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Social Casino Gaming – A Growing Trend

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Social media is already a massive part of our day to day lives. We have a tendency to pull out our smartphones and hop onto Twitter to check out DM’s, log onto Facebook, and if we feel lonely and are looking for a partner, we head on over to Tinder. With social media growing at a rapid pace every day, and just about reaching its full potential, it’s not difficult to imagine how social casino gaming is an increasing social trend especially since social media is already a huge part of our daily activities and lifestyles.

Casino gaming, or online gaming niche as a whole, already dominates a large percentage of the online market. So social casino gaming shouldn’t be a new thing to anyone who already has a keen interest in gaming as well as social media.

Most gamers find social casino gaming to more of a lucrative hobby rather than a sole income. But playing online casino games for real money is more rewarding than one may think. With more online casinos adopting social gaming by introducing live casino play options, VR casino gaming and the like, it’s easy to see why the social option is becoming a growing trend among gamers and casino enthusiasts.

The Advantages of Social Casino Gaming

As a relatively new form of gaming online, there are many advantages that are associated with social gaming. For example, a player who is accustomed to playing alone can look to play with others online in a social setting such as Facebook. Online gaming companies offering this type of social option can acquire more members and players are able to expand their gaming options.

Furthermore, players who understand how online casinos operate have the chance to win real cash and do so in a fun and interactive environment, which is encouraging for those who need a little bit of cheer.

The rise of social gaming also creates business opportunities for online casinos as well as potential new ventures looking to join in on the modern market of online gaming. This, in turn, creates more jobs as well as a dynamic environment for players, especially when companies compete for clients. It goes without saying that the players reap the benefits of such competition.

So if you are looking to find out more about social casino gaming, top sites such as NetBet have the perfect gaming platforms for players to become part of the growing trend that is social casino gaming!

 

Ideazon Crowdfunding: Can They Take Your Hobby To The Next Level?

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It starts as a hobby so compelling that you can’t wait to partake in whenever time allows. Before you know it, you’re constantly daydreaming about turning it into an occupation. Then comes the mother of all headaches — how exactly are you going to finance your plans?

While it takes a steady stream of capital to get a business up on its feet, seldom do seasoned pro’s care to help out their startup counterparts. Ideazon happens to be one of the exceptions; having achieved success in the gaming industry, they later branched out to become a crowdfund marketing platform. Why not see if they can provide an answer for your woes?

Can You Trust Ideazon to Help You Access Funding?

Yeah, pretty much. But let’s start with the obvious — nothing can be more fulfilling than transforming a lifelong passion into a tangible business. On the flip side, few experiences are as disheartening as being laughed off the room every time you approach a potential investor. No wonder you’re considering crowdfunding as an alternative route.

The concept is pretty simple: You reach out to the world in an attempt to drum up financial support. Compared to the old-school approach, crowdfunding is more promising because:

-It’s given that for any idea, there’ll be members of the public interested in seeing what it can lead to.

-Your equity position won’t be compromised after you’ve raised the funds.

-Your campaign may end up raising an amount higher than the initial target sum.

Now, back to the elephant in the room: whether Ideazon Crowdfunding is the right fit for your concept. If you’ve developed the impression that crowdfunding is a lot like marketing, you’re right. For one, it’s all about pitching your dream to the world. More crucially, success requires a lot more than just attracting interest — you need to turn that into actual funding.

What makes Ideazon superior is the fact that it provides entrepreneurs with more opportunities and a wider knowledge base. The company leverages its expertise to maximize the reach of a crowdfunding campaign. Here’s what you can expect them to do for yours:

-Evaluate your concept to see how much capital it needs

-Start building exposure way ahead of the launch date

-Utilize a combination of marketing channels throughout the fundraising period

In a nutshell, Ideazon takes the crowdfunding process beyond where other platforms leave off. No matter how much you’re aiming at, rest assured that they can help you raise it. The exposure they’ll generate for your campaign will further fuel the growth of your venture as well.

Are the Truly the Best?

