Dogs How To Travel with Dogs: Tips And Advice 8:00 PM Are you a dog lover? If so you know how incredibly difficult it can be to part with your fur baby while traveling. Our pets are our family, our best friends, and you wouldn’t dare leave one of them behind, would you? Of course not! Fortunately with the right preparations you can travel in style with your healthy and happy pup. Here's some tips and advice on how to travel with your dogs. Tips and Advice on How to Travel with Dogs Traveling by plane? Make things easier on yourself and your pooch by taking a few things into consideration beforehand. Does your dog have the right temperament for a plane ride? Do you have a carrier in line with your airlines size requirements? Is your dog up to date on all their shots and vaccinations? Same thing goes for car rides. You want to be sure your pup is comfortable in their seat, and be prepared to make some potty & stretching stops for them! This graphic by PuppySpot can serve as a helpful checklist before your next trip. Once you determine your mode of transportation, simply check off each necessity to be sure you don’t miss a thing. Once the travel portion is over, be sure to have accommodations at your destination set up for your pet as well. Websites like Bring Fido can help with finding dog friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities going on near you. Planning out these things ahead of time will rid you of the stress of leaving your dog in the hotel all day and allow you all to freely explore the area. Even if you’re not a pet owner at the moment, checking out some of the local dog friendly beaches and hiking trails can still be a fun way to fill your daily dose of cuteness. Do you have any tried and true travel tips? Let me know in the comments! This post may contain affiliate links. About the author: The PuppySpot Team 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 A Bucket List Of 10 Must-See Places 8:00 AM In his most notable play, Shakespeare famously said that the main question of our existence was whether to be or not to be. Where to be Not to criticize his genius, but let us offer an alternative way of looking at life and a different question to be asked: namely, where to be? Being stuck in a stuffy office, sitting in front of the computer while performing the same boring tasks that you have performed yesterday, cannot in any way be compared to being out and about in the world, experiencing cities, forests, beaches and quaint little villages, discovering unknown places and breathing in foreign air. Travelling is a unique state of being and it is no surprise that our bucket lists are usually filled with distant places that we would like to see before our time runs out. Do you have all of the most impressive sights on the list? Or is there something that you could still add to it? Read our guide of 10 must-see things to see and do around the globe and find out! A Bucket List of 10 Must-see Places To Do and See Before Your Mortal Coil Shuffles Off Ponder the magnificence of the Great Wall of China This ancient fortification is not considered to be one of the greatest wonders on this planet for nothing. It is one thing to see it in pictures, but to actually set foot on it and touch the stones that have been there for centuries is an experience which does not compare to anything else. Do not be afraid to stray off the beaten path and explore some of its older stairs and hidden towers. You will find yourself wandering around its crumbling battlements for hours, amazed and enchanted by the history that is embedded in this man-made monument. See the Taj Mahal bathed in the light of a full moon The melancholic beauty of the Taj Mahal is sure to blow your mind at any time of day, but if you wish to experience it at its most profound, visit the memorial when the moon is full. The complex is open to visitors at night during this time and there is nothing quite as beautiful as its solemn white structure drenched in the dazzling moonlight. The building takes on a life of its own during these nights and you can almost hear it whispering the sad story of an emperor and the love of his life sleeping her eternal sleep in the mausoleum. Embark on the Irish Oyster Trail in Galway The annual International Oyster Festival, which is held in Galway, is a must for every self-proclaimed foodie. It takes place over a period of three days and celebrates the beginning of an oyster season in a true Irish fashion – drinking, dancing and traditional hospitality of the locals included. The biggest crustacean worshippers are challenged to drink a pint of beer and chase it with some oysters in every pub along the Oyster Trail over the period of the festival, which adds up to around thirty pints and more than a hundred oysters in three days! You will not find a better way to plunge headfirst into the very middle of the unique culture of Ireland. Gape at the Golden Rock in Myanmar The Golden Rock, or Kyaiktiyo, as the locals call it, is a gigantic granite boulder sitting on the very edge of a natural stone plinth in the Eastern Yoma mountains of the beautiful country of Myanmar. This structure, which seems to defy the laws of physics, is believed to be sacred by the Burmese Buddhists and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year – the legend claims that a few strands of Buddha‘s hair hold it firmly in its place. It is a mind-boggling sight all year round but the peak of its religious significance can only be experienced between the months of November and March, when dedicated Buddhists pray to it among the smell of incense at the dawn of a new day. Discover the Carribean gem of Antigua Nestled cosily between the Atlantic Ocean and the Carribean Sea, the island of Antigua is home to some of the most beautiful beaches that you