Starting out a band in a garage will require all your effort, time and savings you have. Students may find it difficult to complete their instruments and equipments but they can with a research and maybe patience in waiting for sales.  Before buying anything, it pays to check out quality but cheap fishman amplifier at Musicians Friend so that you can still have extra budget for other equipment such as speakers or microphone for your garage band rehearsals. You should always go for quality when it comes to musical equipment and instruments because this will affect the sound you produce and your overall performance.

If you are into country hopping, do not miss the Philippines. It is a country composed of more than 7,000 islands with a lot of pristine beaches and other natural wonders to see.  Besides that , there are also  historical sites which are pieces of history of the Filipinos and the world. So let us get started exploring Philippines’ wonders!

• Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue


• Boracay beach in Boracay


• Chocolate Hills in Bohol


• Mayon Volcano in Bicol


• Taal Volcano in Tagaytay


• Tubbataha Reef in Palawan


• Underground River in Palawan

Undoubtedly, seeing these marvelous places will bring you a picture of paradise. While visiting these places, don't forget to bring with you the j mascis guitar so you don't get bored when you hop from places to places. Thus, explore the country’s beauty and share the good news. Enjoy!

The temperature in Baguio has started to drop to 14 degrees Celsius especially during early morning and late afternoon. They are now currently enjoying the Christmas chill.  The weather within Benguet region could possibly drop to 12 degrees – 11 degrees Celsius next week.

Baguio is popular for its cold weather. Tourist would flock during Christmas season and summer season. If you are planning to have a peaceful and relaxing vacation, try to visit Baguio. Another place to visit with similar weather is  Banaue and Sagada.

When you visit a city for the first time, one thing that you will notice first are the street performers that dot the busy streets. There are also some posted at the airport, the tram station, the subway and in some tourist spots. Most locals hardly notice these group of music players nor the equipment they have with them such as the phonic powerpod 620, but tourists and travelers are very keen to these kind of scenario and would often describe them in detail on their blog or social media. It only goes to show that with all the hush and hurry of some people’s daily life, they often miss some of the world’s simple wonders – music.

Travel is always made more memorable by the experiences, the culture, and foods and especially by the people you meet along the way. There are instances when you meet total strangers that become your lifetime friends or even business partners! Discovering that you have the same background or interest more than just your passion for travel makes you want to connect and stay in touch with the people you meet while you travel. So even if you look like a grimy world-weary backpacker now, having some business card printing job early on put you on a very advantageous stand especially if you want to establish a network or contact with total strangers.

Planning to take the family off somewhere this Christmas but worried about your budget? Cheap vacation packages that are tailored for the holidays are your best bet for worry-free, budget-friendly and fun filled holidays with the whole family. Check out group buying sites for the best vacation deals. You can also search for online travel agencies that can offer affordable travel packages that suits your plans. When searching for a travel package, make sure that it encompasses all aspects of your travel such as airfare, accommodations, dining and activities to get the most discounts or deals. Planning for a group travel also becomes cheaper because the expenses are well distributed among the parties joining the trip.

One of the most rewarding experience while a person travels is to give back some of their time to orphanage or rehabilitation centers for youngsters who are seeking drug addiction treatment.  Sometimes, being on the road for a long time makes one feel a little only and wary thus spending time with people who are less fortunate that you renew your spirit and passion for life. It is also your chance to share with these children your travel stories and inspire them to dream and realize it. So even for a short while, you have helped these children by assisting in a child care center and at the same time you have imparted important life lesson that they may hold on to inspire and motivate them to live the life they really want.

It’s Christmas Baker's Edition Giveaway Event

Who wants to keep this KitchenAid Mixer for Christmas? I certainly would love to win this prize as an addition to my kitchen gadget. So if you want to win this, join now !

MPM Network Bloggers are gearing up for an amazing holiday season. Make sure you stop by and checkout all the tasty recipes below. Surely you will find something that makes your holiday even yummier!

One lucky reader will receive a KitchenAid Tilt-head Stand Mixer + accessories!

Giveaway ends December 9th at 11:59pm, open to US & Canada, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: TASTE MATTERS is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

School breaks are special time for a short family adventure to some unfamiliar destination. Vacations calls for much excitement and enjoyment for the whole gang, but with the rising costs of gas, food and day to day living, some families can hardly cope and plan on some relaxation that they desperately need. This should not be the case. Here are some tips to help you have the fun and adventure you crave without breaking your family budget while on vacation.

Plan, plan, plan

Months before you travel, it is advisable to do in dept research first on the destination you have in mind. Have a specific budget for the airfare, the accommodations, dining expenses, tours and activities. Have something extra for souvenirs and other expenses. Compare prices on different online booking sites and see where you can save the most. Booking early can yield huge discounts on airfare and hotel costs, but don’t forget about last minute bookings which can also become very cheap!

Grow your Travel Fund

If you want to experience a luxury or grand family vacation, you have to put in more effort in saving for it. Cut off all unnecessary expense and try and do a credit card transfer to effectively save on interest, finance charges and other fees on different cards. Save on your utility consumption or hold a garage sale to get something for things that you no longer need.

Accommodations

When you’ve exhausted all efforts and came up with a set budget, consider getting a house or an apartment instead of a hotel during your vacation. With a kitchen and dining area, you can save on dining expense as you can purchase and prepare your own food. Choose one that is accessible to different transportation venues such as the train or the bus stop. Check if there are nearby grocery stores or laundry shops so save even more. Or you can get a better online bank account that offers deals for online booking and travel-related expenses.

Learn to Commute

Trying out public transportation at a foreign land can be both scary and exciting. If you will be exploring the city, you might want to try doing it on foot or try out the subway, the tram or the buses that ply the city. If you have a big group, you can also find deals on car rentals to save more on your travel and transport expense.

DIY Itinerary

While choosing a package tour for the family seem encouraging, why not try doing your own itinerary this time. Explore at your own pace and choose only those sights and places that take you fancy and interest. This way you don’t have to pay for the services of a guide and save on entrance fees especially on places you don’t really want to visit.

While on family vacation, you can take full advantage of student’s discount or your parents’ senior citizen status. Some restaurants also offer kiddie meals and treats. You can also get deals where kids can eat for free and discounts up to 20% on food and other purchases for those with senior citizen IDs. There are so many ways for you and your family to enjoy a short break without actually going beyond your budget. Try to explore your financial options and you might be surprised with your secret spending power!

 

 

 

Lombok and Bali in Indonesia are popular destinations for beach bums and surfers from all over the globe. But Indonesia is not just about the sea and the sand, it has some of the most amazing mountain views in the world. Mount Bromo, an iconic caldera volcano in East Java Indonesia continuously beckons adventure seekers and backpackers to take a look at the wonder and majesty which nature have created. It is still a very active volcano and spews white smoke all the time. It is sits inside a massive caldera and is surrounded by a sea of sand thereby creating an ethereal and beautiful landscape. This combination of foreboding and beauty never ceases to lure tourist to visit this nature’s wonder.

