Living Room Decorating Ideas That Might Interest You

Jennifer Hard
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1
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Decorating one’s living room can be an incredibly intimate and fun experience. It can also, if you are not prepared, or are just not design-minded, can be an absolute headache. Decorating and designing your living room is something you will have to do at least once and is a rite of passage in a way. When decorating your living room, you need to plan ahead and give it serious thought. You might also want to consult an interior decorator or a relative who is inclined that way. Living room decorating ideas are not easy to come by.

In this article, we are going to present to you a few living room decorating ideas that might interest you. No longer do you have to struggle with decorating your living room, nor do you have to embarrass yourself with poorly designed rooms.

Here are a few living room decorating ideas that might interest you.

Antique Furniture At Auction

Often the best place to buy antique furniture is at auction. Ideally, you will want to avoid large and esteemed auction houses, because in one of those you can expect to pay thousands for an item that at a smaller auction house you would only pay hundreds. Antique furniture, even in the most modern of homes, can be a great way to get creative. We couldn’t start a list off about living room ideas without mentioning antique furniture now, could we? It would be sacrilege!

Persian Rugs and Tapestries

Putting Persian rugs down on the floors and tapestries on the walls is a great way to improve your living room’s design. Persian rugs are, without a doubt, awesome, and as they fall out of savour with the world’s super-rich, they become more accessible to Average Joe’s like you and me. Tapestries, like Persian rugs, are very cool, and they can illustrate a lot historically speaking. Introducing either of these into your living room will give your living room an edge that it would otherwise be unable to achieve. Be sure to match the colors of your rugs and tapestries with your wallpaper and the paint on your walls.

Cushions and Chairs

When you are designing your living room, you will want to give great thought to the cushions that you have and the chairs in your home. You need to be careful about matching your sofa with your cushions, too. Cushions play a huge role in the overall aesthetic of your living room, yet surprisingly so many people neglect them or do not give them much consideration. Be sure to introduce cushions that match your home’s overall aesthetic, colour-wise (and otherwise) into your living room, and nothing else.

Paintings and Portraits

A living room without paintings and portraits is not a living room I would ever want to go into! You can buy portraits and paintings at an auction, or alternatively, you can learn to draw and paint, and you could do them yourself. Hanging paintings and portraits up in your living room is a really fun way to make your living room feel more lived in, and more like it is loved. Hanging paintings and portraits can be very therapeutic too. Whatever speaks to you (art-wise) should be what you hang on your walls.

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Georgian Sash Windows

Moving away from individual pieces of furniture and accessories for your living room for a moment, why not install sash windows? These windows are very cool. They can also be quite expensive, particularly if you are using vintage sash windows. Newer ones are not as expensive though, and they can be bought widely. Sash windows are a great way for you to design your living room’s interior. They also enable you to install big wooden sashes which can be closed and blackout your living room. Georgian sash windows are a great addition to any home, and in our opinion, the more vintage, the better.

Wallpaper or Paint?

Wallpapering your living room can make your living room look very comfortable, warm, and cozy. Paint, on the other hand, can make your living room look chic and modern. Whichever design style that appeals to you, you should go for. It is also important to take into consideration the aesthetic of your home, internally and externally. If you have a more modern home, you may want to have your home painted internally, while for older houses, wallpaper is often the first choice. Give your home’s wallpaper or paint some serious consideration.

Designing your living room is never easy, though with the suggestions made here it can be made somewhat easier. When you are designing the interior of your home, you should design it according to your own personal taste and mustn’t ever listen to anybody else’s style of design.

Jennifer
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

The 4 Coffee Trends You Will Want to Check Out

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 5 minutes

The subconscious thought of getting filled with caffeine gets some people out of bed in the morning and keeps them excited about a new day. The most potent caffeine boost for people is coffee, that is why the coffee shop looks like a cinema queue on a daily basis. 

Since coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, it is only natural that people have preferences about how they like their coffee. Whether you are a Turkish coffee drinker or you have a thing for French press pro, Keurig, or a pour-over beverage, be rest assured that you will always have varied options of taking your coffee as new ones continue to gain popularity among coffee drinkers. It would surprise you that your local coffee shop has a fresh addition on its menu every month because people are getting inventive on how they want their coffee served. 

So, next time you go to your local coffee shop, check out some of these coffee trends detailed below, if you find them on the menu.