No doubt — how else could you describe a marketing platform that boasts of an 85 percent success rate? Countless testimonials attest that they have the expertise needed to find the best route towards fundraising every time. More crucially, they’re conscientious enough to tell clients when crowdfunding doesn’t seem ideal for their concept. (Source: BizTechRave.com and CoolBuzz.org)

What Else Should You Know About Ideazon?

How about this: They provide free consultations to budding entrepreneurs with no strings attached. So, feel free to reach out to them, whether via phone or company website. In the meantime, why not stay up-to-date with the latest in crowdfunding by following them on social media and their blog (ideazon.wordpress.com)?

 

7 Do’s and Don’ts About Buying Gold Jewelry

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Buying gold jewelry is much more than a shopping decision; it is more of a long-term investment considering the amount of money that you may need to shell out. Issues such as the ever-rising gold prices and doubts related to the purity of the metal being used in the jewelry are just a few of the challenges that you may come across. Handling these issues is something that you will learn with time but there are some tips that would definitely help the first-time buyers as well as the seasoned ones. Let’s go through a list of dos and don’ts to enable you spend smartly on gold jewelry.

1. Do check the purity

The most important thing to do is to check the purity of the gold that is being used to craft the piece. The best measure is to look for hallmarked pieces as this alone is enough to ensure that you are buying a piece that is pure as claimed. Whether you are buying from a store or online, look for hallmark as the first criteria. A quality certification by a regulatory authority is another reliable means to ensure the authenticity of the product. Do not hesitate to spend a little extra on a certified product if you have to. Ask the seller explicitly about the purity standards of his products. You can have the gold appraised from a third-party appraiser to verify its authenticity.

2. Do verify the pricing

The price of the item will depend on the current market rate and the purity of gold used in making it. Before you shop, start by checking the current gold price to make sure that you are not being overcharged for the piece. Also, understand the fundamentals of calculation of the prices based on gold purity. For instance, the bullion rate differs from the rate used for jewelry valuation because the former is for 24K gold while jewelry is valued at 22K/18K/14K weight. The jewelry valuation depends on the purity of gold being used with the price being adjusted accordingly.

3. Do understand the concept of cost calculation

Another fact that complicates the calculation of the jewelry pricing is that it includes the making charges as well. These charges elevate the cost because labor is involved in crafting the product. Moreover, you will also have to pay for the gemstones used in the design if you are buying a studded piece. It is better to understand the concept of cost calculation before you step out for jewelry shopping. You can do some research online or ask an expert to explain the way that the cost is calculated after adjusting the making charges and cost of gemstones used in the jewelry.

4. Do buy from a reputed seller

Whenever you buy gold jewelry, always choose a reputed seller who deals in quality products. Ask around for recommendations to get genuine advice about the stores in your area. If you want to shop online, look for websites that have good online reviews from the first-hand buyers. It is a smart idea to shop from here as these sites offer several deals to economize your purchase. While you can check out the extensive variety in just a few clicks, you can also avail easy financing options at some of the sites. But before you so shop online, ensure that you check their local address, reviews and exchange and return policies.

5. Don’t make an impulse purchase

With luxury items like gold jewelry, impulse buying is the most common mistake that people make. Never buy any piece unless you are completely sure about its quality and authenticity. You may love a design but buying anything on impulse can land you in trouble and have your money wasted. While a beautiful design matters, the quality of material and strength of the item are equally important. A physical examination of the product with a little tugging and pulling gives a fair idea of its strength. Check the quality certifications as well. Those opting for online shopping should have a good look at the catalog and images and go through the product certifications.

6. Don’t buy from some with no return policy

One thing that you should not do is to buy gold online from someone with no return policy. Many times, products appear different on the virtual store and you may not like them as much when you see them physically. The only solution is to have the product returned or exchanged. But this may not be possible if you buy from a website that has a no return policy. Hence, it becomes essential to go through the return and refund policy before you shop gold jewelry from any site. Be thorough and read between the lines because the seller may take you for a ride by adding some no return or conditional return clauses in the fine print.

