About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

Five Reasons to Sanitize Your Home Using Steam Cleaners

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The global pandemic has brought the need for sanitizing into the spotlight. While treatment for Covid-19 is still in the works, your best bet is to practice self-protection and make your home a safe haven. Using hot pressurized steam is a great way to get rid of germs brought from the outside. It is a zero-waste and non-toxic way to combat pathogens!

1. Versatile

By sanitizing your home with portable steamers for cleaning, you not only remove visible contaminants like dirt and dust. Hot steam also acts as a sanitizer. It reduces the number of microbes and bacteria to a safe level and prevents their growth. You can use it on most surfaces in your home, from floorboards to fabrics.

2. Simple and Efficient

How do you feel after cleaning your home the conventional way? This is an arduous task, as you need to exert pressure on all surfaces. Body pain and allergic reactions are common consequences of exhausting housework. Steam cleaning is much more efficient, as you do not need to get up close and personal with the surfaces. Applying pressurized steam requires less effort. Clean and sanitize your space more quickly without the need for elbow grease.

3. Chemical-free

This sustainable method lets you cleanse every crevice and corner of your home without chemicals. Steam removes germs and bad odors without harming the environment, and you do not need to use detergents that may contaminate your food. Clean your furniture and carpets without compounds that could be dangerous to children and pets.

4. Pathogens-eliminating

Hot pressurized steam kills pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and dust mites. These are commonly found in most households. To maximize the sanitizing effects, you can also use some non-toxic detergent.

Dust mites are allergens that cause sneezing. The reactions they trigger in kids may even develop into asthma! Steam is a great alternative to traditional cleaning products. You can eliminate dust mites without chemicals that contain allergens themselves!

5. Cost-efficient

Different cleaning tasks require different detergents. With a steam cleaner, you will no longer need to buy special products for the floor, oven, and kitchen countertop. No need for rubber gloves, either! These machines can clean almost anything, from cupboards to car interiors. They are versatile and eco-friendly. Using different attachment brushes, you can clean any type of surface and crevice.

Final Words

Sanitizing is surrounded by a lot of confusion due to fake news and misleading articles. Steam cleaning is an efficient and convenient way to sanitize surfaces, but there are still a few guidelines to follow. Choose a proper temperature for every item (refer to the manufacturer manual). Note that some objects and surfaces are very sensitive to steam. For example, silk, velour, thin plastics, and water-based paint require special care.

What Are the Top Treatment Options for Anxiety?

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Are you someone who struggles with anxiety? If so, you are not alone. There are lots of people who struggle to deal with anxiety, and there are plenty of treatment options available. If you struggle with anxiety, one of the first things you need to remember is that you need to talk to a mental health professional. A mental health professional can take a look at your specific type of anxiety and customize a treatment option to meet your needs. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can manage your anxiety. What are some of the key points you need to keep in mind if you are looking for anxiety treatment?

Therapy Is the Cornerstone of Treatment

First, understand that therapy is the cornerstone treatment option when it comes to anxiety. Therapy is important because it can help you understand why you suffer from anxiety. If you can get to the root cause of your issues, you might be able to develop a treatment plan to address them. If you are having trouble finding a therapist to help you manage anxiety, you should reach out to your primary care doctor. He or she might be able to provide you with a referral to a therapist in the area. The hardest thing about therapy is taking that first step. Once you get in a rhythm, therapy can dramatically help you improve your ability to manage anxiety.

Understand Abortive vs. Preventative Medication

Next, you must understand the difference between abortive and preventative medications. Both of these medications can be helpful in managing anxiety. As the name suggests, abortive medication can help you abort an acute panic attack. Some of the most common symptoms of a panic attack include rapid breathing, a high heart rate, sweating, and an impending feeling of doom. If you are developing a panic attack, short-term benzodiazepines might help you stop this in its tracks. Your doctor may prescribe you a short-term benzodiazepine in the event of a panic attack; however, you do not necessarily have to use them. A lot of people feel better just knowing they’re there.

On the other hand, you may need to take preventative medication as well. These medications are designed to prevent you from developing a panic attack. These are medications you may need to take every day. Many of these are long-term benzodiazepines; however, if you do not want to take this class of medication, there are other options available. What you need to do is talk to your mental health professional about options that can help you prevent panic attacks from taking place.

Build a Strong Support System

Furthermore, you need to build a strong support system. One of the biggest reasons why people develop anxiety is that they feel like they have to face their problems on their own. You need to find ways to build strong relationships with your family members and friends. That way, if you are feeling stressed, you have someone you can talk to. If you feel like you don’t have to face everything on your own, you might have an easier time managing symptoms of anxiety. It can be difficult to build a strong support system because you have to open up to others about your internal feelings. Therapy can help you overcome this challenge.

