12 Best Beaches – one for every month of the year

January 28, 2020 by Leave a Comment

There’s a beach resort for everyone: from Latin America’s breathtaking beaches to the gorgeous UK shore, to the best beach in the Mediterranean, and then to a paradise on the Pacific Island.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua may be a little obscure as a holiday destination but it’s soaking in sunlight at this time of year and you could be on their beaches too. There’s too cool the river here. There are many great eateries you will experience the most relaxing sunset from. And after sunset, there’s a fun atmosphere to appreciate from a noisy nightlife.

Praia de Lopes Mendes, Ilha Grande, Brazil

Driving to the beach is quite an endeavor, but worth the effort–you have to travel thickly through the Caribbean woods of colibris, insects, exotic flowers and waterfalls streaming everywhere with pygmy and holiness monkeys. The Lopes Mendes beach is beautiful, with sand as pure and as fluffy as rice.

Oxwich Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales, UK

You have to search for our prettiest beach in Britain in Wales. Soft, sandy Oxwich Bay, surrounded by woods and overshadowed by Penrice Castle, could come straight from a novel about Enid Blyton. Oxwich is a perfect place for safe swimming in summer with its Arcadian elegance, a walk on the sand or by the nature reserve, with its huge amount of flowering plant species.

Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos, Greece

Just like the rest of the island, Super Paradise is nihilistic, funky and tolerant of foreign cultures making it a mecca for gay travelers. The town of Mykonos has traditional tavernas, designer boutiques and attracts world-famous DJs, making it one of the Med’s top club locations.

One Foot Island, Aitutaki Lagoon, Cook Islands

One Foot Island, propped with giant banyan and frangipani trees, fulfills even the wildest of tropical island dreams. Bring a bottle of champagne and a picnic blanket, because this is the perfect place for lovemaking.

Guludo Beach, Quirimbas Peninsula, Mozambique

Possibly Africa’s most beautiful beach – Guludo beach enchants: fine, white sand gobbled by the Indian Ocean and speckled with wild African bushes. This is a true, barefoot paradise where you can snorkel the reef and watch whales from the bump back. If you get in any kind of trouble, you can get care. 

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia

Seventy-three other islands are waiting to be discovered, some deserted and ideal for a very affectionate sunny day. Base yourself on the continent with massage, yoga, meditation and organic meals at Airlie Beach Organic B&B. They sell original art and crafts made by people from local Ngaro and Gia.

Kovalam Beach, Kerala, India

Seventy-three other islands are pending exploration, others abandoned and suitable for a much-known southern paradise, Kovalam is undoubtedly India’s best beach. This coconut-forested, oblong-shaped beach is full of character, with freshly painted boats in the center of the Vizhinjam mosque at the northern end.

White Island, Camiguin, the Philippines

Tiny, pear-shaped and popular as the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin is host to the stunning White Island reef, a Tippex white big lake with visibility of two volcanoes, Mt Hibok-Hibok and Mt Vulcan.

Isla Espiritu Santo, Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Uninhabited, absurdly stunning Espiritu Santo is the jewel in the crown: the water is so turquoise it is like floating in a glass of Curaçao. Once offshore you’ll find white sand wedding cake, nail-varnish pink metamorphic rocks, yellow butterfly clouds, and strange and old boojum trees.

Eilat, Israel

The Red Sea is known for deep-sea diving, scuba diving, and dolphin swimming. Romantics will rest in candle-lit spas while the youth and the young at heart enjoy the nightlife varying from tented discotheques to live band-bars.

Playa Flamenco, Culebra, Puerto Rico

Culebra, also known as Snake Territory, has been used as a pirate base for more than three decades and is seventeen miles east of Puerto Rico.

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5 Home Remedies to Treat Varicose Veins

January 28, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Varicose veins occur when a person’s veins swell and widen. These can cause pain and discomfort in some people. There are several ways to treat these, ranging from medicinal to herbal. You can treat varicose veins with venaseal. Additionally, a range of home therapies may help to reduce the appearance of varicose veins.

What Are Varicose Veins?

When small valves in the veins become weak, varicose veins can develop. Such valves usually stop blood from flowing backward through the veins and may pool in the veins when they are impaired. It triggers veins that are twisted and swollen and become very noticeable too.

Varicose veins may be noticeable due to their dark blue or purple appearance, and they often bulge out of the underside of the skin. They can cause other problems outside of appearance, such as problems flying and or traveling. Keep reading to find out how to treat varicose veins with home remedies.

