Saturday, December 31, 2022

This Pristine 1964 Ferrari 250 LM Race Car Will Hit The Auction Block Soon

The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM comes with its original chassis, Pininfarina bodywork, 3.3-liter V12, and five-speed transmission all intact.

from Men's Gear

The Airain CoLAB Sous-Marine Re-Edition Is Now Up For Preorder

The Airain CoLAB Sous-Marine Re-Edition runs on a 24-jewel AM5 automatic caliber with a 68-hour power reserve.

from Men's Gear

Bentley Residences Miami: Luxury Living For Motoring Enthusiasts

After a brief preview before, Bentley Residences Miami now shares more about what the luxury residential complex offers.

from Men's Gear

Friday, December 30, 2022

Polartec Fleece Boasts High Resiliency and Warmth In Outdoor Wear Performance

Polartec Fleece is made from post-consumer recycled polyester and knitted into a soft, furry pile to make it hydrophobic and highly durable.

from Men's Gear

Proto M: A Sleek Holographic Display For Communications And More

The M is a cutting-edge holographic communications device that will make it easier to showcase 3D content.

from Men's Gear

The Panam Superyacht May Strike An Imposing Form But Is Replete With Luxurious Features

The 131-foot Panam superyacht is outfitted with three MTU 16V2000 M96 L engines to help it hit up to 31 knots.

from Men's Gear

Cartier Brings Nature to Our Home with Les Écrins Parfumés

Cartier has got the perfect scented candles to accompany you through the new year. More than a treat for the olfactory senses, these Écrins Parfumés candles also serve as chic objets d’art that instantly elevate any living space. A celebration of the art of fine objects, which Cartier is most known for apart from its jewellery-making savoir-faire, the Maison also puts the spotlight on its perfumery division.

Created by Cartier’s in-house perfumer Mathilde Laurent, the quartet of scented candles aims to invoke a sense of relaxation, escapism and dreaminess. “Four candles designed by Cartier perfumer Mathilde Laurent that are capable of conjuring up a landscape and a sense of vastness, while also connecting us to nature,” Cartier shares in a press release.

“Through smoke, the origin of perfume, I wanted to offer the possibility to create amazing landscapes, real or imaginary, at home. By lighting the Écrins Parfumés, we can rediscover the joy of moments spent in nature and invite everyone to enter into this unexplored sensory world of fragrance,” explains Laurent on the intent behind the collection.

The wax component of the candle is housed in a porcelain casing and features Cartier’s emblematic red hue. Its shape is also modelled after its iconic gift boxes, and you will also see its garland motif surrounding the name of each candle. Coming in four scents: Pétales (Petals), Désert (Desert), Canopée (Canopy) and Neige (Snow); while each candle exudes a distinct fragrance, the through line of the collection is its nod to the beauty of nature.

Pétales

Captures a meadow filled with thousands of flowers, a floral explosion for the senses and a bouquet as vast as a field that has its scents wafted by the fresh morning ennoble the perfumes.

Désert

The image of endless dunes warmed by the sun’s rays. A sea of sand traversed by a slow, soft and warm amber breeze.

Canopée

The feeling of soaring high above the treetops. A fresh and vibrant expanse of green woodland with a rich, varied and complex aroma carried by the fresh wind.

Neige

The discovery of a snowy white immenseness atop which the sun diffracts its rays, bathing the landscape in a soft pinkish glow, shrouded with frosty, ozone, fresh, crystalline and musky notes.

When lighting each candle individually or in combination with the others, the aromatic notes blend flawlessly to conjure a poetic dreamscape. “Freshness, warmth, greenness, softness, lightness: everything blends together, everything is possible and new.”

XL matches, a panther lighter or Diabolo de Cartier candle holders complement this olfactory delight.

Canopée, Désert and Pétales will launch in February 2023 while Neige will be released at a later date. Get the candles in stores or online here.

For more style reads, click here.

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from LUXUO

Travel Trends 2023: Far-Flung Places Take the Top Spots

Does Mr Raven have the power to predict the next moves in travel? After being in escapade-obsessed circles with friends in high places, a grandmother who danced the tango with the Onassises in Buenos Aires in their glory days, a father who swept me away from New York to India as a kid, where I learned how to waltz at a wedding in the presence of a Maharajah, all the way to present day where I create stunning, if I may say so, editorials and digital content that put a spotlight on destinations for the young high society, and countless luxury hotels in the world on publications in the Middle East, Japan and the USA, well I have to say that my prediction would probably be a little more seasoned than an average guess. One thing I have learned over the years, when it comes to predictions, you have to always follow the money.

Will wanderlusts with strong spending power triple their travel plans with a vengeance in 2023? I do think so!