will ever see – not to mention that this tiny island offers a choice of 365 of them! If you do get a chance to travel to Antigua, make sure to stop by the capital city of St. John‘s as well for some amazing vistas. Get messy at La Tomatina On the last Wednesday of every August, a tiny Spanish town of Buñol descends into the most entertaining of madness. An enormous crowd of people gathers in the city centre and engages in a public tomato fight which has no equals – around 130 000 kilograms of over-ripe tomatoes end up covering the streets and the public over the course of just one hour. Remember how your mother precluded you from getting dirty when you were a child? Well, this is your chance to get as messy as you want while taking part in an unforgettable celebration of life! Experience the wonders of an African safari Even the most impressive zoo cannot be compared to the sight of wild animals roaming around in the wild right next to you. The diversity of species, the intimacy involved in seeing them in their natural habitat and the deep appreciation of nature that stems from it is something that you are bound to treasure for years afterwards. No matter how cliche it might be, experiencing a safari in Africa was always gonna find its way to this bucket list. Visit the marvelous Grand Canyon If one had to choose the most iconic landscape in the USA, a sight that is capable of transforming you as a person, the Grand Canyon would be it. This natural wonder is almost 300 miles long and a whole mile deep. The modern world often forces us to forget our sweet insignificance; we fail to appreciate the vastness of our planet. The immensity of the Grand Canyon is capable of changing that in mere seconds. Explore the city of Petra Petra is a unique historical and archeological site located in southern Jordan. Tourists from all over the world flock to marvel at its rock-carved structures and the surrounding valleys. The Siq – the main entrance to the city comprised of a narrow gorge – is particularly impressive and is sure to remain in your mind forever. Sail around the Whitsunday Islands The Whitsundays is a collection of islands off the central coast of Australia – and it is also one of the most idyllic places on this planet. The bright, transparent seas, the perfectly white sands and the green islets raising their backs timidly out of the water calm a wandering mind instantly and allow you to submerge yourself in undisturbed peace. Definitely to be There is such an overabundance of beauty on our planet and for us, there is meaning in that fact alone. Just scanning over this list should pop the question of being or not right out of your mind. Venture into the world now and start pursuing the ultimate experience of truly being in it. Post may contain affiliate links. 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
Reflections Reflection: Humblest Person Alive 8:00 AM True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. - C.S. Lewis Humblest Person Alive "I love what you write. I think you're brilliant. You're wise. I needed to hear this today. You're a fantastic writer." It's easy to receive all these praises of men and claim it as my own. But then I want you to know that I don't because I'm the humblest person alive today. Kidding! Isn't it awkward to claim something like that? Seriously though, how easy is it to claim all the glory when people like you and like what you do? Of course we're allowed to feel good and receive compliments. But I think the problem comes in when instead of pointing to the direction of the Source, we tell the world that we did it all by ourselves. George Burton Adams said: There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success. Now, that's something that puts things into perspective. We may have made 90% of the effort; blood, sweat and tears, but we owe at least 10% to other people. We owe it... to our parents who gave us life (unless you're a test tube baby who came purely from chemicals or whatever science did), to our teachers, whether they taught us the right things and encouraged us to do better, or like Albert Einstein's teacher who told his father: "He will never amount to anything.", to the class bully who always picked on us, to our friends who always got our back, to the interviewer of that one company we've always wanted to be a part of who told us we're not the right fit for the job, to the stranger who showed us a random act of kindness...or rudeness! There's no point in bragging about our achievement because we couldn't have made it on our own. Don't get me wrong. When people tell me I look beautiful, I'm smart, I'm good at something, or they like me, I blush, I feel flattered, I receive it. I bask in it. Hey, it's a blessing! Not everyone gets that compliment. Tenor But I consider it as God affirming me and like a boss telling me, "Good job! Keep up the good work." Or a Father who lovingly looks at me and say, "Of course you're beautiful. You're my daughter. I'm proud of you." I let myself receive all these love and kind words. (Even the criticisms that I know will help make me grow and improve). But at the end of the day, I know and I believe that it's all because of Him and for Him. That without His grace and mercy, I wouldn't even be here typing this reflection. Humblest person alive? I know one. A good friend of mine. In fact, I think most of my friends and mentors are humble beings. That's why I want to emulate them. But the humblest person alive in my opinion is Someone Who gave up His majesty, His throne and His glory and took the form of a lowly mortal. He who ate, drank, perspired, walked the muddy and sometimes dusty road on Earth to be with His servants. Lived with them, talked to them, and loved them with all that He is. Took their place at the cross. Someone who traded His royal crown for the crown of thorns to show His big love. That is one King worthy of praise. That's the real humblest person alive. 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
