#Make the Best Quality Wine At Home by Using Hops Victoria

[valleyhydrobrew]

Make the Best Quality Wine At Home by Using Hops Victoria

Hops are the main ingredient that makes the taste of wine. Thus, when you are brewing wine at home or the commercial level, you need hops Victoria to get the desired taste of the beer you are trying to make.

[mytherapistsays-blog]

Beat The Sunday Scaries With These Bath Products

Beat The Sunday Scaries With These Bath Products ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ @MyTherapistSays ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ https://mytherapistsays.ca/beat-the-sunday-scaries-with-these-bath-products/

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BATHROOM ZEN AF

In the midst of scrolling through your phone and being accosted with a bevy of bad choices and wrong turns you decided to make and take last night, the Sunday Scaries creep up on you. There’s really nothing you can do about the “sexy” (repulsive) photos you sent to make your ex jealous, incoherent texts to explain yourself to your friends, or the dancing that you thought made you look like Brit Brit in I’m a Slave 4 u. You know very well the only thing enslaving you last night was Patron.

The only thing to do now is to delude yourself in an atmosphere of serenity, beauty, and bath salts. You light up that amber rose scented candle, pour open the Chianti, and pretend that last night was merely an inception like dream in which you were a victim

Click on the obnoxiously large photos for more info.

HERBIVORE COCO ROSE BODY POLISH

This exfoliating body scrub feels so therapeutic- the pink clay is perfect for detoxifying your skin after a weekend of one too many tequila shots. And what problem does coconut oil not solve? Dry skin? Coconut oil. Frizzy hair? Coconut oil. Boyfriend acting up? Coconut oil. *pours coconut oil over entire life*

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY SKIN BRUSH

Weekends tend to be cheat days for me- no calorie gets left behind. So come Sunday I do my dry brushing routine which helps with lymphatic drainage, increased circulation, and removing dreaded cellulite. Dry brushing may be painful af at first, but it’s worth it. Anything I can do that can make my body look better without having to go to the gym- sign me up.

FUR OIL

Yes, I am telling you to use $44 pubic hair oil because it’s 2018 and nobody wants painful ingrown hairs. Not you or your manzz. Enough said.

GOOP THE BEDTIME BATH SOAK

I’m pretty much always on the verge of an emotional breakdown so I like to always have this detox bath soak on hand. The soak includes premium Epsom and sea salts; an array of botanicals including valerian, passionflower and hops; and essential oils including sandalwood, lavender and spikenard. A Valerian soak that calm me the F down after a crazy week and helps me sleep? Dear god, living in LA really has rubbed off on me. But for realsies, this stuff keeps me from being put on a 5150.

HARPER + ARI EXFOLIATING SUGAR CUBES

Another exfoliating product that smells like dessert. These little cubes are perfect for travel because just one cube is large enough to exfoliate your entire body. I already overpack like 9843985 outfits when I travel so I try to keep my toiletries on the lighter side.

SOL DE JANEIRO BRAZILIAN 4 PLAY MOISTURIZING SHOWER CREAM GEL

This shower gel smells divine- I literally feel like I’m whisked away to a brazilian beach every time I use it and it’s antioxidant rich so it leaves you feeling incredibly smooth.

LIVING PROOF FULL SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

My go-to shampoo and conditioner if I want that Victoria Secret model voluminous blowout look. Also, Jennifer Aniston was the spokeswoman and involved in the creation of products, so you too can look like Jenny with the good hair.

  ORIBE SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER FOR BEAUTIFUL COLOR

Great for keeping color treated hair vibrant and fresh. Invest in quality shampoo and conditioner, not just the balayage.

THE GOLD MASK – STARSKIN VIP FACE MASK

Finally a face mask that can take off the 10 Lindsay Lohan years I added to my face partying this weekend. This face mask energizes, brightens and tightens so say goodbye to tired, puffy skin. It’s basically a luxurious at home facial. The only thing more extra than me are my face masks.

AMAZON BATHTUB CADDY

Because it’s not a real bath without a good glass of wine, a book, a candle and my cellphone and I need a place to put that shit.

WHAT’S A BATH WITHOUT A CANDLE?

Now that I’m past 25 my hangovers last like 3 years so the only thing getting lit tonight is my scented candle. (Shhhh the wine doesn’t count) My fave Diptyque roses candle smells heavenly and sets a chill mood. In an attempt to make it look like I have my shit together, I have them all over my apartment. So chic.

LAURA MERCIER AMBRE VANILLE CREME BODY SOUFFLE

Now that you’ve had a relaxing bath, treat yo self to this Laura Mercier body creme that will lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple. Literally every time I use it I get complimented that I smell delicious. You’re welcome.

FUZZY BATHROBE

As someone who has become a self-proclaimed robe connoisseur, (I usually can’t be bothered with clothes) this robe is by far the comfiest. It’s the perfect soft robe to lie in for 3 hours after the bath, scrolling insta and lying to your friends that you’re “on your way”. Def a lazy girl staple. Plus it comes in millennial pink (and 2 other colours) so like obvs I had to have it. Now go on and live your best life. Trust me after using all these bath products you’ll be like Monday? Susan? I don’t know her.

  A Book that I can’t put down:

Podcast Reco:

If you’re not in the mood to read, then we suggest enriching your minds with this amazing podcast. I’ve been listening to The History Chicks forever, and would like to thank them for helping me sound v smart on dates.

Last but not least, our wine recos:

Chateau Miraval Rosé

Santa Margherita

[easyfoodnetwork]

From the Strategist: The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Dads Who Love Food

Photo: Retailers

Father’s Day gift ideas for the home cook who has everything, from the Strategist

Finding the right gift for a dad who loves to cook can be tricky. You want a Father’s Day gift that’ll be useful yet unique, not something he already owns. That’s a tall order if your dad’s the kind of home cook who has everything, and it’s even more challenging if you’re not well-versed in the kitchen yourself. But don’t fret. Below, we’ve rounded up 25 Father’s Day gift ideas (many of which we’ve written about before) that we think any foodie dad — from the fine-dining aficionado who appreciates a malted Scotch to the dad who is gassed up for summertime grilling and chilling — would love to unwrap.

Instant Pot 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker

If he’s still dragging his feet about hopping on the Instant Pot train, a Father’s Day gift of the perennially popular appliance might finally be what gets him onboard.

Breville Joule Sous Vide

Maybe dad is already all-in on a pressure cooker. If so, a sous vide machine, which cooks meat and other food that’s been placed in a water bath (usually within a food-safe plastic bag), will take his home cooking to new heights.

Marcato Atlas Pasta Maker

For the dad who’s all about hand-made pasta, this hand-crank machine comes from Italian company Marcato, which has been in the business since 1930.

Maldon Salt Bucket

To make sure he doesn’t under-salt the pasta water.

Whetstone Magazine, Annual Subscription

Dubbed the “next Lucky Peach” by Strategist contributor and cookbook author Priya Krishna, Whetstone magazine, which was co-founded by Stephen Satterfield and Melissa Shi, is a journal on food origins and culture, with an emphasis on storytelling.

Tu Casa Mi Casa: Mexican Recipes for the Home Cook

Enrique Olvera’s collection of Mexican recipes for the home cook (recommended by a recipe developer) includes traditional and contemporary foods like chicken tinga, crispy potatoes, and quesillo flautas.

Les Halles Cookbook: Strategies, Recipes, and Techniques of Classic Bistro Cooking

For the dad who watched all of Anthony Bourdain’s shows and misses his friendly but irreverent presence, the late chef’s first cookbook could be both a balm and a resource for new recipes.

Benriner Mandoline Slicer

This is the upgraded version of the classic green mandolin slicer from Japanese company Benriner that chefs swear by.

Mauviel Copper Butter Warmer

Flynn McGarry, the owner and head chef at New York City’s Gem restaurant, told us he loves to give this adorable copper pot to friends. A foodie dad would surely like it, too, and can use it to make sauces or heat up small portions of soup in addition to melting butter.

Click and Grow The Smart Garden 3

If he doesn’t have the outdoor space to grow his own ingredients, dad can tend to them indoors with this expert-recommended herb garden that requires minimal effort, thanks to its built-in grow light and self-watering mechanism.

All-Clad 4-Piece Stainless Steel Barbecue Tool Set with Storage Case

Pitmaster John Stage of New York City’s Dinosaur Bar-B-Que tipped us off to this four-piece stainless-steel barbecue tool set from All-Clad, which contains everything dad might need while manning his grill.

Two-in-One Vertical Chicken Roasting Pan

This beer-can chicken roaster is a little silly-looking, sure, but pitmaster Nick Pihakis of Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q in Birmingham, Alabama, assured us that using a contraption like this is “one of the best ways to cook a chicken.” That’s because upright roasting is the optimal position to roast a chicken: “Fat drips away, heat surrounds the chicken 360 degrees, and skin crisps up better. This cooking method allows the steam and vapors to flavor the chicken from the inside cavity out, helping it to stay moist.” This version holds up to two five-pound birds and includes a pan to hold vegetables.

Miyabi Birchwood 8-Inch Chef Knife

This luxury chef knife is a bit flashier than a more utilitarian Wüsthof or Global, with a super-polished wooden handle. According to Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery in New Orleans, “it’s a total everything-you-do type of chef’s knife.”

Wüsthof Classic 10-Inch Sharpening Steel

Maybe your dad prefers the utilitarian Wüsthof knives but already has the ones he needs. If so, give him the brand’s honing steel, which will allow him to keep his blades in good shape until he can take them back to a professional for a proper sharpening. (This of course would work just as well with any brand of knives dad may own.)

Hario V60 Pour-Over Kit

This all-in-one pour-over coffee kit from Hario comes with a carafe and some filters, meaning it’s easy to approach for a beginner yet high-quality enough to use for years.

Baratza Encore Electric Grinder

If dad’s serious about his coffee, then he’s going to need a serious grinder. The Baratza Encore conical grinder is one of the best out there — and was recommended to us by nine coffee experts. It has 40 grind settings, allowing dad to choose grounds for all the different kinds of brewing methods, from French press to pour-over to drip to cold brew.

KitchenAid 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle

This handsome electric kettle boils water in minutes and is made of easy-to-clean stainless steel.

Breville One-Touch Tea Maker

Or, for dads who really love their tea, consider this smart kettle that Strategist contributor David Schwartz (a self-professed tea enthusiast) calls “groundbreaking.” Not only does it brew tea at precise temperatures depending on type of leaf and desired strength, it automatically removes the tea leaves by way of a robotic component, once the desired steep time has been reached. That means dad can walk away and get a perfect cup of tea without having to worry about over- (or under-) steeping.

Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Vacuum Insulated Growler

As singer Jake Shears can attest, a growler like this offers dad more space for his drink of choice — whether that’s water, coffee, tea, beer, or a giant cocktail (which is what Shears uses his growler for).

Crafthouse by Fortessa Professional Barware by Charles Joly Gift Set

Speaking of cocktails, this expert-approved barware set includes a shaker, muddler, strainer, and jigger — or basically everything a cocktail-loving dad would need to concoct his favorite beverage at home.

Modern Innovations Wine Chiller

Your enterprising dad will appreciate this elegant-looking marble wine chiller’s multifunctional appeal: When it isn’t needed to serve his favorite bottle, dad can use it a utensil crock or a vase.

Vacu Vin Wine Saver

The Vacu Vin is a sommelier-approved wine stopper that’ll keep an open bottle of wine fresh overnight. “Their vacuum seal really does help preserve delicate aromatics and flavors that are otherwise lost,” says Victoria James, sommelier and beverage director at Cote.

Yeti Hopper M30

Yes, the Yeti Hopper is expensive for a cooler, but it’s the best on the market, and doesn’t your dad deserve the best? It’s virtually indestructible and keeps food, drinks, and even ice cold for literally hours.

Philips Indoor Smokeless Grill

We first spotted this grill on Netflix’s Queer Eye and quickly became intrigued. Meant for indoor use, it features an infrared light to heat the grill and a drip tray that stays cool, which prevents smoke from forming.

Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven

Here’s another nifty appliance that this writer swears by: It’s an all-in-one toaster oven–air fryer that does way more than even its multi-hyphenate name suggests. Not only does it toast and air-fry, it also broils and bakes — even convection cooks — at the turn of a dial, saving time (and counter space) in the kitchen.

Thermapen Mk4

The Thermapen Mk4 is the best gift to give the home cook who has it all. It’s easy to use and gives superaccurate readings in a matter of milliseconds.

Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag Starter Kit

This set of seven reusable silicone bags from Stasher includes just about every size dad will need, so he can use the money he’ll save on disposable Ziploc bags to … buy you a gift to repay the favor.

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2YBJGtD https://ift.tt/30JGKOg

Photo: Retailers

Father’s Day gift ideas for the home cook who has everything, from the Strategist

Finding the right gift for a dad who loves to cook can be tricky. You want a Father’s Day gift that’ll be useful yet unique, not something he already owns. That’s a tall order if your dad’s the kind of home cook who has everything, and it’s even more challenging if you’re not well-versed in the kitchen yourself. But don’t fret. Below, we’ve rounded up 25 Father’s Day gift ideas (many of which we’ve written about before) that we think any foodie dad — from the fine-dining aficionado who appreciates a malted Scotch to the dad who is gassed up for summertime grilling and chilling — would love to unwrap.

