Going on an Extended Vacation? Tips for Getting Ready

April 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Are you and your family thinking of taking an extended vacation this year? Summer break is the perfect time of year to take off somewhere far and just spend time as a family for a long period of time. The kids don’t have school and you’ve got some time saved up you can use. If you’re going to be gone for more than a week, you’re going to want to take extra precautions when preparing. Here are some tips you should find helpful.

Safeguarding the Home

When you’re traveling for a long time, you want to make sure that your home is safe. There’s nothing worse than coming back from vacation to find out your home has been robbed. Before you leave, make sure that any access points in the home are secured. If there is a vulnerability such as a bad lock or a crack in a window, get it fixed prior to leaving for vacation. Other things you can to do secure the home:

Let security company know – contact your home security company to let them know that you will be away from the home for a while. This way, if the alarm sounds, they won’t hesitate to contact authorities.

Secure the mail – mail piling up in front of your door is the quickest way for robbers to detect that you’re not home. Since you won’t be there to get the mail, you might want a digital mailbox. Companies such as iPostal1 provide digital mailboxes. You can review incoming mail, have it delivered to where you’re vacationing, and more 24/7.

Let a neighbor or family member know – having someone check on the house periodically while you’re gone will provide peace of mind. Ask a family member to drop by from time to time. Anyone who may have been thinking about robbing you won’t because they’ll see someone stopping by.

Before You Leave

Prior to leaving for your extended family vacation, there are some other things you’ll want to do to prepare. Remember, you’re going to be gone for a long time and you want to make sure that you’ve tied up any loose ends and prepared for anything that might happen while you’re away. Here are some things to complete before leaving:

Research the destination – Don’t just blindly take off for vacation without first knowing a bit about where you’re going. If you’re traveling abroad for instance, do you need a temporary license? Get to know a bit about the local laws and regulations so you’re not blindsided once you arrive.

Print out everything – Unless you plan on packing your printer, make sure that you’ve printed everything you might need while on vacation. This might include your plane tickets, tickets to attractions that you may have purchased online, your itinerary, maps, etc.

Be practical with your packing – There’s no need for the entire family to pack outfits for every day you’re on vacation. Depending on how many members in your household and how long you’re going to be gone, that’s a lot of packing! Not to mention, the more you pack, the more you pay. Try to keep it to one carryon bag and maybe one suitcase. Pack items that can be mixed and matched to create new outfits. For instance, black shorts can be paired with any color shirt so it can essentially be worn more than once.

Bring entertainment – Chances are you’re not going to be out and about every day while you’re on vacation. During your scheduled downtime, it’s important to have some entertainment, especially if you’re traveling with young children. Make sure you have plenty of board games, cards, toys, and even a gaming console to keep you and the kids entertained when you’re not on the move.

Getting away from it all for a while is something everyone needs. If you and your family are planning an extended vacation this summer, be sure that you follow all of the above tips. Doing so will ensure that you have a fun-filled, stress-free vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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5 Districts of LA to Visit Based on Interests

April 12, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Thinking of visiting Los Angeles but feeling overwhelmed by the size of the city? You aren’t alone. So how do you plan a trip to the city without feeling overwhelmed? It’s all about learning how to focus your own interests. Let’s break it down for you:

1) West Hollywood

This section of the city is well known for its shopping and nightlife. It’s the perfect match for the younger crowd, as well as the seasoned veterans of the city. There are enough music clubs to fill your nights, and enough places to shop to fill your days. Ever heard of Santa Monica Boulevard? If you want to visit this hot spot, come with an appetite. This strip of road is lined with restaurants for those who want to see and be seen, such as Sunset Beach or Katana.

West Hollywood is also well known as the home of Sunset Strip, where you can visit great music clubs like the Viper Room or stop by The Comedy Store. If you want to sit at a café and watch for celebrities, you want to stop by Sunset Plaza on the strip. Some of the best, most luxurious hotels in west hollywood are along this stretch of road.

