Author: Igor

  • Small Business Saturday – Edinburgh

    Small Business Saturday – Edinburgh

    Taking place on Saturday 6th December, Small Business Saturday is an initiative to support, inspire and promote small businesses on that date and beyond. This US-imported celebration hopes to give more visibility to the independent retailers that make the streets of each every city more vibrant and interesting.

    Now on its second edition in the UK, we’ve wanted to support the campaign featuring some local entrepreneurs that have recently opened their own businesses in Edinburgh. We asked them what they enjoy the most about being a small business and we photographed them outside their stores, but we encourage you to pay them a visit and discover what they have to offer inside!

    Richard Conway of Stag Espresso

    Richard is the owner of Stag Espresso, an independent café operator with two venues in Edinburgh, Dovecot Café and the recently opened Stag 2 on Victoria St. The new location offers great coffee, cozy interiors and a small magazine shop run by Analogue Books.

    Future-Positive-Stag-1

    “Autonomy is everything but power to choose other small businesses to work with is the best thing about running my own business. A friend who bakes our cakes now supplies cafés across Edinburgh, my dear friend Laura makes the best soup in town and our relationship with Analogue Books at Stag 2 is really important to me.

    The second thing is unique to cafés. Standing behind the coffee machine listening to a group of regulars chatting about their week. A group that didn’t know each other until their morning coffee routine synced and now they catch up in their favourite spot every morning. It is the best part of my day, it’s immensely satisfying.”

    Warburton Gallery India Buildings, Victoria St.

    www.StagEspresso.com

    Caroline Walsh of Archipelago Bakery

    Caroline opened her own Bakery on Queen St just a couple of months ago. Focusing on natural and organic ingredients, Caroline works with other small businesses and supplies them with a healthier and more honest alternative to industrial bread.

    Future-Positive-Archipelago-4

    “I am passionate about using organic flour and quality ingredients and making the bread by myself every day. I have done it every single day since I started [start at 5am and finishing at 4pm or sometimes 5pm…] but I love what I do and I have really loyal/wonderful customers who are the biggest reward. I am also trying to add a much healthier slant to all the lunch specials I do as there is a big of an obesity crisis going on in Scotland. I want to be able to do salads that are tasty and healthy but I don’t have the space for this yet.”

    39 Queen Street

    www.archipelagobakery.co.uk

    Stephen Kirkwood of Century General Store

    Stephen set up Century General Store a few months ago. This shop in Marchmont sells everyday products – from fresh bread and pastries to provisions, plants and magazines – with the hope to find their place within the strong tradition of independent traders in the area.

    Future-Positive-Century-3

    “The thing I enjoy most about running my own business is that I can push and test myself in ways you cannot when you are an employee for someone else. It’s a great feeling being able to create something from scratch and watch it grow and see where it takes you.”

    100 Marchmont Crescent

    www.centurygeneralstore.com

  • Simple Ways To Feel Good About Yourself

    Everyone has aims in life and we all have good days and bad days where those aims seem miles away. The key to life? Have a plan. Identify what it is you want and make a plan to get there and with the right habits in place, you can boost your mood when you are feeling down. 

    Some people feel good about themselves by setting career goals. Those who want to go to the army cadets often feel closer to their goals when they buy Tactical Clothing. Those who want to become airline pilots do what they can to be in the sky. The idea is that if you can find things that make you feel good about yourself in life, you’re already halfway to happiness and you can reach your goals. Let’s take a look at some other simple ways you can feel good about yourself.

    Image Source: Pexels

    1. Spend some time outside if you want to feel fantastic. You need to feel motivated and you need to feel like you are achieving something, and being cooped up inside can make that very difficult. Get outside and spend time in the sun. you will naturally feel good and feel like you can do anything. The brain changes when you are healthier on the inside and the outside.
    2. Feel good on the outside by wearing what makes you happy. If you want to be a powerhouse in the boardroom, wear power suits and look the part. You need to dress to be the person you want to be. This will enable you to feel like you are achieving something!
    3. Stay as active as possible and do it to feel good, not necessarily to get fit and lose weight. If you want to boost your mood, then being active is the best way to do it. Feeling good hormones and chemicals in the brain makes you feel euphoric and happy, and exercise doesn’t have to be anything massively strenuous. A brisk walk can have the same effect!
    4. Where possible, practice being kind. You will feel excellent about yourself if you can just show the world that you are a good, kind person. Developing compassion for yourself is going to make a world of difference.
    5. Plan to help others. If you know that you need people around you to feel boosted, be that person for other people. You can volunteer your time where you can and help others – just to be nice. You can help yourself, and studies have shown that those who complete three to four acts of kindness per week are better off within themselves overall.

