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Lifestyle posts about travel, luxury, healthy living, social issues and everything that could be interesting to our readers.

Nov 14
How do you take your coffee

How Do You Take Your Coffee?

By Lifestyle No Comments

The question of all questions: how do you take your coffee? I like it black and strong. And I could drink it anytime, anyplace. Furthermore, as far as I am concerned, coffee might as well be used as a noun: do you coffee? You bet I do. In this case it would refer to many stages of delight and various levels of commitment to doing cool things. So, I am addicted, I admit it. But I am not the only one. In the US, people drink either simple instant coffee or sweet and creamy variations offered at coffee shops. However, coffee is a drink with a character and is served in the most unbelievable ways worldwide. Today, we are talking about Italy.

Italians and Coffee

If you are a coffee fan, you must have fantasized about the perfect cup of Italian coffee looking over Piazza Navona. No? Am I getting too carried away here?

When you put the words “Italian” and “coffee” in the same sentence, you instantly think about cappuccino. However, there are many ways Italians drink their coffees. Moreover, there is a certain time in a day to drink the specific type.

Take espresso, for example. It looks as though the person who orders it needs just to take a sip of the instant, short drink to get an instant fix.  Nevertheless, it is more than that. Italians do it better, as they say.

Italian Variations to Espresso

Espresso is the basis for a good coffee in Italy. If you browse the Internet, you will probably find the info that they usually serve espresso with a slice of lemon. At the first glance, you would probably not pair the two. However, they claim that it brings out the sweet java flavor to the open. This is espresso in general. But do not forget that as far as Italians are concerned, there are many different types of espresso drinks.

Previously mentioned cappuccino contains espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk. In Italy, people usually drink coffees that contain milk early in the morning. Apart from the classic – its majesty, cappuccino, this applies to the variations such as: caffè latte, or latte macchiato.

On the other hand, strong, black coffee is perfect after lunch in the afternoon. Caffe coretto is something you drink in the afternoon, or even in the evenings. It contains espresso and alcohol.

 

 

 

 

 

Regardless of which coffee you drink in Italy, it is important to know how to enjoy it. Or with whom to enjoy it. The Italian way teaches us that coffee is a pleasure in itself, a true gem among soft drinks. Actually, it is more than a drink. It is a moment in time, an experience to remember. An act of relaxation and refreshment. A boost of strength and focus. And above all, the irreplaceable small ritual.   

Italian Coffee Maker

I must admit that I have never thought about the ways Italians make their coffee. That is until I met some true Sicilians who like their coffee “normal”, meaning – strong.

Now, when it comes to coffee making, Italians pride themselves with a coffee maker called the Moka pot. This machine was invented in the 1930ies by Alfonso Bialetti. It consists of two parts basically.

The bottom is the container in which the water boils. The upper part is the container where you put your grind coffee. The two parts are connected with a tube through which the water evaporates from the bottom up and mixes with the coffee to make the perfectly balanced espresso mixture. In case you pour in the hot water, you should set the stove to medium heat, and leave the pot on it to work its magic.

How Do You Take Your Coffee?

I take my coffee “normal”, as Italians would say. Usually, I do not drink it on the go, and do not take it for granted. Taking a time to drink it can make your day. I enjoy my ritual, no matter where I am at the given moment. It speaks many languages and induces desires that will eventually become plans.

Do you have a plan to take your morning coffee at a terrace overlooking the vineyard in the Tuscany region? No? Well, who knows? You may be passionate about other “poisons”. Perhaps, instead of how do you take your coffee, we should be asking about other earthly pleasures. Either way, tell us about it.

Oct 17
cuddling position

What is Your Favorite Cuddling Position?

By Lifestyle No Comments

Cuddling is an exceptional art form. And as every art form it influences our minds. The greatest thing about this art form is that the results it delivers are visible and instantly positive. Plus, it is a mutual process of energy exchange. We can actually bond, or boost someone’s immune system and confidence while sharing love, and vice versa. Since there are no limits to the ways we can cuddle, the only question that remains is: What is Your Favorite Cuddling Position?

