Weekend Wandering: 3 Ways You Can Have Fun with a Drone Over the Weekend

April 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Drones are skyrocketing in popularity as one of coolest technological toys available. There is increasing variety in sizes, types and features, reaching an even larger market. Dronenthusiast is one great resource with extensive information about selecting and operating your ideal drone.

Once you’ve awed at its functionality, you may wonder what else to do with your new gadget. People have made use of these impressive little flyers in all sorts of applications, from work to pleasure. Here are three fun ideas you can try over the weekend.

Create a Video Montage

 

This can really unleash your creative side. You have probably seen some of the amazing footage that is already being captured with these wonderful devices. It’s time to add your personal touch. You can get some great drone video with or without much planning. If you want to embark on a more elaborate project, draw up a storyboard and orchestrate specific shots with a truly unique point of view. If you want to save great memories in a new and entertaining format, bring your drone to the weekend get together or sports match. Ask people to get involved, recording their own messages as the drone flies by to make it more interactive and personal. Drone videography is a developing art and there are plenty of useful tips available online to help you master your technique.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing

 

This is a great weekend activity for nature lovers with drones. Anyone who enjoys hiking, birdwatching and wildlife knows that it is very difficult to even catch a glimpse of most animals before they are alerted to your presence. The stealthy drone doesn’t draw too much attention, making it a perfect tool for peeking in on rarely seen animal behavior. You can travel to your favorite nature area and launch your drone to survey the surrounding woods. The height affords amazing views of the landscape and the treetops, along with a wonderful new perspective on birds in their most natural environment. You may even come across hard-to-spot animals who would have otherwise fled at the sound of your footsteps. Add your incredible shots to the growing number of Internet-famous drone wildlife footage taken by hobbyists just like yourself.

Play Games

 

Imagination is really the only limit to the games you can play with drones. You can arrange any number of competitive or noncompetitive activities for all ages. Consider launching drone races to see who can outrun or outmaneuver the sprightly flying machine. You may want to add some attachments or assemble your own to practice delivering different objects with your drone, perhaps turning this into a high tech version of the infamous Claw arcade game. Incorporate the drone’s camera to stage a treasure hunt with a twist, using clues and video feed from your drone to seek out hidden items. The possibilities are endless.

Drones are fascinating, fun, and versatile. You can find a place for drones in any of your most-loved weekend adventures. Gather with your friends and family to brainstorm the next big thing in creative ideas for your drone.

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The Five Best Self-Led Bike Tours in NYC

April 12, 2018 by 1 Comment

New York City is the largest city in North America in terms of both population and land area. As such, it’s no wonder that tourists rarely get a chance to see everything on their wish list during their stay in the Big Apple. Most citizens have yet to see it all.

 

Taking a self-led bike tour allows tourists to see the city on their own time while avoiding the often confusing subway routes and expensive cab fares. So reserve an affordable rental bike from Blazing Saddles, grab a map, and check out these five iconic areas for a self-led tour.

 

Brooklyn Bridge

 

Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. It’s unique Gothic architecture, and hybrid design of cable-stayed and suspension style bridges make it wondrous to behold before you consider the view from the East River. Crossing the 1,500-foot bridge by bicycle gives you a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Cycling across the bridge at sunset will only enhance the view but is also, unfortunately, the busiest time for tourists.

 

The Hudson River Greenway

 

If you like the idea of seeing the city while avoiding the infamous traffic jams and honking yellow cabs, the Hudson River Greenway offers an enjoyable way to do so. Along this path, you can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the 9/11 Memorial site, Battery Park, the Hudson River, and the Intrepid Air and Space Museum.

 

This option is perfect for those who wish to see the various tourist attractions without diving too deep into each experience. If you choose to take a separate tour through one of the sites, be sure to secure your bike accordingly.

Central Park

 

You could easily spend a day or two touring through Central Park alone. Riding a bicycle is undoubtedly the most effective way to travel through the expansive green space while taking in the hidden gems of the park. Be sure to ride through The Mall, an iconic lane seen in numerous films and television shows, and stop by the carousel and Alice in Wonderland statue.

