As far as tracking my fitness goes, I’ve resorted to apps on my iPhone up until now to count steps or kilometres, and improve my timings.

So when I got the chance to give this little gadget a go, I couldn’t pass up the offer!

First Impressions

Mostly into cycling, running, and hiking, I spent a week with my new companion putting it through the test. Come rain, sun, and more sun, this really was a 24/7 kind of thing.

What first struck me (being used to working incredibly easy software like Sonos), was how simple the setup was. 

Once the watch was turned on, it’s just a case of downloading the Huawei Health app and following barely any steps towards completing the setup. I’m not a technophobe, but I dread the thought of battling with technology before things have even gotten started, so this setup was warmly welcomed. 

Connectivity

The only thing to note here is that if you have an iPhone, the setup is restricted as this really is a piece of Android kit (and on goes the battle between them both).

With an iPhone, you can’t set up your Bluetooth music to the watch or connect more than 3 top contacts for calls.

Despite that, the premise behind the watch is less about connectivity, but much more fitness-focused. Some of its most useful features include; 24/7 heart rate monitoring across 15 different sports (even swimming), sleep monitoring, regular fitness tracking (i.e. calories, distance, time), and third party pairing with key apps like MyFitnessPal and HealthKit Share. 

It depends what you’re into, but I really enjoy being separated from the hounding of texts and notifications whilst exercising so I’m all about HONOR not supporting this function.

If you’re looking for an all-rounder smartwatch then you’ve come to the wrong place. 

Exercise

During exercise, the touch screen is easy to navigate. Simply select your sport of choice from the menu, let GPS do its thing and be on your way. I was impressed at how accurate the results were (after having measured my own pulse to make sure it synced up with my heart rate on the monitor), and the level of detail you get back once you’ve finished and linked it to the app. 

I also used it for my morning alarm which was a much less shrill wakeup call compared to the iPhone (although nothing will beat waking up to a radio station playing – does anyone still do this or is that just me?) 

The battery life was also great – it’s supposed to last up to two weeks and I’d say that was very accurate even when wearing and using it every day. 

Charging is also straight forward, I found myself charging it from my laptop whilst #WFH. It uses a magnetic platform connected to a USB-C cable. 

Verdict

Overall, I did have a great experience with the watch, but as far as smartwatches go, it’s a fairly limited product. 

I enjoyed the disconnectivity but it did pose the question; do I really need another piece of tech in my life purely for tracking fitness? 

There’s nothing wrong with being wellness specific, but most people seek more from their smartwatch than just fitness tracking.

Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend this as a smartwatch purchase, but would highly recommend it for those of you who want a way more upgraded version of your iPhone health app – it’s much more effective as part of an Android ecosystem.

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post CRISP. Tech: Honor Magicwatch 2 Review appeared first on CRISP..

When Nic Young, a young PR professional left without a job in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, posted on LinkedIn about an initiative to help connect other people in a similar position to businesses, he was not prepared for what happened next. 

CRISP. caught up with Nic, now Founder of the agency Look After, to talk social media whirlwinds, isolation, and ideas born in the face of adversity. 

How did you come up with the original name and concept for Look After?

The name has always been up my sleeve. I noticed that people in the creative consulting business always say “we look after ___” when speaking about clients. My original thought was to hijack this phrase and make it ours. I want “Look After” to become the new “Google it”. By that I mean, affiliating the sentence “we look after __” with a level of excellence that people can trace back to us.

It embodies what I want to achieve perfection. It’s all we want to do: look after businesses and charities, look after our peers and look after the crisis – that’s it.

Did you expect such an overwhelming response to your initial post?

To be honest, no I didn’t. I knew it was a good idea and that a fair number of people were in the same boat as me but I didn’t see it picking up so quickly, or indeed getting this big. I was also never really that active on LinkedIn, so didn’t know how powerful it was at spreading messages through networks. I only had 280 connections, but I sat and watched the engagement of the post increasing and spreading internationally through other peoples’ networks. Over 50,000 people have viewed it which is definitely more than I anticipated from my first post

What is your advice for brands and agencies who are reluctant to hire during the lockdown period?

