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Best-Practice Methods for Running a Successful Online Store

There are plenty of reasons why most homeowners would want to get started with running an online store. Even larger businesses are getting in on the trend, as online stores with the help of Shopify create a platform for revenue that can be maintained for years to come. That said, the potential provided by Shopify also brings with it one of the toughest challenges for online entrepreneurs.

With all of the shops opening up in Shopify, it creates a flood of competition that might leave quite a few online stores in the dust. If you are not careful, it can be easy to get toppled by other online stores, and eventually, fall into obscurity. Here are just a few best-practice methods to running a successful online store.

Keep in mind that off-page marketing is crucial to the success

The trouble with some Shopify users is that they think marketing within Shopify will get the expected results. While there is plenty to gain from Shopify marketing, the real meat and potatoes of success will come from off-page marketing. It is similar to how a company might make use of search engine optimization (SEO) to get the job done and attract online users to their primary website.

The more you work toward brand visibility, the easier it will be to find willing buyers. The best part is that you will never find yourself lacking when it comes to the help from specialists.

Utilizing the primary website for marketing

Aside from the Shopify store, the primary website can also be a host of various digital marketing strategies to help convert curious online users into shoppers. For example, you can make use of blogs and articles concerning your online products and services. You could even go further by utilizing local SEO techniques such as involving local events with the articles. With a strong digital marketing strategy connected to an already effective online store, you can elevate your Shopify store to the next level.

Make sure to track important data

Last but certainly not least, there is also the challenge that comes from making the most out of analytics. For anyone experienced with digital marketing, analytics is practically half the battle when attracting online users. Fortunately, there are various ways to do so with Shopify. With the help of a Shopify profit tracker, you can get useful information that will allow you to take fewer risks and make the most out of the situation.

You do not have to worry about experimenting since the use of a profit tracker can help provide a convenient hub to get all of the data you need without the stress.

Aside from the best-practice methods above, ensure that you take care of yourself when running your online store. Adhere to a schedule when you work, as it can be quite easy to get carried away. With enough diligence and patience, it is entirely possible to achieve standout success with Shopify!

What’s all the fuss about Love Languages?

You might have heard some buzz about love languages – this idea was originated in 1992 by Dr Gary Chapman, a marriage counsellor, who had noticed that, amongst his clients, there was a considerable difference between how they give and receive affection and love.

Dr Chapman observed that this difference often caused tension between partners – for example, one person regularly giving their partner gifts and trinkets, with their partner seeming to not appreciate it – or another person feeling upset and lonely because their partner prefers to spend time alone on the weekends, rather than connecting with them.

The Love Languages that he identified were:

Acts of Service

Words of Affirmation,

Gifts

Quality Time

Physical Touch

At the core of the Love Languages philosophy is the idea of developing empathy and understanding for your partner, and tailoring your behavior to meet them where they are. This means that, even if your love language is physical touch, you may need to use words of affirmation with your partner to ensure they feel loved.

How do I determine my love language?

If you are interested in learning more about love languages, you can take our quiz on the Relish app for FREE during your free trial. In addition to finding out what your love languages are, you’ll immediately start to receive customized exercises, date nights, and activities that will help you feel closer than ever to your partner. Understanding your love languages and the love languages of your partner will offer essential insight into your dynamic. It will also show you how you should show other people love in order to make them feel the most seen.

Tell me more about the five love languages!

Once you’ve determined your love language (and asked your partner to take the quiz so you can learn theirs too!), you can start using them to your advantage. Here are some more details about each of the Love Languages:

Words of Affirmation – This might include validating or praising your partner day to day, and especially on special occasions. People with this love language LOVE validation and hearing that they are loved – in fact, they might like it even more than receiving a gift. The good news is that it also makes us feel good to offer praise and positive feedback – so win/win!

