Author: Tamara Mrázová
From Slovakia to Sun: Matej Jurášek’s Life-Changing Move to Madeira
Matej Jurášek, known as “Rarach,” is a Slovak who, together with his family, made the move to the island of Madeira. But settling in turned out to be trickier than he imagined. Through his Instagram account, “rarachjenamadeire,” Matej shares insights into life on the island. In this interview, we asked him why he and his wife chose to move abroad, what life on the island is like, and much more. Matej, where did the idea to move come from, and why Madeira? When we first started considering the move, we only had one son. We thought that living abroad might be better for the three of us. Plus, we knew it would be easier for our child to adapt while he was still young. For my wife and me, it was definitely much harder than it was for him. Initially, we had Spain in mind. We kept thinking about the move, planning it all out in our heads. Then we took a trip to Madeira, and we made the decision pretty quickly. We just fell in love with the island—the scenery, the people. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The climate also suited us perfectly, with its pleasant spring-like weather almost year-round. You wake up to sunshine, and you can swim all year. It really lifts your mood, and it’s much nicer to wake up to sunny mornings than cold, gray winters. Read also: Girls in marketing Do you remember your first feelings after moving? Oh, definitely. I remember that first morning so clearly. We stayed with friends for the first three weeks to give us time to get settled and find our own place. It might sound like something out of a movie, but I woke up to the sound of the ocean, and every time I looked out the window, I was in awe of the view. I even started crying, thinking, “Wow, we actually did this.” But, of course, reality set in soon after, and it wasn’t easy. It’s amazing to watch my sun switch between languages. He knows exactly who to speak to and in which language. He speaks Slovak with me, Portuguese with the neighbor, and English with our friends. He handles it all so naturally! Did moving to Madeira have any downsides? We were surprised to find that everyone here takes their time with things. We arrived with a financial buffer, ready to invest wisely, but things moved so slowly that it was frustrating. It was a bit of a roadblock for us. Within the first two weeks, we found a long-term place to live with the help of locals. Then we started looking for a property to invest in. We wanted to create accommodation for travelers and promote it through my Instagram. But it wasn’t as easy as we thought—the properties looked completely different in real life compared to the listings. Our plans weren’t coming together, and everything felt so chaotic. In Madeira we burned through our savings much faster than expected and didn’t have any steady income. Those first weeks and months were tough, but eventually, things started to fall into place—though not without a lot of effort. Read also: Nikola moved to Spain to follow her dreams Did you experience any surprises on the island? Yes, several! In one week, we found a house to renovate, bought a car, and had to fly back to Slovakia for work. A few days before the flight, my wife Andrea wasn’t feeling well, so we had some tests done. We found out we were expecting our second child! Andrea was already 18 weeks pregnant. It was such a shock—suddenly, we realized that we had been moving as a family of four, not three, all along. That was definitely the biggest and craziest surprise for us! Matej, were you able to complete your property project in Madeira? We were worried that the local laid-back attitude would mean unreliable services. We feared that the workers wouldn’t show up on time. But in the end, we got there, though it took a lot longer than we anticipated. We now have a house with four apartments that we’ve been renting out since August. Do you miss having your family nearby? Funny enough, my wife and I were just talking about this the other day. We thought about what life would’ve been like if we’d stayed in our small apartment in Bratislava. But we quickly realized why we made the move and why we chose Madeira. Neither of us is from Bratislava, so our parents were never super close by anyway. They only visited occasionally, so we were used to handling things on our own. It’s tough not having family around, but since moving here, we’ve met some amazing people who are always willing to help. What food do you miss the most, and what local dishes from Madeira have you come to love? Back in Slovakia, I wasn’t a fan of fish at all—it was a struggle to even eat it at Christmas! But now, I could eat fish every day. The fish here looks and tastes different, and it’s so fresh and affordable. We also love the local traditional dishes, and since there are so many foreigners here, you’ll find all sorts of international restaurants—Italian, Indian, Vietnamese. There’s so much variety. I don’t miss Slovak food too much, but I do miss my bike! (Laughs) Matej, what would you recommend to those considering moving abroad? It’s tough to give general advice because everyone’s situation is different, but what helped us was spending a longer period here before making the final move. It gave us a chance to get to know the island and the way things work here. One tip I’d give is that moving abroad is a big decision, and it should be a shared one. It’s important to have a plan and to get to know the country before making the leap. Every place is unique, and it’s important to be ready for whatever that uniqueness brings.