The Arm-Draper

If we skip the most popular “spooning” positions, the next one on the list is “the arm-draper”. The term comes from the position the arms are in. The arms of the persons cuddling seem to be “draped” around each other. The most important thing here is that the partners are looking eye to eye.

This is definitely not the right position to fall asleep. Looking into each other’s eyes keeps a person alert. And we all know that eyes are the window to a soul.  This cuddling position can be a good choice if you are planning on starting the conversation with your partner, or simply enjoying the moment, listening to some music, for example.

Moreover, the complete intertwining of arms and bodies can signify strong bond or a wish to form one. People whose minds are not in tune rarely share this type of a cuddle.

The Sweetheart Cradle

Sweetheart cradle is the position meant for both sleeping and relaxing, talking, etc. This is the position that ignites the fires of bonding forming trust or strengthening it.

This cuddling position is comforting and can say a lot about the individuals wrapped in a hug. The partner who has the arm around the other displays the protective tendencies, while the other enjoys the safety. It says a lot about the roles each of the partners take in a relationship. Either way, it is one of the most intimate ways to cuddle, letting someone lay his or her head on your heart.

Scientifically Proved Effects of Cuddling

As for the scientific stand on this matter, the experts are unanimous. Cuddling in any possible position is beneficial to the mind.

It raises the oxytocin level and lowers cortisol. As a result, a person is relieved from anxiety and stress. However, this is not the only positive effect of cuddling. Apart from relieving you from stress, it can also make you feel physically better.

I am not sure if you know this, but cuddling can act as a powerful pain relief natural medicine. As stated above, cuddling increases oxytocin. This is the hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter. It can block pain signals. In fact, it is so powerful that numerous studies have reportedly been conducted to research it better and try to find the lab-produced replacement.

There are also various articles citing the 2017 study  focusing on the effects of oxytocin treatment in persons with autism and other difficulties with social interaction.

As cuddling is one of the best triggers of oxytocin increase and always accessible, why wait? Make it part of your lifestyle. Grab your partner, or your pet and start cuddling! And when you get a chance, let us know about your favorite cuddling position. Let’s share the good vibes!

Oct 10
Are pets more important

Are Pets More Important Than Your Significant Other?

By Lifestyle 4 Comments

Have you thrown a party recently for your pet’s birthday? Is there anything your pet can do to make you genuinely angry? Now ask yourself those same questions but with a focus on your significant other. The answers are now a bit different I presume. There are things our partners do which we cannot overlook. With no particular wish to undermine your love for your better half, it is a fact that everyone treats pets differently comparing to humans. Are pets more important than our SOs and if so, why?

The Survey

Recently, I heard of a survey done by “Joybird”, the furnishing company. They reportedly questioned more than 1,000 pet owners all over the 50 US states, to find out to what extent people are ready to spoil their pets. Needles to say, the results were very interesting. Moreover, they shed some light to the question – are pets more important than our partners?

The Pet-Friendliest States

According to the survey, Maryland may as well be pets’ heaven. Utah, West Virginia, and Massachusetts are following closely. So, what are the pet owners ready to do to make their pet lives cozy?

Pampering your pet is a must if you are a pet owner. Training them, if possible, is a significant step you can take to make both of your lives more convenient. However, pampering is another level of connecting with your pet. By doing so, you express love and dedication to a creature that loves you unconditionally.

On the other hand, your pet responds with the same kind of affection. The question that we must ask inevitably here is: What about your significant other?

How Do We Measure Love?

In case you are a “quid pro quo” kind of a person, the chances are you would first ask yourself what you are getting from your partner. Is it love? Enough loyalty and respect? Support? In many cases, our emotional response to others is reciprocal to the affection we receive.

Amazingly, even the people who are very careful with expressing the affection do not measure the reciprocity when it comes to their pets. Apparently, we forgive our pets all of their mischievous moments and we are ready to forget. How about forgiving and forgetting when our partners are in question?