Quality Time – People with this love language might not appreciate a big, expensive gift for their birthday – instead, they might love a picnic together followed by a hike, or an adventure treasure hunt for you to do together. Their love tank is filled up by spending time with YOU – and quality time together ticks all these boxes.

Acts of Service – As un-romantic as folding the laundry, or getting the car serviced, may sound, for those with this love language, there is nothing more valuable and affirming. People with this love language truly appreciate it when you do things for them – it is a sure sign of love and commitment – and they are likely to appreciate a practical action (like doing their grocery shopping or cooking them dinner) than an expensive gift, or heartfelt speech about your love and commitment.

Physical Touch – We know there are people who LIVE for physical touch – and if your partner has this love language, upping your physical contact (hugs, stroking hair, kissing on the cheek) is going to make their day and boost your communication. We each get a little burst of serotonin and oxytocin when we touch our partner – even non-sexually – and these small actions can go a long way in keeping up the connection and love.

Gifts – For some people, physical gifts are where it is at! If your partner has this as a love language, they are going to really appreciate your thoughtful gestures – even the small, day to day things like bringing them home some ice cream or splurging on a new phone accessory ‘just because’. A thoughtful gift can mean the world to someone, especially if this is their main love language.

If you’re curious and would like to learn more about Love Languages, as well as relationships, love and intimacy, then you and your partner should try Relish. Relish is a relationship coaching app that offers couples personalized quizzes, articles, games, and tailored relationship advice so that they can set and achieve goals related to their relationships. Relish has a team of expert coaches that can help you identify your love languages and use this knowledge to achieve your relationship goals as a team. Relish is a great tool because it is so convenient to use. The app is much cheaper than traditional relationship therapy, and MUCH more convenient.The easy to use app brings relationship help to the palm of your hand and makes taking that first step to get help so much easier – and currently offers a 7-day free trial so you can try it for yourself.

Ways to Free Yourself from Debt Before Retirement 

When you reach retirement age, you won’t have the same income source anymore. Your lifestyle will drastically change. After living comfortably abroad for many years, this change won’t be easy to deal with. When that time comes, you don’t want to worry about financial issues. If you still have unpaid debts, you have to deal with them. These tips can help.

Face your creditors

Dealing with debts is challenging, especially if you live from payday to payday. You might earn a lot, but you also have lots of bills to pay. If you’re about to retire, and you still have loans to pay, try to talk to your creditors. Negotiate with them to make it easier to repay the loans. You can request the removal of the interest rates. You may also ask for a better repayment schedule. You also don’t want to return home if you have outstanding debts.

Start your lifestyle changes

You have to think as if you no longer have a regular income source. Some monthly expenses might have to go. Focus on what you need most. Another advantage is that when you reach retirement age, you won’t want to make drastic lifestyle changes anymore. When you cut your monthly expenses, you can use more money for loan repayments. If you plan to retire in your home country, try to research the cost of living. You’ve been away for a while, and you need the latest information.

Look at assets you can sell

Over the years, you saved enough money and bought valuable assets. You can sell some of them. You don’t need to keep all your paintings and jewellery. If you can sell them, it’s easier to repay your loans. You also don’t want to bring items purchased overseas back home.

Stop investing

You’re already getting older. It’s not the right time to invest in something that could yield positive results in ten years. Expanding your portfolio or opening a business might not be ideal at this point. If you lost your investment, you would face more problems upon retirement. If you have money to spare for investment, you can use it to pay your debts instead.

Check your retirement fund

Never use your retirement fund for loan repayments. The reason for checking it now is that you want to see if you’re financially ready to retire. You don’t want to repay your existing loans and start borrowing money again. You no longer have an income source, and it’s terrible if you dig more holes by applying for loans.

