Archives for June 2017

Spa at the Oaks in Ojai

A Day at The Oaks Spa!

The Oaks at Ojai is a resort and getaway for a few nights stay or for those that just have the day drop in and enjoy their Spa. This is the spot for anyone looking to pamper themselves. The Oaks Spa offers every service you could want in a historic and comfortable setting. Right in the center of Ojai and in the renovated mission style hotel this spa gives off charm and invites you to spend time reaching complete relaxation.

The Oaks Spa covers all of your needs from body and skin care treatments, to the hair and nail salon all in one place. Leave with loose muscles after a full body salt stone massage with pink toes and trimmed hair if that is your ideal day. Or for facial enthusiasts there are a number of options to get your skin glowing!

Body Treatments – The Oaks Spa is a wonderful mix of the traditional Swedish Massage, Deep Pressure, and Aromatherapy with innovative techniques to target joints and the Hot Himalayan Salt Stone Massage. My favorite part is that for the indecisive like myself they have the Ultimate Massage Package that feature six of the massage styles in one 75 min. treatment.

Skin Care Treatments – Some of these might sound like they come out of the kitchen, but you will enjoy every second whether you choose the Ojai Olive Oil Body Soufflé, Seasonal Sugar Scrub, or Aromatherapy Body Salt Glo. The another popular option is the Vita D Brightening Body Treatment or Facial.

The Vita D facial was a new experience for me as a facial first timer, but my esthetician was amazing. When she wasn’t working on applying natural products to exfoliate my skin or wrapping me in Vitamin D, she was gently massaging my hands and feet to relax me. In the end my skin was glowing and so smooth I was shocked.

The entire experience, including all of the lovely people I met in between their treatments, was one worth repeating. In fact some of the women I met in the sitting area were on their regular ladies outing, driving in from all points in Southern California to spend the day at the Oaks Spa. Others were staying at the resort and it was easy to see who had just left a massage, they were walking through the lobby in their robe with mussed hair and a blissed out look on their faces. Ojai is a great place to visit and the Oaks Spa should be on your “To Do” list.

Learn more about The Oaks Spa at their site – Oaksspa.com

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Ziplines at Pacific Crest

Flying down the mountain!

Ziplines at Pacific Crest in the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles California, is an adventure course through the treetops. Not for the faint of heart, these are some high speed rides over heights that equal a thirty story building and lines that go more than a quarter of a mile in length. This is a great way to spend the day out in nature and enjoying a view you can get no other way. If you feel the need for speed and enjoy a thrill this is the place to be.

They offer a couple of  options to enjoy the excitement at Ziplines at Pacific Crest with their Canopy or Mountain View Tours. These half day adventures will take you above the San Andres fault and into the heights of the California mountains. If you can’t make up your mind between the two consider the Ultimate Day Package which includes both options and a provided box lunch and drink.

Mountain View Zipline Tour – this package is made up of 6 ziplines, 2 free-fall rappels, and 3 hikes that take visitors through the countryside in a 2.5 hr. trip.

Canopy Tour – this 3.5 hr. course includes 9 ziplines that reach 306 ft in height and run as long as 1500 ft. Crossing 3 bridges, lowering yourself down 2 rappels, a sky stair, and 3 hikes round out this route.

Either choice or both will give visitors an adrenaline rush. Even the van up to the start point will get you going with a rumbling ride. From there it is a continued climb on foot to the first launch. After the guides run through the basics of braking and safety details you are ready to fly. I felt some butterflies with the anticipation of my first run and before some of the other elements that make up the course, like rappelling.

In between the zipping visitors get a hawk’s eye view from decks in the tree tops. Our Canopy Tour even saw a pair of red tailed hawks checking out the featherless high fliers. Our guides, Ray and Will, pointed out the different trees, wild life, and were very informative about more than just the ziplining.

Reaching speeds of up to 55 MPH while dangling from a line mid air is an experience to remember. Perfecting braking and landing took a bit of work and I happily never failed to make it to the platform. Tours go all year round so be prepared that no matter the weather you can hit the trail. Participants from ages 10 to 80 are said to have completed the course, so as long as you fall between 90-250 lbs. you can join in.