Sure, people should know better than to let us down, make a mess out of the situation and so on. Unlike pets, they should act on reason and we have higher expectations from them. However, setting some ground rules and behavioral boundaries with all creatures in your life can get you a long way.

In order to find the answer to the question – are pets more important? – we must recognize the fact that the love we feel for others is the same kind of emotion we feel for our pets. If we are able to love, we just need to find the model to express it. That way, both pets and our partners would give and receive enough love.

Pet-Owner’s Love in Percentages

The survey I mentioned earlier states some very interesting observations. For example, these are the everyday routines that testify just how inseparable pet owners and their pets are:

  • The amazing percentage of pet owners (80%) shares food with their pets
  • The same percentage of pet owners (80%) have thrown a party for their pet at least once.
  • Also, the big number of pet owners (73%) shares the bed with their pets.
  • 62% of pet owners have opened a social media account for their pet and are handling it regularly.
  • More than half of the participants in the survey (60%) have stated they would break up with their SO in case they did not get along with their pet.

Honestly, we understand that it is difficult for humans to achieve the level of loyalty that pets are able to display.  Therefore, no objections here to the extent people are ready to spoil their pets. We would just like to bring the following suggestion out to the open.

Our Solution

Imagine if everyone would be so kind and giving to their partners. There is no receiving without giving first. So, try to give a little bit more to your SO. If afterwards you receive the same kind of kindness back, good for you. If not, well, you can always look for another partner. It is not like he or she is your irreplaceable pet, right?

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Sep 26
Side job

Side Job as a Necessity in 2020

By Lifestyle No Comments

The year 2020 has so far been a year to forget according to many. Some of you lost their jobs. Others finally managed to grab the opportunity and started working. Some of you fell in love, but seriously this time. Others decided to live through this pandemic like there is no tomorrow. Before we jump into celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and so on, let us take a long look at our lifestyle in 2020 and what we can do to make it better in 2021. Landing a side job is just one of those things. Let us exchange opinion. Your suggestions are always welcome.

What We Are Facing

The year 2020 brought unexpected turn. Perhaps some of you anticipated it, but I personally did not. And let me just say that I do not have the habit of looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. So, it happened. The fires in Australia, then the pandemic, the loss of too many lives worldwide, the social turmoil. It is no wonder that we are having difficulties to function normally.

Economies are facing some difficult times, no matter where you live. On the other hand, people are experiencing lack of the ability to focus, lack of motivation, etc. They should all know that they are not alone. Seeking professional help is always a good idea. Nevertheless, there are things we can all do on our own to try and find a solution. First of all, get back on our feet, financially.

Side Job as a Way Out

Did you know that more than 36.5 million Americans lost their jobs this year? Majority of them were employed in leisure and hospitality field. When dealing with a stress of losing a job, a person should focus on the positive aspects and possible prospects in order to survive.

Then again, in order to be able to cope, a person should connect and share, as every burden is easier if communicated. Then, when we have these two aspects together: focus on prospects and sharing with others, why not consider connecting them into a possible side job?

Creative Side Job Ideas  

Below are just a few of ideas to get you started. Creative minds will do the rest and generate the entire layout of possible side jobs. We have no doubt in you. The important guideline to follow is to ask around and see who can help you out in any way or join forces.

Writing a Blog

If you are a creative person, writing could be one of the sources of income. Creating a blog could be quite lucrative side job only if you manage to connect with the readers. Once this happens, it would be easy to negotiate the ad deals with companies.

Teaching English Online

If you are an English native speaker, teaching English is a great side job. There is an outrageous number of non-native English speakers who teach English online to foreigners, mostly Asians. You have the advantage to start with, as everyone prefers a native speaker. This goes especially for classes that focus on developing English communication skills. Additional advantages of this side job are:

  • a person can decide on the working hours per week
  • this side job has the amazing potential of becoming a full-time job
  • a job like this gives the opportunity to meet various, interesting people from different cultures.

