How to Choose a Perfect Trip Destination

Many people face the exciting challenge of settling for a good place to visit. While other factors may sometimes dictate the destination, many people are stuck with the decision on where exactly to go. Picking the right and the most appropriate place is the beginning of a successful journey.

Here are some factors to consider when settling for a destination.

Budget: You can only work with what you have. Enough planning and thorough research always works to provide the best experience. While at it, check offers in your preferred destinations if you are working on a tight budget. If possible, schedule your trip against the masses.

Security: Tourists tend to be terrorists’ frequent targets. Given that terror threats are real, make sure to pay close attention to travel bans and advisories.

Thieves also target visitors. An attack could leave a tourist quite horrified. Many people, if not all, who undergo a robbery ordeal suffer trauma among other things. Hence, avoiding polarized areas or politically unstable regions is wise. Keep to the sectors that are secure.

Weather: A shift from one extreme weather condition to another instantly may take a toll on your body making a supposedly enjoyable holiday a misery. Before getting to make the travel arrangements, it is essential to take note of the weather. This information should also be a pointer to what the suitcase will contain. The climatic conditions will determine the types of clothes to be carried.

Reason for visit: Different reasons prompt excursions and travels for different people. A doctor going on duty may not need a very defined itinerary. On the other hand, a vibrant group headed for a dancing experience will need to consider some things.

According to Cindy and Steve Clough from https://www.justforkix.com/girls/cat, a dance troupe has to think of all the details, from a seamless transport arrangement to well-chosen dancing costumes and gear, for the maximum thrill. Of course, the luggage will reflect the purpose of the visit.

Time difference: Regions differ in time zone. You will need to familiarize yourself with the time zone in which your destination lies. The last thing you would wish to experience is missing your flight, train or whatever means of transport in a strange place. In case you are on safari, ensure you work with the timings of the wild.

Travel documents and other requirements: Some of the questions to ask are, are their travel documents required to get into the country of choice? Are the travel documents such as passport, Identification cards, and others valid? Some countries facilitate visas on arrival while others require one to process in advance. As it varies from one country to another and their relationships, every traveler should do their due diligence.

Understand the state relations and all requirements in advance. There are also some vaccines recommended or required when entering some regions. I am sure checking into ER does not feature in your travel plan.

Language and Culture: While some destinations are great sites, their locations are extremely remote. Indigenous populace might not be able to express themselves in foreign languages due to lack of exposure and foreigners. If the place is a rich historical site, then a visitor might end up not getting sufficient background information. One would be advised to consider engaging a translator in such cases.

Going by the example of a group of teenage and youthful dancers, be conscious of the local cultural practices. Western countries are extremely accommodating in regard to dressing.

However, in the Middle East or some parts of Africa, some dresses may be deemed offensive.

Customer Review: Always find time to check what others said about the proposed destination before settling on the particular spot you would wish to visit. Other people’s experiences and recommendations can save you headaches by helping you identify the most preferred destinations. Once you settle for the right destination, the other details will easily fall in place.

Are You Planning to Spend a Weekend in Jaipur?

Whether you want to travel solo, with family or as a couple, Jaipur – The Pink City, has a lot to offer. Jaipur is one of the most visited places in India. Every year, millions of people travel to the city from all over India and the world. Located approximately 165 miles from Delhi, the national capital of India, Jaipur has become a favorite tourist destination amongst the local Delhiites. The city can be reached within 5 or 6 hours by undertaking a smooth drive along National Highway 8. Furthermore, the recent India Government announcement of constructing a control access highway between Delhi and Jaipur is expected to reduce the travel time to just 2 hours. This development shall further enhance the appeal of the city of Jaipur as a weekend destination.

While Jaipur has easy road access from Delhi, what about rest of India? Thankfully, the city is also well connected by air. There are direct flights to Jaipur from all the major cities in India namely, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. The Jaipur international airport also runs several international flights from cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bangkok and Singapore.

Finding an accommodation in the city is also not difficult. There are several hotels in Jaipur befitting every budget and pocket. Booking a hotel in Jaipur is also not difficult. Portals like Yatra, which means travel in ‘Hindi’ will ensure easy and comfortable booking for one’s stay.

So, Why Spend a Weekend in Jaipur?