Give CBD a Try

Finally, you might want to consider getting CBD a try. CBD stands for cannabidiol, and a lot of people use it to manage mental health issues. It can also be helpful for managing anxiety. If you are interested in giving CBD a try, you may want to take a look at Weedmaps to learn more about some of the dispensaries in the area. Then, you can talk to a professional at one of the dispensaries and find a CBD product that might work well for you. Before you try CBD for the first time, you should keep your therapist in the loop. Let your mental health professional know that you are thinking about trying CBD for anxiety.

Find a Way To Treat Anxiety

In the end, there are lots of people who suffer from anxiety. Therefore, if you are dealing with anxiety, there are lots of people who can relate to what you are going through. Furthermore, there are mental health professionals who can help you manage anxiety. It is important for you to talk to others because you can build the skills you need to cope with symptoms of anxiety. That way, you may be able to leave prescription medications in the rearview mirror. Finally, there are other treatment options as well. For example, you may want to try CBD. There might be some local dispensaries in the area, so consider trying CBD to help you manage anxiety. This can help you improve your quality of life.

Himiway Launches Four New E-bikes

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Himiway promises a more exciting fall this year, thanks to the upcoming launch of 4 new cutting-edge electric bikes from the company. Watch livestream here.

Himiway is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of its 4 types of brand new e-bike models in January 2022 of next year. The electric bike company recently released the teaser for the upcoming models; even though the teaser doesn’t reveal elaborate details about the bikes yet it has already created a lot of buzz in the outdoor adventure world. Going by the tradition with other Himiway bikes, the upcoming ones too would be under affordable range, with prices comfortably ranging between $1,000-under$3,000.

The 4 new Himiway bikes that are slated to be launched in January 2022 are – Softail Supreme E-bike, Multifunctional E-bike, and Premium All-terrain E-bike.

“We are thrilled to share that we will soon be launching 3 types of state-of-the-art new electric bike models come fall. While one of them would be the most innovative model from our lineup ever, another one would be an advanced utility bike that would be handy for your daily affairs. The third one is exclusively designed for outdoor enthusiasts and would make a robust partner for your off-road adventures across all terrains”, stated the leading spokesperson from Himiway.

As per the reports, Softail Supreme and Multifunctional models would be new additions to the company lineup. On the other hand, the Premium All-terrain E-bike is speculated to be the successor of the Himiway’s crowd-favorite Cruiser Electric Fat bike. However, these are just speculations- the Premium All-Terrain version may be a completely new variation for all-terrain electric bikes as well.

The Softail Supreme model stands out as the “most innovative” electric bike ever built by Himiway. Engineered with cutting-edge “first-notch” suspension (especially rear and front, based on softail designation), the bike promises to deliver an all-new experience for the riders. Going by the Himiway teaser, the model would be priced somewhere around $2,099 to say, under $4,000.

The second one, Multifunctional E-bike, is being dubbed as an all-rounder that would make a valuable addition to a busy and active family. From ferrying children to making deliveries to quick grocery shopping sessions, the bike has been designed to handle all. The bike will be $2,099.

The Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike is an advanced crossover between mountain and urban electric cruiser. As the name suggests, this model is especially designed for off-road adventures and has been equipped with major required features like, extended battery and incredible speed. The upcoming bike will also impress with its stylish looks. As Himiway hasn’t mentioned about fat tires with this bike, the model is likely to be a completely new model from the company. However, the other descriptions sound very similar to that of the previous Cruiser fat bike from Himiway. In regard to cost, the bike is speculated to come around $1,999.

360 MAGAZINE is an avid fan, and you can check out our very own Vaughn Lowery as a newly appointed ambassador for Himiway here.

About Himiway

A pioneer of electric bikes in the American market, Himiway specializes in manufacturing advanced fat tire electric bikes at affordable ranges. The company is based in California, USA, but has recently expanded to markets globally, covering all of the USA as well as Canada, the U.K., and Germany.

For additional information, please visit HERE.

The Six Best Places to Visit Over Christmas

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Christmas is right around the corner, and it’s time to get your plans in order, especially if you want to spend some time alone before being surrounded by family over the Christmas period. You won’t be short of things to do, whether it’s visiting winter markets or entertaining small children, with six of our favorite cities to visit over the winter period.