7. Don’t forget to compare

Whether you shop gold jewelry online or in store, don’t forget to compare a few sellers before you close a purchase. Use parameters such as pricing (including the gold price and making charges), craftsmanship, product quality and reputation. It is easier to compare the products online because you can browse through various sites offering similar products at different prices. The best thing is that you need not waste time on visiting the stores but can easily compare the in just a few clicks. Additionally, you have the chances to hit a deal online as several sites bring special offers from time to time.

With gold shopping, it’s all about trying and testing. So the best advice is not to buy in bulk from any seller unless you trust them completely. Start with small purchases and get the price and quality appraised so that you can gradually build trust in a seller. Also, it is best to keep an eye on the market price of gold and buy when they are on the lower side. Look for festive deals and discount offers to get the items you desire at lower prices that they would cost otherwise.

 

Using Clues to Survive Escape Room Games

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Escape rooms are generally difficult. There are a lot of challenges you have to finish. There are obstacles that you have to go through. The worst part is that you have a very limited time to finish everything or else you lose the game. On the plus side, you are working with a team. Everyone needs to play an important role to survive the challenges. Teamwork is a part of the challenge. Failure to work as a unit will surely lead to failure.

Apart from the fact that it is played as a team, some escape rooms will offer you free clues at the beginning. For instance, you are offered 3 clues that you are free to use any time you want. It is up to you how you use these clues and when. The clues will help you find the next item that needs to be searched until you have found the key to finally escape the room.

Be smart in using the hints

You have limited hints that are offered for free. Some hints might be given as the game progresses. However, these hints are also hard to find. You might even have to finish other challenges before these hints are offered. Therefore, you need to make the most out of the free hints given to you.

It is advised that you use the hints at the beginning of the game. At this point, you are still confused. Your entire team is also working separately. This is the time when you spend really long on a certain problem that you need to unlock the clue, so you can move on to the next.

Conversely, if you decide to use the hints towards the end, they are pretty useless. You have already got the hang of the game. You are confident about what you are doing. You might even want to finish it off and say that you did not use the hints at all.

Don’t rely on the hints

It is a good thing to have hints to help you navigate the escape room, but it teaches you to be complacent. You need to be alert all the time. These hints are important, but they tend to confuse you as well. Be clear about what you want to do and where you should go in order to reach the end.

Don’t be selfish

You might find some more hints along the way. Your goal might be to serve as the saviour of the team, so you decide to keep quiet about the hint and just say it out loud when you have figured out what to do. When you experience escape room games, you have to work closely with the group. Don’t let your selfishness get in the way. Otherwise, you will just play for yourself and to look good instead of working with everyone to reach the end.

It takes time to finish the game and hints are very useful. Just use them to your advantage if you want to win.

How Online Gaming Will Advance In The Future

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Technology has progressed at a rapid rate within the last 20 or 30 years. Nowhere has this been seen more than the gaming sector. The internet and newer cloud-based technology have enabled players to enjoy games online now. Compared to the past where you had to play games via an offline console or PC, this is a massive change. It has also seen huge changes in the gambling sector where you are now more likely to play casino or slot games online rather than visit a physical casino.

Why is online gaming so popular?

Online gaming is a massive sector with estimated figures from recent years showing 700 million people globally interacting with it. The main reasons that online gaming is so popular are very simple. Firstly, they allow you access to a whole host of new people to play with and against via multi-player titles. Secondly, they give a far greater choice of games than more traditional methods.

You are no longer limited to the games you have at home for a console or the slot machines in your local casino. The biggest reason of all, though, may just be convenience! Online casinos give you the full casino experience without having to leave home or even change clothes. If you like playing games for money but don’t want the hassle of having to travel, then convenience is a big factor.

How is it likely to change in the future?

Technology is always changing in new ways, and this means online gaming will as well. But just what can you look forward to the next time you log on to have some fun?