Your communication skills deserve to be upgraded. This is how!
Communication is the foundation of any successful relationship, whether it’s with your partner, friends, family, or colleagues. If you ever feel like finding the right words is a challenge, here are some tips to help boost your communication skills. Let’s elevate how we connect! Learn to Listen One of the keys to effective communication is listening. Pay attention to what others are saying and try to understand their perspective without interrupting. This will help you respond thoughtfully, showing that you value the conversation and are genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. Know What You Want to Say Before speaking, take a moment to consider your main points. Being clear and concise, especially on complex topics, helps avoid confusion. There’s no harm in expanding on the topic later, but start by getting your main message across. Starting with clarity can prevent misunderstandings and keep the conversation on track. Body Language Speaks Volumes Gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact can often say more than words. Keep your body language open and friendly. Avoid folding your arms or standing with hands on your hips unless that suits the message you’re conveying. Sometimes, these non-verbal cues can come across as distant or authoritative, even if that’s not what you intend. Read also: How to always appear elegant? Emotions Matter Too Developing emotional intelligence is key. Focus on empathy and recognizing others’ emotions, and learn to respond appropriately. Empathy and good timing in your responses can show that your communication skills are truly top-notch. When you can tune into the emotions of others, you build a deeper connection and show them you care. Take Feedback to Heart Constructive criticism can be tough, but asking others for their opinions and accepting feedback as a chance to improve will help you identify areas for growth. Taking the time to ask for input and reflect on it is a powerful way to improve your communication style. Stay Focused Whether it’s a work discussion or a personal chat, keep the purpose of the conversation in mind. Avoid unnecessary tangents that might take attention away from the main point. Staying efficient and purposeful is crucial, as this approach helps keep everyone on the same page and makes the exchange more productive for all involved. Effective communication is, at its core, about making real connections and understanding others.
Hidden gems in Europe: This city will not ruin your wallet, and yet is still attractive and fun!
The bustling energy of a modern city, historical architecture preserved with care, a wild nightlife, and wallet-friendly prices that won’t break the bank. If you’re picturing Hungary, you’re spot on. Today’s star is the beautiful city on the Danube, Budapest. You’ll Be Hooked from the Start For us Slovaks, Budapest is incredibly convenient to visit. It’s just 80 km past our border, and you can get there by EuroCity train from Bratislava in just two and a half hours. Choosing this option is well worth it. As soon as you step off the train at Nyugati station, you’ll feel the city’s charm. This station is a stunning example of how much Hungarians value what they have, beautifully restored and clean, with yellow taxis and trams creating a lovely contrast around you. History Everywhere You Look In Bratislava, historical architecture is mostly concentrated in the Old Town, but in Budapest, it’s all around you. Most buildings have been restored, yet they retain their historic character, allowing you to enjoy a clean, polished city that still feels timeless. Read also: Mental Health Matters The Jewel of the Danube Stretching along both sides of the Danube, Budapest remains accessible despite recent floods and still offers riverside strolls. Watching the sun set along the Danube is a priceless experience. There are four bridges across the river, perfect for a scenic walk. And with trams and buses, getting around is easy and affordable, with a 48-hour ticket priced at just 12 euros. Must-See Tourist Spots You can’t visit Budapest without hitting up the iconic sights that showcase its rich history. Some favorites are Fisherman’s Bastion, the Hungarian Parliament building, Citadella, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Buda Castle. Plan a route that starts at the Parliament, crosses the Old Bridge to Fisherman’s Bastion, and leads up to Citadella. With around 25,000 steps by the end of the day, you’ll be ready for a break! A Taste of Hungarian Delights And, of course, don’t leave without trying some delicious Hungarian food. Treat yourself to a classic chimney cake, enjoy ice cream at every corner, and take advantage of discount stores with treats from around the world. For main dishes, we highly recommend trying traditional goulash or pörkölt. Yum!
