of spiced venison loin cooked over charcoal with fennel yoghurt, pumpkin and pistachio pilaf. From 14th – 27th October, guests can enjoy Marcus Wareing’s wild mallard glazed with juniper, black pepper and orange, roasted Delica pumpkin, Espellete pepper and pumpkin seed with offal. The season ends with Brett Redman, who will give Jidori’s signature skewer a seasonal twist, serving up Venison Tsukune with homemade juniper Tare sauce from 28th October until 10th November. www.cinnamonclub.com

2. Dine at a revamped London legend

With the long-awaited return of Julie’s in W11 comes the revival of a London legend; originally opened in November 1969, Julie’s quickly became a favourite haunt of rock n roll royalty and celebrity fans, from the Rolling Stones and Sir Paul McCartney to Kate Moss and Nicole Kidman.

The Holland Park institution has undergone an extensive refurbishment ahead of its 50th birthday in November, with old-time fans sure to recognise some of the restaurant’s original features with a host of pieces from the sixties sitting alongside colourful new decor. The menu however is all new and will be a regularly-updated offering of modern British cuisine. With seasonal dishes including the likes of buttermilk fried quail, charred kale risotto, Hereford beef tartare and salt marsh lamb with pressed cabbage, garlic potatoes, crisp lamb breast, preserved lemon, chef Patron Shay Cooper is keen to ensure that Julie’s, a neighbourhood restaurant with an international profile, gains a loyal following for great food, as well as for its renowned ambience and party atmosphere. www.julierestaurant.com

3. Take a trip to Porto via Tufnell Park

Summer holidays might be over, but the senses of the Douro Valley come to London this month in the form of Graham’s Port and Disappearing Dining Club’s supper club series. Following the success of previous ‘Little Porto’ events, the new-look dinners will be hosted at The Dartmouth Arms in North London, offering guests a four-course dining experience inspired by Port and Portuguese cuisine and accompanied by some delectably smooth jazz. Combining its 99 years in the wine-making business with the culinary expertise of Head Chef Fred Bolin and his crack team at Disappearing Dining Club, ‘A Taste of Porto’ will showcase a menu with highlights including slow roasted pork belly, prawn carpaccio and apple and port braised celeriac, with each dish expertly paired with a Portuguese wine. The pièce de résistance will be a port flight, offering diners the chance to sip their way through different varieties and vintages of Porto’s most famous export, accompanied by the dulcet sounds from award-winning DJs Ricardo Paris and Jorge Montiel playing Latino and Portuguese inspired jazz.

Running every Thursday from 17th October – 21st November at Dartmouth Arms, NW5 1SP. www.disappearingdiningclub.co.uk

4. Make the most of mushroom season

In the last few years I’ve gone from loathing mushrooms with a burning passion to not being able to get enough of them, so I was thrilled to discover Carluccio’s is celebrating mushroom season with a fungi wonderland at its Covent Garden branch. Fitted with outdoor toadstool seating and an impressive mushroom archway surrounding the entrance, a mushroom throne for the perfect Instagram moment and special mushroom menu encapsulating the very best of the bunch.

There’s a Mushroom Fonduta – mixed mushrooms in a rich taleggio sauce with white truffle oil, Porcini and Truffle Lasagne, Porcini and Portobello Risotto and Fillet Steak with truffle butter, served with a rich mushroom and porcini sauce. Thankfully mushrooms don’t quite stretch to the dessert, the ‘Bosco Incantato’, inspired by Antonio Carluccio’s vast collection of mushroom memorabilia – a ‘toadstool’ made with vanilla & chocolate ice cream, chocolate & hazelnut sauce, pistachios, hazelnuts, fresh raspberries and panettone.

Mushroom lovers can also indulge in a limited edition range available in the shop, including an easy-to-make mushroom and truffle risotto and truffle butter, or sign up to Carluccio’s Mushroom Foraging Workshop being held in the beautiful Essex countryside on Sunday 13th October. The day comprises an educational workshop about wild mushrooms and a three-course mushroom feast served for lunch, followed by a guided mushroom hunt and cooking lesson, plus a copy of Antonio’s ‘Mushrooms’ cookbook to take away. Tickets £85 each from www.carluccios.com/mushroomforaging

5. Tuck in to the world’s first ever cheese conveyor belt

Recent visitors to Covent Garden might have noticed the appearance of the hotly anticipated Seven Dials Market. The latest venture from KERB, the gurus behind elevating London’s street food scene, the historic warehouse has become their first permanent venue. The 24,000 sq ft space is home to 25 independent food businesses all with roots in the city’s streets and markets, alongside a bar and bookshop that support KERB’s dedication to all things tasty in London.

