Sensory Overload: The Best San Francisco Sights, Smells, and Tastes

July 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment

In 2016, San Francisco welcomed 4.41 million overnight visitors, according to Statista. Despite the elusive fog, Pacific Coast sights and scents continue to make this hilly city a hot tourist destination. The suggestions below are sure to guide you through San Francisco’s bests.

Serenity in the Commotion of Visiting a Big City

Image via Flickr by Goodnight London

Want to escape some of the city crowds and spend time in some of the more tranquil parts of town? Be sure to book the ideal getaway using InterContinental Hotels Group to find San Francisco hotels with proximity to one of these harmonious corners of the city. 

If a pamper day is in your future, look no farther than Kabuki Springs for a relaxing spa experience followed by a serene experience in the communal baths. Once you’ve allowed Asian-style treatments to calm your senses, continue to indulge them throughout the city. Let nature spoil your senses with a stroll through San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Fifty-five acres of an urban arborist oasis showcase over 8,500 different types of plants from around the globe. Raise your awareness of and appreciate the olfactory delights in the Garden of Fragrance, designed in 1965 as a garden experienced entirely by smell and touch.

Alluring Seaside Sights

For urban views with a coastal twist, be sure to scale the 210-foot tower in Telegraph Hill for 360-degree views of the city and bay. This fluted tower, funded by and named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit as a memorial to the city’s volunteer firefighters, has earned itself a spot on Foursquare’s The 15 Best Places with Scenic Views in San Francisco. If you’re looking for a more natural location for beautiful views, Corona Heights Park is the place to be in the city. The metropolitan skyline receding into the vast sea provides the ideal landscape to discover.

Venture out for some fitness with a view and take a walk or jog over the Golden Gate Bridge. At 1.7 miles one way, you’ll receive a great workout while gazing upon the San Francisco Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the city of San Francisco itself.

Tempt the Palate

The restaurant possibilities in San Francisco are endless; however, some key establishments deserve your attention. Start your day with a classic American breakfast or brunch at Sweet Maple. With friendly, attentive service, and top-quality locally sourced organic ingredients, you won’t wonder why everyone raves about the Millionaire’s Bacon or the Big Hip deep-fried French toast. Any restaurant with a bottomless mimosa and bloody mary option is a great place to start your morning.

The El Techo is the one-spot stop for beautiful rooftop patio views, vibrant decor, street eats, and thirst-quenching cocktails. Line up early to gain a spot at this highly coveted eatery. If it’s stylish seafood you’re looking for, look no farther than Waterbar. If the spectacular water views and magnificent seafood alone don’t pull you in, then their high standards of sustainability, variety, and excellence for the sourcing, preparation, and presentation of food will.

Exploring this city is a way to overload the senses and create lasting memories embedded deep within your being.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

4 Simple Ways to Eliminate Stress When Traveling as a Family

July 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Vacations are planned with hope and optimistic anticipation. Unfortunately, sometimes vacations can cause more stress than they can relieve. Because of this, we listed a few simple ways to alleviate a great deal of unnecessary stress that can be brought on by a family vacation. 

 

Rent a Car

When you rent a car, you are on your own timeline. You can relax at the restaurant because you do not need to worry about the last public transportation bus leaving at a certain time. You can stay out as long as you like, or if the kids are getting fussy, you can leave as early as you like. Public transportation with kids is more stressful than it is worth. 

 

But sometimes car hire can be very stressful, too. Because of this, be sure to plan your rental in advance, so you get a car that is roomy enough for your family. Renting the car online well in advance will also save you money. Plan a little ahead as to what will benefit your family the most.

 

It is also nice to rent a car even for road trips so that there is less of a chance for the car breaking down. Since rental cars are almost always new and boast low mileage, they are less likely to fall apart in the middle of a road trip. Or if heaven forbid a car accident occurred, you can return the car and swap it for a new one on the road as opposed to waiting for your vehicle to get fixed.