I’m a 22 year old, doing his first solo venture and I’ve had insanely talented and experienced people volunteer to work for free. If I can attract that sort of talent, imagine what established brands and agencies could be snapping up right now. There are so many talented, driven people out of work and my advice is snap them up right now while everyone else is reluctant to – you’ll find yourself with amazing talent for when life resumes shortly and be in a position to pay off any risk you may have taken.

What is your plan for Look After once lockdown is lifted?

I’m 100% committed to Look After for as long as it has life. If following lockdown we still have interest from businesses I’d be thrilled to continue it indefinitely. However, if life resumes and there isn’t a place for Look After in the post-lockdown world then I’m fine with that too. Our aim is to help people and businesses through this crisis and I’m not looking beyond that, it’s a big enough task to tackle for now!

Are you planning on producing virtual content to help advise professionals and companies on Look After’s core values?

I think once we’re up and running, have got some great work under our belt and we have some credibility to our name I’d be very keen to do that should people want to hear from me! 

What are you doing to stay productive during isolation?

Staying positive, exercising and helping people out in any way I can through Look After and local community support. 

What are your top 3 tips for other professionals in your position?

Firstly, try to do something with your time and don’t sit idle (unless you need a break). We’re locked up inside (at least you should be!) so regular activities are off the table. Keep busy to stay motivated, happy, and to escape from the news. Whether it’s learning a new language, a new skill, volunteering, or getting fit at home, just stay occupied and positive. 

Even better, if you can learn something now that will make you better placed to snap up a job once life resumes.

Secondly, if you can’t find something worthwhile to do, have a go at creating something yourself. Times like these breed new ideas, innovation and entrepreneurs so have a go – it’s probably the best time to do so and there’s nothing to lose.

Lastly, just stay positive. If you’ve found yourself in a similar position to me, it isn’t because of you and it isn’t permanent. These sorts of things are beyond our control and all you can do is prepare yourself to hit the ground running when life resumes. Enjoy the moment as much as you can but keep an eye on the future.

Learn more about Look After by visiting their site by clicking here

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post CRISP. Talks : Nic Young, Founder Of “Look After” appeared first on CRISP..

The world is on lockdown and its population is adapting to life at home. From taking fitness classes via Zoom, to being more experimental in your cooking, to bingeing more boxsets, these are just some of the ways we’ve found ourselves passing the extra hours spent inside. 

Whilst it’s great to be ‘productive’, is the desire to fill every second of the day with stimulation just a reflection of how we are now conditioned to go about our daily lives? By this we mean, there is so much pressure to be busy that the art of doing nothing (and in fact the importance of doing nothing), has been neglected for far too long. 

Contrary to belief, doing nothing is productive. It gives the brain a well-deserved break and helps to reestablish a mind-body connection now lost in the whirlwind of our online lives.

Have you noticed that when you receive a notification on your phone it sends a little electrical jolt to the body? This happens because the notifications from phones shut off the prefrontal cortex in the brain that regulates higher-level cognitive functions, and instead, forces the brain to send alarm signals to the body. Not ideal!

Now that the notification has popped up it’s likely we can’t resist swiping across to open up another news update on COVID-19, viral TikTok challenge, or just your phone telling you that your screen time is used up for today and it’s only 9 am. This constant flow of information seeps into the brain and stays there until it’s time to go to sleep. 

We don’t know about you, but we’ve found that just before lights out our brains have now taken it upon themselves to start reciting the voiceovers of viral videos or turn our stomachs in knots as we start evaluating all possible outcomes of this global pandemic.

Skin breakouts, brittle hair and nails, sleepless nights and depression are all a product of stress caused by these toxic environments. We’ve seen some of our favourite bloggers like fitness icons @stephclairesmith and @laura.henshaw talk about these changes across Instagram and letting their communities know that they are not alone in experiencing this.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-lOiHtBNx5/

According to the experts at Origins Behavioural Healthcare, ‘various parts of our brains and bodies are in constant communication with each other and with our external stimuli.’ When we find ourselves in a stressful situation (i.e at the centre of a viral outbreak), our senses send signals to the amygdala, which then sends a signal to the hypothalamus – both these areas are positioned at the base of the brain. As a result, ‘the hypothalamus, which communicates with the nervous system, releases stress hormones into the body’… and we all know what hormones can do to our mood, skin and general being.

