Tag: Guide

Here’s your 2025 guide to the night sky and other celestial wow moments

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The new year will bring a pair of lunar eclipses, but don’t expect any sun-disappearing acts like the one that mesmerized North America last spring.

While the world will have to wait until 2026 for the next total solar eclipse, the cosmos promises plenty of other wow moments in 2025. It’s kicking off the year with a six-planet parade in January that will be visible for weeks. Little Mercury will join the crowd for a seven-planet lineup in February.

Five planets already are scattered across the sky — all but Mars and Mercury — though binoculars or telescopes are needed to spot some of them just after sunset.

“People should go out and see them sometime during the next many weeks. I certainly will,” said the Planetary Society’s chief scientist Bruce Betts.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s ahead:

The moon will vanish for more than an hour over North and South America on March 14, followed two weeks later by a partial solar eclipse visible from Maine, eastern Canada, Greenland, Europe, Siberia and northwestern Africa.

The cosmic double-header will repeat in September with an even longer total lunar eclipse over Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, and a partial solar eclipse two weeks later near the bottom of the world.

Three supermoons are on tap this year in October, November and December.

The full moon will look particularly big and bright those three months as it orbits closer to Earth than usual.

November’s supermoon will come closest, passing within 221,817 miles (356,980 kilometers). Last year featured four supermoons, wrapping up in November.

Six of our seven neighboring planets will line up in the sky to form a long arc around mid-January. All but Neptune and Uranus should be visible with the naked eye just after sunset, weather permitting.

The parade will continue for weeks, with some of the planets occasionally snuggling up. Mercury will make a cameo appearance by the end of February. The planets will gradually exit, one by one, through spring.

The sun burped big time last year, painting the sky with gorgeous auroras in unexpected places.

Space weather forecasters anticipate more geomagnetic storms that could yield even more northern and southern lights.

That’s because the sun has reached its solar maximum during its current 11-year cycle that could continue through this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Shawn Dahl urges everyone to stay on top of space weather news, so as not to miss any pop-up, razzle-dazzle shows.

The Perseids and Geminids are perennial crowd-pleasers, peaking in August and December, respectively. But don’t count out the smaller, less dramatic meteor showers like the Lyrids in April, the Orionids in October and the Leonids in November.

The darker the locale and dimmer the moon, the better it will be for viewing. Meteor showers are generally named for the constellation in which they appear to originate. They occur whenever Earth plows through streams of debris left behind by comets and sometimes asteroids.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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January 1, 2025
A Stress-Free Guide To Hosting The Ultimate New Years Eve Potluck Party

As the countdown to the New Year begins, the excitement for a memorable celebration with close friends is palpable. However, the idea of hosting a party can be overwhelming, especially when considering the hassle of planning an entire menu and catering to diverse tastes. But fear not, there’s a delightful solution that turns the party-planning game around – the magic of potlucks. Get everyone to participate and host the New Year 2025 party. It still can’t be a breeze but with our tips, you can easily plan a great potluck with your loved ones.
Also Read: Welcome New Year 2024 With Our Curated Menu For Your Dinner Party

Why Potlucks?

Potlucks are a game-changer for hosting stress-free gatherings. Imagine a scenario where the entire menu isn’t your sole responsibility. Instead, each guest contributes a dish, transforming the event into a collaborative feast. Potlucks are not just easy to plan; they’re simple to execute and ensure everyone leaves with a satisfied palate.
Also Read: New Year 2024: 7 Finger Foods To Amp Up Your New Year’s Eve Celebration

Plan your New Year’s Eve party in advance.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Potluck Party:

1. Guest List:

Begin by making a list of all the invitees. It’s crucial to have a clear idea of who will be joining the celebration. Last-minute additions might catch someone off guard, especially when tasked with bringing a dish.

2. Menu Categories:

Divide the menu into three categories – starters, main course, and desserts. Adjust the number of dishes based on the total number of guests. For example, if you’re inviting 12-15 people, aim for 4 starters, 4 main courses, and 3 desserts.

3. Guest Assignments:

Now comes the fun part – assigning dishes to each guest. This can be done either through a friendly discussion or by allowing guests to choose their preferred category. This way, everyone feels involved in creating the menu.

4. Collaborative Dish Selection:

To avoid duplication and ensure a harmonious menu, brainstorm with your guests to finalize the dishes. A variety of cuisines can work well together, so check if there’s a theme emerging. For instance, if the majority leans towards Indian cuisine, you might want to skip the Pasta.

5. Set-Up Essentials:

Since there’s no singular host, pay attention to details like plates, cutlery, and paper napkins. If necessary, distribute these responsibilities among guests to streamline the process. It’s essential to think ahead and create a seamless setup for everyone.

6. Cooking Tips:

Remind guests to cook their dishes fresh and on time. To make things even simpler, suggest that those who feel pressed for time can outsource certain ingredients or opt for semi-prepared items. For perfect potluck recipes, click here.

By following these steps, you’re not only ensuring a diverse and delicious spread but also creating an environment where everyone plays a part in making the New Year’s Eve celebration memorable. The collaborative spirit of a potluck takes away the hosting burden, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities along with your guests.

So, this New Year’s Eve, let the magic of potlucks redefine your party planning and make it a celebration to remember!

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December 26, 2024
Is Lemon Water Your Go-To Morning Drink? Heres Your Guide To The Dos And Donts

We all have certain rituals we follow every morning. These might include eating a handful of soaked nuts, drinking tea, or enjoying a bowl of fruit. Another common morning habit is drinking lemon water on an empty stomach. Lemon, a powerhouse of vitamin C, is known for its numerous health benefits. However, there are specific dos and don’ts to keep in mind when consuming lemon water in the morning. Did you know about this? Recently, Ayurvedic and gut health coach Dimple Jangda shared these tips on her official Instagram handle to help you make an informed choice while sipping your lemon water.
Also Read: What Happens If You Drink Coconut Water, Lemon Water, Ginger Shot Every Day

Here Are The Dos And Don’ts Of Drinking Lemon Water On An Empty Stomach:

1.Never Consume It In A Copper Or Aluminium Glass

Dimple suggests that one should never consume lemon water in a copper or aluminium glass. This is because these heavy metals can easily leach into the water, and eventually enter our bloodstream. When this happens, our srotas – hollow channels in the body – can get blocked and cause toxic buildup in our liver and kidney.

2. Do Not Consume If You Have Skin Issues

Did you know you should avoid lemon water if you have skin issues? According to the coach, lemon has a high citric content, which is detrimental to skin disorders. Consuming too much of it can cause skin irritation and redness. So, if you have issues like psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, you must avoid consuming lemon water in the morning.

3. Do Not Consume If You Have Acidity

Consuming lemon water in the morning is also unsuitable for people with acidity. Dimple says that lemon water can increase acid production in the body, thus worsening your symptoms. You should also abstain from drinking lemon water if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRED).

4. Drink It Immediately

As we all know, lemon water is an excellent source of vitamin C. However, if you do not consume it immediately, you can lose out on it. Jangda explains that vitamin C in water degrades over time, which is why you should avoid preparing it in advance. If not immediately, try to consume it within a few minutes after making it to reap its maximum benefits.