Instant Pot 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker

If he’s still dragging his feet about hopping on the Instant Pot train, a Father’s Day gift of the perennially popular appliance might finally be what gets him onboard.

Breville Joule Sous Vide

Maybe dad is already all-in on a pressure cooker. If so, a sous vide machine, which cooks meat and other food that’s been placed in a water bath (usually within a food-safe plastic bag), will take his home cooking to new heights.

Marcato Atlas Pasta Maker

For the dad who’s all about hand-made pasta, this hand-crank machine comes from Italian company Marcato, which has been in the business since 1930.

Maldon Salt Bucket

To make sure he doesn’t under-salt the pasta water.

Whetstone Magazine, Annual Subscription

Dubbed the “next Lucky Peach” by Strategist contributor and cookbook author Priya Krishna, Whetstone magazine, which was co-founded by Stephen Satterfield and Melissa Shi, is a journal on food origins and culture, with an emphasis on storytelling.

Tu Casa Mi Casa: Mexican Recipes for the Home Cook

Enrique Olvera’s collection of Mexican recipes for the home cook (recommended by a recipe developer) includes traditional and contemporary foods like chicken tinga, crispy potatoes, and quesillo flautas.

Les Halles Cookbook: Strategies, Recipes, and Techniques of Classic Bistro Cooking

For the dad who watched all of Anthony Bourdain’s shows and misses his friendly but irreverent presence, the late chef’s first cookbook could be both a balm and a resource for new recipes.

Benriner Mandoline Slicer

This is the upgraded version of the classic green mandolin slicer from Japanese company Benriner that chefs swear by.

Mauviel Copper Butter Warmer

Flynn McGarry, the owner and head chef at New York City’s Gem restaurant, told us he loves to give this adorable copper pot to friends. A foodie dad would surely like it, too, and can use it to make sauces or heat up small portions of soup in addition to melting butter.

Click and Grow The Smart Garden 3

If he doesn’t have the outdoor space to grow his own ingredients, dad can tend to them indoors with this expert-recommended herb garden that requires minimal effort, thanks to its built-in grow light and self-watering mechanism.

All-Clad 4-Piece Stainless Steel Barbecue Tool Set with Storage Case

Pitmaster John Stage of New York City’s Dinosaur Bar-B-Que tipped us off to this four-piece stainless-steel barbecue tool set from All-Clad, which contains everything dad might need while manning his grill.

Two-in-One Vertical Chicken Roasting Pan

This beer-can chicken roaster is a little silly-looking, sure, but pitmaster Nick Pihakis of Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q in Birmingham, Alabama, assured us that using a contraption like this is “one of the best ways to cook a chicken.” That’s because upright roasting is the optimal position to roast a chicken: “Fat drips away, heat surrounds the chicken 360 degrees, and skin crisps up better. This cooking method allows the steam and vapors to flavor the chicken from the inside cavity out, helping it to stay moist.” This version holds up to two five-pound birds and includes a pan to hold vegetables.

Miyabi Birchwood 8-Inch Chef Knife

This luxury chef knife is a bit flashier than a more utilitarian Wüsthof or Global, with a super-polished wooden handle. According to Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery in New Orleans, “it’s a total everything-you-do type of chef’s knife.”

Wüsthof Classic 10-Inch Sharpening Steel

Maybe your dad prefers the utilitarian Wüsthof knives but already has the ones he needs. If so, give him the brand’s honing steel, which will allow him to keep his blades in good shape until he can take them back to a professional for a proper sharpening. (This of course would work just as well with any brand of knives dad may own.)

Hario V60 Pour-Over Kit

This all-in-one pour-over coffee kit from Hario comes with a carafe and some filters, meaning it’s easy to approach for a beginner yet high-quality enough to use for years.

Baratza Encore Electric Grinder

If dad’s serious about his coffee, then he’s going to need a serious grinder. The Baratza Encore conical grinder is one of the best out there — and was recommended to us by nine coffee experts. It has 40 grind settings, allowing dad to choose grounds for all the different kinds of brewing methods, from French press to pour-over to drip to cold brew.

KitchenAid 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle

This handsome electric kettle boils water in minutes and is made of easy-to-clean stainless steel.

Breville One-Touch Tea Maker

Or, for dads who really love their tea, consider this smart kettle that Strategist contributor David Schwartz (a self-professed tea enthusiast) calls “groundbreaking.” Not only does it brew tea at precise temperatures depending on type of leaf and desired strength, it automatically removes the tea leaves by way of a robotic component, once the desired steep time has been reached. That means dad can walk away and get a perfect cup of tea without having to worry about over- (or under-) steeping.

Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Vacuum Insulated Growler

As singer Jake Shears can attest, a growler like this offers dad more space for his drink of choice — whether that’s water, coffee, tea, beer, or a giant cocktail (which is what Shears uses his growler for).

Crafthouse by Fortessa Professional Barware by Charles Joly Gift Set

Speaking of cocktails, this expert-approved barware set includes a shaker, muddler, strainer, and jigger — or basically everything a cocktail-loving dad would need to concoct his favorite beverage at home.

Modern Innovations Wine Chiller

Your enterprising dad will appreciate this elegant-looking marble wine chiller’s multifunctional appeal: When it isn’t needed to serve his favorite bottle, dad can use it a utensil crock or a vase.

Vacu Vin Wine Saver

The Vacu Vin is a sommelier-approved wine stopper that’ll keep an open bottle of wine fresh overnight. “Their vacuum seal really does help preserve delicate aromatics and flavors that are otherwise lost,” says Victoria James, sommelier and beverage director at Cote.

Yeti Hopper M30

Yes, the Yeti Hopper is expensive for a cooler, but it’s the best on the market, and doesn’t your dad deserve the best? It’s virtually indestructible and keeps food, drinks, and even ice cold for literally hours.

Philips Indoor Smokeless Grill

We first spotted this grill on Netflix’s Queer Eye and quickly became intrigued. Meant for indoor use, it features an infrared light to heat the grill and a drip tray that stays cool, which prevents smoke from forming.

Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven

Here’s another nifty appliance that this writer swears by: It’s an all-in-one toaster oven–air fryer that does way more than even its multi-hyphenate name suggests. Not only does it toast and air-fry, it also broils and bakes — even convection cooks — at the turn of a dial, saving time (and counter space) in the kitchen.

Thermapen Mk4

The Thermapen Mk4 is the best gift to give the home cook who has it all. It’s easy to use and gives superaccurate readings in a matter of milliseconds.

Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag Starter Kit

This set of seven reusable silicone bags from Stasher includes just about every size dad will need, so he can use the money he’ll save on disposable Ziploc bags to … buy you a gift to repay the favor.

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2YBJGtD via Blogger https://ift.tt/37ybAL7

[movingeightmountains-blog]

Settling In

Rolling hills, unspoilt beaches, yachts bobbing gently in the water, with white sails softly blowing in the breeze, the varying blues of the sea, pretty skies, magnificent aging trees like old men watching with smiles on their faces at the children and families playing in the parks and playgrounds below, the cows and sheep quietly grazing on fields of lush, green grass…serene, peaceful, quiet…it is all so stunningly beautiful. This is New Zealand.

The safety and the sense of 'order' one feels here is tangible. Added to this is a great transport system, with buses (that run every fifteen minutes), trains and ferries (to take one across to the north shore or to one of the many islands dotted around), all of which you can easily hop on and off from early in the morning until late at night. Our house is cosy and sunny and feels more like a holiday home. Happy voices of children are heard daily in the playground across the road in the park, children climbing and running and swinging and jumping… The large trees line the winding pathways of the park, dogs pull their owners along on their leashes, or run free, tails wagging, catching the balls that are hurled in the air in front of them, the grass is luxuriously thick and green and feels soft to the feet. A walk through this park leads one to the long, superb stretch of sea and sand. Looking out to sea, the islands Rangitoto, Whangarei as well as the little village of  Devonport, part of the North Island, and the Coromandel can be seen in the distance.   The twisting promenade curves its way for kilometres along the beachfront - keep walking along the beach to the left (about 6 kms) and you will eventually reach the beautiful Auckland City, dominated with the Sky Tower on it’s horizon. Walk to the right and you will be able to explore the charming village of St Heliers with its quaint shops, restaurants, bakeries and little stores. Yachts all along the coastline bob up and down in the expanse of water, and stand-up paddle borders, kayakers, swimmers enjoy the gentle water protected in this bay by the land and islands surrounding it. Across the road people gather in sidewalk cafes; as you walk past, the aroma of coffee tempts one to join the other patrons and perhaps even to enjoy one of the delectable meals on offer. Looking around the restaurant you will find people working on their laptops, or just simply sitting and watching the view in front of them. People smile when they walk by, even sometimes stopping for a chat, they seem happy as they walk their dogs, ride their bicycles or scooters (called ‘limes’ ‘cos they are lime green) - both forms of transport are dotted all over the place - you can just pick one up wherever you find one lying around and then drop the bike, or scooter, off wherever you want (all done on a phone app to pay for their use - I'm yet to try one!). Despite the first couple of days of jetlag, I managed to meet Craig's colleague, Jimmy and his wife at their house; they kindly took us for a coffee and ice cream near where they live. Two days later we were off on a four-hour drive to Whakatane to visit Craig's sister, Jan. It was lovely to see her again and meet her husband and to see her children again after so many years. Also, to meet her two gorgeous and bubbly little grandchildren! Parks adorn Auckland city; the picturesque Cornwall Park was the first one that I had the pleasure to visit; it was a diving friend of Craig's birthday and we met there, with other friends, for a ‘barbeque’. This massive park reminded me of the forests in England, (there are apparently more than 800 trees), a working farm with cows and sheep, and many trails and paths for the public to enjoy, including the path up to the extinct volcano where you can be rewarded with a stunning view over Auckland and the surrounding areas. There are 48 extinct volcanoes in Auckland, I’ve walked up two so far, but I still have to experience this one!   Waitawa Regional Park, about an hour's drive from home, was next on my list of places I had the opportunity to visit.  This unspoilt beautiful coastline is exquisite! We met our new friends, Jonathan and Linda there for a picnic. The view of the ocean with it’s islands dotted around is spectacular. Sharing a special evening at the book launch of author, Nicky Pelligrino, with Caitie at our community library, was a special treat. Whilst sipping on a glass of wine, nibbling on dates and cheeses and other delicious snacks, Nicky spoke about her life and how she started writing books. I bought her latest book, "A Dream of Italy", which, of course she duly signed for me, a romantic novel in which various characters, and for various reasons, leave their mundane lives to buy a house and start a new life in Italy! The subtitle “Sometimes a new place changes everything” somehow appealed to me! Mt Eden is the highest extinct volcano in Auckland.  A relaxed and enjoyable 2km walk along a winding path brought us to the top; it was a perfect place to appreciate the spectacular views, and to try and assimilate that yes, I am actually here, finally, in New Zealand, after years of discussions and speculating whether we would ever make this move! The 27th April was Matt's 20th birthday and we decided to take the ferry to the little village of Devonport where we wandered up the one main little street, visiting ‘old-worlde’ little shops along the way. We stopped for a coffee and apple pie and cream in an inviting little coffee shop before making our way up a winding hill to another extinct volcano, Mt Victoria. The final part of the walk were steps up and then....oh my goodness a breathtakingly-beautiful 360ﹾ view of Auckland and surrounds! I actually felt quite emotional and was taken aback by the splendour of the view that was in front of me and around me! I have had countless dreams, since I have been in New Zealand, where I am still in Johannesburg, still desperately trying to sell the house, still trying to leave South Africa and all the stress that goes with it! I still sometimes can't believe that I now live at the bottom of the world, so far from all I have known, from my brothers, from dear friends, from the familiarity of everything in South Africa. It is a weird feeling, like my body is in NZ but my brain sometimes still feels like it is still in SA. An old South African friend of mine, who now lives here and who I had the wonderful chance to spend time with again, said to expect this for the first two years of living here as she felt the same! So at least it is normal! I am getting to know the immediate area around the house and have GoogleMaps on when I drive to keep me on track! To begin with either Craig, Cates or Matt would come with me to the shops to point out the best brands etc which was a big help! The grocery shops here are mostly quite different to those in South Africa, they are very big, like warehouses, which is probably a good thing because there’s no sense in lingering in shops like these as they are quite rough. It can be rather overwhelming to walk around the many aisles, faced with so many different varieties of grocery items, and always nice to see something one recognises, whether it’s a tin of milo or the proverbial Mrs Balls chutney! Our two dogs, Marshall and Mara, seem happy, especially loving their walks to the park and beach! Our cat, Coco, however, doesn't seem to have settled quite as well as the dogs. We are keeping him inside for the moment which he doesn't seem to mind. He has taken to using a litter box quite easily but he seems a little 'skittish' at times so I hope he will settle down properly at some stage. I think generally it is the freedom here which stands out for me as the most important quality of life in New Zealand. The freedom of not having to lock doors and windows, the ‘luxury’ of being able to drive with your windows down, even at night, the freedom of being able to hop on and off buses, trains and ferries, the freedom to walk around late at night, of being able to stand outside in the garden at 3 ‘o clock in the morning waiting for Mara to ‘spend a penny’, with a little picket fence wall, and not fear that someone is going to jump over the wall and threaten your life. Driving is also a very different experience to the driving in South Africa. It is difficult at first to keep to the 50km speed limit that is the rule on most roads, but it does create a sense of order and safety on the roads. The speed limit on highways is 100km which seems plenty fast enough to me and which you soon get used to. Drivers are courteous and ready to say ‘thanks’ with a wave of a hand, politeness rules as ordinary civilians say ‘thank you’ as they get off buses…to waiting cars as they cross the pedestrian crossings…there is a ‘niceness’ here, everything seems quite calm, and one seldom hears the sound of car horns hooting or police sirens wailing, people talk softly in restaurants, even sitting on the beach is quiet as there are no waves (can be a little disconcerting!). However, (and there has to be a ‘however’ as nothing is ever perfect in life) I do miss the familiarity of the people in South Africa, the ways of doing things, the common thread that runs through South Africans in how they think and feel and do. Watching the news on New Zealand TV and listening to chat shows on the radio, the sense of humour is quite different, there is a ‘silliness’ sometimes as little things are discussed which really wouldn’t even make it on to a news or discussion show in South Africa. It can sometimes seem ‘petty’ and ‘trivial’! But I am being quite critical and probably because we are used to much more serious discussions and situations in South Africa! Maybe, with time, I will get used to ‘a lost cat’ which makes 7 ‘o clock evening news as really something to be concerned about! And that there may have been a spotting of a panther on the South Island! And that a sea-lion visited someone camping in a tent one night! And that a young man has broken a record for sitting on a park swing for 34 hours! It really is a ‘simple’ life here! What I really miss is not being able to spend time with family and friends, like my brothers Michael and Paul, and my dear friend and next-door neighbour, Alex when we used to meet in the road for a chat or for a pizza at Throbbing Strawberry, not being able to meet with Sally-Anne and Bridge for a ‘brekkies’ in the morning, or Carmel for a honey-nut latte and basil-mushrooms-on-low-GI at Woolies, or spend time with Cathy for a good chat at Lifestyle Nursery accompanied by a tasty English breakfast, visiting Uscha and Stel at their home or meeting her at our ‘head office’ vegetarian restaurant at Hobart shopping centre, or taking my brother to Cresta on Saturday mornings and enjoying a lunch from the harvest table in Woolies, or spending each day with Lorraine at school, discussing the kids, our teaching, the school, going on bush camps and field trips together, just the two of us with the children, and then enjoying time outside of school together… get-togethers with my dearest ‘luvverly ladies’ friends, Colleen, Erica, Yvonne, Denise, Bronwyn, Carmel, (and Kelly-Mae) for our chats and giggles.. Sometimes when I am grocery shopping here in NZ, I expect to bump in to someone I know, as I often used to back ‘home’ ….it is the familiarity that I miss… even writing this, I feel nauseous with longing as I wonder when I am going to see my family and friends again? In making the move abroad, because you want a ‘better’ life, mostly for your children, as safety is your concern, their future career prospects, a ‘better’ quality of life…it is a decision one makes, but the cost is great, not only financially but more importantly in missing the people you leave behind. Perhaps the older you are when you make the move, as Craig and I are, in our late fifties, the more difficult it is, or maybe it will just take longer to integrate into ‘normal’ life once again… It will be interesting to see what friends we make in time…and how we settle into a new life in a new country with new people and new ways…. So, it’s like many things in life, yin and yang, I feel extremely happy to be here, grateful, knowing it is right, and yet, at the same time, feeling sad and missing those I love. Some say it is a courageous act to emigrate, but I think it is possibly an even more courageous act to decide to stay.

