Tag Archives: Lifestyle

Travel |

|

Music and Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur

Women at nightclub

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant, exciting city, and its nightlife scene is most definitely thriving. From go-to live music spots to sleek and stylish cocktail bars to pulsating nightclubs, here is the very best of Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife.

Zouk Club
The award-winning Zouk nightclub is the only club in Malaysia to hold a 5am license, and even boasts a diverse food menu, with both Asian and Western dishes, that is served up until 4:30am, at the club’s very own café. The club itself has been designed to accommodate a wide variety of music tastes, with eleven unique rooms that each play different styles of music. With international DJs spinning everything from EDM to hip hop to house, themed parties and a fabulous rooftop area, this is one of the city’s must-visit nightclubs.

No Black Tie
No Black Tie has been running for 15 years now, making it quite the iconic establishment within the city. Casual and laid back, this is the leading jazz bar in Kuala Lumpur, attracting both local and international jazz performers, as well as a sophisticated crowd. Its unpretentious nature only highlights the importance that the venue places on its music, so be sure not to give No Black Tie a miss if you are hoping to catch some live music in Kuala Lumpur.

Elegant bar

Whipped Into Place
Located in the Bangsar Shopping Centre, Whipped Into Place is a relaxed bar that serves up a wide range of champagnes, wines, spirits and mojitos, with its impressive drink selection making it a favorite bar for many. There are both indoor and outdoor spaces to sit back and enjoy your drink here, and the quality service, coupled with the tasty food served up, makes this a great place to spend the evening.

Providence
Not only does Kuala Lumpur have plenty of nightclubs, but many of these are super-clubs, with room upon room of music and crowds. However, when you want to enjoy an evening at a nightclub but in a more intimate setting, then Providence is the place to go. Exclusive and luxurious, this club boasts a quality sound system, with hip hop, R&B and electro tracks taking centre stage.

Concert

Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
While there is no denying the feeling that comes from letting your hair down and dancing the night away at a busy nightclub, the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas offers a different, but equally enjoyable, experience. This is the country’s first dedicated concert space for classical music, and can be found in the Petronas Twin Tower complex. Not only is the 865 seat venue the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, but there are also many other classical musicians that have taken the stage here, so do check their website if you have been hoping to catch a one-of-a-kind concert.

While Malaysia may be a Muslim-majority country, this has definitely not put a damper on Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife scene. Whether you are seeking an action-packed evening at a trendy nightclub, or a sophisticated night listening to world-famous classic pieces, you will easily find all of this, plus so much more, in Kuala Lumpur.

Lifestyle |

|

Roseville Area “Shopportunities”

With the 13th highest retail sales out of all of California’s cities, Roseville is considered to be a major regional shopping destination. With everything from the second largest shopping mall in Northern California to glitzy luxury boutiques that display the finest of international brands, those that are seeking some retail therapy will find plenty of “shopportunities” in Roseville.

Woman shopping
Westfield Galleria at Roseville
One of North America’s finest malls, the Westfield Galleria at Roseville is home to over 240 stores, with all of the international brands that you would usually see lining Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive. From Louis Vuitton to Tiffany & Co. to Burberry to Macy’s, Roseville’s Galleria boasts some of the most luxurious boutiques in town. For those who want to shop in style, the mall offers valet parking, as well as a concierge that can help you to find your way around the gleaming stores.

Fountains at Roseville
Fountains at Roseville is a lifestyle shopping center with over 40 shops, local boutiques and restaurants. In addition to the fashion and accessories stores to be found here, Fountains at Roseville is also known for its speciality stores, as well as for the mall’s unique features, from its fire pit to its dancing fountains.

Downtown Roseville
Downtown Roseville is a vibrant area that is packed with local businesses, many of which are one-of-a-kind stores that cannot be found elsewhere in the city. A Dash of Panache is the place to go if you are looking for quirky gifts and books, and they also have a seperate French-deco tea parlor, while Chesters Loan and Jewelry is the oldest pawn shop in town, and you never know what you will find on the shelves here. Threads focuses on women’s clothing, while the K Gift Shop specializes in tobacco, pipes and cigars. Also in Downtown Roseville is The Olive and Rose, which is an antique market that features the work of over 40 vintage designers that have been specially hand-picked for the site.

orogold-roseville-area-shopportunities-farmers-market
Farmers Markets
Roseville is home to a few different farmers markets, all of which are ideal for those who are looking for the freshest of produce that has arrived at the market directly from the farm itself, with no middle man involved. There are farmers markets held in Roseville almost every day of the week at different locations, from the Fountains at Roseville to Downtown Roseville.