You have to work hard if you wish to experience financial freedom close to retirement. If possible, avoid borrowing money for things you don’t need. Instead of spending on unnecessary things, you have to keep building your retirement fund. You can also consult with experts who will give you advice on becoming financially stable. Even if you have to pay for their services, it is worth it. Get QROPS advice if you need help regarding your retirement. Many ex-pats didn’t think about retirement, and it led to issues close to their retirement age. You don’t want to be one of them.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/ihqB-c8C7Bc

3 Benefits Of Doing Jigsaw Puzzles, Online Or Live!

Leisure time is vital for any human being. Having leisure time doesn’t have to be boring because you didn’t wake-up to your regular working schedule. Some of us will go to the park during our free time, and others opt to stay at home watching some movies. What happens to those who aren’t taking part in any of these recreational activities? Will you snuggle in your duvets the entire weekend? Jigsaw puzzles are a proper way to keep your free time engaging and entertaining.

What is a jigsaw puzzle?

A jigsaw puzzle is a tiling puzzle game that needs the gamer to organize several shaped interlocking pieces to form a pattern. The game was established around the 18th century. The jigsaw puzzles were initially created from wood, but different materials and mobile applications are available with modern technology.

The popularity of jigsaw puzzles is gradually spreading, and it has seen much improvement during the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The most exciting aspect of having a jigsaw puzzle is that you can work as a team or solo.

Its benefits

  • They are family connection channels.

When you have a jigsaw puzzle package in your home, as a mom, this is the best way you would get all your young ones from the screen. You had a busy week and want a proper way to spend an entertaining moment with your family, get a jigsaw puzzle game package. Take out the pallets and place them in your sitting area table, and you will attract everyone to take a moment in solving the puzzle. Playing jigsaw puzzle games as a family would be both collaborative and competitive. As a parent, you get room to start conversations with your gamers in an interactive and lively manner.

  • It gives room for meditation and relaxation.

Remember, you can make a jigsaw puzzle playing a solo moment. Are you tired of staring at your laptops and phone all day? Assemble those beautiful jigsaw pieces on your table, and as you try working out the puzzle, you will see the magic. All your thoughts and senses focus on the puzzles, trying to determine which pieces match the other perfectly. In the process, your body enjoys some relaxation.

Additionally, having a solo jigsaw puzzle solving moment would be a way of meditation. You have un-distracted “me-time,” and it would be beneficial to do some personal reflections.

  • Gaining and advancement of new skills

Playing jigsaw puzzles equips the gamers with incredible new skills. When you are spinning your head to match those pieces, some develop pattern-matching skills and talents in the process. If you are interested in some fashion working, adding jigsaw puzzle games to your entertainment list makes excellent sense. Jigsaw puzzle-solving demands a lot of concertation ad organization skills. The more you challenge yourself with the puzzle, the more you develop your organization skills.

With the benefits mentioned above of playing jigsaw puzzles inclusive of the health and physical advantages, one would say that a jigsaw puzzle is a lifesaver game.

 

4 Essential Things to Know About Your Cat’s Nutrition

The best Dubai pet foods have superb quality and all the nutrients required to keep your cat as healthy as possible for as long as possible. From the nutrients they need to the importance of water and the benefits of cat food toppers, read on for the four essential things you need to know about your cat’s nutrition.

1. Only feed them high-quality pet food.

Your cat needs nutrients in order to maintain their energy levels and to ensure that their metabolic machinery (which is required for maintenance and growth) is working properly. Your cat needs protein for growth, maintenance, reproduction and repair, as well as fats for energy and protection for internal organs. They also need to consume carbohydrates as they provide energy for their body’s tissues and critical organs and vitamins for normal metabolic functioning.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your cat is consuming the necessary nutrition is to feed them high-quality pet food. Because the food is formulated to the highest standard, by providing them with high-quality pet food, your cat will be able to get all the necessary nutrients.

All cats, regardless of age, need to be eating high-quality, nutritious food in order to maintain their health. The amount you need to feed an adult cat is going to depend on their size and activity levels, as this plays a large role in determining their caloric intake. At this age, it is generally suggested that you feed your cat twice a day and implement portion control.