New York, USA

New York City is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in December, full of festive activities for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the city, or have been several times, there are always new experiences to be had; from seeing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating in Central Park, to simply walking around and looking at all the festive displays.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Known for its variety of Christmas markets, Copenhagen is one of the most popular places to visit over the winter period. Denmark is also the home of Hygge, which believes that people deserve to live their coziest and comfiest lives surrounded by family, with Christmas being a time that celebrates this belief. From eating good food to holding a cup of mulled wine as you walk among the famous markets, you’ll have a festive experience to remember.

Sydney, Australia

Not everyone likes winter, so Australia could be the perfect place to visit if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s hot, sunny, and has absolutely no snow in sight! Instead of packing your winter clothing, you’ll need your swimsuit and shorts. Although these may not be commonly seen in high-street stores over winter, online options such as Calypsa swimwear have a variety of options available for everyone. Whether you choose to wear a bikini, swimming costume, or swimming dress, you’ll feel your best self at a BBQ on Sydney’s Bondi Beach or watching the surfing Santa competition.

Paris, France

The most romantic city in the world, Paris is the perfect place to go with the person you love. Whether it’s walking amongst the famous galleries or taking a trip up the Eiffel Tower, Paris is perfect for couples over Christmas. If you prefer something more festive, then you can enjoy the lights down the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, or the Christmas Market held outside the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Tromsø, Norway

Known for being one of the best places to visit in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø spends December in darkness, making it perfect for seeing the Aurora Borealis, with the snow and mountains surrounding the city creating the perfect winter atmosphere. Tromsø is known for having an abundance of choirs that make the evenings a very social experience, with Christmas markets offering visitors the opportunity to taste traditional foods and drinks.

London, England

Possibly one of the most popular cities in the world, London at Christmas is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. While it’s unlikely that you’ll see snow, this shouldn’t put you off, especially with the festive displays in store windows to get you in the holiday spirit. If you’re visiting for more than a few days, you should make time to watch one of the many festive pantomimes, see the different Christmas lights, and sing carols in Trafalgar square.

With our list of the best places to spend time over Christmas, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful time wherever you end up visiting. These are only some of the places you can visit, and it’s advisable to check whether there are any travel restrictions in place before you book your holiday.

Organic Wines Are Conquering the World: Here is Why

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Thanks to the proliferation of wellness influencers on Instagram and the popularity of cleanses and detoxes, today’s consumers are far more conscious of what they are putting into their bodies than they have ever been before. And wine should not be an exception to this rule.

Unfortunately, wine is often considered an afterthought, with bottles bearing familiar labels and attractive names being placed into the shopping cart alongside organic veggies and free-range, organic eggs. And that is entirely illogical.

Wine is a source of comfort and pleasure, and it is something we can enjoy together at home or through virtual happy hours to help make these difficult times a little more bearable for everyone. So while the emphasis is on immune-boosting foods and staying healthy, the type of wine we drink should be part of that conversation as well, which is why today we’ll be talking about the popularity of drinking organic wine and how it is conquering the world and gaining popularity at online platforms such as 8wines.

What does “organic wine” mean?

In any case, whether you are familiar with the world of wine or not, it is very likely that you have heard the term “organic wine,” which refers to a centuries-old tradition that has been resurrected in recent years.

It is not exactly defined or regulated, but it is essentially grapes produced in the vineyard without the use of pesticides or herbicides, harvested by hand, and spontaneously fermented with wild yeasts that are local to the region. There are no additives, no filtrations, and no manipulations in this product’s production. Organic wines are genuine, pure, unadulterated, and unadorned.

Reasons to fall in love with organic wines

The environmental effect of a bottle of organic wine is significantly lower compared to a bottle of wine from a standard vineyard. However, this is only one of the numerous advantages that many people are unaware of when they come across a bottle of wine labeled “organic” in a retail establishment.

Therefore, we prepared a list of some reasons to fall in love with organic wines and start including them in your lifestyle.

No pesticides

There are no pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides added to organic wine, which means it has a higher purity level than conventional wines. When making organic wine, the grapes used are not subjected to any kind of pre-harvest chemical treatment. Contrary to organic wine producers, conventionally managed vineyards spray their fields to protect the plants from disease, which results in the disease-resistant plants showing up in your wine glass in the process.

Benefits the environment

Organic wines are prepared from grapes sourced from farms and vineyards that have not used genetically modified seeds for at least three years before harvesting them. Growing in healthy and nutritious soils allows them to develop a diverse population of natural microorganisms.