Antique Trove
For those looking to buy antiques, the Antique Trove is home to the finest display of antiques and collectibles in Northern California. The shop floor measures over 40,000 square feet, and displays pieces from over 250 distinctive shop owners, while the store’s outdoor section, known as Garden Terrace’s Antique Village, boasts another 10,000 feet of outdoor shopping, with everything from garden furniture to stoneware to metal sculptures.

For those looking for exciting “shopportunities”, there is definitely a wide range to be found in Roseville. Whether you are seeking out one-of-a-kind antiques, high fashion brands, or freshly picked Californian produce, you can find all this and more in the bustling city of Roseville.

Lifestyle |

|

Washing the Day Off

No matter how fresh and clean you may feel when you start the day, this is never the case each evening, especially for those living in a city. With air pollution at an all-time high in cities all over the world, and invisible germs swarming on just about every surface, it is essential that the harmful effects of a day in the city are thoroughly cleansed each evening, not only from your skin and your hair, but also from the clothes that you have been wearing.

Create a Clean Home Environment
Before beginning to wash the day off, it is always a good idea to ensure that your home environment is clean and free from any other germs or pollutants. Germs and bacteria arise from all sorts of places, be it your carpets, your pets or just the dust that settles on surfaces. When cleaning your home, try to use products that contain the minimum amount of chemicals, ensuring that your home environment is as healthy as possible.

Woman washing face

Skin Cleansing
If you are hoping to thoroughly cleanse your skin from all of the germs and pollutants that have barraged it throughout the day, it goes without saying that a couple of quick swipes with an everyday cleanser will not do the job. Instead, begin with damp skin, covering your fingers with the cleanser before gliding it around your skin. After doing this for a couple of minutes to clear away the dirt and oils, use warm water to rinse your face, as this will break down any residue much more effectively than cold water will. Once your skin has been cleansed, you can move on to applying other skin care products, opting for ones that contain extra antioxidants as this will help your skin to fight against the damage that the city inflicts onto it.

Hair Protection
The dirt and pollution from the day that builds up on your hair will result in locks that are dry, dull and undernourished. Shampooing it regularly will help to remove all of these impurities, while using a conditioner will protect it from subsequent wear and tear. There are many hair masks available that aim to counter the damaging effects of pollution, and you could also give your hair a steam treatment every week, as this will open up the pores and boost circulation.

Woman changing clothes

Clean Clothes
Even if your clothes still feel relatively fresh after a day in the city, pollen, pollutants and germs will have all attached themselves to your outfit over the course of the day. While throwing every item that you have worn into the washing machine each and every day may not be the most efficient use of your time, not to mention the devastating effects that this can have on the environment, there are other ways to ensure that you are able to keep your clothes germ-free. Rinsing clothes in hot water can be just as effective as a washing machine cycle, and drying them out in the sunlight will ensure that they are disinfected by the sun’s UV rays, while keeping the airflow optimized.

Although the majority of impurities that we come into contact with each day are invisible, this does not mean that they should be ignored. From thoroughly cleansing your skin to naturally disinfecting your clothes, these tips will help you to wash off all of the negative effects of the day, giving your body, and clothes, time to breathe in a clean environment.

Lifestyle |

|

Where are Young Professionals Moving?

Over a million young professionals cross state lines each year, seeking out the best location in which to settle down. Recent research has shown that rather than being motivated solely by a fat paycheck, young professionals are seeking out a combination of different factors when it comes to finding a city to live in. From strong public transportation links to reasonable rent costs to ethnic diversity, these are the cities that have a fantastic balance of these features and are therefore attracting the country’s brightest young professionals.

US Capitol, Washington DC

Washington, DC
In recent years, Washington has experienced a 75% increase in the number of young adults that choose to live there, and is, without a doubt, the highest ranked city amongst young professionals. In addition to a downtown area that is positively packed with culture and entertainment, as well as a number of social opportunities, Washington is home to an abundance of potential jobs, from government to technical, promising a bright future for the young professionals that move to the city.

San Francisco, California
While San Francisco may have some of the highest average rent rates in the whole country, this is not too much of an issue for the young professionals that move here, as they are likely to earn figures that are also much higher than average. San Francisco’s technology industry is thriving, and for any young professionals who want to develop a career in technology, this is the ideal city in which to live.

Boston harbor

Boston, Massachusetts
Being home to Harvard, MIT and Tufts, among many other well-known names in education, it is no surprise that Boston attracts some of the country’s most intelligent young professionals. One of Boston’s biggest draws is the fact that not only is there so much to do in the city, but it is also easy to travel around without a car, significantly reducing the cost of living. Around 20% of commuters in Boston do not depend on a car, and this is something that strongly appeals to the young professionals of today.