 

If possible, save this trip for a nice day, so you get to enjoy the park in its entirety. Bike rentals often come with a back rack on which you can secure a picnic to enjoy by the lake or on the Great Lawn, a 55-acre field that sits at the heart of Central Park.

 

Ocean Parkway

 

While the Ocean Parkway bike path isn’t the most glamorous tour option, it is one of the most historically significant bike paths in the world. Originally built in the 19th century to separate cyclists from foot traffic, this path is the safest way to bike from Brooklyn to Coney Island. Coney Island is a huge attraction in the summer months for tourists and New Yorkers alike.

 

Coney Island is home to a public beach, theme park, the New York Aquarium and a museum full of weird and wonderful exhibits. In the summer, visitors swarm to Coney Island for the Mermaid Parade. Cycling is a quick way to get around and see everything.

 

Bike the Boroughs

 

If you’re an avid cyclist or just want to be able to say you came, you saw, you conquered, try biking the five boroughs. This journey could be as much as forty miles or longer, depending on the routes you take, but will offer you experiences in each unique borough of New York City.

 

Before you go, you’ll want to make sure you have the route mapped out and know that it is safe to cycle in that area. Create your route so that you pass by many of your bucket list items as you travel. Also, make sure you have a hotel with a hot tub to soak in after! New York may be the city that never sleeps, but you’re sure to rest well after this journey.

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5 Reasons why you should stay in a farmhouse on your next vacation

April 12, 2018 by 1 Comment

It’s very rare to hear of people renting or staying in farmhouses for their vacations. Resorts and hotels are most preferable but after reading this, you might change your mind.

  1. New experience

Beaches, mountains, and resorts are the common go to when planning your vacation but too much of something is poisonous. In an attempt to avoid that monotony, plan a vacation in a farmhouse where you will be surrounded by the peaceful nature. This experience kills two birds with one stone where they will also learn how to work on a farm

  1. The domesticated animals

In a farmhouse, you find a variety of animals from cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and horses. Are you rarely exposed to these animals as you are used to game drives looking at wildlife from a distance? In a farm for example in a family setting, your child will be able to come into contact with the animals; touching them and helping feed them.

It is also more peaceful as compared to the normal go-to spots such as an arcade where you cannot even hear yourself due to the norm of accepting the noise as part of the experience.

  1. Availability of local food

Restaurants usually value quality over quantity; therefore, you barely get full. In a farmhouse, you have fresh foods at your disposal, fresh milk and at times even fresh cheese. Most of the foodstuff is fresh. Experiencing fresh food on a daily cooked with love should be enough to start convincing you to stay on a farm while vacationing in Gozo.

  1. Seclusion

The seclusion from the urban Gozo town is a breath of fresh air. Some time spent away from the urban areas is just what you need to reset your mind. Going to a farmhouse and enjoying the countryside view and peace of mind is a very good idea for a vacation. Getting in touch with nature by helping in the farm planting and harvesting vegetables and fruits, milking the cows and picking eggs in the morning when the hens lay them sounds like an experience of a lifetime especially if you live in the city.

  1. Adventure

For those who love the outdoors, this may be the change of scenery you need. There are very many opportunity spots for you to take long walks or hikes enjoying the scenery. Some of the traditional farmhouses are located near national parks; therefore, you get to experience both wild and tamed animals.

Farmhouses in Gozo offer such tranquillity and being able to stay none may be an experience of a lifetime because the beaches are still close by too for you to enjoy that view. Book your trip now to visit Gozo; enjoy the variety of renovated century-old village, traditional and modern farmhouses.

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The Virtuali-Tee from Curiscope

April 3, 2018 by Leave a Comment

X-Ray Vision that Inspires with Virtual Reality

Do you think your little scientist wants to know more about how the human body works? The Virtuali-Tee from Curiscope is an amazing way to engage their interest. Basically this enhanced t-shirt works with a free app to give an animated 3D look inside the human body. Yes, with just the camera function on your phone or tablet you can have an immersive educational experience.

