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.

Travel Food Kit – What to Pack in Your Bag?

A travel list is like a culinary recipe covering ingredients for a hearty meal. For a delicious dinner, mix selected ingredients in the correct proportions. And to make your trip a success, make an optimal list of things for it. If you are an inexperienced traveler and do not know what a foodie-focused travel kit should look like, we will help you with this. Ideally, you  need to take everything you need (like) without overloading the bag. It may sometimes be tough, but following the below tips, you will always know what food should always be a part of your travel menu.

Food for Travel Foodies

The right choice of food is an important element of a successful travel approach. Ideally, it is necessary to balance the food set in such a way that you do not drag too much and get pleasure from the meal. Let’s try to figure out what products to take.

When making a list of food products to pack in your bag, it is necessary for you to ensure that the products you select meet the following criteria:

•Can be stored for a long time and retain their shape (do not crumble, do not choke, or melt);

•Can be eaten with no extra manipulations on your end (washed, dried, sliced, peeled);

•Meet the needs of the traveler in terms of calories and vitamins;

•Are useful, healthy, and tasty;

•Are light in and occupy less space in your bag.

At the same time, it is critically important to decide on your daily menu and pick the proper amount of food. Otherwise, you risk eating everything in one day or carrying a large bag of products that will stay untouched until the end of your trip. What’s more, having a full list, you can always check Kroger’s ads run by Rabato and save money on your travel food kit.

Good or Not Good?
Seasoned travelers have a couple of tricks when selecting and preparing food for their travel meals:

Choose foods or ready-made meals that can be stored for a long time without a refrigerator. Food should remain resistant to sunlight, be easy to prepare, and not require any processing at all.

It’s best to prepare food in advance.

Refuse products that have a strong odor and crumble strongly.

When taking fruits and vegetables, wash and dry them in advance. So, you don’t have to wipe them on the road with wet wipes.

Cut up all the food you need at home and put them in a container or bag for a more convenient meal. This can be bread, cucumbers, or chicken cut into small pieces.

Give preference to products with a long shelf life. It is critically important to check the product expiration date before putting it in your bag. If there are 1-2 days left before the expiration date, then it is better not to take it.

A Full Food Pack

If you do not want to invent how to diversify the menu while traveling and want to get a checked and ready-made list of products, then use our recommendation:

•A set of vegetables and fruits: cucumbers, peppers, herbs. You can make vegetable pancakes, squash, pumpkin, or broccoli.

•Sandwiches of all types and with different fillings inside.

•Baked chicken or beef. It is recommended to store these products in foil.

•All types of snacks: nuts, dried fruits, whole-grain bars, etc.

Semi-finished products: processed cheese, porridge, etc.

Desserts: portioned jams, sweet muffins, lollipops, marmalade, marshmallows.

You can find all these products in the Aldi store; just look for the available super deals and save money on every purchase you make.

Carry-on travel food must be ready-mad and fresh. If possible, keep it in a cooler bag. Be sure to supplement your grocery basket with a few bottles of clean water. If you are thinking about what kind of food to pack in your bag, then follow a simple rule: this food should be healthy, convenient, and tasty.

Make the Right Choice!

Take full responsibility for the trip so that you clearly understand what to take for a snack on the road and not panic an hour before the departure. Going “empty” in terms of food supplies is not an option if you suddenly think that a snack on the road is the tenth thing. It is not at  all. You must be comfortable with the ride, which means you need food.

Well, do you still think that you will be fine without a snack on the road? You are absolutely wrong. Follow our recommendations, and the trip will be easy and relaxed.

Gabrielle Archuleta illustration for gaming article inside 360 MAGAZINE

Can Playing Online Darts Be Good As In-Person?

Online darts are getting more attention than ever. They were always popular with a certain class of players, but now people want to know what online darts are really about and if they can replicate the real-life experience. And in many ways, yes, online darts can be a great substitute for live play. There are even many areas where they offer a better experience, though they are still not for everybody. You will have to conquer the learning curve of online play if you’ve only played the traditional way all your life. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of online play.

Online Darts are More Accessible

One of the best things about online darts is that you don’t have to leave the house. As long as you have your setup, you can pick up a game with anyone in the world. While you won’t have the same ambiance as if there was an audience watching you, you can still have other people watching and commenting. People love discussing and interacting with players. You can even stream a game live or post it on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or IGTV.