The metropolis of Jaipur is the gateway to the State of Rajasthan, the home ground to the erstwhile Indian royalty, located West of India. It is also the State’s capital and is the seat of administration, commerce and Industry. Like any other State or provincial capital, the city of Jaipur is bustling and crowded. Many foreign tourists reach Jaipur only to disperse to other parts of the State like Jodhpur (the blue city), Udaipur (the city of lakes) to experience the rich and cultural traditions of Rajasthan. However, is you are in Jaipur you must spend a weekend in the city to experience the royal hospitality that it’s known for.

Jaipur Weekend Itinerary

You need a minimum of 3-4 days to explore the city like a true locale. However, if hard pressed on time, we recommend that you Plan your visit on a weekend when the city is most charming and beautiful. So, here’s what the weekend itinerary in Jaipur should look like –

Morning Attraction – Explore the city of Foot

The best way to explore the city of Jaipur is by foot. Morning is the best time of the day to start this exploration. There are many old havelies (palaces) and temples. Reach the main market of Jaipur also known as Johari Bazaar. It is one of the oldest markets in Jaipur which is also the best place to shop for local jewelry, gemstones, clothes, artifacts etc. Along the market, is also located the iconic Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. In fact, the market is surrounded by several tourist attractions like the Albert Hall Museum, City Palace, Jantar Mantar.

Slightly away is Amer Fort overlooking the Maoto Lake which is a reminder of the Rajasthani royalty of the bygone era. Just in case you are an adventure enthusiast, do not miss the aerial view of the city from a hot-air balloon. This activity is organized by various operators in the city, an inquiry about it can be made online.

Evening Attraction – Visit Choki Dhani-

Choki Dhani is an experiential village set-up right in the heart of Jaipur. The establishment is built to impart the authentic and vibrant village culture of Rajasthan. Sprawling and widespread the facility offers Live entertainment session that includes a puppet show, street performances and traditional Rajasthani dances. The structures are built with mud walls and the entrances and window frames are hand painted and decorated with oil lanterns. These depiction and structures are very Indigenous to the region.

A lavish spread of food that includes a wide range of lentils, vegetables, Indian bread, chutney’s and pickles cooked in local spices is yet another reason why you should visit Choki Dhani. All in all, to dip into the true Rajasthani culture within a few hours, Choki Dhani is the place to visit.

Conclusion –

October to February is the best time of the year to visit Jaipur. The climatic condition of the State of Rajasthan is arid and desert-like and is warm during the day in winters and extremely hot during the summer days. Therefore, if you are visiting Jaipur make sure you carry a lot of sun protecting gears, cotton clothing and that you keep hydrated always.

3 healthcare epidemics that are on the rise in Ohio

Ohio, like much of the America, is struggling to combat a number of particular issues within the healthcare arena. Here are 3 healthcare epidemics that are currently on the rise in Ohio.

  1. Prescription medication abuse

Over the last few years, the number of people struggling with addiction to prescription drugs such as antidepressants or painkillers has skyrocketed and Ohio is no exception. Drugs such as vicodin, or oxycontin have been prescribed in record numbers leading to a spike in the number of people developing addictions to these drugs. These drugs often act as gateways to hard drugs and this has been one of the causes of Ohio’s serious opioid problem. But steps are now being taken to combat this issue.

On the 30th March 2017, Ohio Gov. John Kasich announced plans to limit prescriptions of narcotic painkillers to 7 days, down from 30 or even 90 days under the old law. This law will apply to doctors, dentists, or prescribing nurses. It is hoped that this step will help curb the epidemic of prescription drug abuse in Ohio.

  1. Diabetes

According to the Center for Disease Control (‘CDC’), Ohio is ranked 5th in state rankings for levels of diabetes in 2016. Last year, in the Greater Cincinnati area alone there were almost 300,000 people diagnosed with diabetes and in Ohio alone there are currently 850,000 people living with diabetes. This figure is set to rise year on year. With causal factors linked to obesity and lifestyle, diabetes is costing the Ohio people billions of dollars a year in missed work and health care fees. There are however, a number of charities currently working on education and lifestyle programs aimed at tackling the causes of this epidemic.

