6 Cruises with An Active Twist

February 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

For active people searching for the perfect getaway, these 6 cruises are sure to get your juices flowing.

Colorado River Cruise

The Colorado River might not sound like the place for a massive boat to cruise down and it’s not, but it is a perfect river to cruise on many types of rafts. There’s all sizes of boats in there ranging from small inner tubes to large rafts with many people on it. If you wanted to check out Canon City, rafting is one of the hottest activities to do while you are there. Explore the multitude of raft types before you jump into the beautiful river. 

Antarctica Basecamp Itinerary

I’ll start with my favourite. Antarctica is an alien landscape where icebergs the size of small cities dwarf your ship. The Basecamp itinerary has a particular focus on activities. During the cruise you’ll camp out on the ice for one night, go sea kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking and much more. You’ll see plenty of penguins, seals and whales along the way. If you want, you can also choose to do the ‘Polar Plunge’ and jump into the icy waters from your boat – cold but epic!

Galapagos Dive Cruise

The Galapagos Islands really need no introduction. The unique wildlife and landscapes make this archipelago completely captivating. Nothing can really prepare you for the close wildlife encounters. On almost every cruise itinerary you’ll swim with seals, sea turtles, sharks and marine iguanas. Special dive-focused cruises give passengers the chance to dive each day and also take regular snorkelling trips. This is a very active trip and you’ll be exhausted in your bed each night – well worth it though.

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

You can choose a standard cruise or expedition-style cruise in Alaska. Both have their pros and cons. But if you want to see bears, whales and eagles, you’re better off taking an expedition cruise. Amazing wildlife aside, Alaska is great for active people thanks to its numerous shore excursions. No matter which cruise ship you sail on, you’ll be given a plethora of options when ashore. You can choose anything from gold panning and white-water rafting, to dog sledding and glacier hiking! With so many choices in each port, Alaska cruises are perfect for both active families and couples.

Northwest Passage Cruise

Potentially one of the greatest expedition cruises on earth, the Northwest Passage is fabled among sailors. Because of thick ice, the passage has just recently opened up and can still only be traversed during August and September. Every day you’ll make shore landings to explore landscapes and local cultures. You’ll see polar bears and whales, meet native Inuit people and visit the remains of the lost Thule culture. Active people will relish the daily hikes and zodiac trips to explore new regions.

Carnival Cruises

I know Carnival do not offer expedition cruises, but they do offer a serious amount of active pursuits onboard their ships. If you’re looking for a cruise for the kids to enjoy then Carnival are an excellent option. Their ships are jam-packed with fun things like rock climbing, go-karting, surf pools, ice-rinks, and much more. Although you won’t leave the ship as often as you would an expedition cruise, with so many active options, the kids may not want to! They’re also well-priced and provide plenty of adult-focused entertainment also such as daily theatre shows and wine bars.

Amazon River Cruise

The Amazon is a mythical place of dangerous beasts, giant waterfalls and tales of discovery. The mightiest river on earth is a great option for active travellers who want to explore this region. In fact, taking a cruise is pretty much the only option people have of exploring deep into the region. Active people are best off taking a cruise in the dry season as you’ll take daily guided shore hikes to search for wildlife and learn more about the beautiful rainforest. In the wet season you’ll stay aboard the boat far more because the forest paths are all flooded. I seriously suggest taking a swim with the piranhas – most species don’t bite…   

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5 awesome Gifts a New Dad will love

February 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

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

Most new dads are always excited about their new role of parenting. However, the role can be accompanied by fatigue and lack of sleep. Without a proper support system, new dads can easily breakdown. That is why it is crucial for family and friends to shower new dads with gifts once in a while as a way to show them that they are valued. If you are not sure on the kind of gift to offer a friend or relative who just had a baby, then here is a list.

1. Baby carrier

Previously, it would be hard to find a man carrying a baby in a carrier. However, things have changed and it looks super cool to find a dad carrying a baby in a carrier and walking majestically in the mall. As you make a choice on the best carrier to purchase, ensure that it is classy for a man and that it is sturdy enough to offer proper back support. Of course, you don’t want the new dad to start complaining of backaches. The colors should also be neutral so that the dad feels comfortable using it.

2. A Parenting Guide Book

You may think that a new dad has it all together but he is just acting strong. Most likely he does not have a clue about what to do with the baby or even how to support the mother. A book with loads of information regarding babies would be helpful. It should be comprehensive such that he can refer to it whenever he has doubts about anything. It will encourage and also teach the new dad ways of being a supportive husband and a loving dad.