Playing Online Can Feel Lonely

Many people love the social aspect of darts as much as the game itself, so playing alone may not have the same charm. However, you could do things to make the game feel more interesting. You could get your family involved or have a few friends over if it’s possible. If not, a zoom call or group FaceTime could help you to regain the community experience.

The People You Can Play Will Challenge You

Online dart can take your skills to the next level. You’ll get access to a much wider talent pool, and you’ll have the chance to test yourself with players you would probably never play against in real life. 

Many pro players like to play games against casual players for fun. Having a pro watching you play could help you work on your technique and strategy. They may give you some great general tips like what their routine is and what they did to improve the way they play. Being able to have this kind of one-on-one chat with some of the greatest players is one of the advantages of online darts.

Online Play is not Intuitive

The biggest thing about online darts is that darts is not a game people associate with online play. To play online, you will need to invest in a good setup. Some people use a smartphone mount for video, but it would be better to invest in a high-quality webcam.

Contrast that with something like online casinos. If you check Onlinecasinos.co.uk, you’ll find tons of casinos that replicate the online casino experience to a tee. Some of the sites featured on Onlinecasinos.co.uk are even better than live casinos in many cases. For instance, very few in-person casinos will give money to new players just so they can play. The gameplay is also very immersive on some of the games, and they can be much more exciting than traditional options.

However, the same can’t be said about darts. While it’s a fun way to play, it’s also not an improvement over real play. 

Competition is Easily Accessible

Know that while many people decide to play online darts for fun, there are also leagues when the tournaments are played 100% online. The Webcam Darts Association is a great example. They will allow you to compete against top players from all over the world, and they hold regular tournaments and keep rankings. They are one of the first and most recognised online darts organisations in the world.

You can decide to join a team or play solo. That is great if you want to get that feeling of camaraderie that you would get in a real team game. While it may not have the same intensity, the more interactions you have the more fun and life-like the game will feel.

All you will need to get in the league is darts, a dartboard, and a webcam with a mic. That’s it. The league will provide the rest. And the best part is that it’s totally free to join. They also have a massive community, and you can connect with available players in minutes. Any time when you get an itch, you can log in and join a game. They are the closest to the real darts experience that you can get. If you’re intrigued, we strongly suggest that you check out online darts leagues and their requirements.

The Best Aspects of Online Darts

Online darts are probably the best way to get some real practice in. You get to play with other people who match your game or better and work on your technique. The difference is that you won’t have the pressure of having other people watch you, which can take a lot out of your game.

Online darts is also a great way to get ready for a big game. Again, you’ll have much less pressure and will be able to work out some of your kinks.

However, don’t expect online darts to replicate the pub experience. Playing one-on-one against someone or having your teammates congratulate you when you make a difficult out is something that can be hard to reproduce online. There is still a strong social component to them and a huge online community, so you won’t feel completely isolated.

If you weren’t sure about online darts or whether the game was for you, hopefully this guide helped you better understand the game and its community. We suggest that you at least give a few games a try and see how it feels. Playing online darts may be all that you need to take your game to the next level.

You may also check out sbobet for additional information on this subject.

Rules of creative writing and storytelling

The internet and libraries abound with books, novels, and stories written by authors. Some of them are more successful than others and this is because authors have managed to create interesting and compelling stories. Storytelling in copywriting is the trend that will describe the marketing efforts of many businesses in the next years, as it begins to gain momentum as an important marketing trend. However, storytelling and creative writing have a few rules that, if followed, can help you create amazing pieces of text. 

There is no special formula to unleash your imagination or write a piece of text that many readers can relate to. It is more about talent, hard work, and a few creative tips that can enhance the writing skills of anyone. 

A Dedicated Writing Space 

This is something that all writers are stressing over and over again. Having a dedicated writing space helps you enter a flow state when you do not feel how the time passes. When you are in a flow state, you get so involved in what you are doing, that everything in your environment seems to work for you. 

You are more efficient and productive, and sometimes, as a writer, you would want to be like this. But apart from this benefit, a dedicated writing space allows you to gather your resources and concentrate on your piece of text. It is a great way to eliminate distractions and let your ideas pour on paper. 

Structured and Specific Stories 

Creative writing and storytelling develop impressive and emotional stories. To be successful, they need to appeal to the public and help it relate to them. Writing general stories and concepts and using lazy word combinations is one of the things to avoid. Instead, be specific and use words that describe complex states. For example, instead of very sad you can use sorrowful or instead of very shiny you can use gleaming. Everyone is now competing for the attention of the people, no matter if it is online or offline. But many writers need feedback and suggestions on their pieces of text and writing services can turn out to be of help. If you need help from an essay writing service UK, they have a large base of proficient writers that can support you in the writing process and help you find the best words. 

