Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 66)
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How to Improve your Appearance
Many people find that as they get older, they begin to notice more imperfections. It’s true that we’re our own harshest critics, but here are a few ways you can improve your appearance and improve your self-confidence:
Whiten your teeth
A clean, white, healthy smile can do wonders for your appearance. When someone is talking, out eyes naturally fall to their mouths occasionally (particularly if we’re attracted to that person). Love My Teeth whitening kits work well, and you can whiten your teeth at home without paying hundreds of dollars for professional whitening. You’ll be surprised at what a difference white teeth makes to your appearance and self-esteem, and you’ll be showing your new smile off at every opportunity.
Workout
Not only is working out great for your health, but you’re likely to lose weight while toning your bod. The best way to work out is to combine high-intensity interval training (short bursts of sprints or jumps followed by jogging or walking) with strength training which will help you burn fat while creating muscle.
When you workout and look after your body, you’ll begin to feel better and will quickly notice that you fit your clothes better and naturally want to eat well to get better results.
Watch your diet
There are so many misconceptions around what we should eat that it’s hard to know what to believe. Generally though, staying away from high-carb, processed and sugary foods will have you losing weight quickly, and you can fill up on protein and healthy fat for fewer cravings. Intermittent fasting is another great way to lose weight, and it’s all about eating at certain times so your body is in a fasted state for longer, and therefore burning more calories.
Look after your skin
Sun damage, smoking, and simply having an expressive face can lead to wrinkles. Picking acne can lead to scarring, and before you know it, you can be feeling self-conscious about your skin. Choose a non-abrasive cleanser and find the best moisturiser and night cream for your skin type. Always use a moisturiser that’s at least SPF 30 during the day, and if you’re a woman, removing your makeup is crucial before bed to prevent clogged pores.
There are many different options on the market which can help with scarring and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion is excellent for light wrinkles and recent scarring, while some people are beginning to get botox a couple of times a year in their late twenties and early thirties to deal with early signs of ageing and help prevent wrinkles from forming.
If you’re hoping to improve your appearance this year, consider using some of the above tips. Remember, while there are many small things that can make you look better, it’s what’s inside that counts. Accepting yourself and all of your flaws will make you a fun person to be around, which is always an attractive trait.
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5 Tips for a Luxury Escape in Italy
Italy is a marvelous blend of ultra modern and historical treasures that will delight all who visit. It is a wonderful country for travellers looking for a luxury escape and there are so many different things that you can choose from, and amazing places to stay, to indulge yourself. Here are five tips for a luxury escape in Italy.
Get a Private Tour of the Colosseum
The Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheatre ever built and it is over two thousand years old. It has a long and exciting history that includes gory gladiator battles and public spectacles with between 50 000 to 80 000 spectators. After the medieval times it was no longer used for entertainment and was used as a fortress, a quarry, and by the church for residences. Over time the building has sustained damage caused by earthquakes but a large portion of it remains intact. You can learn more about this fascinating building by taking a private tour with a history guide that will allow you to skip the line, wander through areas not always open to the public, and learn fascinating things about the Colosseum and the surrounding area including the Arch of Constantine and the Seven Hills of Rome
Rent a Farmhouse in Tuscany
Renting a farmhouse in Tuscany is a fabulous way to indulge and relax. You may be able to help harvest grapes or olives if you arrive at the right time of year. There are also garden tours, cooking lessons, winery tours and tastings, and many fabulous meals to indulge in. Burn off the extra calories by wandering through the rolling hills that are abundant in this beautiful area.
Rent a Ferrari to Drive Around
The history of the Ferrari is fascinating and there are two museums that showcase the history in Modena and Mirabella. There are many Ferrari experiences that you can take advantage of while visiting. You can rent a Ferrari and tour on your own, take a trip out to the countryside where you can enjoy locally grown food, or you can test drive a vehicle with a copilot so that you can really let loose on the narrow streets.
Go On a Private Vatican Tour
You will have to get up early for this one but tour can arrange a private tour of Vatican City before it becomes busy with the daily crowds. You will get your own knowledgeable guide that will show you things that the crowded tour groups don’t get access to.
Hire a Personal Shopper in Milan
Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world and many of the world’s top designers have set up their headquarters here. You can hire a personal shopper that will give you access to things like undivided attention from the sales staff, entry to the stores during non-business hours and many other personalized treats. You can also meet with the personal shopper, give them your measurements, an idea of your personal preferences, and they will do the shopping for you.