Shining a Light on Mental Health: Why It Matters More Than Ever
October 10th marks International Mental Health Day, a global initiative designed to spark conversation, break down stigmas, and remind everyone of the importance of mental well-being. While this topic has become super common, many people still face challenges in accessing the support and care they need. This day is an opportunity for communities around the world to come together and focus on building a more inclusive and supportive approach to mental health. Why Mental Health Deserves Attention Mental health affects how we think, feel, and interact with the world. It’s as crucial as physical health, but it often gets less attention. Issues like anxiety, depression, and other mental struggles can impact people’s daily lives, sometimes invisibly. However, despite its significance, many are still hesitant to seek help, and this is where International Mental Health Day plays a vital role. By openly discussing this topic, we can help reduce the stigma and encourage more people to reach out for support when they need it. Normalizing these conversations helps us all feel more comfortable talking about our mental well-being. This Year’s Theme of International Mental Health The theme for this year’s International Mental Health Day is more unique than ever. “Mental Health in an Unequal World,” highlighting how disparities can affect access to care. Social and economic factors like income and education often influence who can get support. The goal is to raise awareness about these gaps and advocate for better resources for everyone, no matter their background. This theme is also a call for increased investment in mental health services, aiming to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to access care. The Rise of Digital Solutions Technology has made it easier than ever to access mental health care. From teletherapy sessions to various apps, digital tools offer a way for people to connect with professionals or find support from the comfort of home. However, not everyone has equal access to these resources, which highlights a new kind of inequality. This special day reminds us to celebrate these advancements while also considering how to make them accessible to more people, bridging the digital divide and creating more opportunities for care. How to Get Involved Whether you’re passionate about this topic or just want to lend your support, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Check in on friends or family members, educate yourself about it, or join a local event. Social media is a great way to spread the word and raise awareness. Sometimes, just sharing a post can make a big difference. If you want to dive deeper, look for webinars, community events, or online workshops on the topic. Even small steps can contribute to making a difference and showing your support. Read also: Eco-friendly habits for everyday Moving Forward Together International Mental Health Day is a reminder of the importance of mental well-being for everyone. Let’s do it all. Encourage open conversations. Advocate for access to care. Let’s advocate our mental state as a priority. We can all play a part in making a difference. Let’s use this day to support each other, learn, and continue building a world where mind and well-being is valued and prioritised. “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore, J.K. Rowling
Simple Eco-Friendly Habits to Sneak into Your Daily Routine
Even though sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint are hot topics nowadays, many people tend to still think that going green is complicated or time-consuming. The truth is, even the smallest changes in our everyday habits can make a huge difference for the planet. It’s all about starting with a few easy steps that, in the long run, will positively impact the environment. We’ve put together some super simple tips that won’t feel like a hassle but will mean a lot for our planet. Get rid of the chemicals We all have our go-to cleaning habits, and the same goes for the products we use. Some work better than others, but the ones that don’t quite cut it can easily be replaced with eco-friendly alternatives. Baking soda, lemon, and vinegar are great natural cleaning helpers to try out! Buy yourself a bottle Whenever you head out, keep in mind that you’re bound to get thirsty at some point during the day. If you’re not going to the office or somewhere you can easily grab a drink from a glass, it’s a good idea to bring a reusable bottle that you can fill up with water anytime. This way, you’ll avoid a trip to the store to buy bottled water. There are tons of durable options out there, made from tough plastic, metal, glass, or even bamboo. Yes, bamboo. Travel green We’re not saying you should walk or bike everywhere—it’s just not always possible, especially for longer distances. But there are healthier alternatives