MEET Bleep. An encrypted messaging app designed for all the text massages and photos you don't want the government to read.
Thursday, 14 May 2015
Bleep is like WhatsApp – but the government can't snoop on your rudest texts and photos
MEET Bleep. An encrypted messaging app designed for all the text massages and photos you don't want the government to read.
Avoid the INFESTATIONS: New app warns UK holidaymakers over disease-carrying tick hotspots
A TICK-TRACKING app wants to put an end to the THOUSANDS of Lyme disease cases reported in Britain every year.
The perfect garden party dress (hello, LWD!)
Hello, perfect little white dress. Where have you been all my life? Today's Daily Shop is all about the romance of summer whites and this white dress from The Row is second to none for the season ahead. Whether you're polo partying, getting down in the garden or hitting up the Hamptons, this Mukan Wrap-Top midi dress will have all stylish eyes wondering where on earth you scored this perfect piece. And, yes, ladies, this is the perfect piece. Wear all on it's own or mix it up with a chunky turquoise necklace and you are ready to hit the event circuit. Love, love, love.
Tips from an Airbnb traveller: 7 tips and tricks to get the most from your booking
This past February I had my very first Airbnb experience. I was going out to Los Angeles, for an extended period of time, and was pretty convinced I didn't have it in me (or my wallet) to part with the colossal amount of cash needed to live it up in a five star hotel for ten days. I'm a one-night-stand type of girl when it comes to luxury hotels. For one night, the world's my oyster. For ten days, I need a kitchen and a space to call my own, end of. So, after a lot of back and forth conversations with my bestie, I decided to join her in her quest to see the world from the apartments and homes of people around the world. You see, she was an old Airbnb pro, had stayed at more than I can remember her listing and had entire "saved lists" for towns she would be visiting in the future. She was Airbnb savvy and I was a complete virgin when it came to the whole concept. So, after all this, here's my story and why I think Airbnb might just be one the best ways to see the world...
| View from Silver Lake Airbnb Property |
So, my first Airbnb experience was in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. When we arrived we were greeted by a couple, and their small child, and, rather surprisingly, they had British accents. It was late when we landed, we were jet lagged and it felt like I was in a parallel universe. I had just arrived in Los Angeles, right? The two Brits lived in a house, with beautiful views of the city of Los Angeles, and their top floor was a converted flat which was used exclusively for Airbnb renters. They were making a hefty sum of money, a second income really, from renting out this hipster crash pad to the masses. I was impressed. The decor was impeccable, the living areas comfortable and the beds perfect for the epic wipeout that was about to happen. Endless hours were spent simply lounging on the sofa that overlooked the hills or sipping glasses of wine from the balcony with a killer view of the Hollywood sign. For the first time visiting a place, I saw a city through the eyes of a local. This is what it would be like to live here, work here and play here, with my very own space. We never saw our hosts, the entire time we were there, besides check in and check out, and this truly made us feel as if it were our home. For me, this changed the whole concept of travel. We weren't guests, we were instantly locals. That's the power of Airbnb.
My second experience with Airbnb, also in Los Angeles, was even better than the first (you can see this in the title picture for this piece). I had booked myself into a beautiful bungalow in the East Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica. From the photos online, the place seemed too good to be true. It was just my taste, yet with a true California feel (rather than the one I've been trying to emulate for years rather shabbily here in London). The host, who I will now try and lunch with every time I return to LA, was instantly someone who seemed like BFF material rather than landlord. I had booked a place to lay my head at night and had left with a whole new perspective on interior design and a true friend in the city.
Since the first two experiences, I have gone on to have a few more, all in Los Angeles. So sadly, I can't speak for every country's quality of stay. However, I will say I have yet to hear a bad word said about a friend's experience as an Airbnb guest. I have, though, been given a lot of great advice when it comes to booking. So, I thought I'd share. Airbnb is definitely worth a try for anyone looking to truly experience a city as a local, or even just to meet some cool people ahead of a big move.
7 Airbnb tips to make the most of your booking
1. Read the entire description of the property
There are so many little things to pick up on in the description that people often overlook. A lot of Airbnb hosts are completely against the idea of you bringing guests back to the house, for example. There is so much information to be discovered in these crucial paragraphs that are often in a drop down box, that can be easily missed. Read everything!
2. Read every comment left from people who have stayed in the property
On that note, the most important thing you can read is the comments section. Airbnb allow for every guest and every host to leave feedback for one another. They do so confidentially and then the reviews are published days after they are written so that nothing can be altered according to what the other party has written. You get people that are pretty brutally honest, but that's exactly what you want. You want to know if you are headed for a filth pit or a place that claims to have air conditioning, when really all they have is a small fan with an open window. Now, some people are unduly harsh on the comments they leave for properties, but the hosts do have a chance to respond and this can sometimes be not only great for explaining, but also just great entertainment. The things people will say out loud... my goodness!
3. Do exchange Airbnb emails with the host before booking
I find you can learn a hell of a lot about your experience just by talking to the host through the Airbnb email communication. Their tone of voice says it all, really, or so has been my experience. Chances are if they are rude and short on email, you're experience in the flat will mirror that attitude. You are staying in a stranger's house and will need them in the case of an emergency with your accommodation. So, you want to know they are decent human beings at the end of the day. Converse, and freely, over email.
4. Ask every question you can think of before hand
Now, this brings me to a very important part of booking and communication. If you have any questions at all, ask them before booking. Bringing a baby and need a high chair? Coming with someone in a wheelchair and need ramp access? Have a heart condition and can't climb two flights of stairs? Ask away... get your answers before booking, and here's why...
