4 Tips to planning a Greek holiday on a budget

November 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Any serious traveler dreams of seeing the Greek islands. After all, who is not enticed with the blue and white aesthetic of the beautiful Santorini, or the cliff side beaches in Zakynthos? Most people think that you would need to prepare a lot of money just to enjoy a vacation getaway in this beautiful archipelago.

 

But that is far from the truth. While it will be more expensive than a vacation in your country, there is a way to travel to Greek while still on a budget. Check out some tips you can follow so that you can start planning a trip to Greece soon without having to break the bank.

 

  1. Book as early as possible – if you’re already experienced in traveling, especially abroad, then you know that the earlier you book your flight and accommodation, the better deal you can have. Especially if you plan to go there during the summer, the more expensive it will be. So start your search as early as now. Find good deals on accommodations. Look for travel blogs that give tips on places to stay other than the famous hotels in the area. You might be able to find affordable hostels and the like. If you plan to travel around the islands using a plane, you would also need to book early as they can be sold out if you wait until the last minute to buy.

 

  1. Get a package deal on your ferry tickets – a great way to save money on your travel expenses is to look for package deals. There are many companies that offer traveling from one island to the other using ferries, as many consider these the most economical way of transportation. There are companies offering a tour of five or even eight islands on just one ferry ticket! That’s a great deal and you also will not have a hard time planning your itinerary as you can just find out which islands you will go to and research on the best sights and activities to do there. Check out this  Greek multi-island hopping holidays with HostelBay Fast Ferry Pass to get a good package for your island hopping.

 

  1. Go there during the off-season – the great thing about Greece is that the beautiful Mediterranean weather makes it an ideal location throughout the whole year. So unless you can only travel during the summer, it would actually be a good idea to explore the islands during the off-season. Not only is it cheaper, you also won’t have to battle with both tourists and locals who are also on vacation. It might get too crowded in some tourist sites which might make it less enjoyable for you.

 

  1. Eat like the locals – Greece for sure has a lot to offer when it comes to local cuisine and delicacies. You might be tempted to try some famous restaurants in the area based on reviews you’ve seen online, but you might find the price may be too steep for your budget. Try to befriend the locals and ask them for suggestions on where you can eat. If the locals go there, whether it’s just a street food stall or a hole in the wall restaurant, you can be sure that you will enjoy the food.
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Packing Tips for Ladies Who are Planning a Luxurious Getaway

November 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment

When you’ve booked premium vacation rentals in an exotic place, you will need to pack accordingly. After all, you’re not off to a safari adventure, nor are you going to Europe flitting from museum to museum. You’re also not backpacking your way to a rundown beach. You’re off to a luxury holiday and you need to make sure you bring your glam stuff with you to make the most out of your stay.  

For the ladies, here are some tips that can help you decide what to pack for your vacation:

  1. Forget the labels and prioritize the fit. Just because you’re on a premium vacation doesn’t mean all your clothes need to feature snobby labels. The point is to relax, so you need decent-looking clothes that fit you nicely.
  2. Stick to the classics for your wardrobe. Fashion trends can be a finicky issue and what’s cool where you come from may not be considered stylish where you’re going. You will also obviously want to take pictures, and you don’t want to wear something that can looks foolish in just a few years, like 1980s shoulder pads.

So what this basically means is that you may want to go mainly with sheath dresses when you want to go out of your rented villa to have a fun night in town. Dresses are great because they’re very versatile, and you can adhere to any sort of dress code using the right accessories. For more casual occasions, you will just need nicely fitting tops.

 

  • Black is always a safe choice. It’s no coincidence that all ladies need a little black dress in their closet. For a premium vacation, you need at least one in your travel bag too. You won’t look out of place wherever you go, and it’s a classic style that will never go out of fashion. Black seems like a much dressier option, so it’s more suitable for luxury vacations.

 

Pair even just a basic cotton dress with heels, and you’re ready for a fancy restaurant in the evening. Put on some simple ballet flats with it, and you’ll just look chic exploring the town during the day.