So how can we intercept these responses or even slow down the number of alarming signals pinging between the brain and body? Well, for a start, turn off notifications and give yourself a few hours of digital detox before bed. You’ve heard this before but that’s because it works. It creates space in our minds allowing us to unwind properly shutting off our over-alertness. 

Practising quick meditation or just general mind-cleanse can also be beneficial. You don’t have to be a monk for this to work, find a quiet space so you can sit in silence and breathe or, if you’re crammed into a house with lots of people under one roof, put your headphones in and let a podcast like Meditation Minis guide you.

Caffeine and sugar may seem essential at the moment, but they cause your body to overproduce cortisol to help you manage increased stress levels which contribute to a change in hormones. Now is the perfect time to ditch your afternoon coffee and explore new hot drink options to realign the body. 

Another tip is to monitor your intake of stress-inducing news or violent programs. Try reading something that is detached from these topics to balance out your consumption. Sometimes it can be hard to escape the news, especially when we work all day on our laptops, but researchers have shown that if we feel increased stress related to a specific topic, often we haven’t learnt to accept that topic. A great way to help your mind become more accepting of our current lifestyle is to manage a new routine that adapts and accepts the challenges faced today. 

Lastly, and by no means least, do not pressure yourself to be what we are socially labelling as ‘productive’ during this pandemic. Remember, productivity comes in many shapes and sizes. Laying in bed and staring up at the ceiling is not a waste of time if it gives you a chance to disconnect and daydream. Just like our bodies, our brains need ‘rest days’ to strengthen and heal. 

We must learn to take back control of our mind-body connection during this period of uncertainty. Make time for yourself and focus on re-establishing inner calmness amidst the storm.

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post Why The Mind and Body Don’t Get Along During Quarantine appeared first on CRISP..

Tiger King

It’s highly likely you’ve already taken part in this Netflix lesson on conservation, but if not, it’s definitely a course to be completed over the weekend. Joe Exotic owned one of the largest big cat parks in America where he housed over 200 species of exotic animals. Join him and many other ‘gun-toting’ park operators in this documentary series that delves into the breeding and management of these endangered animals. 

In this docu-series you can learn more about conservation, animal rights, capital law and big cats.

Ozark 

A gritty thriller starring Jason Bateman as a financial planner who moves his family from their home in Chicago to a summer resort in the Ozarks to start laundering large sums of money for a mexican cartel. Boasting an all-star cast and gripping screenplay, Ozark is an economics class with a twist.

In the latest season you can learn more about business management, entrepreneurialism and client relations all from the comfort of your sofa. 

ELITE

‘Hola, vivo en Londres y me gusta salir con mis amigos…’ 

Enough of pretending to flick through Duolingo or master Babbel with headphones on, Netflix brings you this binge-worthy telenovela that is a cross between Gossip Girl and 90210 (in Spanish). The series is based on a group of super-rich highschool kids who find themselves wrapped up in drugs, money, murder oh, and school finals. Follow them through their last few years in education as their lives unravel before them. 

Made up of multiple seasons, you’ll get over 20 hours of Spanish practice. If you’re a beginner watch with English subtitles. If you’re more advanced, you can expand your vocab by putting Spanish subtitles on. 

How to Fix a Drug Scandal

Not one for boring AQA case studies? Put your chemistry knowledge to the test with this brand-new documentary series. When top state chemist Annie Dookhan goes on trial for tampering with drug evidence across multiple cases, it opens up a bigger investigation into how much trust can be put into large-scale state laboratories in America. 

From testing to consumption, you can use this series to learn more about being a lab chemist, chemistry in law, and narcotics.

Cheer

Home workouts forcing you to move around too much? Then sit yourself down with a nice cuppa and watch Navarro College’s winning cheer team do all the work for you. Expect backflips, backstories and broken bones throughout this documentary as it follows the lives of these incredible athletes. 

If you were one to ‘forget your kit’ on P.E. days then you’ll love this fitness lesson. Learn about winning dance routines, flexibility and teamwork without moving a muscle. 

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post Isolate and Chill, Top Picks on Netflix To Watch When In Quarantine appeared first on CRISP..

This week’s travel guide takes a look at the best bars in Barcelona, in particular around the neighbourhood of Raval. Previously the red light district of the city, this area gets a bad rep amongst some of the locals who only remember it for its hub of seedy and illegal happenings back in the 20s (yes, that was a century ago) and less so for its recent cultural re-birth. 

