How-To 7 Smart Tips for a Smoother Trip 4:00 PM Everybody wants a hassle-free vacation, but things don't always go our way. The most important thing to remember during a trip is to enjoy it. Follow these seven smart tips for a smoother trip next time. They will be a great help. 1. Research Where do you want to go? What kind of trip is it going to be?Research the destination to understand what to expect.Check the weather forecast before your visit.Identify activities to try and local delicacies to sample.Learn about the local culture and the characteristics of its people.Note what to observe and avoid while in the area.Look for safe inns or hotels with good ratings that fit your budget. 2. Make a list While planning the itinerary, have a list of the things you need to bring. List of Sites to Visit: Compose a comprehensive list of the destinations you wish to explore. For each site, include essential details such as opening hours, entry fees, and notable attractions. Directions and Accessibility: Research and document the best ways to reach each site, considering options such as public transportation, driving, or walking. Include estimated travel times and any specific landmarks to assist with navigation. Download an Offline Map: Ensure you have an offline map available on your smartphone or device. This will help you navigate without needing a data connection. Food and Activities List: Make a list of local cuisine or restaurant experiences you want to try. Research activities such as tours, events, or local experiences that interest you. Consider Dietary Needs: If you follow a vegan diet, identify vegan restaurants or eateries offering vegan options. Look for reviews or recommendations online to ensure your dining experiences align with your dietary preferences. Do you have people you want to buy souvenirs for? List them down. At the end of the day, list your expenses to monitor your cash. It doesn't sound sexy, but it's essential, especially if you're traveling on a budget. 3. Pack light When packing, common sense plays a significant role. Don't bring a month's worth of outfits for a 3-day trip. Don't bring a pair of boots if you're going to the beach (duh). Pack only the things you will need. As much as possible, don't bring valuable jewelry. Aside from clothes, my must-bring stuff includes: Food and water (or a water bottle, which you can refill inside the airport) First-aid kit and medicines for pain, allergy, and stomachache Earphones and chargers Toiletries Comfy travel pillow Jacket and a pair of socks (to keep you warm) A good book or a Kindle in case of downtime, like waiting for a delayed flight Like every Catholic school survivor graduate, my rosary beads I have a back problem, so carrying a heavy bag is a no-no. Some bags are already heavy before you put anything in them, which is a pain. My favorite fool-proof tip for a smoother trip is to bring a foldable, lightweight, waterproof rolling trolley luggage. I'm so happy to have found the Overnight Bags Aero Carry-On Rolling Trolley Luggage. Not only does it have different gorgeous designs, but it's also light and functional. It's lightweight and waterproof; you can bring it as your carry-on. For a smoother trip, it's a must-have for every traveler (especially those with back problems). 4. Be early Starting the travel time early is better as you get to see more places, prepare calmly, and have extra time when unforeseen delays happen. When traveling by plane, check in online to avoid queuing. Missing your plane or train means more hassle and sacrificing an activity. 5. Auto-responder Set your email's auto-responders while you're away. Someone might reach out to you, and you don't want them to worry or guess why you're not responding. It could be an important client. 6. Bring extra money As with any trip, expect the unexpected. Bringing extra cash is wiser than worrying about having enough until it's time to go home. Transfer a certain amount of money to an ATM card that you can bring. 7. Que sera sera It's nice to keep an itinerary and plan your trip carefully. But things happen that are beyond our control.Sometimes, the weather will not cooperate with your trip to the beach. Sometimes, there will be miscommunication between you and your guide. Sometimes, despite the planning, you'll still forget something important. Cut yourself some slack. Don't let a minor problem get in the way of fun. Let things be. Go with the flow. Que sera sera. Be a smart traveler. Have a smooth and fun trip! Note: I received carry-on luggage from Amazon through Uskoop free of charge. All opinions are my own.This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my book addiction!