2)Studio City

If you like walking and moving at a leisurely pace, Studio City is the place to visit. This was once the mecca of homes for the actors working for studios. Now it boasts some of the most upscale dining and shopping in all of LA. Do you love sushi? You want to take a walk down Ventura Boulevard’s famous “sushi alley” to get a wide variety of great rolls.

Studio City is the perfect section of LA for the foodie. Just stay close to Ventura Boulevard and enjoy a wide variety of high-end cuisine.

3) Universal City

Want to take a studio tour and enjoy great shopping? Visit Universal City. This section of LA became famous for its studio backlot tours, drawing in a large crowd of tourists. You can Ride the Movies, visit Universal Studios Hollywood, and shop. Heard of CityWalk? It’s a stretch of shopping that inspired the modern version of malls. It’s full of restaurants, novelty shops, street performers, and more.

Universal City is perfect for the tourist who loves Hollywood entertainment.

4) Downtown LA

Immerse yourself in a variety of cultural differences in the downtown district. Visit Chinatown for a real taste of Chinese cuisine and culture. Enjoy a number of museums. See a live show at the Walt Disney Music Hall. Take in an NFL, NBA, or MLB game. Enjoy a helicopter tour of the city.

If your tastes are more cultured and you enjoy arts, architecture, and museums, you want to stay in Downtown LA.

5) Beverly Hills

There is no place in LA for the shopaholic quite like Beverly Hills. From jewelry to clothing to baseball caps, everything in this section of the city is high end, which also comes with a high price tag. If you plan on staying in Beverly Hills and shopping, make sure you save a lot of cash before you come. Before heading out to dinner in Beverly Hills, make sure you have a reservation. Many of the more upscale restaurants won’t have a place for you if you don’t.

If you love to shop and treat yourself, Beverly Hills is the perfect match for your LA experience.

During your trip, you may want to plan for a few extra days on the side to visit Santa Barbara. You can enjoy wineries, the beach, and the mountains all in one laid-back location. And it’s only 90 minutes from LA.

 

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3 Simple Tips for Cleaning Your Home After Water Damage

April 10, 2017 by 1 Comment

Water damage in your home or basement can wreak havoc on your property and your wallet. Not only can water damage ruin your most prized possessions, but it can also leave behind mold, mildew and structural damage. Luckily, if you act quickly, you may be able to minimize the damage to your possessions. Depending on how recently the water damage occurred, you may be able to save some furniture or carpeting. To get you started, here are some tips for cleaning your home after water damage:

1. Never ignore sitting water. If you detect flood water in any part of your home, it needs to be addressed immediately. Whether you are dealing with a damp basement or an inch of standing water, this can quickly develop into a mold problem. Not only can mold grow in walls, carpets, and furniture, but it can also cause poor indoor air quality. This can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma or other severe illnesses.  The best way to avoid these issues is to prevent the growth of mold by protecting your home from water damage.

2. Assess the damage. In the event that water does find its way into your home, the first thing you will need to do is assess the damage. When possible, try to dry the affected area and clean it with products that are designed to destroy mildew. Use fans in wet areas to help them dry faster and more efficiently. Likewise, a heater can help dry wet areas by removing moisture from the air. Depending on the size of the wet area, you may be able to use a hair dryer instead of a fan or heater.

3. Enlist the help of a professional. When left untreated, water-damaged areas can quickly become a breeding ground for dangerous mold. Even if you think you managed to dry up all the water, it is still a good idea to have the area examined by a professional.  Companies like DKI Services are specially trained to handle a wide-range of water damage related issues. This includes everything from mold remediation to hoarder cleaning services.  These professionals are highly-trained and can help ensure that the water damage does not further impact your home or air quality.

Dealing with water damage can be stressful, but it does not have to be. Follow these simple tips for cleaning your home after water damage and you will be well on your way to a clean and mold-free house.