5. Do Not Add Honey

Another thing to keep in mind while drinking lemon water in the morning is not to add honey. According to the nutritionist, adding honey to it can be detrimental to your health in the long run. It can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and may even affect your oral health. So, it’s best to avoid adding it altogether or reduce the quantity.
Also Read: Wait! Don’t Eat Outside Food Without Drinking Lemon Water. Here’s Why…

Watch the complete video below:

Now that you know about the dos and don’ts of drinking lemon water, we hope you’ll be able to make a better decision for yourself.

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December 9, 2024
Christmas gift guide 2024: Best presents to shop this festive season including 12.12 sales, Lifestyle News

The holidays are right around the corner — and there’s no better time to start Christmas shopping than right now when annual sales like 12.12 and year-end promotions are in full swing.

To help wrap up your shopping woes, we’ve curated a Christmas gift guide filled with the best gifts to shop during the festive sales season.

More deals will be added as we find more, so be sure to check back here!

12.12 tech deals

If you’re thinking about spoiling your loved ones with a swanky new laptop or tech device — you’re in luck.

The festive sales season also coincides with the annual 12.12 sales where many popular online retailers and shops offer discounts on electronics and gadgets (which to be honest, can get pretty expensive).

Lazada

Lazada’s 12.12 sale will be begin from Dec 11 at 8pm until Dec 17 — where you can find great savings like the Philips two-in-one Dehumidifier Air Purifier 5000 Series going for just $699 (U.P $1,099) and the Philips two-in-one Vacuum and Wash Robot 9000 Series for $1,799 (U.P $2,999).

Shopee

For Shopee’s 12.12 sale, shoppers can expect deal and voucher drops on Dec 11 at 8pm and Dec 12 at 12am, 12pm and 10pm — where selected products including tech items will go for just $12, like the Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse (U.P $119), Apple Air Tag (U.P $45.82) and Dreame Hair Gleam Hair Dryer (U.P $299).

Lenovo

Lenovo’s Perfect 12.12 sale is happening now until Dec 12, 11.59pm. During this period, shoppers can enjoy discounts across a wide range of tech items like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon G12 for $3,054 (U.P $4,701) and IdeaPad 3 for $820 (U.P $1,021).

Other festive deals

Tech and gadgets

1. Bose Noise Cancelling QuietComfort Earbuds

Looking for a good pair of earbuds that aren’t AirPods or Galaxy Buds? Consider this pair from Bose.

Equipped with water-resistant features, a long listening time of up to 31.5 hours, and snug design that fits the ear securely, it’s a great choice for those who are active or always on the go.

Its noise-cancelling properties also allow users to fully immerse into their favourite music and podcasts.

2. Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphone

For those who prefer headphones, consider the Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones.

Not only does it have over 80 hours of wireless playtime, it also comes with a fast-charging feature where 15 minutes of charging would give you up to 15 hours of power — saving users the hassle of constantly worrying about battery life especially when they’re out and about.

The headphones are foldable for easy storage.

3. Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active

Designed with multiple functions to help monitor users’ health from all-day heart rate and sleep monitoring to stress and women’s health management, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is a good pick to consider for those who want to help their loved ones stay on top of their health.

While it’s equipped with a large display for easy viewing, this fitness tracking watch is still lightweight at 16.5g.

The straps can also be changed to go with any outfit, mood or aesthetic.

F&B deals

1. All Things Delicious Christmas Gift Basket

Treat your loved ones to some sweet treats with this All Things Delicious Christmas Gift Basket.

Each regular basket comes with chocolate, a box of organic tea, a medium and petite jar of cookies in your flavour of choice like Coconut Gula Melaka, Chocolate Almond Shortbread and more to choose from as well as a Cookie Gift Pack with Gingerbread Man Cookies.

A Christmas card is also included.

2. Tempus Two Copper Series Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

What’s a Christmas celebration without booze?

With notes of blackcurrant, chocolate and mint, the Tempus Two Copper Series Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is an Australian red wine that perfectly captures the flavours of the festive season.

3. Pistachio Chocolate Kunafa Cake

Wow everyone at your next Christmas gathering with this halal Pistachio Chocolate Kunafa Cake from Two Bake Boys.

Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate, this cake is made with generous servings of creamy, nutty and crispy kunafa filling and can be divided into six to eight servings.

Clothes and apparel

1. Nike Dunk Low Women’s

With bright and bold colours, this pair of sneakers from Nike is a great pick for those who are looking for something fun without compromising on comfort.

It also comes with a low-cut collar design and foam insoles to provide cushioning.

2. Tommy Jeans Back Logo T-Shirt

Simple and stylish, Tommy Jeans’ Back Logo T-Shirt goes well with any outfit and would make a good gift for those who prefer dressing down without looking sloppy.

The pure cotton material also makes it suitable for Singapore’s hot weather.

3. Charles and Keith Delilah Nylon Bow Puffy Bag

Hop onto the puffy bag trend with Charles and Keith’s Delilah Nylon Bow Puffy Bag.

With its bow detail on the handle, the bag adds a fun and whimsical touch to any outfit.

With its adjustable strap, it can be carried three ways — as a shoulder bag, top handle bag or crossbody.

Home and kitchen

1. Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser

Turn any home into a relaxing sanctuary with the Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser, which also doubles up as a humidifier and night light.

Designed with an ultra-quiet mode to minimise noise during usage, this product is a great companion for when you’re winding down after a long day.

2. Ninja Blast Portable Blender

The lightweight Ninja Blast Portable Blender makes a fantastic gift for those who want to enjoy their favourite smoothies no matter where they are.

It’s also equipped with a hinged carry handle and sip lid for an easy grip and drinking on the go.

3. Cornell CAPS01WH Air Purifier Air Zen

Consider gifting your loved ones an air purifier like this Cornell CAPS01WH Air Purifier Air Zen to help keep the air in their space clean and fresh.

Makeup and skincare

1. Anua – Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad

For the skincare enthusiasts, consider this Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad.

Pre-soaked and ready to be used with Anua’s Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, this product is a convenient way to soothe and moisturise your skin.

The toner pads are also embossed on one side to help with exoliation.

2. Holika Holika Heart Crush Glow Tint Air

Holika Holika’s Heart Crush Glow Tint Air is a fantastic stocking stuffer for makeup lovers.

Coming in a variety of long-lasting shades, this moisturising lip tint is suitable for all skin tones.

3. Burt’s Bees Tips and Toes Kit

Treat your loved ones to some self-care goodies with this Burt’s Bees Tips and Toes Kit.

Each kit comes with six travel-sized products: Honey and Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream, Almond and Milk Hand Cream, Coconut Foot Cream, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, Hand Salve and Pomegranate Lip Balm.

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carol.ong@asiaone.com

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December 8, 2024

2024 College Football Playoff guide: What to know about the new 12-team format, at-large bids

The 12-team College Football Playoff era has officially begun, and with it, a host of details with which fans will need to familiarize themselves. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the sport’s new postseason. Feel free to bookmark and reference as December draws near.

Why the new postseason?

For most of its century-plus existence, college football had a “mythical national champion.” The sport’s season champion was determined after teams played in bowl games by various polls and rankings, which, of course, led to significant debate. In 1998, college football introduced the often-controversial Bowl Championship Series, or BCS, which utilized a mix of rankings and computer methodology to ensure that its No. 1 vs. No. 2 teams met in a bowl game.

