Legendary Cars That Featured Pop-Up Headlights
Legendary Cars That Featured Pop-Up Headlights

Pop-up headlights are arguably the coolest features to ever grace the world of cars. However, that dream would soon be unravelled as it was deemed costly, aerodynamically inefficient and expensive to fix when they eventually broke.

By 2004 the pop-up headlight era was all but over with the Lotus Esprit and Corvette becoming the swan song of this icon of modern car design. Today we’re taking a look back at some of the coolest cars to ever rock the pop-up headlights.

Lamborghini Countach

The famed Lamborghini Countach from the raging bull is one car that set the rivalry against its other Italian counterpart back in the day. Enjoying a lengthy life cycle which spanned from 1974 through to 1990, the Countach remained constant with one thing and that was its signature wedge design featuring bold edges and those iconic pop-up headlights. A mid-mounted V12 finished the job off nicely.

Jaguar XJ220

One of the most recognised Jaguars to ever roll out of the factory is the XJ220, a project which saw production from 1992 to 1994 and wore all the right hallmarks of a supercar of that time. Besides the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 which sat in a rear-midship layout, the car also featured one of the most intuitive headlight designs of its time. Rather than popping up to break the fluid lines of the car’s body, the headlight covers dropped down at the flick of a switch to reveal fixed dual headlights on either side. Pure British aesthetics at play.

Ferrari Daytona

The Ferrari Daytona features a sublime set of headlights (no pun intended) which are designed to follow the organic lines of the body when closed. Once switched on, the path ahead is lit up with quad circular globes rising to give the silhouette an entirely new character. Lest we forget there’s also 4.4-litre V12 up front which loves to sing.

BMW M1

If ever there was a BMW M car which stood out above the rest, it would be the M1. Developed and hand built between 1978 and 1981, the M1 was the Bavarian car maker’s first ever mid-engined car to be mass produced under racing homologation rules. The second mid-ship would come more than 30 years later with the i8. Besides the powerful 3.5-litre six cylinder engine, it also sported a gorgeous set of pop-up lights that bonded perfectly with the wedged shape sportscars of that era. The result is a one-of-a-kind BMW design never to be repeated.

Opel GT

The first generation Opel GT which went into production between 1968 and 1973 is one of the most attractive offerings to come out of the marque’s German plant. Designed as a styling exercise for the 1965 Paris and Frankfurt motor shows, the car sported flowing lines and headlights which didn’t actually pop-up but rather flipped 180 degrees to reveal single globe headlights. The mechanism is bound to see issues over time but that doesn’t make it any less mesmerising to watch.

Toyota 2000GT

The original Japanese supercar driven by Sean Connery’s James Bond was, believe it or not, a Toyota. Toyotas were a bit different back then as they were attempting to break the cheap and nasty mould during the late 60s. As a result, the Japanese carmaker teamed up with Yamaha to create a limited-production, front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seater coupe. The design? Definitely on par with its British and European competition with hints of Jaguar E-Type along with the all-important pop-up headlights which sat directly above the equally bulbous fog lights. A true classic which can fetch up to $1 million today.

Honda NSX

The Japanese supercar which set the standard for drivability and reliability against its European counterparts didn’t just score its DNA from the late Ayrton Senna. The first generation NSX design which came out in 1990 also sported the mandatory pop up headlights, making it instantly recognisable amongst the more conservative looking competition of its time. A high-revving, mid-mounted 3.0-litre V6 in naturally aspirated form gave way to supercar levels of response without compromising on daily usability.

Pontiac Trans Am (Kitt)

Fans of Knight Rider (or um, David Hasselhoff) will recognise this iconic television car known as Kitt. The thinking, talking, crime fighting car was near indestructible on screen but in the real world it was a modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am with kick-ass pop-up headlights. Beyond this it boasted signature American proportions in a two-door, front-engined rear-wheel-drive layout with a 5.0-litre Chevrolet V8.

Random Fact: The new Kitt in the revamped Knight Rider series is voiced by Val Kilmer.

