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Food & Drink

Team Coco’s Christmas Cocktail Recipes

With the arrival of the holiday season comes the inevitable arrival of the holiday booze up. If you’re anything like us, then your calendars are also being filled with christmas drinks events with friends, family, co-workers, and distant relatives, who seem to only make appearances during the rare extended family holiday-drinksfest.

So if you’re looking to impress your holiday guests with a few festive homemade cocktails, then we’ve got you covered. Check out some #TeamCoco approved recipes below, for some stylish cocktails that pack a punch, minus all the unnecessary calories!

This Winter, the London Essence Company has tapped into low calorie drinking trend, by offering up a lovely selection of zesty mixers (all under 20kcals per 100 ml)

1. A Zesty aperitif The Tangerine Mule

This lovely concoction has a subtle hint of winter spice, and is a lighter festive alternative to the Moscow Mule.

Ingredients

25 ml Vodka
20 ml Tangerine Juice
5 ml Sugar Syrup
2 drops Chocolate Bitters
London Essence Ginger Beer

Method
Highball Glass ● Tangerine Wedge Garnish ● Build & Stir

2. The perfect festive cocktail: The Cinnamon High Ball

This cocktail is like a light bright and breezy version of a mulled wine, minus the horrible hangover, and features all the festive flavours of Christmas.

Ingredients

25 ml Aged Rum

15ml Lime Juice

5 ml Cinnamon Syrup
30 ml Cloudy Apple Juice
London Essence Classic Tonic Water

Method
Highball Glass ● Cinnamon Stick Garnish ● Build & Stir

3. The Showstopper: The Not Pink Drink a.k.a. The UK’s most Instagrammable cocktail

This special recipe comes from a collaboration between Google Pixel 3 and The Amateur Mixologist, Matt Haulage, who used research to create the UK’s most shareable cocktail – The Not Pink Drink. This drink is a mix of gin, butterfly pea flowers, and elderflower liqueur topped with ‘Not Pink’ macarons or marshmallows. Inspired by the Pixel 3, The Not Pink Drink features a “Wide-Angle Selfie Skewer” and to top it all off a “Night Sight Neon” step — where drinkers use a black light to make the tonic glow. (Which you can take a photo of, using the Pixel 3’s new low light camera)

According to Hollidge “Nowadays people don’t just want cocktails to taste good, they want them to be something they can share. It’s all about what you can capture on your phone and show your mates, so using Pixel 3 as inspiration was really interesting. I loved the challenge of incorporating different features of the phone into the design, particularly the wellness colour-change elements. As well as making the final cocktail as photogenic as possible!” A cocktail that tastes good, and looks great on the gram? We’re all for that!

Ingredients

50 ml gin (e.g.Bombay Sapphire) os Seedily Spice

20 ml elderflower liquer

1 tbsp butterfly pea flowers

juice of half a lemon

1 dash orange blossom water

100 ml indian tonic water

wide-angle selfie skewer

pixel petals e.g.violas

‘Not pink’ macarons or marshmallows

Method

Mix One: Pour the gin, add butterfly pea flowers and muddle. Put ice into a wine glass. Strain blue liquid through mesh filter into wine glass and place to one side

Mix Two: Pour Elderflower liquer into shaker. Juice half a lemon and add. Add a small orange blossom water to shaker.

Pour mix two into mix one and Prepare the “Wide Lens Selfie Skewer” by threading skewer through the macarons/marshmallows and place garnish on top of glass. Capture the perfect selfie of your mixological masterpiece!

The London Essence Company’s full range of tonic water, soda water, and ginger beer is available to buy at selected Tesco stores, Ocado, Amazon and Waitrose RRP £1.69 for 275 ml and £1.99 for 500 ml.
About Google Pixel 3: Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL bring you the best of Google in a phone, powered by AI to deliver more helpful, thoughtful and enjoyable experiences. Powered by the Google Assistant.
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Belarus

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

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Cuba

Up-and-coming cruise destinations for 2019

Cruise ships just get better and better, and for some, being on the boat is the best part of a cruise holiday. With fantastic facilities on board, passengers can relax after a day of sightseeing and be taken care of in a luxurious setting. This is making them more adventurous in terms of cruise destinations – let’s not overlook the impact that visiting a new country can have.

Sea, sun and sand have long been a staple of cruising holidays, but retailers such as CruiseDeals.co.uk now offer trips to a host of amazing destinations for 2019. Here are some of the highlights:

Jordan

A country steeped in mystery and history, Jordan is becoming a bucket-list destination for many cruisers, especially those who want to fully immerse themselves in a different culture.