In 2012, leaders of the BCS approved the College Football Playoff, which launched in 2014 as a four-team postseason knockout tournament. Because debate and controversy are at the soul of college football, it was decided that the four-team field would be chosen by a 13-person selection committee, comprised of various conference commissioners and athletic directors. And because only four teams would make the postseason, one major Power 5 conference would get left out.

The CFP upheld the prestige of the bowl games around New Year’s Eve and Day and added the Peach and Cotton bowls to the slate to comprise the New Year’s Six, as they are still called. For several years the postseason carried on, until talks in earnest about expansion picked up in the last three years. After many discussions about possible iterations, a 12-team postseason tournament was approved in September 2022.

How will the teams be selected for the 12-team field?

That 13-person selection committee, as it did in the four-team era, will rank its top-25 teams weekly, beginning Nov. 5 and culminating on Dec. 8. The panel consists of current athletic directors and school administrators, and former coaches and players, all of whom are supposed to evaluate the teams based on schedule strength, head-to-head results and their own subjective opinions. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is the new chairman.

The big difference in the new format is that the committee’s five highest-ranked conference champions receive guaranteed berths. While not set in writing, it’s presumed they will go to the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC champions, as well as the highest-ranked champion from the Group of 5 leagues (AAC, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West and Sun Belt).

The other seven bids go to the highest-ranked teams that did not win their conference.

How will those 12 teams be slotted into the bracket?

The four highest-ranked champions will receive the top four seeds, regardless of where they fall in the rankings. If, say, the ACC champion is 10-3 and ranked No. 11 by the committee, and is ranked higher than a No. 14-ranked Group of 5 champion, it would not drop below the No. 4 seed. Conversely, if an SEC team is 12-1 and ranked No. 3 but lost in the conference title game, the highest it could be seeded is No. 5.

Seeds 1-4 will be incredibly important because those teams have a first-round bye.

What about Notre Dame and other independents?

Independents cannot earn a higher seed than No. 5, and therefore cannot receive a bye.

How do Washington State and Oregon State make the Playoff?

“The Pac-2” are not eligible for a conference championship. The Cougars and the Beavers must finish the season ranked high enough for an at-large berth.

When and where will the first round be?

The conference championships this season will be played across Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. The first round will be held two weekends later, with one game on Friday, Dec. 20 (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN), and three on Saturday, Dec. 21 (Noon and 4 p.m., ET on TNT, 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN).

This will be the only round with games played at campus stadiums. With the top-four seeds on byes, the No. 5 seed will host the No. 12 seed, No. 6 hosts No. 11, No. 7 hosts No. 10 and No. 8 hosts No. 9.

Will these be more like a regular home game or an NCAA tournament venue?

Definitely the former. CFP executive director Richard Clark said visiting teams will only receive around 3,500 tickets. “We want it to feel like a home game,” he said. “You (the higher seed) earned that opportunity.”

Given the quick turnaround between Selection Sunday and the first games, the CFP has already booked hotel blocks for the visiting team near FBS schools with a realistic shot of hosting and will release rooms as teams fall out of contention.

Will the bracket be reseeded after the first round, like in the NFL?

No. The No. 1 seed will play the 8-9 winner, the No. 2 seed will play the 7-10 winner, the No. 3 seed will play the 6-11 winner and the No. 4 seed will play the 5-12 winner.

It’s very likely the No. 5 seed, the best of all the at-large teams, will be a higher-ranked team than the No. 4 seed, itself either the lowest-ranked Power 4 champion or the Group of 5 champion.

When and where will the quarterfinals be played?

The four quarterfinal games and both semifinals will be played at current New Year’s Six bowls (Rose, Sugar, Orange, Fiesta, Cotton and Peach). As in the four-team era, the bowls will rotate hosting the semifinal matchups.

This year, the Fiesta (Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET), Peach (Jan. 1, 1 p.m.), Rose (Jan. 1, 5 p.m.) and Sugar (Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m. ET) are the four quarterfinal hosts.

CFP Bowl Games

Bowl	Date	Location	Round
Fiesta	Dec. 31	Glendale, Ariz.	Quarterfinals
Peach	Jan. 1	Atlanta	Quarterfinals
Rose	Jan. 1	Pasadena, Calif.	Quarterfinals
Sugar	Jan. 1	New Orleans	Quarterfinals
Orange	Jan. 9	Miami, Fla.	Semifinals
Cotton	Jan. 10	Arlington, Texas	Semifinals

How do they decide which teams play in which bowls?

Whenever possible, the teams will be assigned to their conference’s traditional bowl partner. If the SEC or Big 12 champion is the No. 1 seed, it will go to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, the Big Ten champion to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. The others will be slotted based on geographic proximity.

For example, if the No. 3 seed is closer to Atlanta than Glendale, Ariz., it will be placed at the Peach Bowl, and then the No. 4 seed heads to the Fiesta.

Will the teams still experience a traditional bowl week?

Sadly, the days of teams spending a week in L.A. before the Rose Bowl, eating Lawry’s Beef and gallivanting at Disneyland, may be over. They’ll arrive at the quarterfinal sites on Dec. 29, practice on the 30th, hold a walk-through on the 31st and play the games on Jan. 1. The semifinal stays will be one day shorter than that.

When are the semifinals?

The semifinals are Jan. 9 (Orange) and Jan. 10 (Cotton), both on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET. With the NFL’s six-game Wild Card round that weekend, the CFP had little choice but to play on a Thursday and Friday night.

Is there any chance they’ll eventually move the quarterfinals and semifinals to campuses?

Not likely in the near future. Earlier this year, ESPN and the CFP agreed to a six-year, $7.8 billion extension that runs through the 2031-32 season. While the long-form contract has not yet been finalized, it’s expected to include the same six bowls.

“We are committed to our bowl partners,” said Clark. “They’re as much a part of college football as anything.”

One possible wrinkle after the current contract ends in 2026: The Rose Bowl has asked to be left out of the semifinal rotation going forward in favor of keeping its traditional New Year’s Day time slot. If granted, it would host a quarterfinal every year.

GO DEEPER

College Football Playoff 2024 projections: What will Sunday’s final bracket look like?

When is the national championship game?

The title game will be played on a Monday night, as it has since 2006 — only it’s now two weeks later. This year’s national championship is at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and will be played on Jan. 20, 2025 (7:30 p.m., ESPN). Next year’s is on Jan. 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Locations beyond that have not been announced.

How do they divide up the money?

This year and next fall under the CFP’s original 12-year deal with ESPN. In 2023-24, the distribution was $82.2 million for each of the Power 5 conferences, a combined $103 million split among the Group of 5 leagues, $3.9 million to Notre Dame and $940,000 to the other independents.

With the demise and fallout of the Pac-12, the CFP adjusted the formula so that each conference’s per-school average remains roughly the same.

Will the tournament expand to 14 teams next?

The possibility of an expanded bracket came up earlier this year when the commissioners met to discuss whether to sign off on the ESPN extension. Specifically, Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettiti was advocating for more teams. Those discussions have been “tabled” until after this year’s Playoff.

“After we see how this season goes, we’ll look at a lot of different things,” said Clark. “The 14-team Playoff is just an option, but we just have to see how the 12 goes.”

In other words, you may need another primer in two years’ time.

(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic)

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December 7, 2024

The gift guide for those that ‘have everything’: I’m a Lifestyle Editor – these are the brilliant Christmas ideas I’m SURE you haven’t thought of yet

It’s 19 days until Christmas.