Business and first class flights were nearly sold out in all of 2022, given that most airlines have cut down their fleet, and there’s of course the hype of the FIFA World Cup that added to the direct-sales of flights from and to Qatar, one or the world’s travel hubs. Let’s also consider some top destinations like Bali, Thailand, The Caribbean, and almost all of the Americas lifting their travel restrictions in the summer of 2022 — yes, there’s that. But there’s a big number of people who are still paranoid and afraid to hop on long-hauls, first class or not. That number however is slowly moving down as social media has been taken over by countless travel-inspired reels and images. This digital influence that affects our decision-making has somehow brought a positive impact on the lives of the afraid. How? Well, through constant inspiration, beautiful visuals, more often a filtered take on the lives of people we know, can relate to, follow, adore, love or hate. That overload of picture-perfect moments, fake or not, trumps fear. So for once, we are seeing a positive impact of social media, not to mention that it has driven the economy of travel back to the skies. Not only was the fear of travel kicked out of the scene, but it also revived a whole lot of jobs. So the next time you see a friend’s sparkling holiday video on Instagram, before hating on it, think about how many jobs did the travel industry lose during the pandemic, so yes, double-tap that. Inspiration is contagious, not just in the world of travel, but in all aspects of life.

All of the above is an impressive feat considering there were still staffing and operational constraints, not to mention closed borders in some destinations. While we’re thrilled to see the new dawn of travel and tourism rebounding. Rental car shortages, packed European capitals and sky-high airfares were just the start. Will travel in 2023 be as overwhelming? I’ve gathered some inside info to give you my take on what travel trends to expect in the Year of the Rabbit.

Sadly, inflation is making an impact on all travel plans, but that’s not enough to stop anyone who hasn’t travelled all year from booking a flight to destinations where their currencies are standing strong. Our friends at the US Travel Foundation has forecasted an increase in travel spending in 2023 compared to 2022 (or 2019, for that matter). As a frequent flyer, expect full flights and plenty of tourists at popular travel spots.

Here’s my prediction. Far-flung destinations like Iceland, Greenland, Antarctica, French Polynesia, Chile and the Easter Island, Maldives, Seychelles, Mustique, New Zealand, Rwanda, the Serengeti, and other destinations with minimal private jet landing restrictions and requirements, but have access to high-calibre and well-curated cruises, will be flocked by the elites. From the Arab world most especially. I already know some families, two of which are from royalty, who just took off for an expedition with an army of chefs, aboard their private ship to the far away.

For the global middle-class and those who have money but don’t want to go crazy on the spending department, Southeast Asian destinations like Bali, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, where the beaches are stunning and the Euro is bangin’. It’s almost predictable. We also know that these destinations hold some of the most beautiful, luxury resorts in the world. As for Americans, in its own category, there will be a lot of stateside travel. Keeping it local will be an ongoing theme for the majority, except New Yorkers. A true Manhattanite would drop dead on the street if they couldn’t at least pack their bags and get out of the US once a year.

The “new money” will flock to destinations like Bhutan, where luxury is muted but felt in the air through the serenity, and not having to bump into Australian backpackers. Bhutan gives a sense of peace at a price tag. Fact of the matter is, people with new money who are new to luxury travel love the feeling of old money, that’s what they aspire for, and Bhutan exudes old money charm.

Here are some places to look out for, and I predict, will be the next “new money hotbed destinations” for 2023: Fiji, Mauritius, Japan, the island of Corfu in Greece, and the Argentine and Peruvian Andes. After a dizzying saga of countless dinners and afternoon teas with editors and acquaintances who truly splurge on travel, these destinations are prominent on our 2023 calendars. You’re welcome.

For more travel reads, click here.

The post Travel Trends 2023: Far-Flung Places Take the Top Spots appeared first on LUXUO.



from LUXUO

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Bernard Arnault Now Owns Leonardo Da Vinci’s Residence and Vineyard

Bernard Arnault, the famed entrepreneur and owner of the ultra-luxury group LVMH, has added a new property under his name. The billionaire is the new owner of Casa degli Atellani, the former residence of Leonardo Da Vinci, a polymath and master painter. Located in the city centre of Milan, the property’s previous occupants include the descendants of the Conti and Portaluppi families.

At press time, the transaction and purpose of this acquisition were not disclosed.

The majestic estate was built in the late 1400s and donated to Da Vinci by Ludovico “Il Moro” Duke of Milan in 1498 when the painter was in town to paint his magnum opus — The Last Supper. Through the years, Casa degli Atellani saw multiple changes of hands and ownership and in 1919, it was acquired by the senator and entrepreneur Ettore Conti.

Located on Corso Magenta, the estate underwent restoration works under the direction of Piero Portaluppi, who is a famous architect and son-in-law of Conti. Within the grand country house’s verdant courtyard is a hidden vineyard that once belonged to Da Vinci. It was the only wine-producing landholding in the centre of Milan and spans around two acres or 16 rows. Restored in 2014, after years of neglect, it was restored to its former glory in 2015 during the international Expo held in the capital city. The public could once again indulge in the wines made in Milan.