  1. Heroin

Perhaps the most serious issue facing police, law makers, and healthcare workers in Ohio is the use of heroin. Figures released in November 2016 showed that Ohio led the United States in opioid overdoses. In 2014 there were 2016 fatalities due to heroin overdoses. In 2015, this figure had risen to 3050, the highest in the USA. And sadly, this epidemic shows no signs of slowing down, with figures for 2017, already showing around a 20% increase in the number of deaths since last year. As the number of deaths from prescription medications have leveled out thanks to a concerted effort by the state, they have been met by an increase in the number of people using hard drugs such as heroin or fentanyl. The problem has gotten so bad that in March 2017, the New York Times reported that the number of deaths from drug use in Ohio was so high that cold storage trailers were being brought in to be used as morgues.

But thankfully there are organizations out there that are looking to help try and reduce these shocking statistics. Organizations such as Ohio Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers are there to offer help to recovering addicts. With centers located throughout Ohio, they can offer sanctuary from the torment of addiction and provide help and support to those affected by addiction. You can find out more on their website here.

The top 5 things to do in Oahu

Summer is upon us and planning your annual family holiday is probably taking great stock in your mind. Planning a big trip can take lots of time, energy, and attention to detail. When putting your vacation agenda together, you have to take into consideration the interests of everyone who will be on the trip as well as costs associated with the activity. If you are planning to travel to Hawaii this summer, Live Your Aloha can help make the preparation process smooth and stress-free. This article will also help you plan as it will identify 5 fun things to do in Oahu!

  1. History! Oahu is home to several historical landmarks that date back to the day that will forever live in infamy, December 7, 1945. Taking your family to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial, USS Arizona Memorial, or the Battleship Missouri Memorial will be both educational and unforgettable. While there are many fun things to do on the island, taking time to visit the memorials and learn about Pearl Harbor is a once in a lifetime opportunity. While some visit the memorials on their own, it is best to go with a tour guide. When booking a tour, you will not have to worry about fighting the crowds for tickets or worrying about where to park. The tour guide will take care of all the logistics. All you have to do is show up.
  2. Nature and Parks. Grab your sunscreen and set out to explore the gorgeous land that is Oahu island. There are many parks to visit. Many include opportunities to hike or relax on the beach. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to use sunscreen generously and stay hydrated.
  3. Sailing. There are many ways to enjoy the ocean in Oahu. Take your family on a sailing excursion or an evening dinner cruise. Perhaps you may have an interest in snorkeling or fishing. The opportunities to experience the ocean and marine life are abundant in Oahu. If you are not much into experiencing the ocean by boat, consider taking a helicopter ride to experience the island from above. See picturesque views that are remarkable and will leave you mystified by the beauty.
  4. Food and drink. The island offers a great deal of bars, restaurants, flea markets, and swap meets. Whether you are interested in purchasing fresh produce while on your vacation or bartering with the locals at a flea market, there is something for everyone in Oahu. After a morning at the market or swap meet, stop by a local bar and grill for a bite to eat and a cold, refreshing beer.
  5. Valley of the Temples. If you are interested in religious monuments or simply want a place to worship or meditate, there are many places to do so in Oahu. The Valley of the Temples is located in the mountains, surrounded by well maintained lush vegetation and small gold fish ponds. Local cats are known to wander around the property so do not be alarmed if you make a new furry friend.

There is something for everyone in Oahu. Pack your bags and have a magnificent time!

Toys Your Kids Will Love

As we begin the countdown to summer recess, you might begin to wonder what the kids will do to while away the hours at home. When you aren’t exploring the great outdoors, here are some fun ideas for you.

Long road trip or flight ahead? If you are traveling with young kids, you might want to consider bringing along a tablet. We just tested out the HOT WHEELS™ 7” TABLET POWERED BY NABI. This tablet comes with several Hot Wheels screens, including one titled “Hot Wheels Labs” that lets children watch videos about the science of and forces propelling the resistance, friction, and gravity of the toys- in short, how they really work. Consider it branded science, LOL. So many kids are addicted to these little cars, I think it’s a fun way of learning something. In this theme, there is also a “Trackwars & Hacks” area with over 25 apps and games. The custom orange bumper keeps the tablet kid resistant to the bumps and falls it will likely take, and racing sound effects will thrill little gear-heads. Not interested in Hot Wheels? Barbie and American Girl versions are also available. You can get these for about $79 at Best Buy, Toys R Us, Kmart, Costco, or the nabi Shop.