Exercising Regularly 

Regular exercise facilitates improve circulation of the blood in the legs, which helps to move along the blood stored in the veins. Exercise also helps lower a person’s blood pressure, which is another factor that leads to varicose veins.

Low-impact exercises help without adding excessive strain. They get the calf muscles to work. Effective exercises which have a low impact include:

  • Yoga
  • Swimming 
  • Walking
  • Running 

Consuming Flavonoids

Consuming foods containing flavonoids can also help you shrink their varicose veins. Flavonoids improve blood circulation, keeping the blood flowing, and making it less likely to collect in the veins. These can help lower blood pressure in the lungs and can relax blood vessels, all of which can decrease varicose veins.

Foods containing flavonoids include vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, spinach,  broccoli, citrus fruits and grapes, cherries, apples, cocoa, garlic, and blueberries.

Wearing Non-Restrictive Clothing

Tight-fitting clothing can limit blood flow. You will find your circulation improved by wearing loose-fitting clothes which do not restrict the lower body’s blood supply. Wearing flat shoes instead of high heels also helps reduce the appearance of varicose veins.

Keeping Your Legs Elevated

Keeping the legs elevated, ideally at or above the same height as the heart, will help improve circulation. This lowers the pressure in the veins of the legs and gravity will help the blood flow back to the heart smoothly.

You should aim to keep your legs elevated if you’re going to sit down for long periods of time, for example during work or rest.

Making Dietary Changes

Salty or sodium-rich foods can cause the body to retain water so that salty foods can reduce the retention of water. Foods that are high in potassium can help lower water retention. High potassium foods include:

  • Nuts such as almonds and pistachios
  • Potatoes 
  • White, red beans and lentils
  • Green and leafy vegetables
  • Certain types of fish such as tuna and salmon

 

Additionally, consume fiber-based food. Fiber-based diets help keep the intestines going, and avoid constipation. This can be critical, as straining can aggravate or exacerbate damaged valves.

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How to stay positive after an accident

January 28, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Being involved in an accident and sustaining an injury isn’t easy to cope with. And when that injury leaves you bedridden, immobile, or having to cut your trip short, it’s even harder to comprehend. If you’re confined to your hospital bed or your hotel room, then it’s probably all you can think about. This state of mind can quickly spiral downward into regret, anger, even loneliness and isolation, making your injuries not just physical, but now mental ones too. 

Was the accident even your fault? If your injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence then you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation can help with your medical bills, and help you support yourself and your family if you’re no longer able to work. For personal injury lawyers in Long Island, click the link.

You may be feeling bitter and downtrodden and your dream trip might have turned out a little different than you thought, but you can still keep your head high and remain optimistic. Read on for how you can stay positive after an accident.

Accept what happened

As far as recovery and positivity are concerned, denial is a dangerous thing. It’s not right, it’s probably not fair and you have no idea why this happened to you. But, it did. This is the card you have been dealt. And while you may have other elements of your ordeal being taken care of in the background e.g. a legal case, insurance claims and medical treatments, it’s important to focus on your own mindset and turn your hurt and negativity into the positive energy you’re going to need to recover physically and mentally. 

Move your body

This is injury dependent of course. But if you have the ability to get up and move around, or even complete some simple upper or lower body exercises, you definitely should. Becoming stagnant and immobile will only worsen your mood and fuel your self-pity. Moving your body will help aid your recovery (speak with your doctor first of course) and it will keep your mind fit and healthy too. 

Keep your mind busy

Dwelling on the incident, your injuries and the injustice of it all will only make matters worse and make it difficult to bounce back. Keeping your mind busy and active with puzzles, apps, games and reading a good book will help keep that negativity at bay. You could even use this opportunity to study something new, or even take a course.

Surround yourself with positivity 

During this difficult time, you need the right kind of people around you. Family and friends will be able to provide you with moral support every time you need it. If you’re feeling a little low, don’t be afraid to reach out and let someone know. If you’re really struggling, then speak with your doctor. 

Eat right

Simply put, a good diet will help aid your recovery and make you feel good. Sure you deserve plenty of ice cream and all your favorite treats after what you’ve been through, but that kind of diet will only make you feel worse. Fill your plates with lots of fruits, vegetables and drink enough water.

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7 Tips for Traveling Safely With Kids

January 28, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Traveling with your kids exposes them to new experiences that stimulate their development. Whether you are traveling to visit family or to go on your annual vacation, you do need to remember that safety is always your highest priority. Fortunately, you can help your kids have fun while also keeping an eye on their wellbeing by using these travel tips that make sure everyone arrives back home safely.