 

Photo Not Mine: from Google search

 



 

It’s Christmas Baker’s Edition Event

 

Organized by: Mom Powered Media

 

 

 

Grand Prize: KitchenAid Tilt-head Stand Mixer + accessories

 

Event dates: 11/18 – 12/9

 

Open to US + Canada

 

Referral prize: $25 Amazon E-Code or Paypal Cash

 

Bloggers: Sign Up HERE

 

We are currently in the mall as I need to check on shubb capo banjo brass that hubby asked me to. We will not be staying for long as we need to fetch our dear dog from the clinic. He was diagnosed for parvo virus yesterday and after 2 days of confinement, I was advised early this morning that Diego passed away at 1:30 AM.  It was difficult to inform the kids but I had to, they were shocked and sad but that's life - they must accept the fact that their pet passed away already. Hopefully, I will finish my chores here so I could fetch Diego using a tricycle.

Traveling is an expensive activity. There are transport costs to be considered, accommodations, exploration and dining expenses. Luckily, travel and tourism has taken global acceptance and low cost airlines have provided easy access for travelers on a limited budget. Budget travelers may also opt to stay in cheap 2-star hotel aside from the more popular and usually crowded hostels and guesthouses. Look at the right places to get affordable accommodations even in expensive city destinations such as Dubai or Singapore. You will find that most museums, sights and other attractions have a “free entrance” on certain days. So plan your travel around these days so that you can save on your exploration. Multi-attraction tickets will also give you more discount and savings as you enjoy more attractions in a specific city destination. If you are in financial constraint, you can also just hang out in some pubs, you will surely enjoy your time especially if they have  JBL PA Speakers installed in these establishments.

You don't have to devote long periods of your life to preparing for every IBM Certification Exam you take. Instead, you can learn about faster ways to prepare for these exams so that you get the studying over and done with quickly and still get your certifications. Do you want to get ready for IBM Certification Exams faster? Here's how you can do it.

Accurate, Detailed Information

To get ready for these IBM exams quickly, you need web prep materials that contain accurate, detailed information that comes right from the exam. Inaccurate information means you will never be ready while information without sufficient detail means you will just be underprepared in a different way. Finally, if the information doesn't come directly from the exam, then you better be invested in the joy of learning because information that's not from the exam certainly won't help you pass.

Structured For Optimum Learning

It's one thing to bring all the right information together, and it's quite another to structure it to make it easy to absorb. If you have all the time in the world, then the structure isn't important. It you want to learn fast, the structure is as important as the information.

ExamTrace Is The Fast Way To Learn

ExamTrace is the best trick for getting studying done fast. The materials you will discover on this website cover the entirety of the content of IBM Certification Exams without adding in a single unnecessary word. They are structured to make learning and understanding easy, quick, and as close to effortless as studying can be.

 

 

 

Boutique hotels were the craze back in the 1980’s but these popular accommodation options are fast coming back on the mainstream today. In the UK and US, these hotels are preferred by many because of the top of the line rooms and facilities. Upon checking in, you can enjoy perks such as welcome drinks, individual telephone, wifi and cable television in your room. Compared with large hotels, boutique hotels are smaller with limited rooms but they can be as luxurious as they can get. They are fitted with gorgeous works of art, customized services and top of the line facilities that will make your stay unique and heavenly.

When you think of Las Vegas, the first thing that comes to mind is the casinos and the gambling that is very notorious with the place. However, there are actually lots of other attractions that draw family vacationers and other non-gamblers to sample out this vibrant and colorful city. The Strip now features mega-casinos with gimmicky themes, amazing architecture, amusement and other entertainment using line 6 4x12 cab at guitar center that's perfect for the whole family. You can find some of the world’s highest roller coaster – the Big Shot at the Stratosphere, while New York New York gives you a rich recreation of the Manhattan skyline, imitations of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Other places you can check out are the Venetian, the Bellagio and the Luxor.

If you have your eye on becoming a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert in the server pathway, there’s plenty of options for you to choose from. Six unique expert certifications are available for anyone who has previously earned the MCSA certification in Windows Server 2008 or 2012. Once you have earned an expert certification, your job role will be much more clearly defined. You can choose any expert topic to specialize in, and the work you will do will pertain specifically to the topic(s) of your choosing.

Among the topic areas are Server Infrastructure, which focuses on the configuration and administration of an effective data center; Desktop Infrastructure, which will cover the management and deployment of desktops and devices and prepare you for work as a support specialist or data and applications manager; Private Cloud, which focuses on the implementation and administration of cloud solutions that optimize the IT infrastructure; Messaging, which brings together aspects of cloud deployment, user productivity, and data security; Communication, which targets the improvement of organizational and international communication; and SharePoint, which focuses on information sharing and collaboration across a company.

Each of these certifications is earned separately, although more than one can be earned. A passing score on two unique exams is required to earn each one, as a way to ensure that you have the knowledge and skillset to complete the everyday tasks involved in the area of expertise. Upon earning a MCSE certification, you will have gained the ability to build efficient and innovative environment and cloud solutions, across multiple platforms.

 

 

 

 

I recently had the  opportunity to review Bounty Fresh's newest product offering - the Top Torikatsu.  Torikatsu is a Japanese breaded chicken  fillet.  This product will surely hit mommies who are on the go and need to stock up easy to cook meals for the families.

Top Torikatsu comes in two variants : the Classic and the Cheese and Chives

The Classic variant is crispy on the outside yet tender and tasty on the inside.

While the Cheese and Chives oozes with cream cheese and bits of chives.

 

If you want to know more about Top Torikatsu, visit the following links:

FB page - https://www.facebook.com/toptorikatsu

Instagram - http://instagram.com/toptorikatsu

YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/toptorikatsu

I have been blogging for quite some time now, been travelling as well but didn't have the time to really sit down and document all the activities, itineraries, and important notes on previous trips. I hope this infographic shared here from Digital Mint will serve as my inspiration for future travel articles. Enjoy!



Source: DigitalMint.net

When traveling to an exotic destination, one of our favorite activities is watching a tribe play some cultural music or some people portraying a cultural performance. Watching them play and perform allows you to learn more about the place’s history, people and culture. It is usually composed of performers dressed in their traditional costumes, painted or with make ups, warriors in their armors and some with traditional instruments such as the paiste gongs at musician’s friend. In most cases these performers act out a significant event in their city or country while others show off traditional dances to entertain a world-weary traveler.

Go wherever you want with an UTV. Unlike an ATV that only carries one rider and has no cargo space, a UTV can cart around several people and your gear. Here are just a few ways that a UTV will come in handy when you’re ready for an adventure.

Heading to the Back 40
UTVs are the vehicle of choice for farmers and ranchers because they are so versatile. When you need to go to the far reaches of your ranch to repair fencing or address another problem, you may need to take supplies and a partner with you. Rather than driving your good truck over the rough terrain, you can load what you need in the UTV and head out.

Camping in the Wilderness
Campgrounds are great if you want the convenience of plumbing and electricity, but some people want the full experience of camping without modern conveniences. With the UTV, you can load up your gear and then head off into the great unknown with your family.

They’re Fun
Just as ATVs are fun, UTVs are also a blast. You can load up a few friends and go hit the track where you can all enjoy the action. The biggest challenge you’ll face then is deciding who drives next. With the availability of great UTV accessories like special doors and tires, you can also customize your UTV and make it even more amazing.

There are several ways to use your UTV, and you will never grow tired of having one. Versatile enough to be used for work and play, it’s a smart investment that can be used in countless applications.

Lanzarote has had an unpredictable friend in nature. The island experiences a year round warm climate with temperatures rarely dropping below 20 degrees at any time and numerous beautiful beaches but then caked much of the island in a tide of lava which covered towns and villages, churches and miles of its shoreline.