Dalgona or Whipped Coffee

Dalgona or whipped coffee joined the list of coffee trends when it went viral in 2020. The Dalgona coffee has a unique texture and sweet flavor that keeps your tastebuds engaged when you have a cup or two. The equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water come together to make dalgona coffee when you measure similar proportions to these ingredients. 

Some coffee drinkers have resorted to using electric mixers to make the process easier because it takes between two minutes to five minutes to create the right consistency of a light and whipped coffee, similar to dense whipped cream. 

This coffee is best served over milk, sometimes with ice. Dalgona lovers or cafes add some sparkle to the top with cocoa, coffee powder, or crumbled cookies to enhance its flavor and usually serve it with a stray to stir. 

So, next time you are at the coffee shop, you could ask for a serving of whipped coffee to see what it looks or tastes like and you may become the newest addition to the Dalgona coffee cult.

Snapchilled Coffee

This is a combination of several coffee-making skills as freshly brewed hot coffee is snap chilled, using a process that preserves its freshness and flavor, even though it will be canned or bottled. 

Snapchilled Coffee is brewed to the right strength, so there’s no need to add anything to it and the process of chilling and canning, makes it lose less flavor until it is ready to be taken. 

Snapchilled coffee is a trademark but your favorite coffee shop may have it in stock, so ask for it next time you are there, let us know if your tastebuds agree with this new coffee trend and flavor.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Matcha Lattes

Matcha has been around for a long time, the same thing with lattes, but the combination of both became a trend recently. You can easily notice a matcha latte because it is a green beverage, a combination of green tea powder, water, and steamed milk. 

The lovers of matcha latte consider it a cleaner caffeine boost than coffee because they relatively reduced it in the beverage. However, the interesting thing about this coffee trend is that baristas can create latte art as they would on a traditional coffee version. 

So, next time you are at the coffee shop, try out the green beverage with latte forming and art, maybe you could add it to the list of your coffee tasting or join the league of coffee drinkers who prefer low caffeine boost.

Nitro Cold Coffee

Nitro cold coffee has become a new thing for coffee zealots, this new coffee brew is prepared using the method formerly used by beer homebrewers.

The nitro coffee process begins with cold brew, which is coffee that’s been steeped in cold or room-temperature water for anywhere between 12 hours and 24 hours. A pressurized valve infuses the coffee with nitrogen gas, adding small bubbles that improve the coffee’s flavor and texture. 

Mind you, nitro cold coffee does not taste fizzy or carbonated, but you can go for it if you want your coffee servings to have a less bitter flavor, smoother texture, and creamier flavor. Again, ask if your coffeehouse serves nitro cold brew when you go for your daily coffee run. 

The four coffee trends highlighted above are not the only ones making rounds among coffee lovers, but it is worth trying out when you see them clearly stated on the menu and you feel like trying a new coffee variety. You may just find it better than anyone you’ve had. Who knows?

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Image by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash

Why a smaller home can be the most luxurious choice

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 3 minutes

When you consider a luxury home, your mind probably turns to multi-million dollar mansions, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. A home on a smaller scale can be just as opulent, and opting for a scaled-down palace could mean you get to live like royalty in every other area of life. 

Smaller homes are rising in popularity and for good reason too. Here are five reasons why a smaller home could be your most luxurious option.

1.    Fancy fixtures

If your budget leaves you facing the choice of either a larger home decorated to mediocre standards or a smaller, more lavish home, you might consider why you would choose to spend more on the structure when you could be spending more on the visual.

Scaling back on size means you can spare more of the budget for the fancy things in life – why have run-of-the-mill fixtures and fittings when you can go for designer labels and high-end materials? Marble flooring, crystal chandeliers, and gold accents could be within your reach if you remember that small can be beautiful too.

2.    More cash for other luxuries

Nothing says lavish lifestyle less than staying home to afford an enormous mortgage. A smaller home makes for a smaller mortgage meaning smaller repayments and getting out of debt more quickly.

That spare cash in the budget means you can afford to live a more extravagant lifestyle enjoying fine dining, expensive jewelry, spa treatments, designer clothing, and all of the trappings that make life feel that little bit more luxurious.

3.    Designer home

Designer labels don’t come more impressive than one attached to a house, and being a part of the design process of your very own home is about as fancy as it gets. You don’t need to be an architect to get involved either. There are plenty of small house plans to choose from, which you can then add to and adapt to suit your needs.