The revitalisation of Casa degli Atellani saw it become a top destination for fashion shows, presentations and cocktail receptions. Tourists and visitors often earmark the estate as one of the places to visit. There are also six for-rent apartments that could be utilised.

The multi-billionaire’s portfolio includes some of the world’s most luxurious brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari and others. He also owns several wines and spirits firms, namely Ruinart, Dom Perignon, Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. Being one of the richest in the world, Arnault is always at the top of the list and often competes with Tesla and Twitter owner Elon Musk for the crown. As of December 2022, Forbes estimates Arnault to have a net worth of US$181.8 billion.

For more property reads, click here.

The post Bernard Arnault Now Owns Leonardo Da Vinci’s Residence and Vineyard appeared first on LUXUO.



from LUXUO

SusieCakes is the go-to bakery for sweet treats and celebration goodies

It's easy to pick the perfect cake – they have an amazing selection - and your gift of deliciousness comes complete with a recyclable box and simple instructions for serving!

from Men's Gear

Karuizawa Distillery Revival: First 250 Casks Of Whiskey Due For Bottling A Decade From Now Sells Out

Karuizawa’s initial rollout will be highly limited and will mature in sherry casks for a decade before the whiskey is bottled.

from Men's Gear

Quip ToothBrush is the Perfect Gift For the Man Who Has Everything

Your Perfect Pick Routine kit includes an electric toothbrush, floss pick, and toothpaste, which works best with a refill plan subscription.

from Men's Gear

BREKR To Launch The Model F Initially In Select Markets With More To Follow

BREKR positions its Model F as a straightforward commuter e-bike with a longer saddle and chunky tires ideal for the city streets.

from Men's Gear

Louis Vuitton Renews Collaboration with Yayoi Kusama

The renewed collaboration between Louis Vuitton and the Japanese art maven, Yayoi Kusama, comes full circle. The artist’s message of obsession and seriality are translated through the use of polka dots populated across some of the luxury fashion house’s Cruise 2023 product line-up.

This is the second time the Maison and Kusama had worked together and a celebration of Louis Vuitton’s longstanding partnership with the artist. The first creative endeavour occurred in 2012, under the helm of Marc Jacobs. The artist’s signature dots made it across famous Louis Vuitton silhouettes like the Keepall, Neverfull, Papillon and Speedy. To this day, pieces from the inaugural collection still fetch exorbitant prices on many resale platforms.

“Yayoi Kusama’s collaboration in 2012 flourished through various universes of the Maison, from exhibitions, products and a series of unique window installations, which included a startingly life-like mannequin modelled after the artist herself,” says Louis Vuitton in a press release.

Louis Vuitton Yayoi Kusama collection Selfridges
Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition in Selfridges 2012.

More than just a typical fashion meets art collaboration, the decision to invite artists onboard also exemplifies Louis Vuitton’s desire to remain a cultural powerhouse. Other past collaborations with artists include Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince. Its most recent appointment of Jung Hoyeon, the South Korean actress who rose to fame through the hit Netflix series “Squid Game” is another example of the Maison plugging itself into the cultural zeitgeist and cementing its position at the forefront of the cultural movement.

Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama
Image: Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama
Image: Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama
Image: Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama
Image: Louis Vuitton

One could also look at these collaborations as a way for luxury fashion brands to appeal to a broader audience by tapping into these artists’ fan base. Furthermore, products created from these collective efforts make a rare sense of permanence. And many times, it also transcends seasons and continues to be a hit among fashion enthusiasts and collectors.

A sneak peek of the partnership, which featured a handful of leather goods, was unveiled during Artistic Director of Women’s Collections Nicolas Ghesquière’s Cruise 2023 at the Salk Institute in San Diego. References to Kusama’s “Narcissus Garden” exhibition, where multiple metallic orbs filled the space, decorated the Twist bags. The contemporary artist’s penchant for colourful dots also appeared on the Dauphine and soft trunk bags.

According to Louis Vuitton, this is just a teaser and next year January, the full-fledged collection will be out in stores.

For more fashion reads, click here.

The post Louis Vuitton Renews Collaboration with Yayoi Kusama appeared first on LUXUO.



from LUXUO

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Mixologist Ethan Leslie Leong of Maison Ikkoku Shares About His Cocktail Journey

You were originally a chef. Tell us about how you became one of Singapore’s most revered mixologists?

After cooking for so many years, I switched to being a bartender and quickly won many championships and gained the limelight by hosting a weekly cocktail show on local TV. From there onwards, I focused on building this as a “career”, taking management courses then climbing up the ranks from Bar Manager to Operations Manager, General Manager and Business Consultant. I ran most of the top clubs in Singapore until I opened my own cocktail bar. There, I keep creating new modernist cocktails that people love and I will never give up this passion.