At this point in the festive prep process there are two types of people: those that had their shopping smugly wrapped up in November and those that are frantically looking up Australia Post shipping estimates and Googling Westfield opening hours.

If you are the latter, I have you covered. Not only can I enthusiastically vouch for the below suggestions, they are unique, cover most ages and interests and suit a fairly wide budget range.

Each of these must-haves also make for a great dinner party chat and are unlikely to have sold out. Plus, they should all be in your hands well before Christmas Eve.

Beautiful yet budget-friendly

$150 and under

The Everlasting Candle, $80

It’s the candle that ‘never melts’. This genius little gift is not only a beautiful addition to the living home, it is also reusable, smoke-free and scent-free.

I use mine to create stunning ambience around the home without the worry of an overwhelming scent. I often pop on one of my favourite candles or oils for half an hour or so first to create a lovely base aroma.

Everlasting Candle Co. was born when husband and wife duo Jesse and Tamara Furgason were looking for a solution to the short lifespan and messiness of wax candles (including the smoke and soot they produced).

This inspired them to design a reusable oil-burning candle made of steel that never melts.

Available in a range of styles and colours, prices start at $80 and the set includes the Everlasting Candles, a vase and the Pristine Oil.

You can find Everlasting Candle Co. in more than 1,000 boutiques and retailers throughout Canada and the U.S, and now, most exciting of all, online in Australia.

The Everlasting Candle is the candle that ‘never melts’. This genius little gift is not only a beautiful addition to the living home, it is also reusable, smoke-free and scent-free

A Filtered Beauty shower filter, $89

Hard water – as found in many pipes across Australia – can have a drying effect on skin and hair and lead to all sorts of issues like breakage, lifeless locks and skin irritation like eczema, acne and blocked pores.

These nasties in hard water reduce lather in soap and therefore leave behind soap scum, leave a film on the hair and skin and can also appear on shower screens as white stains.

Kim Haberley, a hairdresser and owner of Boho Blonde, and marketing manager Tayla Cron, 26, launched Filtered Beauty to sell easy-to-fit shower purifiers that prevent ‘hard water’ from causing damage to hair and skin over time.

The small gadgets, which screw into all shower heads and take two minutes to install, filter out chlorine, minerals and metals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and lead from shower water and add oxygen and Vitamin C.

As someone who is admittedly not too handy, I am delighted to say I set this filter up on my own in minutes by following the easy-to-follow instructions. The results were so fantastic I’ve been a loyal customer for over two years.

The best part is once you’ve made the initial investment, the refills are just $55 each and last for three to six months. That’s $0.15 a shower.

It’s safe to say your loved one will thank you for this, even if they didn’t knew they needed it.

Kim Haberley, a hairdresser and owner of Boho Blonde, and marketing manager Tayla Cron, 26, launched Filtered Beauty to sell easy-to-fit shower purifiers

A Dream Labs escape, $150 for 70 minutes

Most of us have heard of Tokyo Headpsa, but have you heard of Dream Labs?

While the former offers an immersive scalp treatment like no other, the Dream Labs treatment combines the art of traditional Japanese massage with a unique sensory experience designed to transport you to a realm of unparalleled serenity.

The Cosmic Space treatment is complemented by the expert touch of a specialised head, neck, shoulder, and chest massage in a seated (unbelievably cosy) reclining chair. It’s supported by beautiful immersive graphics projected on the walls around you

The experience begins as the curated sounds and visuals set the stage for your journey. The masseuse uses gentle to medium pressure that melts away tension, enhances circulation, and promotes deep relaxation.

Gradually, as the massage progresses, the sensory stimulation softens, encouraging guests to close their eyes, unwind, and often drift into a light sleep.

It’s so relaxing, the team claims it offers many of the benefits of six hours of sleep in just 15 minutes. These include reduced cortisol levels, enhanced blood circulation, melatonin release and muscle/pain relief.

While it is currently only available in Bondi Junction, they plan to expand to the other Tokyo Headspa centres in St Leonards and Surry Hills in Sydney as well as West End and Teneriffe in Brisbane.

The Cosmic Space treatment is complemented by the expert touch of a specialised head, neck, shoulder, and chest massage in a seated (unbelievably cosy) reclining chair. It’s supported by beautiful immersive graphics projected on the walls around you

The Glasshouse Festive Spinning Carousel, $29.95

How does one level up a candle? An accessory.

But this is not your every day accessory – and it’s one we recommend to friends and family over and over again.

This golden gadget twirls with delight as it heats up on top of your favourite 380g design by the brand.

As it spins, it projects stunning sparkling images onto the walls around the room creating a beautiful, cosy space.

Some of the candles come with the carousel included as a bundle, like the popular Kyoto in Bloom set. That would be my top pick by a mile – it’s impossible not to fall in love with it.

This golden gadget twirls with delight as it heats up on top of your favourite 380g design by the brand

Crocs Classic Cozzzy Towel Sandals, $65.99

Hear me out.

I know Crocs are a controversial buy but there’s a reason they have a mega fanbase forming around the world. They are impossibly comfy.

And these slide-esque sandals are just that – plus they’re not too ‘Croc-like’ for the newbies and are lined with the most cosy terry cloth footbed.

Plus, they have two upper straps for enhanced foot security and seven holes on each sandal which allow for maximum personalisation with Jibbitz charms.

Perfect for any age, this is a fantastic entry-level Croc and they come in three on-trend colours: Plaster (mint green), Quartz (wine pink) and Shiitake (white).

The fact they’re on sale for $65.99 from $94.99 only sweetens the deal… it’d be rude not to.

I know Crocs are a controversial buy but there’s a reason they have a mega fanbase forming around the world. They are impossibly comfy

Luxurious yet thoughtful

$225 and over

The Coravin Forest Green Timeless Six+, $419.97

If you love wine, this is a game-changer.

Rightly dubbed the ‘gadget of the season’ by foodies, the eye-catching Forest Green Timeless Six+ perfectly preserves wine for weeks, months or even years after the first pour, making it the ultimate gift for wine enthusiasts.

This gadget joins Coravin’s renowned Timeless collection – a range of devices that use precision-engineered needle technology to access the wine without oxidisation, one of the main causes of wine spoilage.

It’s great for enjoying the ‘special’ drops without committing to a whole bottle; you’ve probably seen it in passing at fine dining restaurants and wine bars.

Rightly dubbed the ‘gadget of the season’ by foodies, the eye-catching Forest Green Timeless Six+ perfectly preserves wine for weeks, months or even years after the first pour, making it the ultimate gift for wine enthusiasts

This device is compatible with wines sealed by both cork and screw caps, thanks to the inclusion of six screw caps that form part of the system. You can also attach the aerator, which creates the same effect in 15 seconds as 90 minutes of decanting.

I know it looks intimidating, but, as mentioned earlier, I am not the handiest woman and had this on and spritzing in a matter of minutes.

‘The inspiration behind Coravin was to allow wine enthusiasts to enjoy and savour their favourite wines without the fear of spoilage. Eleven years later, I’m thrilled to see that a glass of wine preserved with Coravin is now poured every second of every day,’ Greg Lambrecht, the founder and inventor, says.

Plus, in partnership with One Tree Planted, Coravin pledges to plant a tree for every Forest Green Timeless Six+ sold, meaning wine lovers can sip wines for a sustainable cause.