 

  • Don’t forget your accessories. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. Despite the improved security in rented villas, you’re still travelling to another city and you don’t want to lose something you value too highly.

 

You do need to plan for your activities. Swimsuits will of course be mandatory, since most luxury villas have pools and beach vacations are always nice. But you’ll need cool sunglasses and a floppy hat if you’re planning to stay a few hours on the beach. In fact, just bring great sunglasses especially if you’re staying somewhere tropical. They also tend to compliment your outfits. Scarves are also a good idea for nighttime strolling, when the temperatures become cooler.

  1. Consider the right footwear. Since you’re going on a premium vacation, you may as well bring along your footwear with the highest quality. But it’s still a vacation, so you should make sure your heels are comfy. Stick to neutral colors for your shoes so they’ll match any outfit you wear.

Of course, if it’s a vacation you can’t wear heels all the time. That’s hardly relaxing. Try to bring along leather ballet flats and dressy flat sandals. Not only will they keep your feet comfy when you need a timeout from heels, but they also look great whether you’re wearing a dress or a pair of trousers.

The real key to proper packing is to make sure you dress up for your plans. Consult your schedule, and then make sure you have a planned outfit for each activity you’re hoping to do. When you know what you’re going to wear for what you plan to do, the more you will relax on your vacation.

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Sustainable Forest Management: kratom & coffee

November 1, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Many major commodities that we use every day are often responsible for deforestation and ecosystem destruction. Coffee and palm oil production are widely known to result in forest clearances that amongst other things, may wipe out the last wild orangutan apes. It doesn’t have to be this way – let’s look at two examples of how farmers in South East Asia are managing to look after their natural world while making a living from cash crops.

Kratom

Mitragyna speciosa (also known as kratom) is a tree that grows in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. It has been used for Millennia by the peoples living there as a medicine for treating ailments such as diarrhea, inflammation and opium addiction. It is also known for its stimulant properties and is used at social gatherings instead of marijuana (indeed, it is more socially acceptable to chew some kratom than smoke a joint), and has stimulant properties so manual laborers can toil in the fierce jungle heat.

Kratom products have started to be sold in the West in the last five years, and scientists have become quite excited as to this cheap, safe and readily available alternative to medical treatments for opiate addiction. As the industry has picked up, so different harvesting techniques are coming about. One kratom blog explained, “some kratom trees are destroyed when harvested by irresponsible farmers, which can cause terrible damage to the rainforest and jungle. Some cut branches down from the trees and then pick the leaves, whereas the responsible farmers pick the leaves from the tree without cutting the branches down.”

Not all firms do this. The same company above stated, “All the leaves sourced by us, including those used in our legally approved cosmetics, are taken from the tree without cutting down branches. Our farmers do not kill the trees or bring fertilizers into the jungle that destroy the ecosystem.”

While coffee was once the big cash crop, farmers are looking for new markets to sell forest products at a premium, and the leaves from the Mitragyna tree are one very important source of income for many. In the North America and much of Europe it has become increasingly popular to buy kratom powder online in recent years.

Coffee

Coffee is another major cash crop that is essential to many developing world economies. Traditionally coffee bushes were grown under the rainforest canopy with the trees above sheltering the coffee leaves below. High yield strains were developed that needed full sun and as a result coffee production has become synonymous with rainforest destruction.

The Rainforest Alliance has come to the rescue of some communities and forests. The organization shows how they prevent forests from being clear cut: “On Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms, coffee grows in harmony with nature: soils are healthy, waterways are protected, trash is reduced or recycled, wildlife thrives and migratory bird habitat flourishes. In addition, hundreds of farms we work with have adopted climate-smart techniques that sequester carbon. Most importantly, farm communities learn the importance of protecting their natural resources, and they acquire the tools and resources to do so.”

Unlike their mass production rivals, coffee farmers can sell their beans at a premium and can make more money from less work. They live better lifestyles as a result.