The post Legendary Cars That Featured Pop-Up Headlights appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

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9 Coolest Thailand Luxury Hotels
9 Coolest Thailand Luxury Hotels

D’Marge are very proud to bring you a new series for the travellers. Why? Because as men, we work hard, toil all day and deserve someplace nice to rest our weary heads on vacation. The first in this series focuses on Thailand, one of my favourite places to holiday. We’ve chosen the very best luxury Thailand hotels for your holidaying pleasure.

Veranda Chiang Mai: The High Resort, Chiangmai

Luxury Thailand hotels

The Veranda Chiang Mai is a Zen-like retreat tucked into a picturesque valley near the city of Chiangmai.  The resort is divided into two distinct sides, one representing the cultural heritage of the north and the other designed in the Contemporary Veranda style. Cultural explorers can learn to cook Thai food, make a flower garland, or weave a traditional basket, while guests seeking an indulgent experience can visit the spa, take a dip in the infinity pool, or have a bite in a private room at the Rabiang Cha Restaurant.

VIEW OR BOOK

Aleenta Resort & Spa, Phuket

Luxury Thailand hotels


The Aleenta Resort & Spa is the definiton of luxury thailand hotels. It celebrates both elegance and environmental awareness in Phuket.  The pool villas, lofts, and luxury private 2 and 3 bedroom beachfront villas all offer stunning views of the sunset side of the Andaman Sea, while more adventurous guests can experience yoga, Tai Chi, or a rejuvenating detox.  The hotel was recently named Thailand’s Best Small Green Resort, thanks to its commitment to being environmentally friendly and socially conscious.

VIEW OR BOOK


The Slate, Phuket

Luxury Thailand hotels

The Slate in Phuket is innovative industrial design at its best.  The hotel celebrates the island’s rich tin mining history and expansive rubber plantations through antique industrial ironwork and locally-crafted furniture, while paying tribute to its impressive natural beauty with private courtyards, gardens, and plunge pools.  The hotel features six restaurants, bars, and cafes, and some lucky guests may be treated to the spectacle of leatherback turtles coming ashore to bury their eggs during the winter months.

VIEW OR BOOK

Banyan Tree, Bangkok

Luxury Thailand hotels

Nothing says “sightseeing” quite like a trip to Vertigo, the Banyan Tree Bangkok’s roof-top restaurant that’s 61 stories up.  There’s something for everyone at the Banyan Tree Bangkok, from the spa’s double treatment rooms that are perfect for guests seeking a romantic getaway to the perks of the Banyan Tree Club – like a complimentary neck and shoulder massage at the Club Lounge and free use of the hotel’s boardroom – ideal for the discerning business traveler.

VIEW OR BOOK

The Library, Koh Samui

Luxury Thailand hotels

Minimalist modernism and bold colours earn The Library, located on bustling Chaweng Beach, a place on our list of the best luxury escapes in Thailand.  Eschewing the monolithic, oppressive hotel complex look, The Library is divided into 25 suite or studio cabins nestled into the lush local vegetation.  Each cabin has a suite space on the ground floor, a studio upstairs, and an ocean view.  Must-see highlights of the hotel are its namesake library and one-of-a-kind red tinted swimming pool.

VIEW OR BOOK

The Racha, Phuket

Luxury Thailand hotels

The Racha was voted one of the Top 100 Hottest New Resorts in the World in 2004 by Conde Nast Traveller and one of the Top 10 Island Spa Destinations in Asia by AsiaSpa Baccarat Spa Awards in 2006.  Located in Phuket, The Racha offers a range of accommodations to suit your needs, from Deluxe Villas, to Junior Pool Suites, to the Lighthouse- a five story villa with a private pool, terrace, sun deck, and an observation lounge with a 360 degree view of the island and the Andaman Sea.

VIEW OR BOOK

Hansar, Bangkok

Luxury Thailand hotels

The Hansar Bangkok is a haven of elegance located in one of the city’s most prestigious regions, Rajdamri Road.  The hotel blends timeless style with contemporary design and urban sophistication for a memorable stay near the exclusive shopping district of Ratchaprasong and the Erawan Shrine.  Be sure to pay a visit to the rooftop bar, relax in one of the rain showers, and enjoy a refreshment from the complimentary mini-bar.