And it’s on sale for $419.97 from $700.

Everybody wins!

It’s great for enjoying the ‘special’ drops without committing to a whole bottle; you’ve probably seen it in passing at fine dining restaurants and wine bars

The KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, $999

When most think of KitchenAid they do not typically think of coffee machines.

But they should.

Every one I know who has tried this machine agrees this is the very best homemade coffee they’ve had – so much so it easily rivals café creations.

Is it expensive? Yes. Is it the perfect ‘us’ present for families and couples? Yes.

This design, which comes with the Burr Grinder, is actually the cheapest and certainly the most stylish of the new collection.

Compared to cheaper alternatives, the appliance is deathly quiet and won’t scream the house down with every brew which ideal if you have small children. The chic design is also sure to fit seamlessly into your life, impress guests and last years to come.

It’ll make you and your loved ones feel like a barista, with espresso, lattes, cappuccinos and more available to craft like a pro in seconds. Ideal for lazy ‘blah’ Sunday mornings.

If you girl math it, it’s actually saving – and perhaps making – you money long term. Iykyk.

Every one I know who has tried this machine agrees this is the very best homemade coffee they’ve had – so much so it easily rivals café creations

23rd Street Distillery Year of the Snake Whisky, $225

If your loved one is a whisky fan, this exclusive drop is sure to be an instant crowd-pleaser.

The 23rd Street Distillery Year of the Snake Whisky has been, as the name suggests, crafted to celebrate… the 2025 Year of the Snake.

The distillery, in South Australia, has stood its ground through the trials and seasons of more than a century.

It sits on the corner of 23rd Street in Renmark, and began its life making wine using the bounty of the local fruit-growing region where Australia’s first co-operatively owned winery, Renmano, was formed.

Crafted from Kangaroo Island barley, the whisky has been aged in 15-year-old Galway Pipe Tawny casks, and finished in charred oak barrels. It’s also gorgeously packaged in a seriously eye-catching bottle and box.

The tasting notes are layered with toffee, dried fruits, warming spices, and oak and the stunning caramel hue complements the earthy graphics perfectly.

For a special touch, there are just 3,600 bottles of this globally. Cheers!

The 23rd Street Distillery Year of the Snake Whisky has been, as the name suggests, crafted to celebrate… the 2025 Year of the Snake

A weekend at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, from $1,995

This is special.

Unlike your typical ‘zoo’ experience, this uber-luxurious five-star experience in Canberra is centered solely around animal education and conservation.

Started by Richard and Maureen Tindale in 1998 as a non-for-profit, Canberra National Zoo is now funded mostly from Jamala guests. Funds also go towards the conservation of animals in the wild and national and international breeding programs.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers guests the opportunity of experiencing the thrill of close encounters with some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals, as well as relaxing in its individually designed accommodation precinct.

These include the Giraffe Treehouses, UShaka Lodge rooms with windows overlooking lemurs and sharks, and the Jungle Bungalows. The uShaka rooms sleep as many as six so you can split the cost between friends/family.

Unlike your typical ‘zoo’ experience, this uber-luxurious five-star experience in Canberra is centered solely around animal education and conservation

The stay also includes tours, a beautiful afternoon tea, a gourmet breakfast and a magnificent four-course dinner in the Rainforest Cave, which you share with one of the white lions and a clan of hyenas

I recommend the Jungle Bungalows where you share your room with either a pride of lions, cheetah brothers, tigers or a pair of Malayan sun bears. While the rooms themselves are nothing short of outstanding, it’s hard to soak in your surroundings as you watch your new roommates play outside.

The stay also includes tours, a beautiful afternoon tea, a gourmet breakfast and a magnificent four-course dinner in the Rainforest Cave, which you share with one of the white lions and a clan of hyenas.

There you will join other guests at large tables for a delectable and fun ‘African gourmet dinner party’ – all inclusive.

The up close one-one-one time you spend with the animals here is truly incredible, with meerkat, cheetah, bear, rhino and giraffe encounters on offer for guests.

As the team says, the entire Jamala experience has been designed to maximise the opportunity to ‘subtly impress’ on its guests that everything possible should be done to ensure that these magnificent animals survive in the wild.

This is done whilst providing its guests with a combination of luxury and adventure.

It’s thoughtful, calm, beautifully considered and hands down one of the most exceptional hidden gems in the country.

And if you stay, request the bungalow with sun bears. You won’t regret it.

The up close one-one-one time you spend with the animals here is truly incredible, with meerkat, cheetah, bear, rhino and giraffe encounters on offer for guests

And if you stay, request the bungalow with sun bears. You won’t regret it

The Osaka to Sydney Massage at Venustus, $444

You’d walk by and not even know it’s there – but it is the ticket to a whole new level of relaxation and stress relief.

This Japanese haven has an air to it that sets it apart from most other day spas. This could be due to a sacred grid of crystals buried into the Earth as the venue sits atop an architectural crystal grid.

Staffed with highly trained artisans with many years of experience, Venestus keeps things super simple. The moment a client arrives they want them to be transported.

There is minimal administration – if any – and no sign-in. They prepare for a client’s experience hours and sometimes days before they arrive and offer a simple digital roadmap to ensure the most incredible, heightening, ‘in real life’ experience.

This Japanese haven has an air to it that sets it apart from most other day spas. This could be due to a sacred grid of crystals buried into the Earth as the venue sits atop an architectural crystal grid

That’s where the magic happens. In this case, the Osaka to Sydney Massage.

This 75-minute slice of heaven had me floating out the door on a cloud. Weaving together a fusion of Japanese techniques to melt pain and release tension, the treatment uses the Shiatsu body technique, Tanaka facial massage technique, Reiki, rocking and hot rock massage.

Somehow in this case the time does not go too fast and you feel yourself sink into the deepest level of relaxation. It’s hard to describe and something worth experiencing at least once in your life.

Or gift it to someone else.

Perhaps both?

Happy shopping!

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December 6, 2024
A Beginners Guide To Ordering Wine At A Restaurant, With Tips From An Expert Sommelier
Do you enjoy drinking wine but find it difficult to order it properly while dining out? Do you find yourself making choices you don’t end up liking from a wine list? Are you unsure about interacting with your sommelier and pairing a good wine with your meal? Don’t fret – many of us have faced these issues. It is said that ordering wine well requires practice. But that’s not all you need. It’s essential to have basic knowledge of wine serving and tasting etiquette as well as an openness to communicate. Even if you’re not a wine expert, you can manage to find and enjoy a great wine with your food at a restaurant. To help you out, we have compiled a comprehensive guide with inputs from an award-winning sommelier, Mattia Antonio Cianca.

Mattia Antonio Cianca is the Co-Founder and Vice President of the recently established Sommeliers Association of India. Although his roots are Italian, he spent his formative years in Australia. He has worked at acclaimed restaurants including Attica in Australia and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. He was named the Best Sommelier of Australia in 2017 and of Italy in 2019. We had the chance to meet Mattia in Mumbai. We asked him many questions about how to not only order wine at a restaurant but also enhance one’s overall experience. So if you’re a beginner to wine appreciation who is looking for tried-and-tested tips by a sommelier, we’ve got you covered! Here are edited excerpts from NDTV Food’s conversation with Mattia Antonio Cianca:

1. What is the first thing a diner should consider when choosing a wine at a restaurant?

As a diner, you first need to decide if you want to drink by the glass or by the bottle. You should consider your budget and filter your choices accordingly. Next, your personal taste and preferences would play a key role in selecting the wine. The food you’re going to eat can also help determine which wines should be paired with the meal.