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5 of the Best Places for a Golf Vacation
What better way is there to forget about the stresses of your day-to-day life than to head out onto the links and play some golf? You can work on your backswing, concentrate on getting your score under par, and relax in the sun as you reduce your stress and improve your health. If you are going to popular golf courses make sure to have all of your Tee Times booked in advance so that you are not disappointed. Consider staying at a golf resort so you can hop out of bed and start working on your swing the second you wake up.
USA
The USA has fifty states and nearly twenty thousand golf courses to choose from. There are world-class golf courses scattered throughout the country so it is up to you to choose a destination and then find the golf courses. Florida, Arizona, California, and Hawaii are great destinations for winter golf and the mild climate is great for family activities outdoors.
Scotland
Scotland boasts some of the world’s best and oldest golf courses and some of the greenest greens in the world. Carnoustie is just one of the challenging world-class courses and it was the host of the 1999 British Open. You can stay in a castle that has a golf course nearby and you can spend your evenings touring whisky distilleries, beer breweries, or just relaxing in a nearby pub.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers up some fabulous resorts where you can live and breathe golf for your entire vacation. Spend your days on the course and your nights relaxing in a luxurious resort or enjoying the nightlife that it has to offer. Make sure you take some time out from golf to take a tour through the rainforest and see some of the enchanting creatures that call Costa Rica home.
Croatia
Croatia is a very popular place for tourists and it is known for things like its walled city of Dubrovnik, hundreds of islands with some of the best beaches in the world, and a fantastic coastline to explore. It is also a fabulous destination for golfers but there are a few challenging courses for avid golfers to explore. Be sure to check out Adriatic on the Istrian peninsula that offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea from several different points on the course. When you are not playing golf you can explore the islands, wander through Dubrovnik, or just try some of the fabulous local wine and food.
Spain
There are fabulous golf courses scattered throughout Spain. But if you are looking for an area that is ripe with great and challenging courses then the Costa Brava is the place to be, with incredible courses like PGA Catalunya on offer. It is sunny and beautiful all year round and if you feel like taking a day off there are plenty of beaches to work on your tan and relax in the sun.
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5 Countries Perfect for a Self Drive Holiday
Driving around a country is a great way to explore it at your own pace without worrying about having to stick to the set schedule that goes with taking public transport like a bus or a train. You can stop at any points of interest that you happen upon and stay as long as you want if you like a certain area more than you had anticipated. You can rent a camper van and sleep in it wherever you can park it legally or you can rent a car and just stay in accommodation that you find along the way. Your options are endless when you take the perfect self-drive holiday! With GPS so easily accessible now you can find things to explore along the way.
Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the world and there are so many different things to see and do. Renting a campervan is a great way to explore this beautiful country. You can sleep up to 8 people comfortably and you will be free to explore the beautiful coast of BC, the Rockies and foothills of Alberta, the beautiful fields of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the wine country of Ontario, or the glory of Quebec. The east coast is stunning as well and be sure you try the lobster that this coast is famous for.
Australia
Australia is a great country to hit the open road. There are plenty of beautiful sights along the south east coast and you can drive the 244 km of the Great Open Road. It travels from Victoria along the coast and offers breathtaking scenery like rainforest, and beautiful beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting animal sightings like kangaroos, koalas, or maybe even a pod of whales. Or for something completely different head off into the Great Outback and drive through the desert with small towns, various wild animal sightings, and be sure to visit Ayers Rock.
USA
The Continental US has 48 states and each one offers its own exciting things for travellers to experience. If you rent a car you can take it to different states but be sure you know what states your insurance is valid in before heading out. The whole country is connected by a fabulous network of highways and you can cover vast distances by hopping on super highways or meander along classic routes like route 66 or the coastal highways. There are natural wonders like The Grand Canyon in Arizona, California offers the excitement of Hollywood and Disneyland, and Washington DC hosts the White House.
Spain
Spain is a fascinating country to explore by car. Tour through the major cities of Barcelona, and Madrid, and check out the cultural wonders and art that these areas are famous for. Be sure to check out the Monastery of Montserrat about 45 minutes outside of Barcelona. Try the tapas (appetizers) that this country is known for and be sure to sample the local wine as well. If you want to include some beaches in your itinerary, here are the top four.