 

Plan Relaxation for Yourself and Fun for the Kids

Whether it is a ski trip or beach getaway, be sure to have activities planned for the kids. These trips are simple because a day of skiing easily wears kids out while you can go and get a massage or shop. The beach or pool also wears kids out, but you can still keep a close eye on them as you work on your tan. 

 

Smart planning for the activities you and your kids can enjoy will keep everyone happy. The kids will stay entertained and have fun while you get to sit back and relax. If you plan on taking on the task of entertaining your kids the whole trip, you will likely be more exhausted from the trip than you were before the vacation. So plan your relaxation beforehand and keep the kids busy during that time so the whole family can get the most out of the vacation.

 

Pack Games and Distractions for Travel Times

The travel itself is the hardest part of vacations with the family. Whether it is a long road trip in a crammed car or a flight with limited leg room, it is never fun to manage children in compact spaces for long periods of time. 

 

In order to combat this, be sure to pack many distractions. It can be in the form of handheld video games or movies. It can also be word games, card games, or coloring. Just be sure to have distractions available for your kids to stay entertained. 

 

Snacks

Hanger has no mercy when it seeks victims. Both young and old are not immune to their mood being affected by an empty belly. Pack or buy plenty of snacks along the way so there is always something to keep the family satisfied. A great deal of drama can be avoided with simple snacks.

 

You can make the snacking fun as well by trying local small bites or favorites from home.

 

Vacations are always planned with good intentions but sometimes they can be a nightmare. To avoid any extra stress, keep these tips in mind so you can enjoy your time away with your family.

Filed Under: evergreen, family, traveling Tagged With: ,

Metro Vein Centers Dr. Kent Johnson Gives a Low Down on the Symptoms Varicose Veins

July 15, 2019 by 1 Comment

Kent Johnson MD, with over 25 years of experience in the practice of Medicine, gives a low down on the symptoms of varicose veins. He is a leading vein doctor working at the Texas branch of the Metro Vein Centers, whose primary goal is to help alleviate the pain of varicose veins. These are unsightly bulges due to weakened valves that cause blood to pool in an area. These can occur in any part of the body, but they are most commonly seen in your legs.

 

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic problem, but it is a pressing issue that has the potential to affect people’s quality of lives. Thus, it is imperative that you consult a doctor in a vein center to get the right imaging diagnostic tests to assess the severity problem and to receive the proper treatment to prevent the re-canalization of these veins. It is important to seek someone you trust, like the specialists at the Metro Vein Centers located in Michigan, Texas, New Jersey, and New York, so you can be assured that the proper procedure is chosen for your case because varicose veins come with different levels of severity. Here are the symptoms of varicose veins that you should keep an eye on: 

 

Bulging Veins

 

There are bulging veins on your legs that are often twisted and look like cords. At times, they can also look like discolored spider webs coming in the hues of blue and purple. There are some minor cases when they just look ugly, but do not cause any pain nor discomfort. But don’t wait before these veins get any bigger to consult your doctor. The bigger it gets, the harder it becomes to treat and eliminate.

 

Swelling 

 

Watch out for edema or swelling in your ankles and feet. Sometimes, prolonged sitting and standing makes your feet area super painful, making your shoes feel extra tight. Keep an eye out for this discomfort because it means circulation down there is no longer good because of the weakened veins.

 

Leg Heaviness

 

Similar to swelling, you can feel that your legs are extra heavy after too much standing or walking. This can also occur when you’ve been stuck in the same sitting position for awhile because it impedes the blood flow. Often you’ll feel like your legs are throbbing and constantly cramping. When the occurrence of this impedes your daily life, seek professional help because you may need a minor surgical intervention to relieve your pain.

 

Discolored Skin 

 

Often, there is a discoloration of the skin around the area of the varicose veins. This is due to telangiectasias, which in layman’s term refers to the clusters of red veins that are visible beneath the surface of the skin. At times, this appears in the upper body, even the face, along with the legs.

 

Dermatitis

 

Varicose veins can cause severe dermatitis, also known as itchiness of the skin. Sometimes, they can even look like eczema, with dry, scaly patches. If you can’t resists scratching, they can become irritated and leave unsightly abrasions. Worse case scenario is these veins will bleed and/or leave skin ulcers (sores), which can become easily infected.