Cruises dock at Aqaba, offering quick-and-easy access to a host of archaeologically significant sights, as well as a museum, fort and always-fragrant market. For those who like to stay active, the snorkelling and diving opportunities here are spectacular, but a few hours of floating in the Dead Sea is just as fun. A truly unique combination of desert landscapes, bustling cities, ancient history and modern luxury make Jordan a once-in-a-lifetime holiday destination.

St Petersburg

Perhaps not the first destination people think of when planning their ultimate cruise, St Petersburg is something of an untapped gem found in the Baltic region.

Cosmopolitan and surprising, with some of the world’s most ornate architecture, the city takes you from one amazing building to another with an underlying sense of spirituality. There’s also a heady cultural scene, with world-famous ballet regularly performed and the Hermitage museum showcasing millions of works of art. You may not get to lounge on a beach here, but adding a few extra layers will definitely be worth it.

Cuba

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a multicultural country that seems to have been left untouched by globalisation, Cuba is the cruise destination for you. Thanks to a vivid atmosphere, natural delectation for excitement and some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, it’s a country that satiates the desires of travellers.

Alongside colourful Havana, a capital city with a fresh and fun carefree spirit, there are numerous enticing beaches, as well as nature reserves and hikes to explore. From Mojito cocktails in the city to quiet lakes surrounded by trees, every experience you could ever dream of can be enjoyed here.

Malaysia

Imagine being able to visit a destination that encompasses multiple influences, a huge variety of cuisines and multiple landscapes to enjoy. Well, Malaysia boasts all of these and more thanks to being one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world.

Asia has long been a cruise destination for discerning travellers, but Malaysia specifically is now enjoying a surge in popularity thanks to the sheer volume of things to see and do. With influences pouring in from China, Europe and India, food-and-drink options are just as diverse as the landscape itself, which lets you choose between ultra-modern cityscapes such as Kuala Lumpur and rural utopias.

Iceland

More and more people are waking up to the potential of holiday destinations that focus less on sweltering temperatures and sandy beaches and more on unique experiences. Iceland is fast becoming a country that many cruisers are keen to see and not just because they want to test their mettle and try some of the more unusual local foods.

Reykjavik is a terrifically cosmopolitan city, filled with art galleries, boutique shops and incredible eateries, but it’s also the thermal baths and opportunity to see the Northern Lights that keep people coming back for more.

Egypt

Hardly a new addition to holidaymakers’ lists, Egypt is an incredible destination that was not frequently reached by cruise ship – until now. The possibility has been in place for a while, but keen cruisers are now alert to what the voyage can offer them in terms of spectacular sightseeing.

Before reaching the famous home of the pyramids and deserts that are ideal for dune-buggy excursions, passengers can enjoy sailing leisurely through the Red Sea, Suez Canal and even along the Nile. Given the balmy temperatures in this part of the world, it’s a perfect choice for some winter sun, and you haven’t lived until you sample the food, much of which is suitable for vegetarians.

While warm and sunny destinations have been popular with cruisers for many years, it’s the time for cultural hotspots to rise up and enjoy a turn in the limelight. There’s never been a better time either, as cruise ships are so well equipped these days that even if a destination is lacking a certain something, you’ll be sure to find it on board.

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Austria

How to Best Experience the Largest Rivers of Europe?

Europe is home to some of the largest rivers in the world. The continent’s rivers provide stunning scenery, from the towering Alps to the serene Mediterranean. They also offer a variety of experiences, from whitewater rafting to leisurely cruises. If you are planning to experience what these amazing rivers offer, you may be wondering where to start. Here are the four largest rivers in Europe and some suggestions for how to make the most of them:

Volga river

The Volga is the longest river in Europe, and it runs through central Russia. This river is a great way to experience the culture and history of Russia, as it passes through many important cities like Kazan and Samara. Flowing directly through the country’s heartland, the Volga River is an essential waterway for commerce and transportation. It is also a popular destination for recreation, offering boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.

There are many different ways to explore the Volga River, but one of the best is taking a river cruise. Several companies offer cruises, varying in length from a few hours to a few days. The cruises typically include stops at various towns and cities along the river, allowing passengers to explore the sights and sounds of each place. Another great way to experience the Volga is to go camping or hiking along its banks. There are many different trails to choose from, and they offer a unique opportunity to see the river up close.