The UK
Travelling through The UK in a rented car is a fabulous experience and there are so many exciting things to do and see. If you are interested in exploring Roman ruins, visiting villages that have preserved their heritage, and exploring the beautiful countryside than the Cotswolds is a great place to start. You can stay in a 300 year old house, live on a working farm for a few days, or relax in a bed and breakfast.
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3 Tips on Packing for Your Business Trip in China
Packing for a business trip requires careful consideration, particularly for international travelling. Ensuring you have all the necessary clothing is just part of the puzzle – there’s also the paperwork, guides, currency and customs to be familiar with. Here are a couple of quick tips to help you adequately pack for a trip to China.
1. Pack Small
A small suitcase (or, ideally, carry-on luggage) is a godsend when travelling to, and around, China. A benefit of a business trip is that your clothing needs are dramatically reduced. The length of your stay will dictate the amount of clothing you require, but many travellers can get by with one or two suits. Ladies may choose to bring both skirts and pants, weather permitting. If carrying a laptop bag as well as your personal items, check the airline allows both to be carried on.
Once you arrive in China, getting bags to your hotel can be difficult if you are relying on public transport. If you can arrange transport at the time of booking flights, it will make the trip to your hotel much smoother. It can be hard to get everything you need ready for a business trip, particularly international trips, so enlisting the help of a corporate travel expert, such as FCm Travel Solutions, can make life easier. If you are heading off for the first time, travel blogs can also give you tips for getting out of the airport with less stress.
2. Pack for the Season and the Region
China is such a large country, so the climate can vary dramatically depending on the region you are staying in. From May to November, the coastal areas of southern and eastern China are prone to severe weather conditions or even typhoons. The northeast is incredibly hot during summer, while winters can be freezing. Central regions may also experience extended periods of heavy rain, so packing an umbrella and wet weather gear is essential.
Being suitably dressed makes a huge difference to the success of your trip, so do your homework before setting off. Knowing how to dress for the seasons will make your trip much more pleasurable. If you’re looking for some new clothes, check out these JC Penney Coupons to save money on new clothes and luggage.
3. A Chinese to English, English to Chinese Translation Guide
As worldly as we would all like to think we are, most travellers will rely on a translation guide more than they care to admit. Mandarin is the most common dialect spoken in China, so learning a few key phrases will help you get by much more smoothly. You can also purchase a translator app for your phone, where you speak into the phone and it plays the translation. Just be mindful of roaming charges when using these apps.
Another idea is to have place cards with your hotel address listed on them in Chinese. In an emergency, these can be shown to passers-by as a way of asking directions, or to taxi drivers for navigation to your hotel.
Obviously there are additional items you will need to bring on a business trip to China, including a visa and a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. It’s also a good idea to exchange currency, as many small places do not accept cards. What are some essentials in your suitcase when you travel for work?
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Hot Tubs are the #1 Luxury Holiday Amenity
If you’re like most people, you’ll often take a moment to breathe after a few months (or years) and realise you haven’t had a break for a long time. However, it’s crucial to regularly relax and refresh in order to remain productive at work, especially if you rely on your creativity.
Blue Chip Holidays has recently completed a survey so they could understand what it is that most people want when they plan a luxury holiday. The results are interesting and many people will be surprised by which luxury items ranked in which spot.
More than 1000 adults from the United Kingdom were surveyed. First, they were asked about the must-have item that they would choose if they were going to chill out and relax in a luxurious holiday home. Those who took the survey could choose from a list of potential options or choose their own, and most people (34%) said that a hot tub or private pool would be most likely to make them happy.
The hot tub was followed by a private garden or balcony (31% of respondents said this was important), and dog friendliness was most important for 14% of people who don’t like to leave Fido at home. This option was tied for a private chef, which 14% of people said would make them feel the most spoiled, and a log burner or open fire came in at last place with just 9% of people saying it was the most important
The results are more interesting when you look at the age and location of the respondents. The people who lived in the UK said that the private pool or hot tub was the most important to them, while older people in Northern Ireland (65 and older) were more concerned with a log burner or open fire. Respondents between the ages of 25 and 34 were split between a private chef, hot tub and private garden or balcony.
The Scottish who were over 65 were split between three different options: a private chef, dog-friendly or an open fire. Those who were a little younger (between 54 and 64) were more interested in a private chef and a holiday home that was also dog-friendly.
Tori Kirway-Taylor is the Brand & Communications Manager at Blue Chip. He analysed the study and had some comments about what the choices revealed. She said that Blue Chip was most interested in the must-have item depending on the holiday maker’s age and location.