  • Virtual reality – It is hard to talk about advances in online gaming without mentioning VR. This looks set to be the next game-changer in the sector and has the potential to make your online gaming experiences even more amazing and realistic. The tech involved will hopefully also allow you to play with friends in the VR space for a truly authentic gaming adventure.
  • Wearable gaming gear – Online gaming has already begun to see players incorporating this category into their gameplay through the use of headsets and VR equipment. More and more wearable tech is expected to come onto the market for online gaming, from wristbands to neural impulse activators to perform actions in games.
  • Better looking, more fluid games – Naturally, one advance that is certain is the way that online games themselves will develop. The next generation of games will look better, play in a more fluid way and be much more immersive. This is due to the processing power that online platforms can offer to game developers. You’ll see this gradual improvement when you play online football games that look ultra-realistic or online slot games with reels that move even more smoothly.

Keep your eyes open for online advances

One thing is for sure when it comes to online gaming – it will always be changing! The technology behind it is developing constantly and makes for exciting times as a player. While some advances are closer than others, it’s only a matter of time before many of the above items become a reality.

The Advantages of Using Crowdsourcing Tools to Raise Money

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Charities the world over have always used fundraising events in order to pay for their vital services. Normally, they would look for philanthropists and celebrities hoping to attract not just funds but also to advertise their charity, showing others that they require contributions. This is quite a lengthy process that requires planning, staging, advertising, public relations, and more. Today however, charities are finding that using crowdsourcing tools to raise money is far more effective.

Using Crowdsourcing Tools for Charitable Contributions

When a charity finds that their funds start to go down, they will come across a number of difficulties. The most serious one, naturally, is that they can no longer provide their service users with the help that they need. This is why it is so important that charities have a method of receiving a steady flow of contributions in support of their cause. Doing so through crowdsourcing software is highly effective and requires little to no effort.

Crowdsourcing websites are incredibly useful for charities. It gives them an opportunity to connect directly with people the world over who want to do the right thing. Indeed, a single post could reach millions of potential donors. No television, radio, or print advertisement would ever be able to have this reach.

Another benefit is that it is possible to share the content posted on crowdsourcing websites. This means that those who make donations also have the opportunity to urge their friends to do the same thing. Sharing a post takes no time whatsoever, but the impact could be absolutely huge. At the same time however, crowdfunding is not invasive. It is easy for people to make a donation, making it very convenient.

These websites are also highly convenient for the charities themselves. Because it is an automated system, there is no need for all donations to be manually counted any more. This greatly reduces the chance of human error. Furthermore, a crowdsourcing site can be linked straight to a bank account, which means that there is no more need to carry cash to the bank. As such, using a crowdsourcing site also makes things a lot safer.

Crowdsourcing websites are also interactive. This means that it is possible for a charity to engage with their donors, convincing them to make contributions. It is possible to add videos, pictures, animations, and more. This makes the overall campaign a lot more interactive and fun. It is a known fact that when people can interact with a charity, they are more likely to make donations.

Last but not least, using a website to raise funds does not require a lot of effort. The hardest part is to write content that is compelling. Once that is done however, very little effort is needed in order to spread the word. Social media and the internet is almost magical in how easy and quick it is to share information. Add to that the fact that people will use their own social media to further share the information, and the effect is magnified even more.

Why You Should Shop At An Online Headshop

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With so many places to purchase herb grinders nowadays it can be difficult to know whether or not you are truly getting a good deal and whether your seller is reputable. There are many different things to look for when you purchase a herb grinder particularly if you choose to go to an online headshop. Let’s take a look at what some of these things are.

What to Look for in an Online Headshop

Some of the things that you should look at when you want to purchase a herb grinder from an online head shop is that the selection of products is really extensive, that the prices are comparable to those of the competition or lower, and that they have excellent return and exchange policies. These are things that you should look for in any store when you shop online regardless of what it is that you are shopping for.

Interestingly, other places where you can purchase herb grinders besides online head shops include a gas station, an auction site, a musical festival and many other places. What you will find is that gas stations tend to be the most expensive. The price is really marked up and you don’t even know if the quality is truly good. The selection is often limited and in most cases the herb grinder will just be a novelty piece. It is much better to make sure the selection you are choosing from is durable and of high quality so if you don’t want to use an online shop, then a musical festival is perhaps the better idea just because of the culture.