Walking Mara in our park...

...and along the walkway of our beach

Fun in the waves!

A visit to Catie’s Uni in Auckland city when Sarah was still visiting.

Stopping for a quick lunch with Cates at the café across the road from her Uni

Eploring the city!

Waitawa Regional Park with Linda and her family

Craig and I at Waitawa Regional Park

Cates and I at Nicky Pellegrino’s book launch

Cates and Matt at the top of Mt Eden with the Auckland Sky Tower in the background

In Devonport, with Auckland city in the background

Views from the top of Mt Victoria

Leaving Devonport by ferry in the evening to make our way back to Auckland city in the background.

Marshall and Mara go to the beach for the first time!

[marketerarena-blog]

Walking Safaris, Mountain Bike Tours, and Sustainable Lodges: The Modern Adventurer’s Guide to Africa

When you travel throughout Africa, there’s an unmistakable sensation—a realization that, even though you’re seemingly in the middle of nowhere, you’re at the pulse of everything wild and free. That’s true whether you’re marching through Rwanda’s refulgent jungles in pursuit of a mountain gorilla, on a desert dune safari on Namibia’s sun-baked sand, or watching a lioness stalk a baby elephant in Zimbabwe’s grasslands.

    You can’t really go wrong when you plan your journey. But when it comes to the camp or provider, you’ll have a better trip when you do the research to find camps in choice areas with reputable, knowledgeable guides, strong connections to the local people, and a foundation rooted in sustainability.

How to Book a Safari

Consider this your blueprint for planning a modern-day trip to Africa: We’re covering how to get there, where to go and stay, and what to do. If you want to rest your head in a luxury tent with the rumbling of elephants nearby, a watering hole just outside a wine-stocked fire pit, and a week’s itinerary that includes soaring above Victoria Falls via chopper, a walking rhino safari, and a cross-country mountain bike tour, you came to the right place.

Brittany Smith

How to Get There

South African Airways is the flagship airline of South Africa. It has the most frequent daily flights to Cape Town, as well as direct flights from New York and London to Johannesburg. You’ll appreciate the in-flight features: two hot meals (breakfast and dinner), plenty of snacks and drinks, headphones, ear plugs, toothbrush/toothpaste, and a blanket and pillow. Depending on where you are in the world, you can expect at least one stop.

Brittany Smith

Planning and Booking

Planning the logistics of your stay, travel, and activities in Africa can be painstaking. Pro tip: Don’t do it alone. Get a travel agent who can spotlight the right country for your wish list, cherry pick activities and camps that align with your expectations (minimalist vs. luxury), find the best deals to save you money, and plan all the transportation—because Africa’s big, like larger than the contiguous U.S., China, India, and most of Europe combined, big.

Luxury travel agency Karell Travel creates personalized trips with bespoke tours all across the continent, from Mozambique to Seychelles. Wilro Tours,  based in Johannesburg, is an excellent resource for transfers. You can get a driver to bring you to the airport, as well as make short- and long-distance trips. If you end up booking a camp with Wilderness Safaris, which is what I did, you can hop from one country to the next with the partnering Wilderness Air. Its fleet of Cessna aircrafts operate in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. While small, these five- and 12-passenger planes are workhorses.

Want to Protect the World’s Wildest Places? Go On Safari

Where to Go

If this is your first time to Africa, try to cover countries with some contrasting landscape. Fancy Eastern Africa? You can witness the massive migration of wildebeest between Kenya and Tanzania in June or July, as the animals stampede in tandem with seasonal rain patterns; or interact with local Massai tribes, which also reside in these countries. Take a hot air balloon over the seemingly endless, flat-as-a-board Mara-Serengeti while a menagerie of wildlife mosey below (the concentration of animals here is greater than anywhere else in Africa). And if you’re an adventure buff, you’ll find Mount Kilimanjaro towering over the horizon of Tanzania. 

Southern Africa is home to diverse topography and a wider set of activities. You get the wetland habitat of the Okavango Delta and Zambezi River, bone-dry Skeleton Coast and Kalahari Desert, and Pixar-perfect coastline beaches and vineyards native to Cape Town. Peak times to visit vary vastly. Southern Africa’s winter (read: dry season) is May to October, and game drives are generally more eventful since the dry weather draws the animals to waterholes. Your risk for malaria also drops as there aren’t as many bugs. If you want to see cubs and calves, a surge in bush babies being born happens in spring.

This guide takes you to southern Africa: We’re hitting Johannesburg, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (plus Botswana and South Africa—if you’re up for a challenge).

Brittany Smith

Day 1

The Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa is a 25-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport, and just the respite you need after 14+ hours of traveling. Book a Grand Chateau Suite—these palatial 50-square-meter rooms are in a secluded wing with the option to add adjoining family suites. What you’ll find: plush linens, an immaculate rain shower and tub, and heated floors. The property is a complete juxtaposition to Joburg’s bustle. The overall aesthetic imbues a pastoral European château, with canopied beds and heady rose bushes. But the common area off the Chateau Suites pays homage to local African culture, with artifacts from local tribes strewn across the walls. Spend the day acclimating to the time difference—preferably at Fairlawns’ Balinese spa.

Courtesy Image

Day 2-7

If you’ve got a daring spirit, legs like a horse, and a proclivity for mountain biking, participate in the Nedbank Tour de Tuli. The mileage and route change every year, but, essentially, you set out on a tour of Africa’s wilderness, riding to a new camp each night, where you’ll sleep in tents under a canopy of stars.

This year’s journey was a four-day, 155-mile tour through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The first leg saw riders navigating the Tuli block, a fringe of land that connects the three aforementioned countries. We weaved through mopane thickets that peppered the savannas, getting snagged along thorn bushes; powered over koppies (hills) that dropped us into sandy drainage lines requiring furious low-gear pedaling; and relished in ancient, hard-packed elephant trails and flat-top mesa that gave way to some fast, scenic riding. If you participate, you’ll stumble across elephant herds, catch giraffes loping across the plains, and stop to give backpacks to a local children’s school, taking moments to reflect (and catch your breath) under baobab trees.

Courtesy Image

At camp, dusty, bruised, and probably a little bloody, you’ll crack open ice-cold local brews (Pro tip: hydrate first with a Zambezi lager, then enjoy a stout or Indian Pale Ale from Big Sip Co., Botswana’s first craft beer); get a free, 20-minute massage, courtesy of Balancing Touch; and wolf down a gourmet meal the likes you never thought possible in the middle of the bush. Velvety cappuccinos from Bean There Coffee Company and Biogen’s recovery and hydration supplements will give you the necessary sustenance to conquer each new day (and squash any hangovers).

The terrain is technical and your fitness needs to be on-point, so check out how to train for a multi-stage tour (this guide is specific to the Nedbank Tour de Tuli). Best of all? Proceeds go toward Children in the Wilderness, a nonprofit educational program that benefits rural children across Africa.

9 Amazing (and Sustainable) African Safaris

Take the coach bus back to Joburg and spend the night in InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport. Order room service; take a proper shower or soak in the tub; and assess your bruises. Quills restaurant, right on the ground floor, serves a killer breakfast, after which you can walk over to the airport and fly to Livingstone, Zambia, where you’ll head to Wilderness Safaris Toka Leya camp.

Day 8-9

Schedule a road transfer from the airport to Toka Leya camp via Wilro Tours; the driver will bring you to a camp staff member who will complete the journey by boat. Toka Leya sits atop stilts (for safety as much as the view) overlooking the Zambezi river.

Brittany Smith

Canvas stretches overhead and teak decks run along the entirety of the property. You’ll amble pass a fire pit, up a ramp that spills open to the sundeck—where you’ll enjoy lunch and cocktails—then continue along the walkway to the veranda and bar, haloed by barstools. It’s fully stocked with local wine and a cappuccino machine. Further along is an infinity pool, framed by sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as the main dining and lounge area. Closer to the water’s edge you’ll find the camp’s spa and air-conditioned gym.

The South African Lodge That Brings the Safari to Your Front Porch

Follow the walkway to reach the 12 tented rooms. Each has its own deck with sunken seating and an outdoor tub. At night, a staff member will escort you to your tent in case there are elephants or other wildlife poking about. For your safety, you’re not permitted to leave your room and walk the grounds after dark.

If you arrive in the evening, go on a sunset river cruise. Float by grunting hippos, sun-baking crocs, and spot native birds as you sip a gin and tonic. The staff will welcome you “home” with waves and a beverage (sherry, most likely), as well as perform traditional song and dance. You’re encouraged to join—and you should. Eat dinner with your travel companion(s) or join another group.

Brittany Smith

Toka Leya’s rates (starting at $645 USD per day, based on the time/month of travel) include all meals, local drinks, and two activities per day. In the morning, head out to Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight. As the name suggests, you’ll tour Victoria Falls (a.k.a. “Mosi oa-Tunya”—or, the Smoke That Thunders). It’s the largest waterfall in the world, towering about 355′ tall and 5,604′ wide. You have two options: a short 13-minute flight (Flight of Angels; $150) or a long 25-minute flight (Zambezi Spectacular; $284). The latter will fly you through Batoka Gorge, hover up above the falls on the Zambia and Zimbabwe side, and over Zambezi National Park.