VIEW OR BOOK

W Retreat, Koh Samui

Luxury Thailand hotels

The W Retreat Koh Samui is one of the luxury Thailand hotels as it combines the turquoise water and pristine beaches of a tropical retreat with the modern design and amenities of a luxurious resort.  The hotel offers 75 villas that feature the W Retreat Koh Samui’s signature beds and eye-catching interior design, and a host of convenient extras like the SWEAT fitness studio, the AWAY spa, and several gourmet restaurants.  The hotel is ideally located near the beach of the Gulf of Thailand and the famed nightlife of Koh Samui.

VIEW OR BOOK

Pimalai Resort & Spa, Krabi

Luxury Thailand hotels

Paradise Found.  On the secluded island of Koh Lanta Yai, guests of the Pimalai Resort & Spa enjoy the vibrant Thai rainforest on one side and the white sands of Ba Kan Tiang beach on the other.  Explore traditional resort pastimes like sailing, diving, and windsurfing, or experience something more exotic like Thai cooking lessons and elephant trekking.

VIEW OR BOOK

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How To Prevent And Treat Razor Burn Like A Boss
How To Prevent And Treat Razor Burn Like A Boss
razor burn
You just know this guy doesn’t shave with a disposable Schick

Unless you’re a Hells Angel or a member of ZZ Top, there will come a time when you must manicure your unruly facial scruff.

A well-shaved face marks you as a clean and competent man, one who takes pride in his appearance and is ready to rock it – in the boardroom, in the bedroom, and everywhere in between.

Unfortunately, legions of chumps are trudging through their days right now with faces that are anything but fresh. They’re victims of one of shaving’s nastiest side effects: razor burn.

Razor burn not only wastes a good shave, it irritates the skin, feels terrible, and is a total buzzkill for anyone trying to admire your distinguished jawline. It’s time you learned how to achieve a burn-free shave.

Prep The Skin

The first step isn’t investing in the right blade (although that’s coming). Prevention begins with skincare. Your face should be clean before you shave. Moisturise regularly to reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs, and exfoliate to remove dead skin and oil that clog the blade.

Choose The Right Tools

Finding the perfect razor isn’t easy, but it’s essential. Different razors suit different hair types, so you’ll need to experiment to find the blade that gives you the best results. Whichever one you choose, keeping it clean and replacing it regularly are non-negotiable. Dirty blades are clogged with icky buildup from previous shaves, which can be the culprit if you suffer from razor burn. A dull blade creates a lot of drag and tears at your delicate face and neck skin, which in turn increases your chances of ingrown hairs and skin irritation.

Go With The Grain

Shaving direction is a divisive subject amongst regular groomers and conflicting opinions are easy to find. The safest rule to follow is this: if you have sensitive skin and know you’re prone to razor burn, you should only shave with the grain. If your skin is on the heartier side, shave with the grain first and perform a second pass across the grain (make sure you re-lather in between). You’ll get a closer shave without serious irritation.

Don’t Shave Dry

Do not shave dry. Do not shave with plain water. Do not shave with a bar of soap. There are dedicated shaving products for a reason. A moisturising shaving gel or cream softens the hair and helps the blade glide smoothly across your skin. It prevents razor burn and frankly, it just feels better.

Don’t Overdo It

Ideally, your blade should be sharp enough that only one pass is required. Re-shaving the same area significantly ups the odds for irritation. But it’s not just the number of strokes that matters – it’s also how hard you do it. Pressing too hard (which you’re more prone to do with a dull blade) is also bad news for the burn-prone. Use short, light strokes to prevent yourself from applying too much pressure.

Use The Temperature Trick

For the smoothest shave, start hot and end cold. The warm water and steam in a shower softens the hair, relaxes the skin, and opens the pores so they stay clean. This is why a barber applies a hot towel to your face before shaving. The towel route is always an option at home if a shower is not in the cards. After you’ve shaved, rinse your face with cold water. The cold closes your pores and seals the follicle to reduce the probability of ingrown hairs.

