Holidays

Best Honeymoon Destinations of 2018

May 18, 2018 by nvshen Leave a Comment

“Once the wedding is over, many couples look forward to celebrating their newlywed status on their honeymoon. To help couples find the ultimate postnuptial getaway destination, U.S. News reviewed expert opinions along with thousands of traveler votes to determine the best honeymoon destinations. From culture-focused cities to relaxing tropical beaches, this ranking offers a range of destinations suitable for a variety of couples.”

Best honeymoon destinations of 2018

A craft brewery in the Greek Islands. A water park with no lines. A kosher jerk restaurant. A U.S. city’s 300th birthday. A newly minted World Heritage site. Boasting hotel openings and resort renovations, along with new flights, tours, spas, eateries and attractions, these are the 25 honeymoon destinations making headlines in 2018…

Caution in the wind: Travel warnings you shouldn’t ignore

March 15, 2018 by nvshen Leave a Comment

“You’ve got your ticket, printed out the boarding pass and weighed your suitcase to avoid that expensive overweight fee. Great, everything is covered. Did you remember to check out these four travel warnings? It could save lot of time, money and heartache. Never leave home without these travel safety tips, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. Read on to know how you can come back home from your trip with nothing but fun memories!”

Cape Town – It’s tempting to want to throw caution to the wind when planning a trip.

You can get swept up in the thrill of splurging on a trip that’s been collecting dust on your bucket list – so much so that you overlook safety measures.

It’s important to be prepared for any threat that might throw your travel course off-track – like an unexpected emergency or natural disaster. Be sure to do your research beforehand and check out sites like Numbeo to compare the various criteria of risk statistics for different places…

17 Fascinating Things You Never Knew About Thanksgiving

October 16, 2017 by nvshen Leave a Comment

Most Americans are familiar with the Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Day Feast of 1621. But you will be amazed about these fascinating trivias about Thanksgiving.

1. The first Thanksgiving was actually a three-day celebration.

Today, Thanksgiving is one day — maybe two if you count Black Friday. But apparently the Pilgrims wanted to party even harder. Governor William Bradford organized the feast, inviting the Plymouth colonists’ Native American allies. But it was only until the Wampanoag Indian guests came and joined the Pilgrims that they decided to extend the affair.

2. It’s unclear if colonists and Native Americans ate turkey at their feast.

There is truly no definitive proof that the bird we wait all year to eat was even offered to guests back in 1621. However, they did indulge in other interesting foods like lobster, seal and swan.

3. Today, a special part of Plymouth, Massachusetts, looks just as it did in the 17th century.

Modeled after an English village and a Wampanoag home site, the historic attraction Plimoth Plantation stays true to its roots. You can order tickets as early as June to attend a Thanksgiving dinner complete with numerous authentic courses, tales of colonial life and centuries-old songs.

20 Ways to Lose Weight After the Holidays

December 30, 2016 by nvshen Leave a Comment

Most people get their unwanted weight after holidays. Super-delicious foods and a lack of activities make people fat. It is really not good for you. You need a change in your lifestyle.

Guilty of overeating during the holidays? Here are 20 simple ways to beat weight gain.

1. Drink water. People often mistake thirst for hunger, so next time you feel like noshing, reach for water first. Drinking also helps you feel full. Some experts suggest sipping water (or iced tea) just before you sit down to a meal. Continue drinking as you eat to add volume and weight to your meal.

2. Set realistic goals. One or two pounds a week maximum is doable. Top weight-loss programs advocate stopping after the first 10 pounds and maintaining that loss for about six months before trying to lose any more.

3. Build in splurges. If you allow yourself to eat whatever you want for 2 meals out of every 21, you won’t inflict enough damage to subvert your weight loss. And you’ll feel less deprived.

4. Count to 10. Studies suggest that the average craving lasts only about 10 minutes. So before caving in to your urge, set your mental timer for a 10-minute time-out. Use the time to tackle an item on your to-do list; choose one that will give you a sense of accomplishment — and get you out of the kitchen.

5. Eat more often. People who have kept their weight off for more than a few years tend to eat an average of five times a day. Light, frequent meals curb your appetite, boost your energy, improve your mood and even speed your metabolism, since the process of digestion itself burns calories.

6. Make weekly resolutions. Don’t try to overhaul your diet overnight. If you make too many changes at once, chances are you’ll get …

20 Cute Christmas Outfit Ideas

December 1, 2016 by nvshen Leave a Comment

Here you can find some ideas how to make perfect combinations for Christmas holiday. We offer you 20 great combinations that look stylish, modern and that will make you feel cozy and comfortable and of course the most important is that they are in Christmas spirit and Christmas colors.

Take a look at the following 20 great Christmas outfit ideas, choose your perfect combination.