Travels Planning Your Backpacking Trip through Europe - a Few Tips and Must-see Cities 8:00 PM Planning Your Backpacking Trip through Europe - a Few Tips and Must-see Cities 5 General Tips If this is your first time planning a backpacking trip (through Europe or any other country, as well), these tips might help you. Plan Your Trip When composing the itinerary, you will be tempted to include as many places as it is possible, but be sure to leave yourself enough time to really enjoy the city you are visiting. Choose quality over quantity. And do not underestimate the time you will spend in the transportation, too. Also, try to include a few peaceful destinations just to relax and get some good night’s sleep. Thanks to the best air mattress, which most backpackers carry with them, comfortable sleeping is guaranteed, but sometimes you'll need some peace and quiet, as well. Pack Smart Make a packing list and pack only the things you will really need. With the packing list, you will be sure not to forget anything, and you can use that list as a reminder so you can quickly check if everything is still there. Never pack valuable things - just think about how you’d feel if you lose any of them. Another important thing when it comes to packing your backpack is to pack light - heavy luggage will only slow you down and you might have to pay higher luggage fees during the transportation. And don’t forget to pack some snacks, too. Bring Your Own Air Mattress As camping and backpacking become more and more popular, new, improved versions of air mattresses appear on the market. All you need to do is to find the best air mattress that fits your needs and the size of your backpack. Consider weight and packed size, as well as the comfort and warmth. The best air mattress for backpacking is the one that is light, comfortable and it is easy to roll up. Before choosing one, it might be smart to read some reviews, either by other backpackers or independent review sites like TheSleepStudies.com. Save Your Money Do what the locals do, and go where the locals go. Places in the city center and near the tourist attractions usually overcharge their services, but you do not have to pay more than you opt to. In every destination, there are also many free activities and attractions you do not have to pay to see. Or try to find the ones that offer special deals for students and families or have discount days and hours. Avoid Pickpockets and Scams Although pickpocketing is most likely to happen in large cities full of tourists, be careful wherever you go, you definitely would not want that someone rips you off or scams you in any other way. Pickpockets are usually persons you would never suspect on - young girls and boys or well-dressed people. They work in groups and use the crowd in the popular tourist attractions, as well as in the transportation. Pay attention to all your belongings when you are in places like the beach, restaurant or a bar. In such places, people usually let their guard down and leave their stuff unattended. There are a few tricks that might help you protect your stuff - use a zippered or a pickpocket-proof bag, wear a money-belt, split your money… And get to know a few most common scams before you leave anywhere. This guide on BemusedPackpacker might be useful to avoid common travel scams. Five Must-see Cities in Europe When traveling only with a backpack, you are free to go wherever you want, but it would be a good idea that before you go, you make at least some outline of the cities you want to visit, and that fit your travel style and budget. Here are a few suggestions. Budapest, Hungary With affordable prices and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Budapest is undoubtedly the city you should visit. The St. Stephen’s Basilica, City Park (with the Széchenyi Baths), House of Terror, Great Synagogue, Castle Hill... these are just some of the sights you must see. You can see many of Budapest’s best sights from the Danube Promenade. Also, once you come to Hungary, do not forget to try some of the best traditional Hungarian dishes. And if you love nightlife and cheap alcohol, visit some of the 'ruin pubs' - pubs built in buildings destroyed during the WWII. But, if you are looking for a place to relax, visit thermal baths. There are many, and the two are most famous the Széchenyi Spa and the Gellért Spa. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find an opulent nightlife scene, especially when it comes to pubs. You can use this Budapest pub crawl to find your way around more easily. Munich, Germany Munich is not the cheapest place to visit, but it is also not that expensive as other major cities in Europe are. This city has everything - history, culture, cuisine, sport... and most importantly - huge beer mug. Find a place according to your taste, and enjoy with a cold beer and a soft pretzel. But do not forget about real local specialties, especially if you are a meat lover. You will need a few days to visit all the sights - the Cathedral Church of Our Lady, St. Peter’s Church, Konigsplatz, Residenz, Marienplatz with the New Town Hall… Munich also has a numerous excellent museums (Deutsches Museum, Egyptian Museum, Nazi Documentation Center…). This guide on LonelyPlanet might make things easier. Belgrade, Serbia Belgrade is a pleasant city, with lots of cultural and historical sites to visit. Numerous museums offer you the opportunity to learn more about the culture and tradition of the people from this area. Among many churches, the one that stands out in its beauty and its size is the Church of St. Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world as well as the picturesque Kalemegdan fortress. Other sites you should visit are the Residence of Prince Miloš and Princess Ljubica's Residence, House of Flowers - the resting place of Marshal Josip Broz Tito and his wife, Jovanka Broz... When you come to the city center, walk along the Knez Mihailova Street and come to the Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan), where you can enjoy nature blended with the historic site. Here’s a more detailed guide on must-see sites in Belgrade on TripAdvisor. Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a city you always return to, no matter how many times you have visited it so far. With its breathtaking architecture, untouched during the WWII, it seems like a city from a fairy-tale. Walk around the Old Town and its square, visit St. Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Astronomical Clock Tower and Old Town Hall There are many other sights and attractions to see, such as the Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Lobkowicz Palace, Old Jewish Cemetery and the Old-New Synagogue. Prague is well-known for its quality beer, which you can enjoy along with delicious local specialties at one of the restaurants. And since it has a large student population, the city offers an excellent nightlife. Vienna, Austria Vienna has always been a large city, and it was a home to many artists, especially composers including Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Haydn, Schubert and Johann Strauss II. When you come to Vienna, you will be amazed by the city’s architecture and the combination of various architectural styles. You must see the Schönbrunn Palace, with the Tiergarten Schönbrunn - the zoo in the palace gardens. Other attractions to see are the St. Stephen's Cathedral, Danube Tower (Donauturm), The Giant Ferris Wheel and its Square, Albertina, Imperial Palace (Hofburg), Esterházy Palace… And if you love museums, there are about a hundred of them in Vienna. In conclusion… If you are an adventurous soul, you owe it to yourself to add the Europe experience to your memories. If you are from the USA, it will be discovering a whole new perspective on life. That’s not an exaggeration; Europe is at that sweet spot between urban, busy life and history. The experience will change you. In a good way, too. This article was submitted by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. 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
Reflections Reflection: What Are You Waiting For? 8:00 AM If we wait until we're ready, we'll be waiting for the rest of our lives. Lemony Snicket What Are You Waiting For? I don't know about you, but I hate to wait around. Waiting for people to turn up during a meeting. Waiting in line especially when I see the person at the counter dilly dallying. Waiting for people to move when I'm all up and ready to go. Makes me want to ask, "What are you waiting for?!" I've realized the reason why I hate waiting is because I've also procrastinated in my life when I was younger that now I'm running out of time. And I want to make the most of every second. I want every moment to count. Even on weekends, I need to be doing something productive. And if I need to relax, I need to be spending quality time with the people who matter to me. Tumblr I would detest myself for wasting an hour on Facebook or other socials. So I'm conscious not to browse too much. I know the fruits of waiting is sweet because I've always been waiting for God's will to unfold in my life. That's a different story altogether. There are things you can't rush. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1 But you can't make me watch crappy movies or read lame books anymore. That will be wasting precious time. I can't be friends with those who seem to let life's negativity dictate their future. Or those too toxic to be around. I don't wait around for people to apologize before I move on. That will be waiting for hell to freeze over. I won't wait for the world to come to peace. I'm searching for peace within myself every day as difficult as that may be. I don't wait around for Prince Charming to arrive. I decided to build my own kingdom. If he cares to join me and I see he's worth sharing my colorful though sometimes boring introvert life with, I might open the gates to the castle and let him in. And we may not live happily all the days of our lives but at least we'll be backing up each other through the tough times, fighting trolls and evil witches together, winning battles or walking away from fights we don't want to bother joining together. You get the picture. Yeah, youth is wasted on the young. Now I know what George Bernard Shaw means. Gulp. I'm getting old. Well, I'd rather be old and wise than young and careless. Growing old is inevitable so my goal is to age gracefully. I'd get there eventually so why not arrive in grace. Right? What about you? Do you like to wait? What are you waiting for? 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