Organic agriculture is concerned with maintaining healthy soils that are filled with life in order to ensure that the vineyards are sustainable over the long term. On the other hand, by refraining from using pesticides, it is necessary to maintain and care for natural enemies, which in turn commits to the preservation and promotion of a diverse ecosystem in some way.

They have a more expressive flavor

Because they do not get fertilizer, the vines are nourished by the soil and its minerals, allowing them to express the actual character of the region from which they originate. It’s similar to the difference between garden lettuce that is full of taste and hydroponic lettuce that is clean and attractive but bland in flavor.

Fewer preservatives

Organic wines are required by law to have fewer sulfites, a preservative that is often used but is believed to be the cause of a nasty hangover after drinking them. In addition, wines with fewer sulfites have a higher level of intensity.

Contain a lot of vitamins and minerals

Since organic wines, in contrast to regular wines, are grown in vineyards using organic ingredients and contain fewer toxins that are hazardous to humans, organically grown grapes include higher levels of Vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. And, we know that all of them serve to maintain our bodies natural defenses and keep our bones strong.

How are organic wines produced?

The use assures more excellent quality of organic wine of organic yeasts, which are virtually always harvested from the previous crop during the manufacturing of organic wine.

The cultivation of organic vineyards entails taking good care of the land and causing more negligible environmental effect while also supporting biodiversity and providing superior quality in terms of nutritional component content.

Those who cultivate and make organic wine must do so with high awareness, attention, and care, as the harvests are considerably more vulnerable. Accordingly, the combination of these three elements and the artisanal component present when working the grapes allows the wine to achieve its full expression, allowing us to have a taste sensation of natural and fresh flavors.

Is it worth buying organic wine?

The use of chemicals in wine production, which helps to reduce costs, might result in organic wines being more expensive than ordinary wines in some cases. Additionally, because organic wines do not contain sulfites, the bottle’s shelf life is substantially less than that of conventional wines.

Despite the fact that high-quality organic wines are not always inexpensive, we can often find them at reasonable prices, allowing demand to keep up with supply and new consumers to become acquainted with the growing trend in wine.

The relevance of organic wines continues to grow even though they account for only about 3.6% of total global wine consumption. According to industry estimates, this subcategory is expected to see the most significant increase in demand in 2022. Almost one billion bottles of organic wine are expected to be consumed worldwide by 2023.

Given all of those mentioned above and existing trends toward organic foods, it is anticipated that demand will steadily increase over time, resulting in a decrease in the price of organic foods.

As we can see, there are no longer any grounds for not experimenting with organic wine and experiencing the benefits of doing so as soon as possible. So the conclusion is that investing in this product and being familiar with the benefits that this one-of-a-kind product will bring is an intelligent investment in our future.

INTERSECT BY LEXUS – NYC

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Eccentric, experimental, exquisite – all are adjectives that best describe dinner at Intersect NYC

Intersect NYC is a co-operative project between Lexus and Union Square Hospitality Group, with additional locations in Dubai and Tokyo. Union Square Hospitality Group collaborates with a wide array of businesses: Anchovy Social (DC), Blue Smoke (NYC) and LoBall (NYC).

Intersect by Lexus is a dynamic and delicious encounter hosted in a handful of tech-forward cities where charismatic epicures, who themselves break the mold, are immersed in the automotive giant’s ecosystem without physically driving nor owning one of their vehicles. The venue can be defined as “a manifestation of omotenashi, a Lexus core value characterized by an unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality.” Omote means public face, and “nashi” means nothing; omotenashi ultimately meaning that everything produced comes from the heart with honesty and no concealment.

Situated in the trendy Meatpacking District of New York City amongst chic shops and nightlife, the physical unit of Intersect features an unrivaled open-air market, complete with a lounge, restaurant, and event space. The two-level, square-like locale houses an immersive environment of edible delights and whimsical handmade cocktails. The experience can be best described as living through the magic that is an episode of travelling host and star Anthony Bourdain‘s Parts Unknown. The overall atmosphere emits a decadent, intuitive and contemporary feel. Situated throughout the space are a vast assortment of cookbooks on mantelshelves, including The Thousand Dollar Dinner: America’s First Great Cookery Challenge by Becky Libourel Diamond. One particularly intriguing structure is an accent wall designed by lauded Japanese interior designer, Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall. The installation, in close proximity to a black metal stairwell, is illuminated with recessed lighting and encased in glass, creating a moment where severe modernity meets the magical. The private dining room is an intimate space where an array of occasions can be held, wedding receptions, corporate gatherings and pop-ups in a reclusive yet bespoke setting. Intersect by Lexus is an ideal place for guests to be entertained, inspired, and educated, and serves as a conduit where ideas, people, and culinary creations unite.