 

It is important be aware of these symptoms. Disregarding them can have detrimental consequences. An example is superficial thrombophlebitis or a blood clot in the vein near the surface of the skin, which causes severe pain. The worst possible complication of severe varicose veins is deep vein thrombosis or DVT. This can lead to a blood clot in the lungs or a pulmonary embolism that can be fatal.

 

Dr. Kent Johnson emphasized that you have to go to a vein doctor to get the proper treatment at the first sign of trouble. It is not vanity to take care of these ghastly varicose veins, but a matter of necessity because they are painful and can lead to complications. Prevention will always be better than cure, so it is best to nip these varicose veins in the bud while they are still just in the beginning stages.

Filed Under: health Tagged With: ,

Jumpstart your Fitness with Online Yoga

July 15, 2019 by 1 Comment

We live in a world that is obsessed with working out and diet culture. Everywhere you turn, you are bombarded by images of diet pills, workout gear, weight loss shakes, and more. If you are not already totally consumed by the diet and exercise craze, it can be an intimidating thing to fall into. This is particularly true when it comes to working out. Going to the gym, and especially to fitness classes, can be scary and intimidating and can leave you feeling embarrassed about your body and fitness. Cut out the fear associated with public fitness by getting back into shape with Glo yoga online. 

 

What is Glo?

Glo is basically the answer to your fitness prayers. It is a great way to get back into the shape in the comfort your own home, or really anywhere you want to access it. Glo is an online yoga website that has thousands of workouts at the tip of your fingertips. These workout programs focus on holistic wellness and can help you to look and feel your best without having to brave a sweaty gym or a communal workout mat. 

 

How does Glo work?

Glo starts with an honest fitness assessment where you analyze your skill level for yoga. Are you a brand new beginner? Are you an absolute yoga God or Goddess? The lucky part is that Glo has classes for both of these skill levels, as well as everything in between. With Glo, you will find a workout that is perfect for you, that pushes you to your next level, and that leaves you feeling more confident in your skin than ever before. 

 

Your Glo journey will start with a 15-day free trial. This trial will give you access to the website so that you can see just how easy it is to pick an instructor and workout that is right for you. After the trial, when you become a member, you will be able to teach thousands of workout with different difficulties and objectives. No matter what you’re looking for, Glo has something for you. 

 

How can online yoga benefit me?

Glo is great for your heart, your spirit, and your mind. With constant distractions that come with living in the technical age that we are in, it can be hard to unwind and find your peace. With Glo, you will be able to take a step back, to center, and to focus on what really matters. Stress management is one of the absolute musts when it comes to self-care and success. With Glo, you will be able to manage your stress and keeps your thoughts filtered and streamlined. Not only will you see physical results, but you will also feel and perform better when you incorporate online yoga into your every-day routine. 

 

What if I don’t like Glo?

If you start the program and then decide that Glo isn’t for you, you can cancel at any time. There are no contracts or obligations. We want to find the workout that is right for you, and you will not be punished from changing your mind or taking a break. 

Online yoga is a great way to get the body and mind you’ve always wanted, without facing the intimidation and scrutiny of the gym. To learn more about Glo yoga and to start your journey, visit our website today. 

Filed Under: fitness Tagged With: , ,

WIN Boudreaux’s Butt Paste With Natural Aloe

July 10, 2019 by 36 Comments

This weather is great for the beach and for barbecues, but it can wreak havoc on skin. If you have a baby, you know that their skin is extra sensitive year round, so it’s no surprise that hot and steamy weather might bother baby a little more then usual.

Of course, keep baby cool, change diapers often and keep them fresh, and at the first sign of a rash or irritation, try a nice cooling balm to help sooth the skin. We are fans of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, and they now have a new variety to try out.