Despite all of this however, the island remains a great place to come and explore. With so many fantastic attractions spread over the island, you can happily spend a fortnight on Lanzarote and have a great holiday.

Cesar Manrique Foundation

The most famous resident of Lanzarote, Cesar Manrique was an architect whose works are dotted all around the island. His home is now a foundation dedicated to his amazing work and was designed by the man himself. Built into boulders in a lava field, the ground floor is an exhibition space filled with works from his contemporaries.

However, it is the views from the enormous windows that are the most impressive. Basalt steps lead you to a turquoise pool and five lava bubbles linked by small paths built into the volcanic rock. Visiting his home will give you an idea of his thinking, meaning you will understand his other works around the island better.

Timanfaya National Park

This national park is focused on the volcano that shaped the landscape of Lanzarote. Bus tours take your around this lava scarred land, which gives the impression of being from another world. There is also a restaurant at the summit of the volcano, designed my Manrique, which cooks meat and fish on a grill that is heated by the heat coming from inside the volcano.

There are also locations offering you a different tour, on the back of a camel.

Surfing in Famara

In the north west of the island you will find Famara. Due to the area being exposed to the Atlantic Sea’s winds, it has become a popular spot for surfing and other great water sports such as wind surfing and kite boarding. Perhaps the best surf school on the island is Surf School Lanzarote, which is known around Spain for its expert instructors and quality tuition.

Flights

Flights to Lanzarote are generally short from any European destination, taking approximately three to four hours. Cheapflights offers some of the best deals on flights to many destinations around the world, so check out http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Lanzarote/ to find some great offers on your holiday this summer and start enjoying this fantastic little island.

Teguise

This town was founded back in the 15^th century and the centre was the original capital of the island. The streets are lined with some impressive colonial mansions along cobbled streets and if you follow them, you will end up at the Plaza de San Miguel where every Sunday you will find a busy market. There are other lovely sights to explore here, such as the Convento de San Francisco, which dates back to the end of the 16^th century.

Many businesses in the food industry have a need for commercial fridge and refrigerated display shelves to entice customers and onlookers to try out their products. Establishments such as bakeries, restaurant and coffee shops often invest on the best refrigeration units from Fridgeland for their storefront to present their best selling food items. The display fridge should suit the kind of business you have for you to showcase your products the right way.

Bakeries and patisserie needs a refrigerated display case for the cakes and pastries. Restaurants need a fridge to display beverages and bottles of wine. A countertop display fridge is also great for desserts while refrigerated salad bars will keep vegetables, dressings and other ingredients fresh for hours. Sandwich shops and delis attract more customers with a transparent preparation counter and refrigerated cases for keeping the cold cuts and other ingredients fresh. The appetizing way food is displayed easily makes customer hungry and eager to order for food.

So even if you are tight on your budget, go for what you really need and take in its aesthetic appeal for your store. Try not to go for something too high-tech for your budget and your requirement. A good-looking and top of the line fridge may cost more than what you can really spend at this time.

Many people prefer to travel and explore during summer months of a certain country. It makes a trip more enjoyable and gives you a better views and sights of the place you are visiting. However, there are also those who still travel and visit specific countries despite the wet seasons. For these hardcore travelers, it is very important to keep their stuff protected from getting wet. There are water-proof bags and luggage and there are also water proofing materials that you can check out at reidsupply.com for handles  to help you deal with your stuff and help you protect non-water proof bags and the items inside it.

We have a new ate on the house who can't cook, oh well, she can for the most common food but not even adobo. My mom hired her because of her age, yes she is older than the usual Ate we have.. I guess she is already in her 50's. Oh well, I guess this is the time to practice and hone my cooking skills - or perhaps hubby?! Hehehe

 

 

Going on an African Safari could be your wildest and most exciting adventure you’ll have in your life. It gives you the chance to observe how animals you’d only watched over national geographic, live and survive in the wild. To make the most of your first and probably last African Safari experience – because it is really expensive to get this kind of adventure, you have to fully prepare yourself for the extreme. African safaris have extreme weather patterns, rugged terrain and potentially deadly situations to look out for. So go get the toughest most comfortable clothes and shoes to keep you going on the long days ahead. Bring only essential stuff to minimize baggage and of course, prepare to the most awesome photo shoot in the wild!

Travelling to another country gives you a lot of experience and adventure that you wish you can share with people you love back home. While there’s the internet and mobile phones that you can use, nothing beats the traditional way of documentation. Luckily many hotels now provide letter set for all the guests. This could be due to cheap letterhead printing that is now widely offered online. They can easily provide guests using their hotels with pads of writing paper with their logo and hotel name as the letter head. It is also nice way of informing people back home that you had a wonderful stay at the specific hotel when you are exploring a new city.

 

When it comes to going green, many people start thinking about saving fuel or using less energy around the house. While those are all good ways to reduce the amount of waste that harms the planet, there is another simple way to go green, which starts at the grocery store. The amount of waste that comes from plastic bags that are used to store all the items that you buy is something that not many people think about. Before you use those plastic bags that the store provides, think about getting custom recycled bags, to carry the stuff that you purchase from them.

You will be surprised at the amount of good that you alone will be doing for the world, just by doing something so simple. Every single plastic bag that isn’t used means that less oil will be used to produce the bags. In turn that also means that you will be directly responsible for less toxic fumes that are produced during the manufacturing of those bags. You might also influence your neighbors or friends to start using recycled bags, which will be a great domino effect that will make our planet greener in the long run.

Another product that is often overlooked is paper, in today’s electronic world, paper has lost its value and is often thought of as waste, as most items like pamphlets are discarded the time we receive them. However, there are items that we use which are made from paper like place cards on the dining table, which can be made from great seed paper instead of regular paper to save the planet. Using recycled paper has been known to be good for the world, as it reduces the amount of trees that are being used in the process of making paper.

With that being said, many people will start to actively search for recycled paper to use in their everyday lives, but recycled paper alone only cuts down on the amount of trees being used. The great thing about seed paper is that after they have been used, they will actively go back to nature once they are planted. This makes a great gift, as people will be able to use this paper not only as an invitation, but as an extended gift which gives back to the world once the message has been delivered. Don’t wait another day to use seed paper and start planting them once they have been used to make your house a little greener.

New Zealand became very popular on the movie series “Lord of the Rings” because of its scenic landscape. Because of the movie too, the tourism industry in the country have boomed and people coming from different parts of the world are now interested to see the countryside. But aside from the middle-earth notoriety of New Zealand, it is also foremost a popular country for treks and hiking. It is blessed with lots of natural resources that attract a population of explorers. If you visit this country, dare to wear your Asolo hiking boots and pack up plenty of adventure for you will surely be enthralled to wall some of the country’s popular nature trails.

Just recently, the Fete de Musique festival was celebrated and concluded in many countries around the world. I am fortunate to have joined and observed this festival during its celebration in the past year. I was truly impressed with the concoction of sounds and the people gathered in one location to listen to the country’s top performers. There are concerts going on with all the musical equipment up stage complete with impressive lights, top of the line guitars and drums with boss pedals at guitar center. After dark, there are also street musicians playing their hand drums to delight the crowd.

Not all people share the view of travelling to see the world on its different cultures and experience. In fact, some would not go dare to travel because of fear of the unknown or any other fear that they create in their minds. However, travelling lets you experience a life in different ways.