Choose The Right Aftercare

This one’s a no-brainer: don’t apply irritating products if your skin is prone to irritation. Aftershaves and antiseptic formulas are sometimes recommended because shaving can cause tiny nicks in the skin, but the burning sensation they can cause makes angry skin even angrier. Instead, opt for products that are hydrating and soothing. Aloe vera and coconut oil can moisturise and reduce inflammation without causing further distress to your skin.

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Australia's Finest Winery Unveils Its $185,000 Bottle
Australia's Finest Winery Unveils Its $185,000 Bottle
sitepen
Would you like some insurance with your wine?

True purveyors of the world’s finest wine will soon have another bottle to add to their wish list.

Coming in at a staggering $185,000, the six-litre Penfolds Imperial will be limited to just five examples in the world. Inside the beautifully crafted bottle is the highly coveted 2012 vintage Penfolds Grange, a wine which has obtained perfect scores from critics around the globe.

Given the substantial size of this particular bottle which would make it near impossible to pour without spillage, Penfolds had to acquire the master craftsmanship of France’s Saint-Louis to create a decanter worthy of such a drop. The result is a hand-blown, hand-cut crystal decanter which you see before you.

Peter Gago, Penfolds’s chief winemaker, explained that this isn’t the first batch of Imperial they’ve made. “[It’s] more for long-term cellaring in our museum. Every now and then we’ve released one at auction, and there is pandemonium. So we thought: Why not release a few – and why not with a vintage as good as 2012?”

Making up a major portion of the eye-watering price tag is the aforementioned decanter made by Europe’s oldest glass maker which has been around since the 1500s. Saint-Louis President Jerome St. Lavergnolle aptly labelled the crafting process the Aeveum Imperial Service Ritual in which the glass contains “more than 1,800 simple diamond cuts, one by one.”

“It’s really a piece of art,” he says.

The Imperial was unveiled last night in the wine capital of Adelaide in South Australia alongside some more affordable options from the Penfolds family, such as the 750ml bottle which will set locals back by $900 a pop. A smaller Saint-Louis Penfolds Aevum decanter will also be available for a cool $2,100.

The post Australia's Finest Winery Unveils Its $185,000 Bottle appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

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10 Crazy Things You Can Only Do In Germany
10 Crazy Things You Can Only Do In Germany

You’ve done the Autobahn and Oktoberfest. You’ve crossed off the Christmas markets. You’ve partied past sunrise at Berlin’s techno clubs, paid your respects at the Wall, and eaten more bratwurst than is prudent for a single lifetime. What’s next on your Germany bucket list?

Even with the major sights out of the way, you’ve only scratched the surface of what the country has to offer. Beyond the top guidebook destinations lies a quirkier side of Germany, one where a nuclear power plant is fun for the whole family and a squash is a mode of transportation.

Get ready for a remarkable, unique, and occasionally bizarre take on a country you thought you knew – we’re spilling the beans on 10 special things you can only do in Germany.

Drink At The World’s Oldest Brewery

It won’t surprise you to learn that the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery is in a country famed for its beer. What might surprise you is just how old it is. Weihenstephan, located in a Benedictine monastery, was founded in 1040 – that makes it hundreds of years older than the Mona Lisa, Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, and the American Declaration of Independence. It even predates the Magna Carta. If you like a splash of history with your hops, a visit to Weihenstephan is a must.

See The Castle That Inspired Frankenstein

Germany is home to literally thousands of castles, each spectacular in its own way. One inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Another inspired a far darker tale: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Frankenstein Castle was once home to Johann Conrad Dippel, a professional alchemist who claimed to have created the elixir of life. Legend has it that he exhumed corpses and performed medical experiments on them in the castle. Some believe Dippel’s myth-shrouded tale was the origin of Shelley’s gothic novel.

Visit An Amusement Park In A Former Nuclear Power Plant

Wunderland Kalkar may be the most unusually located amusement park on the planet. Construction began on the SNR-300, the first large breeding reactor in Germany, in 1972. The construction was highly controversial and continuously delayed, and when it was finally completed, authorities opted not to put it into operation. A Dutch investor purchased the abandoned property in 1991 and transformed it into a theme park. Many facilities from the original plant are integrated into the park and its attractions, including the cooling tower, which now houses a swing ride and a climbing wall.