The instructions warn that participants need to be able to walk 1 mile as part of the course, but keep in mind that is a mile at 7,000 ft. So those with altitude issues be prepared for the added challenge. Comfort with heights helps as well since the treetop stops between lines are sunny spires above the arid mountain side. Even the bridges are a heart pounding part of the adventure.

Check the Ziplines at Pacific Coast site for specials like the June “Buy one tour, get the second tour 1/2 off with the code BOGOZIP or their newest adventure, a night time Moonlight Tour! For the full moon July 7th & 8th you can fly under the stars after watching the sun set in the mountains. This is an outdoor event that will not disappoint.

Contact Ziplines at Pacific Coast to book a tour on their site, ziplinespc.com or find out more about them on Facebook and Instagram.

Snuggle-Pedic Pillow Review

Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow is a combination of two popular approaches to sleep comfort. This pillow comes with a bamboo outer cover that is removable for easy washing and a memory foam stuffing that is adjustable to make for the ideal level of support. Snuggle-Pedic has developed a perfect partnering of natural fibers and the technology that scientifically keeps your pillow from going flat.

Other memory foam pillows I have used have a solid center of foam which is a different sleeping experience. What I like about this pillow is the crushed filling makes resting your head more comfortable no matter what position you like to sleep in. I am all over the place at night, stomach, back, and side, so this versatility is very important.

I received the Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Pillow around the time I purchased some cheaper bamboo pillows for around $10. These quickly lost shape and proved to me that the investment in a pillow that is durable and comfortable is worth every penny. It took a little bit of work finding the right level of softness and adjusting the filling, but now that I have it is the pillow I won’t share and travel with.

Another key portion to me with pillows is washability. The Snuggle-Pedic Pillow is completely washer and dryer safe. Yes, this is true of most pillows, but other products do not have the double layer. If I want an added pillow protection it is a separate purchase. This product has the removable bamboo cover which gives me two washing options, a plus for keeping clean.

These pillows and their mattress products are also completely Made in the USA with CertiPUR-US® certified foam that has been independently tested for quality. We spend hours every day with our face pressed against our pillows and and bodies to the bed, it is reassuring to know that all of the materials used have been checked and manufactured in America to meet the highest standards. The 90 Day Guarantee and 20 Year Warranty prove how confident Snuggle-Pedic is about their products.

The pillow has a very long and descriptive name, Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Combination With Adjustable Fit and Zipper Removable Kool-Flow Micro-Vented Cover“. What it all comes down to is a product that will last using the newest innovation and customization for sleep comfort.

Find out more about Snuggle-Pedic and their products on their site – Snugglepedic.com – Twitter – Facebook

 

9 Of The Largest And Most Stunning Fountains In The World

Fountains, both the new and historical, are fascinating monuments. They connected to sources of water and are purely functional architectures. The earlier fountains relied on gravity to work and water from a source that was higher than the fountain. Today’s fountains are an amazing architecture that marvels many with their beauty, power, and other elements. Below are the top nine of the largest and most marvelous fountains in the world.

 

1. Bellagio Fountain In  Las Vegas

(Height: 45.2ft, Water Shoot Up Level: 1000ft)

 

The massive Bellagio Fountains are located on the Bellagio Hotel’s artificial lake. The structure was constructed at the cost of around $40 million. The fountains put on a water show with a spectacular lighting choreographed to various music pieces with a 30-minute break in between each show. At the break, the water surface changes its color and so does the face of the Bellagio Hotel.

 

2. King Fahd’s Fountain In Jeddah

(Speed: 233 mph, Water shoots up Level: 1023ft)

 

King Fahd’s Fountain is the highest in the world throwing its water to a height of 1023ft, which is higher than the Eiffel tower without the antenna. It runs on three big pumps that pump water at speeds of 233mph per second delivering 652 liters of water. The King Fahd’s Fountain is one of the top attractions for tourists traveling to Jeddah.