Just in time for the warm weather, one of your favorite and most trusted baby care brands, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is adding Aloe to it’s ingredients. With the beginning of Summer has launched the new Boudreaux’s Butt Paste with Natural Aloe. When tough diaper rash appears, give Boudreaux’s Butt Paste With Natural Aloe a try – a solution with plant-based ingredients for getting rid of rashes in a rush. We also use it at the first sign of redness sometimes- an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. No use waiting until things worsen, at least in my opinion.

More information on how you can say “Aloe” to summer below!

  • Boudreaux’s Butt Paste With Natural Aloe

o   Comprised of over 75% plant-based ingredients to help keep baby’s booty relieved of diaper rash

o   16% Zinc Oxide – helps treat diaper rash by creating a barrier to seal out wetness

o   Plant-Based Ingredients: Natural Aloe, Natural Carnauba Wax and Castor Seed Oil

o   Available in a 4 oz. tube

o   Suggested Retail: $7.99

  • Available at Target, Walmart and Amazon.com

One of you can win some to try for yourself. Feel free to use the RC code below to enter to win. Good luck! Ends Aug. 2, 2019.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: baby, review Tagged With: , ,

Paper Mill’s “Half Time” Announces Cast Recording and Pre Order

July 10, 2019 by 1 Comment

FEATURING PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE’S STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF BROADWAY LEGENDS INCLUDING NEW TONY AWARD WINNER ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS, TONY AWARD WINNERS LILLIAS WHITE & DONNA MCKECHNIE PLUS A FINAL PERFORMANCE FROM THE LATE GEORGIA ENGEL.

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Michael Stotts- Managing Director), recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award, along with Sony Masterworks Broadway announces the July 19th release of HALF TIME (ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING), with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Nell Benjamin and additional music by Marvin Hamlisch and Ester Dean.  Available for preorder now, the album features music from the Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin-written musical, which made its 2018 debut at Paper Mill Playhouse and tells the uplifting true story of ten New Jersey seniors with extraordinary dreams.

The Half-Time (Original Cast Recording) features some of the last songs written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch, who passed away during the show’s early gestation.  The album also features a who’s who of Broadway talent, including five-time Emmy Award-nominated actress Georgia Engel (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Everybody Loves Raymond), Tony and Emmy Award winner Lillias White (The Life, Sesame Street), Tony and Drama Desk Award winner Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line) and Emmy Award winner André De Sheilds (The Wiz), who most recently won a Tony for his role in Hadestown.  The Original Cast Recording is dedicated to the memory of Georgia Engel.

Based on the motion picture Gotta Dance, directed, written and produced by Dori Bernstein, Half Time tells the incredible true story of ten determined dreamers who audition to dance at half time for a major basketball team., inspired by the true story of the Brooklyn Nets NETSational dance team. They have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove, and they are all over 60. Only after making the cut do they learn they won’t be dancing tap, salsa or swing—instead, they will bring down the house with a style that is entirely new to them: hip-hop. Take the uplifting journey with these dreamers—and the young coaches who inspire them along the way—as they battle self-doubt, stereotypes and even each other for a chance to bust a move at center court in front of 20,000 screaming fans. Together they remind us that in life, when the odds are stacked against you and the challenges seem too great to overcome, it’s not the end of the game—it’s Half Time.

HALF-TIME (ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING) – TRACK LISTING

  1. A Number – Company
  2. Who Wants to See That? – Haven Burton and Company
  3. Princess – Lillias White and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe
  4. Follow Me to the Party – Donna McKechnie, Kathryn Kendall, Lori Tan Chinn, Lillias White, Nancy Ticotin, Lenora Nemetz, Kay Walbye, André De Shields
  5. Dorothy/Dottie – Georgia Engel, Garrett Turner, Valton Jackson
  6. The Prince of Swing/There You Are – André De Shields, Mary Claire King, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe
  7. Swagger – Haven Burton, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Mary Claire King, Georgia Engel and Company
  8. The Waters Rise – Lori Tan Chinn
  9. They All Get to See That – Haven Burton
  10. Princess (Reprise) – Lillias White, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Garrett Turner
  11. ¿Como No? – Nancy Ticotin and Company
  12. The Prince of Swing (Reprise) – Georgia Engel and André De Shields
  13. Too Old for This – Donna McKechnie
  14. New Point of View – Company
  15. Gotta Get Up – Haven Burton, Lillias White, Georgia Engel and Company
  16. Time Machine (Bonus Track) – Donna McKechnie