The kitchen interchanges every six months – an ever-growing and evolving list of impressive artisanal cooks fabricate their own menu to challenge and delight visitors. Intersect by Lexus welcomed its seventh Restaurant-in-Residence, New Orleans’ Creole eatery, Compère Lapin. Chef Nina Compton owns and operates the New Orleans restaurant in tandem with Bywater American Bistro (BABs) where it is a well-loved hit in the Big Easy.

Compton is the third chef chosen this year, and is a James Beard Award-Winner and Top Chef: New Orleans runner-up. Chef Compton graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 2001 and first embarked on her remarkable professional career at Daniel in NYC. Chef Compton blends her signature Gulf coast ingredients with island flavors. Compton hails from Saint Lucia and her bill of fare is an array of Caribbean and Cajun-inspired dishes, such as dover sole meuniere and hot chicken.

Currently, Intersect NYC is led by classically trained Executive Chef Nickolas Martinez, the former executive chef of Foragers. Chef Martinez established his own culinary identity through his Midwestern roots and passion for French techniques. Chef Martinez, like Chef Compton, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. As executive chef, Chef Martinez prides himself in creating a “space dedicated to the ethos of the Lexus lifestyle, and a home to a unique dining experience.”

This three-star Michelin restaurant remains on the minds some of the most influential critics, as well as in the memories of all those who have explored the flavors and festivity firsthand. The service, presentation and wine pairings are unprecedented in their attention to palettes and details. 360 MAGAZINE had the opportunity to enjoy the pour deux menu among other enticing choices, sampling many of the most acclaimed dishes currently in circulation.

We began with two cocktails: the Ruby Lo-Ball and the Best Bank Punch. The Ruby features a fruity concoction of port wine, apple, ginger, and soda, for something refreshing with a bit of a snap, while the Punch, a drink of vodka, lillet, thai basil, passionfruit, and Sirop JM was both stronger and herbier. While both served up a revitalizing and uncommon flavor dynamic, we preferred the Ruby Lo-Ball as our cocktail of choice. After these early drinks, 360 turned to wine for the remainder of our meal. With a divine wine-list curated alongside the main dinner menu, every choice is certain to impress, and 360 was utterly charmed by our choices. A Bourgone Aligote, a very dry white French wine, as well as a Zind Chardonnary, a white blended with fruity notes that was not very oaky but with a sense of tartness, dazzled.

The food itself surpassed all expectations, proving the multifaceted style of the space extended to the delectable food. For our appetizers, we selected the hush puppies with cilantro crema, a light and delicate take on a classic, as well as the Louisiana barbecue shrimp with chervil and baguette and the stuffed back crab served with uni butter and charred lime. All these impressed – the upscale takes on Southern classics captivated a certain sense of comfort while still being creative, decadent, and extravagant. This tradition continued into the entrees, where 360 pursued the “pour deux” – for two – menu, where one large serving plate is presented to two diners to share. This is not only a meal for romantic evening – everyone from couples, to friends, to business partners took part in this unique savory affair. 360 sampled both the hot fire chicken with red beans and rice as well as the dover sole meuniere with brussels sprouts amandine served with celery root and parsnip puree. The sole, perfectly baked in a warming butter sauce, as well as the succulent and crispy chicken with a fiery side, left our team more than satisfied with its mouth-watering excellence. An airy mango sorbet cooled things off before our main dessert, chocolate with passionfruit and a cashew croquant, an ambrosial finish to a perfectly piquant meal.

Intersect NYC, from its style to its connoisseurs to its ambitious culinary pursuits, enamored 360 all the way through. For a sleek and satisfying adventure, Intersect NYC is the ultimate dinner venue.

Article by: Vaughn Lowery, Armon Hayes, Elle Grant, McKinley Franklin

A Manager’s Guide To Navigating Business Expansion

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Business expansion is an exciting time for any manager, as it’s a sign that things are pushing forward and that success has been realised. Of course, there are some more complex elements that need to be navigated so that you do not set up your expansion incorrectly and have to suffer the fallout. Today we are going to step through a guide to expanding your business so that you don’t get wrapped up in the chaos and can make some measured steps toward the future.

Furnish your office with modern hardware

Old and inferior hardware is going to take your team longer to do their jobs, without optimised tools that can make work faster and even more enjoyable. Quality laptops, Epson WorkForce Printers and access to any other company devices are a great place to start. Now that your business is expanding you want to be bringing hardware to your office that is geared toward productivity and output. If you are not sure what your team needs, ask them to come up with a wishlist and highlight what is the ‘must have’ and what is the ‘nice to have’. Business expansion comes with access, so don’t skimp on this process!