 

3. The Archibald Fountain In Sydney

(Construction: Granite and Bronze, Type: Monument)

 

Archibald Fountain is widely considered as Australia’s finest public fountain. It was unveiled during World War I in commemoration of the Association of Australia and France. The architectural design of the fountain is inspired by classical Roman and Greek Art and literature. The Archibald Fountain by a bronze statue of Apollo and other mythical creatures.

 

4. The Buckingham Fountain In Chicago

(Height: 150ft, Diameter: 280ft, Cost: $750,000)

 

The fountain is a landmark located at the center of the Grant Park in Chicago. It was commissioned by Kate Buckingham in 1927 in honor of her late brother Clarence. The fountain’s design was created by Bassin De Latone. It has around 15,000 gallons of water circulating through its 134 jets of water that are powered by three pumps. If you are interested in something less ostentatious, then these water fountains for outdoors could allow you to add a feature to your garden.

 

5. The Fountain Of Wealth In Singapore

(Area: 1683 m / 5521ft, Height: 13.8m / 45.2ft, Water Shoot Up Level: 30 m high)

 

The Fountain of Wealth is one of the major attraction in Singapore’s underground shopping mall in Suntec City. The fountain is regarded as a symbol of life and wealth as per the Hindu mandala. It is a piece that symbolizes the oneness of the spirit and the harmony and unity of Singapore’s four races. The Fountain of Wealth has a circular ring that has bronze material supported by four big slanted columns. The ring has a circumference of 66meters.

 

6. Trevi Fountain In Rome

(Height: 68ft, Width: 161.3ft)

 

The Trevi Fountain is among the most famous fountains in the world. It is located in Rome’s Trevi district and is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Trevi Fountain is a central figure in the fountain is an Oceanus sculpture. Its fame is attributed to its beautiful appearance that has seen it get featured in many films. A restoration project was commissioned of the fountain which is currently running at the cost of $2.9 million.

 

7. The Burj Khalifa Fountain In Dubai

(Water Shoot Up Level: 500ft, Length: 900ft)

 

The fountain is located on the artificial Burj Khalifa Lake in Dubai. The Burj Khalifa fountain put on a spectacular show that serenades the entire city with its incredible display. It is ranked as one of the grandest dancing fountains in the World.

 

8. The Nations Friendship Fountain  In  Moscow

 

The Nations Friendship Fountain has 16 gold plated statues each representing the former republics of the USSR that existed during 1944 to 1956. It is located in the larger Russian Exhibition Center and is one of the top attractions for tourists visiting Moscow.

 

9. Magic Fountain Of Montjuic In  Barcelona

 

Magic Fountain of Montjuic is a landmark that puts on a show of lights and water jets. Constructed in 1929, the fountain was originally done for light shows, but it was later redone in 1980 and music was incorporated into the shows. The fountain underwent some more changes with the last restoration done in 1992 in readiness for the summer Olympics held in Barcelona were at Montjuic hill and near poble Espanyol de Barcelona and Placa d’Espanya.

How to achieve bickering-free and safe travel with your kids

Traveling with kids is seldom easy. Whether you’re going to a family-friendly destination or a far-flung holiday spree, you need to plan in advance how you’re going to keep the kids entertained and safe while traveling.

From quick fun-inducing tips to the crucial cheap travel insurance has to offer, this article has you covered.

First aid supplies. Nothing can spoil a family travel faster than someone getting hurt or sick. Therefore, before leaving home, ensure that you are up-to-date with your first aid kit in your travel pack. This should include pain reliever, band-aids, an assortment of bandages, first aid cream, an instant cold compress, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent as well.

Prepare them for the different climate. Whether you are going somewhere hot and sunny, or cold and snowy, you need to make sure they keep their sunscreen on or their cold climate gear clad. Instruct them the basics, such as drinking adequate water in hot countries and applying their sunscreen to avoid any sunburn.

Get a travel insurance ahead of time. If you’re looking for cover appropriate for children under 16, you have plenty of options available online for quotation. Travel insurance Singapore for instance, will give you choices depending on how your child or children will be traveling.