Part of the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and home to Barcelona’s oldest church, the museum of Modern Art and an endless array of boutique shops, bars and restaurants, the district of Raval is a fantastic place to visit for a dose of great culture, food and shopping. Often overshadowed by the more touristy areas like Born and Gotico, Raval boasts the same picturesque facade as its neighbours but with much fewer crowds.

Read our guide to ‘baring’ like a local in Raval to find out more. 

Bar muy Buenas

Carrer del Carme, 63, 08001 Barcelona

One of the few bars where you feel obliged to sample one of their more expensive cocktail mixes as opposed to the local Vermouth. Restaurant in the back, speak-easy style bar in the front, this local spot offers an extensive array of spirits and concoctions to tingle your taste buds. In contrast to its menu, this is a lowkey spot with casual bar seating perfect for midweek date night or friendly catch-up. 

El Jardi

Carrer de l’Hospital, 56, 08001 Barcelona

Set outside in the picturesque square of an old hospital, this outdoor gem is perfect for a large glass of Aperol underneath the Spanish sun. With more than just drinks on the menu, you can order one of their seasonal sharing dishes or salads to enjoy as you people watch from afar. 

33/45 Bar & Gallery

Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 4, 08001 Barcelona

This modern bar and exhibition space is a favourite spot for the city’s many creatives and freelancers who come here to enjoy live music, DJ sets and a buzzing atmosphere throughout the weekend. With its Berlin-esque interiors, this is one of Raval’s busiests spots. 

Kalso Bar 

Carrer de Guàrdia, 10, 08001 Barcelona

A hidden treasure. Located above a small gallery and print design store, this tiny bar looks like it could be a part of the exhibition with its neon lighting. Run by friendly staff who know their drinks, this is a great spot for a chilled hangout. 

Bar Lobo

Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 3, 08001 Barcelona

This local spot looks like it has been pulled straight out of Shoreditch and placed into the winding back streets of Barcelona. Just steps away from the Rambla, this bar boasts contemporary interiors and an incredible outdoor terrace to enjoy local wine paired with traditional tapas dishes.

Barcentral

Carrer d’Elisabets, 6, 08001 Barcelona

Bookshop, garden, cafe and bar, this versatile spot is tucked away in another of Barcelona’s historic buildings. With two separate terrace areas, this is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of rose outside in a small oasis away from the bustling city streets. 

Tropico

Carrer de la Paloma, 19, 08001 Barcelona

Raval is full of interesting and quirky bars to visit and Tropico is not one to be missed. A mix of eclectic furniture, hanging lights and plants, the atmosphere at this bar is as vibrant as its interiors. From Thursday onwards the place is packed with diverse crowds enjoying local beer and vermouth. 

Two Schmucks

Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 52, 08001 Barcelona

In the words of its owners; ‘this bar serves serious cocktails but in a relaxed & fun-filled manner’. Situated around the corner from Barcelona’s Contemporary Museum of Art, this unusual spot is arguably one of the most welcoming bars in the area. If open arms and an extensive cocktail menu aren’t enough to entice you in, admire their cheeky signage from outside. 

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post CRISP. Travel : Best Bars in Barcelona appeared first on CRISP..

It is strange to think that removing employees from their working habitats would lead to an unexpected increase in bizarre behaviour…but this new trend is taking the world by storm. Now that the population has bled the resources of Instastory quizzes dry, is there really anything left to do? Ditch the unrealistic goals you set to read a new book, listen to a podcast series or take up yoga this isolation period and turn your attention to the new activities that have arisen as a result of complete and utter boredom. 

If you’re wondering whether staying in pajamas for weeks on end with your hair scraped up in a topknot is warping your understanding of what it is to be a socially acceptable human, then you’d be correct. After 4 days of extensive research (spamming anyone and everyone we know to find out what they’ve been doing during isolation) CRISP. are here to bring you a catalogue of weird tips and tricks to keep you entertained during these long hours. 

Whilst in some ways the human race has taken on the response to COVID-19 responsibly by doing what they can to help others, Whatsapp groups have definitely seen a steep decline in maturity levels. The rate of prank news stories going round our group chats is exploding and we’ve seen more click bait dick pics than ever before. Don’t let the excitement of Donald Trump potentially having Coronavirus trick you… it’s a link to a nude. But yes, do send it on. 