“Making a bespoke cocktail is a lot like cooking. You have to understand the ingredients’ flavours and how well they pair with others”. This is a bold statement. Which ingredients do you favour the most working with?

Being equipped with a chef background helped me understand the techniques, ingredients and flavours; being a bartender enables me to understand people and alcohol characteristics. Mixology is a combination of flavour profiles using botanical or fresh fruits, and finding balance in the alcohol’s characteristics with that of the different people. For such mixing skills, you need a lot of understanding, experience and knowledge. I like using gin in cocktail mixing, it has many botanical flavours inside and when you mix it well with other fresh ingredients, you can bring all this taste alive and that’s the magic of it.

How has the cocktail scene evolved in Singapore over the past ten years?

Ten years ago people didn’t even know how to order a Negroni, and today Singapore became one of the world’s largest cocktail capitals. We saw many different cocktail concepts opened and it was interesting to see every concept offering a different style of cocktail. The scenes have evolved quickly and I am glad to be part of this cocktail culture from the very beginning.

What are your favourite cocktails bars in Singapore?

Flow by JAG Restaurant, Barbary Coast and Papa Doble, buy me a Vesper when you see me!

What has Maison Ikkoku brought to Singapore in terms of unique and bespoke experiences and tastes?

We customise the cocktail base on the individual guests by talking to them. We then generate the mixing recipe in our brains and create the flavour and taste in their drinks using fresh botanicals and fresh fruits. Balance is the key in this process, an experience you can only find in Maison Ikkoku. We are very glad that this mixing style has been appreciated by many visitors worldwide.

Do you see yourself as an influencer? What do you want clients of Maison Ikkoku to remember when leaving your establishment?

I dare not call myself an influencer, but our creativity in food and cocktails does attract many followers. We want our clients to feel satisfied with the food and drinks we crafted, have a good time and leave with happy memories. Overall, a place they feel confident to show their friends or bring clients the next time.

You stated, “Traditional cocktails are created using mainly cold methods, but I’ve invented techniques that use heat to extract the full flavour from herbs and such.” Can you elaborate further there?

Botanicals mostly contain essential oil, and fresh fruits contain good amounts of natural sugar. Applying the proper heat can extract unique flavours into your drinks or food. Techniques such as siphon, flambe, smoke, brew, distillation and even heat maceration (similar to perfume making in essential oil harvest) can alter the flavours as some heat will destroy, and some heat will harvest. I learned this in Grasse, the capital of perfumery.

Mezcal, for instance, is relatively new across Southeast Asia… are Singaporeans into trying new cocktails?

Oh yes, I love Mezcal. Singaporeans are always up for new things, and Mezcal is a versatile spirit that you can do it as a shot, sniff, on the rocks, cocktail or in dessert.

What is your favourite cocktail?

Vesper, a drink named after Vesper Lynd, is a fictional character featured in Ian Fleming’s 1953 James Bond novel Casino Royale, it is a drink that very few bars get right.

Maison Ikkoku’s concept has evolved over the year. Which achievement do you value the most?

My biggest achievement came from our guests finishing all the food and drinks we served, which is a big thing to us because we changed from an only-drink concept to a restaurant that offers a full dining menu. It shows that we achieve the flavour and taste in cocktails and in our food.

On a more generic level, what are the main qualities an entrepreneur should always have?

Persistency, Efficiency, Consistency.

What are your exciting plans for the coming three years?

We are very grateful to all our supportive customers from Singapore and people from all over the world. And to thank all your support, Maison Ikkoku will be launching a brand new concept soon, we will work hard to deliver more top-quality products for your indulgence.

What advice would you give to a young person dreaming of becoming a mixologist?

Mixology is a rewarding journey, do not give up easily.

Would you like to name a mentor inspiring you in your daily work?

Lionel Messi, I decided not to retire from food and beverage after Messi completed the World Cup title. I will continue to work hard and create more delicious food and drinks for all of you.

For more alcohol reads, click here.

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from LUXUO

Neck Pillow For Traveling: A Shopping And Maintenance Guide

If you’ve already been eyeing a neck pillow, reading some quick shopping guides can help you get the best of the best.

from Men's Gear

The Packable DMOS Stealth Shovel Can Handle Over 3K Lbs. Of Force

DMOS Stealth Shovel

The collapsible DMOS Stealth Shovel packs a full-sized handle and a wide serrated blade that can break through ice and groom shoveled surfaces.

from Men's Gear

Pre-Spring 2023 Mayhem: Matthieu Blazy Cements His Vision For Bottega Veneta

Beneath Bottega Veneta’s brilliant cutting-edge sheen lies a rare sense of authenticity. Look around you — millions are entrapped by their phones, endlessly scrolling through social media. Ominous underpinnings of advertisements disguised as personal content infiltrate social media feeds, carefully convincing the audience to buy into a product or forcing the viewer to assimilate as its followers. It creates a harrowing sight — content stuffed down one’s face has infuriatingly proven successful.