Stay In Stuttgart’s Car-Themed Hotel

Transportation as we know it wouldn’t exist without German ingenuity. Both the automobile and the motorcycle were purported to have been invented in Stuttgart, earning it the nickname “the cradle of the automobile.” Today the city is home to the V8 Hotel, a four-star property guaranteed to rev the engine of any petrolhead. Each of the rooms is car-themed and individually designed, including a drive-in movie room, a car wash room, and a room meant to evoke a road trip through the American mid-west.

Paddle A Pumpkin To Victory

The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival displays more than 450,000 pumpkins each year, making it the largest pumpkin exhibition in the world. The versatile squash is put through its paces in events ranging from weight competitions, to artist carvings, to cooking and sculptures. The quirkiest use of the fruit is the regatta, which sees daring pumpkin canoe enthusiasts climb aboard gigantic, hollowed-out gourds and attempt to paddle for the fastest lap time. The autumnal tradition is Germany’s funniest and most photogenic sporting event.

Celebrate Fasching

Rio has Carnival. New Orleans has Mardi Gras. Germany has Fasching. The German carnival season begins each year on 11 November at 11:11am and finishes on Ash Wednesday of the following year. Fasching, also known as Karneval, is a festive time – a time to break the rules and poke fun at those who make them. Cities across the country (most notably Cologne) celebrate with parades, parties, costumes, masks, feasting, and frivolity. Fasching shindigs happen throughout the season, but the biggest bacchanals are reserved for the final week.

Relax To The Soothing Sounds Of Underwater Techno

A spa day in Berlin isn’t like a spa day anywhere else. The futuristic Liquidrom, designed to look like an abstract tent structure, is outfitted with the expected contingent of saunas and baths. But those classic relaxation options don’t come close to the spa’s crown jewel: a large saltwater floating pool, surrounded by soaring arches and multi-coloured lights, with music pumped underwater. The musical program ranges from classical to techno (we’re voting for the latter, seeing as Berlin is the world’s unofficial techno capital).

Have A Tropical Holiday In An Airplane Hangar

Germany has beaches and beach resorts, and though they’re lovely, they’re not exactly a holiday in the tropics. In yet another example of the native genius, Germany decided to fix the problem by building a tropical theme park and resort inside a disused airplane hangar. This strange slice of paradise offers palm trees, white sand, warm water, and balmy weather all year round. There’s also a rainforest, a village of traditional island buildings, a miniature golf course, waterslides, a shopping boulevard, and free-floating balloon rides – all beneath the expansive dome.

Feast During Spargelzeit

Connoissuers have called it ‘vegetable of kings,’ ‘edible ivory,’ and ‘white gold.’ Germans go crazy over white asparagus (Spargel), and when the season (Spargelzeit) rolls around, it pops up in every market and on every menu. The states of Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony take pride in being prime asparagus growing regions and both have scenic ‘Asparagus Routes.’ They’re also home to multiple annual asparagus festivals where peeling contests are held, asparagus queens are crowned, and asparagus Schnapps is consumed. Germany goes through tousands of tonnes of the ghostly veggie each year.

Get Cultured In A Gas Holder Turned Exhibition Space

Gasometer Oberhausen’s solemn industrial exterior hides a staggeringly imaginative space. The 117-metre tower once stored gas from the local iron works, becoming the largest gas holder in the world in the late 1920s. It survived several bombings during the Second World War, but eventually became superfluous and was decommissioned in 1988. In its second life, the Gasometer is an industrial landmark and an exhibition space for monumental art installations.

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What You Need To Know When Buying Your First Watch
What You Need To Know When Buying Your First Watch

It can be nerve racking when it comes to buying your first watch. Combining the array of timepieces out on the market, with the price tag of some of them, buying your first watch can be overwhelming. So here are some things to help you breakdown the watch choosing process.