The Danube River

The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe, and it runs through ten different countries. This river is a great way to experience the diverse cultures of Europe as it passes through major cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Belgrade. And it runs through ten countries, including Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Romania. The best way to experience the Danube is by taking a river cruise. This will allow you to see all the different sights along the river and give you a chance to sample the local cuisine.

You can also go kayaking. Kayaking is a great way to experience Europe. Not only will you get an up-close look at the river’s wildlife and scenery, but you’ll also get a workout in at the same time. It’s also relatively easy to learn, making it an excellent activity for people of all ages and abilities. If you’re interested in trying Kayaking and want to purchase your kayak, you can find a cheap kayak that fits your budget and needs. Also ensure you have the proper safety gear, including a life jacket and a paddle.

Ural

The Ural river is also one of the longest rivers in Russia, and it has been an important trade route since the early days of Russian history. The river flows for more than 2,000 miles from its source in the Ural Mountains to its delta on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, it traverses various landscapes, from dense forests to spacious steppes. The Ural river is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including many rare and threatened species such as the great white pelican, greater flamingo, and glossy ibis.

You can also go swimming, canoeing, or fishing in the river. If you take a cruise, you will be able to stop at different villages and learn about the culture and traditions of the people who live there. For those looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, many companies offer whitewater rafting trips down the rapids of the Ural river.

Don River

It is the fifth-largest river in Europe, measuring 1870 kilometers long. The river has its origins in the town of Novomoskovsk in the Tula region. It flows eastward through several different regions before eventually emptying into the Sea of Azov. Along the way, the Don River collects water from several tributaries, the largest of which is the Seversky Donets.

The river is a critical economic lifeline for the region, providing water for irrigation and transportation. The Don is also a popular destination for recreation, as it flows through a variety of different landscapes, including forests, steppes, and meadows.

There are many ways to enjoy the Don River. You can go fishing, swimming, or boating in the river. You can also enjoy the scenery by hiking or biking along the river banks. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of the area, you can visit one of the many museums or historical sites located along the river.

If you’re looking to experience some of the best that European rivers offer, then be sure to check out the Volga, Danube, Ural, and Don rivers. These Rivers offer a wide range of adventure, relaxation, and exploration opportunities. Whether you’re interested in kayaking or rafting down powerful rapids, fishing in tranquil waters, or simply taking in the picturesque scenery as you cruise by on a luxurious riverboat, Europe’s rivers have something for everyone.

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Brazil

A Complete Guide to Buying Your First Leather Handbag

Buying your first high-end designer bag is a massive moment. Handbags make a vital piece of accessories, and they make a bold statement about your fashion choices and lifestyle. This means you have to make the best decision the first time.

Designer leather bags are expensive. To get your money’s worth, you need to know how to select the best and the most important factors to consider before choosing one.

To help you out, here is a guide on how to buy your first leather handbag.

Consider the Type of Leather

Leather handbags are made from Suede Leather, Caviar Leather, Crocodile Skin, or Lambskin. Suede leather is high maintenance and the most expensive of all. When you are ready to spend thousands of dollars on your first leather handbag, you need to ensure that you buy a bag that will last long.

Handbags with poor-quality leather will begin to crack after only a few uses. Get to know the type of leather the handbag is made of and only choose the genuine and finest leather quality.

Although full-grain leather is expensive, you will be sure of getting a genuine leather handbag that will last for a very long time.

The Tanning Process

Tanning is a very vital process for leather. This process changes the chemistry of leather to ensure that the enzymes from fungi and bacteria are completely broken down. Tanning prepares the hides and skins to produce leather products and ensures that the leather has a natural tone and smell.

If leather isn’t tanned, it will rot and be putrefy. Additionally, leather products made from poorly tanned leather don’t last long. Get to know the tanning process used before buying the handbag.

Country of Origin

Italians are known to be the most skilled leather artisans. The quality of leather products, including leather handbags from Italy, is unmatchable. This is mainly because of the quality of hides they use, their dye-making process, and the skilled artisans that make the products.

Other top leather producers include China, India, Brazil, and Russia. Countries like the U.S.A are leading importers of leather materials and products.

Know the Difference Between Faux and Genuine Leather

The difference between imitation and genuine leather products depends on the finishing. To tell the difference, you need to touch or feel the handbag’s surface. If the handbag handles smoothly, it is genuine.