3. Matching T-shirts

A t-shirt with some cool writings such as ‘papa bear’ and ‘baby bear’ would be appreciated by the new dad. Ever stared at a dad carrying a baby along the streets and they are both wearing matching clothes? It is cool, right? If you feel the mom will feel left out, then you can also include one for her. The whole family can get involved with this cool trend – grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, the possibilities are endless! I recently got matching outfits for my niece aged 6 and myself – kids of all ages love matching with a beloved family member!

4. A camera

There is nothing as memorable as having photos and videos of your small baby because it is impossible to go back in time once they are all grown up. Imagine presenting a gift of their childhood photos to your son or daughter when they turn 18 years old – it would be a gift they will treasure forever. A new dad would appreciate a camera so that he can capture memories of his small baby. Besides, most men love cameras and they might end up adopting photography as a new hobby.

5. Baby Stroller

These days it is not only moms who are expected to take babies for a walk. At times the mother needs a break so that she can relax. A stroller would come in handy because even babies calm down when they are taken outside for some sunbathing. Just as it feels good to go out for a walk when you feel stressed, it is the same effect for a small baby who has been crying for the better part of the day. If you are not sure which new gift to offer the newest dad in town, then a stroller would be a good bet.

Conclusion

New dads can feel awkward the first few months before they fully adopt their new roles. As a supportive friend or relative, you can help make them feel better with a great gift. A gift would be appreciated because it reminds them that someone, somewhere cares. Some of the best new gift ideas include a baby stroller, a baby carrier, matching t-shirts, a parenting guide book, and a camera.

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5 Things You May Not Know About American Ginseng

February 2, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Before moving towards the facts about the American Ginseng, let’s first put some light on what is Ginseng and what’s all the hype about?

 

We all have heard and seen different herbs that are used to cure different diseases and medical conditions. Now, ginseng is also a herb but what makes it so special is the fact that it’s a cure to all diseases. Yes, you read it right, ginseng also known as “Panax” is a cure for almost all the medical conditions in the world. Whether it’s Alzheimer’s or premature ejaculation or any other disease, ginseng will fix it all for you. It’s just that you need to make sure that you are buying ginseng from the right place like this company.

 

For those who don’t know about it, there are two types of ginseng present in the world. One is the American ginseng (the one we will talk about), and the other type is known as the Korean Ginseng. Both these types belong to the same family but when it comes to nature and properties, well, they are quite different from one another. The Korean ginseng helps fight diabetes and it helps prevent inflammation etc. In other words, you can say that the Korean ginseng comes with invigorating effects, but on the other hand, the American ginseng is used as a relaxing agent.

 

Things You Need To Know About The American Ginseng

 

1- 6 Million Americans Use The American Ginseng

There was a time when the American ginseng was more popular in the Asian countries but now things are changing, and it’s becoming more and more popular in America and in Europe too. A study shows that right now almost 6 million American people are using ginseng for their health.

 

2- The Roots Of This Ginseng Grow On Virgin Soil

Virgin soil means that the soil used to grow the American ginseng can only be used once for the growth. Other crops can be grown on that land like potatoes and corns etc but you cannot grow the American ginseng again on the same land.

 

3- The American Ginseng takes 3 Years To Grow

Snowstorms and pests aren’t good for the growth of American ginseng, and this is the reason why it takes 3 to 5 years to grow this plant. You cannot even grow this ginseng for more than a specific period of time otherwise the rest of the crops get damaged. This is the main reason why American ginseng is also considered a valuable gift in a lot of areas of the world.

 

4- The American Ginseng is mostly not grown in the US

Most of the American ginseng is grown in Canada and China but if you want the genuine and the best American ginseng then know that it’s grown in Wisconsin. But again there is only 15% of the actual American ginseng that’s grown in Wisconsin so you might be hard for you to find it around you.

 

5- American Ginseng is used as a relaxing agent

American ginseng is cooler in nature and that makes it a perfect relaxing agent. A lot of people in the world use this ginseng to fight the stress in their daily life. Also, American ginseng is great for healing wounds too.

 

Conclusion

These are some of the act that you may not know about the American ginseng. So, if you really do find it useful then don’t wait for any further and start using ginseng every day. You can take it in the form of a capsule, you can use the roots directly, and you can even make a tea out of the American ginseng root.