 

Know How to Manage Getting Through Airport Security

 

Making your way through airport security can be hard enough without having to struggle with diaper bags, toys and little ones. However, there are a few things that you can do to make it easier. Have your older kids wear shoes that are easy to remove as they go through the screening process such as slip-ons or crocks. Your younger children can likely keep their shoes on, but they may need to be warned about the need to put their belongings through the x-ray machine. 

 

Use the Right Car Seats and Seat Belts

 

The majority of places that you will travel to domestically have car seat laws in place, and you need to make sure that you know them so that you do not get into trouble with the local law enforcement team. If you are traveling internationally, then you may still want to use your child’s car seat as additional protection in the event of an accident. Lugging a bulky car seat around can be a hassle, so consider using an all-in-one stroller that reduces the equipment that you need to carry. Older kids should also be taught to use their seatbelts when they are in a rental car or taxi cab.

 

Never Leave Your Child Alone In a Public Space

 

Being stressed or in a hurry can sometimes cause parents to experience a lapse in judgement. However, you should never assume that your child is safe just because you are in a comfortable environment. For instance, you should not leave your child alone in the hotel lobby while you run out to the car to grab a few bags. Ideally, your child should always be within an arm’s reach in case you need to stop them from wandering or protect them from a kidnapping.

 

Discuss What to Do If They Get Lost

 

Despite your best efforts, it is possible that your child might still get lost at some point during your travels. If your child is young and mostly nonverbal, then place your contact information somewhere visible on their clothing or skin. You can even order special stickers and fake tattoos with your name and phone number on them specifically for this purpose. 

 

Older children should be coached on how to ask for help in an emergency. Talk to them about how they can identify employees at the venues that you expect to visit such as by checking for a uniform or name tag. You can also rehearse what they should say to a person in authority if they do get lost such as their phone number and parents’ names. Finally, make sure that your child knows to stay where they are if they get separated from your family. While they may need to look for an adult to help, they should not wander far from where they were left.

 

Use Caution at Swimming Pools and Beaches

 

Aquatic activities are one of the most popular things to do on a family vacation, and there is no doubt that hitting the beach or public pool is a great way to cool off and burn off your kid’s energy. However, you must always remember that no body of water is ever completely safe.

 

Do a quick scan of any public pool to check for signs that something could be amiss with the pool maintenance. Never let your child swim in cloudy water where you cannot see the bottom of the pool. You should also see a cover over any pool drains or filters. 

 

For beaches, try to choose ones with active lifeguards whenever it is possible. You will also want to give your children boundaries for how far they can go out into the water, and younger children should always be holding your hand. Remember that a beach can be overcome suddenly by rather high waves, check the weather reports before you go. You should also obey any flag warnings regarding rip tides and wave height.

 

Think About Bathroom Safety

 

During your travels, using public restrooms is usually unavoidable. Talk to your children about how to stay safe in a public bathroom. For example, you can help them look for places with appropriate bathroom dividers to protect their privacy. Your child should also be taught how to practice proper restroom behavior such as knocking and waiting to see if there is an answer before pushing open a stall door. If possible, make sure to accompany your children to the restroom, and make sure that your older kids know that you are waiting just outside the door of restrooms where you cannot go inside.

 

Identify Emergency Services at Your Destination

 

If all goes well, you should hopefully never need to take your child to the emergency room or file a police report. Yet, you should be prepared in case the unexpected happens. Trying to search for an emergency room at the last moment could delay your child’s ability to get prompt medical care. Take a few minutes before your trip to locate sources of aid that you can turn to in an emergency. You should have a list of these resources for every place that you intend to visit so that you are confident about seeking help if the need arises.

 

Taking a trip as a family is a great way to bond and build wonderful memories that you will cherish forever. Yet, the last thing you ever want is to experience an accident when your family is far away from home. By focusing on doing everything you can to keep everyone safe, you can look forward to stress-free travels that lead to only wonderful experiences for your family to remember.

 

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Hungry? Check out #LunchboxGoals Sweepstakes with Little Bites Snacks! #WIN #LoveLittleBites

January 24, 2020 by 138 Comments

Looking for a quick snack for the kids? Check out the latest in Little Bites. Easy to grab and go or to put into lunchboxes, they come in lots of flavors, including new Cinnamuffins (which are only available for a limited time).

Information about Little Bites® Cinnamuffins:

·         NEW Limited-Edition Little Bites® Cinnamuffins are the newest flavor to be added to the Seasonal Favorites® line!
·         Little Bites® Cinnamuffins provide the irresistible taste of cinnamon in every bite.