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6 Tips for Raising a Child that has Allergies

April 6, 2017 by 1 Comment

Taking care of your kids is sure to be top of your to-do
list each day. There are many medical issues that may arise over time, and
yous ideal to be aware of some of the top treatments you
can provide to decrease any discomfort your child may have.

Tip #1: Buy
hypoallergenic clothing

The things your child puts on each day to wear can have
either a positive or negative impact on allergies. Its ideal to clean your home thoroughly at least once a
week to get rid of excessive dust that is likely to accumulate. This is one of
the simpler things you can accomplish to help your child feel well with ease.

This can potentially reduce many of the unwanted symptoms of allergies and allow your kid to suffer more than necessary. Be sure to click here to find some of the highest-quality clothing that can help you child feel good every day.

Tip #2: Keep your home dust free

One of the ideal ways to help your children feel well when allergies are a part of life is by keeping your home free of dust. This will take a bit of extra effort on your part to accomplish but is well worth it to prevent your child from sneezing and feeling bad all the time.

It’s ideal to clean your home thoroughly at least once a week to get rid of excessive dust that is likely to accumulate. This is one of the simpler things you can accomplish to help your child feel well with ease.

Tip #3: Stock up on
medicines

The key to dealing with severe allergy attacks is by being
as prepared for these as you can be. Taking time to keep a stock of various
medications on hand is sure to helpful to you.

In fact, you should restock your shelves during asthma
awareness month to allow you to never run out of things, such as epi pens,
nasal sprays and many others that can keep allergy symptoms at bay.

Tip #4: Be mindful of
food

Did you know that many of the foods your child eats can
worsen allergy symptoms? This is a fact, and you may even have a kid that is
allergic to peanut butter, peanuts or other food items.

You may want to avoid having certain foods in your pantry at
all that could trigger negative responses from your child if eaten. This is an
ideal way to avoid the temptation of eating these foods and may allow for
better results.

Tip #5: Encourage
sunglasses

You may have a child that just refuses to put on sunglasses
when playing outside, but doing so can be helpful in reducing allergies. Having
this protective item in place while outdoors can minimize the amount of pollen
or other things that can get in the eyes and contribute to problems.

Be sure to have a set of sunglasses for each of your
children to wear that has been diagnosed with allergies. This could be
extremely helpful and can decrease the amount of discomfort any kid may have
when living with this situation.

Tip #6: Work to have
cleaner air

There are various purifiers you can purchase that may help
keep the air in your home cleaner. This is an ideal situation for any
individual that suffers from allergies.

However, keep in mind it will take some time for this item
to work as it should. Even one of the top selling air purifiers can take at
least 15-20
minutes to get the air in your home thoroughly clean.

Be sure to do all you can for the well-being of your child
when allergies are an issue. Being aware of what you can accomplish and working
to put these to use is sure to be the key for your kids to start feeling better
sooner rather than later.

 

 

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The 3 Best Big Budget Turntables in 2017

April 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Even before the advent of CDs and MP3s, vinyl record players had been around for a long time serenading homes, restaurants, and other public places. The best quality budget turntables were an important part of many people’s lives that up until today they are still of interest to many despite new advances in audio technology. Apart from avid collectors and vintage enthusiasts, many music lovers today still prefer listening to their favorite records on these prized turntables.

 

The increased interest in vinyl records has become so evident these days that most records are now also produced in vinyl. Vinyl record stores are beginning to see flocks of people buying the format. Hence, this may be the best time to buy a vinyl record player. Not to mention, you also get better sound quality than using regular headphones.

 

Quality vinyl record players are not hard to find in today’s market. Online and brick and mortar stores have lots to offer depending on your preferences. The challenge is finding one that is cheap, but at the same time, provides satisfactory quality for your listening pleasure. For those on the lookout for affordable vinyl record players, here are the three best budget roundtables for you.