I highly suggest having high-quality camera equipment with you (your smartphone isn’t gonna cut it). Bring a GoPro Hero 6 or 7 Black. Because it’s waterproof, you can capture stills and videos when you do the walking tour of the falls post-helicopter ride without destroying your DSLR in the spray, which turns into a deluge. Opt for Canon’s EOS D Mark II; it’s powerful, compact, and a breeze to use whether you’re snapping scenery or wildlife.

10 Trips Every Man Must Take Before 50

And I’m not kidding about getting soaked during the walking tour of Vic Falls. My guide cloaked our group in garbage bags and ponchos, and advised we put our cameras away once we edged closer to the belly of the beast. This is a stellar way to see the falls from a mere mortal’s perspective. When you’re done, there are plenty of opportunities to buy trinkets and handmade souvenirs at the entrance. You can also go bungee jumping, white water rafting, and bridge swinging (exactly how it sounds).

Brittany Smith

After lunch, some downtime, and afternoon tea (you’ll regret not ordering an iced coffee and baked treat), head out on Toka Leya’s guided walking rhino tour. Wildlife scouts monitor and protect the nearly extinct white rhinos around the clock. The population has dwindled because of poaching. Even though rhino horns are made of keratin (like our finger nails) and can be dehorned without slaying, poachers still kill them, and the population has dwindled as a result. People believe the horn has special medicinal properties, like helping cancer and serving as an aphrodisiac.

How to See the Last Great Herds of Elephants in Africa

We watched the alpha male, Louis, a young (six- or seven-year-old) tank snoozing in the grass, as well as a cow (female) with her calves. The specialists explained how they’ll swap out the males to prevent inbreeding and help regrow the population in the area, which hovers around 13 rhinos at the moment. All of Wilderness Safaris’ camps have a sustainability element with a purpose tied to rehabilitation of local species and plants, as well as cultural visits and donations.

Spot game in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on your way back to camp, then settle down for a night cap and dinner. In the morning, you’ll have a road transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport and take light aircraft to Davison’s Camp in Zimbabwe.

Brittany Smith

Day 10-11

Once you de-plane, you’ll embark on a very different kind of road transfer to camp—a game drive. I was lucky enough to go solo on my evening tour, bumping along the Jeep tracks of the Linkwasha Concession—one of the most prolific wildlife areas in Hwange National Park.

“What do you want to see?” my guide asked.

My answer wasn’t surprising: lions, of course.

The Best Gear for Climbing Kilimanjaro

We stopped to gawk at ostrich, Guineafowl, Cape buffalo, baboons, and a massive congregation of elephants. Dozens of herds meandered about, some digging into the earth to dislodge salt and minerals to supplement their diets (this was in August, so wintertime), others splashing about in waterholes, glistening in the sinking sun.

An excited voice crackled through the walkie-talkie. A smile spread across my guide’s face. He turned the engine on, then gunned it. In minutes we pulled up alongside two other Wilderness Safari vehicles, three lionesses, and a lion.

Brittany Smith

We watched as the big cats, unbothered by our presence, lolled about in the grass. Aside from the frenzy of shutter clicks, everyone fell into contented silence. The females nuzzled one another, then got up to stalk an elephant in the near distance. We stayed with the male as he sauntered from the undergrowth of a bush up onto a mound of dirt framed by branches in what comically resembled a throne. After a few beats, he strode down, coming close to one of the game drive vehicles before plopping in the grass.

‘What do you want to see?’ my guide asked. My answer wasn’t surprising: lions, of course.

We watched, transfixed, as he got up again and started off in the direction of his females, the sun slipping beneath the horizon. My guide started the engine and we reluctantly started back. The evening, which was just ablaze, quickly turned dark and cold, like the closing scene of a play. I climbed over the seat to sit shotgun and pulled a blanket around myself for the journey to Davison’s Camp. We stopped once in the darkness to let elephants, towering over us, clear the road and again to catch a glimpse at a leopard’s tail retreating into the brush.

How Geographic Ignorance Is Killing Africa’s Tourism Industry

I was welcomed by the staff with waves and a warm towel to clean my face and hands before a quick tour of the grounds. The lounge, dining area, and nine tents are all huddled under false mopane trees overlooking a waterhole available for giraffes, zebra, and cheetah to enjoy 24/7—and they do. Then, enjoy a communal dinner and a night cap around the grounds’ fire pit.

Brittany Smith

The next morning you’ll have a game drive, followed by tea in the middle of the park, and lunch back at camp. You’re free to help yourself to wine and refreshments as you set up by the pool or sit around the fire pit. If you’re lucky, an elephant and her calves might wander to the manmade waterhole just a stone’s throw away from the chairs, allowing you to watch as they play and drink.

If you like, take a quick nap, then gear up for the evening game drive. You’ll have a sundowner, then come back to camp for dinner and stargazing. Davison’s Camp rates start at $405 USD per day, based on the time/month of travel, and include food, drinks, and game drives.

Brittany Smith

Day 12

You’ll have one final game drive before you make the long journey home. Bask in it. And don’t fret if you don’t cross an animal off your must-see list. You’ve already answered the call of the wild.

https://askfitness.today/walking-safaris-mountain-bike-tours-and-sustainable-lodges-the-modern-adventurers-guide-to-africa/

[theherblifeblog]

Spotlight Series: Amie Jay of Mommy's Inside Voice

Amie Jay is just like any other woman out here just trying to live her life and love her family. The difference though, is that she'll happily show you her dorky side, her vulnerable side and sometimes even her angry mommy side. Amie is the writer behind the wildly inspiring and downright ridiculously funny blog Mommy's Inside Voice. She shares stories of raising three little boys and of her sweet marriage with her husband who grows medical marijuana for legal cannabis patients. 

Recently, Amie came out to her audience as a cannabis advocate and although she was worried she would offend some readers she tells us that she hasn't seen a whole lot of pushback and that in general her community - made up primarily of mothers - has been nothing short of gracious, curious and accepting.

We think that its great that women like Amie are using their platforms for healthy, honest dialogue, not just about cannabis but to help show all of us that we're all dealing with challenges and that we will all be alright. 

 Visit Amie on her website or here on her Facebook Page  or here on her hilarious Instagram feed. 

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry? 

I met my husband online. I was living in Calgary, he was living on the coast. We chatted for a few months before he decided to hop a plane to see if "this" was as real as we thought it was.  Spoiler alert... Sparks flew, guys.  My new hottie boyfriend was a successful musician, and I was jazzed!  I moved out to the coast shortly after meeting in person, with an acceptance into the University of Victoria. A few days after moving in, he took me for a little drive, wanting to show me where he works. I was picturing a recording studio. Or a lounge. Instead, he walked me into a great big government regulated medical marijuana grow.  As a sheltered farm girl from the prairies, I was raised believing that "pot" was a dirty drug for lazy people. Obviously realizing that the man that I loved was not only a "pothead" but growing it was how he made his living, I was forced to confront my own opinions on marijuana.  He helped me open my mind up to the possibility that what I grew up believing wasn't factual.  With his help, my own research and spending time around the plants myself, I began to realize what a criminal LIE I was told. WE have been told.

Tell us a little bit about your website

I write a blog. I make people laugh. I speak hard truths, and I have a passion for connecting people. I want to open minds, eliminate judgment and encourage people to embrace themselves for who and what they are. Each voice, unique and authentic, is SO needed. Especially in our world right now.

What time does your day typically start and what does a normal day look like to you?

My day starts whenever my children come and poke my face, usually tattling on a brother for stealing a Lego or asking for cereal on repeat until my brain has been jolted enough to respond.

What is your vision for your company going forward? 

My blog was a journey of passion. It was an outlet for a young Mom of 3 little boys under 3. I was drowning in my newfound responsibility, struggling to figure out who I was as a person, not just Mom.  I had no thoughts for what it would turn into. I honestly doubted whether my own friends or family would read it. It was just for me.  Once it was live, I realized how desperately we all need the realism. My hard, ugly, vulnerable truths were making people realize that they are ok. That there's nothing wrong with feeling anything but perfect. That we are literally all living parallel lives with minor differences. That we really all have pretty much the same goal...to be loved. To be safe. To be healthy, and to be happy.  Now that Mommy's Inside Voice has become bigger than I had anticipated, I'm just riding the wave of where it takes me! I'm still a work-at-home Mom to 3 little beasts, and they still have my number one priority. But I think that I can use my platform to spread a really important message. No matter what happens with this "career", I want that to maintain as my motive.  Having "followers" makes me feel highly uncomfortable. I am no different than any of you. I am just an ordinary person. I want friends. I want connection. That's what I'm trying to build. Acceptance. Of ourselves. Of others. Understanding. Empathy. Open-minded growth. Empowerment. Community.  That is my vision.

What would an ideal post-prohibition society look like to you?

EDUCATION! We have been denied basic FACTS on an incredible medicine for way too long. Knowing firsthand the power and potential of marijuana, I'm really hoping that the government switches to sanity and funds in-depth studies on it.  We deserve to know. We deserve to feel comfortable exploring a natural alternative, without fear of judgement from those that are ignorant to the truth. That has been a consequence of the wrongful prohibition, and it is the responsibility of the powers that be to reverse it and equip all of us with the opportunity to utilize it. Parents need to be advised on how to speak to their children about it, given facts to share so that we can all move forward feeling enlightened and secure. Safe medicine. Newly regulated pesticides and fungicides that lead to quality product. Craft markets that give consumers choices on medicine and whom they want to support.  SMART technology that keeps people on the roads SAFE without incriminating wrongfully.  Ya know...I could go on and on. Such an exciting time!

What was your first experience with cannabis like? 

I remember one of my best friends was a HUGE fan of cannabis. He was a regular user, raved about how much it helped him and how he way preferred it to winding down with a glass of wine like I did.  I decided to let him pop my green cherry.  We equipped ourselves with a ridiculous amount of snacks, several frozen pizzas, and lots of water.  I didn't realize that, as a first-time toker, I needed to go SLOW.  I got out of my freaking MIND high.  I was convinced that the painting on the wall was moving. I thought he had laced it with something. I made him take me home, I got butt naked, climbed into bed but couldn't sleep. I kept waking myself up because I was paranoid that my friend was still there and was going to see me naked.  It was a terrifying experience! It left me wondering about the sanity of weed-enthusiasts. Ya'll are crazy.

Tell us about some of the challenges you face working with cannabis

I have recently decided to go public with my involvement with cannabis.  A vast majority of the readers on my page are mothers. A lot of them American.  I have to try to keep in mind that the headspace and opinion that is widely engaged here in British Columbia isn't adopted in most other places. Weed is still highly shameful. It's still viewed as dirty and for "drug addicts". I knew that coming out about my own experiences with cannabis, I would lose some people. But to me, staying quiet about what I know was only fueling the fire of ignorance.

What are some solutions you've found? 

Accepting that not everyone is going to understand you and your choices is a must. That goes for everything in life, not just the cannabis industry. Hoping that speaking intelligently about my relationship with it, how it has helped me both physically and emotionally, the miraculous medical advancements that I have seen firsthand (through my husband's cannabis consulting)...I'm hoping that it urges more people to do their own research. I don't care if you're not interested in using it. I don't care if it's "not your thing" or you don't like it. All I want is for you to understand it, and let other people do what they need to do.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about cannabis? 

I wish everyone knew the science behind cannabis. I wish they understood how it interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, how it heals, reversing both symptoms and cause. It isn't just to get "high". It isn't to escape. It is a genuinely potent medicine that interacts seamlessly with the human body!

What is your favorite way to consume cannabis?

I take Charlotte's Web CBD oil almost every day. I find that it really helps me manage my anxiety and pain that I experience from endometriosis. If I'm having a particularly hard day, I sneak off and take a puff or 2 from my vaporizer. I'm not someone that likes to feel "out of it", so the vaporizer is a perfect solution for me! It leaves me feeling relaxed and happy, without putting me on the couch.

Concentrate or flower? Why?

Flower! For the reasons I listed above ;)

Do you think cannabis legalization will change the world for the better? Why?

I think that, if done properly, it has the potential to change the world. If education is highlighted and valued, if people understand it and use it responsibly, it can shape the future. Eliminating the need for harmful and addictive pharmaceuticals, providing a safe alternative to alcohol. Inducing relaxation, creativity, connection and interaction. All things that we need right now. Honestly...how cool would Trump be if he started hitting the bong? Not cool, but not as much of a dick, I'm pretty sure.

What advice would you offer to another woman who is looking to get into the industry?

Work hard! Don't be intimidated. Hold yourself with confidence and let your voice be heard. There IS space for you. You ARE needed. Being open, speaking with intelligence and integrity. You're a fuckin' rockstar and we need badass feminine voices ringing loudly in shifting times.  Get it girl.