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Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

4.    Luxury locations

To really feel top-flight in the world of property, location is everything, so instead of downgrading your home’s situation, simply choose a smaller home in your preferred area.

City life is becoming less affordable for many, but you don’t have to settle for the suburbs if you don’t want to. Just choose a stylish and sought-after apartment instead of a larger but less exclusive out-of-town property, and you will be the envy of your friends.

5.    Less is more

When it comes to a smaller square footage, you can really make sure less is more. Instead of filling your bigger home with lots of ordinary objects, carefully select fewer, expensive items for your more compact space, which better represent your affluent aesthetic.

Decorating smaller rooms forces you to better consider what you bring into your home and means the space can actually end up feeling less cluttered and more spacious than larger properties. 

So if you love a luxurious life, you might consider spending less cash on bricks and mortar and more on the things which will make your life feel truly luxurious.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

5 of the most idyllic beaches in Santorini away from the crowds

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Santorini is an enchanting remnant of a volcanic caldera that has shaped the morphology of the island, giving its shores unique formations and characteristics. And while the black beaches of Perivolos and Perissa attract the attention of most visitors, the island is home to captivating shores that offer much more privacy and peacefulness – perfect for romantic escapades and holidays away from the bustling crowds. Here are five of the most arresting ones to visit:

1. Agia Irini 

Very few people know that Santorini is actually an archipelago consisting of six islands, with the uninhabited island of Thirassia being one of them. Located on the northwestern side of Santorini, Thirassia is only reachable by boat from Ammoudi Port. Once there, head to the Riva village, and you will see the unspoilt shore of Agia Irini with the crystalline waters and the tranquil scenery. Ensure you bring your essentials as there are no tourist facilities in the area.

2. Mavro Vouno (Black Mountain) 

Tucked between the Mesa Pigadia Beach and the Akrotiri Lighthouse, the small isolated cove of Mavro Vouno on the south of Santorini awaits to dazzle you with pristine raw natural beauties, imposing reddish cliffs, and grey-black volcanic sand. Also reachable by boat, Mavro Vouno is a tad more challenging to visit than other beaches as the waters here are quite deep and the seabed is rocky. However, if you do manage to drop anchor here, you have a hidden shore all by yourself and an equally impressive underwater world filled with caves and rock formations that can make an experienced diver’s heart pound. 

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

3. Thermes Beach 

The locals usually refer to this beach as Christos beach, from the small rock-carved chapel of Jesus Christ in the area. Come here and expect to be pampered with utterly relaxed moments and captivating views of the caldera. As for the beach itself, it can be accessed on foot or by boat from Megalochori village. The walk is not for the faint-hearted ones, though, as it involves a 25-minute downhill trek. However, this also means that you will have absolute privacy and all the time you need to soak up the allure of the 200-long shore with the large, black pebbles, black sand, colourful cliffs, and the hot springs. Again, there are no tourist facilities, but you will be rewarded with heart-stopping panoramas of the caldera and not only. 

4. Bella Bay (aka Caldera Beach)

This scenic spot on the western coast of Santorini lies in the Akrotiri area and can be accessed via a non-paved road that includes a pronounced slope. Bella Bay is a secluded and quiet place overlooking the caldera and the islands of Palia Kameni and Nea Kameni, with black sand and deep and clean waters (ideal for advanced divers). Many tourists love this particular location for the exquisite sunset views and the opportunity to experience rock diving and sunbathing under the warm Mediterranean sun without rubbing shoulders with hundreds of other people. 

5. Cape Kouloumbo

The Cape Koloumbo cape occupies the northern side of Santorini and hides a true gem – the unspoilt beach of Cape Koloumbo, just 12 km from Fira, the island capital. There is no public transport available to reach this place so you will need to rent a car or motorbike to get here. This is a shore particularly popular among nudists that charms with its black sand, the dramatic red cliffs, and the shaded spots that protect from the warm sun. Beware, though, as the waves here can be particularly high at times. In general, the sea is calm and perfect for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and sunbathing. 

Where to stay in Santorini 

Luckily, Santorini offers a plethora of accommodation options, ranging from budget bed and breakfasts to 5* hotels like one of the best Santorini hotels Kivotos that offer exquisite holiday experiences with a wide range of modern amenities, and comforts like a private pool, deluxe rooms, private dining, private sailing with the hotel-owned yacht, and utmost pampering adventures. The choice is yours! 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Luxury Vacations: Tips to Make Your Holiday a Breeze

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 3 minutes

With the winter season finally coming to a close, it is about time to start thinking about how you want to spend your summer. If, like so many others, your first thought for the summer is a nice relaxing holiday, then this is the article for you. Below are four helpful tips to help you plan the best, stress free holiday you can.