 

  1.    Pyte PLTTB3U

Costing only $96, this budget roundtable has all the basic features that you need. It has a familiar classic 1210 style known for product quality. It is a 7.8 lbs belt drive player with line out and USB port. It runs at  33 1/3, 45 RPM boasting good, solid performance with no major gripes. It also has adjustable counterweight and antiskating controls. For sound upgrades, investing in a good cartridge is highly recommended.

This stellar performer is good for those who are new to vinyl record players or those who don’t want the complicated accessories and additions but still get a satisfying performance.

 

  1.    Lenco L-85

This belt-drive performer is a great choice for those who want it dead simple. Weighing very light at 5.5 lbs the cartridge included, it can easily be moved around from your bedroom to any part of the house. The Lenco L-85 runs at 33 1/3, 45 and has a USB port but doesn’t have a line out, which is okay for those who want a private music experience. For $150, this good performer may not be able to compete with pricier models, but it does good enough in providing great music experience. This very easy-to-use turntable may not be within the likes of experienced vinyl record player owners, but it is definitely perfect for those who want it very simple.

 

  1.    Pro-Ject Elemental

For $229, this turntable loved for iconic design, boasts of killer sound performance that can rival even the pricier alternatives. The Pro-Ject Elemental is a 6-lb direct drive player with line out and plug-and-play design that works extremely well. Stability can be an issue, considering the design, but it’s a minor glitch for the quality you get in the amount you pay for. This turntable is not only pleasurable to the ears, but also to the eyes as it can fit easily into modern home interior design.

 

With the many choices in turntables available on the market, buying one that is perfect for you may be very challenging. But with great advice from experienced people and some patience in researching, you will be doing just fine.

 

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6 health gurus to follow on Instagram in 2017

April 3, 2017 by 1 Comment

Getting fit is among the priorities that most people like to put on the top of their list. It’s no wonder with all the work-related stress, unhealthy food, and inactivity that we are all exposed to. But sometimes getting fit is easier said than done. And so, we need a little more push, a little more motivation, and a little more inspiration to get moving. Look no further because here are some  top fitness gurus with the most likes on Instagram that are worth following.

Jeanette Jenkins (@MsJeanetteJenkins). Being a celebrity trainer and nutritionist, she is one fit lady that will motivate you to get up and get moving. She has over 25 years of experience as a health and fitness expert and has trained celebrities like Pink and Kelly Rowland. Her Instagram account showcases workouts, healthy eating advice, and positive thinking.

Natalie Uhling (@natalieuhling). This lady is a beauty both inside and out because she puts in the work needed to be fit and to stay fit. She is known for creating NUFit and for being an international movement specialist. NUFit is a combination of kickboxing, dance, and total-body toning that will surely get your body moving and sweating. Her Instagram account features a lot of movement with pictures of her doing handstands and kickboxing, as well as videos that will inspire you to build your balance and be stronger.

Keoni Hudoba (@keonihudoba). Keoni Hudoba was once overweight, weighing around 300 plus pounds. He decided to turn his life around and lose weight. Now, he is a master trainer and is known for creating the Cyc Fitness indoor spin class workout. You’ll find a lot of motivation and challenges on his Instagram account with his complex moves that will involve bringing a friend along for your fitness training. So team up with your buddy and get in on the action.

Massy Arias (@massy.arias). Massy Arias is a health coach and personal trainer that has a massive 2.2 million people following her account. She was born in the Dominican Republic but has been living in America since she was 14 years old. Her Instagram account has captions that are both in English and Spanish and provides inspiration for getting fit as well as inspiration to eat well. Find your balance and take your workout up a notch with her fitness training.

Amanda Bisk (@amandabisk). Get fit and motivated with yoga, fitness inspired routines and workouts, and beautiful scenery. This is what you’ll get from Amanda Bisk, a former Australian pole vaulter and at present, an exercise physiologist, athletics coach, and yoga instructor. You’ll be inspired by the story of her journey from being an athlete to what she is now. Be prepared to bend and stretch with her yoga moves.