[albinzadamski]

Three Days in Melbourne

This weekend I’m headed back to Vegas to photograph the finished kitchen and master bathroom in the flip house, both are finally done and I can’t wait to share them with you, hopefully next week once I edit the photos. :)

I was going through my memory photos on my phone and up popped the fact that at this exact time last year, I was visiting my cousin in Melbourne, Australia. Then I remembered OMG I totally forgot to share about my experience there. Bad blogger!

I’d been to Australia before, but hadn’t visited the city of Melbourne yet, so it was at top of my list. I envisioned it would be balmy and warm like Gold Coast but since it’s much farther south, Melbourne experiences more dramatic seasons, especially cold winters. I was there in February of 2017 (the height of summer) so I was lucky to have blue skies during my visit.

Melbourne impressed me right away as a very cultural city, it’s quite sophisticated. It reminded me so much of San Francisco, with its medley of classic architecture and modern high rise buildings in a vibrant downtown.

    Here are the highlights from my visit, through the eyes of me, the willing and happy tourist, and my cousin, the local know-it-all:

Queen Victoria Market

My cousin Andrew was an excellent tour guide and our first stop was the famous Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne’s biggest attraction and for good reason. On Tuesday, and also Thursday through Sunday, you’ll find outdoor stalls that sell Australian made goods and produce, it’s an energetic place filled with locals who are tasting, shopping, and enjoying life and every week there are cultural festivals happening.

My cousin insisted we get donuts and coffee first. (No objection). We stood in a brief line at the the donut van to grab a paper bag of sweets before we headed to the market stalls.

  above image via: queen victoria market

      I had a belt made but I do regret not buying authentic Ugg boots… oh well, another excuse to go back :)

    Indoors, you’ll find many purveyors of fine foods inside a light filled brass trimmed interior. We browsed the stalls, just so I could get a feel for it.

Markets are always a favorite place to linger, so I soaked it all in. Spice and cheese shops and savory goods galore. We stopped for lunch at The Bratwurst Shop despite its exceptionally long line, but my cousin guaranteed it was worth the wait to so I chose a spicy one with mustard, wow so good.

        Coffee is King

The coffee scene is huge in Melbourne, and my cousin is a connoisseur. He took me on tasting tour to several coffee shops just to show me how very much into coffee they are in that town, and how many ways they prepare it.

Micro roasters are around every corner, selling their distinctive blends. I tried so many I got a crazy caffeine high. In Melbourne, they describe the flavors of coffee in a similar (obsessive) way like we do in wine country. Hints of spice, fruit, caramel, etc. This article describes just how seriously the Australians take coffee.

        Downtown Monuments

I spent one full day on my own, walking in a loop around Melbourne, starting at Flagstaff Gardens, heading north into Carlton, cruising over to East Melbourne on foot, then headed through Fitzroy Gardens to Southbank and back up to the downtown area. It was about ten miles total but it was a perfect day to meander, so I stretched it out and I took all day to do it.

  For those less ambitious, note Melbourne has a great public transportation system and there is a Free Tram Zone that will take you all over the inner city, a great advantage for tourists who are lodging downtown and don’t want to walk to see all the sights. Just hop on and hop off!

  The State Library was a beautiful building inside and out, and a popular spot, with lots of people hanging out on the front lawn, sunning themselves. I was charmed by the men playing chess outside the front doors. Inside, the interior is cool and quiet, all marble hallways with a grand staircase, and rotating exhibits and a giant room where a few hundred people are doing concentrated research.

    I walked over to Carlton Gardens where I watched a bride getting her photograph taken in front of the beautiful Exhibition building.

  Next, I walked down Spring Street past Parliament, it was a grand building that you have to stop and admire for a few minutes because of its amazing architecture.

  Fitzroy Gardens was just down the street, it’s a large beautiful park that’s lovely to stroll around. It also houses a conservatory of flowers where I was surrounded by the most beautiful begonias I’ve ever seen.

Maybe it was just because I was enchanted by my location or perhaps it was the contrasting liner on the edge of the petals that I found so captivating. I just remember in that moment thinking they were the most perfect flowers I’d ever seen.

        My next stop took me to a place everyone should visit: Flinders Street Station, one of the most recognizable buildings in Melbourne, it’s next to Federation Square, a modern abstract building that is a stark contrast to the old world design of the train station.

      By afternoon, my feet were tired but I crossed over the Yarra River to Southbank where a festival was happening along the promenade.

    It was hot and crowded, so I ducked into a restaurant to talk to the bartender, they always have the best insight on things to see. I ordered a local beer while we chatted, and I had to take a picture of this label, it cracked me up, so Aussie.

    My cousin recommended Shanghai Street for dinner, a popular place downtown (I could tell because of the line) but I got a single seat by the window and ordered kung pao chicken with a side of dumplings and they were amazing, maybe the best I’ve ever had.

  While I ate my dinner, I had a 20 minute conversation with a local businessman who sat next to me, he had visited San Francisco on business several times and we engaged in a great conversation about the similarities between our cities.

This is one of my favorite things about traveling, when I go out, 9 times out of 10 I end up striking up a conversation with a new person sitting next to me and by the end of our time together, I’m reminded that we’re all human, and deep down we really want the same things: to be connected, to share good food, a few stories, and to be surrounded with good friends and loving family.

Street Art

In pockets of Melbourne, you’ll find streets where artist have coated the walls with murals, caricatures, and graffiti. Melbourne is famous for it, so keep your eyes open, or consult this list that pinpoints the streets where it can be seen.

      If you like to shop, there’s a district for it downtown. There is also a Chinatown to visit, another reason Melbourne reminded me very much of San Francisco.

  If you like Italian food, go to Hardware Lane for the cafe scene. One night, we dined at a great South American restaurant called Mamasita. Another hidden gem I really loved was was Berlin Bar where inside, you travel back in time to the Cold War. At Berlin Bar, they have the most innovative cocktails and a magician entertained us at our table while we waited for our drinks. Definitely worth the visit if you seek someplace eclectic and cool.

  I have no fear of traveling alone, but I was lucky to meet up with my American born (now Aussie) cousin, who I see so rarely because we live continents apart. He welcomed me to his home, shared all his knowledge of the area, and we spent hours having great conversation and laughing about so many memories from our childhood. How fun it was to look back on it twenty years later. It reminded me that connection and being present in the moment are so important, and how essential it is to cherish your times spent with special people you’re lucky to have in your life.

This picture makes me smile so much because in the States, Pabst is the cheapest beer ever, but in a bistro in his suburb of Geelong, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer is a big deal and he has to pay extra for it. We both thought that was so funny! Yet another thing I love about travel, those unexpected details that reveal themselves to you when you get out and explore the world.

    I was lucky to spend one full day with my cousin out at the coast. He strapped three bikes to the back of his car and took me on a drive to the ocean where he and his wife showed me some the surf spots in Jan Juc and Torquay. We went on a long bike ride from Winkipop and Bells Beach all along this breathtaking coastline. That was an amazing day, what a view!

        (I should note these images in this post were taken with my iPhone, but now I use this Canon Powershot camera to shoot better quality images. I love that camera so much for travel for taking amazing pictures and video!)

I left Melbourne having experienced great scenery, food, and company and having fallen in love with yet another amazing city. Have you been to Melbourne, or do you live there? I’m thinking of returning at the end of the year so I can hop over to Tasmania and explore that island. What did I miss? What are your favorite places?

from Home Decor Collection https://centsationalstyle.com/2018/02/three-days-in-melbourne/

[steffen45e289793-blog]

7 Prep works You Must Make Prior to Utilizing party.

You Will certainly Never Thought That Recognizing event Can Be So Beneficial!

St. Patrick day is celebrated by Irish people with complete passion and excitement around the world. This celebration is a distinct possibility for the future wife to spend high quality time with her closest loved ones as well as pals. When you have actually supplied the treats, place, prefers as well as songs, simply unwind and also allow the event take place. Celebration ... Gail Leino gives concepts on enjoyable suggestions for fashion and also entertaining, video games, events and tasks. They will delight in eating from tableware that bears images of these classic as well as graceful Disney heroines, and also will love to take home party prefers that consist of Disney Princess lip gloss lockets, flick DVDs, miniatures as well as paper dolls, story books as well as tinting books, and so on These event designs could consist of such things as a paper jukebox, party banners, ceiling danglers, as well as 50s scene setters. If you currently know then you simply base the motif of your celebration around the neighboring occasion, easy. I apologize for that and also guarantee that the next BIG event I have will be held in a location that will suit everybody!

Exactly what's So Fashionable Concerning event That Everyone Went Crazy Over It?

Have party visitors dance to several of the well-known dancings of the day such as the Charleston, Foxtrot, The Waltz, and also Fleahop and a lot more. So do yourself a favor and see to it your youngster obtains a really unforgettable event made additional special with these fantastic celebration supplies. Some opt to entertain the really night of the graduation, yet others intend to make it an afternoon affair. At our Annual Holiday Party we offer our signature Gingerbread Martini that gets rave evaluations. Se vuoi aggiungere un tocco personalizzato al inviti, potete prendere prefabricated inviti beach celebration e colla uso, sabbia, perline artificiale, e simile altre cose each abbellire il ulteriori inviti. Obtain someone to assist you with the party to coordinate these activities while you participate in various other host obligations. The most vital feature of decorating the party table is the cool arrangement of the decorative materials. The lower quarter is for food as well as drink products, such as a recipe card, picture of a special meal or offering item, and/or a food selection for the celebration.

Seven Advantages Of celebration And How You Could Make Complete Use It.

The pre-prom party city coupons 25 (Learn Additional) on June 2 in Philadelphia consisted of a real-time Arabian camel, a rented Lamborghini, Array Rover as well as Rolls Royce, 3 tons of sand, and three days all wearing customized created gowns costing $1,500 each and Giuseppe Zanotti, Versace as well as Yves Saint Laurent shoes at $1,000 to $1,400 each pair. If you decide to throw a motif based birthday celebration party, then decors, food, amusement, tasks in addition to party gown up code are simply a few points that you need to remember. The worldwide Canadian city of Toronto now has a populace of greater than 3 million and the most ethnically diverse society on the planet. An additional factor Melbourne is the perfect place to hold a chickens or dollars celebration is the chance to invest a night in the Southbank precinct, where the majority of the city's 120 art galleries are located, consisting of the well known National Gallery of Victoria. From jewelry, to plates and also paper napkin collections, wine glasses, game products like the wooden manage bells, dice, pencil sets, and also rating sheets. There are hundreds of celebration subjects that are used by event coordinators each day, nonetheless only a few of them are always an assurance of success. Additionally, a range of beverages is likewise needed for your event as well as fifty percent time is additionally the best time for reconditioning the beverages as you are paying attention or playing games to the very first half wrap-up on television. The competion will maintain going throughout the party and you will certainly obtain a lot more from it than you would believe. And they could remember the occasion after a long time the enjoyable and also pleasure they had in the event. And also, she artistically offers information on party favors, event planning giveaways, activities and celebration products Utilize her suggestions and concepts for a remarkable party. Guests were welcomed by an event indicator that I created and also had made for under $20, It will certainly likewise serve for various other events which is an added benefit. The bachelorette event could be good or just wild and naughty, relying on the bride-to-be's preferences and also comfort level. Sock Hop: Enhance the celebration location with 50s Sock Jump party products and decorations. The very same man that was great regarding a 21st birthday party and also will certainly be the toast of the community for his 85th may have some very logical agitations concerning a number of the years between.