One or Two Narrative Points of View? 

There are two common approaches to the narrative point of view. It can be first-person, meaning the narrator is also a character in the story. Or, it can be third-person, meaning that the narrator is not an active participant in the story. Both of them are largely used in all pieces of writing and storytelling and each of them comes with its benefits. The first-person point of view comes with intimacy and great character building. While a third-person point of view allows the writer to focus on more characters and gives the feeling of omnipresence. 

Which one of them is right for your idea of the story, you get to decide. But the best thing you could do that will also boost your creativity is to experiment. Writing does not have any magic formula and it is your personality and perspective on the world that will be reflected by your pieces of text. Experimenting with all the narrative points of view allows you to develop the story more and also come up with new ideas. This is something both copywriters and creative writers are doing. 

Character Building 

Storytelling is not only about a succession of events that take place. It is also about the characters that take part in those events and interact with each other. No matter your narrative point of view, as an author, you need to paint the readers an accurate character portrait. Think about real characters and describe them. What do they look like? What do they like or dislike? How do they relate to the events that take place? Do they have any hobbies, pets, thoughts they ruminate on?

Not only the story but the characters too, make a story memorable. And storytelling is exactly about this. Understanding and constantly learning about characters is important, as it can help any writer develop a compelling story. 

Conclusion 

There are many types of content writing or storytelling you can choose to write, but this depends on the ideas you have and the message you want to send. To write successful pieces of text, you need to train your brain to enter a flow state, where you forget to check the clock. The best thing you can do is consistency. Have a dedicated writing space and write even when you don’t feel like writing. 

Aim to create specific stories and use a large pool of words to describe the emotions and feelings in an accurate manner. This will help readers relate more to your story and continue reading. Writing is also about experimenting and you can do this with your character building. Both the events and the characters make a story memorable. 

Author Bio: Judy Nelson is a content writer and blogger, passionate about literature. She spends her spare time reading books on diverse genres: SFs, historical fiction, and self-development. Judy loves writing essays on topics such as the psychology of creative writing and writing skills.

How Bitcoin can Positively Impact Your Small Business

Bitcoin (BTC) is the most popular cryptocurrency that is present in blockchain technology. This means all the transactions that are made with bitcoin are stored in a ledger that consists of different blocks in the blockchain. The majority of the people only heard about bitcoin, but they don’t know about it in detail. Also, there are plenty of aspects related to BTC which you must know in order to make a deal with it. 

Bitcoin trading is the act of buying bitcoin at a low rate and then reselling it at a higher rate to make profits via the margin. It’s crucial to choose a reputable platform. There are numerous platforms present, and among them, all the best one is the https://bitcointrader2.com. It’s well known for Ethereum (ETH) trade but its facilities also trade other cryptocurrencies. By making a deal with BTC, everyone becomes able to trade it and gains the potential to earn from it. Everyone needs to understand the importance of the platform they use while performing BTC trade.

Major impacts of Bitcoin on small businesses

The main impacts that the Bitcoin can have on small businesses are:

Reduce the risk of transaction fraud

One of the major impacts of bitcoin on small businesses is that by accepting it as payment, the risk of fraud or cyber threats are reduced. The entire payment process is based on blockchain technology which provides high-level security. Also, as it is a digital payment system, so there’s no risk of losing money like when you have cash in your pocket.

Transaction speed is fast, and fees are low

When small businesses invest in bitcoin, they receive low fees on all transactions. Whether the transactions are huge, the amount of fees remains low, and there is no tax required. The transactions made with BTC are also completed fast. They require only 2-3 seconds, unlike in the case of other currencies that require a few days.

Acquisition of new customers

When small business start accepting bitcoin payments, they tend to gain more customers. It’s because the number of people who are investing and trading cryptocurrencies are increasing day by day. They are in search of the best platforms for investing or making purchases. 

Negligence of paperwork of all kinds

There is no need to make a deal with any kind of paperwork which they have to pay with other currencies in the bank, etc. Its because it is a digital payment system, so users only have to require their wallet and the right address at which they have to make payments.

Easy access to the world market

Once a business starts accepting bitcoin payments, it gains access to the word market easily. Bitcoin helps them to save time and money on transactions, which is more time and money to use to grow your business.