New York City, New York
Just like with Boston, one of New York’s main attractions is that a car is not needed, and almost 40% of commuters in the city do not depend on a car. New York is also home to one of the most diverse populations when compared to other American cities, and has a fantastic range of social, entertainment and cultural activities. While rent costs may be high in New York, this is once again offset by higher than average earnings, making it well worthwhile for young professionals to choose to live in one of the world’s most popular cities.

By offering a mix of diversity, culture and excitement, these cities are some of the most popular among young professionals. This brings about a variety of advantages for each city, from a decrease in crime to a boost in the economy to an improvement in public schools, and while some fear that young professionals are only moving to these locations on a temporary basis, experts predict that a large number of them will stay, significantly contributing to the overall development of each city.

Lifestyle |

|

Blue Zones Around the World

Blue zones have been identified all over the world, and, if you are lucky enough to be living in one, you will find that you enjoy a longer and healthier life than average. Currently, there are five blue zones around the world that have been identified and researched through a collaboration with National Geographic and other journalists, and they all have certain factors in common. From a lack of pollution to a daily routine that encompasses plenty of exercise and activity to low stress levels and strong family ties, these five blue zones are all worth looking into if you have been considering relocating due to health reasons.

Sardinia

Sardinia, Italy
Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is the second largest of the Italian islands, and its dazzling coastline is often its main draw for tourists. It has recently been discovered that, genetically, Sardinians carry the M26 marker, which has been linked to exceptional longevity. Since Sardinia is a relatively isolated island, these genes have remained ‘undiluted’, which is why the island has been home to more centenarians per capita than most other countries in the world. Sardinians also maintain a traditional lifestyle, from hunting and fishing for food, eating a healthy Mediterranean diet, and keeping close ties with friends and family, earning them a top spot in the list of blue zones.

Loma Linda, California
Loma Linda in California is considered to be one of the healthiest communities in the USA. A large number of those who live in Loma Linda are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, meaning that they follow the church’s recommendations when it comes to diet and lifestyle choices. The church recommends a vegetarian diet, placing an emphasis on avoiding alcohol, drugs and tobacco. The church also heavily promotes “pure water, fresh air, and sunlight”, all of which feature heavily in the lives of the Loma Linda residents.

Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa consists of around a dozen small islands that make up the southern half of Japan’s Southwest Islands. The diet in Okinawa is one of the reasons why the region has earned itself a spot on the list of blue zones, as Okinawans generally enjoy a plant-based diet, featuring plenty of tofu, stir fried vegetables, miso, and sweet potato. Older Okinawans remain active, with the majority of Okinawan centenarians being enthusiastic gardeners, giving them a productive source of daily activity, a fantastic stress reliever, and a bounty of fresh vegetables to choose from each day.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Measuring about 80 miles long and 30 miles wide, the Nicoya Peninsula is not only the driest part of Costa Rica, but also one of the most isolated. However, residents of this beach paradise all share a few common factors; not only do they enjoy a longer life expectancy, but they also have lower levels of stress and an active and healthy lifestyle. One theory behind this that is related to the water that Nicoyans have access to, as it runs through limestone, meaning that it is high in magnesium and calcium, therefore leading to stronger bones and bodies.

Ikaria.

Ikaria, Greece
Those who live on the Greek island of Ikaria thrive on an ideal balance of a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and strong social connections. Wild and homegrown vegetables feature heavily on the Ikarian diet, while physical activity is a beneficially necessary part of their lifestyle. Family and social ties are also important, meaning that, as they age, the social roles of the average Ikarian continuously increase.

Even if living in one of the blue zones is not possible for you, there are many aspects of life that each of these unique locations share. From a plant-based diet to a lifestyle that incorporates plenty of exercise to strong family and social connections, it would seem as though these are the factors that can help to guarantee a longer, and happier, life.

Travel |

|

Restaurants to Try in Amsterdam

Amsterdam restaurant

From Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to trendy yet laid-back cafés, Amsterdam’s food scene is thriving, making it a true haven for any foodies that visit. From the first raw bar in the Netherlands to an eatery that only uses local, farm fresh produce, these are some of Amsterdam’s must-try restaurants.

De Kas
In English, De Kas means greenhouse, and the restaurant’s name is in honor of its location – in a massive greenhouse that used to belong to the Municipal Nursery of Amsterdam. The greenhouse is large enough that it has easily been divided into two parts; the first being a restaurant and the second reserved for growing produce that the kitchen can create exciting menus from. With a focus on contemporary European and rural Mediterranean cuisine, this is the restaurant to visit if you want to taste some of the best of Amsterdam’s local produce.