If your cat is overweight, you will need to reduce their caloric intake and increase their activity levels. Remember that (just like humans), cats should consume treats in moderation and should instead be mostly eating a nutritionally rich diet of regular meals.

2. Encourage your cat to drink more water.

Cats are notorious for not consuming enough water on their own accord. If they don’t drink enough water and become dehydrated, they can develop bladder and kidney issues, which can often be painful and potentially fatal. Therefore, you must encourage them to stay hydrated so that they can remain happy and healthy.

In order to get your cat to drink more, you want to make sure you are providing them with fresh water every single day. Keep in mind that cats love running water, so opting for a water fountain can make a significant difference.

If you choose to go with a water bowl, make sure you use a shallow one as this will help to prevent “whisker stress.” This occurs when a cat has to eat or drink from a deep bowl which then brushes against their whiskers, putting pressure on them and leading to severe sensitivity or pain. Additionally, it would be best if you cleaned the water bowl regularly and kept several water containers around the house in different places.

Furthermore, you should add a small amount of water to your cat’s wet food to help them drink more water.

3. You may need to offer them cat food toppers.

In some instances, even the most delicious dry food can be a hard sell for your kitty. Many owners find it challenging to encourage their cat to eat dry food. After all, cats are stubborn and often a lot fussier when it comes to kibble than wet food. However, it is still vital for your cat to eat the dry food as it is key to good nutrition, and it also plays a significant role in keeping their teeth healthy.

Therefore, if you are looking for ways to get your cat to eat dry food, you may want to experiment with cat food toppers. You can pour products such as Applaws Cat Soups or Kit Cat cans over the kibble to encourage your fur baby to eat their dry food.

Additionally, cat food toppers provide your cat with more moisture, something their diet is usually lacking. As mentioned earlier, cats do not typically consume enough water on their own, so you want to provide them with more moisture whenever possible. Therefore, supplementing their diet with cat food toppers is a great strategy.

4. Pay attention to your cat’s specific needs.

At the end of the day, every cat is different, which is why it is so essential that you pay attention to your cat’s specific needs. To get the balance right and aid your furry friend in leading a long and healthy life, you need to really know your cat.

In addition to ensuring that they are consuming the right amounts of the five major nutrient groups (protein, fats and oils, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates), you also want to make sure you are feeding them the right amount. To ascertain how much they should be eating, you need to take into account their breed, activity and lifestyle.

Start by following the feeding guidelines listed on the cat food packaging and then from there, you can slightly increase or decrease depending on your cat’s size and activity level. Therefore, it is essential to remember that the amounts listed on the cat food are only guidelines and the actual amount your cat needs may be different. You can monitor your cat’s weight and use it as a basis to adjust the amount of food you are feeding them.

What do you think are the most critical aspects of managing your cat’s nutrition? Do you have any additional tips or relevant insights to add to this list? Alternatively, are you experiencing any challenges when it comes to your pet’s diet? Let us know your thoughts and ask your questions in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet’s Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond, and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market representing world-class brands including Orijen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.

Mimy Online Review

Mimy Online is a platform which surprised me with its own diversity. They supply many events related to any branch of life, which

cannot but interest me as an individual. However, there is also a default collection of occasions. This platform grabs on with its

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I seldom visit websites like this with insufficient those catchy odds that newbies are unable to grasp. This uniqueness enables

beginners to try out something new.

What surprised me is that consumers may create their events to play with each other privately. It’s also possible to create

events, share them and make money from every wager.

It is pleasantly surprising to see various categories such as politics, supernatural, sports, amusement, sandbox, online games, technology, space, and science. In general, everything that springs to mind is on this website, which may not rejoice.

I was convinced of the honesty of the platform because I had no issues with withdrawing money. It is a joy to view their official

documents and permits at any time on the website itself.

Bonuses

Mimy online has prepared a small bonus for many newly registered users. So, as a user, it was great news for me personally to see

that the very first bet on this platform might be produced without risk, and even after shedding, they returned my money!