Faux leather feels rough, has marks and other imperfections. Faux leather damages easily and doesn’t last long. Also, it appears brighter and shinier than genuine leather. Watch out for those beautiful bags that get damaged when placed under direct sunlight.

Consider Your Style

Since your handbag will be a massive part of your accessories, you need to ensure you choose one that suits your taste and style. Therefore, consider the color, functionality or use, model, and body type.

Looking for the Right Leather Handbags?

Handbags are functional, but they also define a person’s style and fashion choices. To get the best bag that will last long and suit your taste, consider these tips to help narrow down on options that fit your needs.

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Culture

Daissy Ornelas on creating the architecturally-styled shoes of your dreams

Daissy Ornelas

They say that good shoes take you to good places, but for Daissy Ornelas, the glamorous architecturally influenced shoes of her eponymous brand are certainly taking her to some pretty awe-inspiring places as a Girl Boss on a league of her own.

Daissy combines architectural inspirations with Italian craftsmanship to create her vibrant line of footwear. More akin to sculptures than shoes, all of Daissy’s pieces are handmade in Italy and evoke the spirit of the Art Deco movement.

Team Coco caught up with Daissy in Los Angeles, in between balancing being a mum, designer, entrepreneur and creative to talk about her joint love for footwear and architecture, her latest collection, and her advice for women looking to take the leap and start their own businesses.

“First and foremost, it’s not for everyone,” she says. “Keep your eye on the bigger picture and always remember why you’re in it in the first place helps when things go awry.”

Like the towering skyscrapers that inspire her collections, Daissy is reaching for the skies – and we can’t wait to see what heights this Girl Boss will reach.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What made you fall in love with shoes?

I grew up in Los Angeles. I studied Business Administration and most of my background is in Management and Administration. I worked in industries such as Consulting, Architecture and Fashion. I’m currently splitting my time between LA and the UK.

My love for shoes started around the same time as my love of Art Deco. When I was young, my mom and I would go to downtown LA on Saturday mornings to go shoe shopping and then we would have lunch at the iconic Clifton’s cafeteria, it was our weekend ritual. It was there when I first paid attention to the many Art Deco exteriors and interiors that live in Downtown LA. The impeccable attention to detail always stood out to me, even at such a young age.

How is Daisy Ornelas combining architectural influences with Italian craftsmanship?

Growing up in Los Angeles, I got to see buildings with unique details and luxurious materials and the more I started travelling, the more I fell in love with architecture and its evolutionary traits.

Once I knew I wanted to launch my own line of shoes, I knew Italy was the place to make it happen. Italian craftsmanship is something the country takes a great deal of pride in, and for good reason. I have met people who come from generations of shoe artisans, who love to work with their hands and really put love and effort in what they do. It’s something I will always admire and appreciate. I’m combining architectural influences by using architectural techniques like CAD and engineering processes to create patent-pending heels that showcase structural lines and facades you see in architecture.

Tell us more about your latest collection. Do you have a favourite piece?

The latest collection is influenced by modern architecture and its detailed shapes. I have seen different techniques and materials used around the world to create exceptional buildings and I just felt inspired by the fluidity in shapes and textures.

The Wavelet heel sandal is my absolute favourite. It was inspired by the spiral Architecture of the F&F Tower in Panama, the Evolution Tower in Moscow, and the Al Tijaria Tower in Kuwait. There’s something about the Wavelet heel that screams architecture but not in an overstated way.

Walk us through an average day in the Daissy Ornelas atelier

I am a mom to an eight-month-old and a 14-year-old. I get to work from wherever I may be at the time. From reading to research and from inspiration to design, I do everything on my laptop or phone.

So, my day consists of jumping back and forth between looking after my eight-month-old responding to emails, getting on a call with my counterpart in Milan to making sure I pick up my son from school and grab a bite to eat in between all of that (if possible).

Who is the Daissy Ornelas woman? Can you describe her in three words?

The Daissy Ornelas woman is a maximalist. She is someone who has a career in creative industries (i.e. Fashion architecture, interior design, graphic design), isn’t afraid of statement pieces and can appreciate unconventional designs versus picking things that are more everyday wear. She loves to travel and always picks the shoes first before she picks out the dress when going out. She is daring, confident and creative.

What has been the biggest challenge you‘ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

There have been many challenges along the way. Financially speaking, when you create a startup, finding financial resources can be difficult, especially for a brand that is positioning itself in the luxury market. Until the brand is scalable, it’s hard to find investors who will back up the brand and take it where you want it to go.

