The Beauty Of Saudi Arabia And the Gems It Has To Offer

March 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

If you are hoping to see as much of the world as possible, then you are going to want to include as many interesting destinations on your list as possible. There is a lot to consider here, but one that is becoming an increasingly popular tourist spot is Saudi Arabia. 

Whether or not you have considered travelling to Saudi Arabia before, the fact is that it is a diversely beautiful, fascinating country with an interesting culture and history, and plenty going for it generally. Let’s take a look at some of the main things that you should aim to see if you are keen on visiting this incredible part of the world.

The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center Mosque

Although the name might not make it sound picturesque, this is actually one of the most fascinating religious sites anywhere in the world, let alone merely in Saudi Arabia. The KAPSARC Mosque is not your traditional kind of mosque, and that’s what makes it so interesting to look at and visit. 

It is an incredibly modern and interesting place of worship, with a striking skyscraper-like building which would not be out of place in the skylines of New York or London. And yet it is still a deeply religious place, speaking to the religious nature of the people. It’s definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the city of Riyadh.

The Saudi Cup

If you are hoping to take in a sporting event while in Saudi Arabia, then there is really nowhere better to look than the Saudi Cup, which is one of the world’s top horse racing events anywhere. It has been going for a while, but its main selling point this year is that it is now officially the race with the richest horse race prize fund ever – at an incredible $20 million. For that reason, it is likely to draw both a lot of attention from around the world, and also some very interesting people, and you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with some well-known celebrities too. Hurry to get your ticket, however – they are going fast, and before you know it, it might well be sold out.

Historic Badr

This is a town in Al Madinah, located around 130km from the city of Medina. The main reason to visit this town is for an historical journey: it was the site of the famous Battle of Badr that occurred in 624CE, a battle that took place between the Polytheists and the Muslims. Although it is an ancient battleground, it is also incredibly beautiful, and if you want to get a taste of what the countryside of Saudi Arabia can really be like in its full glory, then this is somewhere that you will want to consider.

National Museum Of Saudi Arabia

Perhaps you are someone who likes to experience a lot of the culture of a place when you go travelling. If so, one of the best ways to do that is to go and visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, located in the famous city of Riyadh. 

There, you will find a range of fascinating artefacts to look at, and you can learn a great deal about the culture and history of the place in that one building alone. What’s more, you will find that the building itself and the surrounding area are absolutely stunning too, so all in all it makes for a fantastic day out.

Jeddah

They say that the city of Jeddah is caught between two worlds. On the one hand, it is the historic gate to Mecca that millions of pilgrims have been to for religious purposes. On the other, it is also a very busy commercial centre these days. 

The way in which these two aspects of the place jostle together is pretty interesting, and it makes for an especially intriguing place to look around. You will probably find that you have never been anywhere quite like it, and it is one of the few places in Saudi Arabia that you can easily and safely walk around all day. 

It has a wide array of beautiful buildings and other sights that you will be happy to cross off your list, and all in all it really is one of the major hidden gems of this amazing country.

If you manage to see and do even a couple of these things, you are going to find that you have seen plenty of this amazing country. It really is a unique place to be.

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Top Mother’s Day Ideas For Mummies-To-Be

March 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Expecting a baby? Congratulations! This is guaranteed to be the most magical, precious and utterly terrifying time of your life. You will face myriad challenges, but none of those challenges will outweigh the love and joy that your child will bring to you. As Mother’s Day approaches, here are our favourite Mother’s Day gifts for mums to be. 

Memorable Card

You don’t become a parent the moment you see your baby, you don’t even become a parent the day that your baby is conceived. You are officially a parent the second that you make that decision that you are ready to welcome that new addition to your family. 

For many, the journey from making that decision and actually having a baby or child living with them can be a long and painful one. So, cherish every step in the journey. There’s no better way to do this than with a mummy-to-be card to mum from bump/baby. 

Memories Book

Document the journey through parenthood with a beautiful memory book, the perfect Mother’s Day gift! From the first scan or photo to first Mother’s Day, steps, words – every precious memory can be recorded for years to come. (don’t make the mistake of thinking that you will remember everything; one day, they’ll ask what their first was and if you don’t write it down, you will definitely have to make it up). 

Mummy Pamper Pack

Most parents know very well that life never be the same again. And for mums, they know that their body won’t every truly be theirs again, either. Fill a pamper pack with her favourite things: books, candles, bubble bath, a miniature of her favourite tipple (one won’t hurt) and her favourite chocolate because, take our word for it, in a couple of years’ time, she isn’t going to get a look in on her own chocolate treats!