You may be familiar with Curiscope, known for their virtual reality experiences like Great White Sharks. Now they have brought a new level of education to apparel. This new product is exactly what they say, an “anatomical adventure”. Understanding our bodies and anatomy is often something we see separate from ourselves in books or images. By bringing this to kids in a 3D vision that touches their own skin it makes the information a reality beyond the virtual.

Kids can watch their heart pumping then go deeper to learn about the parts of the heart and how it functions in the body. Turn the camera to selfie mode and let the games begin, because that is what this app feels like. In function the t-shirt is 100% cotton and most importantly machine washable. Education and function that keeps the floor clear, since this is not another large toy to trip over.

The Virtuali-Tee from Curiscope is an opportunity to share and experience virtual reality and learning as a family. Who couldn’t use a refresher. Can you say which side of the body your liver is on? I plead the fifth…

It is time to get learning with the Virtuali-Tee. If you want to find out more about this and other items check out more details on the Curiscope website Curiscope.com or on their Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – YouTube

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How to Make Your Own Natural Face Masks

April 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

Buying quality skin care products is expensive. Many popular brands contain unwanted chemical additives and preservatives. This may motivate you to look for at-home alternatives to these products.

If you have a little time and only a few ingredients, you can make face masks at home. These do-it-yourself masks are easy and fun to make, and their benefits to your skin rival those of the most expensive commercial masks. Try some of our easy recipes and see the benefits first hand.

Before using any of these masks, it is best to wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser. This allows the mask to penetrate into your pores. After using the masks, rinse your face clean with lukewarm water. Then rinse it with cool water. This closes your pores. Gently pat your face and neck dry.

  1. Banana Facial Mask

To make a banana facial mask, the easiest way is to simply mash up a ripe banana and apply it to your face. This mask is smoothing and moisturizing, providing a fresh faced glow.

If you have a few more ingredients around the house, try mixing a little plain yogurt and honey into your mask. The yogurt adds moisturizing power and the honey naturally fights acne.

  1. Strawberry Mask

Another fresh, seasonal ingredient to mix into your DIY facial mask is the strawberry. Strawberries are naturally very high in Vitamin C. They also contain several beneficial fruit acids to combat skin aging and soothe acne prone skin. Salicylic acid, an ingredient in many over-the-counter acne products, is present in the strawberry.

This exfoliating mask will brighten your skin. Mix a few mashed strawberries with a little lemon juice. Apply gently to your face and neck. After 15 minutes, rinse the mask from your face. This mask works even better if used after exfoliating the skin with a natural scrub such as brown sugar and honey.

  1. Oatmeal Facial Masks

Oatmeal is a proven moisturizing ingredient that soothes the skin. It is used in many commercial lotions and bath products, especially for those with dry, itchy skin. See the benefits of oatmeal for yourself by trying one of these facial masks.

In a blender or food processor, puree a small amount of whole rolled oats with a little milk until the mixture has a soft texture. You can also use cream if your skin is severely dry. Gently smooth this mixture over your face and let it sit for 20 minutes.

For oily skin, mix oatmeal, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is an astringent which gently dries the skin and also combats bacteria without being too harsh. The oatmeal will absorb excess oil from your skin.

Let 3 tablespoons of oatmeal soak for a few minutes in ¼ cup hot water. Then add a teaspoon of honey. Blend these ingredients together. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. When the mixture has cooled a bit, gently smooth it over your face and neck. Let it sit for 20 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

  1. Avocado Masks

Another superfood ingredient that is great for your skin is avocado. Avocado contains high levels of oleic acid, a plant acid that helps your skin retain moisture. Avocado is also a source of antioxidants and Vitamin C. The plant oils in avocado keep your skin soft and supple.

For a moisturizing mask, mix ½ of a mashed ripe avocado with a little plain Greek yogurt. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to make the mask even richer for your skin. Blend well and let it sit on your face for 15 minutes.