Online stores tend to offer the best possible deals not in the least because they will also ship it to your home. A good store might even offer you free shipping and you could access various other promotions like herb cases, different designs, cleaning brushes and more. These are things you really won’t be able to find elsewhere. Online auction sites, meanwhile, should really be avoided. What you will find is that the selection there is not even novelty, it is just a poor quality. The only benefit to shopping from an online auction site is that, just as with any other online store, the prices are usually much lower because of the fact that they have lower overhead costs.

Once you have found a good online store from which you can purchase a herb grinder, you will have to choose the material and the style that you like. Of course, these are personal decisions. Typically, however, the more expensive grinders tend to be a lot more durable as well. Anodized aluminum metal grinders tend to be the best ones. However you may think wooden models or acrylic models are more beautiful. They are also cheaper but, unfortunately, of lower quality. If you want something that you don’t have to replace every several months then really you should not opt for wood or acrylic. Metal grinders will literally last you for years because they are that durable. Do not choose something cheap and tacky just because they have cool logos or designs. Some of them may even be counterfeit knock offs and you really want to avoid those.

You may feel like finding a herb grinder is a very long process. However, it is certainly time well spent if you choose a good grinder. After all you won’t have to look for one ever again. The only reason you will still go to the online head shop is because of other things that you also need in your life.

Destinations To Fit Your Personality

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They say the destinations you travel to says a lot about your personality. Just think about it: if you’re an easy-going person you may prefer a relaxed beach destination to an adrenaline filled vacation. And perhaps if you’re arty and inquisitive, you may want to visit a place that’s known for its architecture or strong design culture. There is indeed something to be said for the destination that tickles your fancy; and with that being said, let’s take a look at the four fundamental personality types, and find the ideal destination for each.

Personality type: Sanguine

Temperament: enthusiastic, active and social

If you consider yourself an extrovert; thriving on social interactions and enjoying nothing more than being the centre of attention, then it’s highly likely that you fall under the category of ‘Sanguine’. Sanguine’s love people, they are the social butterflies of the world. While they’re happy to interact with anyone and everyone they come into contact with, they seek deeper meaning to their interactions and gravitate towards people that are storytellers. Sanguines enjoy sharing their experiences and love to hear others’ too – this is their favourite way to connect. They strive to learn from others and hear their perspectives on life and the world; and find it incredibly thrilling when they share the same views as those they come into contact with. They may come across as bubbly, chatty and outspoken (and they are), but it’s all for a greater purpose. Sanguine’s are also known to enjoy their comforts; they are attracted to the luxury life and certainly know how to enjoy the finer things in life.

Destinations fit for Sanguines: Experiential vacations where they’re able to learn more about the intricacies of life and the planet, without compromising on comfort and luxury. They would also prefer places that have a strong focus on social interactions. A safari at Samara Game Reserve in Africa, a skiing holiday in Finland, or a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia would be perfect for a Sanguine as they bring like-minded people together; and often encourage socialising between travellers. 

Personality type: Choleric

Temperament: Dominant, strong-willed and goal-oriented

Choleric’s are extremely confident. They are strong and powerful in aura; always making a grand entrance when they walk into a room – sometimes without even trying. Those that fall under ‘Choleric’ are go-getters who measure their value based on how they have impacted the world; more so in the business sense. They are attracted to wealth and will give their all to acquire it. They like others to know that they are successful and important, although they won’t necessarily boast about it; but are flattered when it’s noticed. They are known to be the least sympathetic of the four traits, however, they will kill for those they love. They are intense, strong-willed, powerful in nature and very self-confident.

Destinations fit for a Choleric: any place where they can see or be seen. They would prefer to go somewhere popular- somewhere that’s the ‘it’ place to go at the time. The most popular destinations currently are Bali, Vietnam and Thailand. For the Choleric’s that have more than a few pennies to spare would enjoy Europe, specifically Zurich.

Personality type: Melancholic

Temperament: analytical, detail oriented, deep thinker and feeler

Melancholics are introspective – they analyze themselves and their feelings and will often ponder for days, weeks or months about various circumstances, whether external or personal. They tend to search for a deeper meaning in everything they see and do, and will often interpret situations in a very different way from most people. Melancholics are known to be the most creative of the four traits, and lean towards areas that allow them to express themselves in any way they please – specifically art, literature and music. They have a deep love for people and are always looking for ways to make the world a better place – they feel it is their duty.