Jessamyn Stanley (@MyNameIsJessamyn). Being fit does not necessarily mean having a certain body type. This rings true in Jessamyn Stanley’s Instagram account where she posts about yoga and being positive about your body. She is a yoga teacher, a writer, and a body acceptance advocate. So no matter what body type you have, believe that you can do yoga.

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5 great accommodation options for surfers in Bali

March 29, 2017 by 1 Comment

Bali Island offers more than just majestic white sandy beaches, alluring tropical rainforests, world class restaurants, and shopping centers. The paradise island is also home to the best surfing spots in the archipelago. Because of the favorable weather conditions existing almost all year round, and the diverse forms of waves that you can find in the surrounding waters, Bali has become a popular choice for local and international surfing competitions and of course recreation. Whether you are a beginner or a professional surfer, you will surely find your place on Bali Island.

 

Here are five of the great accommodation options that you should consider for a complete and memorable surfing experience in Bali. These hotels and private villas are not only close to the best surfing spots on the island, but they also feature incredible architectural design, exceptional service, and outstanding amenities.

 

  1. Mick’s Place in Bingin Beach

 

Resting on a low-lying cliff in western Bukit Peninsula, Mick’s Place is a one-of-a-kind resort with its 180-degree view of Bingin Beach and the stunning sunset scenery of the Indian Ocean horizon. The resort complex consists of seven bungalows of Polynesian architectural style and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. During the day, you can enjoy a variety of water activities such as surfing and snorkeling in the cool and pristine waters. At night, you may treat yourself to a relaxing coconut oil massage.

 

  1. Blue Point Villas and Spa

 

With 57 guest rooms and 29 luxurious villas, this resort complex is considered a paradise for surfers and regular tourists as well. Blue Point Villas and Spa overlooks the famous Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point. It is famous for its unique cliff-top chapel, exquisite restaurants, and lush spas inside the estate. This resort complex is also strategically located near the best surf breaks in Bali including Suluban, Padang-Padang, and Uluwatu. Surfing lessons are also offered for beginners and long-time enthusiasts alike.

 

  1. Villa Impossibles

 

Villa Impossibles in Uluwatu is a luxurious six-bedroom villa resting on top of rugged boulders at the bottom of the cliff. Similar to a lighthouse, it has a perfect uninterrupted view of the beautiful coastlines and clear ocean waters. Villa Impossibles is also just a few minutes away from some of the most popular surf breaks on Bali Island. The incredibly-designed estate can be rented for up to 12 guests or as individual rooms for smaller groups. It is also a perfect venue for tropical weddings and other different occasions.

 

  1. Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort and Spa

 

This beach resort is a four-star resort located on the western side of Bali Island. From Puri Dajuma Beach Resort and Spa, the black sand surfing area of Medewi Beach can easily be accessed. There is no need to worry if you are a beginner, as surfing lessons are offered to guide you. Puri Dajuma is also just a few minutes away from Pekutatan Beach where you can enjoy a lot of activities including diving, snorkeling, and trekking across adjacent rice fields.

 

  1.  Premier Surf Camp

 

Premier Surf Camp is perhaps every surfer’s ideal place to stay while in Bali in terms of price, convenience, and service. The eight-room resort is close to two of the best surfing spots, namely Pererenan Beach and Echo Beach. They offer surfing lessons for any skill level and board rentals as well. During sunset, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the ocean while dining authentic Balinese seafood cuisine. You can also experience utmost serenity on the Premier Surf Camp as it is not as crowded as other surfing spots on the island.