Giant FaceTime call ins. Okay, not so weird but indeed very fun. Apple currently caps group FaceTime calls at 32 so now your friends, neighbours, colleagues, boss (maybe), et al can all hit the big green button and catch up together. Random names in your phonebook? Give them a group call and see if they pick up and (if they’re fun) whether they join in the call. 

Virtual pub quizzes – half the price, half the fun depending on your WiFi connectivity and local supermarket booze stock. Making Skype sexy again with 1 quizmaster and a bunch of desperately bored isolators living vicariously through their laptops. 

No more pretending to do sit-ups! It’s all about the chin and neck workouts. What are you on about we hear you cry?! Well, that random bit of skin that is technically part of the neck, but also technically part of the chin is the new pumped up booty, bicep or six pack. A few nods up and down, side to side, and ‘around the worlds’ should do absolutely nothing to change the appearance of this area but it’s worth trying it anyway to pass the time. Fascinatingly the more we looked into this, the more we found training videos on YouTube with classes especially for this area. Not one for backflips? Facial gymnastics welcomes you with open arms. 

Want more of a workout? Apparently during global pandemics it becomes acceptable for adults to start learning dance routines on TikTok. Yes, we know adults have been dancing on TikTok for a while now, and no, it was never acceptable. 

Going to the zoo…digitally. Yep, that’s right. You were probably never going in person anyway but now you’re in isolation it’s all the rage. At the Cincinnati Zoo, the staff are offering what they call ‘Home Safaris’ live via their Facebook page every weekday. Learn more about your favourite creatures and take part in a quiz at the end of every episode.

https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/videos/646073945952924/

Whilst your favourite Influencers will be telling you to colour coordinate your wardrobes and take pleasure in the fact that you now have the time to re-organise your cutlery draws, find peace in the reality that absolutely nobody is doing this.

Feel proud to be amongst the many of us who will do absolutely nothing productive to pass the time over the next couple of weeks…and we can’t wait. 

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post Coronavirus – The Weird Things People Are Doing Whilst in Isolation appeared first on CRISP..

It’s not every day you find yourself reporting from the confines of your apartment by decree. 

Whilst this trend is slowly sweeping across the globe with countries such as Spain, Italy and France now officially on lockdown, CRISP. Mag reports from the centre of Barcelona on what could be expected for the U.K. in a matter of days. 

The Prime Minister’s lockdown announcement came early on Saturday evening, but we were blissfully unaware celebrating a friend’s birthday from the privacy of our own apartment over dinner and drinks. Having put our phones away to escape the constant bombardment of daunting news updates, we believed that measurements would be put into place come Monday to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Spain.

It was still fairly early in the night when we heard a loud thud at our front door that shocked us all into silence. Upon opening the door we discovered two policemen who told us that we were ‘gathering illegally’ as it was past 9pm and that ‘our beloved Prime Minister’ had declared a state of alarm due to which everyone (all five of our guests) was required to leave and go to the confines of their own homes immediately. 

As our guests left, it felt as though this was an unnecessary authoritarian approach by the police which we have seen an increase as the days of lockdown have gone on. Not only do the police now question your motives for leaving your apartment (you are only to leave for emergencies, food and pharmacy trips), but they are using drones, cars and megaphones to scare people off the streets whilst also implementing fines (with up to a year in prison), and taping off public spaces like beaches and parks. Today they also announced that they will be deploying military officials across the country. 

With the closure of most businesses and public spaces, it has felt emptier than usual. Being forced to stick to our barrios (Barcelona is divided into different areas called ‘barrios’), means that there has not been the same erratic supermarket and stockpiling behaviour we have seen broadcasted from other areas of the world. People must shop at the places around them instead. 

Contrary to the above, these extreme government measures are not reflected in the mood of the people. Yesterday we managed to walk up to the park for an hour or so where people walk their dogs, and to the local shops in our area without any problems. This sort of mental calmness is crucial in times of crisis. 

Residents here are taking precaution and sensible measures, many wear masks in the street. Those who are unwell are staying at home, and those who are well are ensuring that some kind of normality still goes on each day. 