Ex-creative director Daniel Lee explored these maladies with bold gambits on past occasions. He first made the label go dark on all its social media platforms, deleting its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts in one fell swoop, before reorganising the collections as private affairs by hosting discreet off-the-calendar shows. The modern era of Bottega Veneta ushered in aspiration towards intimacy, a personal connection to the brand that wades through the noise of targeted advertisements; something felt rather than seen. Then, when Daniel Lee left, his replacement Matthieu Blazy instead looked in the mirror and chafed at the label’s reflection.

Unlike Wardrobe 03 and Salon 03 — both attempted to capture a more obvious, straightforward angle of Daniel Lee’s radicality — Matthieu Blazy’s proposal for Winter 2022 tames the label’s recent taste for excess with an inward-looking suite of looks and accessories that was woefully absent of the reclusive and cultishly beloved traits introduced by Daniel Lee. Instead, where once a shearling dress sewn with the animated proportions of an enlarged flower once appeared on Bottega Veneta’s runway, Matthieu Blazy’s Winter 2022 is distilled clean of such nuances. It is completely ambient — focusing more on revealing a more discreet sense of luxury by using craftsmanship to hide the details others would so mistakenly make obvious. These deliberate counterpoints have become nothing less than routine among the growing canon of collections predominantly created after a predecessor has abruptly left.

His follow-up — Pre-Spring 2023 — again oscillates between comforting recollections of the past and tentative inklings of the future. With just about 64 looks that continue from where was left off in Winter 2022, it is the House’s largest and most focused pre-collection yet — one that perpetuates a simple message: Quiet Power. For a start, the Intrecciato weave — the label’s finely-tuned answer for monograms and logos — has been similarly shrunk to how it was when Tomas Maier steered the ship. It is further scrunched, pleated and reshaped in the large squares of Daniel Lee’s reintroduced Cassettes. The new styles for the accessories are noticeably designed to be more accessible, which includes the reintroduction of the classic backpack, document cases and bucket bags in its host of menswear offerings.

Silhouettes from the ready-to-wear are relaxed and the resulting clothes evocatively communicate a sense of ease with a utilitarian approach in their aesthetic. It offers a useful framework for interpreting movement, where every inch of the garments was carefully put together and imagined “on the go” — never allowed to be still and dormant. Styles are also repeated from the Winter 2022 collection, with new renditions in colour and material. Leather pants make a return and now feature an Intrecciato weave exterior. Leather coats spot a return of shearling, now used amongst seam lines to exaggerate proportions and create contrast between the leather’s toughness and soft textures of shearling — again, an emphasis on intimacy. It is simple but inimitable, general but specific.

Without the thematic discursions and stylistic detours of past collections, Pre-Spring 2023 can be viewed as an example of how Matthieu Blazy intends to lead Bottega Veneta by rendering “hype” secondary. Instead, he shows how being genuine could be part of the charm. This sense of commitment to the Bottega Veneta experience extends even to its new lifetime warranty program for its bag offerings. The “Certificate of Craft” program was launched in November and offers customers complimentary services to refresh and repair their Bottega Veneta bags to ensure the longevity of their purchases. That applies just in time with every Pre-Spring 2023 bag purchase.

At the beginning of 2021, Bottega Veneta was at its most popular. The Italian luxury House became one of fashion’s true word-of-mouth successes — what used to be a name unbeknownst to the general public became known without ever needing to introduce itself. By the end of the year, they somehow became more difficult to define. Daniel Lee’s sudden departure at what felt like a time when things at the label were starting to make sense, followed with Matthieu Blazy’s promotion — the Belgian designer served as Daniel Lee’s right-hand man since 2020 — left many to wonder what might change.

With the breath of fresh air presented in Pre-Spring 2023, it is not that the Bottega Veneta defined by Daniel Lee, is starting to disappear. It is simply the result of slowing itself down, taking a step back to think about its future, what an Italian “Quiet Power” means to its new generation of customers,and where it will be in the next few decades. Right now, we would like to think of it as a retrofit led by Matthieu Blazy, where bits and pieces are improved to present an identity that is meant to last the same way a Bottega Veneta bag would one day be passed on to the next generation.

This article first appeared on Men’s Folio.

For more fashion reads, click here.

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from LUXUO

Laphroaig Introduces Book 4: Malt Master Of Its The Ian Hunter Story Whiskey Collection

The Book 4: Malt Master matures in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, then, it goes into first-fill European oak ex-oloroso sherry casks.

from Men's Gear

How to Start a Cleaning Service Using BookingKoala

A remote cleaning service is a cleaning service that you can start and operate from anywhere in the world. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and some basic cleaning supplies. Starting a remote cleaning service is a great way to make extra money or even replace your full-time income. In this blog post, we will show you how to start a cleaning service.