    Feeling good about yourself is important. You need to be able to hit those goals you have in life while looking, feeling and acting good – which you already do day to day. Keep on with it and you will be able to achieve anything you want to achieve. Goals are there to be met, and you can achieve those goals with some action on your part!

  • Family Activities to Have the Best Christmas Ever

    Christmas can be a difficult time, and especially this year as lots of families are having to spend time apart. For those who are able to connect this Christmas, it will be a time to reflect and bond if you haven’t seen each other in a while. 

    Christmas can be a reflective time when smells and activities take us back to our childhood, reminding us of the easy going days of growing up. Below are some activities you can do this Christmas, which will be fun and create memories and reconnect with family members.

    Setting aside time over the holiday period will help you reconnect and bond with family members to help you have the best Christmas ever. Remember though, it is also a time to meet your own emotional and physical needs, especially if you have been dealing with a lot due to the current global pandemic.

    Image source

    1.Play Board Games

    Research suggests that every household holds at least one board game, with others owning up to 25. While some of these will be firm favorites, opting for something a little different such as 1920s murder mystery game will have you occupied for hours. Why not have a prize for the winner too? Board games are great for engaging family members and spending time together.

    2. Have a Secret Santa

    To eliminate an expensive Christmas instead, opt for holding a secret Santa. You could choose clothing essentials or opt for a more fun gift. Limit the amount to be spent on the present to ensure you stay within budget.

    3.Watch a Christmas movie

    Nothing says Christmas more than sitting down to a film with the whole family. Why not have a vote to choose which film to watch?

    4. Read Christmas stories

    Spent time with your family reading your favorite Christmas stories. This is an excellent way of spending time cuddled up on the sofa.

    5. Look through family photos

    Not many people take the time to print out family photos. Printing them out and spending time together looking through them is an excellent way of bonding over Christmas.  

    6.Share Christmas traditions

    Ask older family members to share stories of their Christmas growing up. It is a wonderful way of hearing and understanding how Christmastime has changed over the years. You may also start a new tradition!

    7.Baking

    Why not have a family bake off – just like the TV program. Opt for easy to follow recipes, especially if you have children, such as gingerbread or fairy buns. 

    8.Sing

    Why not choose some Christmas songs and sing together? You could even buy a karaoke machine, which makes knowing the words easier! 

    These are just some of the activities to make this the best Christmas ever. All it takes is a little planning and follow through. It can be one of the busiest times, but the effort you put in now will pay off on the day. All you will have to do is sit back and enjoy the time you spend with your family.

  • Valuable tips to keep in mind while choosing the travel insurance

    Because of the high level of uncertainty surrounding foreign travel as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, it’s more crucial than ever to have the right travel insurance. In addition, a number of nations also require medical insurance as a condition of entry. Having the right strategy in place will assist in alleviating their mind and allow them to plan their vacation with greater confidence, knowing that they are adequately protected.

    While most insurance policies don’t cover cancellations due to last-minute travel concerns, travel insurance can help if they fall sick while travelling or have to quarantine. Because every policy is different, it’s critical to read the tiny print and make sure they understand the terms and conditions, as well as any exclusions or limitations.

    Here are some things to think about when determining which travel insurance is ideal for them and which will provide them with the most coverage and peace of mind.

    MEDICAL CONDITIONS PRE-EXISTING:

    If they have a pre-existing medical condition, most policies require them to acquire travel insurance at the time of their trip deposit. Be open and honest when getting travel insurance, and state any medical conditions they may have. Their policy will be null and void if they fail to disclose any conditions. Pick up the phone and call the insurance company directly if they’re unsure about what counts as a pre-existing medical condition.

    COVERAGE AMOUNT:

    When it comes to travel insurance, the level of coverage varies widely between policies, so make sure they understand what they’re getting when they buy it. Most insurance firms offer a variety of policies with varied levels of coverage and price points. It is recommended that they buy insurance that covers at least lakhs in medical expenses and includes medical evacuation to their home country. The amount they can claim for baggage, trip interruption, medical expenses, and lost or stolen cash varies by coverage. Finally, make sure they buy a policy that will cover them for the entire period of their trip. A day’s difference can render the plan null and void.

    INCLUDES COVID-19 COVERAGE IN THE POLICY?