Cucumber Alley is a strip dedicated to London produce, bringing the likes of family-run bakery Karaway, purveyors of Lithuanian heritage breads and pastries, and champions of British charcuterie methods Crown & Queue, to the West End. The Banana Warehouse is home to 13 diverse and independent food and drink traders, including London’s favourite Jewish deli Monty’s Deli, Strozapretti, the new pasta restaurant from the team that founded Franco Manca and Venezuelan fried chicken experts El Pollote. High up on your to-do list however should be Pick & Cheese, the world’s first ever cheese conveyor belt, with 25 different cheeses sourced from around the UK and each paired with individual condiments & small producer wines. www.sevendialsmarket.com

Designer February 7, 2019

#WomenWorldwide: Going behind the brand with Emilija Peciulyte – CEO & Founder of FG atelier

Founded by sisters Monika and Emilija Peciulyte, FG atelier was created to make life easier for professional, modern women who want to look sharp and feminine at work with minimal time and effort. From innovative ‘wash and wear’ collections to simple tailoring, the Peciulyte sisters are revolutionising female tailoring around the globe. Our writer Jenna caught up with Emilija to discuss sister dynamics, taking influence from Valentino and how building a successful business is a marathon and not a sprint…

JC: So firstly, what’s it like working with your sister Monika? I have a sister, and we don’t always see eye-to-eye, so it’s interesting to know about the dynamic!

EE: Monika is the creative director of the company, and she handles all aspects of design. She works closely with our manufacturing team, managing all sourcing of materials for collections. I handle the business side of the company from marketing, sales, and growth of our business. There is an unspoken connection between us, and we create the synergy that allows us to constructively connect different points of views and build our brand. One of the biggest strength of our partnership is that we have, had, and will always have very different skill sets. That allows us to combine different expertise and achieve the best results.

JC: As #TeamCoco are always traveling, we love your ‘wash and wear’ concept as there’s no need to iron it can be slipped on straight from your suitcase! What was the main inspiration behind this collection?

EE: From day one we have been working very closely with business ladies, and we spent a lot of time and attention just listening and hearing their pains and stories from their daily life which often is extremely busy. Working women have a lot of on their plate, and we wanted to find a way to make it less complicated and stressful. After all, our mission statement is “making your mornings easier”. That’s why the concept of machine washable, iron-free dresses came very naturally for us – we just wanted to help our clients and create dresses that not only look beautiful but also have utility aspect.

JC: Can you tell us more about your history before founding FG atelier?

EE: My sister Monika was always into art, design, and aesthetics. Even when she was just a little kid, she created designs and sew her clothes. And she was extremely proud of wearing clothes made by her! I, on the other hand, was drawn by science and literature. Many years later, when I was studying Marketing and Communication in France, Monika was more and more involved in working with private clients who wanted to upgrade their business outfits. At that time I thought what to do with my life – should I stay in France or should I start my own business? And I remember very distinctly that eureka moment when I realized that we could do something together. Of course, everything was uncertain at that time, but we knew that with our knowledge, skills, and passion we could create something meaningful. That is how FG atelier was born.

JC: Alongside Monika’s designs, what other designers inspire you?

EE: Givenchy and Valentino. We love their modern elegance and timeless designs.

JC: Who would be your dream influencer/celebrity to work with?

EE: There are many inspiring women with whom we would love work! I think our best relationships were established with those women who appreciate our clothes because they feel empowered and strong to tackle their biggest and most difficult tasks in their everyday life.

JC: Do you feel it can be harder for women to look smart and professional at work than men who can throw on a suit?

EE: Absolutely! Men have very clearly defined rules on how to look professional. Women have so many options, and the rules are so blurred that sometimes getting dressed in the morning becomes quite a daunting task.

JC: Can you tell us about a recent ‘Girl Boss’ moment?

EE: I think being intentional and taking my time seriously was my biggest girl boss moment. I set well-defined goals, and they are like a north start guiding me in my daily life. When you have goals it so much easier to say no to mindless scrolling through social media or stop procrastinating.

JC: What has been the hardest part of running your own fashion business?

EE: I think the hardest thing was not to be too harsh on yourself when things do not go so smooth or so quickly as you would like. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint and you must have stamina and perseverance to achieve your goals. Looking for quick solutions or immediate results does not help as everything in life that is meaningful takes time. That’s the fact!

JC: What’s in the pipeline for 2019?

EE:We are working a lot on customer experience, and that involves everything from customer journey on our website to how a woman feels wearing our jacket or dress.That is crucial for us because our business was founded on the idea that we have to serve our clients and provide as much value to them as we can.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

To discover more about Emilija and Monika Peciulyte and their brand FG atelier, visit https://www.fgatelier.com.

Customer Service & Styling
Call: +49 163 002 7185
M-F 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM GMT+3

A.Tumeno street 4, Vilniaus Vartai Business Centre,
Vilnius, Lithuania, LT-01109