What’s next for you and Daissy Ornelas? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline

Daissy Ornelas is coming out with a casual collection. The whole collection is made of sustainable materials including vegan leather. We also put our spin on 1930’s classic Oxfords and Loafers.

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their businesses too?

First and foremost, it’s not for everyone. It’s extremely hard work. You also have to be consistent because everything falls on you. Keeping your eye on the bigger picture and always remembering why you’re in it in the first place helps when things go awry. Because things will go awry at some point. Do your research well on what product or service you want to offer and go for it!

WWW.DAISSYORNELAS.COM

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Fashion

How Much Do You Know About Kaftans?

They’re cozy. They’re comfortable, and you never want to take them off. If only you could wear them all the time, all day, all night, and everywhere. Well, here’s the good news. The kaftans today have evolved to become so versatile that you can!

Never has a piece of clothing been more sought after than the kaftan because of its comfort, elegance, and versatility. Not to mention the fact that many kaftans today combine all the elements above with contemporary fashion. Just take a look at the very vibrant selection online or in-stores to see how much kaftan patterns, colours, styles, and designs have evolved over the years.

From the moment you own your first piece of kaftan, you are going to fall in love. From a casual afternoon out, a day at the beach, or during celebrations and events, a kaftan can be worn any which way you want it to. So, how much do you know about this piece of clothing that has come to be loved by millions?

More Than Just A Floaty Piece of Material

Say the word kaftan and the image that immediately pops to mind is a long, floaty-looking dress that fits loosely on your body. The original look resembles a long-sleeve tunic, but kaftans differ based on the wide sleeves and the lightweight fabric that they are made of. The lightweight material is the key element of the kaftan because a kaftan is specifically made to be comfortable.

A kaftan comes in several patterns, colors, shades, and lengths. You will find something to fit everyone’s unique style. A kaftan looks the same as a Muumuu, which originated from Hawaii. A Muumuu also comes in bright colors and floral prints that are iconic to Hawaiian culture. Kaftans, on the other hand, originated from Mesopotamia. Back in the day, a kaftan was only worn by royalty and they were worn by both men and women alike.

Over the years, the kaftan was adopted by other cultures, from the Middle East, North Africa, and all the way to Southwest Asia. Even the Russian and Jewish cultures began to fall in love with the kaftans and began designing their own version of the kaftan. Finally, sometime around the 20th century, the kaftan finally made its way to the United States. Ever since then, kaftans have slowly evolved to meet the demands of today’s current trends and latest fashion.

Kaftans of All Lengths and Sizes

The best part about the evolution of fashion is that every woman (or man) can find something that they will fall in love with. Whether you want your kaftan for a casual day out or an elegant evening function, it’s easy to find a kaftan for every occasion.

The long kaftan is the most common kaftan style that you will come across. These kaftans are long in length, and if you buy a kaftan that is just right for your height, it should fall just above your ankles. As for the sleeves, long length kaftans either come in short or long sleeves, depending on what your preference is. Pair it with a nice pair of sandals for a more casual look, or strap on a pair of dressy heels for a night out on the town.

Shorter kaftan lengths are one example of how the kaftan has evolved to meet the latest fashion trends. This is because the kaftan was originally intended to cover a person’s entire body. But fashion doesn’t always stay true to its origins, and evolving fashion trends are part of what makes dressing up so much fun. Enter the shorter kaftans, designed for the more adventurous individual who loves to show off a little more skin. A cute pair of shoes and some statement accessories will have you turning heads as you strut down the streets. If you’re keen to give the shorter kaftan a go at more conservative events, a pair of tights will instantly take you from day to night in no time.

The V-neck kaftan is another addition to the modern day kaftan look. V-necks speak to the soul of the more adventurous individual who still wants to look stylish while wearing something comfortable at the same time. The V-neck kaftan could quite literally be the perfect ensemble, because they are designed to expose just the right amount of skin without showing off too much. Take your V-neck out for a day by the beach or even a casual family barbeque.

If you’re looking for something that is going to hug your curves a little bit more, there is always the fitted kaftan. The fitted kaftan twist on the traditional version that was designed to fit loosely on your body. The fitted kaftan is designed to flatter your curves in just the right way. These super versatile pieces can work with either jeans or tights, depending on what you feel most comfortable in. If you still prefer something a little looser, you could still turn that into a fitted look with a belt that can be used to cinch your outfit. See why everyone loves kaftans so much?

What About Using Them As An Overcoat?