 

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RUMI’S JHAL GOSHT (BEEF OR LAMB CURRY)

January 31, 2019 by 2 Comments
home made indian food
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
Curry spices (see below)
1 1/2 pounds lamb or beef stew meat
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (stems and leaves)
CURRY INGREDIENTS
1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (depending on heat tolerance)
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (seed and devein pepper to moderate heat)
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon each kosher salt and sugar
2 bay leaves
2 to 3 green or black cardamom pods, cracked open
1 cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
METHOD
1. Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium heat; add onion and sauté until translucent to light brown. Add curry spices and stir well. Let spices cook, then add water sparingly to avoid sticking or burning—no more than 1 tablespoon at a time–throughout the cooking process, 6 to 8 minutes to develop flavor.
2. Add meat, stirring well to distribute; cook over medium to high heat until well seared.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add yogurt, tomato paste, and cilantro.
4. Cover and continue to braise for 40 to 50 minutes, until meat is tender.
5. Remove cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods.
TRY THIS: Substitute 1 whole chicken cut into generous pieces; braise until golden brown, then cook for 30 minutes.
Recipe and photo with permission from The Urban Forager: Culinary Exploring & Cooking on L.A.’s Eastside
By Elisa Callow Photographs by Ann Elliott Cutting
Prospect Park Books/March 2019
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Animal Cruelty Month: 6 Things You Can Do to Prevent Animal Cruelty

January 31, 2019 by Leave a Comment
In recognition of Animal Cruelty Month this April, canine authority Jeffrey Scott Franklin, owner and operator of Cobra Canine, is sharing six ways to prevent animal cruelty. Please consider quoting his tips in any upcoming stories. Franklin is also available for interviews and bylines for any dog behavior or health/wellness related topic, including ways to prevent animal cruelty.
6 Things You Can Do to Prevent Animal Cruelty
1. Don’t get a pet as a toy or an impulse decision. The people who aren’t up for the 8 to 15-year commitment of responsibility (financially, physically and emotionally) are often times the ones who end up sending their pet to a shelter or simply not caring for the pet as is required. Pets need food, shelter, regular baths and nail clippings, vet checks, vaccines and in their lifetimes some sort of vet care or geriatric care may become necessary. Be prepared for these and this will make sure animals aren’t neglected.
2. If you don’t know much about dogs (or any specific animal in question), don’t breed them.  Let experts do the breeding work. Enjoy your pet to his or her fullest- without adding more animals that may or may not end up in great homes. While we aren’t advocates of spaying or neutering until at least two years of age, we do believe in being responsible if your pet is around other animals.
3. Volunteer at an animal shelter. If you feel the need to have a fuzzy pet friend, but not a lot of time- donate your time and energy to a local shelter. Go walk a few dogs and pet some animals that need some love and attention. There are never enough volunteers at these places.
4. Keep them warm and cozy. Donate extra blankets and care items you may already have in your home to local shelters.
5. Report suspicious activity. If you see animals that are maltreated, mistreated or neglected- report it.  You won’t get backlash for this from the authorities- but you very well may save an animal’s life in the process.  If we keep our eyes and ears open, animals have a much better chance at having a good life or potentially, a great life and a second chance.
6. Adopt or donate money to shelters. We have found many strays over the years, and helped them medically, given them training, and found them loving homes.  If you see an animal that needs some TLC, or a home- help as you are able.
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The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Fresno

January 31, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Whether you plan to visit or have just moved to Fresno and want to start exploring, California’s fifth largest city just behind San Francisco with a population of around 520,000, offers lots of options, but these are arguably the first you should check off your must-see and -do list.

 

Forestier Underground Gardens

 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Forestiere Underground Gardens offers a unique view of ancient Roman architecture along with a variety of trees, vines and shrubs, some of which are nearly a century old. Built over 40 years by Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere, visitors walk through underground passages and rooms for a glimpse of the Mediterranean in the heart of California.

 

Fresno Art Museum

 

Established in 1940, this small but impressive museum offers a wide range of exhibits with works from nearly every culture and location around the world, from Peru and Mexico to the Punjab region of India. It also hosts artist talks, workshops and educational programs.

 

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

 

Popular with all ages, Fresno’s zoo is home to nearly 200 species of animals, about half of which are part of the Species Survival Plan that focuses on protecting and breeding rare creatures. Some of the highlights include the African Adventure in which visitors can view giraffes, elephants and cheetahs, a petting zoo and Stingray Bay which offers the chance to touch and feed stingrays.