Fine Dining

Make the most of your last Mother’s Day as expectant parents, rather than actual parents, with an extravagant final hurrah. Go to a beautiful restaurant, take a trip away. This is your last opportunity to focus on the two of you for a while, so make sure that you enjoy every moment before your keenly waited arrival turns up and changes everything (for the better, we promise). 

Baby Shopping!

If you thought you had seen everything there was to see in the shopping world, you probably thought wrong. Having a child adds a whole new dimension to shopping and, no matter what your feelings normally are about retail therapy, you will probably love shopping for the newest member of your family. 

Buggies, clothes, toys, books, technology – there is so much out there, more innovations and cute designs than you ever dreamed of in your wildest imaginings! So, celebrate Mother’s Day with some baby-centric retail therapy and a decadent lunch, of course. 

Massage or Spa Day

As you prepare for the wonderful world of parenthood, the biggest adaptation, yet one that comes naturally to most parents, is the realisation that you won’t come first for at least the next 15 years. A massage or spa day is the perfect, indulgent treat where mum – or both- parents-to-be can relax and take care of themselves before they officially become parents. 

Families come in all shapes and sizes. The most important thing is that you love and cherish each other, and take time to show one another that you care.

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2020 Life Hacks: Some Genuinely Helpful New Year’s Resolutions

March 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Society is turning against the idea of the New Year’s resolution. What did you hear when you went back into the office after the holidays? Probably a lot of people claiming they either didn’t make resolutions or expected to break them soon.

There is still a benefit to resolutions though — they just need to be actually achievable and manageable. If you’re struggling to make a little change that improves your productivity, happiness and fulfillment take a look at our 2020 life hack new year’s resolutions. 

Be more sociable 

In the early months of the year, everyone is usually a bit sick of socializing. Winter can be a lonely season though, so it’s good to keep your relationships strong and try to build new friendships. Lots of people give up drinking or plunge themselves into their work as part of their resolutions, which can end up being isolating. 

Make a concerted effort to be more sociable in 2020. Join clubs for your hobbies so you can meet likeminded people. Start attending events on your own and force yourself to talk to new people who look friendly. It can be a daunting experience, but one that will genuinely help your confidence and social life in the long run. 

You don’t even need to be super-social so achieve this resolution. Rekindle relationships by inviting old friends over for dinner parties and Friday night get-togethers. There’s no need to do anything extravagant, you just keep yourselves entertained with a friendly game. Classic card games are incredibly easy to learn in their simplest form and don’t require much attention, so no arguing over the rules if things do get a bit heated!

Walk more

One of the easiest New Year’s resolutions to implement into your routine. Walking more requires minimal effort and thought, and best of all it’s free! You just need to get out of the house and start walking. Even the subtlest change in walking habits can improve your mindset and wellbeing massively. 

Rather than driving or getting the bus to work, wake up a little early and walk there. If you find yourself feeling down every morning on public transport, rid yourself of those routine blues with a walk every now and again. Feel like you don’t know anything about your town or city? Walking is a great way to get out there and find new places you wouldn’t have found otherwise, whether you’re new to the area or have lived there all your life. 

Walking can change you so much, from mindset to posture. Make this easily-implementable change and you’ll feel like you’ve found the cheat to life.

Shop second hand 

Sustainability is the hot new fashion trend. Buying online is yesterday’s style and a commitment to stop using fast fashion and only shopping second hand is one of the best resolutions you can make for yourself and the planet. 

Charity shops are a huge fashion life hack. So many people choose to give away their old clothes rather than throw them out that it’s easy to find gems out there. You’ll also feel a lot better for not shopping online.

Not only is there no guilt about the packaging or delivery, but nothing ever looks quite the same as it does online. You’re only going to end up being disappointed and returning it.

Wake up 15 minutes early

You can do a lot in 15 minutes. The idea of waking up early doesn’t sound like an exciting life change, but those extra minutes can change your whole day. Do those extra 15 minutes snoozing in bed actually make you feel better? Chances are, they don’t, they just break up your sleep pattern and make you more resentful when you drag yourself into the shower. 

An extra 15 minutes every morning gives you over an hour more of your week, and you can use that time however you want. No more rushing around after half an hour of smashing the snooze button. You can be productive, you can get creative, you can test your brain with puzzles or you can sit back and relax with a coffee. As long as you’re out of bed that’s the important thing. 

