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Curated by London-based Laurence Von Thomas, online photography gallery If You Leave started as a personal blog in 2009. With more than 500 contemporary photographers featured and 4 books published over these years, If You Leave has become a cult online project with a following of 430,000 on Tumblr.

If you Leave are now putting together an international photography showcase in the form of a competition/exhibition featuring the work of up and coming photographers from all around the world.

The exhibition will coincide with the release of the first of If you Leave bi-annual magazine. The first issue will double as a show catalogue and will include 10 prints from the artists showing their work at the exhibition.

To make this possible, If You Leave have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise some money to fund the the exhibition and magazine. If you want to help or submit your work, you can find more information on the video below.

www.if-you-leave.tumblr.com

Learning a language can be a fantastic addition to any business owner’s toolkit. Expanding your ability to communicate with others is always going to stand you in good stead for the future. If you’re wondering what language you or your staff should learn next, why not consider German?

The number of German speakers is relatively small in comparison to the numbers of English, Chinese or Arabic speakers. So, why is it so important for businesses to learn?

Image via Unsplash

Germany is Europe’s strongest economy

Germany is Europe’s economic leader. By GDP, it outranks the UK – its nearest competitor – by about $1.2 trillion.

Because of this, there are a wealth of business opportunities to be had in the German market. That kind of economic strength lends itself to widespread spending. And savvy UK business owners – with the resources or knowhow to do so – should be looking to exploit the available commercial opportunities.

Having staff members that can confidently converse in German will allow you to take advantage of the sizeable German market. Expanding overseas isn’t the kind of thing you can just dive into. Having a member of staff who knows the language – and the culture – exhaustively will give you the best possible chance of succeeding in Berlin or anywhere else in Germany.

The UK’s relationship with Germany

Outside of the US, Germany imports the highest value of products from the UK at almost £24 billion. In the first half of 2020, the UK also imported more goods from Germany than any other country.

Germany is the UK’s leading trade partner in Europe – making it fertile soil for aspiring entrepreneurs hoping to expand their business operations overseas.

There is obviously a market for products manufactured in the UK in Germany and command of the German language puts those business owners in position to take advantage of it.

So, whether you’re hoping to export products to Germany or set up a manufacturing base there, Germany represents a robust market for UK business owners.

Tourists from Germany are a global leader in spending

Being able to cater to German clients can prove more profitable than any other community. Outside of the US and China, Germany spends the most money on travel. In 2018, German tourists spent $94 billion in other countries.

Having the language skills to converse fluently in German will allow you to capitalise on German tourists’ unique spending power.

Additionally, a grasp of the German language will allow you to market your product or service capably. You’ll know what audience to target, what tone to take and how to build relationships with key personnel.

Positive cognitive effects of speaking another language

Speaking a different language also has a host of positive cognitive effects. Multilingual people have stronger memories, a better ability to concentrate and superior multitasking skills relative to monolingual people. These are all traits you want people in your business to possess.

Language skills also bolster long-term health. There’s evidence that knowing another language can delay the onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

 

Throwing a dinner party could be a great way to celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. You could also celebrate friendship and life milestones through dinner parties. The best memories are created when they’re spent with the people you love most, like your family and friends. 

But how do you throw the best dinner party ever? Below are some of the best tips and tricks for hosting dinner parties for friends and family.  

1. Prepare The Venue 

 

Try to host a dinner party at home, whether indoors or outdoors. It’s convenient and accessible for everyone. Everybody could come in their casual look or costume confidently, depending on your party theme. To prepare the venue for your dinner party, here are some tips to consider: 

 

• Clear all mess and obstacles. Before the big day, you can clean, disinfect, and organize things in the venue to avoid safety hazards and potential health issues. You may trim tall plants and trees, remove scattered gardening tools and equipment, sweep the place, and so on. 

• Make it cozy. Decorate your dining room or patio with cozy lights and elegant decors. Fairy lights have a party feel, perfect for a dinner get-together. 

• Add flowers. You can order fresh flowers online such as tulip, peony, or ranunculus collection or any flower available to attain the perfect ambiance you want to achieve for your dinner party.

 

 2. Try New Food And Beverages 

 

You can enjoy all kinds of food-sharing activities with friends and family at a dinner party while spending the night catching up. Delicious food and drinks not only satisfy the appetite but also enhance the ambiance of the gathering. Experience something new together by trying organic pinot grigio wine, a dry and crisp option that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, seafood, and salads. You could also experiment with a new international cuisine, whether it’s homemade sushi, Spanish tapas, or an exotic Middle Eastern dish, to add an adventurous twist to your dinner party.

 

• Try a new cocktail. You could create a new cocktail of the night and let your guests and visitors try a unique cocktail taste.  

• Introduce a new recipe. If you have a new recipe, you can be the chef in the house and let your friends try your newly invented dish. 

• Try a new food in a restaurant menu. If there’s a newly opened restaurant in your area offering delivery service, you may order their most in-demand food and have it delivered to your home just in time for the dinner party. 

 

3. Throw A Virtual Dinner Party  

 

Because the COVID-19 pandemic is still cooling off, hosting a virtual dinner party would be a great alternative to a live party, and everybody could share their lockdown stories. If you want to bring everyone together but they’re miles apart, throwing a virtual dinner party would surely inspire them. Here’s how you could host a virtual dinner party: 

• Send virtual RSVP via email.  
• Provide clear instructions as to how guests could join the virtual dinner party. Online tools are available for this step.  
• Suggest food, drinks, and the theme for the virtual party.  
• Allow everyone to share their stories. 
• Record a video and take images during the party. 