Bridges
With an emphasis on Dutch and French culinary traditions, Bridges has only recently opened its doors in Amsterdam, bringing with it the first raw bar that the Netherlands has seen. Alongside the fresh and succulent oysters, and the more-ish lobster sandwiches, Bridges also has a drinks list that boasts an extensive range of vintage wines and champagnes, as well as a quirky cocktail bar and cigar lounge.

Vinkeles
Voted by TripAdvisor as the best restaurant in Amsterdam, Vinkeles earned their first Michelin star in 2009 for their delicate French cuisine that strikes a beautiful balance between classic and contemporary. The restaurant’s sunken dining room is surrounded by 18th century ovens, reminiscent of an old French bakery, while the garden views provide the perfect backdrop to the elegant meals served up. While the a la carte menu at Vinkeles is always tempting, the tasting menu is usually the best option for those who are dining at the restaurant for the first time, as it gives you the opportunity to taste a wider range of their amazing creations.

Yamazato
In addition to having some of the finest European restaurants in the world, Amsterdam is also home to Yamazato, the only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Europe. The restaurant is designed to mirror a 19th century Japanese tea house, with the menu focussing on haute cuisine. If you want to taste the best of the restaurant’s dishes, the traditional eight-course tasting menu is what you should order.

Restaurant Johannes
While Restaurant Johannes may not yet have a Michelin star, the food is most definitely worthy of one, as many of their regular patrons would agree. Situated on the ground floor of a canalside house along the Herengracht, considered to be one of the prettiest canals in the city, Restaurant Johannes makes use of classic Dutch ingredients, but in a quirky and innovative way. From the croquettes stuffed with mustard duxelles and ballotine of pheasant to the delicate sweetbreads served with wild spinach, truffles and a red wine sauce, Restaurant Johannes takes Dutch cuisine to a whole new level.

Dining at these Amsterdam restaurants will offer you more than a quick way to fill your stomach. Instead, these establishments all take strong pride in their food, providing guests with an unforgettable gastronomical experience rather than just a simple meal.

Lifestyle |

|

Star Island

Star Island

A man-made island in Miami Beach, Star Island may be one of the smallest neighbourhoods in South Florida, but it is also one of the most exclusive. With just a few dozen houses, or mansions to be more accurate, dotted around the island, Star Island is home to a number of high profile celebrities, while boasting the magnificent views that Miami Beach is known for.

1 Star Island Drive
1 Star Island Drive is a rental property known as Nena’s Villa, and is owned by Cuban-born singer Gloria Estefan. Estefan herself lives just down the street, renting out this mansion for approximately $75,000 a month.

5 Star Island Drive
Owned by notorious property developer Thomas Kramer, 5 Star Island Drive is available for short term rentals and events. The mansion boasts thirteen bedrooms sprawled across 10,000 square feet, and features a state of the art home theatre, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and a gorgeous pool area.

6 and 7 Star Island Drive
Lennar Homes CEO Stuart Miller owns a large amount of Star Island. In addition to 6 and 7 Star Island Drive, Miller is also the owner of numbers 10, 11, 22 and 23.

26 Star Island Drive
While 26 Star Island Drive used to be home to Shaquille O’Neal, it is now owned by Russian oligarch Vladislav Doronin. This 19,000 square foot house was built in 1992, and is worth over $16 million.

39 Star Island Drive
39 Star Island Drive has seen some truly legendary parties over the years, and it is no surprise when you discover who its owners are. This is where Gloria Estefan and producer Emilio, founders of the modern Miami sound, have called home since the Miami Vice era. The property was purchased by the couple in 1986 for $600,000 – definitely a solid investment!

44 Star Island Drive
This stately Monterey-styled mansion used to be the home of Rosie O’Donnell and has recently been the subject of debate, as the current owners wanted to demolish the historic property that dates back to 1935 to build a “Star Destroyer” styled home. Luckily, the plans were put on hold, and the historic mansion is still standing.

45 Star Island Drive
This property is owned by one of the Real Housewives of Miami and her husband, and, since the couple have their main house in Coral Gables, 45 Star Island Drive is up for rent. With over 10,000 square feet boasting nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms and a stunning pool, this mansion is the epitome of Miami Beach style.

Real estate on Star Island is considered to be some of the most valuable in all of South Florida, and it is easy to see why. Just having a Star Island Drive address grants you an elite status that others simply cannot compete with. Its proximity to South Beach is also handy, with boat access meaning that the idle zones and draw bridges of the roads are a thing of the past. With oversized waterfront mansions, each expertly designed, decorated and finished, a home on Star Island is certainly something to aspire to.