Stay aligned with your business ‘why’

Growth is not an excuse to abandon your core ‘why’, but a time to actually double down on your brand ethos. Companies will make the unfortunate mistake of changing too quickly and too permanently so take the time to revisit your business plan and be methodical. Swift change can alienate you from the long-standing staff that support you, and your faithful customers and clients might not recognise you either. You don’t want this to happen ever, especially not when you are going through a comprehensive business expansion. Before any expansion plans are set in motion, sit down with your business plan and reassess how and why you are going to grow so that you can do it effectively.

Consider outside help

There is no shame in finding the right people to assist you in your business expansion, especially as this is a specialised project and a period you will want experienced help with. You might consider a change management consultant or you could even choose to hire some mid-level employees that will free up your more senior staff to help out. As a manager, you are most useful when you are thinking strategically and working on the business and not necessarily in the business. So if your business expansion is being haphazardly managed because you are on the frontline, then you need more hands to assist you and your big plans.

Celebrate the moment

Yes, there is lots of work to come – but make sure you take a moment to celebrate this incredible journey your business has been on. As a manager, your team is going to look to you to understand how they should be responding to growth, and you want to be exhibiting pride and excitement at the prospect of expansion. You could do this with a team lunch at the pub, a special night out, or even give the team a half day. There are so many options and you don’t have to limit your celebrations to just one. Celebrating the moment will also strengthen the morale of your team, which is going to be important given the change that lies ahead for everyone.

Navigating business expansion comes with a number of pressures and priorities. Work hard to establish and stick to a plan and remember to get counsel from outside help and the team who helped you get to this great position.

Twelve Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning

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The romance of getting engaged and celebrating with the people you love might get overshadowed by the process of wedding planning. Brides have to wrangle endless details and numerous vendors to pull off their big day, but you don’t have to have a frustrating experience. These are 12 of the best tips for stress-free wedding planning that you can start using the day after your proposal.

1. Gather a Team of Helpers

No one should have to start planning their wedding alone. Ask your closest friends and family members if they’re willing to help. While you’re taking calls from vendors and attending appointments, they can keep an eye out for decor craft ideas or store your supplies. Any help goes a long way in relieving stress.

2. Talk With Your Fiance

Your fiance should be part of the process from start to finish. Sit down with them to discuss what their wedding dreams look like or what’s most important for their experience. Combining your ideas is a fun way to personalize your big day and share the responsibilities.

3. Tour Wedding Venues Early

People book their wedding venue more than a year in advance, but you might not have that much time. Start touring wedding venues early so you don’t get anxious about securing your date. During each visit, consider elements like the location and parking so it’s easy for guests to find. You’ll know you’ve found the best place when it’s ideal for everyone involved.

4. Visit an Aesthetic Clinic

Part of your wedding planning stress might come from the pressure to look perfect in your bridal photos. Although you can book an incredible makeup artist and hairstylist, you should consider revamping your skin care routine now. Give yourself time to find the best solutions for your concerns by visiting an aesthetic clinic. Sitting down with a professional and discussing your skin care goals will make you feel and look better long before your walk down the aisle.

5. Create a Dress Board

There are so many details to think about when it comes to your wedding dress. You have to compare styles, fabrics, colors and fits. Streamline the process by creating a dress board with tons of pictures. You’ll spot trends in your preferences before ever stepping into a shop or trunk show.

6. Consult With Planners

Wedding planners exist to ease your nerves. They’ve been through the experience many times before and know how to handle anything that goes wrong. They even have industry connections with local vendors that could result in special discounts.

Meet with a few professional planners who have great reviews. If you ask about their included services, experience and how they can help with your specific plans, you can cut your stress and hand it permanently off to a planner.

7. Research Potential Officiants

Many brides pick their officiant based on who leads their religious services. It’s an excellent arrangement for people who have been long-standing members of a congregation, but it’s not a helpful tradition for everyone else.

Researching potential officiants right after your engagement is one of the best tips for stress-free wedding planning. You’ll have plenty of time to look at their websites and meet with them in person. Once you get a feel for their personality and what kind of ceremonies they’ve led in the past, you and your fiance will feel comfortable booking the right officiant for your wedding.

8. Schedule a Photo Shoot

Your photographer is one of the most critical parts of your wedding. They’ll capture the pictures you’ll treasure forever, so they have to be great. Schedule an engagement photo shoot or couples’ session to get a feel for a photographer’s skills. They’ll deliver a gallery that exemplifies their work so you don’t have to worry about picking someone who snaps terrible photos.