Among the chief advantages of this platform is that it’s as easy to use as possible. But they have a 24/7 service chat that can

answer any question and solve any problem.

The platform’s assignment is to create people play with each other and not just boringly await the results of the event. Mimy

online stated that the capacity to produce your own bets is only the start of their trip. I was pleased with a certain similarity

using a social network and the ability to communicate and interact with other people and place stakes. It’s fine that they value your opinion and listen to your comments. This makes you need to develop the stage together with different participants.

Summary

In summary, I’d love to say that I am simply delighted with this website as it contains almost everything that I wished to find on

this particular platform. A number of classes, rapid responses from service, the possibility of a trial bid, and interaction with

different people! Additionally, for me, the product’s uniqueness and licensing are not unimportant, which is also provided here. I

suggest this platform to everyone precisely for its own creativity and ease of use, and attitude towards users.

 

ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres: an alternative for all the family

Resultado de imagen de https://atelierdehoteles.com/estudio-playa-mujeres

Holidays are the time of the year every member of our family eagerly waits for. They bring us the opportunity of discovering new exciting places and enjoy activities we would not be able to experience during the rest of the year. Picking a destination for our holidays that would make every member of our family happy may seem tricky, but what if there was a place with alternatives for everyone? ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres is here to answer the prayers of parents and children alike.

A place where adults can relax

We live stressful lives, and the fact that we are suffering from a global pandemic does not help exactly. Picking a place where you and your family can have fun while being safe from the COVID-19 may seem like an odyssey, but nothing further from reality. The most exclusive resorts in Mexico, like ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres, are the perfect alternative for your next holidays.

Located on the breathtaking Mexican beach known as Playa Mujeres, we can find ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres, probably the best all-inclusive luxury family resort in Cancun. This luxurious 5 stars resort offers a wide range of activities and facilities for people of all ages, making it the perfect alternative for some family holidays.

One of our main concerns while travelling these days is the COVID-19 pandemic, but in ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres, you will not need to worry. They have created the Shielded Vacations program following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the directions of the Mexican Government at the State and Federal level. The result is a series of Prevention, Hygiene and Disinfection Protocols that helps keep the resort’s guests and customers safe. In ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres you will be just as safe as in your own house.

Parents can leave their children in the exclusive Doodle Land® and relax, finally earning that little me time we desperately sometimes need during the year. When it comes to relaxing, we cannot stop recommending that you check the resort’s spa, Nuup Spa. Nuup Spa has the most innovative treatments that will awaken your senses into a new state of mind, all while being in perfect harmony and balance. The spa has 18 private cabins, its own hydrotherapy circuit (with a sauna, ludic pool, steam room and sensations showers), a tea station with assorted flavours and an exclusive beauty salons where you will be able to get your hair, manicure and pedicure done.

But if spas are not your thing, you can always get away in the resort’s fantastic 18 hole golf course or in one of the many bars across the resort, especially those next to the pool. After all, there is nothing like relaxing with some drinks near the water to take all your stress away.

You and your family will be able to grab food in any of the restaurants and coffee shops across the resort. These restaurants feature gourmet meals from all over the world, pleasing even the pickiest eater.

Before you realize, you will be having the time of your life without any worry in your mind.

Kids will have the time of their lives

Finding a place that offers our children a wide variety of recreational activities is never an easy task, but thankfully, ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres is among the best kids friendly resorts in Mexico.

Thanks to their innovative Doodle Land®, kids will have a place where they can have fun and express themselves. The Doodle Land® installations are decorated with illustrations from the famous cartoonist and illustrator Carlos Varela. Carlos Varela, who has more than 27 years of experience behind his back, is a Mexican artist critically acclaimed all across the world. Its works have appeared in the covers of the most prestigious magazines and newspapers’ editorials. The illustrations by Carlos Varela will help sparkle our kids’ imagination.