20 Cute Christmas Outfit Ideas

See more: http://www.stylemotivation.com/20-cute-christmas-outfit-ideas/

9 Best Ways to Save Money During the Holiday Season

November 23, 2016 by nvshen Leave a Comment

Everyone wants to go on holiday at the end of the year. The reality is that not everyone can afford it at any time. There are many ways to save money so that you will not be empty handed when new year comes.

holiday saving

‘Tis the season to start trimming – your budget, that is, and not just your tree. A November 2013 Gallup poll found that while the average American originally expected to spend around $786 on the holidays back in October, that number is now down to $704. While it’s true that the general public might have a little less to spend, that reduction is also indicative of the changing mindset of spending as a whole. Consumers with big eyes are now wary of a volatile market and, consequently, of putting too much of the holiday season on plastic. This means more restricted budgets.

By saving and spending wisely, your holiday season doesn’t have to be a total budget-buster. Follow the lead of the average American and try trimming your expenditures without sacrificing any of the holiday experience.

Spending and Saving During the Holidays

Before you hit the mall or organize a big party, it can help to have a comprehensive plan in place so you know exactly where your money is going this holiday season – that way, you can ring in the new year with celebration rather than panic. Here are several ways to keep your spending under control this December.

1. Make a Budget

There are a couple different ways to set a holiday budget. You might want to establish a general spending cap, or try allocating a specific amount to each person on your gift list. Be aware, though, that while making a holiday budget is great, it can go sour in one of two ways:

Setting a Budget That’s Too Tight. While setting a tight budget always starts with good intentions, an unrealistic one can do more harm than good. Without a little wiggle room for last-minute purchases or enough cash allocated for your mom’s gift, you can end up very frustrated. In fact, you might get so frustrated that you just toss your budget out the window. To prevent this from happening, look over your numbers. Do you really need to spend $50 on wine, or can you cut back in order to allocate more money to gifts instead? Don’t just pick numbers out of thin air – really think things over to ensure that you make the right decisions.
Forgetting the Little Things. Gift giving is a …

10 low cost summer holiday ideas for 2016

May 18, 2016 by nvshen Leave a Comment

“There are many wonderful places to visit all around the world, ranging from the exotic in the Far East right through to the ancient and fascinating cultures of Europe.”

It’s never too early to start planning your summer holiday for 2016, especially if you’re on a budget. Book early and you might get lucky and snag a killer early-bird deal, so check out these low cost, high quality holiday destinations for size…

1. Ibiza, Spain

Packed street bars, super-clubs and all-night beach parties, Ibiza is still the go-to summer hotspot for those who like to let their hair down and why not, with return flights for less than €150*? You’ll find some of the biggest nightclubs and the hardcore revellers in northern resort San Antonio, while famous venues Pacha and Amnesia are just outside Ibiza Town in the south of the island and regularly host famous international DJs like Apollonia and David Guetta. For R&R rather than all-night raves, head to the sleepier resort of Santa Eulalia to the east, where you can enjoy the more refined, laidback atmosphere and unwind with a cold cerveza at one of the numerous waterfront bars. Families planning a summer holiday in Ibiza should go to western beach town Cala d’Hort for some prime sandcastle-making and fantastic paella restaurants like Es Boldado, within walking distance from the beach at Sant Josep De Sa Talaia. Find out more with our guide to the beautiful Spanish Balearic Islands.

Sa Penya District in Ibiza Town, Balearic Islands, Spain.

2. Algarve, Portugal

Head over to southern Portugal’s Algarve coast in August and you’ll find the normally nippy Atlantic ocean averages a lovely 21°C. September is equally warm, perfect for arranging a cheaper, shoulder season deal. Start your Portuguese beach tour with a trip to Praia de Faro, which you can reach directly from Faro Airport on the airport bus. Sink your toes into the sand, and enjoy the view – it’s so large, you’re guaranteed a towel spot even on the busiest days. Once a small fishing village, Albufeira is another great stop, with the most popular sandy stretch being Praia dos Pescadores, next to Albufeira old town. Snag some cheap and suitably tacky souvenirs along Avenida Sá Carneira, before eating your weight in traditional Portuguese piri-piri chicken at Teodosio restaurant (Rua Emigrante). Head to the smaller beaches of Praia do Lourenco or Praia da Galé (a 10 minute drive from the city centre) if Albufeira gets too busy. There’s a train connecting Lagos with the Spanish border, but otherwise public transport is limited so typically the best way to explore the Algarve is by car. Book early and flights from Dublin to Faro can be found for as little as €100 euro this summer. Start dreaming with this photo gallery of ten of Portugal’s prettiest beaches.

3. Pula, Croatia

A fast-becoming holiday superstar, Croatia was once a little known Balkan state on the edge of southern Europe. It still only receives a fraction of tourists compared with France or Spain, and we’re not quite sure why. With an abundance of beaches and islands scattered along the Dalmatian and Istrian Coast (1185 to be exact!), hot summers (average summer temperatures between 25 and 28 degrees), and low in-resort costs (a pint is about €2) make Croatia ….

Be a Smart Traveler: Discover Places that Make You Feel at Home

December 3, 2015 by nvshen Leave a Comment

“Your first day in a new place can be both riveting and disorienting. The goal by the end of your stay should be to remain riveted, but be anything but disoriented. It’s not as easy as it sounds; the feeling that you missed something, or that you never quite got a handle on the quicksilver nature of a place, can linger long after you leave.”