Love and Relationship From Wedding Ad Models To Real Life Married Couple 8:00 PM Do you believe in destiny? It’s a curious thing how out of billions of people in the planet, we find one whom we can call our soul mate (Song of Solomon 3:4: I found him whom my soul loves). Sometimes the journey is long before finding “The One”. For some, it comes easy. It’s funny how fate brings two people destined to be together. Take Barry and Belle for example. From wedding ad models to real life married couple. Stories like that remind me that love finds a way. Always! A story of Destiny: From Wedding Ad Models to Real Life Married Couple In year 2010, Barry and Belle met as models for a wedding ad campaign in Singapore. They started out as friends but people could already see how comfortable they were together. Have you seen Hotel Transylvania? There was a moment when the characters Mavis and Jonathan met and they “zinged”. It may not always be like so in real life when two people meet, but there sure is a certain spark that they either deny or not notice due to some reasons. Sometimes it could be because you’re still with someone or is focused on another person or priority. Or because funnily enough, love happens when you least expect it and with the person you never thought you’d fall for. Barry and Belle were busy doing what they’re paid for to do; shoot for a wedding ad. In between takes, they would chat, take photos and enjoy the location for the 2-day photoshoot. Although it was a little challenging for the team to keep the fresh wedding vibe due to the weather in Sentosa Beach, the two did enjoy each other’s company. The second day of the shoot was honeymoon themed and they enjoyed that day as well. I think the whole shoot was destiny’s way of showing them the possibilities of being together in real life. That they can be comfortable with each other, and life is easy when you spend it with the right person. Because fast forward five years after their ad photoshoot, Barry and Belle officially tied the knot! I’m sure there were ups and downs in the five years of their journey before that. There were reroutes, dead-end and paths they’re both unfamiliar with. But what makes the ride exciting and worthwhile more than anything is the person you are walking with. In the end, love conquers all---and the real wedding came to pass. So beautiful! According to Plato, in Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves. Zeus had every reason to be afraid of their power. How beautiful it is to finally find your other half who can make you feel like you can do anything as long as they're holding your hand. We all have our own unique story. And what I love is that real love stories, like that of Barry and Belle are more beautiful, colourful, and more fascinating than what we see in movies. Barry and Belle are solid proof that love moves in mysterious ways and that if it’s bound to happen, it will happen. You just got to have faith. Follow BarBelle EverAfter’s journey on Facebook and YouTube. Also check their online shop for cute couple items. Photos from BarBelle EverAfter’s Facebook page Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle 5 Cool Reasons To Call Your Boyfriend Unique Nicknames 6:00 PM We all have our love language. But how do you express your love and affection verbally? How do you keep your relationship interesting and keep the spark by simply talking to your significant other?In an intimate relationship, using pet names is a sweet way to express fondness towards your partner.What makes it extra special is that anyone can call them by their name but the unique nickname you call your boyfriend is exclusive only to you.Here are 5 cool reasons you should start calling your boyfriend unique nicknames. 5 Cool Reasons to Call Your Boyfriend Unique Nicknames 1. It makes him feel special.When you call your boyfriend cute nicknames it makes him feel important and endearing. You may refer to your close friends as "honey" or "sweetheart" but giving your partner a name that's exclusively his own shows him and others that he has a special place in your heart.Choose a nickname that refers to his personality (Snuggle Bear) or favorites (Marshmallow).Nicknames may sometimes make other people roll their eyes but they will score you points to your man and that's all that matters. 2. It can spice things up.Sometimes a nickname could be developed from your experience or from a special bond you formed through the years.Some cute nicknames that can make your partner feel wanted and can excite them are: CasanovaWild ThingMr. HunkLoverboyMy LoverMcSteamyMr. BigGood LookingPrince CharmingHeartthrobHot Stuff 3. It's a good sign of a healthy relationship.According to a study, personal idiom usage is a sign of relationship solidarity---even for friends.There are things that only you and your partner know and sometimes, that includes the origin of the nickname you use for each other.A unique nickname you call your boyfriend can go beyond being cute. It can also show the depth of your relationship.Some nicknames that show you have a good relationship with your partner:Light of my lifeMoon of my lifeDearestMy better halfApple of my eye 4. It shows that you care.You won't believe this but even the toughest guy needs love.Men need to feel that you care for them. Whether they admit it or not, they like the feeling of being babied. Calling them Beloved, My Baby, Bubba, Koala Bear, or My Precious can show them you care. 5. It gives him a confidence boost.Calling your boyfriend nice adorable names can make him feel confident with himself, and in your relationship.He will feel adored. When you call him a unique nickname in front of other people, he'd feel like you're letting everyone know you belong together and you're proud to be with him.Final wordA unique nickname can give your boyfriend a sense of belonging. It conveys devotion and warmth.A nickname though fun should be respectful and not demeaning. It should build your partner's confidence and give him joy. Not make him question his self-worth.Calling your boyfriend a unique nickname will make your bond stronger and closer.What nickname is unique between you and your partner? Gifs from TenorThis post contains affiliate links so I'd get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!