·         Little Bites® Cinnamuffins are baked soft and moist providing the yummy taste kids love and the good choice that parents want.

·         Little Bites® Cinnamuffins are perfectly pre-portioned and easy to place in lunchboxes for little hands to enjoy at school or on-the-go

·         Little Bites® Cinnamuffins contain no high fructose corn syrup or zero grams of trans fat per serving and are less than 200 calories.

·         For more information about Little Bites® Cinnamuffins, please visit www.littlebites.com

mini muffins

Information about #LunchboxGoals Sweepstakes:

·         Entenmann’s, Little Bites® snacks and Sara Lee® Bread have teamed up to host the #LunchboxGoals Sweepstakes.

·         Fans can visit http://www.lunchboxgoals.com/ to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win $2,500 for themselves and their local school of choice.

·         All sweepstakes entries must be submitted by January 31 via www.lunchboxgoals.com to qualify.

·         #LunchboxGoals also includes crafty yet easy lunchbox ideas and printables for activities with children.

You can connect with Entenmann’s on their site or social media, links provided below.

You can win a prize pack from Entenmann’s by entering the RC below. Winner chosen at random Feb 11, 2020. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Exciting Cruise Routes To Put On Your Bucket List

January 21, 2020 by Leave a Comment

If you have yet to experience a luxury cruise or are a seasoned cruiser who is looking for something a little different, the list of up and coming cruises for 2020 that are operating out of Australia is indeed long. Here are a few ideas for once in a lifetime cruises to whet your appetite for the coming year.

 

  • Sydney Round the World Cruise – This is perhaps the ultimate cruise, with 108 nights at sea, you can experience luxury while visiting some really amazing destinations that include Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Greece, Italy, many UK ports, Greenland, Canada and many ports that run down the USA coast. If that isn’t enough, the cruise continues to Panama, Ecuador and Peru before heading to the tropical paradise of Tahiti and then back to Sydney. After almost 3 months onboard a luxury cruise liner, you can return to normality with some amazing memories that will remain etched in your mind forever. There are some great tips for the round the world cruiser, should you decide to book the ultimate cruise.

 

  • Explore South East Asia – There are cheap cruises from Singapore to Brisbane, and if you take a flight to Bangkok, you can spend a few weeks touring Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, before heading south to Malaysia and boarding the ship in Singapore. Most Asian countries have a much lower cost of living than here in Australia, so it won’t be as expensive as you might think. If you book your return cruise early, you can save some money, which would mean you can spend a few more days in Thailand or Cambodia. There are so many places of interest in South East Asia, and by doing some online research, you can make an informed decision on where you would like to go.

                             

  • An Extended Caribbean Cruise – This is one part of the world you simply must see, and if you are planning a cruise in the Caribbean, you should fly to Florida, where most of the Caribbean cruises begin. The Fort Lauderdale cruise on the Celebrity Equinox departs on April 21st 2020 and includes stop offs in Mexico, Georgetown, Cayman Islands and Grand Cayman, before heading back to Fort Lauderdale.

 

  • North Europe Cruise – If you are Australian, the wonders of Northern Europe surely hold some interest, and with a cruise that departs from Southampton in the UK, you can spend a glorious 14 nights taking in the sights of France, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Estonia, with stops at St. Petersburg and then docking at Copenhagen.

The above are just a few of the amazing cruise packages that will be running in 2020, and if you would like to browse the many cruises, search online for a leading cruise operator, who would have the complete list, which would include all of the above and a lot more besides. Booking early can save you some money, and once you know your budget and dates, you can start searching for a cruise that includes all the places you would like to visit, then prepare for a holiday you will always remember.

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How to Travel with a Bird

January 21, 2020 by Leave a Comment

One of the most difficult tasks one has to do as a bird owner is taking his/her pet on a family outing or a trip. To avoid causing any discomfort to the bird, you must prepare ahead of time. So, there is a list of steps you should take.

 

Get your pet used to traveling by car

The first thing you have to do to ensure that your pet is ready for traveling is to get it used to the car. Fellow bird owners recommend that you gradually introduce the pet to the actual vehicle that you are using. The best place that you can put its cage is the backseat. This is a safe space, as the pet will be protected in case of an accident

Once you get your pet in the car, you have to remember to secure the cage with a seatbelt. This step is essential as it will help keep your beloved bird safe in transit. Plus, if the cage is stable, your feathered companion will feel more comfortable. If you want to invest in new large cages, there are many online models you can check out.