2. What are common mistakes people make while selecting and tasting wines at a restaurant?

The most common mistake is to order some of the more expensive options with the assumption that they are better than the others. Another mistake is ordering commercial brands just because one has seen them somewhere before or simply just heard of them. Regarding tasting, I would advise diners to give time for the wine to open up fully. Sometimes this also implies waiting for the wine to reach the right temperature before drinking it.

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3. After the wine is poured for tasting, what should a diner pay attention to?

When tasting wine, focus on its smell and taste. The aromas and flavours should be genuine, vibrant, and free from common faults. Knowing common issues with wine can help you stay vigilant and avoid a bad experience. Here are some of the factors to look out for:
- Cork taint: Characterized by mouldy or wet cardboard aromas.
- Oxidation: Notes of brown apple or overripe banana, often occurring in wines by the glass that have been left open for too long. Note that some wines are intentionally oxidized, and in such cases, this is not a fault.
- Brettanomyces (Brett): Barnyard or band-aid aromas, which can sometimes indicate a flaw.
It’s not always easy to detect faults. But as a general rule, the wine should be pleasant and enjoyable. Simply ask yourself: “Do I like it?”

4. What should a diner do if they don’t like the wine after tasting it?

If the wine is flawed, inform the sommelier or waiter immediately so they can replace it. In professional environments, wines are typically checked before being served to prevent such issues. If the wine is sound but not to your taste, you can ask the sommelier if it’s possible to replace it. However, this situation can be tricky.

If the wine is sound but the diner doesn’t like it, they usually still need to pay for it. After all, the bottle was ordered and confirmed by the guest already. However, if the wine is faulty, it should be replaced without hesitation. In some cases, a sommelier or manager may agree to replace a sound wine as a gesture of goodwill. They may find an alternative use for the bottle, such as selling it by the glass or using it for staff training. This decision often depends on the wine’s cost and rarity.

Communication is key. Sometimes, a customer orders a wine that is unusual for its category. If the sommelier advises them about its characteristics and they choose it anyway, the bottle should be paid for. However, if this information wasn’t clearly communicated, the sommelier should replace the wine with a more typical example of that category.

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5. What are the basics of wine-serving etiquette that a diner should be aware of?

To avoid misunderstandings, restaurants should follow proper service etiquette. This includes
1. Repeating the wine’s name and vintage when it is ordered to confirm the choice.
2. Presenting the bottle to the guest before opening, repeating the wine’s name again.
3. Allowing the guest to confirm the selection before pouring.
Ultimately, I always recommend having a conversation with the sommelier or waiter before ordering to ensure the wine matches your preferences and expectations. This can help minimise the risk of dissatisfaction and also prevent other possible problems later.

6. People may be unsure of how to pair wine with food. What is their role as a diner in doing so? Should they leave the decision completely up to their sommelier?

As much as there are many principles of how to pair wine with food, this is very personal and it is impossible to generalise. People should drink and eat what they enjoy and they should not be forced to do otherwise. If they are curious to explore pairing options they should express their preferences to the sommelier and keep an open mind of what their options are. If they don’t like the sound of it, they can order a glass or a bottle of a style that they are sure to enjoy.

7. Are there any myths or misconceptions about wine that you’ve often found yourself debunking for diners?

If there are myths or misconceptions expressed by the customers is the sommelier’s role to communicate the reality of the facts. Some of the most common ones are:
- The more expensive the better.
- The older the better.
- Only old red wines must be decanted.
- French or Italian wines are better than the rest.
- French or Italian sommeliers have more knowledge than those of other nationalities.
- The young staff are less knowledgeable than the older staff. (You never know when someone started in their career and how much effort and dedication they put into it).
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8. For someone who is new to wine appreciation or feels intimidated by the wine list, what would you suggest as a good entry point or strategy for becoming more confident in ordering wine?

Large wine lists can be indeed intimidating, so asking the sommelier for advice is always a good start. Again, considering the budget is a good first approach so that you can target the wines that are within the range you are willing to spend. You should start by understanding what style of wine you like and how to describe this preference to the sommelier so that you can be guided with much more precision. Furthermore, if you want to learn the basics of how to approach a wine list, you should learn about the main wine countries and regions to understand the related varieties and styles.

9. What are some indicators of a high-quality wine that diners might not typically think about?

Ans: It is hard to generalize here and the key to this is knowledge and experience. Let’s say that it helps to know the main wine regions and appellations in the world so that you know where quality is considered a priority. For example in regions like Champagne and Burgundy in France and Barolo and Montalcino in Italy, most likely you will find high-quality wines.

10. How do seasonal changes influence wine selections and pairings? Are there wines better suited for specific times of the year?

Most wines are available all year round and it only depends on when we can receive them and when we decide to list them. Seasonal changes affect the menu which can encourage the sommeliers to recommend different things according to the specific period of the year. However, it doesn’t really affect the wine selection since all main styles and categories are often listed on a good wine list.

It also depends on the nature of the business. At a seasonal restaurant by the sea, which is only open for summer and only serves seafood, the selection will be focused on sparkling and white wines. At a steak house open all year round, the selection will be led by medium to full-bodied red wines. Seasonal changes influence the menu which therefore influences the pairings according to where you are located. For sure there are wines better suited for specific times, again it depends on where the restaurant or wine bar is located. In summer, there will be more sparkling and refreshing whites and in winter there will be heavier whites and more structured reds. Festivities play a crucial role in this as well as it is normal to use Champagne and Sparkling wines to celebrate special occasions.
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December 3, 2024
Know your champagne: Your guide to understanding and enjoying your sparkling drink, Lifestyle News

Few beverages evoke joy and celebration quite like bubbly champagne. The light, sparkling drink has a place at every festive occasion and memorable event; it has even found its way into intimate moments and romance.

Although it’s like a category on its own, champagne IS wine and carries just as much complexity, taste, and texture as its red and white wine counterparts. In fact, it can even deliver all five basic tastes — sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. Its bright acidity makes you salivate and that’s why it pairs well with every course but it is not an aperitif!

Now that Singapore has its first dedicated champagne bar, Convivial Champagne Bar, we asked its owner and sommelier, Yeo Xi Yang to shed light on this happy drink in time for the festivities.

So, before you sip on your next sparkling, know your champagne to drink better and enjoy better!

The lure of champagne

So, really, what makes Champagne so special? For Yang, it is the “verve, energy and emotion” of champagne that made him fall deeply in love with it. “Champagne is such a joyful drink, frequently associated with celebration and occasions, and perfectly refreshing for our tropical climate!” he enthused.

Its association with celebration is said to date back to the Belle Époque era in Europe. During the late 1800s to early 1900s, it was enjoyed by the wealthy at events, cementing its status as a symbol of joy. Today, this image persists through mainstream media and culture, where celebratory moments often begin with the iconic pop of Champagne.

After the pandemic, Singapore — being a gastronomic hub — was primed and ready for its first dedicated Champagne bar. Enter Convivial Champagne Bar, a cosy setup near Boat Quay, founded by award-winning sommelier Yeo Xi Yang, offering a carefully curated selection of about 200 Champagne labels, including red, white, and orange wines, as well as artisanal cider.