Beauty How To Define Your Cheekbones In 4 Simple Steps 5:00 PM Having beautifully defined and high cheekbones can enhance your facial structure.But do you know how to define your cheekbones if you've not been gifted with Hollywood-worthy bone structure? Online tutorials have numerous steps and countless expensive products to achieve those defined cheekbones of Keira Knightley or Naomi Campbell. The good news is that defining cheekbones doesn't have to be complicated. Or costly.You can create a structured look on your face and define your cheekbones with makeup, a little time and effort in four simple steps. Step 1: Locate your cheekbones.Before defining your cheekbones, you must figure out exactly where they are on your face. The easiest way to do this is by sucking your lips together like a fish to create hollows in your cheeks.Place a finger in the hollow of your cheek for each side and slide it up until it contacts the underlying bone. This is the area where you should apply contouring.Step 2: Create the base.Apply a darker foundation or powder than you usually use along your cheekbones, bringing it toward the middle of your face. Ensure that your cheekbones and the apples are covered with the foundation that suits your skin tone.Blend them all together using a soft brush or a beauty blender. Step 3: Apply a cream blush.Create a brighter, more alert look by applying a small amount of cream blush to the apples of your cheeks. Step 4: Use a highlighter to add the definition.To accentuate and make your cheekbones look high, apply a shimmering highlighter across the top of the bone, starting at the outer edge of the eye and sweeping it upward toward the temples. If you want more information and details on changing your cheeks, this website can help. This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost. Define Your CheekbonesAre you blessed with high cheeks like Cameron Diaz or Halle Berry? It's okay if you're not.Follow these 4 simple steps to define your cheekbones and achieve that sophisticated, structured, and stunning look.
Coronavirus Do Houseplants Attract Mosquitoes 7:14 AM Is everyone a plant parent now? 🙋 This pandemic has surely forced many to go back to basics, revisit nature and relearn the benefits of plants. Whether it’s for food or garden and indoor decoration, plants add unparalleled value to our lives. When it comes to indoor plants though, we all have this nagging concern: do houseplants attract mosquitoes? Do Houseplants Attract Mosquitoes? We commonly hear that indoor plants don't necessarily attract mosquitoes, but there is a possibility of mosquito breeding in stagnant water from watering the plants. The most common mosquito species is fungus gnat that can be often found flying on your favourite indoor house plant. Mosquitoes can turn your sanctuary into a nightmare! The constant itching and the annoying buzz in your ear when you're trying to rest...ugh! Not to mention, they're difficult to catch sometimes.TenorIf you're a nature lover and have indoor plants but have a constant struggle with mosquito invasion, here are some tips that can help you.How to Keep Mosquitoes from Breeding in Your House PlantsFlush your sump pump daily after watering the plants.Remove saucers that collect excess water. Wash the saucer with dish soap to get rid of mosquito eggs.Invert the saucer to dry it completely.Fungus Gnat control with indoor plants: Water plants only up to 1/2 or 1 inch of soil so it can dry quickly.If possible, plant in pots with a quick and fast drainage mix. This can help the plant soak and absorb water more quickly. This way the soil does not remain wet for too long.While keeping indoor plants, check that there are no containers with stagnant water as it can easily become the breeding ground of mosquitoes.Bury peeled raw potato slices 3/8 inch deep in the soil. This can help the infested soil rid of the mosquito and fungus gnat larvae. Change the potato slices weekly.Applying Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies or nematode feltiae can kill fungus gnat larvae or mosquito eggs that are breeding in the soil of the indoor plants.It’s known that mosquitoes are drawn to water. Plants that attract mosquitoesWater lilyWater -hyacinthWater lettucePapyrusTaro plants These plants can attract mosquitoes so it’s better to not keep them indoors.GiphyMosquito-repellent indoor plants for beginnersThere are few indoor plants that may help repel mosquitoes while adding to the aesthetics of your home. citronella grassbasilcatmintlavendergarlicrosemarycedarbee balmlemongrasslemon balmlemon scented geraniumscadaga treesclovefloss flowerlemon thymemintlemon eucalyptusnodding onionpineapple weedpitcher plantworm woodsnowbrushsweet fernstone roottea treetansyvanilla leafbergamotThese plants can help keep mosquitoes, insects, and pests away. So...do houseplants attract mosquitoes?Indoor plants may or may not attract mosquitoes depending on the breed and type of the plant. And on how you maintain your plants.If you're still struggling to find ways to get rid of mosquitoes and pests in your home, it's best that you consult a pest controlling service. Follow these simple tips so you can keep your favourite indoor houseplants without worrying about pests and mosquito invasion.