 

Control the irritating factors

If you are traveling during the summer, make sure that the air conditioning is not blowing directly into the cage, as this might cause discomfort to the pet. Also, during the colder seasons, you should control the heat inside the car so that the bird is not too cold, nor too hot.

There are also a couple of extra factors you should take into account. For instance, the bird might feel a certain level of discomfort if the music is too loud or if the air fresheners that you are using are too powerful.

 

Flying with a pet bird

As expected, not all pet birds are allowed on flights. The good thing is that each airline has a list of internal rules that you can read to see what types of pets they allow onboard. In general, airlines allow owners to travel with pet birds that are odorless and harmless. Wild birds are often not permitted on flights.

Some of these airlines also allow birds to fly in the cabin, provided that their cages fit in the space in front of the owner’s seat. However, keep in mind that most companies only accept these pets as checked baggage. 

Also, you might not be able to travel with your pet bird when temperatures are above 85 and below 45 degrees. Because of overcrowding, many airlines do not allow pets to be transported during the holidays. 

 

Supplies

Before you leave the house, you have to pack all the supplies that you might need on the trip, such as bird food, water, and toys. To avoid making a mess in the backseat of your car, you should provide the bird with a sufficient amount of food and water. 

Packing its favorite toy or your pet’s favorite treats might also help make the trip more bearable for the bird as it will make it feel more secure.

 

Accommodation

Not all hotels allow pets on their premises. So, a smart thing that you can do before you leave for your trip is checking to make sure that the accommodation that you have selected allows for pet birds. 

 

Traveling to another country

If you plan on going on a trip outside of the US, you have to take the time to do some research on whether or not you can bring your pet bird with you on your trip.

Once again, if you travel by plane, you have to go on the web page of the air company that you are using and search for additional information on the topic. To be allowed to enter a country with a bird, you have to be able to provide a list of documents. 

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How to Keep Your Patio Pest-Free

January 21, 2020 by Leave a Comment

While it is impossible to eliminate all pests from your patio, there are many strategies that you can employ to prevent these pesky invaders from becoming comfortable in your backyard. Aside from being annoying, these pests can also pose a huge health risk by spreading germs and diseases everywhere.

This is why it is critical to keep your outdoor area pest-free and you can take a look below to see the simple ways in which you can do just that.

 

Keep grass and plants trimmed

Pests rely on plants to stay hidden and if you have unmowed grass or untrimmed plants near your patio it can be impossible to get rid of pets ranging from ticks and ants to birds and rodents. By using the plants as hiding spots, the pests can venture to your patio, steal some food, and quickly go back to safety.

Thus, it is crucial to keep plants trimmed back so that these critters can’t use them to hide. It is also a good idea to plan a few herbs that are natural repellents such as rosemary, lemongrass, chives and garlic which can repel biting insects and other pests.

 

Avoid storing trash outside your home

Keeping an outdoor area is crucial if you don’t want to have problems with pests since trash is a prime attraction for pests who are looking for some easy food to eat. Thus, if you tend to leave trash outdoors right near your patio or yard, then you’re basically inviting in insects, rodents, and other wildlife.

Instead, you should focus on keeping any food waste or trash as far from your outdoor living area as possible. This means that you should sweep up any crumbs and wipe away spilled liquids every time you dine on your patio since even the smallest morsel or sticky stain can attract ants and other pesky insects.

Furthermore, you should make sure that any existing trash cans and dumpsters are sealed securely since if you remove this temptation you’ll see immediate results without having to use chemical repellents.

 

Find a good pest management strategy

Your patio is not a good place to use strong pest repellents but there are plenty of natural alternatives that you can use if you have a serious pest infestation. You can use a mix of essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus and spray it around the patio to create a natural pest barrier. You can also spray it on you and other family members to keep the bugs away.

Citronella torches and citrus candles can also be used to drive away bothersome insects such as mosquitoes and flies and combining them will let you get better pest-fighting action. If you want to see instant results, you can take a look at this analysis.

 

Lighting is important

During the night, the lights on your patio will act as magnets for insects and there are a couple of things that you can do to make your outdoor eating experience more pleasant. First, you should replace white bulbs with sodium vapor lights or yellow bulbs since the orange or yellow glow will attract fewer insects.

Secondly, you should move your lighting further away from your outdoor living space either higher up on the wall or further away from the patio.

 

Avoid standing water

Mosquitoes, in particular, are attracted by standing water and they use it for breeding. To avoid an infestation you should never neglect your pool, birdbaths or water features. The pool should be maintained frequently and covered when you are not using it. For the other water sources, you should try to keep the water moving as much as possible.

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