[luckybouquetnachous-blog]

Australian RSA Certificates

Many people have rather a lot to study concerning the dangers of a saltwater crocodile while visiting northern areas of Australia. For action images, look for a mannequin with a fast response time and diminished shutter lag, such as the Canon Powershot SX210 IS. You'll also want the power to take steady pictures and alter shutter speed as required. Many insurance policies cowl unexpected complications of the being pregnant throughout that time interval, however they don't all cowl the medical costs of a untimely child. Must-sees when you're in China are the Forbidden Metropolis, Terracotta Warriors, Nice Wall of China, Tiannamen Square, nevertheless, these are all simply from the Northern a part of China, there's still a lot to see within the different components of this large country, just like the futuristic metropolis of Shanghai and the cuddly pandas that abound within the metropolis of Cheng and the wholesale markets in Guangdong the place a variety of the style equipment that you just see in malls could have come from. My web site, - is my contribution to those who visit Australia on holiday or those that are simply interested within the country and it's folks. To expertise some of the most extravagant and homely ambiance on this planet board Perth Flights and get worth for money. Whenever you purchase any insurance coverage, take the time to seek out the least costing product accessible by comparing quotes provided by several companies. Be sure to check the restrictions because some might only will let you travel with a partner or member of the family others may require you to have the precise itinerary whereas others could assist you to spend 50% of time together. If that sounds good for fogeys, it will get even higher for teenagers. Travel companies and online website might charge around 2% bank card surcharge, so the travel insurance isn't necessarily free. Australia has been at the forefront of those developments, and journey journey is now one of many fastest-growing travel market segments in that country. To be eligible, you must be between the ages of eighteen to thirty years old, should have a valid passport in an permitted country, will need to have a return ticket or have the ability to prove that you've got enough funds to purchase one and to cowl bills during the first a part of your keep. When mixed with the numerous other nice benefits - including their unimaginable long lasting qualities, their sturdiness and their lifetime cost savings - it's obvious that metal roofs are the way to go for people who need to keep cooler and lower your expenses. Also a very good probability to improve on your billiards technique and problem individuals again home. Certainly, one of the world's best seashores is the Copacabana positioned to the south of Rio de Janeiro. It additionally has pristine seashores and is the world's largest sand island the place activities of interest include, wilderness safaris, rainforest treks, dolphin watching in addition to tenting and fishing. Furthermore with a working holiday visa you may tackle short-term employment solely and you cannot work for greater than three months for any one employer. From an original batch of just one zero one toads, there at the moment are over 200 million of these long-legged creatures hopping around Australia- an invasion that has seen the populations of native snakes and goanna lizards decline. Basically they're normally outlined as any chronic or ongoing medical or dental situation for which you've gotten obtained therapy or recommendation within a specified time previous to the policy being issued or any continual or ongoing medical condition, illness or disease that is been medically documented prior to departure. Different actual property you can test on for holiday northern beaches and different interesting Australia seashores are seaside church point, real property clareville, actual estate mona vale, actual estate narrabeen and Newport actual estate. Speak to several insurance coverage providers to search out out what they'll offer you and which insurance policies are best fitted to the type of travel you may be doing. Every of the eventualities is definitely attainable, so making sure you're coated is a good approach of protecting yourself and your items. Your primary coverage will embrace a small amount of canopy for the contents of your caravan, however chances are you'll want to take into account including additional worth onto the coverage here to cowl your contents primarily based on what you've in it. Most insurance policies also provide you with short-term accommodations when you cannot keep in your caravan. On-line coaching is essentially self-directed, it's completely as much as the individual when, the place and how long the coaching takes place. Neither the salad nor the potatoes were good for the wine. Many makeup and beauty homes have their total collection on offer for travellers, permitting them to purchase anyone or multiple items at a reduced value to the purchaser. If you happen to discover that any of these fun info about Australia are old-fashioned or just plain wrong, don't crucify me, just let me know and I will repair it and if you realize any extra good fun details about Australia, or have a comic story about Australia, let me know that too and I am going to add it, in the meantime...........take pleasure in. Because of this true journey travel is more prone to be found away from the comfortable, city east coast, and specifically away from the world located south of the Brisbane-Adelaide line the place over eighty% of Australians reside in city and suburban settings oblivious to the geographic, climatic and cultural realities of nearly all of the Australian continent. For accommodation churchpoint or simply about any vacation lodging in Australia, you may belief Ray White Status. You need no less than 3 weeks to go to Australia so including on a few 3 night time cease offs will sadly reduce your time an excessive amount of. If you want to see Koalas and Kangaroos - these can all be performed free of charge. That is our second assessment of an inexpensive Australian wine (the primary was a Shiraz tasted early on this collection.) While you consider crimson Australian wines you in all probability think of hefty merchandise, not roses. Australians, Americans, and other people all over the world were shocked and shocked on the sudden demise of Phar Lap. Having medical cowl is a must for many people, and cancellation insurance might be useful whenever there is a reason to believe your journey could also be cancelled. Medical is by far crucial issue on an insurance coverage policy, so should you really do not need to pay for travel insurance coverage then a minimum of get a really primary coverage that covers medical. The beaches are still standard throughout these months and the elevated rainfall produces sensible wildflowers around Kings Park and the Avon Valley. There are a selection of airways around the globe that provides cheap airline tickets to Australia. Take for instance, the country of China, which has always been one of the locations that simply come to mind once you consider Asia journey. On Friday evening, all of Adelaide appears to be right here, having fun with dinner within the family-run cafes. With so many seashores and fantastic climate, the going to the seaside is a must particularly during the summer time months. These open day by day besides Sunday and supply an opportunity to buy native crafts, recent fruit, vegetables, breads, native made meals, shells, beads, necklaces and clothing. The mixture of superb climate, pristine rainforest, white sandy beaches, and an ocean varying in hue from blue to turquoise to inexperienced, ensures it is the place the world wants to go to lie on the seaside, swim, surf, snorkel, sail, bushwalk and chicken watch. Another probability for you to expertise the Australian wildlife is by going to the Sydney Wildlife World. The wine's sweetness melded with the rooster's sweetness and it did a superb job of cutting the grease. The advantage for a backpacker of Europe is that it's a lot simpler and cheaper than most locations on the earth for intra travel i.e. travel between the different nations inside Europe. Nonetheless, not all individuals make the trip to Australia. Although you're more probably to have the ability to get an excellent value ticket to a different Canadian airport around the time of the Olympics, you'll be faced with a really lengthy drive. You'll need to have a student visa if you want to study in Australia for more than 4 months. Excessive on the list of genuine Australian outback journey travel destinations subsequently are Central Australia and the Northern Territory, far north and western Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Australia is the sixth largest nation on the earth and most main airlines fly to its multiple cities. Get proper off the crushed observe and discover among the most spectacular pure surroundings in the Top Finish with a 4-wheel drive expedition via the Gregory and Keep River national parks within the Victoria River region Yup, there WILL be crocs in right here.... There may be also 'bushwalking' you could be involved in. These guided tours can take you into more distant parts of the jungle, where you can experience the solitude of the world. It is also good to mix a visit to the Royal Barges Museum. There are numerous high newbie performers who are nonetheless have wonderful voices, great tune repetoires however value much less as it's more of a "half-time" factor for them they usually steadiness a day job to go along with their passion of performing. There are locations to ski in Australia, though for many visitors from the UK, its not the very first thing they think to do when disembarking at Sydney airport. Before getting a visa, ensure that your present passport is valid for at the very least 6 months from the date of your departure, to forestall you from being barred by Immigration officers, as well as put together your passport necessities in advance along with your local or international carrier when reserving for a flight to the Land Down Under. Often in teams of 10 to 20 folks these companies take along on their schedule to visit attractions, websites they usually have all your lodging and transport offered, sometimes on a coach. This gives you time not just to have a look at the prices but, extra importantly, to learn the small print and make sure the policy matches like a glove. The last and biggest level I can make about protected travelling earlier than backpacking is to make sure that you get travel insurance. As we're all aware, accidents can happen at any time and in anyplace to anybody Within the worst of circumstances, this could cause vital harm as well as ruining a vacation or business trip. You probably have youthful kids, or when you need a break from hikes and nature, there are numerous well-known locations to sightsee at. At 'The Big Pineapple,' you can visit a pineapple farm and visit many shops and educational sights. 600) hosts the Australian Goanna Pulling Championships over Easter. Sydney is likely one of the most beautiful Australian cities and as a result has change into one of many major journey destinations in Australia. More often than not, travel insurance acts as a peace of mind...proper as much as the time you need it after which it may be crucial article in your suitcase. thirteen. With a second Working Holiday Visa you'll be able to either extend your keep in Australia or come back once more for one more 12 months earlier than you flip 31. To get the second visa, you could have completed a minimal of three months 'specified work', similar to fruit choosing, in an eligible regional space. Be sure you know which kind you are signed up with to ensure you find yourself going someplace you planned to. When planning your trip to this fabulous continent, make sure you take a look at this Australia Journey Guide. Helpful websites for comparisons and prices are Journey-Insurance coverage-Net for Europe-solely travel and Insure For for world-broad travel. Qantas allocates standing credit to you each time you fly on eligible flights on Qantas or on member-airways in the oneworld alliance (American Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airways and Royal Jordanian), Air Pacific, Jetstar or QantasLink providers. Visitors in Perth can calm down by buying, lazing round in the beaches, and tasting delicacies. cheap hotels exeter Working and traveling is a cost effective means of financing your journey. • Melbourne Purchasing, visit Melbourne and some of the lesser identified buying spots by exploring the alleys and lane ways all through the city. One of many prime things in regards to the Beach Club is you get unique transportation to and from Hamilton Island's marina. There's a lot diversity out there with underwater adventures, swimming, golf and among the islands are perfect for spending a memorable romantic getaway. After all, Australia too has its own distinct gamut of festivals, from the creative (like the Adelaide Competition of Arts or the Garma Pageant of Conventional Cultures), to something as petty as brick-throwing contests, which simply goes to indicate that Aussies are probably the most fun-loving, outdoorsy people there ever was.

[mytherapistsays-blog]

Beat The Sunday Scaries With These Bath Products

Beat The Sunday Scaries With These Bath Products ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ @MyTherapistSays ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ https://mytherapistsays.ca/beat-the-sunday-scaries-with-these-bath-products/

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BATHROOM ZEN AF

In the midst of scrolling through your phone and being accosted with a bevy of bad choices and wrong turns you decided to make and take last night, the Sunday Scaries creep up on you. There’s really nothing you can do about the “sexy” (repulsive) photos you sent to make your ex jealous, incoherent texts to explain yourself to your friends, or the dancing that you thought made you look like Brit Brit in I’m a Slave 4 u. You know very well the only thing enslaving you last night was Patron.

The only thing to do now is to delude yourself in an atmosphere of serenity, beauty, and bath salts. You light up that amber rose scented candle, pour open the Chianti, and pretend that last night was merely an inception like dream in which you were a victim

Click on the obnoxiously large photos for more info.

HERBIVORE COCO ROSE BODY POLISH

This exfoliating body scrub feels so therapeutic- the pink clay is perfect for detoxifying your skin after a weekend of one too many tequila shots. And what problem does coconut oil not solve? Dry skin? Coconut oil. Frizzy hair? Coconut oil. Boyfriend acting up? Coconut oil. *pours coconut oil over entire life*

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY SKIN BRUSH

Weekends tend to be cheat days for me- no calorie gets left behind. So come Sunday I do my dry brushing routine which helps with lymphatic drainage, increased circulation, and removing dreaded cellulite. Dry brushing may be painful af at first, but it’s worth it. Anything I can do that can make my body look better without having to go to the gym- sign me up.

FUR OIL

Yes, I am telling you to use $44 pubic hair oil because it’s 2018 and nobody wants painful ingrown hairs. Not you or your manzz. Enough said.

GOOP THE BEDTIME BATH SOAK

I’m pretty much always on the verge of an emotional breakdown so I like to always have this detox bath soak on hand. The soak includes premium Epsom and sea salts; an array of botanicals including valerian, passionflower and hops; and essential oils including sandalwood, lavender and spikenard. A Valerian soak that calm me the F down after a crazy week and helps me sleep? Dear god, living in LA really has rubbed off on me. But for realsies, this stuff keeps me from being put on a 5150.

HARPER + ARI EXFOLIATING SUGAR CUBES

Another exfoliating product that smells like dessert. These little cubes are perfect for travel because just one cube is large enough to exfoliate your entire body. I already overpack like 9843985 outfits when I travel so I try to keep my toiletries on the lighter side.

SOL DE JANEIRO BRAZILIAN 4 PLAY MOISTURIZING SHOWER CREAM GEL

This shower gel smells divine- I literally feel like I’m whisked away to a brazilian beach every time I use it and it’s antioxidant rich so it leaves you feeling incredibly smooth.

LIVING PROOF FULL SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

My go-to shampoo and conditioner if I want that Victoria Secret model voluminous blowout look. Also, Jennifer Aniston was the spokeswoman and involved in the creation of products, so you too can look like Jenny with the good hair.

  ORIBE SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER FOR BEAUTIFUL COLOR

Great for keeping color treated hair vibrant and fresh. Invest in quality shampoo and conditioner, not just the balayage.

THE GOLD MASK – STARSKIN VIP FACE MASK

Finally a face mask that can take off the 10 Lindsay Lohan years I added to my face partying this weekend. This face mask energizes, brightens and tightens so say goodbye to tired, puffy skin. It’s basically a luxurious at home facial. The only thing more extra than me are my face masks.

AMAZON BATHTUB CADDY

Because it’s not a real bath without a good glass of wine, a book, a candle and my cellphone and I need a place to put that shit.

WHAT’S A BATH WITHOUT A CANDLE?

Now that I’m past 25 my hangovers last like 3 years so the only thing getting lit tonight is my scented candle. (Shhhh the wine doesn’t count) My fave Diptyque roses candle smells heavenly and sets a chill mood. In an attempt to make it look like I have my shit together, I have them all over my apartment. So chic.

LAURA MERCIER AMBRE VANILLE CREME BODY SOUFFLE

Now that you’ve had a relaxing bath, treat yo self to this Laura Mercier body creme that will lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple. Literally every time I use it I get complimented that I smell delicious. You’re welcome.

FUZZY BATHROBE

As someone who has become a self-proclaimed robe connoisseur, (I usually can’t be bothered with clothes) this robe is by far the comfiest. It’s the perfect soft robe to lie in for 3 hours after the bath, scrolling insta and lying to your friends that you’re “on your way”. Def a lazy girl staple. Plus it comes in millennial pink (and 2 other colours) so like obvs I had to have it. Now go on and live your best life. Trust me after using all these bath products you’ll be like Monday? Susan? I don’t know her.