Destinations fit for a Melancholic: any place where they feel they can be free and can express themselves wholeheartedly. They thrive on interacting with other interesting people who they can learn from and feel inspired by. They would suit a destination that has an art-y flair’ that’s also vibrant and energetic – to get their minds off of analysing themselves and their inner world, and instead focus on their creative strengths. Design hubs like New York, London, Copenhagen and Berlin would be right up their alley.

Personality type: Phlegmatic

Temperament: relaxed, peaceful, quiet

Phlegmatic’s are introverts. They’re reserved, they keep to themselves and often tend to exclude themselves, often without knowing that they’re doing so. They can be mistaken for being stand-offish and unapproachable, but this couldn’t be further from reality. They’re instead very shy, and loathe being the centre of attention. Most phlegmatic’s feel awkward in social settings especially with people they don’t know, however, they’re surprisingly very chatty and ‘open’ with those that they know and feel a connection to. Phelgmatic’s may not be the overly social type, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care for others. They like to analyse people and read between the lines of what others portray. They hear what is not said, and they see what is not shown – they are extremely intuitive and instinctual.

Destinations fit for Phelgmatic’s: a place that is not too different from their home-town, because they’re known to not like change. Phlegmatic’s prefer the familiar and won’t often venture too far out of their comfort zones.

How To Enter The World Of Online Dating

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Image: Pixabay.com

Traditionally, many people used to turn their noses up at the thought of online dating, but those numbers are rapidly declining. It’s often felt like a last resort, or a sign that you are incapable of finding love off your own back. Perhaps it’s a generation thing. The younger generation are seemingly far less reluctant to venture online and increase their chances of finding ‘the one’. For those who struggle to find dates with compatible people – perhaps due to where you live or the strenuous nature of your work – online dating is the ideal platform to find like-minded singles that are as serious about finding love as you.

It’s losing its stigma

According to GQ Magazine, you are more likely to encounter an alien than meet a potential partner. Statistics suggest that you have a three-in-one-million chance of finding a prospective love interest on a London night out. This means it is 500 times more likely that you will discover an alien life form. With such long odds, it’s unsurprising why so many people are turning to online dating websites and apps to try and engage with well-suited people you would not otherwise meet.

Worldwide spend on dating apps reached £234m in 2016, but almost doubled in 2017 to £448m, according to app research firm, App Annie. Meanwhile Pew Research stated that almost two-thirds (59%) of adults now perceive online dating to be a good way of meeting new people.

A fun way to meet interesting like-minded people

With online dating, the ball is entirely in your court. You can view the profiles of people that float your boat and equally you can stop talking to those who aren’t compatible with you. It’s designed to be a fun social experience. You sift through the profiles of singles in your area and contact the ones that tick the right boxes, whether it’s looks or similar views on life. You can then arrange a face-to-face date and see if there is a genuine connection in person. If ever a date doesn’t go well, just leave. You’re under no obligation to continue a meet with someone you’ve met online, just like you can leave a conversation with someone you meet offline at a bar.

Choosing the right dating site or app for you


Image: Pixabay.com

There are a growing number of matchmaking apps available for you to choose from online. Here are some top tips to help you narrow down your options and find a dating app or website that’s best suited to your needs.