Are the kids excited for the upcoming sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy? I know we are, and some of these toys are really fun. One of our current favorites is the new Dancing Groot Figure. If you recall, toward the end of the first volume, Groot sacrificed himself to save his friends, and Rocket replanted a small piece of Groot in the hopes that he would grow anew. And grow he did! Into a fun little dancing Baby Groot that made us all giggle through the credits. In this vein comes the new Dancing Groot toy. This 11.5″ electronic figure lights up and dances to clips of music from the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. You can also play your own music for Groot to dance to, as it can detect external sounds. Requires 3 AA batteries, included. Available for $34.99 at most major retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.

Can’t get enough space adventure? Maybe it’s sequels (and prequals?) you are crazy for. You and your children can act out your favorite scenes from Rouge One with the new Rouge One: A Star Wars Story Jedha Revolt 4 Pack. You can also create your own adventures or have the figures mix and mingle with other action figures you might have- the possibilities for little (or not so little) fans, of course, are endless. This pack comes with Jyn Erso, Saw Gerrera, Imerial Hovertank Pilot, and Edrio Two Tubes, as well as 5 additional accessories. Available for $24.99 at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com. Other figures available.

If your child is ready to come back to Earth, and has a more realistic playmate in mind, consider taking a look at Furreal Kami, My Poopin’ Kitty. Yes, you totally read that right. That’s the real name. The past few years, toys that poop have been a thing, and Kami is one of the latest. Why do kids think poop is funny? Ask their dads, they still do, too.  Furreal Kami is more then just her poop, however. She has many fun and funny moments, and behaves like a realistic kitty as well. You can feed her treats and even take her for a walk- much unlike most cats, but I guess they wanted to incorporate dog-like awesomeness as well. She also sits, and when you pull back on the leash, that is usually when she leaves her deposits. She even comes with her own clean up bag. Really. No litterpan? It’s a cat-dog hybrid, for sure. Available for $24.99 at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com, requires 2 AAA batteries, not included.

What Surfaces Can I Tile

Tiling on different surfaces – how is it done?

If you need to replace tiles in your home, you may be thinking about doing the work yourself. Tiling is not an easy job, but you can do it if you have patience and follow the instructions. There can be lots of different surfaces in a home, and you need to apply different techniques, depending on the surface.

The aim of this article is to look at some of the processes you need to complete, to successfully install tiles in your home. We are going to examine the process for installing tiles on concrete, wood and vinyl.

Installing tiles on concrete

The most important thing to remember, when installing ceramic tiles on concrete, is that you need to fix any cracks that are present, before you start the installation. This applies to all smaller cracks which are up to about one eighth of an inch. If you spot any larger cracks in the concrete you really need to remove the section of concrete and lay a new one.

You also need to check that there are no chemicals present on the concrete. If there are any chemicals on the surface, they can adversely affect the bonding process, when you lay the tiles. If you are unsure whether there are any chemicals in place you should drip some water on the concrete and check to see if beading occurs. If it does, it’s likely that chemicals have been used to coat the concrete.

Installing tiles on wood

If you are looking to install ceramic tiles on wood, you have to be careful as the wood needs to be strong enough to support the tiles. For instance, tongue and groove, hardwood and chip board are all unsuitable surfaces on which to install ceramic tiles.

If you have a wood surface that is suitable for tiling over, you need to sand it down first so that the tiles can be installed effectively.

Installing tiles over current tiles

It’s possible to install new ceramic tiles over tiles that are already in place. You need to ensure that the tiles are in a suitable condition to be tiled over. Cracked and broken tiles do not provide a suitable surface. Before installing the new tiles, you need to sand down the current tiles. Then you need to vacuum and wash down the surface, before leaving it to dry. Once the surface is dry, you need to use thin set to lay the new tiles.

Installing tiles on vinyl

It’s not easy to install ceramic tiles on vinyl. If you can avoid doing so, you should. If you are not able to remove the vinyl you should lay a backer board, to act as a new surface. This is the surface that you should fix the tiles to, using thin set.