  A Book that I can’t put down:

Podcast Reco:

If you’re not in the mood to read, then we suggest enriching your minds with this amazing podcast. I’ve been listening to The History Chicks forever, and would like to thank them for helping me sound v smart on dates.

Last but not least, our wine recos:

Chateau Miraval Rosé

Santa Margherita

[easyfoodnetwork]

Photo: Retailers Father’s Day gift ideas for the home cook who has everything, from the Strategist Finding the right gift for a dad who loves to cook can be tricky. You want a Father’s Day gift that’ll be useful yet unique, not something he already owns. That’s a tall order if your dad’s the kind of home cook who has everything, and it’s even more challenging if you’re not well-versed in the kitchen yourself. But don’t fret. Below, we’ve rounded up 25 Father’s Day gift ideas (many of which we’ve written about before) that we think any foodie dad — from the fine-dining aficionado who appreciates a malted Scotch to the dad who is gassed up for summertime grilling and chilling — would love to unwrap. Instant Pot 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker If he’s still dragging his feet about hopping on the Instant Pot train, a Father’s Day gift of the perennially popular appliance might finally be what gets him onboard. Breville Joule Sous Vide Maybe dad is already all-in on a pressure cooker. If so, a sous vide machine, which cooks meat and other food that’s been placed in a water bath (usually within a food-safe plastic bag), will take his home cooking to new heights. Marcato Atlas Pasta Maker For the dad who’s all about hand-made pasta, this hand-crank machine comes from Italian company Marcato, which has been in the business since 1930. Maldon Salt Bucket To make sure he doesn’t under-salt the pasta water. Whetstone Magazine, Annual Subscription Dubbed the “next Lucky Peach” by Strategist contributor and cookbook author Priya Krishna, Whetstone magazine, which was co-founded by Stephen Satterfield and Melissa Shi, is a journal on food origins and culture, with an emphasis on storytelling. Tu Casa Mi Casa: Mexican Recipes for the Home Cook Enrique Olvera’s collection of Mexican recipes for the home cook (recommended by a recipe developer) includes traditional and contemporary foods like chicken tinga, crispy potatoes, and quesillo flautas. Les Halles Cookbook: Strategies, Recipes, and Techniques of Classic Bistro Cooking For the dad who watched all of Anthony Bourdain’s shows and misses his friendly but irreverent presence, the late chef’s first cookbook could be both a balm and a resource for new recipes. Benriner Mandoline Slicer This is the upgraded version of the classic green mandolin slicer from Japanese company Benriner that chefs swear by. Mauviel Copper Butter Warmer Flynn McGarry, the owner and head chef at New York City’s Gem restaurant, told us he loves to give this adorable copper pot to friends. A foodie dad would surely like it, too, and can use it to make sauces or heat up small portions of soup in addition to melting butter. Click and Grow The Smart Garden 3 If he doesn’t have the outdoor space to grow his own ingredients, dad can tend to them indoors with this expert-recommended herb garden that requires minimal effort, thanks to its built-in grow light and self-watering mechanism. All-Clad 4-Piece Stainless Steel Barbecue Tool Set with Storage Case Pitmaster John Stage of New York City’s Dinosaur Bar-B-Que tipped us off to this four-piece stainless-steel barbecue tool set from All-Clad, which contains everything dad might need while manning his grill. Two-in-One Vertical Chicken Roasting Pan This beer-can chicken roaster is a little silly-looking, sure, but pitmaster Nick Pihakis of Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q in Birmingham, Alabama, assured us that using a contraption like this is “one of the best ways to cook a chicken.” That’s because upright roasting is the optimal position to roast a chicken: “Fat drips away, heat surrounds the chicken 360 degrees, and skin crisps up better. This cooking method allows the steam and vapors to flavor the chicken from the inside cavity out, helping it to stay moist.” This version holds up to two five-pound birds and includes a pan to hold vegetables. Miyabi Birchwood 8-Inch Chef Knife This luxury chef knife is a bit flashier than a more utilitarian Wüsthof or Global, with a super-polished wooden handle. According to Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery in New Orleans, “it’s a total everything-you-do type of chef’s knife.” Wüsthof Classic 10-Inch Sharpening Steel Maybe your dad prefers the utilitarian Wüsthof knives but already has the ones he needs. If so, give him the brand’s honing steel, which will allow him to keep his blades in good shape until he can take them back to a professional for a proper sharpening. (This of course would work just as well with any brand of knives dad may own.) Hario V60 Pour-Over Kit This all-in-one pour-over coffee kit from Hario comes with a carafe and some filters, meaning it’s easy to approach for a beginner yet high-quality enough to use for years. Baratza Encore Electric Grinder If dad’s serious about his coffee, then he’s going to need a serious grinder. The Baratza Encore conical grinder is one of the best out there — and was recommended to us by nine coffee experts. It has 40 grind settings, allowing dad to choose grounds for all the different kinds of brewing methods, from French press to pour-over to drip to cold brew. KitchenAid 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle This handsome electric kettle boils water in minutes and is made of easy-to-clean stainless steel. Breville One-Touch Tea Maker Or, for dads who really love their tea, consider this smart kettle that Strategist contributor David Schwartz (a self-professed tea enthusiast) calls “groundbreaking.” Not only does it brew tea at precise temperatures depending on type of leaf and desired strength, it automatically removes the tea leaves by way of a robotic component, once the desired steep time has been reached. That means dad can walk away and get a perfect cup of tea without having to worry about over- (or under-) steeping. Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Vacuum Insulated Growler As singer Jake Shears can attest, a growler like this offers dad more space for his drink of choice — whether that’s water, coffee, tea, beer, or a giant cocktail (which is what Shears uses his growler for). Crafthouse by Fortessa Professional Barware by Charles Joly Gift Set Speaking of cocktails, this expert-approved barware set includes a shaker, muddler, strainer, and jigger — or basically everything a cocktail-loving dad would need to concoct his favorite beverage at home. Modern Innovations Wine Chiller Your enterprising dad will appreciate this elegant-looking marble wine chiller’s multifunctional appeal: When it isn’t needed to serve his favorite bottle, dad can use it a utensil crock or a vase. Vacu Vin Wine Saver The Vacu Vin is a sommelier-approved wine stopper that’ll keep an open bottle of wine fresh overnight. “Their vacuum seal really does help preserve delicate aromatics and flavors that are otherwise lost,” says Victoria James, sommelier and beverage director at Cote. Yeti Hopper M30 Yes, the Yeti Hopper is expensive for a cooler, but it’s the best on the market, and doesn’t your dad deserve the best? It’s virtually indestructible and keeps food, drinks, and even ice cold for literally hours. Philips Indoor Smokeless Grill We first spotted this grill on Netflix’s Queer Eye and quickly became intrigued. Meant for indoor use, it features an infrared light to heat the grill and a drip tray that stays cool, which prevents smoke from forming. Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven Here’s another nifty appliance that this writer swears by: It’s an all-in-one toaster oven–air fryer that does way more than even its multi-hyphenate name suggests. Not only does it toast and air-fry, it also broils and bakes — even convection cooks — at the turn of a dial, saving time (and counter space) in the kitchen. Thermapen Mk4 The Thermapen Mk4 is the best gift to give the home cook who has it all. It’s easy to use and gives superaccurate readings in a matter of milliseconds. Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag Starter Kit This set of seven reusable silicone bags from Stasher includes just about every size dad will need, so he can use the money he’ll save on disposable Ziploc bags to … buy you a gift to repay the favor. from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2YBJGtD

http://easyfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2020/06/from-strategist-best-fathers-day-gifts.html

[ghostlybouquetballoonstuff-blog1]

Holidays In Australia

Luxurious Australia travel has received to be one of the best ways to see one of the vital fascinating travel locations on the planet. Some folks like the fact that when using bus services, and even Queensland rail journey, they are able to take within the sights during their journey. During this time, most of Western Australia isn't as welcoming when it comes to weather, though you'll always discover the Australian folks very welcoming. Mix that with the welcoming and friendly locals and you might be set for a as soon as in a life time trip. The conductor on board gives beneficial data about the tourist points of interest you would possibly want to see. You can apply for a variety of visas, together with tourist visas and working holiday visas, however you should accomplish that before leaving home. The present monetary local weather, with many students having to rely on scholar loans, parental help, vacation jobs or personal financial savings for his or her monetary fluidity, largely dictates and limits simply what may be achieved in this regard and there are a number of ploys and methods which might be generally used to make the cash go additional or, to have a look at it one other method, to permit the identical cash let the coed go additional! When planning your journey to this fabulous continent, ensure you take a look at this Australia Journey Information. Right here are a few things to look out to your low-cost holiday in Australia. In consequence, substantial changes occurred in the demand for worldwide journey merchandise. Most would require you to be staying at pre-booked venues which is probably not appropriate for the student traveller. A scenic flight tour can fall underneath journey, cruise and days excursions additionally. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and most major airways fly to its a number of cities. In case you are happening a visit the place you will not be bringing your computer with you, you want to find a secure place to retailer it. For example, once I went to New Zealand, I stored mine with associates who have been renting a home in Melbourne. Discounts in different fares are available for students. It is among the finest place to get pleasure from some adventure activities while in your tour and it's shut proximity to the Nice Barrier Reef makes it extra attention-grabbing and beautiful. The very best half is, you may hop off a bus travelling your approach and stay so long as you like in one place earlier than hopping on another bus to continue your journey! You will see that native vacationer data and free recommendation in most places in Australia. When you refill an utility type and pay the necessary fees, you must now be able to purchase the tourist visa, as soon as it is approved. Skydiving can be carried out in cities like Sydney and Cairns after a 15 minute tutorial course on how to do it. The rates are someplace around $200. You may also avail of this entry requirement on-line, by logging on to the official Australian Visa online website. All these playing cards can be found in the US from Council Journey, STA, and Journey CUTS. Australia is fast changing into a drive to reckon with within the art of wines, and when you join a wine tour, you will get to taste what the fuss is all about. In major cities renting an condominium could be cheaper if there are three or 4 individuals sharing or a family. Bear in mind additionally that the brand new EHIC card (free from /travellers) will present free or discounted well being care prices within the EU, but doesn't cover any repatriation prices. By encouraging active participation in each day routines akin to cooking, cleansing, setting camp and packing up, adventure excursions engage vacationers within the complete out of doors journey expertise quite than merely waiting on passive participants hand and foot. The high price of hotels is one reason most travellers end up compromising on the quality of lodgings they book, but this need not be so. You possibly can easily find an reasonably priced place to remain whether or not you might be travelling alone or with family. To enter Australia Guests must have a travel visa. Visitors in Australia have to have a journey visa. Sydney provides a dynamic metropolis life and there are a few of the finest purchasing centers, eating places and hangout zones the place you possibly can enjoy your suggestions in a better way. Medical insurance coverage covers each, domestic medical and worldwide medical insurances. There can be a ways between dump station points, which is where you empty your toilet and water waste from the campervan rent. There are different mountain ranges the place tour packages are offered together with mountaineering, climbing, bush strolling and mountain biking. Travelling June to August in southern Australia will be cold. cheap hotels greensboro nc Some other fascinating holidays that Australians rejoice include Melbourne Cup Day, Proclamation Day, Canberra Day, Queensland Day, Geelong Cup Day, Recreation Day, Adelaide Cup Day, Basis Day, and Picnic Day. However it will probably get troublesome to walk alone in the park with out finding other tourists. Melbourne is under no circumstances to be missed when travelling to Australia. It's one in every of Australia's most recognized tourist spots. High on the record of authentic Australian outback journey journey locations due to this fact are Central Australia and the Northern Territory, far north and western Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Briefly, new patterns in travel decisions have emerged to accommodate a much greater spectrum of travel pursuits, actions and experiences. Nearby is Rainbow Seaside, which is a coastal city that is filled with life, miles of coloured sands and a completely relaxed atmosphere that is good on your memorable Australia vacation. It's common identify, the Saltwater Crocodile, is also called the Estuarine Crocodile and 'Saltie'. Everyone needs to journey on a funds, to attenuate their expenses whereas maximizing on their experiences. Luxurious Australia journey does not must be costly - way of life in Australia comes as a given - it is the way of life on this a part of the world, so add a little bit luxury into your Australia travel with some of our ideas. Earlier than getting a visa, make it possible for your current passport is valid for at the least 6 months from the date of your departure, to forestall you from being barred by Immigration officers, in addition to put together your passport necessities prematurely along with your local or international carrier when booking for a flight to the Land Down Below. Most of the time, travel insurance acts as a peace of thoughts...right up to the time you want it after which it may be the most important article in your suitcase. For a extra satisfying journey, one could journey by excessive pace rail or street. However how about if you happen to can enterprise into a spontaneous adventure like a campervan journey where you drive your own itinerary anywhere and anytime you want. It is typically the quickest way to travel lengthy distances and in these days of aggressive pricing methods, lots of the no-frills and price range airways are offering very low cost flights throughout mainland Europe. Within the outdated days, you would need to make visits bodily to each journey agency in your space with the intention to discover good bookings for a fair price. Regardless of the objective of the visit, it's necessary to secure a sound visa. There are plenty of local wine growers in the nation that supply wine tours and while there are tours that might be accomplished in just a day, there are some that could take weeks to finish. Of course you will also discover quite a lot of houseboats in Moama in addition to further up and down the Murray River in Victoria and South Australia. A full ten 12 months legitimate passport is required with no less than six months of validity after your scheduled return trip from Australia. Great Ocean Street which is about three hours driving from Melbourne follows the coast and mountains makes your drive worth. The amazing landscapes, dynamic townships, historic spots, tradition, pure resources and so on make Adelaide a scorching vacationer destination in Australia. Australia has a terrific selection of casinos every in a novel setting which can solely be experienced in Australia. Telephone: (+61) (zero) 2 6270 6666 This number is NOT for passport or visa enquiries. In case you are versatile with holiday dates, take into account travelling outdoors of peak. The budget and lodging, sadly, take up most of a traveler's price range that they don't get much out of their holidays like sampling native restaurants or going to the local tourist spots. Visas and passports needs to be applied for effectively in advance, so as to keep away from any last minute cancellations and delays. There a range of houseboats working out of Echuca, ranging from the small and simple camper type houseboats to the luxurious Echuca 5 star lodging options with characteristic resembling ensuites, trendy absolutely geared up kitchens, laundry facilities, air conditioned and spa baths. Australia is full of freedom camps, which are either free or low cost tenting and excellent for in travelling in a camper van. If you determine to go on a extra adventurous vacation similar to skiing, ensure you have winter sports cover. Catamaran tours take individuals out within the sea to look at Humpback whales. Nonetheless, just a few insurers present a wide selection of journey insurance coverage. The nature loving folks admire it the most and get their snaps clicked at this beautiful reef. Cheap flights are readily available, with Virgin Blue offering among the greatest domestic costs, plus international flights to New Zealand if that is a part of your trip. The main cities of attraction are Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane and so forth. An area insurer will guide you finest whether to opt for home travel insurance coverage or worldwide journey insurance coverage, in consideration along with your unique needs. Tasmania is likely one of the prettiest places in Australia, and in sure method it would remind a few of you of landscapes of New Zealand. Hole years, student electives overseas and cheap summer holidays in distant locations, have turn out to be part of the commonly life-enriching experience that's now thought of synonymous with the coed status. Excursions can be found for White Water Rafting on Franklin River in South West Tasmania, close to Sydney, Cairns and Western Australia. There are a whole lot of well-known locations to go to in Australia. Travelling in campervans Might to September in Australia, is usually the most effective time to travel the northern half of the country with cooler temperatures and less rain than the summer season. On this flattest continent, you'd find a variety of locations of vacationers' interest.