The biggest concern is for the many small businesses around the city who rely on footfall in order to survive. They have been closed for almost 4 days now with no clear sign of when they will be permitted to re-open. The minister of transport, José Luis Ábalos, has announced today that closures may go on for more than the originally suggested 15 days in order to tackle the outbreak. Despite this update, there has been no clear information as to whether these businesses will see some kind of financial compensation for their forced closures. 

In a country of around 47 million people, Madrid has been worst hit by the outbreak with many social media influencers trending the hashtag #yomequedoencasa to encourage their followers to stay at home. With sources telling us that they have already lost their jobs and face serious financial hardships, they feel there is a real lack of sympathy and compensation for those who simply cannot just ‘stay at home’ in order to survive. 

Experiencing a lockdown first hand is not as dramatic as it is perceived to be on social media. We applaud every day at 8pm to give thanks to the health workers who help to save lives every single day, especially during this outbreak. There is no need to instil fear in countries who have not implemented a lockdown, the U.K. government is working with leading scientists and health officials who are following the outbreak closely and monitoring the country to do what is best for everyone. 

Remember that if you still can; support your local business, turn off your notifications and practice mindfulness (whether that is going to yoga, listening to a podcast), spend time outside, and live in the present. 

Take care to wash your hands regularly, stay at home if you feel unwell and follow all other government guidelines and updates for COVID-19. 

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post Coronavirus : Life On Lockdown appeared first on CRISP..

‘Buyers guilt’ manifests itself in consumers who are really just adhering to the product marketing that they get exposed to every single day. Yes, there are a lot of brands that are making a positive impact and important changes, but there are also many who greenwash – especially in the fashion industry. 

CRISP. is on a mission to bring its readers some of the most innovative fashion labels popping up all over the U.K. so that buyers can purchase items that won’t cost the earth. Whether it’s traditional brands who are taking steps to change their supply chains or startups who are giving us creative production ideas, we want to shed light on the brands hoping to change the way we consume.

As the negative environmental impact of fast-fashion consumer behaviour is becoming increasingly clear Maxwell-Scott, luxury leather designers, have decided to take a definitive stand. We caught up with the brand who told us that as well as continuing to honour their 25-year warranty on all their crafted products, Founder Maxwell-Scott believes “it is all of our duties to act in the most environmentally-friendly way possible” and expand this belief into all possible areas of the business. From statement bags to travel essentials, the brand has an exquisite capsule collection of products that offer Italian craftsmanship in the form of spring statement pieces. CRISP. loves that because many of the products are so impeccably finished, they can be repurposed to suit the consumer’s needs. 

So buying less and buying better is something we already know, but often it is easy to be intimidated by the pace at which styles change on the catwalk and forget this. Here is where ‘capsule’ becomes your favourite buzzword. Key items that can be re-styled, repurposed, and still keep their quality. Thanks to more brands like Maxwell-Scott, we’re excited for a collection of capsule items that are guaranteed to last 25 years (and probably beyond!)

Reusing materials that already exist is another way around producing more unnecessary fabrics and recycling what is already out there. This is something that innovative outwear brand Ponch has executed well in their recent collaboration with visual artist Leif Podhajsky. Everything in this urban rainwear collection is recycled or compostable from swing-tags to seals made from cornstarch to soy-based inks. Their packable ponchos are perfect for the festival season, with a high waterproof rating and made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles so you can enjoy the rave guilt-free. 

Speaking of festival outfits, CRISP. Mag will be ‘do good’ dressing in tentree this year, an aspirational fashion brand who encourage environmental stewardship through earth-first apparel. Not only do they ensure all their clothing is sustainable, accessible and comfortable, they plant ten trees for every purchase made. As tentree advocate; ‘it’s not about being a hardcore environmentalist to make a difference’, it’s about making meaningful changes and contributions that all add up. To date they have planted over 30 million trees making a positive impact to communities around the world. 

With a duty to consume more responsibly we must start by changing our purchasing habits and force brands to adapt and become greener. Helping to accelerate that change are a handful of small creative startups with big ideas. Comovita is an online retailer with a mission to make the world a better place. Their website only stocks brands making a positive impact on the planet. Online you’ll find various features such as an intricate pre-orders system that ensures the consumer has time to make a conscious purchase and sellers don’t over-produce merchandise. In addition to this, they boast some exclusive collaborations like their latest one with WOMSH. They have partnered with WOMSH to launch a limited-edition capsule of sustainable & vegan sneakers  (made with Appleskin leather and recycled materials) to show both partner brands and consumers that this is the new way of doing fashion. 