“The results show that when it comes to luxury, we all have different ideas about what we would like to see and how we want to be treated.” Tori said that this is why Blue Chip ensure that their holiday cottages appeal to many different people.
She also said that Blue Chip was happy to see that many of the survey’s respondents considered a private chef to be a great addition for their holiday home as this is something that Blue Chip offer.
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How To Make Money Whilst Travelling
Imagine lazing and bumming around on a gorgeous, white-sand beach in Bali. Imagine sitting in cafe while taking a sip of strong coffee in Paris, with the iconic Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Imagine gazing at the millennia-old pyramids in Egypt atop a friendly camel’s back.
These are all great scenes, that’s for sure, but you know that extended travel is an impossibility for you, especially when you’re tethered to your 9-to-5 office job. And even when you do manage to save up a sizable nest for your travelling expenses and leave your job, you know that the money will eventually run out and you’d have to go find another office gig somewhere.
But imagine a scenario wherein you can travel AND earn money at the same time. It might sound impossible, but it is doable. Just ask the all of the travelers who managed to make a living even while they’re on the road 24/7.
Make your dream of travel a reality. Check out some of the ways with which you can earn money whilst travelling:
Go Freelance
If you have some marketable skills (writing, graphic design, web development, accounting, etc.) as well as a Paypal account and a laptop computer, there’s basically no stopping you from being able to work online. There are literally thousands of websites out there wherein you can apply to online jobs and sell your services. Working hours are usually flexible, and pay is dependent on your niche, quality of work, and negotiation skills.
Sites like Upwork and Freelancer are some of the most popular ones- on these sites you can find ads for just about any kind of job available. You can work as a social media manager, content writer, accounting staff, virtual assistant, web developer- just about any role that you want to be. Though competition can be stiff, there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to make good money off these sites, especially if you’re exceptional at what you do.
Alternatively, you can look into Fiverr or Amazon Mechanical Turk if you’re into small bite-sized gigs. There are also sites that specifically focuses on one field alone. For example sites like RentACoder are for programmers, HackerOne for information security professional, and content mills like iWriter, Constant Content, and Textbroker are for writers.
Teach English
Teaching English is a popular work option for travelers who are visiting East Asian countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. The best thing of all, there’s no need to have a teaching license or be certified in any sort. All you need to do is be a native English speaker and you’re all set.
Be an Au Pair
Like kids? Want to fully immerse yourself in the language and culture of the country you’re visiting? Don’t mind simple housework? Then becoming an au-pair might just be a viable option for you.
Au pairing involves living and working for a local host family. This program, which is especially popular in European countries, usually involves a bit of childcare and light housework, and the working hours are limited to about 25 to 30 hours per week. As such, the pay is quite low, but the au pair is free to take on other part-time jobs, get an education, learn the language, and visit various sights in the country in his or her free time.
Take on Day Trading
There used to be a time when trading was limited to the chaotic world of trading room floors. But since we’re living in the digital age, most of today’s trading are done over the Internet; online dealers like CMC Markets even make the whole process go easier and faster. While not a get-rich-quick-scheme (seeing that you need a whole lot of know-how and a little bit of luck and some financial investment to kickstart a trading career), day trading can provide big returns in the long run if you keep at it.
Affiliate Marketing
Do you have a blog? If you think you’re good enough of a seller just by using words alone, then why not try affiliate marketing? A great thing about being an affiliate is that you don’t need to have the products on hand to sell them. What you need to do is just promote products on your blog or social media page- you take a cut from every click or purchase that results from your affiliate links.
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Finding Companionship on the Go
Picking up and taking off to places unknown is an enticing proposition, and one that we are seeing become more popular over the year. The millennial generation is often seen as one without financial security, but truth be told, they are far more adventurous than the generations before them. We are seeing a slew of travel bloggers live off the proceeds of their websites with goals of visiting all of the wonders of the world, or perhaps every country in the world. In our 20’s this can all be very appealing, but as we get older we often crave companionship. Finding someone that supports your travel goals can be difficult as they must share the exact same vision as you. If you are prone to hitting the road, pay attention to these tips for finding companionship where and when necessary.
Connect with like-minded bloggers and travel enthusiasts. You might be surprised by just how many are out there. There are several online communities that you can join, and even local hangout groups of similar minded people. Perhaps you will even find a traveling companion that will join you on your new adventures.