Bitcoin can Benefit Your Business

Trading Bitcoin can be a daunting task. It’s important for people to learn about the basics of trading Bitcoin to get top-notch results. Moreover, individuals should take time to learn tips and strategies to become successful in bitcoin trading.

The most important thing for beginners to pay attention to is selecting the most reputed exchange for buying BTC as well as choosing the best trading platform. You need to look for a reputed and reliable platform where you are getting top-notch services. Using this knowledge you can make good profits but easily improve your business. 

Learn About Paying A Personal Loan Off Early

A personal loan is something that can be very helpful to a lot of people. When you are in need of money, you may not be sure how you are going to get those funds. That is when you may have learned about personal loans, and how you can use those to your advantage. Now you are wondering whether you can pay back the loan in quick time.

Paying Back Personal Loans

When you get a personal loan, you likely entered into an agreement about when you would be paying back the money. Most of these involve monthly installments, where you are paying a small amount each month and eventually your balance is paid. It can take anywhere from one year to a few years depending on your terms.

There may be situations where you are thinking about paying off the loan sooner. Perhaps you have come into some money, or maybe you are wanting to get this loan out of the way so it is not on your mind anymore. 

Paying A Personal Loan Off Early

Many people ask, can you pay off a personal loan early, and it is a legitimate question. The answer is that in 99 percent of cases, you are free to pay off a loan as early as you want. 

There are some cases where you may be charged a prepayment penalty, but it is usually less than what you would pay in interest if you paid the loan on time.

The only question you have to ask yourself is whether you are in a financial position to do so. Some people get the idea in their mind that a loan must be paid off right away, and it results in them using too much of their savings on that repayment.

What you must ask is whether you have the money to make the full repayment of the loan, and whether or not doing so would benefit you.

Advantages of Early Repayments

One of the most significant advantages of paying back a loan quicker is avoiding interest payments. When you take out a loan, you are agreeing to an annual interest rate on the balance that is left at the end of each month.

That means if you have money left following each payment, you are going to get an interest charge at the end of the next month on that balance. 

If two people borrow $1,000 with the same annual interest rate, but one person pays off the loan in six months compared to twelve months, they would make fewer interest payments.

Another advantage to repaying a loan quickly is that you no longer have it hanging over your head. Perhaps your mental and emotional health is suffering from being in such debt, and you cannot wait for the day that your loan is paid off.

Taking care of the problem early would alleviate you from a lot of that tension. But you must be smart about how you pay back any loan.

Deciding on When to Pay Off a Loan

Perhaps you received a financial windfall at work or through a government tax refund. That is money you can use to pay back your loan, but it could also be put to other uses.

Is the loan you are thinking of paying off your only debt? If you have other debt, you should consider the interest rates on those loans or credit cards. There is no sense in paying off one loan in its entirety if it prevents you from making regular payments on other debt.

Being strategic about repayments is the only way that you can preserve your financial situation. Sometimes it is better to pay off a loan over time, rather than putting all your money into one basket.

Avoid Future Financial Problems

Think about the reason why you borrowed money in the first place. Was it to manage your regular expenses or to pay bills? If that is the case, you may be better served by putting unexpected earnings into your savings account, rather than paying off loans in their entirety.

You can never be sure about how much you will earn in the future. Perhaps you may need some of those savings a few months down the line.

The choice of paying off a loan early is one that is entirely up to the borrower. Unless you have huge interest charges on that loan, it is not necessarily the best course of action to pay a loan off early. You may be better off putting that money in savings or using it to pay other debt.

Jewelry story illustration by Nicole Salazar for 360 MAGAZINE

Amethyst Stone Meaning, Value & History

Amethysts have been used by humans for millennia as decorative adornments, and this particular example of quartz is widely appreciated for its eye-catching violet hue and its alluring shimmer.

If you are keen to find out more about amethysts, read on for an introduction to everything you could ever want to know about this type of semi precious stone, from its etymology and history to its symbolism and meaning in modern culture.

Creation, location & value

Amethysts are found in several places around the world, sourced from the geodes that are left behind after volcanic activity has occurred.

The largest producer is Brazil, but there are also amethysts mined in places like Madagascar, South Korea, Russia and Canada, to name but a few.

The popularity of amethyst rings for women means that there is always plenty of demand for this gem, and it is the richness of the color which plays the biggest role in determining the value of individual stones. The deep purples of the amethysts mined in Siberia make them amongst the most sought-after and expensive, while also meaning that the carat count is not as relevant to cost as it is with other gems.