Information on Travelling

Given the current state of the world, it is currently inadvisable for you to begin planning holidays abroad. In fact, unless you are fully vaccinated, you are likely to run into issues travelling even within the US. So your first port of call should be to check the state, or territorial, and local health department where you are, and where you would like to go.

Luxury Location

If you are sure you can travel, or maybe you are planning for once this all blows over, then you can safely move on to considering the options available to you. You should probably still plan to travel within the US itself, but that does not mean you will not have a wide and vibrant variety of choices. From Northern Vermont to The Monterey Bay in California to Miami, there is no shortage of exciting options for travel within the states.

Bring Your Car

One benefit of staying within the US is that it allows you to bring your car with you wherever you decide to go. Hiring a car or trying to get around without one can be one of the most irritating and nerve-wracking aspects of any holiday, which is why using your own can be so refreshing. There are a couple of ways that you can do this.

The first is pretty obvious, you just drive wherever you have decided to go on holiday. Hoorah, you have now brought your car with you. However, depending on where you are going and where you live, this kind of drive can be a real slog. If you are looking for a quick, easy and relaxing holiday experience, then you will probably want to get your car to your holiday destination another way.

bring-your-car-to-holidays
Photo by Matteus Silva de Oliveira from Pexels

This is where companies like Guardian Auto Transport come in. These companies will move your car across state for you and drop it off wherever you may need it, allowing you to bring your vehicle with you on holiday without having to deal with an endless drive yourself.

Package Deals

The final word in easy luxury holidays have to be package deals, and in the world of package deals the all-inclusive resort is the crème de la crème. After all, who doesn’t want to stay at a resort where your every need will be provided for and everything has already been paid. What this means is, if you want an easy and relaxing holiday, you should definitely be considering an all-inclusive resort. It is easy to assume these resorts all exist in faraway tropical locations, but actually some of the best all-inclusive resorts exist in the United States. So, when you are planning your summer holidays within the US, it might be worth considering which states house these incredible places.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured image: Photo by William Fortunato from Pexels

Verax: When Swiss-Made, Luxury And Street-Culture meet

Arsene Wargas
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1
Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Adversity is the parent of virtue”, popular culture tends to say. While Pandemics is still out there and the world has been experiencing its biggest economic crisis, some people believe that innovation, creativity, and know-how are the leading driving force in the future. No matter how you do things, the truth will always surface. Meet VERAX, a Swiss-based company that was born from the 2020 chaos.

VERAX: verax, veracis, veracium

VERAX combines urban cultures to create ultra-limited edition goods conceptualized by an anonymous group and carried out through provocative and frank communication.

VERAX-Switzerland
Photo: Courtesy of VERAX

Street culture, the offspring of urban imagination, has infiltrated the world in 2021 with fashion, art, and music. VERAX internalizes this modern reality and reimagines it in the form of a true luxury streetwear concept with a clear message that refuses to succumb to marketing nonsense. The aim is to market goods in ultra-limited editions, often as little as one single item—a provocative marketing campaign based on uniqueness. The VERAX 420-V01.01, a Swiss Made watch with a unique look, kicks off the range.

The VERAX 420-V01.01: When James Bond Goes Fast & Furious

According to the Swiss Watchmaking Federation, there are 350 brands producing watches under the “swiss-made” flag. So you could argue why do we need another Swiss watch brand, right? The answer will always be: “it depends” (which is very Swiss, by the way). VERAX is more than a watchmaker. It is a true street lifestyle brand that builds a strong universe, from which the first chapter is a watch. This watch was born outside of the overrun grounds.

Vera-watches-reveal
Photo: Courtesy of VERAX
VERAX-420V01-01-Front-Close
Photo: Courtesy of VERAX
Verax-420-v1-01-watches
Photo: Courtesy of VERAX
Vera-watches-launch
Photo: Courtesy of VERAX

With a rather assertive look, this watch cannot leave us indifferent. It has all the clear codes of the Swiss-made watch, a robust movement and a very street look. It will go wherever you go, as long as you have the courage!