Avocado also goes well with oatmeal in another moisturizing mask. Mix ½ cup of mashed ripe avocado with ½ cup of oatmeal. Blend the mixture well and apply to your face and neck.

With only a few simple ingredients from your pantry and from the produce section, you can make easy DIY facial masks for any skin type. Try some of these recipes today and see the benefits for yourself. Alternatively, you can be creative and mix some of these recipes together for your own special touch.

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3 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe Outdoors

March 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Dog’s are truly man’s best friend and if you have kids then he becomes their best friend as well. We do everything we can to keep our dogs healthy, happy, and safe, just as we do our children. However, pets, of course, aren’t always inside of your home. You have to let them out, take them for walks, and let them get the exercise they need. Unfortunately, there are many hidden dangers lurking out there to harm your pooch. With that in mind, read on below for a few of the top ways you can keep your dog safe when he’s outside, whether he’s with you or just running around the fenced in the backyard alone.

Safe From Getting Stolen 

No dog is safe from being stolen. Whether you have a hunting dog, a Pit Bull, or a mixed breed, there is no guarantee that someone isn’t going to see your pet at the dog park or in the backyard and decide they would like to have that pet for their very own. This is where a dog GPS comes in handy for dog owners. GPS dog tracking collars can help you track down your lost pet, whether you are hunting for cougars in the mountains or simply letting him loose in the backyard. Such a device would also serve to help track down dogs who have managed to escape the backyard, which might end up being a more likely scenario than Fido being dognapped.

Safe When Walking 

Let’s face it, no matter how much your dog loves you, if they see a squirrel in the trees at the dog park or a cat across the street at home, they are apt to run off and not come back no matter how much you call them. Having your dog on a dog leash when you’re outside is the best way to ensure they don’t get away from you and become lost. There are many different kinds of dog leashes and harnesses out there to choose from, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs for the size of your pet.

Safe Around the Campfire

Dogs are forever children and if they are curious about something, then they are going to sniff around it to find out how it ticks. This can lead to a heap of trouble when it comes to being around a campfire. Not only can it lead to your pet being hurt, it can also lead to your house or campsite burning down as well. The best way to protect your pet from a campfire is by always extinguishing open flames, making sure that young puppies and kittens are kept away from the campfire at all times, and pet proof the area you’re in for fire hazards.

These are just a couple of the ways that you can keep your dog safe when they are outside. Whether it’s a GPS to keep them from being stolen or a well-rounded plan to keep your pet away from your open campfire, we all love our pets and we all do everything we can to protect them from harm.

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5 Important things you should know about going to college away from home

March 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

You are now on your own and you have the freedom you have always craved. Your parents are not around to supervise you. You can do whatever you want. If utilized well, this is the right opportunity for you to grow and be independent, make your own decisions and mature as an adult.

However, if you are not careful, it is a time that can pave way for misbehavior, which may end up ruining your life.

As you go to college away from home, here are important things you should know.

  1. You become more independent

While you are away from home, you will end up managing some of the issues that your parents managed for you.

You will need to know your way around the place and look for the resources that you will need. You will make decisions on your own and be responsible for them. As you take adult responsibilities and be independent, you will grow and mature, something that you may not have done if you went to college near your home.

  1. You will get homesick

Chances are high that you will miss home once you are away. This is because you have left home and all that you have known and moved to a new place. You may not adjust right away to the new life and you may not make friends immediately.

  1. There is peer pressure

In college, you will be in the company of your age mates, and as it is, it comes with peer pressure. If your peers on campus are into alcohol and substance abuse, there is a high chance that will end up taking to the vice.

The best thing is to avoid peer pressure and substance abuse. Although there is rehab centers colorado that can provide treatment for substance abuse, it is advisable that you avoid alcohol and drug abuse.

  1. It is costly

You will incur traveling and shipping costs when going to college away from home. You will be required to pay for traveling expenses every time you go to and from college. You will incur shipping costs for your belongings to the college or alternatively, you will buy new things. You would not incur these additional costs if you were to go to a college near home.