Did you know that kaftans could even be worn as overcoats these days? That’s right, they’re not just a single piece of clothing anymore. Another brilliant version of the kaftan is how they can be used lightweight overcoats that you throw on to add a pop of colour. The open kaftan is the perfect addition to a day at the beach because you can throw it over your bathing suit and voila! You’ve got a nice and colorful cover up.

The open kaftan could also be used as a lightweight jacket that you wear over your jeans, dresses or skirts for that extra pop of color. These looks are perfect, especially for the spring or fall season.

Kaftans are the perfect attire that will add a little sparkle or razzle dazzle to your outfit. If you’re looking to spice things up, check out the selection of available kaftans at Kaftko.com.

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Food & Drink

Exciting Food and Drink News This January

It’s Veganuary, it’s Dry January, it’s ‘New Year New Me!’ and for the gin lovers out there it’s also ‘Ginuary’.

With all this going on we thought we should write an exciting food and drink feature for you to get your teeth into. Yes, we’ve included vegan foods and booze-free drinks but we’ve also added some fully fuelled drinks and some deliciously healthy foods. This isn’t about ‘New Year New Me!’ it’s simply about good food and good drinks.

Tasty Vegan Snacks

Shore Seaweed Chips

The Scottish Seaweed Co’ use their local superfood to produce some stunning seaweed chips. All flavours are 100% plant based and include; Sweet Sriracha, Lightly Salted, and Asian Peking. Available from Sainsbury’s (Scotland), Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods Market, Co-Op (Scotland), The Vegan Kind Supermarket, Amazon and many more retailers. They also produce tapenades, pesto, and seaweed clusters. Visit Shore for pricing and ingredients info.

The Skinny Food Co’ High Protein Low Carb Sliced Bread

A healthier way to enjoy bread is with this high protein, low carb, high fibre sliced brown. It has a long shelf life, is vegan friendly, has zero palm oil, is low in sugar and is perfect for any meal of the day. Available from The Skinny Food Co, priced at £5.99 per loaf.

Nush Natural & Chive Dairy Free M*lk Spreadable

Tasty spreadable M*lk form Nush is thick, creamy and made from their own almond milk. Choose from two flavours including Chive, and Natural. Each pot contains over 60 Almonds and is a fantastic source of protein. Dairy-free goodness in a nutshell, with billions of live vegan cheese cultures! Available from Ocado, priced at £2.75 each.

Healthy Food Options

Good4U Salad Toppers and Super Sprouts

The salad toppers come in 3 different variations including Garlic & Herb, Super Seeds, and Garlic & Chilli. The bring something crunchy and healthy to your salads, pizza toppings, sandwich fillings and more. The 2 sprout salad toppers include lentil & sprout mix, and super sprouts, both are packed with protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Available from Good4U, and some can be found at Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, and Waitrose.

Eat Natural Bars X Costa Coffee

Eat Natural have announced a unique, and first ever partnership with Costa Coffee with the launch of three delicious new recipe bars. The new bars are available at all 2,700+ Costa Coffee stores across the UK and includes a dark chocolate protein bar (vegan), a chocolate caramel nut bar, and a mixed berry and yoghurt bar (gluten free). Available from Costa Coffee, priced at £1.75 each.

Fatt Dark Chocolate Bites

These little Fatt Dark Chocolate Bites are for chocoholics going low carb. The Fatt Bites contain prebiotic fibre and just 3g of carbs. They’re also free from palm oil, artificial sweeteners, and they are free from gluten. Available from LiveFatt, priced at £3.69 for 2.

Booze Free Drinks

Belvoir Farm Non-Alcoholic Peach Bellini

Crafted to make it easier for non-drinkers to enjoy virtuous versions of cocktail classics that don’t compromise on taste, this Peach Bellini from Belvoir Farm is a gentle sparkling fruit infusion. Delicate and delicious, it blends peach, grape and lemon juices with gently sparkling mineral water and absolutely no artificial sweeteners, preservatives or flavourings. Simply chill, pour and enjoy with lots of ice and a slice of peach to garnish. Available from Sainsbury’s, priced at £2.70 (750ml).

Noveltea 0% London Dry

Noveltea’s 0% London Dry embodies lightness, freshness and fruit which is designed to delight sophisticated non-drinkers, and anyone simply looking to cut back on their alcohol intake. The premium 0% ABV spirit features strong overtones of juniper and a hint of Earl Grey to provide the best possible G&Tea with none of the alcohol. Available from Noveltea, Amazon, and Master of Malt, priced at £22.50 (70cl).