An easy state of mind change with practical results for your routine. Combine this with going to bed early for maximum results. 

You shouldn’t feel like your resolution is breathing down your neck, pressuring you to avoid the things you love to do. It should be a little background change with big results. Find the life hacks for your routine and build a better person off of them.

Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With:

Essential Tips for the Newbie Caravanner

March 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

So you have decided on your first caravan holiday? We can’t tell you enough, the amount of excitement lying ahead of you. Before the actual trip begins, another exciting part is the planning for the trip. The apprehension and preparation is a good boost to look forward to actual caravan holiday. 

A holiday with a towing caravan includes many factors like packing essentials, road safety, destination choice, and parking points, etc. However, don’t let it dampen your spirits. We have some essential tips for the newbie caravanner to have a great first caravan holiday.

  1. Make a list, and check it twice. You can never go wrong with a checklist. From kitchen to bathroom, bedroom, outdoors and everything else in between, there are some packing essentials which will let you off on a good start. Check our recommendations here and you will rarely miss a thing on the road.
  2. Check van health. Your caravan and vehicle readiness for the road is an essential part of caravanner preparedness. Lights, tyres and other tool kits like spare fuses, a set of battery leads, extension towing mirrors, and a strong tow-rope along with crisis dealing equipment should hold you in good stead.
  3. Get towing ready. Most new caravanners take time to adjust to twoing. Make sure you have all the basic manoeuvres under control. Parking, reversing, over-taking, etc. take some getting used to. Don’t panic if your caravan is swaying, lower the acceleration and loosen the steering a bit. Be aware of side-winds from larger vehicles and keep an eye on fuel consumption. Fellow caravanners will be happy to help with useful tips. 
  4. Practise a set-up routine. After a long time on the road towing for the first time, the last thing you want is a setting-up hassle. Remember, you are on a caravan holiday and stress should not be a part of it. Draw out a set-up routine starting with unhitching your caravan and parking your vehicle away. Steady your caravan and set up gas and water systems. Connect the power and check all appliances. You are now set to enjoy as a caravanner.
  5. Start early, start small. Take it easy on your maiden caravan trip. Remember, you are getting used to everything from driving a tow car, to setting-up and packing for a caravan holiday. Get an early start to avoid morning rush hour traffic, same goes for evening. 

Choose a less ambitious, nearby route. If you are within an hour’s drive from home, the return trip will be easier and shorter too. Familiarise yourself with the caravan’s system before venturing out.

There are numerous other things that are equally important, but as a newbie caravanner these essential basics should boost your confidence. For everything else, you can always rely on expert advice from the community and reliable caravan establishments like Camp Smart. Just remember to secure all drawers in the caravan before you accelerate!

Congratulations new caravanner, the great Australian outdoors is waiting to be explored. 

 

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Simple Ways To Show Your Guy You Care

March 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

You don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day to show you care and strengthen your your relationship. Besides special occasion gifts, there are things you can do anytime as a “just because I love you” gesture. Some of the tips below may be ideas that can make any day a special day for the man in your life.

Give a Gift of Service

Doing something special to let him know he still comes first is always a welcome gift. Have his automobile professionally detailed and washed as a surprise. Leave a sweet note in the visor or console. Speaking of notes, leave a dozen or so notes hidden around the house in places he will find them over time. This may include a drawer in his desk, his sock drawer, or even his side of the medicine cabinet. It may sound trite, but make him breakfast in bed – and do not forget to make enough for two. Chances are he will enjoy it twice as much if you share that time with him.

Give Him Something He Needs

When you give him something he has been needing, it shows you are paying attention to him and that you want him to be happy. This might include such things as the missing piece to his chess set, a book he has been looking for, or a special tool he needs for his hobby. If he is a sports enthusiast, you might consider a new duffle bag or the Luminox Men’s 3051.BO sports watch. He may also get excited about tickets to watch his favorite team play rather than tuning in on the television.

Give Him the Gift of Time

Take him out to your favorite restaurant, whether that is a fine dining establishment or a dive that makes the world’s best fries, what matters is that you both have some connection to it. The same goes for taking him to a concert by your favorite musicians. Try a group painting class where there is no pressure. Take a series of cooking classes or a culinary walking tour of the city. Pack a picnic for two and go fishing together, attend a flea market or street fair or take a walk along the river and feed the geese.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you want something that makes him happy and meets his interests. It will be all the more special because he will know you thought of him.