4. Throw A Surprise Dinner Party  

 

You may invite a close friend or relative at home who recently celebrated their birthday and surprise them with a dinner party. You can host a surprise dinner party by trying out these tips: 

• Research about your friend’s or relative’s favorite food and serve it at the dinner party.  
• Surprise your friend or loved one with a bouquet of fresh flowers during the party.  
• Hire a clown, magician, singer, band, or any talented professional to entertain everyone. 

5. Hold A Bring-Your-Own-Food Dinner Party 

 

On short notice, you can invite your friends to have a dinner party at your place. Ask them to bring their own food to share at the party, and you could take care of the drinks and decorating the venue. You could assign types of dishes your friends can bring while considering each of their specialties in food.

6. Think Of Cool And New Things To Do  

 

Aside from endless chatting, it’s a good idea to think of cool and new things to do during a dinner party. For instance, you can host a dinner party with a unique theme. Check out the following examples for themes: 

• Truth and consequence game 
• Karaoke  
• Scrabble or other table games 
• Charade whispers 

Extra Tip: Never let your guest leave empty-handed. Give them personalized favors like silicone wrist bands, bracelets, and tote bags to cherish the memories of your dinner party. These small tokens of appreciation will leave a lasting impression and make your guests feel valued and appreciated.

Conclusion  

Hosting a dinner party entails careful preparation to ensure all aspects are taken care of, such as the decors, food and drinks, and activities. You want your dinner party to be memorable for all your guests. So be creative and try the above tips and tricks to have a happy and successful dinner party. 

 

For people who work in the construction industry, footwear almost automatically means steel toe boots. Steel toe wearables come with reinforced toes that enable heavy duty protection of the feet from various hazards such as heavy objects or a sudden impact in the workplace. Comfortable steel toe boots can ensure the well-being of workers by putting safety first. 

Here are some benefits of using steel toe comfort boots.

1. Compliance With Requirements. Working in the construction industry calls for compliance with certain health and safety standards to avoid potential hazards. Steel toe boots are one of the requirements for people who work on-site. Thus, you have an obligation to follow this standard. On the other hand, it’s also meant for your own safety, so there’s really nothing to worry about here. 
2. Protection From Falling Debris. In any construction work, there’s always the risk of falling debris whether it’s an equipment or a brick, so it always pays to protect yourself from such things. Steel toe boots will protect your toes from pain and damage even if heavy objects fall on them. 
3. Prevent Accidents Like Falling Or Slipping. Falling or slipping can also cause damage to your foot. Some steel toe boots are made to be slip-resistant to help prevent these kinds of unfortunate events. So when on the job site, you should only worry about doing your job well and not have to think about accidents. 
4. Protection From Other Injuries. Steel toe boots don’t just provide protection against falling objects, but they can also help prevent punctures, burns, and cuts to your feet. High quality steel toe boots are effective in preventing these kinds of injuries from occurring. 
5. Provide Comfort During Work. While many people think that steel toe boots are rigid and uncomfortable, that need not always be the case. Once you have broken them in, high-quality steel toe boots provide comfort to the wearer despite long work hours while also providing protection. Although work boots are made to last a long time, it doesn’t mean that they’re not comfortable. In fact, safety boots paired with your favorite socks can help prevent discomfort that is brought about by standing long hours on hard surfaces like floors or the ground. It may sound unbelievable, but steel toe boots give extra comfort and support for your toes and heels, which everyone needs at work. However, to be absolutely sure you’re getting maximum comfort, it’s worth adding insoles for neuropathy to the mix.
6. Look Stylish In Boots. Aside from giving comfort and protection, wearing heavy duty boots can add to your appearance as there are many colors and styles to choose from. You don’t have to wear the classic heavy black boots as there are many styles that can suit your taste. 
7. Match Your Hard Hat. Your hard hat provides protection for your head against injuries. In the same way, your steel toe boots do the same. Thus, complete the sturdy look with a pair of quality steel toe boots.
8. Provide Quality And Durability. Steel toe boots are designed with durability in mind. You can always rely on your good quality boots the same way you can rely on your trusty toolbox. Whenever you want to get work done, don’t forget to use your boots. They’re made for daily use and will not wear out quickly. 
9. Avoid Insect And Snake Bites. If you happen to have a project near a forest, or any place that’s been abandoned for a long time, poisonous insects and snakes could be there waiting to bite. But if you’re wearing your steel toe boots, you’re in luck since snake fangs can’t cut through them. You may never know where your next job site might be, so wearing protective gear at all times is essential. 
10. Choose From Various Sizes. Not only do steel toe boots come in various styles, you can also choose from different sizes. You can go for boots with wider calf, not only for additional comfort, but also for added protection. Whatever foot size you have, it’s best to ensure that you select a pair that’s most comfortable for you.  
11. Prevent Electric Shocks. If you happen to work with electricity in the workplace, there is always the risk of electric shocks. One way to prevent this is to wear steel toe boots as they can help protect you from unexpected shocks. 

Final Thoughts

Workers in the construction industry know how important safety is in their chosen job. One way to provide protection to workers is using safety footwear such as steel toe boots, which can help prevent damage and injuries from falling debris, electrocution, snake bites, cuts, and burns. High-quality steel toe boots can provide protection while also giving comfort during long working hours. Ensure a good fit with your boots and you’ll love working in them.