Dash Water

With an explosion of the exotic, DASH fuses mango with sparkling spring water, to launch their brand new ‘Mango DASH’ to its family of wonky-fruit flavours. Mango has launched exclusively online with Dash Water get yours now. Priced at £12.74 for 12 cans. This tasty sparkling infused water has zero calories, zero sweeteners, and zero sugar!

Alcohol Choices

Slingsby Spritz

At only 70-calories per can, Slingsby Spritz is the lighter way to enjoy your favourite tipple. The gluten-free and vegan friendly drinks come in the following flavours: Rhubarb & Strawberry, Marmalade & Apricot, and Damson & Blackberry. They also have a slightly lower alcohol content too at just 5% ABV, so perfect for those keen to see those resolutions through with a more mindful, balanced approach to drinking. Available from Spirit of Harrogate, priced at £7.50 for a trio pack or £30 for a case of 12.

Noveltea Earl Grey Tea with Gin

Classic British gin is added to the distinctive flavour of Earl Grey (Keemun black tea and Sicilian bergamot oil), which produces a wonderful drink. Serve this gentle alcoholic tea warmed over ice for a wonderful drink. Available from Noveltea, Amazon, and Master of Malt, priced at £24.95 (70cl).

Russian Standard Platinum Vodka

An innovator and trailblazer in the premium vodka category, RSV aims to raise the standards with the ultimate and most immaculate spirit experience – Russian Standard Platinum. This vodka is made with hardy winter wheat grown on the Black Steppes of Russia and soft glacial waters of Lake Ladoga in Russia’s frozen north and then distilled over 200 times. Available from Amazon, priced at £23.99 (70cl).

Slingsby Gin Rhubarb Rossini

Fancy making yourself a fabulous cocktail at home? Check out this pretty Slingsby Rhubarb Rossini for something awe-inspiring.

25ml Slingsby Yorkshire Rhubarb Gin
20ml Elderflower Liqueur
10ml Raspberry Puree
Top with Champagne

Shake the puree, elderflower liqueur and gin. Strain into a flute or coups and top with the Champagne. Garnish with a blackberry on the rim of the glass. Enjoy!

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Food & Drink

2021 The Year Of The Collaboration

This year has been all about businesses collaborating with each other, and we’ve been here for it wholeheartedly. We’ve seen fashion houses collaborating with unknown designers, sports brands collaborating with celebrities, and drinks brands collaborating with museums.

It’s the drinks brands that we are currently fixated on, so let’s check out three of our favourites at the back end of 2021.

Cooper King Distillery X Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum has teamed up with Cooper King Distillery to launch an exclusive carbon-negative gin, available to purchase at the Museum Shop or online priced at £39.00.

Created using fresh basil, beautifully balanced with fragrant lemongrass and aromatic clove, this bright, herbaceous gin will make the perfect sustainable tipple for anyone who enjoys a refreshing G&T.

For every 70cl bottle, innovatively cold-distilled in small batches using 100% renewable energy, one kilogramme of carbon dioxide equivalent is removed from the atmosphere (including carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases) and one square metre of English woodland is planted through the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. The packaging is sustainably produced, with a lightweight bottle made from 55% recycled glass and labelled by hand at the distillery.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society X Kingdom Scotland

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has collaborated with Scotland’s first fragrance house, Kingdom Scotland, pairing SMWS single cask whiskies with two luscious perfumes. Available to sample at Society venues in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh the partnership explores the fascinating relationship between whisky and perfume.

The Kingdom scents Metamorphic and Portal have been expertly paired with SMWS Flavour Profiles Lightly Peated and Juicy Oak & Vanilla. The collaboration will bring to life Society guests’ olfactory systems (sense of smell), igniting the senses at Society venues across the UK this festive season.

Join SMWS today to find out more about the below pairings.

METAMORPHIC paired with LIGHTLY PEATED
Inspired by metamorphic rock, Metamorphic fuses black pepper and tobacco, incense, minerals and rose absolute. As it’s warmed on the skin, the scent reveals a base of amber resin and leather. A natural fit for the Lightly Peated Flavour Profile, the scent was matched with bottling ‘Peat fire tales on Orkney’.

PORTAL paired with JUICY OAK & VANILLA
Portal evokes a fresh, outdoorsy, gusting nose with herbaceous botanicals and bergamot, resting on a veritable forest floor of vetiver and Scots pine. Sampled & sprayed with ‘Summer garden curiosity’, a match made in heaven for Juicy Oak & Vanilla.