 

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Six Tips to Help Avoid Diabetic Foot Ulcers

March 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

When you are a diabetic, your blood sugar level is higher than it should be. This condition can cause complications to other parts of the body. The feet are the most prone to having other complications due to diabetes. Actually, diabetic foot ulcers are a leading cause of diabetic-related amputations. A small blister on the foot of somebody diabetic could result in another big problem that you could not imagine was as a result of the small blister. Luckily, such ulcers are preventable when you have diabetes and keep your feet safe as you strive to control your blood sugar levels. Below are some of these ways through which you can avoid diabetic foot ulcers.

Check Your Feet Every Day

Ideally, for people with diabetes, it may be hard for them to realize when there is pain on their feet due to the reduced sensitivity of the feet. For this reason, it is advisable to inspect your feet as often as possible. Look out for cracks, blisters, or cuts, among other signs of a wound. Touching the feet and lower legs will help you identify some of the unusual issues such as blisters on soles of feet, among other conditions that could need medical attention. Additionally, you could use a mirror or request help from somebody around. This way, it will be easier for you to seek medical help before it is too late.

Get The Right Shoes

The shoes that you wear have a big impact on the overall health of your feet. For this reason, if you have diabetes, you need to be more careful with the type of shoes that you wear. For instance, make sure that the shoes you have are tight enough to avoid rubbing on the skin, thus causing blisters. However, they should also be loose enough to avoid crowding the toes as this will also increase the risk. Consider going for shoes that are made for the fit, size, and shape of your feet to help ensure that your feet are comfortable. It is also paramount that your shoes have breathable fabrics. 

Prevent Feet Infection

Unlike the case of healthy people, an infection on your feet when you have diabetes could cause a lot of trouble for you. For this reason, you need to make sure that your feet are free from infections. Embrace tips that will help keep your feet safe. For instance, making sure that your feet are always clean. When cleaning the feet, use lukewarm water and not hot water as this could cause blisters. It is also important to ensure that your feet are always dry, especially between the toes. Prevent yourself from simple injuries by ensuring that you always have shoes or socks on your feet, thus preventing infections.  

Keep The Feet Hydrated

Typically, drying your feet is necessary to help keep them safe. However, when the feet are excessively dry, this could end up causing more harm than good. For instance, you could end up developing blisters on the feet. Use lotion to help ensure that your feet are moisturized. 

 

Eat Right

What you eat determines the overall health of your body. In the same way, when trying to avoid diabetics feet ulcers, then you need to watch what you are eating. In this case, you need to think more about the minerals and foods that help promote faster healing. Additionally, ensure that your meals are balanced diets that are high in legumes, lean proteins, and fiber as this will all help in building the body. Vitamins and minerals such as zinc, copper, and iron will also help in the growth of such body tissues. Therefore, strive to avoid the deficiency of such products to make healing faster.  

Get Regular Checkups

As mentioned above, a minor problem on the feet could result in another bigger and more complicated problem. Like in any other case, identifying the problem early enough will help increase the chances of solving it. Therefore, as much as you are also checking on your feet from time to time, it is advisable to get go for regular checkups. Additionally, contact your doctor in case you realize some signs such as redness on the feet, severe pain, pus coming out of the wound, among other signs. It will be easier for the doctor to advise on the right thing to do when they realize such problems early enough.

Foot ulcers are a common reason for diabetic patients to be in the hospital from time to time. For this reason, as you strive to control diabetes, pay more attention to the health of your feet. Above are some of these ways through which you can keep your feet free from ulcers and more so when you have diabetes. 

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Benefits of Ural Cranberry Supplements

March 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Cranberries are a popular everyday treat, especially during the holidays. However, did you know that these small, tart, bright-red berries have numerous health benefits thanks to the antioxidants they come with? Well, nowadays, you don’t have to eat cranberries every day to enjoy some of these health benefits since there are cranberry capsules that are formulated to give you a concentrated daily dose of cranberry. Also, you don’t have to go through a lot of trouble to get these capsules as they are available both over the counter at drugstores and can be purchased online as well. So, are you thinking of getting yourself a cranberry supplement and not sure if it’s worth it? The following benefits should help you make a better decision;

Prevention of urinary tract infections

Taking cranberry capsules can be the best solution to prevent recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs). One of the crucial compounds in cranberries is proanthocyanidins and is responsible for preventing E. coli from getting attached to the urethra and bladder lining. When the bacteria can’t stick to the tissues, it becomes hard to multiply and cause an infection as a result. According to several studies, taking cranberry capsules that contain 36 mg of proanthocyanidins daily for two months can reduce the frequency of getting a UTI significantly, especially among women. 