My First AirBnB Experience in the Philippines

Imagine yourself watching the beautiful Manila Bay sunset while having your late afternoon cocktail at 71 Gramercy – a New York-style bar on the 71st floor of Manila’s highest residential skyscraper. Yup! I experienced that during my 4 night staycation at The Gramercy Residencesin Makati City. Wow, that looks uber-expensive, right? What if I tell you that I only shelled out a little over 2,000 Php a night in this place? Yup, that’s me living the Smart Life! Check out how I did it!
AirBnB Mobile App

Just recently, a friend visited Manila and she asked me if she could stay in my pad. Since my room was completely messed up, I decided to book some place instead. Wait, What? Why?

AirBnB Android App

Actually, I have been promoting this cool website AirBnB on my blog ever since it began operations here in the Philippines. I then used the AirBnB travel credits I received to book a sweet condo unit at The Gramercy Residences for five (5) days and four (4) nights. That’s right. Not just one night, but four long nights!

Gramercy Residences Lobby

And here’s the rest of my story. I arrived at the lobby of this posh high-rise at around 2 PM to meet Angela, the owner of the unit I sought through AirBnB. She learned that I was a local so eventually, we had this short chat. She handed me a Smart LTE pocket wifi for the reason that it provides the fastest internet connection (and the most reliable coverage) in the area. I also appreciated how she gracefully interacted with us. She gave us a list of some things to do and some good places to eat. That’s something you don’t usually get when you stay in a hotel the traditional way. After giving us the room key and the elevator access card with my photo on it, she gave me her mobile number just in case I needed anything.

Gift from my host

Aside from a wondrous balcony, the room featured a comfy Queen size bed and a single bed, a crafted cabinet with wooden hangers inside, a drawer and some high-quality bedsheet and a comforter. The room also has a flat screen cable TV, a two-seater sofa, and a full-length mirror. There’s also a dining table complete with chairs and a kitchen with almost everything that you would ever need. The bathroom featured a hot and cold shower, a hair dryer, and some toiletries.

Hotel-Like Bathroom

I’d have to say that this cozy condo unit at the Gramercy Residences is really ideal for group travelers, backpackers and tourists who would like to save money on accommodation, while maintaining the luxury of living like home.

As guests, we also enjoyed complimentary services such as the use of amenities in the 35th floor which houses a mini-theater, a function room, and game room; the use of the swimming pool found in the 36th floor; and some access to bottled water, a box of pastries, and a towel

A mother’s guide to staying sane over the holidays

December 2, 2015 by nvshen Leave a Comment

“The coming of the holiday season does not have to be stressful, if we plan well and prepare in advance, it can be felt by those who live with you, and by all those who enter your abode. Careful planning, helping hands, and products we choose to bring into our homes should only make our lives easier as we navigate this joyous time of year.”

MANILA, Philippines – The holidays are fast approaching and with it comes the fast-paced schedule that most mothers are familiar with.

During this season, our list of responsibilities grows longer. We have to prepare for celebrations, finish buying gifts, and still manage to carve out time for ourselves in the process.

Motherhood often demands MacGyver skills to make our lives easier. The best strategy is to work smart, not work hard.

Of course that doesn’t mean that we can’t use a little help every now and then. Use these #HomeMagic tips and tricks to make entertaining and preparing for the holidays just a little easier:

For gifts and shopping

Keep it simple. Gifts don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. People near and dear to you would appreciate simple gifts made from the heart. For example, grandparents would love a framed picture of all the grandchildren. You can also use photos for Christmas cards and tags.

Order online. There are so many online businesses now that can personalize gift items for you. Simply personalize, click, and pay.

Condense your errands. Make sure you plan your shopping excursions effectively. Plan your mall errands. Map out the route in your head so that you don’t have to backtrack.

Bring a buddy. Having a companion with you to help carry the packages can make your shopping trip less stressful. If there are errands that can be entrusted to someone else, choose what you will do and the rest, you can delegate.

Shop LOCAL. You don’t have to travel far to source really cute and thoughtful gifts. Try bazaars near your place, or look for smaller Mom and Pop shops that offer distinct products and services.

Roadtrippers: After Dark presents “The world’s absolutely creepiest church ever”

November 19, 2015 by nvshen Leave a Comment

“Certain places carry a vibe, driven by particularly gory, cultish or otherwise unusual history. If you love the scary, the spooky, the unworldly and the downright terrifying, there are existing haunted places vacations that could make your next holiday the best one ever. Whether you long for a big city adventure or a down home country escape or a visit in a haunted church, there are many places on every corner of the earth.”

In 1968, during a funeral service, the roof of this medieval church collapsed. Locals believed it was cursed. So, they stopped going to it. After being abandoned for almost 30 years, the St. George’s Church began to fall into disuse and disrepair. Then, when it was threatened with closure, one local decided to take matters into his own hands.

Dozens of spooky ghosts were placed throughout the church, in an effort to play up the church’s reputation for being a haunted place of worship. Now, visitors from all over the world visit the church in Lukova, in the Czech Republic to see the haunting installation. The pews are filled with ghostly apparitions, cloaked in tattered robes. Tourists have been pouring money into the church ever since.