ABOUT SONY MUSIC MASTERWORKS

Sony Music Masterworks comprises the imprints Masterworks, Sony Classical, OKeh, Portrait and Masterworks Broadway. Our artists range from icons to newly developing talents in classical, crossover and adult alternative music, plus new and legendary jazz artists. Our vast catalog of musical theater recordings features classic shows and original cast albums of today’s Broadway hits, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Prom, SpongeBob SquarePants, Hello, Dolly! (starring Bette Midler), Groundhog Day, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, On Your Feet!, Kinky Boots, Once, If/Then and An American in Paris.

HALF TIME is produced by Dori Berinstein and Bill Damaschke.

 

Filed Under: entertainment, theater Tagged With: , ,

How to Travel with No Money: A Guide to Help Fund Your Adventure- Guest Post

July 10, 2019 by Leave a Comment

The following is a guest post. The opinions are those of the author.

Thinking of traveling but don’t have adequate money to facilitate your trip? Well, don’t worry yourself too much. There are many incredible ways to travel with no money and in an affordable way.

You don’t need to be rich to travel. You just need to be creative on how to travel with no money. And the best way to do this is by learning smart ways to find and save money for travel.

Read on to discover some of the best tips to help you travel for free or save tons of money on your adventure:

1. Discover Ways to Earn Free Flights

The biggest hindrance when traveling, especially abroad, is the cost of flights and accommodation. If you can find a way to do away with both of these factors, you can travel to almost anywhere in the world.

There are many ways to earn free flights today. You can sign up for several travel credit cards, use them to collect points, and get mileage for free. Credit cards have many rewards that people fail to explore because they aren’t aware of them.

Sign up for an airline card plus a general rewards card and collect points on both of them. When traveling, combine the bonus balances from the two cards and earn yourself a free or very cheap flight to your destination.

2. Hunt for Free Accommodation

It’s easy to get free accommodation today at your destination if you’re willing to do a thorough search. Many people are trying this technique and find it to be one of the best ways to cut travel expenditure.

There are many reasons and services that locals would allow you to stay at their house for free. Various websites link travelers with such locals. Couchsurfing is a good example.

Your host may offer you a room, couch, or even an air mattress during your stay. Don’t be shy to ask for free accommodation, even on your social media site. Today, a simple statement on Twitter such as, “Hey guys, I’m traveling to this city on this date – does anyone want to host me?” can get you free accommodation and a tour guide.

3. Take Advantage of The Sharing Economy

In recent years, people have become more willing to share services that make traveling easier and cheaper. Aside from sharing accommodation, it’s now easy to find fellow travelers willing to share rides, meals, gear, train tickets, and more.

When you use websites that link you with locals acting as small tourism companies, you can cut your travel costs by more than half. Locals offer the same services that traditional travel industry companies do, but at a lower price by far.

They know where the cheapest product offers are, what restaurants and bars have the best services and prices, as well as the best ways to commute around your destination with the lowest fares.

4. Get a Payday Loan

If you find a travel opportunity that you must take advantage of but don’t have the cash to fund it, a payday loan can come in handy. A payday loan is the easiest way to get quick cash without having to bother friends, family, or colleagues.

It’s easy to apply for a payday loan if your credit score is okay and you meet all the other requirements by a lender. If you have previously made applications but keep getting denied for payday loans, talk to your lender and see what could be the problem.

If your credit score is the issue, you can consider taking a payday loan for bad credit. You can also take time to rebuild your credit score so that you qualify next time.

5. Offer a Service in Exchange of Free Hosting

There is so much that you can do for a host to allow you to stay at their place for free. For example, you can offer to watch their house or pets while they are away. This could entail feeding their pets, watering their plants, or even watching their kids.