It’s also crucial to see if the photographer clicks with you and your fiance. They’ll see you during your most emotional and memorable moments. If they make you feel awkward or clash with your personality, your big day will be frustrating. Go with your gut and book a photographer who gets along with you and has a history of delivering fantastic pictures.

9. Consider a Mini-Moon

Even with all your best efforts, stress may creep up on you. If that happens, talk with your fiance about going on a mini-moon. They’re the latest wedding trend to defeat anxiety and stress through travel. It’s an excellent way to pick a romantic destination and try it out before booking your big honeymoon plans. Get away for a weekend, and you’ll travel back home with fresh ideas and renewed energy.

10. Pick Your Favorite Foods

Attending numerous catering events to sample dishes can feel exhausting. If the thought of fitting them into your busy schedule stresses you out, go with what you already love. Pick places that serve meals you enjoy so you don’t have to worry about taste-testing them. You can even contact your favorite restaurants to see if they’ll cater your wedding.

Restaurants don’t always advertise their catering abilities on their websites, but that doesn’t mean they won’t consider it. With enough time to plan for the event and a suitable deposit, your favorite restaurant could make an exception for your special day.

11. Cancel Anything Stressful

There are so many things for brides to attend while planning their weddings. You might also face some pressure to coordinate a bridal shower, wedding shower and bachelorette party. If the events fill you with dread, cancel them. Your wedding is all about what makes you happy, not about what pleases other people.

If your family members or friends really want those events to happen, they can take charge of the planning. Ask that they handle everything so you don’t have more on your plate. They’ll likely understand what you’re dealing with and make it all happen as a gift to you.

12. Choose Your Favorite Traditions

Wedding traditions are seemingly endless. They’re also sometimes a surprise. Your loved ones may have looked forward to things you aren’t even aware of, which puts pressure on you to include them. Feel free to cut them if they aren’t something you would enjoy or don’t naturally fit into your plans.

Traditions are only worth your time if they mean something to you. Bending over backward for another person’s expectations will make your wedding feel like something you have to deal with rather than something you can look forward to. Talk about your preferred traditions with your fiance to prioritize what matters for both of you.

Start Your Stress-Free Wedding Planning

Coordinating a big event isn’t easy, but there are a few ways to streamline your efforts. Use these tips for stress-free wedding planning to maintain those exciting butterflies in your stomach while counting down the days until your ceremony.

Extra Costs To Consider When Buying A New Car

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Buying a new car is exciting, even if you buy a new car every five years. Although, many drivers overlook some of the extra costs involved and end up buying a car that’s a bit out of their budget.

Unfortunately, the vehicle’s purchase price is not the only thing you will have to pay to own the car. For this reason, there are several disadvantages of buying a new car that need to be considered.

So, if you’re buying a new car, we’ve listed the extra costs you should add when determining your budget.

Insurance

Finding the best auto insurance has become easier than ever before; online comparison tools will do all the mundane work for you. As its law, you will need to have insurance on a new or used vehicle.

Some aspects can cause your premiums to increase, such as age and a record of previous accidents. Fortunately, there are ways to effectively lower your auto insurance premiums, such as shopping around for the best deal, increasing your deductible, and cutting unnecessary coverage.

Deposit

All car dealerships vary in deposit value. The average deposit is fifteen to twenty percent of the total value.

You will need to have the deposit amount available to be approved for the vehicle unless you purchase the car without financial aid. And while having the deposit available is essential, you will also need a good credit score to be approved for vehicle financing or personal loan offerings.

Fuel

Electric cars are making a significant impact in the car industry, but if you can buy an electric or hybrid vehicle, you will still need to spend money on the power to charge it. When it comes to traditional gas or diesel cars, you will need to determine your vehicle’s fuel consumption.

The prices of gas and diesel have seen the most considerable increase in recent times, and with that, it is essentially a great idea to look into eco-friendly cars.

Maintenance

Buying a new car often comes with a service plan, but that is limited to a certain amount of miles, and some issues aren’t covered. Once your warranty has expired, it’s up to you to pay for all the maintenance.

But on the bright side, many companies offer service plans when your current plan has ended. Finding out if the cost of spares is affordable before you decide to purchase is essential, as often the maintenance price can be extremely high in some cars.

Repairs

Suppose you are involved in an accident. Your insurance might not pay to repair certain parts of your vehicle. So, you should find out exactly what your insurance is held liable for and plan accordingly for future events.