Know Your Movements


Most watch enthusiasts would hold the moment of the watch as the biggest importance. There are two main groups. Quartz watches, which use a tiny quartz crystal to provide steady timing, and automatic movements which use mechanical technology to self wind and keep time without any electrical component. Quartz watches require a battery to power the electrical component, but automatic watches require kinetic energy or manual winding to wind up the movement.

Choose An Appropriate Size


Size does matter. No one likes an oversized watch on a wrist, so make sure when you try it, check yourself out and make sure it doesn’t look awkward. Plus, if it is oversized, you’d be more prone to accidentally knocking and scratching it, and that’s the last thing you’d want to be doing. Watches should compliment your outfit. So don’t try to overstate it by wearing an over-sized watch. You’ll look silly when wearing a suit and people will take more notice of your wrist, rather than your beautifully tailored suit. And remember smaller watches are coming back into fashion.

Understand Complications


Complications are essentially added features to your watch. Chronograph (stopwatch), perpetual calendar (automatic calendar), minute repeater (audible chime) and tourbillon (design to counter the effect of gravity). Having all these complications may seem cool, but the more complications you have on your timepiece, the more expensive it becomes. Having complications on your watch also means that it will require more movements. This will in turn make your watch larger in thickness and in size, to internally accommodate all the movements.

The Types of Bracelets & Straps


The bracelet of your watch can dramatically change the feel of your outfit. Metal bands can come across as slightly more casual compared to leather bands. Leather bands tend to dress up your outfit and be more formal. There are plenty of aftermarket straps that are available, and if you really want, you can learn how to swap your straps over by yourself using the right tools.

The Right Price


We all live the dream that we can have whatever we want, but unfortunately for most, budget does matter. So stay within your allocated budget and resist the temptation to go over. If you do however fall in love with a watch that is above your price range, you can always look into the second-hand market. You can find great deals depending on the year, condition and demand. If resell value is a consideration, stick to classic timepieces, mainly from brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. If you do get your hands on a limited addition, it may even become a stylish investment.

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How To Budget For The Festive Season Without Looking Like A Tightass
How To Budget For The Festive Season Without Looking Like A Tightass
festive
Be money wise, not money tight

Brace yourselves. A new festive season is approaching and that means preparing your credit cards for a heavy hit of pointless presents for people you sort of like.

Unbeknownst to most men there’s officially 10 more weeks until Christmas, so we figured it was due time we compiled a list of rules to help you guys get over the line with budgeting during this period of free-for-all spending. We’re in no way advocating you become a scavenging old Scrooge; more so we’re endorsing a concept of spend it where it matters – think mothers, fathers and nieces (none for your mistress).

Listen up, spend wisely and walk into the new year fiscally unscathed.

#1 Use Cash Money

Lets get the basics out of the way. Pay in cash for presents and avoid using the credit card where possible. The interest fees that can roll in during this time do make a real difference when you find you’ve only got $3.20 left in your bank account. Keep in mind that if you’ve accumulated frequent flyer or rewards points over the year, now is the best time to cash them in for trips, accommodation and gifts.

#2 Early Bird Gets The Savings

It has been spoken of many times and most probably won’t listen, but do not wait until the last minute to grab your gifts. Spread out your spending by starting your shopping now with 10 weeks to go as you can still catch some of the regular sales going on. Having a list of of items to tick off with a rough budget on how much you want to spend on each one will also help you stay within your spending limitations.

#3 Don’t Buy A New Outfit For Every Party

In the wise words of Ryan Gosling’s character from Crazy Stupid Love, “a man can rebuild his wardrobe in just 16 items or less”, so don’t neglect those threads – unless they’re shit to begin with. Have a look at what’s inside your closet: pair basics such as tees with the different trousers or jeans you have, or use fitted suit pants to go with white sneakers and a tee for that casual weekender look. Our guide on how to dress cool if you’re a bit of a tightass will leave you with more cash to spend on other things during this festive season.

#4 Shop Around, Fool

It may seem pretty obvious but we know that most guys (including us) have the tendency to buy what they need from the first store they step into. If you’re that lazy, check what you’re after online first to compare which store is selling it cheaper. That way your task is made even easier and you won’t need to fight angry mothers when you make a bee-line straight to that damn Ninja Lego set. As a side note, shop solo – it’s been proven that people tend to spend more money when they’re shopping with friends as everyone is in a rush to get things done which means less shopping around for what you need.