Jewelry set with amethysts can still be costly, although this typically comes down to the inclusion of other precious gems and rare metals, rather than the amethyst itself.

History & name explanation

While there is no specific evidence of humanity having interacted with amethysts in the unknowable mists of prehistory, it is safe to assume that any of our ancestors that found it would have been just as enamored with the glittering, shimmering color of these stones.

Thankfully the Ancient Egyptians are well-documented users of amethysts, and would go a step further than 21st century designers by choosing to use them as a medium for engraving. Etching images and symbols into the stones took expert craft skills and is a testament to how advanced this civilization was.

The name itself is actually derived from the language spoken in Ancient Greece, with the literal translation being ‘not drunk’. This entertaining etymology came about because Greeks believed that by wearing an amethyst around their neck, they would be able to stave off the effects of imbibing too much alcohol. Clearly preventing inebriation is not something that amethysts can actually do, but it is intriguing to see what attributes the ancient peoples of the Mediterranean ascribed to these stones.

From these earlier uses, amethysts would continue to spread globally over the course of many centuries, appearing in Britain during the middle ages and even being adopted in the Anglican branch of Christianity specifically because of their alleged anti-intoxication capabilities.

Interpretations & birthstone status

It is not just drunkenness which is legendarily avoided by wearing amethysts; throughout history a number of different capabilities have been associated with these stones.

One claim is that they can be used to ensure that the wearer maintains a level head, even when the circumstances around them might give them cause to go a little haywire.

Others believe that amethyst is packed with healing powers, allowing it to do everything from reducing anxiety and annoyance to pulling people out of pits of despair and grief. It could even improve your memory and make you more ambitious and motivated, if you buy into the more outlandish claims.

Irrespective of your position on the actual abilities amethyst brings to the table, there is no doubting that it is widely known as the birthstone for the month of February. While you do not need to have been born in this window to wear amethyst jewelry, if you are a February baby then it could be the push you need to pick between several precious stones when buying your next piece.

Jewelry uses & synthetic production

We have touched upon the various ways in which amethysts have been harnessed throughout history to enhance and augment jewelry of many types, and it is worth looking at the sheer variety that is on offer today to show how far the industry has come.

It is not common for amethysts to be used in engagement and wedding rings, as well as in everything from necklaces and earrings to bracelets and beyond.

While amethyst is semiprecious in nature, it works well when used alongside diamonds, since the brilliance of the latter’s crisp white reflectivity is a great counterpoint to the deep purples of the former.

Another point to mention is that lab-grown amethysts are a possibility, and are essentially indistinguishable to their naturally-occurring counterparts, without the use of equipment and techniques that are prohibitively expensive for general use. This is less of a problem than in the context of lab-grown diamond detection, for example, since amethysts are not at rare and can be mined with relative ease, as discussed above. Even so, it is worth being aware of this before you buy amethyst jewelry, so that you know exactly what you are getting ahead of committing to an order.

Sister stones

The quartz family of which amethyst is arguably the most famous member is fairly large, and color is the distinguishing factor between the varieties.

If violet is not for you, then yellows of citrine could tick the right boxes instead. The pinky hues of rose quartz is another popular option, while the gothic styling of smoky quartz is an intriguing alternative to the more radiant siblings on show.

Ultimately you need to consider all of your options and use your own aesthetic eye and tastes to determine whether amethyst is the right stone for you. There are also other things to keep in mind, such as the kind of cut that the stone should come in, and the metal in which it should be set to deliver the best results.

There is no wrong choice here, but rather a wonderful world of gemstones to discover, each with its own history, meaning and cultural importance which could sway you if it clicks with your personality.

Computer illustration by Kaelen Felix for 360 Magazine

8 Ways to Shop Online Smart and Safe

Introduction

The past couple of decades has seen brick-and-mortar become overshadowed by their online counterparts. And while some shops have been able to avoid this—the popularity of Microcenter among tech enthusiasts has kept it alive—many stores have either closed down or have shifted their focus onto online storefronts.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, either! But learning the ins-and-outs of online shopping can take a while, and newer online shoppers are often tricked or scammed into spending more than they actually need to. Today, let’s go over a few tips and tricks for online shoppers that will work in 2021 and beyond.

8 Tips for Online Shoppers

1. Use a VPN for Regional Pricing

Not all currencies are equal in value. Therefore, products are priced differently from country to country. This is especially true for software such as video games and creativity programs, which regulate prices depending on where the software is being sold.