The Doodle Land® program has been specially designed for children of any age with different interests. On their workshops, kids will be able to:

  • Make fun science experiments on the Fab Lab.
  • Enjoy exciting beach and pool sports.
  • Experiment with the technology workshop, with production processes as interesting as robotics or 3D printing.
  • Discover the universe that surrounds us in an impressive Planetarium.
  • Experience nature first hand exploring the jungle, the beach and even a mini-vegetable patch.
  • Learn how to cook Mexican and gourmet meals.
  • Express themselves in an art workshop with guest artists that will help them bring out all their potential.

Oliver Reinhart, CEO of ATELIER de Hoteles, knows how important is to motivate children since their early ages, and therefore, he has to spare no effort creating Doodle Land®, a safe haven for children to have fun, while their parents rest reassured that their children are in the best hands.

Do not leave your pets behind

For many of us, our pets are part of our family. Having pets during the holiday season has always been hard on many families, who find themselves forced to leave their pets behind at home since many places do not accept pets in. Thankfully, when it comes to Cancun pet friendly resorts, ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres comes on top.

The staff at ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres knows how important our pets are for us, and have created the innovative Pet-It® program, where your pet will be as welcome as any other guest.

Thanks to the dog-friendly Pet-It® concept, our pet will receive all the spoiling it deserves during our holidays. You will have access to a doggy sitter service if you do not wish to ever leave your pet alone. And in case any sudden medical inconvenience occurred, you will also have access to the best veterinarian services.

In the suite, our pets will have access to a 5 plate gourmet menu and lots of toys and accessories, so they can feel comfortable during your stay.

On top of that, ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres has lots of activities and happenings for pet owners, so your family can share some quality time and fun memories with your pet.

Overall, ESTUDIO Playa Mujeres is the best alternative for your next holidays, featuring activities that all the members of your family will love and helping create fond everlasting memories.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Move Abroad?

Are you considering moving abroad to a warmer climate? Would you love to have the opportunity to travel and live somewhere new? Becoming an expat is something that can be a reality for you. But you will have to do your preparation when it comes to finances first. Indeed, a common question is; how much does it really cost to move abroad? Let’s break it down.

Beach, Dominican Republic, Caribbean, Summer, Sea

The Financial Side

You and your family may be emotionally ready to move abroad. But you are going to want to consider the financial side before you dive into your new life. Of course, you have your flights to book and all of your personal items. But you really need to think of the expenses that are going to come your way as an expat.

Primarily, the big expense you are going to have when you become an expat is your cost of living. We are talking about paying for accommodation and your day-to-day living. Most people rent at first when they move abroad. This allows you time to see whether you like living in the country and to find the right neighborhood for your family. Then you need to budget money for food, healthcare and other essentials. Be aware that you may have to pay out or a security deposit on your accommodation too.

In order to work out how much it is going to cost to move abroad, you will have to do your research. Some countries have a lower cost of living than others. For example, moving to Singapore is going to have higher expenses than moving to Mexico. Create a budget spreadsheet to work out how much the following are going to cost you so you know how much to save:

  • The monthly cost of living
  • Flights
  • Insurance policies
  • Additional expenses

Moving Abroad in 2021

When it came to travel in 2020, it was largely disrupted by COVID-19. In fact, it caused a lot of worry for people that were planning on moving abroad. Some borders were closed and there were restrictions put in place across the world to deal with the global pandemic. Therefore, families will be wondering whether their expat dream can come true in 2021 as the coronavirus economic impact has been severe.

It is hoped that some progress in suppressing the coronavirus will be made in 2021. While some expats have expressed their desire to return home, others have found they are confident with their financial situation abroad. This will have to be something you consider personally. You will have to do some research on whether it will be possible to move abroad to your new country during this time. You will also want to weigh up what the healthcare system is like and if you have the financial backing to support you and your family. If you were planning on traveling and exploring as an expat, it may be best to delay your trip as this may not be done safely.