 

Woodward Park

 

A wonderful place for a stroll, Woodward Park is a sanctuary in the city which hosts an authentic Japanese Garden with over 100 bonsai plants and a tea house, an expansive bird park, walking trail, picnic and activity areas.

 

Meux Home Museum

 

This museum sits inside a grand Victorian home which brings the history of Fresno to life. It’s worth a visit to see the exterior alone, but you’ll discover many treasures inside as well.

 

Kearney Mansion Museum

 

Another great way to explore Fresno’s history, the 1903 Kearny Mansion is one of Fresno’s most important historical sites, made up of two buildings, a main residence and adjoining servants’ quarters, built at the bequest of M. Theo Kearney, one of California’s agricultural pioneers, referred to as the “Raisin King.” The home still contains half of its original furnishings, including the wallpaper and art nouveau light fixtures, while replicas help to create the full picture of the period.

 

Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre

 

Enjoy dinner and a show at this long-time dinner theater, opened four decades ago featuring popular productions like Guys & Dolls, The Sound of Music and Footloose, with an award-winning chef preparing an especially mouthwatering menu to go along with the entertainment.

 

The Historic Warnors Theatre

 

The historic Warnors Theatre opened its doors back in 1928. Known for its historic pipe organ installed the year it opened, it features a variety of musicals, children’s shows, movies and comedy performances.

 

Vineyard Farmers Market

 

This nearly 40-year-old market offers locally-grown fruits and vegetables on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, along with fresh, local honey and a wide range of treats from prepared food vendors, including lots of baked goods made from organic and/or locally-sourced ingredients.

 

Downtown Fresno

 

Just taking a walk through sunny downtown Fresno is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, with its historical buildings like the Bank of Italy Building and the Fresno Water Tower, along with impressive public art spread throughout.

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Enjoyable Cold Weather Attractions in Niagara Falls

January 31, 2019 by Leave a Comment

naiagara falls at night

Home to one of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is a famously busy tourist destination throughout the summer months. With half of the iconic falls in upstate New York and the other half in Canada, the area receives its fair share of snow and cold temperatures throughout the winter. However, as any Niagara native can attest, the onset of winter doesn’t mean the area goes into hibernation. No matter the time of year, travelers are sure to find a wide range of fun-filled attractions when visiting Niagara Falls.

Winter Festival of Lights

No one visiting Niagara Falls during the winter months can afford to miss the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights. A historic tradition dating back to the early 1900s, the Festival of Lights entails picturesque winter-themed lighting displays being placed all around the city. These displays grow more impressive by the year and ensure that anyone walking through key areas of Niagara Falls at nighttime is able to enjoy a fantastic show. The Festival of Lights lasts from November 3rd to January 31st, making it the perfect attraction for holiday travelers.  

Niagara Icewine Festival

Wine connoisseurs won’t want to miss out on the Niagara Icewine Festival. Lasting from January 11th to January 27th, the Icewine Festival provides attendees with a prime opportunity to sample an assortment of delicious wines from the Niagara region’s world-renowned wineries. Of course, this isn’t to say that this festival only caters to wine lovers. In addition to showcasing a bevy of fine wines, the Icewine Festival also provides guests with world-class local cuisine and quality entertainment. Couples looking for the perfect weekend excursion are sure to have a ball.  

Icebreakers Comedy Festival

Anyone looking to have their funny bone tickled should pay a visit to the Icebreakers Comedy Festival. Now entering its sixth year, this festival lasts from January 23rd to January 26th and is the largest comedy festival in the region. The organizers pride themselves on booking the hottest talent in Canada, so anyone who shows up can rest assured that they’re in for a good time. Additionally, since the Icebreakers Comedy Festival is considered part of the Niagara Icewine Festival, travelers who show up for one can easily attend the other.

Nightmares Fear Factory

Travelers who love a good scare will want to test their mettle at Nightmares Fear Factory. Regarded as one of the most frightening haunted houses in the world, Nightmares Fear Factory truly lives up to its reputation. Featuring a bone-chilling backstory and a plethora of intricate rooms to explore, this attraction will leave you screaming long after you’ve left. Over 155,000 visitors have been unable to make it all the way through without chickening out, so if you’re among the brave souls able to make it to the end, you’ll have earned your haunted house bona fides. Nightmares Fear Factory also offers convenient group discounts, making it the perfect attraction for large parties.    