    If so, is it due to a travel cancellation or disruption, or is it due to an emergency medical situation? Some policies only cover medical expenditures if they get sick from the coronavirus while travelling abroad, but they don’t cover expenses like flight cancellations, trip interruptions, or quarantine fees. Read the fine print on any policies that cover both cancellation and medical insurance for the coronavirus to determine if there are any restrictions on when they can cancel. Some policies, for example, only allow them to cancel if they or a close relative becomes ill with COVID-19 before the trip.

    IS THERE A NO-REASON CANCELLATION POLICY?

    Some insurance firms charge an extra fee for a “Cancel for No Reason” policy. It is usually much more expensive than the basic plan, but in these uncertain times, it may be worthwhile.

    CHECK TO SEE IF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED:

    Check to see if the activities are covered by their insurance coverage, depending on the type of trip they’re doing. Extreme sports such as scuba diving and mountaineering are not covered by all insurance policies. Also, double-check that the destination they’re travelling to is covered, as some insurance providers refuse to cover high-risk destinations. 

    IS THERE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY?

    When they need assistance, many insurance plans have a 24-hour hotline they can call. They can assist with activities such as locating the nearest hospital, local doctors, were to fill medications, locating misplaced luggage, and rebooking flights, among others.

    Yearly OR SINGLE PLAN:

    If they travel frequently, an annual policy is a better option than buying a single policy for each trip. Also, if they are travelling without a specified return date, make sure that their travel insurance can be extended if they decide to stay later.

    THE CLAIM PROCESS IS EASIER:

    What is the procedure for filing a claim if they find themselves in this situation? It can be frustrating and time-consuming to gather all of the essential papers. The ability to submit everything online can make the process go more smoothly. If they need to file a claim, retain all receipts, medical bills, and other documents since they will most likely have to submit them to the insurance.

    HOW ARE EXPENSES MANAGED?

    Examine how any unforeseen costs that arise during their vacation will be handled. For example, if they end up in the hospital and receive a medical bill, do they have to pay the bill upfront and wait for reimbursement from their insurance company, or does the insurance company pay the bill upfront? Either option works, but if this is how the policy works, make sure they have the funds to pay upfront.

    Hopefully, the preceding suggestions have provided some clarity and will assist them in determining which travel insurance is best and most optimum for their next dream journey. Buy necessary insurance like this from a reliable company like Care Travel Insurance.

  • Best Christmas Gifts for Car Fanatics

    Buying a Christmas gift for someone that is a car fanatic can be challenging. Obviously, a brand-new sports car is not a realistic gift, so what can you get someone that is passionate about automobiles? Read on for a few suggestions that should give you some inspiration.

    Interior Cleaning Kit

    Following on from this, an interior cleaning kit can also be a great gift idea that will help them to keep the interior in tip-top condition. Many people lease their vehicle these days and this can bring a range of benefits, but you do need to take greater care of the interior and a cleaning kit will help people to do this and avoid any fines.

    Top Gear Boxset

    If the recipient is a fan of cars, then they are sure to be a fan of Top Gear as well – if not, they are in for a great surprise! Top Gear has become an important part of car subculture and dates back many years, so a box set is a thoughtful gift that could provide many hours of entertainment.

    A Driving Experience

    While you may not be able to buy them a brand-new sports car, you can arrange for a driving experience that they are sure to enjoy. Driving an F1 car is a popular option and for obvious reasons, but there are all kinds of other cool driving experiences that you can arrange that will provide them with a special and memorable experience that they will cherish forever.

    Driving Gloves

    Driving gloves are a great gift idea for a car lover, especially at Christmas when the temperatures are at their lowest and driving can be tough. Not only a practical gift but driving clothes can also be stylish and make a statement too.

    Ketchup Holder

    Does the recipient also like to stop off for a burger or have a snack while in the car (who doesn’t!?). A ketchup holder can be a funny but also a practical gift that will allow them to really make the most out of their in-car dining experience while reducing the chance of making a mess in the car.

    Dash Cam

    A dashcam is a handy device that every motorist should have in their car. This can provide protection in the form of evidence if you ever get into any kind of accident or incident, plus they can capture anything entertaining/shocking that happens while behind the wheel. Not only this, but those passionate about driving will find it useful for analysing their driving style and find ways to make improvements.

    This post should give you a few ideas for Christmas presents for a car enthusiast. This is not always the easiest type of person to buy for, but the above are ideas that any car enthusiast is sure to appreciate.