In harmony with the environment

The take-out from this article is that it often makes more sense to look after the environment than to destroy it for money. You can’t eat money, and in destroying the planet you destroy the very thing that feeds you. Do look at the ethics of the ingredients of coffee before you buy – paying a little more may mean that someone can work fewer hours and still get their kids an education while living in balance with the forests in which they live.

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Visiting Niagara on a Budget

October 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Most people think that visiting the more popular tourist sites like Niagara is prohibitively expensive for those on a tight budget. In reality, it is still possible to do it and have a good time. You just need to follow some of my tips and tricks below.

Choose your accommodation wisely

One of the biggest expenses you will face is your accommodation. If you want to, you can treat yourself to a single night in one of the big hotels like the Niagarafalls Marriott. Off–peak, they offer surprisingly affordable rooms and regularly have special offers. So, it is always worth checking what is available. That way you will not end up spending the same amount of money to stay in a hotel further away and can still enjoy a taste of luxury. If you are planning to stay in the area for longer you can always move hotels and stay somewhere cheaper.

Take the more affordable tours

There are numerous ways to see the falls. If you want you can just enjoy them from afar. You can get panoramic views from several viewing platforms and towers. The entrance fee for all of them is not high. You can see them for free by following the hiking trail near the edge of the falls.

However, ideally, you want to get close to the action. Doing this is the only way you can truly experience the power for the waterfalls and provide you with an unforgettable experience.

You can get on a boat trip that takes you to the base of the falls. However, a cheaper way to do it is to join the Cave of the Winds tour. It costs less than $10. You take an elevator through the cliff face and walk along a wooden walkway at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. It really is breathtaking, but be prepared to get wet. A free plastic parka and sandals are provided. If you are planning to take other tours or trips near the edge of the falls hang onto those because you are going to need them.

Pack a lunch

As with all tourist destinations, food in the immediate area of the falls can be expensive. It is therefore usually better to pack a light lunch. If you prefer to eat out just check out the buses and take one to a nearby town that has some cafes or restaurants with good reviews. These little trips allow you to see more of the area that way.

Enjoy some of the free activities

The Falls are set in a natural park, which you can hike through. This activity is fun, interesting and best of all free. If you like free attractions, this article lists some of the best ones.

Buy tickets in advance

If there are other things you would like to do while in the area, for example, visit the butterfly park you can often save money by booking in advance. Lots of attractions regularly post offers online and you can sometimes get your hands on vouchers. Generally speaking, buying a pass is the best way to enjoy several attractions for a discounted price.

 

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Dangers and Benefits of HGH

October 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Using HGH is a great way to boost your productivity in sports alongside with modeling your perfect body. Not to mention tremendous HGH benefits for your health, these factors themselves paint a rather attractive picture. However, no matter how sad it may sound, there is no miraculous cure. Even HGH with all its pluses still has some downsides if there is either too much or too little of it in your body.

Excess of HGH

An excess of HGH in the body commonly leads to a pituitary tumor consisting of somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, called somatotroph adenomas. The adenoma grows slowly and progressively begins to manufacture more and more HGH. When the adenoma becomes large enough, it can cause severe headaches, vision impairment by putting pressure on the optic nerves and displace other pituitary hormones, thus causing their deficiency.

A prolonged excess would cause thickening of bones in the jaw, fingers and toes (called acromegaly), pressure on the nerves resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome, muscular weakness, extra production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), type-2 diabetes (an uncommon form) and decreased sexual function.

Often recognized in a person’s 50’s, a pituitary tumor created due to excessive HGH may cause excessive growth (known as pituitary gigantism). This tumor rarely occurs in childhood.