Fashion & Style 5 Tips For Beach Ready Hair 8:00 PM If you’re lucky enough to be jetting away to sunnier climates this summer, or even if you’re staying at home, chances are you’ll be spending time at the beach at some point or other – even hanging out round the swimming pool. Now, some of us are completely blessed with the type of hair that just gleams, no matter what we do with it. The type of hair that can be immersed in sea water or the pool for hours yet still dries perfectly in the sun. Others aren’t so blessed and the thought of going to the pool with hair like a scarecrow is more of a reality! If this sounds like you – you don’t need to worry anymore because we have some great tips for stunning, beach-ready hair that will take you from beach to pool to bar without you needing to disappear indoors wondering what you can do to re-style without starting from scratch! Source: Instagram 5 Tips For Beach Ready Hair Before we start, you’ll need a few hair products and hair tools. Firstly, as you’re going into the sun a very good quality professional hair shampoo and conditioner is a must. Buy one which suits your hair type, and avoid those with sulphate as an ingredient because this can build up on your scalp and cause irritation. Invest in a hair treatment product to re-hydrate dry hair, especially important after a day at the beach. Take Moroccan or Argan oil with you and always have a heat protecting spray in your suitcase. If you can, avoid any heated styling tools but we know this is very difficult in reality, so buy tools of good quality with ceramic, tourmaline or titanium coating to limit any stress on your hair when styling. For instance, a quality ceramic straightening brush is less damaging than using daily a classical straightener. Take a selection of hair scrunchies, bands and pretty clips with you because even the simplest of styles can look different with a few cute hair accessories. Finally – take a hat – a sexy braid peeking out the bottom of a big floppy hat is sometimes all you need to look like the pool’s glamour puss! You should always rinse out your hair after using the pool or being in the sea because the chemicals of the pool and the salt water of the sea can play havoc with the condition of your hair and if you have coloured hair it could alter it. Before you go to the beach use a heat protecting spray especially if you aren’t going to be wearing a hat, this will protect hair from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Here are some easy hairstyle ideas for beach hair: 1. Simply pony tail – always fail-safe, keeps hair out of the way and is a very comfortable way of wearing hair in the sun. Add some pretty clips to make hair more interesting and if you want to change your pony tail, give hair at your forehead some lift, fix this area with clips and then tie the rest back. For an easy update, tie your pony tail to the side and if it’s long enough, braid it, use a slim ribbon through the braid to match your swimwear for a pretty twist. 2. While on the subject of braids, why not add in lots of little braids to your hair and tie them all back behind your head? This is a soft and pretty way to wear beach hair. 3. Braid your hair before you go to bed and in the morning loosen out the braids for cute waves. Separate the curls using your fingers and apply a little serum to tame any flyaway hair. You could wear your hair half up with this style too for a tousled, casual and carefree look. 4. If you really can’t find any way of wearing your hair by the pool, wash it, condition it and comb a treatment through it. Slick a little styling cream through too and secure it at the nape of your neck for a sultry, chic poolside look. 5. Using a slim hair band, push the front of your hair back and then with the slim end of a comb, gently pull a little hair through at the front to give it some lift. Secure the back in a messy bun using bobby pins or a pony tail twisting the end of the pony tail around itself and fixing with pins. About the Author: Katie Masters inspires busy women to express themselves and achieve great salon hair styling at home every day, by sharing her own findings about latest hairstyling tools. She writes about all things hair at hotairbrushreviews.com. If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Health & Wellness How To Lose Weight For Women 8:00 AM More than just vanity, I believe getting fit is important for a healthier and happier life. Obesity has serious complications and must be avoided. There are a lot of tips online about losing weight. Products for burning fats, new weight loss routine, and different diet plans keep coming out to help women in their weight problems. With all these, how do you know which one is most effective for you? How to lose weight for women? Here are a few ways I’ve found online. How to Lose Weight for Women Eat! That might surprise some because some people claim to have effectively lost weight by skipping meals. That is not however a dangerous method. Skipping meals will slow down your metabolism to conserve energy so the next time you eat; the food isn’t burned as efficiently as it should be. Don’t fight hunger pangs. If you want to lose weight, you don’t have to eat less, you just have to eat right. Move around A stationary lifestyle will obviously make you gain weight because you’re not helping your body to burn the fats from the food you ate. If you are overweight, it’s advisable to get a workout plan from an expert. If you just want to lose weight or avoid gaining, move around. Walk regularly or jog, dance, enroll in a yoga class, go biking or swimming. Just remember that in order to make exercise effective, find a routine that you’re most comfortable with. Find an exercise that suits your personality and that you will enjoy doing. Diet pills There are some diet pills for women available in the market which has been proven to effectively speed up losing weight. Now it’s easy to find and purchase the best diet pills as information are available online. But what are diet pills? These pills help boost weight loss that diet and exercise alone would take a little longer to do. Having a healthy lifestyle and not just controlling your food intake is the key to losing weight effectively. The process of losing weight should not be a punishment but a process in achieving that healthy happy life you deserve. If you want to know more about losing weight for women, click here. Have you tried losing weight? How? This post was made possible by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. 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