The VERAX 420-V01.01 will be sold exclusively online in an initial series of 500 items. The Swiss quartz chronograph movement is housed in the 43mm diameter case. With its striking style, sophisticated details, and coveted Swiss Made label, the timepiece stands out. But it’s the bracelet that stands out the most – a real statement from the VERAX brand that reaffirms its message. In terms of tech specs, please see here the list:

  • Case: Stainless Steel Fire Black
  • Dial: Grained Dark Black & White Snow
  • Strap: VERAX Rubber Strap
  • Movement: Chronograph Quartz Ronda Z3 – Swiss Made
  • Glass: K1 Cristal
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bars / 100 Meters
  • Case Size: 43mm
  • Wrist Size: 15-21mm / 6-8 Inches
  • Limited Edition: Only 500 pieces available (numbered)
  • Warranty: 2 Years
  • Swiss-Made
  • Suggested Retail Price: CHF 780.00

The watch is very robust, and it was built not to disappoint. No matter if you are rushing to work or slaloming between cars, or simply walking around listening to your preferred music, this watch is a perfect match.

Vera-watches-reviews
Photo: Courtesy of VERAX
Verax-swiss-made
Photo: Courtesy of VERAX

The Chrono black look offers a modern, sleek and powerful identity to this watch. It will attract a younger audience and all passionate people of street culture. The watch is only available on the brand e-shop that you can find here: https://www.verax-ltd.com. Modern economy obliges: VERAX accepts payments in Bitcoins and Monero.

Arsène Wargas
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Courtesy of VERAX.

8 Basics Of Proper Wine Storage

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 6 minutes

What should you do with the wine you’re not intending to drink straight away? Before anything else, it’s essential to keep in mind that only a few fine wines get aged well for years on end as they should be consumed within a few years of their release. Investing in professional-grade wine storage is crucial if you plan on purchasing wines to age.

Essential Wine Storage Tips

Wine collecting may appear like a simple and enjoyable hobby, but several factors are considered before embarking on this venture. After learning the basics, you can start collecting, organizing, and storing your wine the right way, so your investment remains safe. 

Keeping your wines safe before you open them can be done with a few simple guidelines: 


1. Keep Your Wines Cool 

Wine’s biggest enemy is heat, and a temperature above 70° F will age it faster than what’s usually desired. If the temperature gets too high, your wine will become mushy, resulting in a flat aroma and flavors. 

The ideal temperature for wines is between 45° F and 65° F, with 55° F mentioned as nearly perfect. It doesn’t matter if your bottle storage runs a few degrees warmer, as long as you open the bottles within a few years of the release date. 


2. Be Mindful Of The Cooling Temperature 

The wine could be kept for up to two months in your refrigerator, but it’s not recommended for extended storage. It’s required foods be stored in refrigerators below 45°F to be kept safe, and the lack of moisture could cause the corks to dry out, making them dangerous to drink. 

Don’t store your wine in unheated garages in winter, where it could freeze, or in refrigerators left for hours. A cork could be pushed out of the liquid if it turns to ice. 


3. Place The Wine Bottles Horizontally 

Using a horizontal wine rack or a wine cellar such as Wine Cellar HQ for bottles with corks is important to preserve your drink properly. Corks kept moist during storage at an angle and on their sides improve long-term stability and prevent seepage and premature aging. Although it’s not essential to keep screw-top wine bottles upright, horizontal storage still allows maximum space and easy access while storing your liquor. 

wine-cellar-tips

If stored incorrectly, the wine ends up drying out the cork, shrinking a little and becoming brittle. It’s long been believed wine should be protected from the oxidization of dry and cracked corks. Many argue sparkling wines need to be stored upright while most agree all corked wines should be kept upright to keep the cork wet. 

It’s essential to serve white and sparkling wines cold, but storing them in your fridge for a long time isn’t recommended. No matter how the wine is stored, it’ll eventually dry out the cork because the lack of humidity causes it to dry out eventually. Instead, keep white wine and sparkling wine in the refrigerator for a few days before intending to drink them. 


4. Store In A Place With Proper Humidity 

It’s best to store your wine in constant humidity levels because wine ages the most in damp environments. Also, extreme humidity levels in your wine cellar or storage facility can affect the longevity of your wine. The corks of your bottles may dry out at a low humidity level, leaving your wine vulnerable to the effect of oxygen. 