There are plenty of local dating boards in all different countries. What better way to find someone to share time with then to find local people that are convenient and easy to connect with. This is good idea for those of you who plan on setting up semi-permanent roots in locales that you have traveled to.
Perhaps you don’t stay in any one place too long, but still seek a casual relationship of sorts. Sites like Badults are effective for finding companionship without the expectation of long-term relationships. Just create an account and plug in your information and you can match up with someone who has similar interests and expectations as you.
The bar scene is still a good place to meet people! In fact, whenever I travel I like to make my way to the local pub. This doesn’t necessarily need to a tactic for finding a date, it can be a great way to make new friends in a new city or country. Imbibed people can often be more relaxed and prone to opening up to strangers.
Lastly, there are plenty of social connection groups on various social media outlets. Consider Facebook for example. They have plenty of groups that are location and activity specific. For instance, we have one in my town for single people that like to attend sporting events and other fun activities, but they don’t know anyone locally yet.
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Holiday Cottages Stratford upon Avon
Stratford upon Avon is a fantastic base for your Warwickshire self-catering experience with loads to see and do. This vibrant town – widely regarded as Warwickshire’s main tourist magnet over its nearby neighbour and county town Warwick – has lots to attract and entertain the discerning holiday maker.
One of the town’s main draws is of course its Shakespeare Houses; with the wonderfully restored Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Halls Croft; home of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and the recently renovated and reopened New Place; Shakespeare’s final home for 19 years and the place of his death in 1616. In the nearby villages of Shottery and Wilmcote lie the much visited former home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Mary Arden’s Farm, the former home of Shakespeare’s mother.
Stratford upon Avon boasts a fine selection of self-catering holiday accommodation; from quaint timbered cottages with low beams, to open plan contemporary houses that sit side by side with the town’s many historic buildings. If town centre accommodation isn’t your style, then why not book a break in one of the charming villages flanking the town including Binton, Tiddington and Clifford Chambers?
The streets of Stratford offer a captivating mix of independent shops, bars, cafés and restaurants, interspersed by a handful of busy souvenir shops. Popular visitor attractions include the Falstaff Experience, The MAD (mechanically aided design) Museum, Tudor World and Stratford Butterfly Farm, whilst there is a great selection of boats trips available on the River Avon that runs adjacent to the town centre.
Making the most of your time in Stratford upon Avon need not involve spending lots of money as the town offers relaxing riverside walks, with free walking tours around the town’s historic quarter, and many of the town’s major attractions including Holy Trinity Church (where Shakespeare is buried), the lobby of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the town’s scenic Jubilee Gardens can be accessed without charge, offering wonderful photo opportunities at every turn.
Thank you to Exclusively Warwickshire for this insight. For all your Stratford Upon Avon holiday cottages needs please visit: http://exclusivelyuk.co.uk/self-catering-holiday-cottages-stratford-upon-avon/
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ZANZIBAR’S NORTH COAST
Often overlooked in favour of the long stretches of palm fringed beaches on the east coast, Nungwi village at the very north of the island provides visitors with a feel of the “real Zanzibar”.
It is not an either/or situation. A stay on the east coast can be combined with a stay in Nungwi.
Some of the things which makes a stay at Nungwi well worth while include:
* Witness and interact with local people going about their daily activities.
* See dhows and fishing boats being built and repaired in the same way they have for hundreds of years.
* The spectacle of the fishing fleet heading out, or returning , with the white sails framed by the deep blue ocean is something to behold.
* Take a cultural tour with a local guide to learn what life is like for people of the village.
* Visit the turtle sanctuary. The small entry fee will help preserve the good work being done by this local charity.
* A wide range of marine activities are available.
* Hire bicycles to explore other areas at the north of the island.
* Take an evening cruise as the sun sets like a huge red ball over the mainland of Tanzania. It is a very special sight.
* Have the opportunity to eat at a wide range of restaurants, unlike the east coast where there are
few alternatives but to eat at your hotel. We tend to gravitate back to the Langi Langi Beach Bungalows Restaurant. Good food, great views.
* Well priced accommodation. We favour Flame Tree Cottages with spacious rooms set in lovely gardens on the ocean front. Close enough to walk to the restaurants and bars, but sufficient distance to provide peace and quiet.
Top Tip. Do not arrange any excursions with the “beach boys” touting for business. Always arrange excursions direct with providers, for example, dive centres, boat owners, or through your hotel.
We would like to thank Zanzibar Travel for this insight.