HGH Deficiency

Depending on the age of an individual, Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) effects differently on their health. In children, congenital malformations and genetics cause deficiency of HGH, which can lead to:

  • Short stature

  • Late growth for developmental age

  • Delayed puberty onset

  • Chubbiness (especially around the waist)

  • The child will look younger compared to others of his or her age

  • Prominent forehead

  • Slow growth of hair and teeth

  • Less than 2 inches of growth in height each year

In adults, GHD symptoms include:

  • Decreased energy and increased exhaustion

  • Less endurance

  • Decreased muscle mass

  • Decreased bone density and accelerated osteoporosis

  • Weight gain (especially around the waist)

  • Increased LDL cholesterol levels

  • Psychological problems including anxiety, issues with concentration, memory loss and depressed mood

  • Thin and dry skin and hair loss

  • Constant exhaustion

  • Increased risk of heart disease

  • Resistance to insulin

Although growth hormone deficiency is rare in adulthood, it can occur due to various conditions including:

  • Congenital causes, i.e. present since birth and related to an abnormal pituitary gland

  • Damage to the pituitary caused by radiation therapy for the head, a structural lesion, trauma, intracranial diseases or other such conditions

  • A pituitary adenoma

  • A continuation of a childhood problem

  • Acquired later in life (caused by infections, trauma, injury, brain tumors, radiation or surgery)

  • A very rare idiopathic form (of unknown cause)

  • Slow muscular and motor development (specifically motor milestones like standing, walking, jumping, etc.)

  • Delayed teeth growth

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Repeated jaundice occurrences

  • Episodic seizures

It is also important to differentiate between GHD acquired through medical conditions and normal ageing. In normal ageing, the natural production of HGH by the pituitary gland begins to decline.

Side Effects of HGH

The misuse or excessive use of HGH can bring:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome marked by feeling “pins and needles” on the palms and fingers, especially if strain is placed on the wrist (during workouts); however, this is a temporary side effect which fades away lower dosage

  • Water retention, which leads to the fingers feeling swollen and the face looking fuller

  • Morning aches characterized by slight pain in the fingers, toes, joints and muscles; however, the pain goes away after a few minutes of waking up

  • Hypoglycemia manifested in a sudden burst of hunger and a drop in blood sugar

  • Acromegaly, which is the enlargement of fingers, bones and organs

  • Hypothyroidism, which is a deficiency in the thyroid hormone’s production

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness

  • Respiratory infection

  • Numbness of the skin

  • Moderate edema which is swelling caused by fluid in the body’s tissue

  • Headaches

  • Joint pain

  • Short-term type-2 diabetes

  • Nerve, muscle or joint pain

  • High cholesterol levels

  • Growth of cancerous tumors

These side effects can be very severe for a person abusing human growth hormone, however, they can be avoided easily with proper guidance. One of the easiest ways to avoid the short-term side effects of HGH (like carpal tunnel syndrome or water retention) is to lower the dose taken per day.

Even with such risky side effects, HGH is still widely used by lots of people and is prescribed by medical professionals for certain conditions.

Uses of HGH

Children with the following conditions are prescribed HGH by medical professionals:

  • Turner’s syndrome (a genetic disorder which impacts a girl’s development)

  • Prader-Willi syndrome (a genetic disorder which causes poor muscle tone, decrease in sex hormones and continuous hunger)

  • Incessant kidney disease

  • HGH deficiency or insufficiency

  • Children born small for their age

In adults, HGH is prescribed for the following conditions:

  • Short bowel syndrome (a condition where the absorption of nutrients is improper because of an intestinal disease or the surgical removal of a portion of the small intestine)

  • Pituitary tumors caused by HGH deficiency

  • Muscle wasting caused by AIDS/HIV

Other than its medical uses, HGH is taken for other purposes including:

  • Body building

  • Anti-aging

  • Weight loss

  • By athletes for gaining muscle mass and performance enhancement

  • Improving sex life

HGH often offers desired results when used right.