The first step in starting a remote cleaning service is to choose your niche. What type of cleaning do you want to offer? Do you want to specialise in residential or commercial cleaning? Do you want to offer one-time deep cleans or recurring weekly services? Once you have decided on your niche, you can begin to build your cleaning business around it.

Choose Your Services

Now that you have chosen your niche, it is time to choose the services that you will offer. What type of cleaning do your potential customers need? Do they need their homes cleaned on a regular basis? Do they need help with specific tasks like laundry or dishes? Once you know what services you will offer, you can begin to build your cleaning business around them.

Build Your Website

The next step in starting a remote cleaning service is to build your website. Your website is where potential customers will learn more about your cleaning business and decide whether or not they want to use your services. Make sure that your website is professional and easy to navigate. Include pricing information, customer testimonials, and contact information. To help you with this step, you can sign up for BookingKoala. BookingKoala was initially created for a cleaning company based in Chicago, IL, and later turned into its own business to help others start cleaning companies in seconds. When signing up for the software, you will get a pre-built website with all the necessary tools to help you start and run a successful cleaning company efficiently and effectively.

Market Your Business

Once your website is up and running, it is time to start marketing your business. There are many ways to market a remote cleaning business. You can start by creating social media accounts and posting regular updates about your business. You can also create flyers and distribute them to local companies. You can even hold open houses to attract new customers. Whatever marketing strategy you choose, ensure that you are consistent with it and that you are reaching your target audience. Starting a remote cleaning service is a great small business idea and an excellent way to make extra money or even replace your full-time income. In this blog post, we have shown you how to start a remote cleaning service from scratch. We hope that this post has been helpful and makes starting your journey easier.

For more lifestyle reads, click here.

The post How to Start a Cleaning Service Using BookingKoala appeared first on LUXUO.



from LUXUO

This Electrified Chevrolet 3100 From Kindred Motorworks Can Be Yours For $159,000

Kindred Motorworks will begin production of the Chevrolet 3100 in 2024 along with other electrified retro rides.

from Men's Gear

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Buying Luxury Items with Crypto: Here’s How You Can Pay and Receive Payment with SpartaCrypto

There are several ways to enjoy the good life with cryptocurrency, ranging from high-end vehicles to lavish holidays.

In this article, we explain the benefits of using SpartaCrypto and how sellers can receive their payments through the same company. But first, which luxury items can you buy with SpartaCrypto?

Luxury items you can buy with Cryptocurrency

Did you know that now you can buy items from Gucci and Off-White and pay with crypto? Yes, you can now buy designer items and pay using crypto, including high-end products.

SpartaCrypto plans to become the ultimate mover and shaker in the world of crypto as the most extensive online crypto marketplace selling luxury items such as luxury cars, classic cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles including bikes, cars, and motorcycles, vacation packages, and high-end watches.

Later they also plan to add sports memorabilia, real estate, boats, charters for fractional aviation owners, and RV/RV Rentals.

Benefits of using SpartaCrypto to buy and sell luxury items

It’s secure

SpartaCrypto is your one-stop shop for everything you need when looking for luxury items. Buyers can utilise the partner companies on the site to examine the history of luxury items before purchasing and to arrange shipment and insurance after your purchase. Buyers are assured of an easy buying experience every step of the way.

Additionally, there is no need to swap your cryptocurrency for cash before purchasing on SpartaCrypto. They keep your payment in escrow until the purchase is delivered, so both the buyer and seller may have confidence in the transaction.

A first-mover in facilitating cryptocurrency transactions for luxury purchases, SpartaCrypto officially announces its launch as a pioneer in the cryptocurrency marketplace. SpartaCrypto is a true trailblazer in the world of crypto, making a bold name for itself as the first cryptocurrency market service that can fully handle the scale and velocity of transactions that this exciting crypto marketplace will need.

Sellers can now access Cryptocurrency buyers risk-free while SpartaCrypto handles the transaction securely and funds its sellers in USD.

They accept different cryptocurrencies.

SpartaCrypto accepts some of the most popular cryptocurrencies — Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, USDT, and USDC — but has every capacity and intention to add other cryptocurrencies as they gain widespread adoption or grow in market cap size.

This is the perfect opportunity for sellers to access the untapped market of users with cryptocurrency since cryptocurrency currently can’t be used in many retail or eCommerce instances.

When it is, the seller is open to market volatility risks, tax accounting complications, additional regulations, and additional payment infrastructure costs required to process cryptocurrency payments.

Sellers get paid in USD

Once a buyer pays for an item on the marketplace in cryptocurrency SpartaCrypto, then converts the crypto into US dollars, and the amount is deposited into your merchant account.

They vet buyers

Additionally, SpartaCrypto is handling the security for sellers. With SpartaCrypto, sellers don’t have to worry about accepting funds from unknown buyers, as SpartaCrypto runs screening and watch list checks on all buyers before transactions occur.