Where to go is the big question to answer. However, Mediterranean is one place that must be included in your list since it got a lot of fancy and wonderful sites. Besides, it offers fantastic things to do.

• Cycle the tour de France. Even though this route are for professionals, there is no stopping you to experience the route and with supervision.


• The Abruzzo Ski. Italy’s Abruzzo region will give an amazing skiing experience.


• Hiking in Atlas.  Stunning sceneries paired with culture adventure.


• Slovenia’s waters. Superb Julian Alps in Slovenia’s emerald green waters that will give mesmerizing view.

Indeed, Mediterranean sites are wonderful and explicitly beautiful. Hence, it will not bore you out all throughout the trip.

Canada, also known as the Great White North, is the second largest country in the world, when you look at total area, being beaten only by Russia. Its other nickname – America’s Hat – lets you know exactly where in the world you’d find Canada, but it really is a lot more than simply the United States with a bit more snow.

Even discounting the gorgeous beaches, the snow-capped mountains, and the dense forests, Canada has a lot going for it. The cities are vibrant, with great restaurants and a fantastic nightlife, and you of course have the Rockies and the breath-taking Niagara Falls.

But forget all that – everyone knows those things. Boring! If you want something memorable, something special to talk about in the future, you’ll want to visit somewhere unique. Somewhere like one of the following suggestions:

Experience the Chill of the Diefenbunker

In Ottawa you can find the Diefenbunker, the only Cold War museum in Canada. With a number of fantastic exhibitions and attractions, you can learn all about the nuclear apocalypse that the Cold War was only one step away from.

The bunker was built as a failsafe, just in case the worst happened and the Russians attacked Canada. It was to protect the Canadian government from the nuclear blasts, and is now a National Historic Site, where you’ll be able to watch a documentary about the time, visit the emergency broadcast studio and step inside the war room for a fascinating insight.

Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before

Okay, so many people clearly have been here before, but the sentiment is there – in the small Canadian town of Vulcan you will come across the Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station. Constructed in 1998, the Museum pays looks like a hovering spaceship, paying homage to the fact that the town shares its name with the planet from Star Trek.

With space murals stretching from the floor to the ceiling, you’ll feel like you’re really voyaging through outer space, and you can even check out the memorabilia and pose in costume on the Green Screen. Don’t worry, you can’t miss Vulcan – it’s the town with the replica USS Enterprise outside!

Do You Think He Saw Us?

Head out into the scarily named Alberta Badlands for some adventure, but keep your wits about you – it is home to the world’s largest dinosaur! This Tyrannosaurus Rex lives up to its name (meaning “King of the Tyrant Lizards”), standing at a whopping 26 metres tall!

Made of fiberglass and steel, you can visit it for free, but if you want a more interesting time you should pay a small fee and walk up the dino! There are more than one hundred steps leading up to the mouth of the T. Rex, the walls lined with prehistoric bones and fossils.

Once you’ve had your fill of the toothy view, head down to the Royal Tyrrell Museum – dedicated to palaeontology, the museum is stuffed to the rafters with more than 40 dinosaur skeletons! If you’re looking to get around, book a rental car from AutoEurope.ca to find the best deals on car rentals.

There’s always lots to discover and enjoy wherever you go in Egypt, and the beautiful resort of Sharm El Sheik is no exception. The opportunities its white sandy beaches offer for swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and other water sports are justly famed, but there’s far more to the resort than that.

You’re spoilt for choice as to where to stay- many major hotel chains run five star establishments in Sharm, the classiest of which may be the 5 star Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh hotel. With its 471 rooms, 12 restaurants, outdoor pools, a water sports centre, kids’ club and even its own shop- Souk at the Hyatt, complete with authentic Bedouin entertainment- it’s tempting to say that you could probably have a great time in Egypt without ever leaving the hotel! But if you did, you’d be missing out on so much else.

Many of the Sinai Peninsula’s major religious and historic landmarks lie close at hand, along with coral reefs and the Ras Mohammed nature reserve. Sharm’s nightlife is also legendary, and available leisure activities range from golf to camel riding. And, of course, there are the town’s shopping facilities, which let you to combine retail therapy with seeking out those all-important gifts for the folks back home and a chance to encounter the local culture- foremost among them, the town’s Old Market.

Sharm El Sheikh has four main shopping areas- Naama Bay, IlMercato, SOHO Square and the Old Market. And it’s the Old Market that’s usually rated as the best- unlike Il Mercato and SOHO Square it hasn’t become too corporatised, while the hassle of the hard sell, though inevitable, isn’t as excessive and as wearing as it can be in Naama Bay.

The Old Market is in easy reach of the Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh. A series of shops, narrow streets and alleyways filled with kiosk outlets, it offers plenty to look at, but you can get around the whole place in about an hour. Painted papyruses, jewellery, vases and water pipes are always popular, as are rugs, silk shawls, perfumes and leather goods. It’s also the place where many of the town’s fish stores are based, so if you enjoy seafood you’ve come to the right place. If it’s your first time there, it can come as a bit of a culture shock, but keeping a few simple tips in mind will reduce the stress and make shopping in the Old Market a fun and memorable experience.

The first and most important thing is to haggle. Don’t be shy about doing this, as it’s standard practice- if anything, shopkeepers are likely to be offended if you don’t! As a general rule of thumb, if a shopkeeper’s asking for 100 LE (Egyptian pounds) for something, you shouldn’t be paying more than 30 or 40 LE.

Sales tactics include asking you to sign their guest book, translate a letter from a relative or write a postcard in English- all ploys to get you in the shop. Just say ‘no thank you’, or ‘la shocran’, and keep walking. Again, you’re unlikely to cause offence- you’re just showing you understand their sales tactics.

In the very, very rare instances the hassle gets extreme, threatening to phone the tourist police is usually enough to deter the most persistent sellers.

So there you have it. Sharm El Sheikh and the charms of the Old Market await you. Happy haggling!

London is the cultural centre of England and you will find no shortage of historic buildings and art galleries to visit here. London is also great for exercise and outdoor activities and you will soon discover that getting to and from the different sites in the city will be an event all in itself.

Walking

Taking one of London’s iconic red double-decker buses to get around the different attractions is something of a given for people who visit the city, but your feet can serve you equally as well. There are two ways to walk between the sites in London; one is to pick up a self guided walking tour map that will get you from Westminster Abbey right through to St. Pauls Cathedral and the various palaces.

The alternative is to take one of the many guided walking tours such as the Harry Potter walk, the Beatles walk or the London pub walk through the London Walks company. Another option is the Jack the Ripper tour offered by the Jack the Ripper Walk Company.

Dance

As a multicultural country, the capital of England has a multitude of different dance venues that cater for those looking to learn anything from Indian Bhangra to Salsa, while indie rock is pumping out of clubs throughout most of the week.

Dancing is a great way to stay fit and healthy, and while it may not seem very exhausting, ballroom dancing can in fact help you burn more than 200 calories an hour - imagine how much you’ll burn dancing in your favourite club! For a list of the best clubs of the moment in London check the city guides in your hotel such as TimeOut London.

Bicycle

If navigating the bustling streets of London on foot seems a daunting prospect, visitors to the city can instead choose to cycle. You can go about this in two different ways, either by renting a bike yourself or sign on for a bike tour around the city. Tours with the London Bicycle Tour Company include night tours, West-End tours of the famous sites such as Big Ben and Hyde Park and an Olympic tour which stops at the 2012 Olympic venues.