 

Can Luxury Fashion Find Ways to Sustain Itself?

For the fashion industry, the unpredictable nature of the economy means potential challenges. These need to be solved. This is a market that has grown tremendously over the years and is projected to reach a revenue of more than US$759 million in 2021, but it constantly faces instability. The area that is suffering the most, while struggling to become sustainable, is luxury fashion.

Luxury fashion items, unlike fast fashion and prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear), are being sold in relatively low quantities. That is, first of all, because of their prices – which are not accessible to everyone – and also their practices – which are not on-trend with what consumers are looking for nowadays. Today, the majority of shoppers are looking for something practical, rather than expensive evening wear. This is good news for people’s pockets, but not necessarily for the environment.

The industry, generally surrounding ‘cheaper’ and fast fashion, has also received plenty of criticism for its lack of transparency when it comes to production lines and its approach to environmental and ethical issues.

The future of luxury

This last year has proven to be continually difficult for the luxury sector, as leftover stock more than doubled for many big names. This means that items from Alexander McQueen ballet flats to Alberta Ferretti dresses will likely have to be sold at lower prices. This is great news for shoppers, as it means their money can go a bit further when delving into the luxurious world of high-fashion. The higher prices are usually justified by the exclusivity of the garments; an exclusivity that comes from high-quality materials, designs, and labor. Those are rare finds in the worlds of fast fashion and prêt-à-porter.

However, as time goes by, prices continue to fluctuate. Influential brands usually look past the nature of finance in such a volatile market, as these big names tend to rely on their loyal customers, which is something that, realistically, needs to change with the changing times. To become more sustainable, luxury fashion brands are beginning to find new ways to be accessible to their consumers which, today, consist of mainly Generation Z and Millennials.

Compared to other generations, Gen Z is decidedly much more culturally aware of the ethical and environmental issues involving the industry. They keep these issues in mind when they shop and want their shopping habits to be sustainable. This is one of the reasons younger people seem to stay away from fast fashion and items that are considered ‘disposable’. That attitude is serving to boost the high fashion sector, as companies are beginning to adapt to the wants and needs of this new demographic.

Finding a balance

One of the biggest challenges that the luxury fashion sector faces, is the high-cost materials, such as leather and silk, which reflect on the prices of garments and, inherently, sales. These materials are still heavily used, despite their controversial reputation in Vegan circles, for example. Because of this, new, innovative materials are constantly coming to the fore in a market that is becoming more aware of where exactly its leather handbags are coming from. There are, also, designers that have proven that luxury garments aren’t defined by materials. Stella McCartney and Maison Margiela, for example, have created runway statements with the use of recycled and vegan fabrics and textiles.

On top of the need to adopt biodegradable materials, the fashion industry as a whole is also beginning to address the issue of burning excess inventory. Many luxury brands, for example, use this practice to maintain their high prices, even though it is a waste with major repercussions for the environment. This is countered by sales, as mentioned beforehand, and the fact that brands are creating less ready-wear, mass-produced pieces.

Billions of people are developing a new ethos when it comes to the purchases they make. The easy access to ethical information means the general public is now more aware than ever of the environmental and social issues involving the fashion industry. It is a positive sign that luxury fashion brands, in particular, are beginning to craft solutions to these problems and make the right changes, in order to create a sustainable future.

Reasons to Consider Chicago for a Destination Baby Shower

Destination weddings and destination bachelorette parties often make the news, but you seldom hear about destination baby showers. That’s a shame. A destination baby shower is a great way to get all your friends and family together and celebrate the impending birth of your child.

Destination baby showers are becoming more popular these days for new parents-to-be. If you have a large number of out-of-town friends and family or simply want to get away one last time before you become a parent, a destination baby shower is the way to go.

If you are considering a destination baby shower, take a look at what the Windy City has to offer. A destination baby shower in Chicago is a fantastic experience that will be as memorable as it is fun. Here are a few reasons to consider Chicago for a destination baby shower.