Contain powerful antioxidants

Cranberries and especially the high strength capsules are rich in antioxidants which prevent the body from damage caused by some free radicals. People continue to encounter chronic illnesses such as heart diseases and diabetes, and they are all linked to free radicals. Luckily, cranberries’ high levels of antioxidants can protect the body from significant damage comfortably. You would be surprised to find out that some cranberry compounds are way more effective than vitamin E, which is one of the most important antioxidants in the body for fighting free radicals. The high concentration of antioxidants in cranberry supplements has also made it possible to reduce markers of the body’s oxidative stress.

Prevention of stomach ulcers

Cranberry has several compounds, some of which can be used in eliminating H. pylori bacterial infections in the stomach. Once the bacteria are done away with, it means that it won’t temper with the stomach lining walls hence reducing the risk of stomach ulcers. Most people don’t realize the potential these cranberry capsules possess and end up struggling with conditions that could easily be solved.

Enhances healthier teeth and gums

Cranberry has some compounds that are used in the prevention of bacteria from getting attached to the urinary tract, as discussed earlier. However, the same compounds are quite useful in preventing bacteria from growing in the mouth as well. As such, they reduce the chances of getting cavities and gum disease.

Cranberries have many health benefits, and the above are just a few examples. The best thing is you can enjoy all these benefits without taking the berries every day, thanks to the cranberry capsules. What’s even better is that for most people, 1,500 mg per day is safe and won’t leave you with undesired side effects. So, if you are concerned about your health, especially with urinary tract issues, cranberry supplements can be your best solution. 

Filed Under: health Tagged With: ,

Planning A UK Break This Summer? Have A Read of This!

March 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Have you decided that this summer you’re going to spend some time exploring the UK? The great thing about the UK is the fact that there’s so much on offer to see and do, and so many amazing places to head to for a fun summer break. 

Whether you’ve got a couple of weeks free or even just a weekend, there are plenty of places and trip types on offer, it’s just a case of finding the right one for you and your family. 

If you’re thinking about exploring more of the UK this summer but aren’t sure where to head to and what to do while you’re there, have a read of the tips and ideas below!

Head to Cornwall 

Cornwall is one of the UK’s top holiday destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Picture this: beautiful beaches, huge waves perfect for surfing, lots of cute, quirky towns, and some fantastic restaurants to die for – many of which are child-friendly, not to mention several renowned art galleries and other fabulous attractions. Plus, there are some incredible accommodation options on offer, from hotels to caravan parks. To find the best caravan holidays in Cornwall or to source the perfect hotel, go online and take the time to do some research – there are some amazing places on offer. 

If you’re heading to Cornwall, some locations you don’t want to miss are: 

  • Lizard Point – home of an amazing lighthouse and lots of seals
  • Mousehole – the birthplace of the Mousehole Cat
  • Tintagel – the village with the healing waterfall
  • Padstow – renowned for its incredible fish and chips

Go to Devon 

Devon might be Cornwall’s rival county but it is also the home of the famous cream tea, in addition to an array of spectacular stretches of pristine coastline, some of the UK’s most breathtaking coastal pathways, and a number of impressive sights and attractions, from model villages and steam trains to theme parks and cathedrals. Devon is also home to some amazing accommodation options, from yurts set in the tranquil countryside to fancy hotels in the city. 

If you’re planning on visiting Devon, some locations you don’t want to miss include: the seaside towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe, Exeter cathedral and the city itself, the Seaton Trams, Overbecks Garden, and Killerton House. 

Visit Dorset 

Devon’s neighbour, Dorset, is another coastal county that’s a popular travel destination with visitors. What sets Dorset aside from other travel destinations is the fact that it is renowned as being the UK’s Jurassic county, with a number of beaches including Kimmeridge, where visitors can search for real fossils hidden in the rocks. 

If you’re thinking about visiting Dorset, some locations you don’t want to miss include: Swanage Bay, Corfe Castle (and the village), the Swanage Steam Railway, the lost village of Tyneham, Durdle Door, and Lulworth Castle. 

When it comes to travel, the UK has a wide number of fantastic destinations on offer and so many things to see and do.

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