  1. You will get exposure to new things and a fresh start

You will get the chance to live in a new area where you may find different cultures and lifestyles. You will experience life in a different setup. For instance, if you are from the city, you can go to a college in a rural setup and experience the differences.

When you are in college far away from home, you can get the chance to start afresh. Nobody knows you here and no one knows your past mistakes. You can get new friends, start a new lifestyle, and try new activities. You can use this time to change for the better.

However, it would be challenging to change if you went to a college near home. In addition, you do not get exposure to new lifestyles and culture.

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5 Effective Ways To Increase Value Of Your Old House

March 28, 2018 by 1 Comment

The housing market can be quite tricky. Even the smallest things can have an impact on the overall value of your home. Your house is an investment. You must be willing to put in money if you expect to get the best deal for it. There’s so much you can do to spruce up the look of your home, but the trick lies in knowing what investments will bring back high returns. If you are looking to increase the value of your old house, the following five tips will help you get there with ease.

1. Upgrade your Kitchen and bathroom

Any expert worth their salt will tell you the kitchen should be the first room to consider for an upgrade. It is the heart of every home, and families will spend a lot of their time here. You can start by replacing your old appliances with new stainless steel ones.

Even tiny details such as replacing your sink or even using shiny knobs for your cabinet doors can have a great impact on your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal. You can add some upgrade technology aplience in your kitchen such , microwave oven, food vacuum sealer and so on. You may explore more than 15+ Best Vacuum Sealer Reviews and Buyer Guide at Vacuum Mania

Your bathroom should come a close second in the order of importance. Invest in new tiles and proper lighting. If you can’t afford to replace the tub, you can always re-glaze it to save money. Remember the more bathrooms you have, the better. So if the space allows you to add an extra one, by all means, do it.

2. Install a swimming pool

Installing a swimming pool is an assured way of increasing the resale value of your home. Who doesn’t want to live in a home with a pool? It would be a dream come true for any homeowner. The increase in resale value will, however, depend on a number of factors including whether neighboring homes have swimming pools, the climate in the area and the condition of the pool.

You may not have control over the first two, but you can ensure that your pool is in good condition before a resale by cleaning it as often as you can. If it still looks bad after cleaning, you should consider getting a better pool cleaner. You may find out the lastest more than 10+ best pool vacuum reviews and buyer guide at vacuummania

3. Focus on repairs and maintenance

Before you can consider investing in expensive upgrades, cover the basics first: Address repairs and maintenance issues. No buyer will be quick to buy a house that will require additional money for repairs after purchase. Deal with any plumbing leaks, drafty windows, and those rusty old gutters.

Making the necessary repairs and maintenance around your house is not always about the money. Sometimes it has everything to with presentation. Your house is likely to grab the attention of the buyer, broker or agent if it’s in tip-top shape.

4. Improve your home’s curb appeal

The exterior of the house also matters a great deal. It is the first thing a buyer will see when they pull up in your driveway. Create a good first impression by improving the look of your exterior space. It’s time to fix that broken mailbox and to clean up your messy yard.

A fresh coat of paint can also go a long way in sprucing up your home’s exterior. If your budget doesn’t allow you to fix much of the exterior, at least do something about the walkway from the car to your entry door. Planting flowers along the way is easy and effective.

5. Clean and declutter

A dirty house is not likely to sell no matter how great it is. Cleaning may not cost you much in terms of money and time, but it offers a great return on investment. Such a simple DIY task could deliver around 3 to 5% return on investment according to consumer reports.

Cleanliness goes hand in hand with organization. Keeping many unnecessary things around the house will make it look cluttered and untidy. It will also make the house appear tinier. It is important to tidy things up by decluttering. It will not only look good but also help create the illusion of space.

In conclusion

You may not be able to do everything as far as sprucing up the look of your house is concerned. Investing too much money may not make much sense from a financial point of view. But you can achieve so much by focusing on the five key areas above.

Besides, it’s not always about the money; sometimes it’s the little inexpensive things you do that make all the difference.

 

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