Lifestyle |

|

Celebrating Special Events with Kids

Children celebrating Christmas

Special occasions are always worth celebrating, but this can often be more difficult to plan, and do, when you have children with you. To help you to all have as much fun as possible, OROGOLD has put together some top tips on celebrating special events with kids.

Choose a Child-Friendly Event/Venue
If the special occasion that you are celebrating is a holiday, such as Christmas or new year’s eve, it is important to choose a venue that is geared towards children. No matter where you go, there is likely to be a wide variety of child-friendly events. This will usually include plenty of activities aimed at children, keeping them entertained throughout the event and ensuring that parents are able to relax and have a good time as well. Another advantage to a child-friendly event is that there will be many other kids present, meaning that your children will be able to meet new people and make new friends.

Make Sure the Venue Appeals to Adults Too
While keeping your kids entertained may be your top priority, OROGOLD suggests ensuring that the child-friendly event or venue that you have chosen appeals to you personally as well. A special event should be fun for the whole family, and your kids will enjoy themselves much more if they know that their parents are having a good time as well.

Let the Kids Have a Say
Children enjoy being involved, and this applies to planning a celebration as well. Whether you are choosing where to go, what to do, or when to go, allow your children to express their thoughts and ideas, involving them in all of the planning. This means that not only will they know exactly what to expect, but they are likely to enjoy the event much more as they played a part in its planning.

Family playing volleyball.

Interactive Activities
Most special events aimed at children will offer interactive activities that parents and kids can take part in together. While these may not seem too exciting to you, your kids will appreciate the effort that you put in to having some fun with them, and this is also likely to make the event much more memorable for them too.

Photographic Souvenirs
No matter what sort of special event you attend with your children, OROGOLD reminds you to bring a camera, so that you can treasure the day for years to come. If your kids are creatively-inclined, you may want to purchase a disposable camera to give them for the day, so that they too can record the event in their own way.

When celebrating a special event, OROGOLD believes that it is important to involve your children as much as possible. From allowing them to suggest ideas for the planning of a celebration, to choosing a venue that caters to the needs of kids, these tips will ensure that the whole family has a fantastic time at the next special event you attend.

Travel |

|

Beer Gardens Around the World

Friends having beer in a beer garden.

The concept of beer gardens originated in Germany, when brewers along the Isar River began selling their beer directly out of their cellars, setting up a couple of benches outside to ensure their success. Today, beer gardens can be found in so many different countries, each one putting their own spin on this German tradition.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Amsterdam, Holland
Brouwerij ‘t IJ first opened its doors in 1985, at a time when microbreweries were becoming more popular due to a general dissatisfaction with the bigger brands. Since all of their beers are not only brewed on site, but are also completely organic, Brouwerij ‘t IJ has become one of the top drinking spots in Amsterdam. Both the brewery and beer house have been created from an old bath house, with the brewery being available to tour before you sit down next to the giant windmill for a drink. While the beverage menu may be mind-bogglingly extensive, OROGOLD highly recommends that you give the organic Zatte a try, as this was the first beer that was brewed on site in 1985.

Luong Son, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This buzzing beer garden in the heart of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is just as popular with tourists as it is with the locals. It is as casual as beer gardens get, with hundreds of plastic chairs and communal wooden benches. Here, classic Vietnamese beers are served up alongside barbecue dishes that are cooked on tabletop grills. The food is exquisite and the choices are great for those that want to try something different, as well as for those that want to stick with something known. Ranging from garlic beef skewers to deep fried scorpion to pig’s stomach, whatever you choose to order, OROGOLD highly recommends a pitcher of Saigon to wash it all down.

Hirschgarten, Munich, Germany
No list of beer gardens would be complete without a mention of one of the many in Germany. Hirschgarten in Munich is the largest in the country, seating over 8000 people. This is one of the country’s most historic beer gardens, with 200-year-old chestnut trees providing a canopy of shade, and the game reserve next to the beer garden, with their freely roaming deer, offering up some beautiful views. There are both self-service and tableside options, with the refreshing Augustiner beer being served straight from the cask. While drinking, OROGOLD recommends ordering some of their freshly made local snacks, such as the baked pretzels, roast pork, or homemade cakes and ice cream. This is also a beer garden that has stuck to one of their oldest traditions – customers are allowed to bring in their own food to eat, with only cold drinks and beer needing to be purchased from the venue itself.

Beer gardens are a great German tradition that have now spread all over the world. Whether you’re after a quick drink after work, or a leisurely lunch with a couple of pitchers on a Sunday afternoon, check out your local beer gardens the next time you are heading out for a brew.