Unfortunately for some countries, these changes in price means spending more on a product thousands or millions of others spent less money on. There is one trick, however, that works a majority of the time: VPNs.

Virtual Private Networks allow you to change your server location, essentially tricking websites into thinking you’re located in a country of your choice. In other words, a VPN download allows you to get the best pricing available.

Be careful where you do this, however. Certain software storefronts like Steam ban accounts that are involved in doing this. And yes, you will most likely be detected.

2. Set Alerts For In-Demand Items

Certain products—products like new graphics cards or processors, for example—sell out quickly, and the recent COVID pandemic has hurt shipping times enough to ensure that many won’t be able to get their hands on certain products until the middle or end of this year.

To avoid playing the waiting game, set up alerts for products you want on multiple storefronts. Sites like Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, and other online merchants allow you to receive emails or texts whenever a product you want becomes available.

3. Download Honey for Potential Savings

Online storefronts can’t and don’t tell you everything about a product, especially when it comes to pricing. If Amazon were to display the price history of its own products, that would hurt sales. Therefore, that data is off-limits to consumers. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t programs dedicated to doing that.

Honey, a shopping-dedicated app, displays the pricing history of products for most major online storefronts. Honey will tell you if you’re receiving the best price or if the product is at its “historical low”.

Along with a product’s price history, Honey will also automatically enter potential savings coupons, though these codes are iffy at best.

4. Wait for the Nearest Holiday

Sometimes you want a product then and now. However, certain products and equipment are best bought during certain holidays. For example, TV purchases are best done during Black Friday or major sporting events such as the Superbowl.

Take a look at what you’re hoping to purchase and when you think it may go on sale. If there’s a holiday near, it’s best to wait and see if it goes on sale. But there is one downside to this: the product you want may sell out on said holiday (such as a Black Friday deal). 

It’s certainly risky waiting for a sales holiday, but hey, if you want a deal, you have to take risks! And waiting for the holidays before making a purchase is a low-risk tactic.

5. Invest in Smart Rewards Programs

If you find yourself shopping on a certain website, think about joining their smart rewards program. A good example of such a program would be Best Buy’s membership program, which rewards you the more purchases you make, offering you discounts and coupons.

Other online storefronts may offer optional subscriptions—Amazon Prime, for instance—that reward subscribers with free access to services and offer early deals. The point is, if you use a website frequently, make sure you’re being rewarded for it.

6. Sign Up for Promotional Deals

Keeping up with all the deals websites release to the public on a daily basis is difficult, if not outright impossible. Fortunately, most shopping sites let users sign up for promotional deals and offers that they would receive either through email or text.

Some of these sites may even allow users to filter the type of promotional deals they receive. If not, however, that’s ok! You may be able to find deals you never even thought about looking for!

7. Look Out for Cashback Offers

Companies love offering cashback offers on their products. But why would a store like losing money? Well, they don’t! 

Despite some products being sold with cashback offers, many buyers never cash out due to the frustrating process of receiving said cashback. Usually, fulfilling a cashback offer requires the buyer to sign and mail a form to the company—a process many don’t want to put themselves through because it’s so dated and time-consuming

But if you happen to come across an item you want and it’s being sold with a cashback offer, then why not use it? Even if you never use it, it’s nice to have the option.

8. Be on the Lookout for Coupon Codes

Earlier, I mentioned Honey and one of its features that applies discount codes at checkout. I also mentioned that Honey’s discount codes are, at best, finicky, and at worst, useless. 

If you desire a more personal touch to discount codes, then check out the multitude of sites that are dedicated to logging coupons and discount codes for various sites. 

That said, not all of the codes found on these sites will work, but many of them are user-entered, meaning there’s a decent chance at least one of them works.

Conclusion

Online shopping is the same thing as regular shopping, except you can shop from the safety of your couch instead of going out. And just like in-person shopping, there are ways to find the best deals. With these tips, your online shopping experience will see a major improvement. 

Kaelen Felix illustration for 360 MAGAZINE Rolex article

Rolex Watches are Still the Ultimate Fashion Accessory

Rolex is among the most renowned brands on the planet. It was established in London in 1905 but is now headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. What makes Rolex unique is its unwavering dedication to the niche craft of luxury watchmaking. 

The brand only makes watches, but this has not prevented it from being a sign of wealth and elegance in contemporary culture. This may be attributed to the fact that so many famous personalities have been linked to Rolex watches across time. 