Champagne 101

Champagne is wine that requires more work and processes. Instead of a singular fermentation, winemakers have to ferment it twice to develop the signature toasty and bready character, along with the fine effervescence and a creamy mouthfeel, as opposed to a soda-like carbonation.

After the first fermentation, all champagne begins as a clear white or rose wine, regardless of white or red grapes, known as Vin Clair. It then undergoes a second fermentation in the individual bottles, where the wine rests for months to interact with dead yeast or lees.

Contrary to popular belief, Champagne shouldn’t be served ice-cold, as over-chilling dulls its aromas and flavours. Instead, aim for 5-7°C for young Blanc de Blancs to fully enjoy the fresh and crisp notes or 7-10°C for older or barrel-fermented ones to take in the bold and rich flavours.

To fully appreciate your Champagne, serve it in a Champagne flute or a white wine glass, and engage your senses — sight, smell, taste, and touch — as you sip your way to bliss. The magic touch? Enjoy it with your nearest and dearest.

Choosing your champagne

The first step to choosing your Champagne is to understand the terms on the labels. You’ll see French terms like Brut or Extra Brut which indicate the sweetness levels. Brut has less than 12g of sugar per litre, while Extra Brut has half of that. Blanc de Blancs tells you that this is a white wine from white grapes, typically Chardonnay, while Blanc de Noirs refers to white wine made from red grapes.

A Non-Vintage (NV) Champagne contains multiple years of harvest, creating a consistent taste profile across batches. Because the same quality and taste can be expected, most champagne houses call these wines the “heart and soul of their winery.”

When you see Cuvee, it refers to one of two things. It can simply mean ‘Edition’ when producers release multiple editions of the Champagne each year or it can refer to the best-quality juice, specifically the first 2,050 litres pressed from 4,000 kilograms of grapes.

Tasting notes

A well-made champagne offers balance and complexity, delivering a symphony of flavours and textures. It features bright acidity with a refreshing salinity that invigorates the palate, complemented by toasty aromas of brioche and pastry from extended lees ageing.

The hallmark of quality lies in its fine effervescence — creamy, persistent bubbles that elevate the drinking experience. Its complexity can cover all sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and even umami flavours, making every sip intriguing. Above all, it should leave you eager for more!

Know the grapes and regions

The Champagne region is divided into four main sub-regions, each contributing distinct characteristics to the wines produced. Montagne de Reims is known for noble, structured wines dominated by Pinot Noir, offering elegance and complexity.

Vallee de la Marne offers robust fruit-forward wines with a spotlight on Pinot Meunier. Chardonnay is the star at Côte de Blancs, producing refined and elegant Blanc de Blancs. Move south to Côte de Bar, known for lesser-known grape varieties that produce riper and more structured wines due to its warmer climate.

Seven primary grape varieties are cultivated within the region, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier — the most widely used — as well as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Arbanne, and Petit Meslier. A new addition, Voltis, was recently introduced but won’t be market-ready for several years, according to Yang.

Food pairing with champagne

When choosing a Champagne for pairing, focus on balancing the Champagne’s acidity, effervescence, and flavour profile with the texture and richness of the food. For example, a fresh and crisp Blanc de Blancs cuts through the richness of fried foods like fried chicken (move over, chimaek!) or tempura.

While barrel-aged Champagnes with richer and more complex flavours will complement dishes like poached or grilled seafood in cream sauce, charred vegetables like brussel sprouts or kai lan, and it even goes well with sio bak (crispy pork belly).

Or just skip the hassle and head to Convivial for cold cuts, yummy starters like Ngoh Hiang (S$20++) and Crab Cakes (S$28++), and mains like Barramundi Fillet (S$32++), and let Yang and his team delight you with their Champagne pairing recommendations.

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This article was first published in City Nomads.

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November 30, 2024
Beginners Guide to EA Sports FC 25 Career Mode
Key Takeaways

Career Mode in EAFC 25 has several new features this year.

Finding the balance between signing the best players and developing wonderkids is key.

Our in-depth guide outlines everything you need to know as you embark on a new challenge.
Ultimate Team is the most popular mode in EA Sports FC 25, but career mode – which sees you choose a team from around the world and try to take them to the top – is in a close second. It’s for good reason as well; although not as detailed as its rival, Football Manager, taking a team from ‘ranks to riches’ is exciting.

However, with new features being added every year, it can be hard to keep up with what is ‘overpowered’ in Career Mode. Finding a way to secure the best youngster in the world, or how to develop your current stars is crucial, but it doesn’t bring guaranteed success.

Due to this, we have decided to create a beginner’s guide for you when you start a new career mode. From tactical presets and scouting to developing youngsters and training, it’s an in-depth article which will allow you to win the hardest competitions, including the Premier League, as quickly as possible.

Tactical Presets

One of the most important things to choose is your tactical preset. Whatever team you pick – at any level – you need to feel comfortable with a specific style of play. Your players will do different things depending on what you select, and we have outlined all seven options below.
- Standard
- Wing Play
- Tiki Taka
- Gegenpressing
- Park the Bus
- Counter Attack
- Kick and Rush
While some are more obvious, like gegenpressing, where your team presses high, others are not as clear. For example, ‘Kick and Rush’ may sound like an NFL system, but in football, it is a route-one system, playing on your team’s physical strengths. Meanwhile, ‘Wing Play’ focuses on your wingers, unsurprisingly, so if you use the best widemen in the world, you will excel.

To go alongside this, once you’ve picked your tactical preset, you can then hire coaches to implement your philosophy. Each coach is ranked out of five stars in every category: attacking, midfield, defending, and goalkeeper. The higher-rated they are, the more they can impact your players’ attributes throughout the campaign. Coaches are all aligned to specific philosophies as well, so make sure you only pick ones who match your style. You also need to place them in the category where they can have the most impact. A coach with a one-star attacking rating but four-star defending should be in your defending coach lineup.

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Youth Academy and Rush Matches

There were some major changes to the ‘Youth Academy’ in EAFC 25, with the pool of countries expanded to more than 160. You can now scout up to four specific positions and three clear player roles. However, the most notable thing to know is that you can develop wonderkids in ‘Rush Tournaments’.

A new five vs five mode in EAFC, Rush is just like a typical football match, but on a smaller pitch with a few rule changes. In Career Mode, youth tournaments take place every two months, and you can choose to use players with their current ratings, or ultimate potential.

Every match will affect their ability via match XP, whilst it will outline how long it will take them to get to the next overall rating. Nurturing some of the best wonderkids in the game is not a quick process, though, so this is only worth doing if you want to stay at a club for years and bring in the next generation of talent.

Youth Scouting

While it’s great that you can progress talent in Rush matches, you can only do it by finding youngsters in the first place. What’s the point in buying the highest-rated players in EAFC 25 when you, for far cheaper, could find wonderkids instead? It sounds like a dream.

With youth scouting, you can choose/hire staff and make them scout specific areas of the world. You can hire up to three youth scouts, who then travel in spells of either three, six or nine months. They can find players with certain traits if you ask them to, whilst – unsurprisingly – the better scouts with more experience and judgement will find better stars. As they work away, they will send you consistent reports where you can choose to either sign or decline them.