Central location

One reason destination baby showers are becoming so popular is that people tend to have more friends all around the country. As technology helps keep us more connected, it is easier to keep in touch with your college roommate in Dallas or your cousin in Des Moines. When you have your baby shower, you want to invite all these people but asking them to travel to you can be asking too much of a favor.

Chicago, also known as the Jewel of the Midwest, is the premier big city in the middle of the country. If you want a destination for your baby shower that is convenient for the most invitees, Chicago is it. The city is no more than a three-and-a-half hour flight from basically anywhere in the country and is drivable from a good chunk of it. It is the perfect “meet in the middle” location.

Two airports

In addition to being relatively close to everyone coming to your baby shower, Chicago is also easy to get to from virtually anywhere. Chicago has two major airports – O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. New York, LA, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington DC are the only cities with comparable travel options.

This offers travelers a better chance to get direct flights, reasonable prices on flights, and flights at convenient times. Flying into either of these airports is fine since both are close to downtown Chicago and offer a number of easy transportation options to get into the city. Having two airports is an underrated draw when it comes to destination events.

Large variety of venues

In addition to Chicago’s central location and ease of access, there are also an incredible amount of wonderful venues to choose from to host your baby shower. No matter what your taste, style, and budget, you can find a perfect Windy City venue where you can throw your party.

Whether you like classy and traditional, funky and modern, or anything in between, there is a Chicago venue for you. The city is also home to world-class caterers, entertainment companies, photographers, videographers, and more. You can find everything you need in Chicago for the baby shower of your dreams. Party Slate has compiled a list with some of the best Chicago baby shower venues if you’re looking for a place to start.

Many Activities

The important thing to remember about a destination baby shower is that the baby shower piece is generally just one part of a larger weekend, or even week. It is the reason you are all there but it is not the only thing you will do while in town.

If you have your destination baby shower in Chicago, finding things to do while you are not baby showering will be very easy. You can see some of the famous Chicago sites such as the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the famous Bean (aka Cloud Gate) sculpture in Millennium Park.

If you and your party want to do a little retail celebration while you are in the White City, great shopping is available, too. The Magnificent Mile, in the heart of downtown Chicago, offers high-end retail that rivals Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive. You can find trendy boutiques around the city, too, especially in neighborhoods such as Logan Square, Bridgeport, and Andersonville (A-Ville to the kids).

Great food and drink

If you are coming to Chicago for the first time, you may want to try one of the city’s famous indulgences such as Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, or a Chicago dog run through the garden. For a destination baby shower, though, you probably want some more upscale fare. Luckily, Chicago has that covered these days, too.

Several celebrity chefs call Chicago home including Stephanie Izard, Rick Bayless, and Grant Achatz. Achatz’s Alinea restaurant is Chicago’s only 3-starred Michelin restaurant but Arcadia, Oriole, and Smyth all have 2 stars, and 21 others in the city make the prestigious list with 1 star.

As for drinks, if the baby shower is in your honor, you probably won’t spend a late-night bar-hopping in Wicker Park or River North, but many great neighborhoods in Chicago offer fine bar-hopping locales. Don’t worry, you won’t get left out of the drinking festivities just because you’re pregnant.

The historic Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago hosts a well-known Afternoon Tea in its lovely Palm Court room. The room oozes elegance with a fountain in the middle and a huge chandelier. You can get tiny sandwiches, delicate desserts, and a three-tiered tray of scones here. A tea sommelier can walk you and your group through what you’re drinking. It is the perfect pairing for a destination baby shower.

Conclusion

A destination baby shower is a great idea for expectant parents who want to do something a little out of the ordinary for their baby shower. If you think this may be a good idea for you, Chicago is a great place to do it. The city is centrally located with two major airports and chock full of venues, things to do, and places to eat and drink. It will make your baby shower one that people will remember long after your baby is delivered.