Cycling around the sites is a great way to explore London while exercising at the same time. London’s city centre is home to many royal parks which are enormous sites that you can cycle around in your own time, while enjoying the peaceful ambience away from the city. Picking up the bicycle itself is inexpensive, much the same as the cheapflights you can get to fly to London.

Olympic Park

The 2012 Olympics has had a great impact on sport in London giving it a massive boost. The various sites and stadia are now open for the public meaning you can have a look around or watch another sporting event. If you are interested in taking part yourself, have a look at London2012.com venues page for information about upcoming events and public openings, so you have a chance to take part or at the very least watch the sport you’re passionate about.

Steak is a cornerstone of a final meal. It is a purest carnivorous pleasure made available to all. However, the delight is costly and many cannot afford a hearty treat from a luxurious diner. Nevertheless, you can still make one in your home while imitating the taste as that in the steakhouses.

Here are some tips that will contribute to improve the taste of your steak food.

1. The right age.  Give the steak a little bit of age to make it juicy, tender and tasty.


2. Sear the steak.  Brown the steak’s surface before grilling.


3. Do not let it sit in the cold.  You can put your steak inside a warm oven

The great way to attain the right taste, aroma, and texture of a steak is through cooking the meal the right way. Enjoy your meal!

Passport and credit cards are essentials whenever a person goes out traveling to other country. However, there are also other some sort of women traveling essentials that are of great help in making the vacation extraordinary. It will keep your poise and fashion sense up the beat.

• Talcum Powder.Never forget to stuff in your bag the talcum powder. It is a drying agent that has a pleasing scent which is perfect during summer getaway.


• Sunglasses.Bring dark shade sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun as you get to view the wonderful sceneries in the place.


• Shorts, Flip Flops and Shoes. To comfortably roam around the city, wear a comfortable getup such as shorts paired with flip flops or shoes.

Having all the essentials will make the getaway hassle-free and truly enjoyable. Happy trip!

The cost of fuel combined with environmental concerns influences many to ride a bike as a viable means of transportation to school, work or for touring. In recent years, Australian municipal governments implemented programs that encouraged cycling around their city.

Melbourne

Cyclists regularly travel the city streets for commuting, recreation or sport. Melbourne’s mild climate combined with level topography make the location the perfect cycling environment. Bikes share the road with cars along specially designated lanes provided on many streets. Other avenues have a complex network of attractive off-road paths frequented by cyclists and pedestrians. The extensive roads available to cyclists span from the city centre to approximately 10 kilometres away. The railway network additionally allows cyclists to take bikes aboard the train.

Adelaide

The variety of terrain found in the city of Adelaide presents a cycling challenge, but also offers some scenic rides. The city estimates that approximately 8,000 residents commute to work by bike daily. Adelaide additionally offers free bike hire services as a means of encouraging health and fitness. Five paths meander in and around the metro area via tranquil back streets, along disused rail lines and mirroring expressways. The picturesque River Torrens Linear Park path takes cyclists out of the hills, through the city and to West Beach. The outlying areas of Adelaide also provides various paths that venture into wine country, through woodlands and up to Mt. Torrens.

Brisbane

The eastern coastal metropolis covers over 300 square kilometres. The city features more than 1,200 kilometres of bikeways and paths snaking throughout the area. A particularly interesting pathway traverses along the Brisbane River called the Riverwalk. Portions of the cycling/pedestrian friendly region include the Story Bridge, which extends onto the river and briefly follows the shoreline before returning to dry land. The city offers bike maps illustrating the various bike lanes, paths, bike hires and shelters situated in the various city districts, which makes Brisbane an extremely cycling friendly community.

Perth

The western Australia metropolis remains one of the most cycling friendly cities in the country. Perth created the Bike to Work Challenge in attempts at boosting bikes for transportation. Main roads offer exclusive bike lanes and the inner city roadways and train lines feature parallel cycling paths. The complex network of lanes, paths and trails rivals vehicle or train access and allows commuters to venture anywhere in Perth while riding a bike. The heat of the day during summer may pose a problem for cycling commuters making it necessary to carry water and wear sunscreen.

Sydney

The Sydney City Council developed the Cycle Strategy and Action Plan that proposed a convenient, safe and sustainable cycling network spanning 200 kilometres. Approximately 55 kilometres represent separated pathways. The majority of this project saw completion and construction continues. The cycling interests of community residents helped spawn the idea and 84 percent of the Sydney population surveyed deems a decent cycling network important to the city. While the many kilometres of road and off-road lanes make the city more easily bike navigable, the hilly terrain continues offering a challenge.

Among these Australian cities, Brisbane is possibly the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Brisbane also offers lots of other tourist-friendly services such as cheap backpacker accommodation, bike hire and foreign exchange in Brisbane CBD and the suburbs.

Tiny islands, isolated coves and party haven shorelines: These are the many faces of South American beaches. Here are the five most amazing ones to visit.

 

Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Brazil

Remember to bring cash because this remote cove is ATM free and only accessible on foot or bike. You will be walking or biking 7.5 kilometres if you take the shortcut, but it’s well worth the effort for even a glimpse of this paradise. Go for a swim in the crystal clear water before visiting the vendor on the beach selling local delicacies. The small village nearby provides the perfect location for a late afternoon exploration, before you head back to the beach for another dip.

Renaca, Vina del Mar, Chile

Grab a drink from one of the many bars lining the sand and head down to Renaca, one of the most popular beaches in Vina del Mar. There’s even a money exchange office if you need to trade in the last of your Aussie dollars to fund your sampling of local food and cocktails. This beach is a mecca for young people, so be ready to meet new friends as you duck and dive through the azure water. The party really never ends at Renaca.

Almond Beach, Providencia, Colombia

If you’re looking for that last-people-on-earth, Leonardo-DiCaprio-in-The-Beach feeling, then head to Almond Beach. It’s a remote beauty where you can snorkel for hours, and then have lunch looking out over the water to San Catalina. It’s also one of the few beaches in Providencia where you can pitch a tent by the beach and stay for a while to take in the breathtaking views. Don’t worry about bringing your own food, as there is a lovely restaurant on site showcasing simple, authentic Colombian fare.

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Who could overlook the classic? Popularised in Barry Manilow’s 1978 song by the same name, Copacabana is home to dozens of bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants where you can shake off the sand and dance all night. Copacabana is the place to be for New Year’s Eve, or Reveillon as it’s called in Brazil, as partygoers don white clothing and prepare handmade boats loaded with offerings to please the goddess of water. New Year’s Eve at Copacabana is a riot of celebration and music no to be missed.

Playa El Yaque, Margarita Island, Venezuela

Internationally known as one of the best locations in the world for wind and kitesurfing, this is definitely the beach for watersport enthusiasts. Even if lying on the beach is more your speed, Playa El Yaque has something for everyone with its abundance of white sugar sand and easy to swim breakers. Grab your board and head to this beach for a sun-soaked afternoon you’ll never forget.

Since some of these beaches are well hidden gems, you’ll need an experienced operator to help you find your way. Visit http://www.myadventurestore.com/ and let them be your guide to the most amazing beaches in South America.

Sun sand and good times – there’s nothing like a great beach party. Here’s your guide to the best In the world.



Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio has a vibe in a league of its own, with the legendary party scene on the Copacabana Beach a major tourist draw card. As a way to ring in the new year, Copacabana’s million strong beach party makes it one of the ultimate destinations in the world. The balmy January climate means swimwear is the outfit du jour, and icy cocktails are essential to keep cool. Locals and tourists mingle on the golden sands, and the atmosphere pumps day and night.