Sellers have access to a market using cryptocurrency

Sellers may use SpartaCrypto to get their luxury items in front of this untapped market of crypto buyers by putting their products for sale on a site that attracts those crypto buyers to one location.

How does it work?

SpartaCrypto connects buyers who prefer cryptocurrency to sellers who prefer to be paid in US dollars. When you purchase a luxury item from the marketplace, the crypto you pay with is converted to US dollars and stored in a secure third-party escrow account until your luxury item is delivered.

When you receive your high-end watch or classic car, the seller is paid from the escrow account. By doing this, it gives the buyer and the seller confidence in the transaction.

Please note that SpartaCrypto levies a 1 per cent seller fee and a 1.5 per cent buyer fee, dependent on the cost of the luxury item.

Buy and sell luxury items with SpartaCrypto today.

SpartaCrypto knows that now is the time to invest in the future of cryptocurrency. That starts with taking advantage of the inevitable dynamic duo bound to form around cryptocurrency and eCommerce.

Buying luxury items with SpartaCrypto is not about showing off but investing in the finest items money can buy. With the advancement in blockchain and cryptocurrencies, you can make that dream come true.

For years, cryptocurrency has been gaining ground in the world of FinTech. In the past year, the popularity of crypto has increased dramatically, unofficially dubbing 2021 the Year of Cryptocurrency, as acceptance of digital currency continues to rise exponentially and investment in cryptocurrencies becomes more mainstream.

Crypto.com reported that the number of global crypto users reached 221 million in June 2021, doubling the global crypto population from 100 million to 200 million in less than four months.

Guaranteeing all buyers and sellers to transact with confidence and safety, SpartaCrypto uses a secure third-party bankruptcy remote entity to mitigate counterparty risk and protect both parties.

This means that you can buy and sell on the site with the confidence that your transactions are valid and safe.

SpartaCrypto further assures that neither party in any transaction is exposed to market volatility by guaranteeing that all payments are converted from cryptocurrency to dollars and placed into an escrow account instantly.

 “We are tremendously excited about the launch of this first-ever Cryptocurrency eCommerce marketplace that will revolutionize the way people shop for luxury goods,” says Anthony Havens, CEO and Founder of SpartaCrypto. “Vendors can now join SpartaCrypto to sell their high-end goods to this untapped market, and we expect to add more categories and products as the site gains momentum,” adds Havens.

SpartaCrypto will become the biggest and boldest disruptor in the Cryptocurrency marketplace by taking advantage of all the inherent benefits of helping people use crypto to buy luxury items and fulfilling their luxury desires.

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Porsche Brings Crystal Eroded Porsche 992 to Mandala Club

Image: Porsche

German automaker Porsche has announced that it will collaborate with Mandala Club Singapore, a private member’s club. This is the first time Mandala Club has partnered with a car brand, and its ground floor will be transformed into an experiential retail space that will showcase several Porsche-themed activations starting 6 January 2023.

With this revamped retail space, Porsche Singapore aims to engage its fans and customers through the planned activities. Earlier this year in January 2022, the brand’s “Art of Dreams” exhibition made a stop in Singapore, the first outpost in Asia, in conjunction with Singapore Art Week 2022. It featured an immersive installation by artist Cyril Lancelin. The upcoming showcase also focuses on utilising visual art as a medium for connection.

Cyril Lancelin, Remember your dreams, Porsche
Image: Porsche, Cyril Lancelin and Dan Visuals

At the Mandala Club, acclaimed artist Daniel Arsham’s work will be displayed. Called “Crystal Eroded Porsche 922”, a 922-generation 911 Carrera 4S art car has been given the signature Arsham touch. It first debuted at Selfridges, London, as part of the artist’s “The House by Daniel Arsham” showcase. Several aspects of the car’s exterior show signs of erosion unveiling quarts and pyrite crystals on its door, roof and hood.

On the inside, the car’s interior closely follows the theme of erosion as though the vehicle is a relic from the future. Earth-tone stone-washed canvas is seen in the transformed vehicle’s upholstery along with the artist’s marked drawings. A license plate with “ARSHAM 3019” completes the car. Of course, an exclusive and limited merchandise collection will be available during the exhibition.

Image: Porsche

Ben Jones, CEO and co-founder of Mandala Club, said: “We are beyond excited to be working with Porsche to bring extraordinary experiences and opportunities to get close to world class art to our members, and Singapore at large. Our collaboration aligns perfectly with Mandala Club’s commitment to the arts, culture, and meaningful connections for and within our dynamic membership community. We can’t wait to bring it to life with this, our first collaboration together.

“Porsche and Mandala Club share similar values of creating unique experiences and providing a conducive space for community gathering, and it is an honour to be Mandala Club’s first-ever automotive partner. By tapping into this creative partnership, we hope to showcase the rich and vibrant culture behind the brand to the tribes at Mandala Club, while also becoming part of their highly-curated tapestry of events and experiences,” said Mr Yannick Ott, Marketing Director Porsche Asia Pacific.