Quarter G/N X Dash Soda Water

Quarter Light G/N is the new kid on the block, it’s a lighter alternative to your usual gin. At just ¼ the alcohol, ¼ the calories, and ¼ strength it’s sure to become a favourite.

Quarter was created to offer a more balanced and enjoyable way to enjoy drinking spirits. And at only 12% alcohol it still gives the buzz and flavour that comes from full strength alcohol, but leaves you without any regrets!

Less of a full collab with Dash Soda Water, and more of a partnership with Dash Soda Water. Quarter suggests pairing your Quarter G/n with Bitter Orange & Grapefruit Dash Soda Water to make The Quarter Soda.

Quarter available from Quarter Proof, priced at £27 per bottle.

To make the perfect The Quarter Soda:

Rocks Glass
50ml Quarter G/n
150ml Dash Soda
Ice and a thin slice of grapefruit

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California

Traveling to California: 4 Reasons Why You’ll Want to Relocate

A lot of people’s dream is to move to sunny California. It has become one of the most popular destinations in the US due to its breathtaking national parks, abundant surf culture, and quality education. California is located on the West Coast, settled along the Pacific Ocean, and it’s one of the largest states in terms of population and land. Young people are moving to this beautiful state of fame and fortune for its flourishing business opportunities, diverse culture, and incredible cities to live in.

If you’re considering relocating to this lovely state, we’ll give you a few reasons why this is a good idea.

Great weather

Most people love living in California because of the amazing weather. It has a Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and wet and mild winters. Because of its diverse landscape, the temperatures can vary depending on the region you choose to live in. Most places have warm weather, but there are also those with a bit colder weather which are perfect for the holiday season.

For example, if you’re looking for a warm place, you might want to consider West Covina, a suburban city in LA with a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. Keep in mind that housing in California can be a bit expensive, so you might want to consider renting a place. Start searching for West Covina California apartments that best suit your style and budget. Note that some of the places come with a pool which is a lot convenient during hot summer days.

Beautiful beaches and national parks

California stretches for 840 miles along the Pacific Coastline and is surrounded by stunning beaches with clear blue water. Malibu Beach, Laguna Beach, and Santa Cruz Beach are some of the popular ones, attracting surfers and beachgoers throughout the year. Note that the Pacific Ocean is much colder than the Atlantic, so before you go swimming or surfing it might be a good idea to invest in a wetsuit to stay warm.

California is home to many national parks, and each has its own allure to visitors. If you are someone who loves the great outdoors and exploring new and beautiful places, moving to California would be a perfect choice. Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and Death Valley are just some of the few of the Golden State’s natural wonderlands. From mysterious landscapes to magnificent waterfalls, the national parks of California definitely belong to your bucket list.

State of opportunity and education

The Golden State reigns supreme in the economic sector since it is home to the largest economy in the nation. It is so big that it outranks countries like Russia, India, and Germany. As of 2020, California’s economy is boasting a $3.0 trillion GSP, and Silicon Valley is home to some of the world’s most valuable tech companies including Apple, Meta Platforms, and Alphabet Inc. Its economy is varied, driven by many sizable sectors, with the most dominant ones being finance, government, business services, and manufacturing.

Don’t forget that California is a state with top-notch and highly rated institutions including The University of California and Stanford University. The best part of living there are the in-state tuition prices, and since the California State University system is the biggest public university system in the country, it means that there are a total of 281 different universities and colleges to choose from. In 2021, Stanford University was rated as the most progressive college in the US by Degree Choices.

Culture, diverse community, and wine

California is the perfect place to live for those who appreciate cultural variety. It’s a place where you can watch top shows and performances, special events, and visit many great museums. The Golden State also has epic music festivals including Coachella, Outside Lands, and many more. A thrilling nightlife where you can rub shoulders with celebrities and enjoy good parties, it is a great place to let your hair down and dance the weekend away.

It is known for celebrating diversity, accepting people no matter their ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion. Whether it’s Chinese New Year or Pride Week, Californians love celebrating it all since they’re always up for a party no matter the occasion. Also, don’t forget that this state produces the largest amount of wine in the US, so it’s a great place if you’d like to become a wine connoisseur.

Final thoughts

Sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and amazing opportunities are just some of the great things the Golden State offers. If you’re still dwelling on whether to move or not, we’d say go for it! If you want to shake things up and enjoy life to the fullest, California is the place for you.

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