 

Goa, India

A Portugese colony until 1961, Goa’s culture retains a relaxed and laid back feel. The region is a popular holiday destination for western tourists, and is packed with lively nightclubs and bars. While a far cry from the crowds of Rio, Goa’s beach parties first gained notoriety in the sixties, with hippie travellers revelling in the freedom the area offered. These days their legacy lives on in sunset trance parties and psychedelic music. Anjuna beach in North Goa is an ideal location to experience the best of a bygone era.

 

Ibiza, Spain

This Mediterranean island has lengthy reputation as a party island, attracting northern Europeans in search of the sun. While it attracts partiers year round, it’s in the summer months that Ibiza really comes into its own, with the island’s population swelling to accommodate over 2 million visitors throughout the season. Nightly parties with drummers, fire twirlers and bonfires attract crowds and the pounding beat of music gets everyone in the mood for dancing until dawn.

 

KohPhangan, Thailand

Thailand either conjures images of temples, rainforests and spectacular scenery for a relaxing getaway, or the infamous Full Moon Party. A hedonistic mecca, Full Moon parties take place, as the name suggests, on the eve of every full moon, meaning that visitors who wish to take part in this experience aren’t locked into one date a year. Crowds of between 20 -30 000 people are attracted to each party, with drugs and alcohol a drawcard to the predominately youthful clientele.

 

Cancun, Mexico

This fantastic location has it all: gorgeous beaches, plentiful crowds, and a phenomenal atmosphere. If a truly electric feel is what you’re after, Cancun during the American Spring Break is the place to be. The already busy tourist town is full to the brim with partiers, and beachside concerts and events mean you’ll never be short of something to do.

 

Our best picks for beach partying can all be reached by booking your flights through www.studentflights.com.au – start clicking and you’ll be on your way to a brilliant beach holiday!

Photo Credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net

Travel has become a huge part in many people’s lives. Some travel to different countries because of work, some for vacation and for others they travel because it is their life. Though it can sometimes feel lonesome being in a place where you hardly knew anyone, staying connected with your friends and family back home eases the homesickness that you feel. These days, the use of online video calling has made it more convenient to communicate and stay in touch even if you are oceans apart. All you need is a good internet connection, a webcam and a blue yeti usb microphone and you’re all set to cure your loneliness on the road.

The Central European countries are popular destinations for road trips, and for a good reason. The roads are in great condition and the scenery is beautiful. The mountain roads in Switzerland, Germany and Austria are particularly scenic.

Road Trips in Switzerland

Switzerland's small size makes it ideal for road trips, and the mountainous landscapes provide stunning scenery. It really looks like a postcard: snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, meadows and wooden chalets. You only need to drive for a few minutes to get out of even the big cities, and you will find yourself driving through beautiful countryside. There are many panoramic routes for road trips, and most of them include some mountain views. The Swiss National Tourist Office has more information about the best places to visit in Switzerland.

When planning a road trip through Switzerland, it is important to stay informed about weather conditions. In the summer months, June to August, the weather is generally good in most areas. However if you are planning to drive over the high mountain passes in the spring or the autumn, check for snow warnings. There can still be snow on the passes in May, and the first snow might arrive in the high mountains in September.

Exploring Germany with a Car

Germany is many drivers' favourite European country. Its highways take you to most places fast, but the most scenic routes are often on the smaller roads, so remember to leave the Autobahn sometimes. The Bavarian Alps are a beautiful area to drive through; there are mountains, forests, lakes and castles. There are also many interesting cities to visit in Germany, especially if you like history, culture and architecture, such as Berlin, Munich, Leipzig and Frankfurt.

If you are flying from the UK to Germany, airports are the most convenient places for hiring a car. All the major European car hire companies, including Alamo, have offices in Germany.

Driving Trips in Austria

Austria is another popular road trip destination. The Glossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the most popular scenic trips in Austria. It is a short drive that can easily be incorporated into a longer driving tour, and it is famous for its mountain scenery.

The Romantic Road in Austria is a scenic 380-km journey, and it is highly popular with visitors. This road passes mountains, lakes, castles, small villages and towns, and there are places to stay from bed-and-breakfast style accommodation to comfortable hotels. The Austrian Tourism Office has suggestions for driving in Austria

A valid European driving license is essential when driving in Central Europe. A license issued in any European Union member country is accepted in all other EU countries and also in Switzerland. Make sure you understand local traffic rules before starting your road trip.

When visiting a country or city for the first time, the first time you should check is the tourism corner at the airport. These nooks usually have booths of tour operators and they can give you their pamphlets and brochure with their services and offers. Tourism centers also have hostel brochures to help you find the perfect accommodation deals for your needs. You’d wonder how these brochures are made with their colorful and eye catching designs. Brochure printing at printingamerica.com can give these vivid prints for less if ordered in bulk. Hostels anywhere in the world can order their brochures from online printers to save on their advertising costs.

When looking for somewhere to enjoy a romantic get away a trip around the Greek islands is a fantastic option. Not only will travellers have the opportunity to enjoy the delights of the Mediterranean culture and cuisine, they will also the chance to see some fantastic sights and take advantage of the wonderful climate. Here are some ideas for those who are considering a cruise around the Greek islands.

The Greek Islands

Although there are thousands of Greek islands, the exact number depends on the size of the islands taken into account. Only approximately two hundred of these islands are inhabited so many remain largely unexplored. This gives holidaymakers a fantastic choice of islands to visit, each offering their own individual experience to tourists. Some of the better known islands include Kos, Cyclades, Crete, Corfu and Cyprus.

Greek Cruises

A cruise is an great way to explore several of the Greek islands during one holiday. An ideal way to travel, you can enjoy the luxury of all the facilities that are offered on board while also being able to absorb the local culture. You will also get to spend time at several of the islands during your cruise. When visiting each of the islands you will discover the differences between them and be able to absorb the unique history of each of the islands. Some of the islands are very tourist orientated with lots of activities, shopping areas and restaurants. These islands offer couples on a romantic trip the chance to share a candlelight dinner, adventurous activities and late nights together. Other islands are predominantly untouched and provide couples with the ideal opportunity to enjoy each others company in a relaxing atmosphere.

Booking a Romantic Trip

There are lots of different companies offering great deals on romantic trips around the Greek islands. Each of these has something different to offer depending on your budget, personal preferences and your expectations of the holiday. Azamara Club Cruises offer fantastic Greek cruiseswhich take in the Mediterranean and Black Sea as well as the Greek islands. You can enjoy the numerous Greek ports and the historic white-washed villages, not to mention the on-shore excursions arranged by this travel company. Seafarer Cruises also offer some fantastic cruises around the Greek islands and they pride themselves on offering tourists a historical and cultural experience of this part of the world. These cruises are given on large yachts giving a more intimate experience. The Co-operative Travel is another company worth considering and they specialise in honeymoon trips.

The Greek islands are a wonderful destination to enjoy a romantic trip. They combine history and culture with beautiful scenery and the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities. For those looking for a little luxury in their romantic holiday a cruise is the ideal choice.

Two of my cousins visited us today from Cagayan de Oro. Since we were not so hungry as we had a late breakfast, so I only ordered 2 pizza from Pizza Hut. They have an ongoing promo now for Php 499 or three pizza for Php 699.