If your children are traveling with you, the appropriate type of cover can usually be found via a family policy, but, if your children will be traveling with their friends, you might need to purchase a separate cover for them.

Always bring a handy snack. This tip will save you a lot of money. As you travel abroad in the car, parks, tourist attractions, and other locations, pack snacks in plastic Ziploc bags then keep them in a small bag or cooler within you or your oldest child’s reach. This way, you won’t need to turn around to pass the goodies while you’re driving or doing something.

In-car entertainment. Your kids – especially younger ones will need something to occupy their time while traveling. If you have a video player in the car, it can be tempting to play the kids’ favorite program, but take note that watching TV for the duration of the travel can overload them in time to arrive at your destination. If you want to play shows in the car, ensure that you break up their use with other activities, like books or puzzles.

Toys and gadgets. A few days before your trip, walk around the house and get a bunch of small toys that your kids will play while in the vehicle or your destination. You don’t need to go out and purchase something new. Better yet if you have kid’s meal prizes laying around. Store the items out of sight until the trip. The kids will think they’re “new” when they see them again.

It’s also a good idea to bring the kid’s play gadgets like PlayStation Vita, Switch, or whatever they’re using. And invest in a good power bank to keep it going. Of course, moderate their use.

That’s it. These tips should significantly lessen the bickering, keep your kids safer abroad, and ultimately lead to a more exciting travel. Have fun!

5 Tips to getting the best hearing aid in 2017

Millions all over the world are affected by some type of hearing loss in their lifetime. Most of them are adults who are growing older. Because of several factors, such as aging and being exposed to loud noise causes damage to the ears. But sadly, there are reports indicating that people tend to delay buying by several years because of the cost. There are many factors to consider before buying you or your loved one a hearing aid.

 

  1. Consult friends and family – before you buy a hearing aid, it would be helpful if you get the opinion of someone who has had the experience of buying it. Don’t just ask about what hearing aid to buy but even the process that it takes to buy one. But remember that there are several types of hearing loss and your need may be different from theirs. While you may get recommendations from friends and family about what brand to buy, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of a professional regarding your condition first.

 

  1. Book your appointment with a reputable HHP – While consulting your friends and family about hearing aids, you can also ask them for suggestions on the hearing healthcare professional (HHP) that they can recommend. Call the office first and ask relevant questions, and the office should be able to supply you with important information about hearing loss and the treatments available for it.

 

  1. Ask for a demonstration – when you go to your appointment, you will have to your medical history and undergo assessment of your communication ability. Aside from the testing, make sure that your HHP will be able to give you a demonstration of their available hearing aids so that you will know how it would feel to hear with hearing aids. Some offices can even simulate how you hear so that you or your companion will be able to know what it feels like.

 

  1. Choose a style that you think would best fit you – you don’t need to feel pressured to buy a hearing aid on your very first appointment. Try out several styles to figure out which one works best for you. The common types are Mini-Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid (mBTE), Completely in the canal (CIC), in the canal (ITC), Receiver in the canal (RIC), and open fit.

 

  1. Choose a hearing aid that provides the best features – some important features that should be found in your hearing aid are: telecoil, feedback suppression, digital noise reduction, and directional microphones. Also, consider if you want your hearing aid to have rechargeable batteries, and even direct audio input which allows you to plug into an audio device.

 

If you have gone to your appointment and are now in the process of making your choice on what to buy, here’s a review of smart hearing devices to make it easier for you to choose. From the thousands available in the market, the list has been narrowed down to the best of the best. The site has listed down the features of each and even listed down problems you may encounter for each so that you can make the smart choice.

 

The Multi-Functional Carry-On Backpack: Perfect for Traveling with Kids

Traveling with kids can be difficult to say the least, especially when you’re flying. Not only do you have to negotiate your surroundings, but you’ve got to make sure that you’ve got everything your little ones need at close hand. That’s why I was pleased to find a Carry on Backpack that’s been designed to cope with everything that traveling with kids can throw at you. So, let’s have a look at how a travel backpack could help you have a stress-free journey or day-out.