to traditional cars. If you’re taking a taxi, most apps let you pick a “green” option, so you can get to your destination in an electric vehicle. And if you fly often, many airlines give you the option to pay a little extra to compensate for your carbon footprint. It’s usually just a few cents, but it goes a long way in helping the environment. Slow fashion Our shopping habits are often driven by how much we’re willing to spend on clothes. Big brand chains know it’s smart marketing to sell lower-quality clothing at cheap prices. But it’s a trick to get customers to buy more often, constantly replacing items because they’re so affordable. Try setting a goal to shop more regularly at sustainable stores, even if it means spending a bit more. In the end, you’re investing in quality. Read also: Did you know your hair has pores as well? Buy domestic products If you have some free time over the weekend, take a stroll through your local market and pick up some fresh, local fruits and veggies that didn’t have to travel from abroad. These foods have a much smaller environmental footprint, and you’ll be supporting amazing local farmers and producers at the same time. Go get that fancy tote bag Pretty much all of us have a pile of plastic or paper bags at home from grabbing groceries at the supermarket. Next time, try keeping a reusable tote bag handy so you don’t have to keep buying more single-use ones. It’s a simple switch that makes a big difference! If you fancy any of these eco-friendly hacks, we are more than happy that we can inspire others to make these simple yet impactful changes. Together we can contribute to better tomorrows and better planet’s health. Try to fit these habits into your routine… we are sure you’ll get the hang of them soon!
Nika from Social Spirit: Instagram brought me my first customers with just 300 followers
Nikola Kökényová knows online marketing and social media strategies inside out. Whether it’s international companies, non-profits, or personal brands, she feels right at home in her field. Her main goal is to tailor services to each client so they can achieve their goals together. Many of us know Nika from Social Spirit, her project focused on marketing, social media, and strategies. That’s exactly what we discussed with Nika in today’s article. Nika, what marketing trends are prevailing? In today’s world, I believe it’s crucial to shift your focus not outward to the apparent trends flooding social networks, but inward. Find out which direction you, as a brand, are heading, and base your strategy on that. It’s no longer enough to just follow trends on social media; instead, you should focus on your long-term vision. Only with a clear vision can you maintain consistency not only on social networks but throughout your entire business. “Social networks are overwhelmed, and so are the people on them. That’s a sad but true trend.” The truth is, we don’t have to do everything the same way as other creators who are successful. Fans can get used to anything from a creator, as long as it’s delivered consistently and patiently. For larger brands, the biggest challenge is presenting content on social networks in a way that feels human. We still see awkwardly adapted flyer visuals on social media, whereas it would be much more effective to show the people behind the brand talking about the flyer’s content in their own words. Marketing has become a very popular field. Do you think it’s oversaturated? It’s hard to pinpoint exact numbers, but I’ve definitely noticed a rise in specialists across various marketing areas in recent years. The real question is about the quality and actual experience of these professionals. Even though the market might be crowded, I still see a gap for starting small businesses that can’t yet afford marketing agencies but need a solid start. They’re looking for experienced freelancers with years of practice, and there are still only a few dozen of us in Slovakia. Nika, tell us more about Social Spirit. The purpose of Social Spirit is individual mentoring for personal brands that need to strategically handle their marketing activities and direct their energy where it truly matters for them. I regularly create custom social media strategies for companies. I’ve also created e-books on self-taught strategies and Instagram stories. Two years ago, I launched my only physical product, the #SOCIALSPIRITCARDS—an engaging tool that helps small brands tackle strategic questions about their business or provides ideas for social media posts. What is your opinion on social media? Which one is your favourite? One word. Instagram. It started bringing me actual customers when I had around 300 followers. I enjoy that I can truly be myself on the platform. It has tons of tools to make your content interactive and encourage your followers to engage and take action. I use social media about 95% of the time for work. Since