Benefits of HGH

The benefits of HGH for both men and women include:

  • Reduction of fat by accelerating lipolysis

  • Increased muscle mass and strength by promoting the synthesis of collagen in the skeletal muscles and tendons

  • The tightening of skin, which leads to the disappearance of wrinkles

  • Increased cardiovascular function, which leads to increased vitality and reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases

  • The growth of hair (which becomes thicker as well)

  • Libido and sexual performance are increased

  • Improved vision and hearing

  • Faster healing of wounds and fractures through the application of IGF-1

  • Increased endurance

  • Enhanced energy and less fatigue

  • Improved mood (reduction in mood swings and depression)

  • Decreased joint and muscle pain that is a natural result of aging

  • Enhanced metabolism

  • Increased growth of lean tissue

  • Better sleep quality

  • Improved blood pressure

  • Relief from muscle wasting associated to diseases like AIDS/HIV

  • Prevention of osteoporosis

HGH Benefits for women include:

  • Avoidance of premature aging of the body (including sagging of breasts, belly fat and the wrinkles)

  • Enhancement of the immune system

  • Helps menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms

  • Improvement in the elasticity of the skin, which leads to elimination of wrinkles

The psychological benefits of HGH include:

  • Improved quality of life by promoting emotional and mental well-being, thus boosting mood and decreasing depression

  • Improved cognitive functioning including memory, learning and concentration

The benefits of HGH are endless and they can be seen within an instant after taking the first dose. The timeline of the effects is quite satisfying. Compared to all these benefits, the potential dangers of HGH seem less scary and even appear easy to avoid.

 

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The 5 best visual development and web design professional services of 2017

October 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Despite the huge amounts of websites that are being set up each day, not every one of those will end up to be highly-optimized for their specific purposes. Some still fail to come up with a fast-loading and user-friendly web interface, making visitors leave their site without having any interactions. Some blogs may not be well-designed or are overly ornamented, making the readers more confused than interested in checking out some more pages.

 

If you are planning to set up your own website for your personal blog, online shop, organization, or company alone, then you are up for a really great challenge. Even if you consider yourself as highly literate in computer programming, web design, and development, doing a huge project by yourself will definitely take you a lot of time, effort, and resources. That is why it is recommended that you tap the services of professional web designers and developers to help you create the website that you have always wanted.

 

And to help you with this, here are the five best visual development and web design professional services that you can hire this 2017 (listed in no particular order).

 

  1. Big Drop, Inc.

 

Have you ever wanted to own a website that you can fully customize depending on the needs of your clients and target consumers? If so, then Big Drop, Inc. can help you in reaching your goal. This digital marketing agency is based in New York City but also caters its services to other US states and European countries as well. Big Drop, Inc. is composed of experienced and renowned professionals who specialize in web design, content development, digital marketing, and animated video production.

 

  1. Ruckus Marketing

 

For sizeable companies and organizations that require stable e-commerce websites to process loads of data, Ruckus Marketing should be your number one choice. This agency is also based in New York City and they take pride in a portfolio of projects, all of which turned out to be very successful. Moreover, they are one of the leading companies when it comes to optimizing your website for mobile use.

 

  1. Web Wizards

 

When it comes to being a complete one-stop shop for all your website needs, Web Wizards is the one that you should trust. This Australian-based digital marketing company can help you set up well-designed and functional websites with in-house support for businesses based in Perth. Web Wizards can also help your website achieve high search engine rankings and initiate online marketing campaigns using proven effective and long-term techniques. Experience Web Wizards Marketing magic online now and get the best out of your website.

 

  1. Iflexion

 

Nothing beats Iflexion when it comes to having proven track record in the industry and understanding the needs of different website owners and consumers. Established in 1999, Iflexion has served hundreds of successful companies including eBay, Xerox, Adidas, and more. For almost two decades, the company has provided unparalleled service on application development and integration, web interface design and function, security consultations, maintenance, and support, among others.

 

  1. Blue Fountain Media

 

Blue Fountain Media is also an experienced company which has been providing quality service since 2003; earning several recognitions and awards in the process. The agency’s creative team has provided great service and reliable support to B2B and B2C companies, e-commerce industries, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Their areas of specialization include digital marketing strategy and consultations, web designing, and mobile application development, and more.