The host rests easy, knowing their house is in good hands while you get the chance to enjoy free hosting. A good example of websites where you can find such clients is TrustedHousesitters.com and MindMyHouse.com.

You can also do something to benefit the community around your destination in exchange for accommodation. For instance, you could help the locals build houses or schools, or even teach them English.

Another great way on how to travel with no money is working for the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. This is a platform that allows you to work on a farm in exchange for free rooms and food. It’s a great way to explore new places with no money.

6. Crowdfund Your Trip

It may sound crazy, but it’s possible. Crowdfunding is simply getting people to come together and fund your goal. It’s mostly utilized by startup companies seeking capital to grow their business, but travelers can use it too.

You only need to go to sites like GoFundMe and Indiegogo to explain to people why they should fund your trip. If your story is relatable and somehow inspirational, you’re likely to get all the funding you need for your trip. Most volunteers traveling to a destination to help a community often get recognized in such platforms.

7. Airbnb Your Home or Apartment for Travel Funds

Airbnb is currently one of the best ways to find accommodation for travelers. It’s cheaper than hotels and easy to find.

The good thing with this platform is that it can also help you fund your trip when you want to travel with no money. Just place your home or apartment on Airbnb for the period you’ll be away and earn on it. You’ll most likely make more than you will spend at your destination.

Tips on How to Travel With no Money

Money is a significant determinant of whether one should travel or not, but it shouldn’t always be the deal breaker. Try out all the above tips on how to travel with no money, and you’ll realize how easy it can be to fund your adventure.

Read on to find more informative and exciting topics on travel on our blog. 

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: , ,

What Are The Benefits Of An Annual Travel Insurance Policy?

July 10, 2019 by 1 Comment

 

There are millions of people around the world who love to travel and take a trip at every chance they get. If you are one of these people you are most likely very aware of how important travel insurance is. But were you also aware of the option to buy an annual travel insurance policy? This type of policy is perfect for anyone who travels frequently and is looking to save money on travel insurance. A lot of companies will have different annual policies available, so it is certainly worth looking into if you are a frequent flyer.

 

You may be wondering if an annual insurance policy will be the right choice for you, as there are some benefits and some drawbacks depending on your travel frequency. A lot of this is going to depend on the numbers and figures, but there are other things to consider too. We have put together a few things to think about before you decide on your travel insurance policy.

 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of buying travel insurance on a yearly basis.

 

Who Doesn’t Like Saving Money?

 

This may sound pretty simple to most people, but who doesn’t like to save a few bucks here and there? Depending on how often you travel, an annual policy could end up saving you big time. If you take numerous trips per year look back at your records and add up how much you paid for insurance on each individual trip. The number you come up with may be larger than you think, as things can add up fast. With an annual policy, you know exactly what you are going to spend each year and will be covered for every trip you take. This may add up to big savings when comparing all the separate insurance purchases.

 

It’s So Easy!

 

Another great benefit to buying a yearly insurance policy is how simple it is to deal with. If you only have one company and one policy to deal with, it is going to be much easier if you have to talk to someone or even make a claim. You will be more familiar with what your policy offers as you won’t have to relearn things every time you take a trip. You are basically streamlining your insurance for the year and this is going to cause less stress and headaches when you go on holiday.

 

You Never Know What Will Happen

 

We could really say this about everything in life, but you really can’t plan and prepare for everything. Having an annual policy in place may very well keep you protected from the unknown all year long when you are out of the country. If you have a medical emergency when you are away you want to make sure your policy is in place, and with an annual policy, there is no chance of forgetting to take out travel insurance as you are already protected. It is much nicer to have year-round protection for emergencies that don’t happen than to have something happen and then be stuck with the bill.

 

Do You Travel Enough?

 

Only you can decide what type of travel insurance policy is going to be the right choice for your situation. There are a lot of factors to weigh up when deciding on the best policy, so be sure not to rush your decision. Take a look at the benefits versus the cost with an annual plan and you may find yourself in a position to save money and have a more convenient insurance experience. You have a lot of different choices when it comes to travel insurance, so be sure to do your research.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,