  1. It’s Big Enough to Carry Pretty Much Everything

With a massive 35 liters of space divided up into compartments, you’ll be able to fit everything you need for a flight or day trip inside. However, if you do need some extra room, or you can’t resist buying souvenirs, an expandable zip gives you another 10 liters of space. You’ll also find a removable sleeve for electronics, together with a handy set of front pockets, so it’s easy to slip out the kids tablets on the move or when passing through security, and keep all your travel documents in one place.

  1. A Backpack That’s Versatile

Unlike traditional backpacks, this travel backpack is versatile. You can use the top and side handles to carry it as you would a normal suitcase, add a shoulder strap, or release the hidden straps to convert it into a backpack.

  1. It’s Easy to Move Around with the Option of a Hands-Free Travel Backpack

Getting from A to B is easy with a travel backpack. You can simply pick it up and put it securely on your shoulder or back to negotiate stairs, cobbles or other uneven surfaces, and still leave your hands free to hold onto your kids or a pushchair.

  1. It’s Easy to Keep Everything Organized

Traveling with kids is never easy, especially if they’re young. There’s all the usual baby and toddler paraphernalia, plus drinks, snacks, changes of clothes and the ‘can’t-leave-behind’ comfort blankets and toys. The compartments inside the travel backpack make it easy to give some semblance of order to your things, making it easier to access the things you need quickly and most often.

  1. It’s perfect for adult getaways or business too

You wouldn’t dream of taking a whimsical baby bag on your adult only holiday or lugging it into the office. However, this travel backpack is a bit like a chameleon; it’s useful in so many scenarios. It’s perfect for that romantic weekend away, or for taking your notes and laptop to a business presentation, or even for making sure you have enough kit with you for an after-work session at the gym.

The Takeaway

Who said that traveling with children means lugging along a bag covered with cute puppies, spaceships or princesses? A sleek minimalist, multifunctional carry-on backpack will give you so many more options whether you want to simplify traveling with your kids, you’re traveling professionally or you simply want a space-saving bag that will allow you to travel minimally.

3 DJ headphone features that are worth the money

It is no secret that a good DJ needs a lot of equipment to perform to the best of their ability. One of the most coveted items that a DJ must have is a good set of headphones. Believe it or not, there is a lot that goes in to purchasing a great set of headphones with the right amount of features. This article will serve as a way to decipher which features are worth the extra money.

If you want to learn more about specific DJ headphones and their features, check out this list which is reviewing the 15 best dj headphones of 2017.

  1. Coiled cable. If you are going to use your headphones for running, listening to music on your phone or tablet, or watching netflix, you will most likely want a wireless model or one with a cord that is not noticeable. If you are a DJ however, you will likely want to purchase a set of headphones that come with a coiled cable. The coiled cable is important because you will most likely want to spend a great deal of time playing music and therefore you will want to have a cord that can stay coiled after a long period of time. If it does not coil, it could get stuck under your feet or get caught up in your hands as you are playing. In addition, the length that the coil can provide will help you a great deal. Just imagine that you are DJing a wedding and need to lean over to take a request or take a drink of water. If you do not have a cord that is long enough, this could serve as a problem.
  2. The ability to use on one ear. Like a coiled cable, if you are just purchasing a pair of headphones to use on a casual basis, the one ear’d feature will probably not be worth it to you. If you are a DJ however, this feature is a must-have as it can make your job so much easier. With the ability to hear with one ear will allow you to listen to the monitor speaker with one ear and also the incoming track on the other ear with the use of your headphones. When selecting your headphones be sure that you look for a model that offers earcups that swivel and move.
  3. Comfortable. While it is true that most people want their headphones to be comfortable around their ears, DJ’s will typically want their headphones to feel good around their neck. The reason for this is that DJ’s are more likely to wear their headphones around their neck for extended periods of time. DJ’s will use their headphones to cue a track but will most often have them resting around their neck for the duration of the gig.

These three features are important and well worth the money you will need to spend to purchase a pair that will deliver all of these. Other things that you need to consider before you make a purchase include taking a close look at the durability and transportability of the model you end up investing in.