Journey Behind the Falls

No Niagara Falls vacation is complete without an up-close look at the iconic falls. Although many boat tours take the winter off, Journey Behind the Falls is open year-round. One of Niagara’s most popular walking tours, Journey provides travelers with the chance to see the falls from behind and below. After visitors have descended 150 feet via an elevator, they can make their way through two portals located right behind the falls. Throughout this walking tour, guests will find an informative assortment of falls-related facts posted on the walls and have ample opportunities to appreciate the visual marvel that is Niagara Falls. At the end of the tour, guests are granted access to two observation decks located at the foot of the falls. However, during the winter months, the lower deck is often closed due to icy conditions.   

It’s easy to see why many travelers regard Niagara Falls as a warm weather destination. After all, it’s split between two areas that are known for famously frigid winters. However, unbeknownst to many wintertime vacationers, Niagara Falls is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year. Whether you’re traveling solo, looking for a romantic getaway, or on the hunt for a fun-filled family destination, Niagara Falls has something for everyone. The next time you’re bitten by the wintertime travel bug, chart a course for Niagara.   

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What to do When Injured on Vacation

January 29, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Not that the holidays are over, and the Super Bowl is right around the corner it can only mean one thing – the dark days of winter are. For many people, this means planning a holiday in the sun, maybe to an amazing beach or just to some place where you don’t need to wear an extra 10 pounds of clothing just to go outside.

 

However, one thing that should be on every travelers’ mind is what to do when injured on vacation. While everyone would think of this, the reality is that even experienced travelers often fail to get the appropriate insurance when heading away from home. This can lead to further complications, both financial and emotional, and with that in mind here are some tips on how to handle such a situation.

 

Before we get started, you should always consider getting a travel insurance policy. Most are inexpensive, and the additional coverage will help to fill the gaps in your current insurance. In addition, many health insurance policies don’t travel across state lines, so having the extra protection could help you and your family in the long run.

 

Emergency Contacts

 

Again, this is something that everyone should have in order before they travel but most people don’t.  The good news is that this is an easy fix as all you need to do is put together a list of emergency contacts and then keep it on your phone – by the way, having a laminated list of the contacts in your wallet isn’t a bad idea either.

 

Along with having a list of emergency contacts, you should also think about sharing your itinerary with your contact. This way they know where you are supposed to be and when you are supposed to be there.

 

Another thing you might want to do is have a master list of secondary contacts. This will include your insurance company, doctor, and maybe even a lawyer – especially one who specializes in personal injury law.  

 

According to Tony Seaton from the Law Offices of Seaton & Bates, PLLC, “most people just really want to get back to the life they had before their injuries and getting there is a process that requires access to proper medical care and financial resources that can help support you on that path”  As such, having the contact details of a lawyer you trust nearby will help to ensure if there is an emergency that you are getting the support you need.

 

Contingency Planning

 

Granted, there is only so much you can do but when it comes to an extended holiday, you should have a plan in place for what to do if something untoward happens.  This could be anything as mundane as losing your wallet – it happens – to having extra medicine with you in case you come down with a stomach bug or something along those lines.

 

In addition, you might want to bring along extra medicine if there is something critical that you need to manage.  This is especially true when traveling overseas as you might not have a good idea where to get refills, etc.

 

Beyond this, you may want to consider what medical facilities are available where you are traveling and even how you would get treatment if you were in a remote area.  While it might seem that this sort of preplanning is unnecessary, but you do need to consider that you are traveling to a location where you don’t know the doctors or other available services. As such it is better to know how to get the healthcare you need than to wait until the last minute.

 

Getting Home

 

We might take this for granted but in some cases getting home after being injured on vacation can be a massive logistical exercise.  This could be due to several factors, including your ability to travel and what medical support you need during your journey.

 

Unfortunately, this is often overlooked when people are trying to deal with an injury away from home. While this makes sense, at some point you will want to map out how you can get back to your friends and family.  

 

Depending on the nature of your injury, it might also mean that you won’t be in a condition to make the plans yourself. As such, a best practice is that you assign one of your contacts as the responsible party in case you are incapacitated.  Doing so will probably mean setting up a limited power of attorney and making sure your living will is in order.

 

It doesn’t matter if you are traveling for work or for pleasure, you will want to follow these best practices to make sure that you will be in looked after when faced with a medical emergency on vacation.

 

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