  • Do you want to pay for access?
    It can be an agonising decision whether to pay for an online dating service or opt for a free version. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to this, as there are solid paid and free dating services available online. Don’t just assume that the paid services offer a more comprehensive service, as there are free dating sites that score well in user satisfaction surveys. Nevertheless, it’s right to assume that paid services are more likely to feature users more serious about finding a lifelong partner.
  • Take the communication element seriously
    How good an online dating app is generally depends on the level of interaction you’re allowed to have with other users. Some sites will allow anyone to send you a message, while others will only allow users to contact you once they have been matched with you. You don’t really want a dating app that restricts you from communicating or limits the number of messages you can send!
  • Quality vs quantity
    One big question you have to decide is whether you want a dating app that offers a high volume of singletons or a smaller pool of singletons that may be better suited to you. It ultimately depends on how keen you are to find that special someone and whether you’re just looking to spread your wings as a social butterfly.
  • Research each site’s demographics
    In order to avoid timewasters and downright muppets on your chosen dating app, be sure to do your research on each dating site’s demographics. There are online dating portals created for a variety of demographics today, including the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) community. Encouragingly, the rights available now for the LGBT community are improving. Although 37 of the 53 nations within the Commonwealth still criminalise consensual same-sex acts, recognition and support for the community has come a long way. Online dating is an important platform for people to express themselves with complete freedom. The fundamental reason LGBT dating apps now exist is to provide a safe environment for LGBT singles to socialise. Sociologists, Michael Rosenfeld and Reuben Thomas said that by 2010, almost three-quarters (70%) of same-sex couples were meeting online.

Focus more on other people’s dating profiles than your own

It’s understandable that you will take great pride in ensuring your profile and profile photos portray you in the best possible light. After all, it’s your shop window to prospective singletons. However, it’s more important to pay closer attention to other people’s profiles than your own. If you’re thinking of getting in contact with another user, take the time to read their profile carefully and tailor your message to their interests. Taking soundbites from their profile is a form of online flirting without being too full-on!

Most importantly, be safe!

The golden rule with all online dating is to keep yourself safe at all times. We might sound like an overbearing mother, but it’s imperative that you don’t put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation when meeting someone from your dating app for the first time. Agree a date location in a very public place. This will not only put your mind at rest, it will make it less awkward if the date doesn’t go too well and allow you to slink off into the masses to find Mr or Mrs Right again.

Online dating can certainly be an emotionally exhausting process. You’re unlikely to meet the love of your life overnight, so just relax into it. Enjoy every moment. Even if you only make some good friends along the way, it will bring you happiness and will have been worth it.

3 Things You Need To Know About Crystal Wine Glasses

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If you love drinking wine, then you understand the importance of using the right glass especially when hosting big events or parties. Picky wine aficionados pay great attention to the detail of their wine glass because it affects their drinking experience. For example, they make sure that the glass has the right bowl shape or stem length in order to integrate the aroma of the drink.

They even use various wine glasses for specific types of drinks. Tall glasses with a narrow bowl are mostly used to serve white wine like champagne or chardonnay. For red wine, glasses with a wider bowl and tapered to aerate the drink are preferred.

Aside from the shape, size, rim type and bowl shape of a wine glass, you also need to consider if its made from traditional or mineral infused glass. Technically, “crystal” wine glasses do not exhibit a crystalline structure. What makes them stronger than typical glass is the infused minerals.

Most manufacturers use lead. But others create dishwasher-safe glass that contains magnesium and zinc. Need to know more about crystal glass? Read on below:

  1. It can be spun thin, so it’s considered the best type of wine glass

Wine experts all agree that a thinner wine glass is better compared to thicker ones because of various reasons. According to wine specialists, the thin structure helps maintain the cool temperature of chilled wine. They also point out how the thin structure of the lead glass allows you to take a sip faster than when you drink from an ordinary wine glass. It’s also more convenient to carry around a lightweight glass instead of a thick and heavy glass.

  1. It’s expensive compared to standard glass

It’s dubbed by many connoisseurs as the best type of wine glass. Top restaurants that serve wine make use of crystal wine glasses because they enhance the flavor of the wine. This feature is primarily attributed to the coarse texture of the lead glass. In addition, it is composed of more ingredients. As such, making a crystal or lead glass is a bit harder compared to the regular type of wine glass.

  1. You need to hand wash it unless it’s lead-free

A crystal wine glass is made of porous material. Because of this, it can readily absorb chemicals from the wine. This is why it is strongly recommended to hand-wash your crystal wine glasses. Never use a dishwasher to clean your wine glasses unless they are lead-free. Otherwise, you might find shards of broken glass inside your dishwasher.

Before you purchase your crystal glasses, make sure to check the quality of the material. Inspect for cracks or other issues. After all, it does come with a hefty price tag. Check our Crystal Décor for good quality wine glasses.