In contrast, a higher humidity level may cause the labels to peel off, making the bottles challenging to sell and display. Humidity levels should vary between 60 and 68 percent in the wine cellar. 

wine-guide


5. Turn The Lights Off 

It’s essential not to expose long-term stored wines to direct light, particularly sunlight. Vintners utilize colored glass bottles to prevent sun damage and premature aging of wine. While it’s unlikely to damage your wine directly, light from household bulbs can fade your wine labels over time. The mercury from fluorescent bulbs contains ultraviolet light levels, so incandescent bulbs are a bit safer.

But as much as possible, turn the lights off in the area where wines are being kept.


6. Avoid Shaking And Vibrations 

There are researches saying vibrations will accelerate chemical reactions in wine and eventually damage it. Even subtle vibrations from electronic appliances could cause some collectors to panic, though little is known about these effects. 

Older wines subjected to significant vibrations and shake could keep the sediment from settling, possibly making them unappealingly gritty. Does this create a problem for your short-term storage unless you live near a railway or are hosting rock concerts? No, but remember not to shake your wine bottles inappropriately.


7. Invest In A Wine Fridge 

Keeping good wine requires a wine refrigerator, which is also known as a wine cooler. Your storage space will always be relaxed, dark, and moist as wine refrigerators keep your stored wine cold and dry at 50-60° F with perfect humidity and secure from cross-contamination caused by odors from food in the fridge.  

A top-quality refrigerator will also have separate cooling settings for bottles of champagne. In case pricing and expenditures are a concern, an efficient wine fridge is merely a method for protecting your investment because wine can be a significant investment by itself. The reviews for coolers are critical before you buy one. 


8. Serve Wine With The Right Temperature

wine-tasting-guide

Keeping wine cold is different than storing it, which is why wine serving temperatures change constantly. Serving wine at the ideal temperature allows the atoms to move freely within their chemical properties and is an indispensable facet of the wine service process. As a result, you taste them as the flavors, scents, and aromas winemakers have designed them. Take advantage of some luxury wine tasting tips if you’ve just begun your wine-drinking journey.

The ethanol molecules dominate and take center stage in a wine that’s warmed too much. However, if the wine is served too cold, it mutes many desirable flavors and aromas. Keeping the perfect temperature when you’re about to drink is crucial to the overall wine experience. 


Conclusion 

There are many reasons why wine is good for you. With perfect storage facilities, wine lasts even for centuries when kept in excellent condition. The opposite is true as poor storage can ruin even the best of wines. Invest in a wine cellar and let your wine adventures amaze you!

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Making the most out of your Tuscany holidays – 4 Things you ABSOLUTELY need to do or try!

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 4 minutes

With an enchanting backdrop of olive groves, vineyards, rows of cypresses, medieval hill-towns, and artfully sited farmhouses and villas, Tuscany, indeed, harbours the classic Italian landscape we have all seen in thousands of Renaissance paintings. This utterly wealthy and naturally beautiful region with the heart-stopping countryside is, no wonder, a pole of attraction for millions of people that visit Italy every year. Of course, seeing everything Tuscany has to offer on a single trip is practically impossible. Nevertheless, there are a few things that you should definitely add to your list to get a truly authentic Tuscany experience. 

1. Taste (or sample) truffles

Dedicated food lovers never leave Tuscany without trying truffles. It comes as no surprise, given that Italian truffles are prized for their flavour and aroma. Now, depending on the season you visit Tuscany, you can find different varieties of these mouth-watering fungi. 

italian-truffle
Image by Serge Uzan de Pixabay 

For example, White truffles are picked between October and December in the Casentino woods, Mugello, and Val Tiberina, alongside the Siena area and the San Miniato hills. Precious Black truffles with the delicate taste grow from November to March, while the Marzuolo truffle is found in Grosseto, Livorno, and Pisa (among other places) from January to April. 

Finally, Scorzone truffles are frequent from May to August and delight with their mushroom-like aroma. You may even sample this pricey fungus in various towns, such as San Miniato, between Florence and Pisa. 

2. Visit Cortona 

The agricultural plain of Valdichiana is home to the ancient hill-town of Cortona – a major attraction that provides unsurpassable panoramas of the alluvial valley of Valdichiana and Lago Trasimeno lake (4th largest in Italy). This lovely, historic town sits on the top of a hill and impresses not only with its views but also the Santa Margherita Sanctuary, Girifalco Fortress, the imposing city walls, the Franciscan hermitage Le Celle (the 1st monastery Saint Francis of Assisi built in 1211), and, of course, the Tuscan Sun Festival – an annual event that celebrates art. And, let’s also not forget that some of the best red wines in the world are made in this area. 