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Player Scouting

Coupled with signing youngsters, you also need to bring in well-known names. They’re the stars who can, at any level, carry your team to victory, strutting around with confidence and cockiness that most can only dream about. In Career Mode, the global transfer network is your main hub for scouting players.

Within this, you have specific scouts who can analyse players shining around the world. You can make them search via position, age, contract length and player roles. You can hire up to six scouts and each member of staff has a star rating out of five for two categories — experience and judgement. Finding someone with at least a three-star rating in both will put you in the best position.

After a few weeks, they will give you a list of players who they think will fit into your team. They only provide a snapshot most of the time, though, so you will then need to scout them further by clicking on the player’s report. Once their full report is available, it’s then up to you if you want to sign them, either permanently or on loan. If you don’t fancy this, sites like Futwiz and SoFIFA also provide a list of every player in the game, where you can search for the stars with the best potential.

Transfers

Throughout both transfer windows, you always need to change up your squad. You can’t progress with the same squad every season, as the teams around you will bring in the best centre-backs or the finest strikers in the game. Knowing how to bring players in is crucial.

Once you’ve entered negotiations, you can offer an up-front fee that comes out of your transfer budget, or even try and lure the club into accepting a deal which is initially cheaper but includes sell-on clauses or player swaps. Your first bid is likely to be rejected, which will see the ‘tension meter’ rise. If that reaches the top, negotiations will end, so you do have to be careful.

Following the player’s market value is a rough way to have swift negotiations, but that’s only half of the story. If you have a bid accepted, you also need to agree to the player’s wages, contract length and squad role. It’s a similar idea to the initial transfer fee talks; you can’t upset them too much. While we have focused on buying here, the same can be expected if you ever want to offload stars as well.

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Training

Winning matches is the most important thing in any sport, and that’s the case in EAFC 25. If you don’t walk away with three points regularly, you’ll be sacked, so you need to make sure your players are fit and strong. This is possible through training them during the week.

You have two stats to consider when it comes to your squad – fitness and sharpness. The former is all about how fit your players currently are. If they play too many games, they will have less stamina, so they won’t be able to complete 90 minutes without needing a stint of oxygen. Meanwhile, high sharpness will lead to a boost in form and skill.

Finding a balance is the most important thing, so rotating your squad’s training is crucial. You can also use training plans to create a regimen for your squad. When doing this, you can choose from five levels of training — ‘all-out performance’ and ‘performance-focused’ improve sharpness, ‘balanced’ is the middle ground, whilst ‘energy-focused’ and ‘all-out energy’ are stamina’s best friend but decrease sharpness. Tinkering depending on your fixture list is the most important thing.

A legendary universe is finally unlocked. For the first time, you can now manage a women’s team in the EA football universe. The NWSL, WSL, Premiere Ligue, Frauen-Bundesliga, and Liga F are all available, whilst the Women’s Champions League – bringing together the best European sides – is also in the game.

The same things we have mentioned above apply to women’s football, but – as there are just five leagues – the talent pool is smaller. It’ll be harder to find the next great wonderkid, but you can still buy the highest-rated female footballers in the game if you want to.

Best teams to Manage

We have outlined a nine-strong list of the best teams to manage in EAFC 25. We’ve provided an in-depth analysis of every team and why they might be good to use, whilst also providing a snapshot for several teams here. Unsurprisingly, we’ve not chosen the greatest sides in the world, as that’s rarely entertaining.

Instead, ‘fallen giants’ are the best choices. Including the likes of Ipswich and Schalke, you can take a side that once excelled in Europe back to the top of the pyramid. Not only are they full of talented youngsters, but they also have their own stadiums in the game and passionate fanbases behind them.
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November 30, 2024
Guide to the Canadian political system for newcomers

Discover Canada’s winter wonders

Did you know? The Capilano Suspension Bridge, located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver in North Vancouver, transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holidays! Covered in twinkling lights and surrounded by snowy forests, it’s the perfect place to take in the magic of the season.

LIVING
Guide to the Canadian political system for newcomers

Nothing beats the excitement of being able to vote for the first time in your new home! While you can’t vote in Canada until you have Canadian citizenship – you can use your time as a permanent resident to understand the Canadian political system.

Here are some things you may not know:

✔️ You don’t vote for the prime minister. Canadians elect local Members of Parliament (MPs), and the party leader with the most elected MPs becomes the prime minister.

✔️ Three governments, one country. Canada divides responsibilities among three levels of government: federal (defense, foreign policy), provincial (healthcare, education), and municipal (public transit, community planning). Each level works to address unique issues.

✔️ Canadians in prison can vote. Unlike in many countries, Canada ensures voting rights even for citizens serving prison sentences—talk about democracy for all!

CANADA EH?
Things to Do Around You

Montreal’s Complexe Desjardins invites you to experience the magic of the holidays with festive activities, shopping, and entertainment for all ages. November 23 to December 24

Toronto’s Bellvue Manor hosts the Toronto Made Holiday Market, a festive celebration featuring 100+ local vendors offering handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, and gourmet treats. Join the holiday magic on Sunday, December 1!

Ottawa’s Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre hosts the World Multicultural Festival, celebrating diversity with live performances, fashion shows, and more. November 30

Ottawa’s Orléans neighbourhood hosts Santa's Parade of Lights, featuring Santa and beautifully decorated floats in this popular parade by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association. Don’t miss it on November 30!

Montreal’s Greek Film Festival presents the 10th edition, showcasing contemporary Greek films that explore everyday life, history, and drama. Immerse yourself in rich storytelling from November 10 to 30!

Vancouver’s Jack Poole Plaza hosts the Vancouver Christmas Market, offering a festive shopping experience from November 13 to December 24

FEATURE SPONSOR

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TRAVEL
Discover Canada’s winter wonders

So turns out Canadians don’t live in igloos — but did you know you can spend an evening in an ice hotel? Here are a few things you can do at the Hotel de Glace in Quebec according to Curiosity.

❄️ Sip a cocktail at the ice bar. Experience sipping a drink in a glass made of ice.

❄️ Stay overnight in sub-zero comfort. For the adventurous, book a frosty suite and experience sleeping in a room kept between 3°C and 5°C. Just be sure to bundle up in warm layers!

❄️ Get married in the ice chapel. Or – even if you're not tying the knot, the ice chapel is a must-see for its stunning ambiance and popularity as a destination for international weddings.

ARTS & CULTURE
Get into winter sports this year

For some, winter isn’t just a season to overcome, it’s a season of beloved winter sports and activities. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, or hockey – there are so many ways to embrace the chillier season. Here are four sports to get you started:

⛸️ Ice skating — Glide across iconic rinks like Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square or Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway (the world’s largest outdoor skating rink!). Many cities offer free or low-cost outdoor rinks and rental options.

🎿 Downhill skiing — Experience the thrill of skiing at world-renowned spots like Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia or Mont Tremblant in Quebec. These resorts often have “Discover Skiing” packages that can include rental gear, lift tickets, and beginner lessons.

❄️ Snowshoeing — Snowshoeing is a perfect way to embrace the winter wonderland, no matter your fitness level! You can check out beautiful trails in national parks, where rentals typically cost around $10–$20 for the day, and many trails are free to access.

🥌 Curling — This social sport is a Canadian favourite, combining precision and teamwork. You can use Curling Canada to find facilities near you.

OUR PICKS & FAVS

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November 30, 2024