As with many repairs to modern cars, even entry-level vehicles can be expensive. Breakdowns can occur in brand new vehicles, and accidents can happen. With this, you will need extra money in your bank at all times to ensure that you can pay for repairs that are not covered by your insurance.

Always ensure that you never overlook all the extra costs of buying a new vehicle. Budgeting for the costs mentioned above will ensure you are never left unable to afford repairs, fuel costs, or other expenses that come along with owning a vehicle.

How to Combine Family and Studying

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Once you’ve decided to go back into studying, you may have a whole set of new roles and responsibilities that run alongside your course. If you’re a parent, the idea of committing to a program can feel daunting, especially if you’re constantly running around after the kids. However, while it may come with its challenges, it is possible to study for a degree while keeping your kids in check.

The key to all of this is balance. Regardless of what you’re studying and your career ambitions, here is a guide on how to combine family and studying, helping you to get the best of both worlds.

Get Organized

The number one tip for combining family life and studying is being organized. As a parent, you should already be a pro at multitasking, but when it comes to being a student and keeping your kids happy, creating a schedule is a must. Before getting stuck into your degree, it’s worth buying a calendar and sectioning off times that you can dedicate to learning.

If you have chosen an online degree, while there is more flexibility and freedom in terms of when and where you study, you still need to be organized and in control of your schedule. As you become a master of time management, everything will slot into place, allowing you to combine spending time with your kids with being fully committed to your degree.

Talk to Your Partner

When studying for a degree, you will need the love and support of your partner to get you to the finish line. If you both share parental duties, your partner needs to step up to the plate and help you out during your course. Before learning gets underway, it’s time to sit down with your spouse and discuss how the next year is going to play out. Your partner should be fully behind your decision to go back into education, so don’t feel guilty about putting yourself first.

Once you have open and frank conversations with your partner, you can devise a schedule and routine that enables you to get the most out of your course. Whether this involves your partner taking and picking up the kids from school or taking them out to the park, so you have some much-needed peace and quiet, make sure you have these chats before you go into student mode.

Establish Boundaries

Depending on the age of your kids, they may not fully understand that you’ll need some alone time during your course. You need to establish boundaries from the start and find an area of the home that can be dedicated to studying. The last thing you need is constant interruptions and distractions, so sitting down with your kids and explaining what will happen is important.

To combine family and studying successfully, there needs to be rules in place that enable you to concentrate on your workload. As well as establishing boundaries, you should set realistic goals that will give you something to work towards.

Reach Out for Help

As well as getting help and support from your spouse, you should reach out to your support network during your time as a student. If your partner has to work away and you’re left in charge of childcare, it may be wise to call up a family member or friend who can step in and share the load. This will mean you can catch up with coursework or revise for an exam, without the worry of having to entertain your children simultaneously.

Your loved ones will be there for you every step of the way, so don’t feel guilty about reaching out for help. If you are studying at a land-based establishment, you may engage with other student parents. This can be a fantastic opportunity to share tips and advice on how best to keep your kids happy while studying.

Pick a Suitable Course

Understandably, you need to pick a course that correlates with your lifestyle. For instance, if you have no other option than to look after the kids in the mornings, you may not benefit from studying in person. If you’re juggling work as well as studying, you may be better off opting for an online degree.

Whether you decide on Baylor University and study an online ABSN or your eyes are drawn to the business world and you want to study for an MBA degree, you must look at the course specifications, so you know what is expected of you, as well as how much time you need to commit to the degree.

Make Room for Quality Time

Above anything else, spending quality time with your children and partner is crucial during your time as a student. It can be difficult to find the right balance between learning and being around loved ones, so you need to find windows of opportunity during the day and night that can be used solely for your nearest and dearest. This can include tucking your kids into bed, spending breakfast together, or having a movie night.

You don’t want to come to the end of your degree and feel you’ve neglected your children and partner. While a lot of your focus will be on attaining the best grades possible, that’s not to say you can’t have fun along the way. Don’t feel guilty about taking regular breaks from studying. After all, your health and wellbeing are essential for getting through your degree.

Stay Positive

Retaining a positive mindset throughout your degree can be difficult. Trying to please everyone while studying can heighten stress levels and cause you to burn out. Therefore, you need to try and keep upbeat during your course, which will help keep you sane and on track.

Embarking on a degree while looking after the kids may feel like a mammoth task. However, with some preparation, organization, and honest and open conversations, you will be able to juggle your studies, while maintaining a happy and healthy family life.

Whatever course you decide on doing, or how old your kids are, always remember that you’re studying to gain a degree that will benefit all of you.