Renting Your Home

I am not sure if I would ever try this one out, but the numbers show that it is a very profitable side job, if we can call it a job at all. Basically, you rent out your home for a day either through some of the official platforms dealing with renting, or through other channels. Reportedly, there are people who are making additional salary by renting their homes just a few days a month.

Turning Your Hobby or Passion into a Side Job

Are you a barista without a job? Try filming yourself making the perfect cup of coffee and start your vlog. Do you enjoy carpentry? Try taking photos of your work. Introduce some new design ideas and post the best possible pics of it online. Pitch your work to whomever you think would be interested. Are you out-of-work teacher experienced working with kids? Try tutoring and helping kids with their homework, or their skills development. Are you a good swimmer? Get certified. Well… you get the idea.

I have a friend who is obsessed with make-up. She made a fortune with eyebrow tattooing. Needless to say, she started off with a very modest initial capital.

Final Thoughts

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Aug 22
Working remotely

Working Remotely From An Exotic Place

By Lifestyle No Comments

If we had learned anything from the global situation that we have been in for months, it is that working remotely actually works. Who would have thought? As in every cloud there is a silver lining, the pandemic provided us with some important, positive insights. The future of any kind of business looks very different than it used to. In case you are a “digital nomad”, as they say, have you thought about working remotely from an exotic place? Today, we explore Greece.

Working Remotely and Living in Greece

Greece is one of the rare countries where people have a very laid-back lifestyle. “Take it easy, you’re in Greece now” is the writing on many taverna walls, hotel lobbies, etc. And it is true. Everyday routine definitely has another dimension in Greece.

The question is why would you want to live and work there?

Recently, Greece has taken steps to promote travelling and working at the same time, in order to improve the economy. Apparently, they came to a conclusion that sometimes, you have to give in order to receive. In this case, we are talking about money. Therefore, the Greeks have reportedly decreased taxes on transportation, for example (air, rail and buses) from 24% to 13%. The cuts in taxes can boost savings on one end of the spectra.

Nevertheless, Greece offers many other benefits to digital nomads working remotely. Its climate, food, and people offer for unique living experience.

Advantages of Living in Greece

Did you know that Greece has app. 300 sunny days per year? Not only that you would have a chance to bask in the sun for most of the year, but it would boost your immune system and reduce the stress.

Greek food is among the healthiest in the world. Its cuisine is balanced and rich in all the nutrients that you need. Above all, fresh local food is available all year long. The prices vary depending on where you prefer to shop. However, Greek markets are filled with products from both Greek producers and foreign brands. Nevertheless, the Greek protect their own economy and the local products are usually less expensive comparing to the foreign ones. Often, these are of very high quality as well.

Working remotely from Greece gives you the chance to experience both swimming in the sea and skiing in several Greek mountain tops that are usually covered in snow in winter. It is an all-encompassing adventure. Imagine this being your office view for the most part of the year.

Working remotely office viewWorking Remotely in Numbers

It has been estimated that Microsoft Teams is the most popular web tool among the employees in Greece who work remotely. Amazingly, app. 70,000 bank employees have been working remotely during the coronavirus crisis. Have you ever thought that remote work would be applicable to bank staff?

Bigger systems encounter bigger challenges in accepting changes and transferring to new business models. Namely, only 29% of the companies with more than 2,000 employees lack the equipment or other means to make the transition a success.

More than a half of people who work in Greece believe that their employers have secured the technical requirements to enable them to function properly from home.

The Main Benefit of Working Remotely Anywhere

There is no question about it. The biggest benefit of working remotely, no matter where you are based is – more free time. And improved productivity, if you ask the employers. People spend way too much time commuting between home and work. And it is not just the time per se. It is about the opportunities that more free time gives.

Greeks apparently prefer to spend that free time surrounded by the people close to them. I believe many of you worldwide would agree with them.

As for the productivity, Microst tried something similar back in 2019. We wrote about this and how they introduced a 4-day work week. It is an interesting story. Check it out.

Apparently, working remotely will become a “new normal” and a standard practice. If you are not a digital nomad, there is another way to make sandy beaches a reality – join the Free Spins Elevator and win some serious cash!

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