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Plan Your Next Vacation to Dubai – The Pearl of the Desert

March 28, 2017 by 1 Comment

The rise of Dubai has been more than exceptional. Come on, even in the 1960s, it was a sea-facing piece of desert. Now, it is the land of world’s tallest building, Audi cars made from white gold and is the most popular work destination (no, it is very difficult to buy land and live there even if you have money) for almost everyone. It is equally good for travel, as we can see from those travel packages, being offered by many of the known operators. Another added advantage is the ticket price which is affordable for Indians. Whether you love to play it safe and get a package tour or you want to be adventurous and do everything by yourself is up to you. I will suggest that you buy a travel insurance for your Dubai Trip, and not just any insurance, the best travel insurance policy available in either case. It will keep you safe, trust me. In case you lose your luggage, passport or any other important item, one call to the insurer can ease all your worries.

OK, now that I have told you that, it’s time to tell you what to do when in Dubai; what to see, what to eat and where to take selfies.

Dubai, at max, is a megacity, going by the geographical size of it. Most of the attractions would be urban attractions. And it is very easy to cover these locations I am going to suggest, firstly, because they are not far from each other and secondly, as you can guess, Dubai is very well connected. The view of Dubai when the plane descends can tell you that.

I would have loved to start with Dubai airport itself, I love to spend some time there every time I land in Dubai or taking a connecting flight from there, but some of my readers may find it too stretched. Keeping that urge aside, let me tell you what you can find in the city itself.

Burj Khalifa: Ah! The famous Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. What’s more magnificent is that it is not a solid, tall, un-poetic building like Empire state or the now-gone twin towers. This is a well-designed building, something you would love to admire, for quite a while. Once you are done comprehending how big it is, how tall it is and taking selfies in the front, take the elevator and move to the top of this building.

There is an observation deck at the top from where you can see the skyline of Dubai and the view is simply breathtaking. Experience this, you will not forget it. Once you come down, look back to realise how far you climbed really. You might get vertigo, standing on the ground!

Dubai Mall: Every Indian city has one “largest mall of Asia”. Old joke? Alright. If you want to see a big mall, visit the Dubai mall, you might get lost and ask for directions, this is an incredibly big mall. It provides entry to the famous Dubai Aquarium, as well as Burj Khalifa. The number of shops and eateries is virtually endless and if you want special discounts, like every other Indian, try either the Dubai Summer Surprises in July-August or Dubai Shopping Festival in January-February.

There is an ice skating rink, cinema halls (multiplexes, for modern day Indians) and gaming zones. There are endless daily shows as well and you will invariably walk into a fashion show or live music show or something similar.

Jumeirah Mosque: This is probably the most beautiful mosque you will see in your life. It is large, like many other Dubai attractions, but surely it is not kept like we keep our pride, Jammah Masjid in Old Delhi. This is an exact copy of Al Azhar mosque of Cairo, but it is eight times bigger.

One of the finest examples of Islamic architecture, this grand structure is awe-inspiring. You can get a guided tour of the mosque and apart from wowing at the grandeur, you can also develop a better understanding of Islamic culture, a much-needed commodity in the modern world.

Dubai Aquarium: Dubai Aquarium is the attraction which you should not miss at any cost. It has over 140 species of undersea life which are in an incredible display in a tank which is suspended in the Dubai Mall (on the ground fall in case you are wondering). You can immediately view the aquarium when you enter the mall for free! Moreover, you can have access to the aquarium tunnels if you enter via the Underwater Zoo.

If you are looking for thrills, then you have the shark diving activity along with the milder cage snorkelling. Don’t forget the glass bottom boat tours either, you will simply love it. 

There are so many places left in Dubai that I am planning for another blog. Pack your bags and experience something incredible. You will love every moment of this tour. But don’t forget to buy a travel insurance, as I said above, if you want to enjoy the journey, an insurance is must to take care of any risks or losses. I have no intention of dissuading your holiday mood, but as said, “precaution is better than cure”, so what if any unforeseen event happens? So, make some space in your bag for your travel insurance (though you can buy travel insurance online and store it in your phone as a soft copy!)

Go ahead, enjoy and don’t forget to repeat, Dubai is the pearl of the desert.

 

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