5. Check the cancellation policy
The cancellation policies on most of the Airbnbs I have stayed in have been VERY strict. As in, you book it, you're staying there. Some cancellations are accepted up to seven days before the booking is to used, but then most will still charge you 50% of the booking costs, if you have to cancel for any reason before. You want to be absolutely sure this is the booking you want.
6. Note the pet and smoking situation
So many people have mentioned pets and smoking when it comes to Airbnb and it's the only thing close to a downside that I've heard. This mostly has to do with allergies or people very sensitive to sent. If you have a problem with pets - a serious allergy, for example, make sure you check with the host that the apartment has not been inhabited by an animal. Same goes for smoking. If you can't stand the smell, even the tiniest hint of it, ask if smoking has ever been allowed in the place before your arrival.
7. Check on the parking situation
I left the most tedious and annoying tip for last, and it's mostly applicable to the big cities in the USA. Ask about parking and be very firm in requesting a clear answer. This has been my only problem with Airbnb places in LA. Obviously the houses don't come with valets, unlike every other establishment in Los Angeles. So, it's always a struggle. Now, it's one of the first things I check. Do they mention parking? Are they casual or confident in their guests ability to parallel park on an open street or do they have parking garage or dedicated space for guests? ASK this question and get a clear answer!
From there, just book away and enjoy! You won't regret it. While I still love a stay in a five star hotel (who doesn't?), Airbnb has truly opened my eyes to the possibility of truly experiencing a city as a local. It might just be one of the greatest websites created in the 21st century thus far. Oh the possibilities... where will they take us next? {www.airbnb.com}
Do feel free to comment below on your experience with Airbnb. Would be really interested to hear if anyone has any favourites they've stayed in or any experiences dissimilar to mine?
Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Britain’s first FREE mobile phone plan launches this summer
WE couldn’t believe it either.
The next iPhone ‘is less than four months away’ – but what will it look like?
APPLE plans to add a pressure-sensitive sapphire crystal display, a fresh rose-gold coating and a dramatically improved 12megapixel rear camera in its upcoming iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, according to the latest rumours.
Top 10 facts about asparagus
MAY is National Asparagus Month. You can find out all about it at http://ift.tt/YP84Uz.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015: Dan Pearson returns with Laurent-Perrier Chatsworth Garden
WITH this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show only days away, this week we are featuring several of the designers, including Dan Pearson and his Laurent-Perrier Chatsworth Garden.
This could be the perfect summer work/play bag...
Call me crazy but this Gap bag looks suspiciously like a very high end French designer design? I do love when the high street takes inspiration from the greats. And I love it even more when they slap a price tag of $39.95 on the finished product. Yes, Gap, you are definitely bringing out some winners this season and this striped canvas satchel is just the start of what I'm obsessing over for spring summer. {Note: Also available in black and off-white}
Winning wines: The supermarket tipples that you really should buy
UK supermarkets’ own-brand wines have scooped a record number of medals at a prestigious competition, with retailers producing bottles that would be “welcome at any dinner party”.
FFG Eats: Randy's Donuts, a Los Angeles Landmark
I've been meaning to go to Randy's Donuts in Los Angeles for years. I've seen pictures, heard stories and been mesmerised by the decor. Well, can you call it decor? It's a drive through, so there are no interiors highlights, but the advertising, which is the main draw to the location, is second to none. Yes, Randy's is the famous donut place with a giant donut resting atop the roof. And if you're wondering why it looks familiar, it may be because it's been featured in more movies, TV shows and music videos than I could possibly list for you here.
Let's first start by saying that Randy's Donuts is a 24/7 establishment. It caters to the early birds and the late night snackers in equal measure. And in preparation for the sugar deprived, they've made it easy as anything to get a fix. This, my friends, is a donut drive thru. Oh yes, it's a steer straight into sugar sort of place, and that is extremely dangerous.
Now I could sit here and write until the cows come home about how fabulous these fluffy bites of sugar taste as you're soaking them down with coffee and an LA sunset, but I think I'll just say it's a must add to your visit list when in Inglewood. And if you're thinking about the rising cost of living, not to worry when it comes to Randy's as it seems their prices are stuck on the savings train. Donuts for a dollar or less? When was the last time you made that kind of purchase?
Visit, take pictures, and be sure to order the cinnamon roll. And I'll end it there!
Randy's Donuts
805 West Manchester
Inglewood, California
Your next computer will cost you a FIVER
MEET the desktop computer the size of a credit card that costs £5.
Could you be heading for a stroke? Unhealthy lifestyle triggers rise in condition
ACCORDING to researchers the number of middle-aged people being affected has soared in recent years because of poor diet and lack of exercise
Domino's wants you to place your next order by TWEETING a pizza emoji
DOMINO'S has announced that customers will soon be able to order a pizza by TWEETING a pizza emoji to the firm's official Twitter account.
The new Samsung smartwatch will ZOOM by twisting like a diver's watch
SAMSUNG has unveiled more details about its upcoming Apple Watch-killer.
Tuesday, 12 May 2015
Rolls-Royce announces new model – and it’s called Dawn
BRITISH luxury carmaker reveals new drophead car, inspired by Fifties model
You should be DEAD: Nurse's words spurred 37 stone man to shed half his weight
AT 37 stone, Gary Marsden got a wake-up call was when a nurse said his blood pressure was so high, he should be dead.
Animal lovers ask scientists to 'paws for thought' before unleashing robotic pets
ANIMAL lovers have asked scientists to “paws for thought” before unleashing a generation of robot pets into our homes.
KitKat to be renamed 'YouTube Break' in latest Google deal, Nestle confirms
KITKAT is taking a BREAK from tradition.
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