It’s definitely an item that signifies prestige, not just a watch. Maybe this is the rationale for the long-lasting popularity of the company.

What Makes Rolex Special?

You might think Rolex watches are going out of style now, since their only real feature that can also be accomplished via your smartphone. That raises the question, ‘Why are Rolex watches so pricey? When you focus on the lengthy method of making only one Rolex watch, you could start thinking that they’re actually reasonably priced!

The components Rolex requires to create its watches are not used by anybody else in the industry. For most brands of the world, their steel timepieces use mostly 316L, a form of stainless steel, in their manufacturing process. 

Rolex, on the other hand, chooses to use 904L steel for its watches. This form of steel is much more complicated to process than its 316L equivalent, and the production cost is also considerably higher. 

Rolex’s expertise in luxury watches and time-tested knowledge makes it the first company in the world to be able to manufacture its products in this way, and the outcome is a stylish design that rises above its rivals. In addition, the organization has set up a range of testing laboratories to help establish strategies for streamlining and developing its products. 

The watches are constructed using advanced equipment and then finished by human hands to give it an immaculate look. All these considerations contribute to grant Rolex watches a high end starting price as well.

How Much Will a Rolex Cost?

Rolex watches are designed to be luxurious products that will last for decades, and it is no wonder that this model has a high value. The affordable models start at about £5,000, but for antique timepieces and the new styles, you might have to surpass £15,000 to land the watch you like. 

One of the advantages of owning a Rolex watch is that it can be used as a kind of savings. Many models are expected to hang on to their popularity, and some iconic pieces, such as the Datejust or the Daytona, are proven to increase in value. If you are trying to assess the worth of a particular Rolex watch, the first move is to locate its serial and model code. 

Where Should You Buy a Rolex From?

If you’ve chosen to take the plunge to purchase your own Rolex watch, there are a range of choices to consider. If you can manage it, the ideal choice is to order directly from one of the manufacturer’s approved outlets at a full cost. Even so, you can still choose to buy a pre-owned Rolex at a cheaper price.

A highly desired brand, such as Rolex, will have many forgeries and fakes on the market as well, and a new buyer may find it difficult to access the marketplace. 
The easiest approach is to buy from a reliable professional buyer who has many consumer ratings for reputation.  These sellers are experienced in the purchasing and sale of premium products and also have experts available to analyze the commodity so that reasonable value can be calculated. 

In Conclusion

A Rolex can mean a lot to the outside world. The picture of class, reputation, and riches is all that Rolex has to do. What is more significant, though, is the impact it has on you, the wearer. 

It’s really one of the most special and personal things you can buy for yourself, and this timeless watch will never go out of style! 

Gabrielle Archuleta

Going the Distance: Tips for Handling Car Troubles on Road Trips

Road trips are a rite of passage, whether you’re loading up with your whole family or you’re traveling cross country with friends. But your scenic road trip will come to a screeching halt if car troubles pop up.

You can’t avoid every car problem, but you can take steps to prep your car before you leave to minimize the risk of problems. Knowing how to handle common car problems during your trip can help you get back on the road faster.

Check out these road trip driving tips to help you avoid car problems.

Get a Tune Up

Never leave for a road trip without getting a tune up. If you skip this important step, you’ll quickly find out what happens when you don’t take care of your car.

When you skip tune ups, your vehicle is more likely to have common car problems, such as engine stalling, loss of power, and rough idling. It can also decrease your fuel efficiency, which increases the cost of your road trip. 

During a tune up, your mechanic checks over the engine to clean it and repair any issues. Many items, such as spark plugs, filters, and hoses, might need to be replaced during the tune up to prevent more serious problems and to keep your car running smoothly. The mechanic also checks and tops off the necessary fluids.

Mention any issues you’ve noticed when you get your tune up, such as the car having trouble starting or any noises or odors you’ve noticed. Your mechanic can investigate those issues and fix them before they become major expenses.

Check the Basics

If you’ve had a recent tune up, it’s a good idea to do a little checking up yourself before hitting the road. Check the headlights, brake lights, and turning signals to ensure all of the bulbs are working. Replace any burnt out light bulbs before your trip to keep you and your passengers safe.

Schedule an oil change if you’re due for one. Consider how many miles you’ll drive on your trip if you’re close to needing an oil change, and schedule it early before the trip if you’ll come close to the recommended mileage before you get home. Use the dipstick to ensure your car has plenty of oil and to make sure it’s not black or gritty, which indicates the need for a change.