With so many exciting and new avenues to explore, fashion is taking a turn we never thought would be possible, especially not on the high-street. As entrepreneurs, designers and do-gooders try to “ethicalise” the way we consume fashion, the responsibility now falls with the consumer to start making these vital changes to the way they wear their ‘drobe. 

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post CRISP. Style: Green, The Next Big Colour Trend For SS20 appeared first on CRISP..

Okay, so we may have just returned from Magnetic Fields Festival in India, but when CRISP. Mag discovered that Beat-nik inspired stage, Beat Hotel, were selling tickets to their own soiree in beautiful Marrakech, we couldn’t help but book a trip to dance underneath the midday sun to the sound of our beloved artists.

Whilst we can’t wait to get out there and share the experience with our readers in March, today the CRISP. Mag team share their top 5 reasons as to why holiday makers should boycott the conventional and turn to the world’s smaller and more hidden music festivals this year.

Discovery

In the mesmerising words of E.A. Bucchianeri; ‘it’s the unknown that draws people’ and that’s exactly what makes these new, hidden festivals so exciting. We suggest you ditch the crowds heading to Croatia each year, and put some time and effort into finding somewhere new. Wherever we travel, CRISP. Mag keeps up with as many friends as possible in the festival scene to share the latest on new arrivals with our readers. The fresher the festival, the better. Cymbal is India’s newest festival in Gwalior which will debut this year with renowned partners like Cercle to bring punters the best of electronic music. Dates TBC, everything is very under wraps at the moment but you can sign up to their newsletter and be the first to know more (you’re welcome).

https://www.facebook.com/CymbalFestival/videos/931003587301640/

Freedom

We understand that not everyone has the time to travel as far as Asia, which is why smaller boutique festivals should be on your radar. Popping up all over the world, there is sure to be one closer than you think. One of CRISP. Mag’s favourites, Kala, is set on the stunning coast of Albania where tickets, accommodation and travel are kept from inflating by the organisers to make this festival a fair and accessible experience for many. Put off by the airmiles? Why not stay local to the U.K. and enjoy teeny tiny Cosmic Roots festival in Norfolk. Split the cost of a camper van, bottles of beer, and plentiful snacks for a much more intimate practice to power your East Anglian aura.

Company

Whether a solo-goer or group gathering, these bespoke and profound experiences give like-minded souls a chance to mingle outside the social constraints of everyday reality. Take the opportunity to swap small talk in foreign bars, with forming transformative friendships. It’s easy to let the all-consuming digital world path out a life of online relationships, but once we enter a no-phone zone (i.e. do you ever get good signal at a festival?!), we can surprise ourselves at how much more rewarding raw and unexpected human interaction can be.

Serendipity 

…and no, we are not talking about Peter Chelsom’s widely watched rom-com. We mean it in the sense of accidentally discovering new upcoming artists, genres and destinations. Bookers keep it fluid and niche for smaller festivals which often means it’s likely you’ll discover and love many new artists you’d never heard of before. One of the risks with bigger, commercial festivals is that there are so many artists playing you systematically trudge from one specific stage to another to catch planned acts with not much element of surprise. Perhaps you never considered the Bulgarian countryside, but fall in love with it after attending Meadows in the Mountains. There’s every chance you’d heard of the headliner, but your favourite act of the festival doesn’t even end up being on Spotify. Anything is possible in these carefully curated celebrations of the arts.

Holiday

The final (and most important) reason. What could be better than combining new cuisines, weather, and landscapes with one big party? We can’t wait to sit by a pool in the sun whilst Floating Points nurture our ears and lamb tagine tingles our taste buds at Beat Hotel in March. 

So wherever you’re planning to head this year, be curious and explore one of the many exciting and enriching festival experiences available for 2020.

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post CRISP. Travel : Why “Festidays” Are All The Rage Right Now appeared first on CRISP..

With 7,641 islands, the Philippines has become a hotspot for adventure seekers and beach bums alike, but where to go from Manila airport we hear you cry?! Fear not, CRISP. has tried and tested some of the best spots to help you navigate one of the world’s largest archipelagos.

Where to start?