I chose the Super Supreme flavor but I need to add another Php 40.00 to avail of the promo.

Second choice was a Pepperoni as this is the favorite of my eldest son.

Pizza Hut is just a call away. In less than 45 minutes, the delivery man came knocking at the gate already. If you are from Bacoor, this is their hotline number 046-417 1111.

Most families schedule their family trips during summer vacation. It is not only because you get wonderful weather during these months, it is also the time for kids to have a break and enjoy after months of doing nothing but school work. Some families are limited to exploring nearby places via long and tiring road trips or land travel because they want to avoid expensive plane tickets. But this should not be the case, your family can enjoy your vacation even more if you are relaxed when you travel using cheap airline tickets. Don’t limit your options to local destinations, you can avail of promo tickets to some of the world’s best destinations without hurting your wallet!

To score promo tickets for your next family vacation, be sure to check out airline booking websites a few months before your travel dates. Planning ahead you itinerary also help as you would need to finalize your schedules and for you to book your airline tickets according to your trip. Consider going to “less” popular destination and challenge your family to more adventure and more family bonding time. These can be lighter on the budget yet you can make it even more fun with a bit of ingenuity and an adventurous streak!

Without a doubt, a person gains weight and inches due to unhealthy lifestyle. These include lack of exercise and improper dietary practices. Since it is the latter which is the common culprit for unwanted fats, then this article will focus on that aspect.

If you want to burn calories, then opting for healthy foods specifically the fat burning foodstuff will improve your fat burning capabilities. The following list of food will simply enhance metabolic rate by virtue of nutrients and natural features like caffeine in green tea.

• Oatmeal


• Lean meats


• Fish


• Chicken and eggs


• Broccoli


• Green tea


• Whole grains


• Peanuts


• Hot peppers


• Lentils

Indeed the healthy foods will stoke your metabolic fire. However, you should remember that you also have to incorporate regular workouts to attain better results and keep the body in good shape.

Oh no, we are not in Siargao yet to try surfing, I am just at home surfing the net for future supplies for the kiddos. In two months time, the school will again start and will be needing tons of school supplies. Aside from the usual supplies, we will be needing new uniform, new socks, new shoes for school and for sports, and of course new bags! Kids dont like old bags. So while surfing, I have good deals like jansport bookbags here. I might try to buy from this company and have it ship to my brother's address in the US.

To escape from the future complains of the kiddos, hubby already installed the portable swimming pool beside the house. Water is currently low as a lot of households are washing their clothes, its always like that if holiday.

I just  need to do some stuff around the house then I will join hubby and the kids for a quick in-house swimming. Wanna join us in our staycation?

A lot of our neighbors left already for holiday this Easter. One family is now enjoying  the white beaches of Boracay, another family visited their relatives at another place in Cavite, some are going to Lipa and us here in our little house - trying to enjoying each other's companies.. :) My kids have been pestering us to go to the clubhouse to have  a short dip in the swimming pool but hubby is not really interested as it the pools will surely be full - either the kiddie pool or the one for adults.

Thus, hubby is tinkering some things here while I am currently looking where to buy tv brackets online. Kids are downstairs playing with gadget and phone. I need to find some kind of activities for the kids in the next 4 days or they will turn bonkers in no time.

A friend of mine who recently started composing party music will be celebrating his birthday. Being so far from her, I don’t know what to give her not only as a gift for her birthday but also to celebrate her success at creating wonderful music. Luckily I found it possible to buy fruity loops at GC. This software is a must-have for those who are starting with musical compositions. It has loads of instrumental performance and melodic capabilities to make composing and arranging easier. I hear it is also very user-friendly and these are less complexities compared with other software. I’m sure my friend will love this surprise when it gets it.

Summer is fast approaching and people find their own way to beat the heat of summer. In this respect, Philippines has a lot to offer not only to its citizens but as well as to foreign visitors. If you are still in an “undecided stage”, then check the following summer destinations in the Philippines to find the best!

• Palawan. Visit the Tabon Caves and Honda Bay.


• Boracay. This place is considered to be one of the best beaches in the world.


• Bohol. Chocolate Hills is one popular spot in Bohol. Also, there are also the wonderful Bolod Beach and Alona Beach.


• Pagudpud. If you love to surf, then Pagudpud beach in Ilocos will is just right. It has strong winds and waves perfect for the adventure.


• Mactan Island.This place in Cebu is highly visited because of myriad of activities it offers such as sailing, snorkelling and many more.

Without a doubt, Philippines is one perfect summer destination. It offers a relaxing view and wonderful experiences. Enjoy the summer!

Back in our college days my friends and I loved going to concerts and gigs of our favorite bands whether it’s a local band or those really popular ones. It was the rock and roll era and we love the music back then. There was one particular guitar player from a local band that made the girls swoon whenever he plays. He was really good looking and played with so much talent even with the low tech guitar-effects of the time. I think he would have played more wonderfully if they have a zoom g5 with multi-effects and easily accessible pedals back then!

If you’re hosting a party, you might feel a bit pressured to make this party a success. But looking into a few essential details can help make a party worth remembering without the host over exhausting herself! A day before the scheduled party, prepare the entrees by washing the lettuce, making the dipping sauce and start baking the dessert. Some even prepare main courses before hand and simply work at reheating them when the party starts. If you are thinking of serving your guest with seafood, there are surely lobster for sale at the nearest wet market. Alternatively, you can search for lobster order online. Its easy, convenient and they'll deliver right in your doorsteps.

If you are up for balloon decorations, you can prepare them a night before so you'll have time to pump and design them.

Table setting, decorations except for fresh flowers of course, can be taken-cared of the day or night before. You can work at preparing a certain main course and order or buy ready to cook appetizers so you won’t feel so harassed when the party in on the way. Once you've prepared everything, its your turn to beautify and pamper yourself.  Surely not nice to greet your visitors with a haggard face. Just sit back and enjoy your party!

One of the best cures of jet lag and moving from different time zones if you are in NYC is a quiet night with wonderful blues music. There are a lot of speak easy bars and restos that seats only a limited number of customers. You can make a reservation online and feel as if you’re a VIP when you have to knock and say your name to the person on the other side before you are admitted. Once you are in, you can hear the sound of soulful melody and seductive trumpets and saxophones. Wines and food in these types of joints can be quite pricey because they have the best brands and the service to make every client feel really special.

Celebrating its two year online birthday just last month, the Dukan healthy diet plan is becoming more popular than ever. It is no secret that every diet has its downfalls and critics but it is also no secret that the Duchess of Cambridge has successfully used Dukan in the past...

As it is a new year, many people will be embarking on new diets and may have already found that a select few don’t work for them. With Dukan, the simple four phase programme is easy to understand and the website is cutting edge in terms of personal support and development. The first Dukan diet phase is Attack which is an all-out cleanse of your system; high-protein foods and rigorous exercise. It sounds horrific, but this is the hardest part of the diet so survive this and you are well on your way to becoming a slimmer, healthier version of you. For this first phase, you eat purely high-protein meals with ingredients from the 100 safe foods list. This list is made up of 72 animal-based foods and 28 plant-based foods and at each stage you are allowed to eat a wider variety. This is to make sure you don’t become too bored of the same foods throughout the diet and to provide you with the correct nutrients at the appropriate time.