Check the coolant level and top it off if it’s low. When the coolant is low, your vehicle is more likely to overheat.

It’s also a good idea to top off your windshield fluid to ensure you can clean the windows if they get dirty. Inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if they look worn.

Prepare for a Flat Tire

Flat tires are common, but you can reduce your risks of having one and plan ahead in case you have a flat. Ensure you have a spare tire in your vehicle as well as a jack and a lug wrench to change a flat if needed. If you’ve never changed a flat tire, look up videos and check out the equipment in your vehicle to prepare yourself.

Before your trip, inspect your tires to ensure they’re in good condition as worn tires can result in a flat or blowout. Rotating tires every 5,000 miles helps them last longer and wear more evenly. If you haven’t rotated your tires recently, consider having it done before your trip.

Check the tire pressure in your tires to ensure they’re at the proper inflation according to your owner’s manual or the sticker on the door jamb. Not only is a properly inflated tire safer for long distance driving, it also improves your gas mileage. When your tires are inflated correctly, your gas mileage gets an average boost of 0.6% and as much as 3%.

Plan for Gas Stops

While not a mechanical failure, running out of gas is another common car problem that can happen on a road trip. If you run out of gas, you could be stranded on the side of the road for quite some time waiting for help. 

When planning your route, look for good places to stop for gas, especially if you’re traveling in a remote area with long distances between towns. If you don’t plan accordingly, you might find yourself on empty with no gas station for miles. 

Avoid letting your tank get too low before refilling, even in more populated areas. You never know when you’ll get stuck in rush hour traffic, construction, or other delays that keep you on the road longer than expected. 

Research the Terrain

If you’re heading out into the wilderness, pay attention to the terrain in which you’ll be driving. Rough roads can increase the chances of tire damage. They can also affect the alignment of your car and put extra strain on your vehicle’s struts.

If you’re not used to driving on rough terrain, slow down significantly to ensure you can keep the vehicle under control. Slower driving can also reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle. If the road is in a remote area, it could be difficult to call for help if your vehicle gets damaged or you go off of the road.

Pack Emergency Supplies

You can’t do much if your car troubles involve major mechanical failures, but you can be prepared for minor issues with a few tools and supplies. Keep jumper cables in your car in case your battery dies while you’re traveling. Keep car chargers for your phone to keep it charged in case you need to call for help.

Pack a fire extinguisher in case a small fire breaks out in your vehicle. Reflective triangles and a reflective vest help make you and your vehicle more visible at night if you’re stuck on the side of the road.

For a winter road trip, pack blankets and warm items in case you have car troubles that keep you stranded. Cat litter can work for giving you traction if you get stuck.

Avoid Road Trip Car Troubles

With the proper prep and supplies, you can avoid major road trip car troubles to keep things running smoothly. Embark with your car in tiptop condition and keep an eye on things during long distance driving to spot problems early.

Explore the rest of our site for more useful information.

Conor McGregor illustration by Kaelen Felix for 360 MAGAZINE

ROOTS OF FIGHT


Roots Of Fight and global superstar Conor McGregor announced the launch of a new clothing collection honoring the fighter’s roots. The capsule collection makes it’s debut ahead of McGregor’s highly anticipated match up against Dustin Poirier on January 23rd.

Considered one of the most fashionable men in sports and entertainment, McGregor joins the lifestyle and apparel brand that pays tribute to heroes and legends of the fight world such as Bruce Lee, Muhammed Ali, Duran, Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier, and more. Much like the moments in McGregor’s career that have launched him to where he is today, Roots of Fight highlights the moments of these icons and all they stand for. They celebrate the unending fight at the root of every human triumph.

With this collection, Roots of Fight pays respect to the undeniable force of nature that is Conor McGregor. The collection features a variety of styles including tees, a thermal, hoody and sweatpants. Retailing for $48 – $85, the full collection will be available exclusively on rootsoffight.com starting today through January 23rd. All proceeds from the sales of the collection will go towards the Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin in Ireland.

ABOUT CONOR MCGREGOR

Conor Anthony McGregor is a professional boxer and mixed martial artist who has gained fame from his success in fighting. He is a former champion for the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight and lightweight competitions. As of December 24, 2020, McGregor was ranked fourth in the UFC lightweight rankings. He is also the biggest pay-per-view draw in MMA history and is known for his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. McGregor also founded Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey.

Conor McGregor image furnished by Berk Communications for 360 MAGAZINE