When booking your flight from the U.K to the Philippines look to arrive at Manila airport, it is by far the biggest airport in the Philippines offering the best connection options to get you around the mainland and islands (but more on that later). Set up alerts with Skyscanner or Jack’s Flight Club to snap up the best deals. 

Whilst Manila is not the beach paradise we’ve seen on every blogger’s Instagram page, do not overlook this city. It is a thriving mecca for food and Philippino culture offering cosmopolitan areas like Little Tokyo and Manila Bay paired with delicious dining experiences at Ministry of Crab and Milkyway cafe.

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, Azumi Boutique Hotel (luxe but eco-friendly), is a world away from the corporate hotels sprawled across the city. For travelers on a budget, Lub D is a tried and tested destination by the CRISP. team! This is a Tokyo-inspired hostel offering private and shared dorms and boasting an impressive restaurant and cafe which overlooks the city.

Our top tip for when you arrive in Manila is to download the Grab ride-hailing app. This will allow you to travel around the city safely, easily and cheaply!

Where to go?

Whilst CRISP. didn’t have enough time to travel around over 7000 islands, we did shortlist our favourites to give you an idea of what to expect.

Cebu and Bohol

Again, we haven’t quite reached beach paradise but it is a good start, Cebu is easy to get to from Manila via car or bus, and from here you can catch a regular ferry from the port at Cebu (granted there isn’t a typhoon which is what happened to us.) 

Stay in Murals Hostel for a cozy scandi-inspired environment and a cool co-working space. Enjoy their open lounge as you sip a glass of wine and play board games until the storm passes. Likewise, you can opt to stay in the very overstated Henry Hotel which boasts a unique experience in its (very) quirky four walls.

Catching the ferry from Cebu to Bohol is straightforward and once you’re there you can expect visits to the chocolate hills, caving, river-boating, jungle treks, paddle boarding, and wildlife spotting. Choose to stay in Eco Hotel Bohol and enjoy individual huts in the middle of stunning scenery for a unique and conscious lodging experience. To fuel your day of activities you can grab food at some of our favourite spots; Tamper Coffee & Brunch, Mosia Cafe, Tablea de Maria Clara, Food & Fables, Smoque Bistro.

Siquijor

Oceanjet operates the ferry that can transport you from Bohol to Siquijor, it leaves each day from Tagbilaran Port at 10:20 and takes just over an hour. Siquijor was one of our very favourite islands to visit. 

Filled with white sandy beaches, waterfalls and ambience, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy island life. 

If you’re after budget accommodation with breathtaking views of the sunset opt for Jungle of Peace – we enjoyed sipping on daily cocktails from the planty outdoor bar. There is also the stunning Ustory Bungalows which are located directly on the beach. Our top tip for when you arrive here is to rent a bike to easily make your way around this tiny island paradise. 

With so many amazing bars and restaurants to choose from here, it was difficult to pick just a few. Make sure you check out; Monkey Business, Dagsa (the best place to eat a traditional Boodle Fight), Salamandas Restaurant, Twenty4, Dolce Amore.

El Nido

Whilst Palawan is one of the Philippine’s most touristy islands, it is still worth a visit for day trips to secluded beaches and giant lagoons. Take note that once arriving at the main airport on the island, there is a 6-hour drive from the airport to El Nido.

In true CRISP. style, we wanted to exhaust all of the accommodation options available for the duration of the trip, so this time we opted for Airbnb. There are plenty of stylish options for all kinds of travelers and budgets with hidden gems well-kept in the narrow little streets of El Nido.

With an abundance of stunning cafes, restaurants and bars you won’t be short of places to eat & drink. Make sure you pay a visit to CRISP. Mag’s very favourite Maremegmeg Beach Bar for smooth sunset DJ vibes or a dip in its sister property’s infinity pool (MBC El Nido). Watch the sun go down at Panorama Bar whilst sipping on cocktails or enjoy wholesome yoga & brunch from a real-life treehouse; The bird House.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture or relaxation, consider Philippines as your next tropical destination for 2020.

The CRISP. Map of the Philippines

All of our Points of Interest mentioned above can be found in a handy map below. Enjoy! 🙂

Eloise Martin

Instagram – @eloiseemartinn

The post CRISP. Travel : A Two Week Guide To The Philippines appeared first on CRISP..