3. Rejuvenate at the Monti dell’Uccellina park

Located within the Grosseto province, Monti dell’Uccellina is a protected environment, a part of the Maremma coastal area, and one of the last pristine shores in Italy. Expect to be overwhelmed by the long stretches of golden sand and the crystalline waters, the wildlife roaming prairies and forest-covered hills, and the many wild animals that live in the mountainous areas, including turtles, porcupines, red foxes, fallow deer, and wild boars. It also provides shelter to hundreds of rare Italian birds. To some people, Monti dell’Uccellina feels like earthy heaven. The Italians must feel this way too, considering their tremendous efforts to preserve these natural reserves. 

4. Live in an elegant farmhouse

tuscany-luxury-farmhouse
Photo by alleksana from Pexels

If waking up to the chirping of birds and heart-stopping views of a glorious rural landscape is part of your dreamy Tuscany holidays, then renting a stylish farmhouse or Tuscan exclusive villa perched in the verdant lands of the Tuscany countryside will tick your boxes for sure. Beautifully remodelled, tastefully decorated, and with a lux factor that is more than impressive, they exude a sense of cosiness, warmth, and grandeur. Ensuring utmost privacy, comfort, and a wealth of modern amenities while being close to major attractions, you also get to live in a house bearing old-world charm and charming traditional Tuscany architecture. 

And, if you don’t fancy living amidst lush lands and forest-filled terrains, you may as well pick a mansion near the coastal regions of Tuscany and pamper yourself with captivating sunset views and refreshing dives in cobalt waters!  

We are pretty sure that as your days go by in this lovely Italian region, you will keep adding to this (admittedly) super-short list of the must-do things in Tuscany! Although it may sound like a cliché, in Tuscany, the sky is, indeed, the limit when it comes to activities and fun things to do, taste, experience, and see! And, you are about to find it out yourself. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Necessary Items That Every Man Must Have To Look Manly

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 4 minutes

What makes a man? What gives him that manly look and aura. It is in the little things, what he wears, how he wears it, how he carries himself, the type of shoes he wears, or the books he reads. The qualities that make a man manly are a fine blend of what he owns and his personality. Items that will increase his quality of life generally bring him more joy and clearly define a wholesome man. These are some must-haves for every man to acquire that manly look.

1.   A Book Collection

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

Reading improves vocabulary and comprehension and helps you get in touch with your emotions. As a fervent reader, you can increase knowledge, and it makes your conversations broader and much more interesting. 

2.   A Signature Scent

“No elegance is possible without perfume.”

Having your unique scent is like having a signature. Your scent introduces you to a room even before you walk in, and a man’s style isn’t truly complete without this element. It is your accessory like wearing your wedding ring every day before leaving the house. 

3.   A Good Quality Watch

At least 30% of women are thought to notice a man’s wristwatch before his clothes. The presence of a good quality watch hints that you are ready for the rush hour moment. It is the perfect complement to an outfit and gives a classy aura no matter the situation.

Photo by Ruthson Zimmerman on Unsplash

1.   A Leather Wallet

A slim wallet signifies an organized man. As a rule, what you keep in your leather wallet should be what is used every week. Every contact card and gift card does not belong in your wallet. The quality and organization of your wallet are what marks the difference between a man and a boy.

2.   A Matching Leather Belt

A recent fashion trend is trousers that don’t need or require belts. This can never change the golden rule of matching belts and shoes. When getting a belt, it is important not to compromise on quality.

3.   A Tailored Suit

We all don’t want to be that guy that looks lost in his oversized and ill-fitting suit. These days, quality and affordable tailoring for suits are readily available. Every man that hopes to further define his masculinity must invest in at least one quality and perfectly tailored suit.

4.   A Grooming Kit

While toxic masculinity might suggest that it is feminine to groom yourself, I’m happy to inform you that it is part of hygiene and self-care to take time out to groom your hair, nails, and other parts of your body that require regular grooming. Concurrently, using a great soap adds to your signature scent and maintains as well as enhances the quality and softness of your skin. The skill to creatively organize all your grooming equipment neatly and cleanly in a classy toiletry bag is such a manly quality.