I’ve been working daily on social media for the past 8 years, it feels like a good balance when I avoid it in my free time. Ever since I started creating content, I’ve been consuming less of it. I think that’s also key to success, so you don’t end up feeling overwhelmed by it all. What benefits do social media bring us? They’re still the ideal starting point for small or personal brands to communicate. They don’t need to be polished—quite the opposite. Authentic, simple, unfiltered content works best. They also help build relationships with the people you’re interacting with. Apparently, our brains can’t really tell the difference between people we know from online and those we know in real life. So, the more a brand is seen on social media, the more people feel like they know it. And the more likely they are to buy from it or support it when needed. On the opposite, what are the negatives of social media? It’s a massive time drain. Recently, I was mentoring a marketing manager from a company, and he told me he used to think social media was just about posting content. He was surprised at how much work is actually involved and what he’s really getting himself into. (Laughs) It takes patience. A lot of creators start posting but give up after the first few months because they don’t see real results or their profile grows slowly. It’s much harder to grow on social media now than it was even just a year ago, but it’s still doable. It just takes a lot of time to figure out what really works for your future customers. And time is something we have in limited supply. How do you see the marketing industry when it comes to gender equality? Do you notice any differences between female and male marketers? Honestly, what I love about marketing is that it doesn’t care about gender or titles. In creative roles, no one’s asking what degree you have in an interview. They give you a task, and if you do it well, you get the job. If not, you could have an MBA in marketing and it wouldn’t matter—you wouldn’t make it. And whether you’re a man or a woman really doesn’t play a role here. It’s a bit different when it comes to strategic positions, where you’re judged based on actual results and experience. But even then, I don’t think gender makes a big difference. We’ve got some strong female strategists in Slovakia who are leading by example. “Marketing doesn’t care about gender or titles.” Is there a quality where female marketers excel? I think it might be sensitivity. I’ve had clients tell me that they felt truly heard or that with their previous marketer, they didn’t feel any connection to their brand. And because of that, they didn’t trust them enough to move forward. They kept looking until they found someone who really understood them. Sometimes numbers and stats don’t mean much if someone doesn’t feel good about how their brand is being represented. On the other hand, if someone’s confident in how they present themselves, it can go way better than expected, even if the data isn’t perfect. But whether sensitivity is a female trait or just an individual one? I’m more inclined to think it’s the latter. More about Nika’s work here: Nika’s Instagram profile
Recipes from sweet potatoes that you need to add to your cookbook
Sweet potatoes have become a popular side dish for many of us in recent years. They’ve seamlessly made their way onto the menus of countless restaurants and fast-food spots. Nowadays, alongside traditional starchy fries, you can easily find sweet potato fries, which contain only trace amounts of starch which makes it healthier. Eating them gives us a boost of vitamins A, B, C, and E, plus they’re packed with potassium, iron, and zinc. Basically, sweet potatoes are a veggie worth keeping in your diet. And beyond just fries, there are tons of awesome recipes that feature sweet potatoes. Let’s check some of them out together! Sweet potato soup What’s better on a chilly autumn day than a cozy, homemade, creamy soup? Here’s what you’ll need to make it: 4 large sweet potatoes, 2 carrots, 1 onion, and a few garlic cloves (as many as you like). Start by melting butter in a pot, then toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Add diced bacon, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Sauté everything together, then sprinkle in a small teaspoon of dried ginger. Pour in some homemade broth or a bouillon-based stock, and let it simmer until the veggies are tender. Once it’s all cooked through, blend the mixture with an immersion blender. To finish it off, stir in some heavy cream, and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for an extra kick. Don’t forget to garnish your bowl of soup before serving! Read also: These viral recipes have taken over the internet Sweet potato salad bowl Here’s a super easy and light version of a sweet potato salad. This recipe is really simple and serves more as inspiration for you to jazz up