The Crystal Eroded Porsche 992 will be on display on the ground floor of Mandala Club starting 6 January 2023 till 15 January 2023.

Address:
Mandala Club
31 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845

For more car reads, click here.

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Rancourt & Co. Harrison Boot

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The Nuances Between Japanese And Western Whisk(e)y

Image: Unsplash

Japan’s foray into commercial whisky distillation began in 1923 when Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii founded the Yamazaki Distillery on the edges of Kyoto prefecture, in a region referred to in the past as “Minaseno”. Compared to the western world, Japan is a late bloomer with its history only going back to the early 20th century. In comparison, the Scotch whisky giant Chivas Regal traces its heritage back to the 18th century with the founding of the Strathisla distillery. However, despite its short history, Japanese whiskies have gained international recognition and popularity in recent years. In 2001 Nikka won “Best of the Best” at Whisky Magazine’s Awards with its 10-year Yoichi Single malt, planting the spotlight firmly on Japanese whisky. Understandably, it prompts the question, what exactly differentiates Japanese whisky from those of the western world?

Whisky or whiskey?

Before getting into the down and dirty, it would be appropriate to clarify that even in the western world, there exist many distinctions between each country’s whisk(e)y. Whisky, in the old days, was spelt without the “e” in both Scotland and Ireland. However, in the late 1800s, four of the biggest distillers in Ireland pushed for the addition of the vowel as a marketing differentiator. The later use of the letter “e” by subsequent distillers in the non-Gaelic countries depended on their connection to either Scotch or Irish whisk(e)y. Japanese distilleries largely follow the same techniques as the Scottish and so exclude the vowel. Whereas the Americans favoured the Irish product and sought association with it by spelling it whiskey.

Since the Japanese took inspiration from the Scots, that seems to be the logical point of comparison. But first, here is a brief rundown of some of the major products of the West.

Scotch

Scotland’s cold windy climate has forced its distilleries to adopt unique traditions, contributing to the distinct taste of scotch. The harsh winds of Scotland mean that oak trees, traditionally used to produce whisky barrels are rare. Therefore, Scottish distillers adopted the practice of reusing barrels from the US and other parts of Europe to age their whisky. The lack of wood as a fuel source also led to the use of peat to dry out barley grains. This results in a unique flavour profile that is lighter than American whiskey but with that distinctive smoky flavour. This is nicely embodied by Chivas Regal’s 18 Gold Signature Blended Scotch and the Glenfiddich 18 Year Old. Both whiskies open with aromatic notes of dried fruits which then finish with a distinct smokiness that is unique to scotch.

Irish Whiskey

The Irish whiskey tradition is similar to that of Scotch, with some subtle differences. The Irish typically use unmalted barley in their mash bills while the Scots favour malted barley, and they utilise closed kilns compared to the Scottish tradition of drying barley over burning peat. This results in a subtler, smoother taste, that is generally light and fruity with notes of the various grains used. A great Irish Whiskey to try is Bushmills’ flagship 10 year Single Malt.

b Bushmills 10 year Single Malt; Image: Bushmills

American bourbon and rye

Bourbon uses predominantly corn while Rye uses mostly rye. Given the abundance of American oak, distillers in the US do not typically adopt the practice of reusing old barrels for ageing, resulting in a bolder flavour profile much like the American spirit. Bourbons have a delicious sweetness and full body provided by the corn while rye lends an earthy spiciness. Knob Creek’s Patiently Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the core product of the small batch brand embodies all things great about bourbon while FEW Rye Whiskey brings the heat of American rye.

Japanese whisky and its connection to nature

While Japanese whisky may not have a history going back centuries, to say that the Japanese do not have a booze-soaked heritage would be folly. After all, they were the ones who introduced the world to the beauty of sake and shochu. A crucial component in Japanese whisky production is the purity of the water used which explains Torii’s choice to settle in that region of Japan. Additionally, many of Japan’s distilleries are built at higher altitudes resulting in lower pressure, in turn resulting in lower boiling points when distilling. This helps to retain aroma and flavour, for a smoother drinking experience. Finally, while following Scottish traditions, Japanese whiskies tend to be less peated, as Japanese generally prefer lighter flavours. The result is a unique light and fruity taste. The Hibiki’s 17 Year Old, Suntory’s main venture into blended whisky is a delightful whisky with notes of citrus peels and raisin and a tinge of gentle smoke, a nod to the Scottish traditions upon which Japan built its practices. 

Hibiki 17 Year Old; Image Credit: Shanescotch Instagram

With its distinctive profile owing to the marriage of Japan’s connection to nature and Scottish tradition, it is little wonder that the Japanese are taking the world of whisky by storm.

For more alcohol reads, click here.

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