Following the Attack phase there is the Cruise phase to get you down to your True Weight (calculated using your ideal and perfect weights) and the Consolidation phase which settles you into your new self. It is more than common for people who have lost weight to gain it very shortly after their weight loss plan has ended which is why Dukan have their final phase, Stabilisation. This ensures that you have the skills to keep feeding yourself healthily and allows you to keep as close to your True Weight as you want to.

As with any diet it is advisable to consult your doctor before embarking on a new regime as it is not suitable for everyone.

Its nice to be back home! We left on Sunday February 24 via China Southern Airlines for Canton / Guangzhou. There were some problems initially but it turned out well after a few days. Things happen for a reason.

Anyway, we started our journey without the big boss but he came 2 days after. The D.PES Digital Printers and Engravers and Signage Expo is relatively small compared to the next Sign China Expo. We were not supposed to extend our stay but due to the recommendation of another sticker supplier, we extended for 2 more days. It was costly to extend as we needed to pay more on hotel bills and also ticket extension - but it was worth every penny! It was really huge! We got what we needed the most!

I will make a separate post about our hotels, foods and others. I just want to say for now " Home Sweet Home".

 

Oslo is one of the most expensive European cities; here we look at some ways to make your stay there a little more affordable.

Avoid Taxis

Taxis aren't often necessary in Oslo due to its fantastic public transport system. Buses are regular and cover most of the city and the light rail system, known as the t-bane, is also extensive. If you can, buy daily, weekly or monthly tickets as this will save you a packet compared to buying individual tickets for each journey. Public transport stops running at 12.30am so if you can, try to end the night at a club or bar within walking distance of your digs.

Eating Out

Oslo is home to some of the world's best restaurants but dining out is not cheap at all - a bowl of soup can be over  10. Save the restaurants for special occasions and try to get in the habit of making packed lunches and cooking for yourself. Even fast food is very costly in Norway so making your own meals is a great way of saving money.

Use Grrnerllkka

Grrnerllkka is an area close to the centre of Oslo that is home to the city's immigrant markets. It is a vibrant and bustling area full of street vendors and ethnic stalls. The selection of produce is extremely diverse when compared with the local supermarkets and it is much cheaper too.

Go Veggie

Farmers in Norway are heavily subsidised by the government making meat extremely expensive. Many Norwegians travel to Sweden to purchase their meat just to avoid the high prices in their own country. On the other hand, alternative protein sources such as eggs, beans and nuts are comparatively cheap so reducing the amount of meat you eat makes good financial sense.

Avoid Boozing

Like meat, the price of alcohol in Norway is controlled by the government and has been set very high. There are some cheaper Scandinavian lagers such as Ringness and Tuborg but in general it is best to stock up on alcoholic beverages whilst at the airport.

If you can - get a membership to a student bar. Every faculty of the local university has a bar run by volunteers and these are by far the cheapest place to get a drink in the city. A 30-40NOK membership buys a whole year's drinking and student bars are a great place to make new friends as well. Each student bar has a theme of its own and they throw plenty of parties throughout term-time.

Get Some Part-time Work

If you are on a student visa then you are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. There is a labour shortage in Oslo so part-time work is fairly easy to find, even for those that don't speak Norwegian. In the holidays, employment is even more abundant as the local shops take on more staff to help gift wrap purchases and with the general holiday business. Rates tend to be at least 120NOK per hour.

When buying your Norwegian Krone, be sure to use a travel money comparison service to ensure you get the best rate for your money.

One of the major issues that many travelers have is money. There are actually a lot of people that hesitate on packing their bags and enjoying a trip somewhere faraway because of the costly airline tickets they have to book. This shouldn’t be the case and everybody should be allowed to see the world even if they’re not millionaires! For some, the possibility of scoring cheap tickets is dependent upon your research and resources. Knowing the right online booking sites gives you a great advantage of scoring the best deals to any destination you have in mind.

Consider using airline booking sites and while you’re at it, don’t go for direct flights and notice the most convenient connecting flights for you. This will get you at the destination you have in mind at less the cost. Another trick is to check out the prices of flights scheduled in the middle of the week or those they call the “red eye flights.” These flight schedules are those that are not high on demand because of their inappropriate time thus they are more inexpensive compared with other flight schedules. There are actually many ways to score cheap airline tickets to hot destinations around the world. Just have a little patience and do a lot of research and open yourself to the possibility of having different flight connections.

Weekends are always fun when you get a theme for your family lunch or dinners. The whole gang would be excited to know about the recipes you have and would be eager to help out in the preparations especially if what you’re going to have is any one of their favorites. It’s a good thing that most of us in the family loves seafood specialties and agreed to have fresh seafood delivery for our Saturday extravagant lunch. It works like a reward for working our best both at work and in school during the weekdays and when Saturday comes; we can all enjoy a leisurely and luxurious meal that we all love.

For this weekend, I’m thinking of preparing seafood marinara with penne pasta and my husband is requesting to order lobster online that he and our sons can grill together. I’m still finding recipes for dessert though, my kids are requesting for ice cream and I might just give in to what they want. All I need now are some numbers to call for delivery and a short walk to the convenience store for half a gallon of ice cream and some snow cones too. Thank goodness for online deliveries, enjoying family meal times is so hassle-free!

On February 24, I will be leaving the country again to attend the China Sign Expo in Guangzhou, China. We have prepared all necessary documents already for the application of our Chinese Visa. I was there 3 years ago already - also to attend an exhibition for the same market - printing and advertising.

I also booked already our hotel. We will be staying for the whole time at Guangdong Nanyang Royal Hotel. I usually book at Agoda but for this trip, I booked at Asia Travel. Hope everything will run smoothly. So any recommendation to visit in Guangzhou?

As early as now, I am already packing for my things. There will be a lot of walking to do in the exhibition area so I am thinking of bringing a flat shoes. I guess I have to equip myself with yoga socks. Don't get me wrong, I am not going to do some yoga but I heard that its so comfy to wear. What do you think?

I went to Davao twice on January. First was with my big bosses - 2 Germans to look for a store space as we are planning to expand for Mindanao. We opened our Visayas branch in Cebu City last October. Hopefully before this month ends, the Davao branch will be up and running! Hopefully!

We stayed at the Waterfront Insular Hotel for 3 nights. But on our first day, we already found the right store for us. Its in the crossing of D. Suazo and Lapu Lapu Sts. Do you know that street? Any flooding history in that place? I asked a few individuals including the previous tenant but so far everyone mentioned "safe from flooding". Hopefully..

Few days after, I came back again and now staying at North Zen Hotel at Sobrecary Street, just a few steps from the store. The full reviews and photos of these hotels will follow. Honestly, I haven't uploaded the photos yet. Too lazy or too busy yet!

Talking about laziness?  Now ending this short post as I am already lazy.. oh well.. needs inspiration! Beer please..

Cake decorating is one of the sugary arts that will not fail to amaze one’s eye. If you are an aspirant baker who likes to decorate tasty cakes, check the following tips:

• For the flat top, flip the cake and use the flat bottom. Decorate as you please.


• Create S-shape swirls with the use of a teaspoon.


• Decorate cakes to cover up spotty icing by piping large and small dots.


• Add a simple silky texture and sheen appearance with butter cream frosting.


• Sprinkle cakes with goodies.

Adornment will give the cakes a finishing touch. It will just require creativity and skills to come up with an attractive culinary creation.

I am a frustrated baker, really like to do it, but not enough time!