5.   A Towel Collection

Imagine inviting guests over, and you don’t have any clean or neat towels to offer them. A classy man must take having a clean collection of towels as a priority in his home. You can even take it to the next level by monogramming friendly and comforting words, phrases, or initials on the towels.

6.   A Tool Set And Workbench

What spells out manliness more than a handyman? Nothing! A toolset and a workbench indicate creativity and a keen eye for artistry. Women find a man that is good with his hands to be very attractive, and many women consider it the ultimate icing on the case that spells out and further defines masculinity.

7.   A Classy Pen

If you read, then you must as well be able to put your thoughts down in words. What really will be better than having a classy pen to capture those words on paper. Writing has been proven to improve memory and aid organization and planning.

8.   A Scotch Collection

There is something undeniably manly about a man that knows his scotch. It tells the world that he not only knows what he wants out of life but how to get it as well. Having a scotch collection certainly comes with knowing your glass sets and having beautiful and classy coasters. This combination of scotch, glasses, and coaters simply signifies an organized man, ready to work hard to achieve what he wants.

All these, combined with other non-physical qualities like honesty, kindness, an astute mind, and much more, are the basics of all the things that make a man manly. So, if you’re trying to tap into your masculinity more, the items on this list are a must-have. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by Hunters Race on Unsplash

How To Spend The Perfect Weekend in Singapore

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Got a weekend to spare? Whether you’re laying over in Singapore or using the cosmopolitan city-state as a base to explore the rest of Southeast Asia, we’ve got the lowdown on the best activities in Singapore. From its vibrant dining scene to cutting-edge Southeast Asian art, you’ll definitely want to put our weekend itinerary in Singapore on your bucket list.

1.   Explore Singapore’s trendiest ‘hood in Kampong Gelam.

Kampong-Gelam-guide
Photo by Tarul Patel on Unsplash

Once an ethnic enclave to the local Muslim community, Kampong Gelam is now a buzzing neighbourhood with indie boutiques and trendy cafes. Whether you’re shopping for heritage textiles along Arab Street or hunting for eye-popping murals at Gelam Gallery, there’s always something worth exploring here. Start from Haji Lane, a bustling alley that’s big on the hip factor. Make your way towards the majestic Sultan Mosque, where you’ll locate the best finds: hole-in-the-wall bars like Maison Ikkoku, Mediterranean restaurants along Bussorah Street, and Indonesian-style nasi padang from family-run institutions.

2.   Get acquainted with Singapore’s kopitiam culture.

kopitiam-culture
Photo by Nauris Pūķis on Unsplash

A veritable food paradise, Singapore is well-known for its plenitude of dining options. From cheap street eats at a kopitiam (or coffee shop) to world-class fine-dining experiences, there’s just as much to eat as there is to do.

To start, make a beeline to the nearest kopitiam in your vicinity. Newton Food Centre, arguably the most famous of them all, is a good place to start. It’s even made a cameo in Crazy Rich Asians. A cheap breakfast of coffee and toast buttered with kaya (coconut jam) can be had for as little or three dollars. Go wild and experiment with the sheer variety of street food on display here.

3.   Discover a treasure trove of Southeast Asian art.

Singapore-guide
Photo by Bing Hui Yau on Unsplash

It’s easy to get cultured in Singapore since most of its museums and galleries are concentrated in the central district. For culture vultures, this means walking distance between must-see exhibits.

Art lovers will enjoy the National Gallery Singapore‘s Southeast Asian art collection – the largest in the region – while history buffs will appreciate the exhibits on Asia’s rich heritage at the Asian Civilizations Museum. If you have time, a trip to Haw Par Villa on the outskirts of the city center is worth it for its surreal dioramas of Chinese mythology.

4.   Enjoy a stroll along Gardens By The Bay.

singapore-garden-by-the-bay
Photo by Miguel Sousa on Unsplash

When it comes to the must-do activities in Singapore, a stroll along the Gardens By The Bay ranks high on the list. The towering structures known as the Supertrees are not to missed in all their sci-fi splendour when they light up at dusk. 

If you’d like to cool off, enter the Flower Dome, the world’s largest greenhouse that’s home to flora and fauna from across five continents. Afterwards, make your way back to the Marina Bay promenade, where you can take in the city’s glittering skyline.

Make no bones about it: The island city-state of Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures with lots to see and do. The next time you find yourself in Singapore with a weekend to spare, you’ll find this guide useful to discover Singapore’s diverse culture, food and history.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by Zhu Hongzhi on Unsplash

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