#5 Advice From The Expert Money Guy

Luke Laretive is D’Marge’s expert money guy who says that the inevitable increase in spending from social obligations, gifts, travel, food and booze during the silly season doesn’t need to be painful.

“The two easiest areas to save on are gifts and booze,” he says.

“Bulk buy your booze when it’s on special and you’ll save money as well as spreading out your expenses so you’re not flat broke come January. It also means you’ll always have a nice bottle on hand when you’re running out to that BBQ or dinner party. Just don’t drink your stockpile all at once.”

Additionally, Laretive says that if there’s going to be people that you’ll only see after Christmas, save the gift buying for the Boxing Day sales instead. This will save you some cash without making you look like a miser.

“With some forward planning, there’s no need to be a Christmas scrooge. Save smart where you can so you can enjoy the holidays with friends and family.”

Special thanks to Luke Laretive who is a Senior Private Wealth Adviser @ Shaw and Partners. This is general advice and you should consider it in light of your personal circumstances.

The post How To Budget For The Festive Season Without Looking Like A Tightass appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

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Dracula's Transylvanian Castle Is Now Listed On Airbnb
Dracula's Transylvanian Castle Is Now Listed On Airbnb

Halloween festivities looking a bit dull this year? Perhaps try your hand at scoring Count Dracula’s epic pad to throw your party at.

That’s right, the ever-creative people at Airbnb have just listed Bran Castle in Romania for their latest competition. Decked out in velvet trimmed coffins (for sleeping in, duh), gothic candles, freakish artwork and a dining room fit for a bloodsucker, the competition will allow for two people to stay at the castle which inspired Bram Stoker’s classic tale of Dracula.

Bram Stoker’s great-grand-nephew and novelist Dacre Stoker will also be on hand to provide guests with an extensive tour of the 14th century castle. The stay which commenced on October 31st will include an in-depth explanation of the folklore of how the medieval prince known as Vlad the Impaler eventually became known as Dracula. The sightings of vampires you’ll need to find for yourself.

The cool Airbnb contest is now open to registrations for those game enough. Buffy not included.

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Karl Lagerfeld Is Opening His Own Nightclub & Hotel
Karl Lagerfeld Is Opening His Own Nightclub & Hotel
karl
Prepare your entourage

If partying in absolute style sounds like your kind of night out then Karl Lagerfeld is about to make your squad dreams come true.

The iconic creative director of Chanel is in the process of building his new hospitality arm, Karl Lagerfeld Hotels & Resorts, which will house bespoke rooms, residential properties, restaurants and private nightclubs.

The project will take off with the help of a licensing deal with Brandmark Collective BV who will ensure the smooth integration of Lagerfeld’s name into the hospitality scene. Given that Lagerfeld has been sharpening his interior design acumen across various exclusive spaces over the years including lobbies, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo’s pool and a 270-room hotel in Macau, the aesthetic front of Karl Lagerfeld Hotels & Resorts should see no real issues under his full creative control.

Additionally, Lagerfeld’s latest twenty storey project which resides in the Lisboa Palace luxury development is already earmarked as a six star property. Punters can expect lavish surrounds across all of the venues (sorry guys, that probably means no thongs and T-shirts) and hopefully mother of all Karl Lagerfeld libraries.

Karl Lagerfeld’s endeavour into the hotel scene isn’t the first for fashion icons. Fashion houses such as Versace, Armani and Bulgari have already graced their name on hotels around the world.

President and chief executive officer of Karl Lagerfeld, Pierpaolo Righi, revealed that the push into hotels reflects the brand’s wish to “broaden Karl Lagerfeld’s comprehensive lifestyle experience.”

Brandmark CEO Tony Kurz said that the chain will deliver a concept which “celebrates the designer’s unique talent and approach to fashion and lifestyle.”

Time to save up those pennies for your next fashionable holiday.

[via WWD]

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