These are the basics of installing tiles on different surfaces. Check out building materials services, to find the equipment and materials you need. Then, set aside a significant period of time, to make sure you do not have to rush to complete your tiling project.

The Flavors of Louisiana in Virginia at Bayou Bakery

New Orleans native Chef David Gaus has won accolades from The Today Show, the Travel Channel, Food and Wine, Southern Living, Saveur and Bon Appetit for his Arlington, Virginia restaurant Bayou Bakery. There you can taste the authentic flavors of the Crescent City while in the suburbs of D.C./Northern Virginia.

When you walk in, you order your food choices at the counter, and then take a seat to wait for your items to be prepared. There are colorful Southern and New Orleans touches to the decor, but it’s not kitchy. Sofas and smaller tables make mingling and socializing easier, and there is wifi should you want to bring your laptop (which many people seemed to want to do).

new orleans

New Orleans was a port destination for coffee for centuries, and  Bayou Bakery has some unique and natural coffee infusion drinks, incorporating unexpected flavors like basil, honey, and ginger root. Or, if you are in the mood for something a little harder, did you know cocktails were invented in New Orleans? Their Bloody Mary takes a fresh twist with pickled veggies as garnish. It won’t sear your tongue, however, but rather, it has a tangy drinkability.

cocktails

Different seasoned and candied nuts, deviled eggs and a sizeable selection of house made biscuits will get things going. The South just wouldn’t be the same without BBQ, and here, you can get their chopped pork BBQ, lightly dressed with slightly sweet sauce on their famous biscuits.

BBQ biscuit

Bayou Bakery pays solid homage to Virginia, as well; world-famous peanuts, and cornmeal from George Washington’s grist mill down the road bring a sense of local pride to the menu.

What is the one thing you can’t leave New Orleans without trying? Beignets! Bayou Bakery’s have heartiness, yet (of course!) the crazy, silly sweetness from tons of powdered sugar. Just smile and wear casual clothes, because you are going to be covered in it.

Bayou Bakery is open from breakfast through Happy Hour.

Mean Green 101 For All Your Cleaning Needs

Ok, so we all have favorite for specific tasks.  I do too. But, sometimes, change is good. Why not change it up with a new (and proven) brand which can be used it more places then you thought? Less expensive then many brands, as well, and you won’t believe how well it works. I was so surprised I called my husband in to look.

Take a look at the Mean Green De-greaser.  This is the jumping off point into the Mean Green family of cleaning products.  This line includes items for cleaning bathroom, kitchen, garage, recreational outdoor areas, laundry room, and patio.  In the kitchen, it can clean everything from the cooking hood, to the cabinets, and floors, and beyond.  The bathroom is another big cleaning zone, from tiles to mirrors to grout, the shower and toilet- everything in here can be cleaned with Mean Green. As anyone who follows me on Twitter or Facebook knows, I have a “sore spot” with the bathroom- my son and husband are disgusting. Truly. I cannot tell you how many times a week I clean the bathroom- sometimes how many times a DAY I clean the same “certain areas”. Yes, I make them do it too, but it sure hasn’t stopped them from their gross behaviors.  Honestly, I don’t even know how urine GETS in some of these spots…..men, man. But I really, really loved the job the Mean Green products did on my bathroom. It smells better, gets the gross out of even the tile grout- I’m just really, really happy with it.

The patio could get a good clean down every so often, especially at the beginning of the season (like now, for Memorial Day gatherings!)  to reinvigorate that tired deck or concrete.  Grease on recreational fun is a big issue too when either on ATV’s, RV’s, or boats, Mean Green is a welcome addition to the supplies bag.  In the laundry room, pre treater and laundry detergent are available, which will make your laundering experience just a bit easier and clothes last a bit longer as well.  No matter your need, Mean Green is there for you. Mean Green Super Strength cleaner and degreaser is a powerful, multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser that gets grease out and eliminates grime from most surfaces. From fabric to concrete, Mean Green has been a trusted brand for more than 20 years.The Extra Strength is our go to cleaner for just about any mess where speed is needed as is strength.  To punch out food stains on carpet, dog mess on kitchen floor, more dog mess on kitchen floor, and finally a bit more dog mess on the kitchen floor.  But at least its not the carpet…..usually.

Check them out when you can, I really think you will like it.