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How to Make a Difference

October 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Do you wish you could make a big difference to other people’s lives? Well, it doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many ways you can transform the daily lives of people in your community or across the globe. Find out how to make a difference.

Give Blood

Are you aged between 17 to 65 years old? If so, you should give blood. All you need to do is find a local blood donor center, see if you are eligible to donate, and make an appointment. Giving a pint of blood will take ten minutes out of your day, but the benefits could last a lifetime for those in urgent need of your blood type. Before you do so, though, ensure you a fit and healthy, and are wary of your health at the time of donation.

Donate Your Platelets

If you have a little more time to spare and have healthy veins, you could also donate your blood platelets, which are often required for individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy or an organ transplant, or for those who are living with a blood disorder or have experienced a life-threatening bleed following surgery. The process takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and will filter your blood through a cell separator to remove the platelets and return the blood to your body. You can also donate your platelets up to 13 times per year.

Make a Charitable Donation

Making a charitable donation can make a significant difference to the lives of many people. For example, you can support top cancer charities to fund essential research and improve care, which can transform the lives of adults and children across the globe. After all, cancer touches the lives of many families across the globe, as there were an estimated 1,685,210 new cases in the United States alone in 2016.

Register as an Organ Donor

Registering as an organ donor takes only a few minutes out of your day, but can change the lives of many people. Sign the organ donor register and inform your loved ones about your intentions, so they will respect your wishes once you pass away. You can also choose the organs you are happy to give to others, which can extend the lives of more than one person. To do so, register with your state’s Organ Donor Registry, simply select ‘Yes” when applying for a driver’s license or sign a donor card, which you should keep in your purse or wallet.

Vote

If you want to make a difference to the lives of others, you must use your vote. Whether you are male or female, young or old, voting gives you a voice in society. So, don’t sit quietly and wait for the wrong decision. One small vote can make a big difference to an election campaign, which will ensure the right candidate wins so that they will have a positive impact on society.

Have you got any top tips on how to make a difference to other people’s lives? We’d love to read your advice and opinions in the comment section below.

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GOTRAX HALLOWEEN: 4 LAST-MINUTE MOVIE-INSPIRED DIY COSTUMES ON HOVERBOARDS

October 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

GOTRAX™, the new Denver-based brand of hoverboards and electric rideables on a mission to boost imaginations and the possibility for personal transportation, has released a list of last-minute DIY Halloween costumes that are sure to be out of this world when paired with its line of HOVERFLY hoverboards.

The children’s costume ideas, inspired by some of cinema’s most classic characters past and present, are designed to be affordable and easy to put together for any family. The addition of ahoverboard like the GOTRAX HOVERFLY or HOVERFLY PLUS will enhance the impact and “wow” factor by bringing each character to life.

WATCH: SEE THE CHARACTER-INSPIRED VIDEO

“We all know what it’s like to be searching for easy, affordable costumes at the last minute, especially for kids,” says Chief Marketing Officer Jason Wakefield. “And if you add ahoverboard, these are some great ideas to make a fun costume sure to impress without scouring the empty aisles of the local Halloween outlet at the 11th hour.”

Available now at GOTRAX.com/Halloween, GOTRAX™ halloween DIYs include costumes inspired by Batman, Moana, Darth Vader and Wonder Woman. The costume ideas are laid out in simple, easy-to-follow fashion that includes step-by-step how-tos, printable shopping lists, character quizzes, example images and short, fun videos for inspiration.

“Imagine seeing Moana glide by effortlessly as she ‘paddles’ on her HOVERFLY, or Darth Vader using The Force to ‘hover’ with the menacing notes of the Imperial March played wirelessly through the built-in Bluetooth® speaker of the HOVERFLY PLUS,” says Wakefield. “They’ll be their favorite character, but you’ll be the hero.”

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