your salad. The sweet potatoes bring a perfect touch of sweetness that’ll totally satisfy your taste buds. For this salad, you’ll need roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with dried herbs and garlic. Toss them together with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, caramelised chickpeas, cooked quinoa, and something tangy like pickles, olives, or finely chopped beets. Add some soft cheese or cottage cheese for extra creaminess. If you’re looking to boost the protein, hard-boiled eggs or tofu pieces are great additions too. Our pro tip: drizzle the whole thing with olive oil and sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top. Delicious! Banana bread with a sweet potato twist After the first two courses, let’s move on to a sweet finale. Sweet potatoes are perfect for dessert recipes because their natural sweetness can replace sugar. To make this delicious brownie, you’ll need at least two large sweet potatoes. Peel and dice them into small cubes, then cook them in water until tender. Drain and blend them while still warm with an immersion blender, then let them cool. Once the sweet potato mash is ready, mix in 2 eggs, 100 grams of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, some gingerbread spice, a pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and about 2 teaspoons of powdered sugar to taste. The batter might seem thick at this point, so melt 150 grams of cooking chocolate with some butter over a double boiler, then stir it into the mixture. Add a bit more melted butter to adjust the consistency so you can pour it into a greased baking pan. If you have a loaf pan, like the one you use for banana bread, that works too. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 35-45 minutes. Enjoy your tasty treat! 🙂
5 things you should do before the end of this year
Before we know it, the end of the year will be here. There are only about 100 days left—crazy, right? Do you feel like you’ve gotten enough done this year and can start wrapping things up, or are you feeling like you’ve been stuck and procrastinating? Either way, we believe everyone can boost their productivity a bit more. So, we’ve put together a list of things you should try to tackle before the year’s over. Let’s check them out together. 1. Don’t forget those health check-ups Remember that dentist appointment you keep putting off? Be honest, ladies—how many of us skipped the gynecologist this year? And what about your annual health check? If even a little bit of guilt is creeping in while reading this, it’s time to take action. Make those appointments this week! You can’t take your health for granted—after all, we only get one body! Also read: Health myths we still believe 2. Finish the book and the TV series Finish what you started this year. Sometimes, simple things like reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a series can be the perfect way to refocus and prepare for a fresh start. It’ll leave you feeling more free and ready for what’s next. But honestly, this advice isn’t really about hobbies. You might realise deep down there are bigger, unfinished projects or goals weighing on you that need to be completed and brought to life. 3.Go visit them Every year, you and your relatives or friends promise you’ll finally get together, but with busy schedules and not enough time, it always feels unrealistic. Now’s your chance to actually make it happen and spend some meaningful moments with your loved ones. You might be surprised to find out you have way more to talk about with that distant cousin than you thought! 4.Plan a vacation Do you often end up rolling over unused vacation days into the new year? Avoid that this time and give yourself a well-deserved break. Maybe you’ll want to spend a few days at home, enjoying some cozy downtime. On the other hand, if you’re feeling adventurous, take advantage of your time off and go for a nice long weekend or a relaxing getaway. Visit those places you’ve been dreaming about but haven’t gotten around to yet. You’ve earned it—take a break. Read more: Do you know what is biohacking? 5.Organize your home Take a good look at your closets and shoe racks, and realistically decide what items you no longer need. Donate them to charity or to someone who could really use them. The same goes for your desk drawers—get rid of that pile of unnecessary papers that are just taking up all of the space. Don’t forget to go through your bookshelves too. You might find a few books you can sell online and make some extra cash. And let’s not ignore the pantry, storage rooms, and garages either! 🙂 Finally, remember that the end of the year is the perfect time to reflect on what you’ve achieved and prepare for new challenges. Give yourself credit for everything you’ve accomplished, and get motivated for what’s to come. Set your own pace and reward yourself along the way. Self-love really does matter!