[superkrispypeanutstudentstu-blog]

Holidays In Australia

Luxurious Australia travel has got to be top-of-the-line methods to see some of the fascinating journey destinations in the world. Some people like the truth that when using bus services, or even Queensland rail journey, they're able to take within the sights throughout their journey. During this time, most of Western Australia isn't as welcoming by way of weather, though you'll always find the Australian individuals very welcoming. Combine that with the welcoming and pleasant locals and you might be set for a once in a life time vacation. The conductor on board gives helpful information about the tourist attractions you might wish to see. You can apply for a spread of visas, together with vacationer visas and dealing vacation visas, but you have to do so earlier than leaving home. The current monetary climate, with many students having to rely on scholar loans, parental support, holiday jobs or private financial savings for his or her monetary fluidity, largely dictates and limits just what might be achieved on this regard and there are a number of ploys and strategies which might be generally used to make the money go further or, to look at it another means, to permit the same money let the coed go additional! When planning your journey to this fabulous continent, make sure you have a look at this Australia Travel Information. Here are some things to look out to your low-cost vacation in Australia. Consequently, substantial adjustments occurred within the demand for international travel products. Most would require you to be staying at pre-booked venues which might not be applicable for the student traveller. A scenic flight tour can fall under journey, cruise and days tours moreover. Australia is the sixth largest nation on the planet and most main airlines fly to its a number of cities. If you are going on a visit where you will not be bringing your pc with you, you could discover a secure place to store it. For instance, when I went to New Zealand, I kept mine with pals who were renting a house in Melbourne. Reductions in numerous fares are available for college students. It is among the best place to get pleasure from some journey actions while in your tour and it's close proximity to the Nice Barrier Reef makes it extra attention-grabbing and beautiful. The perfect half is, you possibly can hop off a bus travelling your manner and keep so long as you like in a single place before hopping on another bus to proceed your journey! You will see local tourist data and free recommendation in most places in Australia. Once you refill an utility kind and pay the required fees, it is best to now be capable of purchase the vacationer visa, as soon as it is permitted. Skydiving could be accomplished in cities like Sydney and Cairns after a 15 minute instructional course on find out how to do it. The charges are someplace around $200. You might also avail of this entry requirement on-line, by logging on to the official Australian Visa on-line website. All these playing cards are available within the US from Council Journey, STA, and Journey CUTS. Australia is quick changing into a force to reckon with within the artwork of wines, and when you join a wine tour, you're going to get to style what the fuss is all about. In main cities renting an residence will be cheaper if there are 3 or four folks sharing or a family. Bear in mind additionally that the new EHIC card (free from /travellers) will present free or discounted health care costs in the EU, however does not cover any repatriation costs. By encouraging active participation in each day routines equivalent to cooking, cleaning, setting camp and packing up, adventure excursions engage travelers in the complete out of doors adventure expertise slightly than simply waiting on passive contributors hand and foot. The excessive value of motels is one reason most travellers find yourself compromising on the quality of lodgings they e book, but this needn't be so. You may simply find an reasonably priced place to remain whether you are travelling alone or with household. To enter Australia Visitors need to have a travel visa. Guests in Australia have to have a travel visa. Sydney offers a dynamic city life and there are a few of the best purchasing centers, restaurants and hangout zones where you possibly can get pleasure from your ideas in a greater manner. Medical insurance coverage covers each, domestic medical and worldwide medical insurances. There might be a long way between dump station factors, which is the place you empty your bathroom and water waste from the campervan rent. There are different mountain ranges the place tour packages are supplied including mountaineering, hiking, bush walking and mountain biking. Travelling June to August in southern Australia may be cold. Some other fascinating holidays that Australians celebrate embrace Melbourne Cup Day, Proclamation Day, Canberra Day, Queensland Day, Geelong Cup Day, Recreation Day, Adelaide Cup Day, Basis Day, and Picnic Day. However it might probably get tough to walk alone within the park without discovering different tourists. Melbourne is not at all to be missed when travelling to Australia. It's one among Australia's most recognized vacationer spots. High on the list of authentic Australian outback journey travel destinations subsequently are Central Australia and the Northern Territory, far north and western Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Briefly, new patterns in travel decisions have emerged to accommodate a a lot better spectrum of journey pursuits, activities and experiences. Close by is Rainbow Seashore, which is a coastal town that is full of life, miles of colored sands and a totally relaxed atmosphere that's excellent for your memorable Australia vacation. It's normal identify, the Saltwater Crocodile, is also known as the Estuarine Crocodile and 'Saltie'. cheap hotels in malta Everybody desires to travel on a price range, to reduce their expenses whereas maximizing on their experiences. Luxury Australia travel does not should be costly - life-style in Australia comes as a given - it's the way of life in this a part of the world, so add a bit luxury into your Australia travel with some of our recommendations. Earlier than getting a visa, be sure that your present passport is valid for not less than 6 months from the date of your departure, to forestall you from being barred by Immigration officers, in addition to put together your passport requirements prematurely with your local or international carrier when booking for a flight to the Land Down Underneath. More often than not, journey insurance acts as a peace of thoughts...right as much as the time you need it after which it can be an important article in your suitcase. For a more pleasant trip, one might journey by high pace rail or highway. However how about when you can venture right into a spontaneous journey like a campervan adventure where you drive your personal itinerary anyplace and anytime you need. It's often the quickest approach to travel lengthy distances and in today of aggressive pricing strategies, many of the no-frills and budget airways are providing very low-cost flights across mainland Europe. Within the previous days, you would have to make visits bodily to each and every journey agency in your space with a purpose to find good bookings for a fair worth. Regardless of the objective of the go to, it is obligatory to secure a sound visa. There are plenty of native wine growers in the country that offer wine tours and whereas there are excursions that could possibly be accomplished in only a day, there are some that would take weeks to end. Of course you will also discover numerous houseboats in Moama in addition to additional up and down the Murray River in Victoria and South Australia. A full ten yr valid passport is needed with no less than six months of validity after your scheduled return journey from Australia. Nice Ocean Road which is about three hours driving from Melbourne follows the coast and mountains makes your drive value. The superb landscapes, dynamic townships, historic spots, culture, natural sources and many others make Adelaide a sizzling tourist vacation spot in Australia. Australia has an amazing selection of casinos every in a novel setting which can solely be skilled in Australia. Telephone: (+sixty one) (0) 2 6270 6666 This quantity is NOT for passport or visa enquiries. In case you are flexible with holiday dates, think about travelling exterior of peak. The price range and lodging, sadly, take up most of a traveler's funds that they do not get much out of their holidays like sampling local restaurants or going to the native tourist spots. Visas and passports must be utilized for well upfront, so as to keep away from any final minute cancellations and delays. There a spread of houseboats working out of Echuca, starting from the small and easy camper fashion houseboats to the luxurious Echuca 5 star lodging options with characteristic equivalent to ensuites, trendy fully geared up kitchens, laundry facilities, air conditioned and spa baths. Australia is filled with freedom camps, which are both free or low cost tenting and ideal for in travelling in a camper van. For those who resolve to go on a more adventurous holiday comparable to snowboarding, be sure to have winter sports cowl. Catamaran tours take folks out in the sea to observe Humpback whales. However, only a few insurers provide a wide selection of travel insurance policy. The nature loving individuals admire it essentially the most and get their snaps clicked at this lovely reef. Low-cost flights are available, with Virgin Blue providing among the finest domestic costs, plus worldwide flights to New Zealand if that is part of your trip. The main cities of attraction are Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane and so forth. An area insurer will information you best whether to go for home journey insurance coverage or international travel insurance coverage, in consideration together with your unique wants. Tasmania is likely one of the prettiest locations in Australia, and in certain manner it would remind some of you of landscapes of New Zealand. Hole years, pupil electives abroad and cheap summer season holidays in distant locations, have become part of the generally life-enriching experience that is now thought-about synonymous with the student status. Excursions are available for White Water Rafting on Franklin River in South West Tasmania, close to Sydney, Cairns and Western Australia. There are tons of of famous locations to visit in Australia. Travelling in campervans May to September in Australia, is usually one of the best time to travel the northern half of the nation with cooler temperatures and fewer rain than the summer season. On this flattest continent, you'd discover a variety of places of vacationers' interest.

[fredericksmeg-blog]

One week in Italy

The long-awaited spring break blog is here!!

On Thursday (Feb 23rd), I woke up and tried to make sure that I was all packed by the time I had to leave for class. I ran several very exciting errands, like printing out a bus ticket ahead of time to get from the Venice airport to the Main Island and picking up a sandwich from Pret to eat on the train to Gatwick. I had all of my stuff sorted when I went to class. I gave my presentation (on the differences between British and American humor using the different versions of The Office), which went really well. I ran home after class, picked up all of my stuff, and headed straight to Victoria, which was something out of a nightmare, honestly. Upon walking into the train station I discovered a giant terminal full of shoulder-to-shoulder people. I elbowed my way to the departures board to find out that everything was delayed thanks to my new bestie storm Doris. Basically, on Thursday, a bunch of wind effectively broke London. So I had a good ol’ panic attack and ran to the Gatwick Express platform (all the barricades were open because people were literally sprinting though) because I needed to get to Gatwick ASAP. I managed to get a seat on the train and make it to Gatwick in enough time to get through security. When I got through, I expected that my gate would be announced in minutes. Instead, it said that I wouldn’t know my gate information until 8, when it was suppose to close. And then it was changed to 8:30, when my flight was supposed to leave. Doris strikes again. Fortunately, I found some other people from my program who were flying to Rome whose flight was also delayed and sat with them until my gate was announced. We finally took off at 9:30, and I got to Venice at 12:30 because time travel is real. Luckily I collected myself enough to get on a bus from the airport to the station in Venice, where Bri and Jasmine met me to walk over to the hotel because they’re angels. I got back and showered and passed out. 

On Friday we woke up, got ready, and bopped around Venice. It was a little gloomy but it wasn’t bad at all – our hotel was right next to the Rialto Bridge (the famous one that you associate with Venice) and we got some fruit in the market next to it. We just kinda walked around for a little bit, and stopped for coffee and a frittata at a café near San Marco Plaza. After that we walked around the square for a little bit, which is where most of the tourist attractions in Venice are located. We ended up going into the Doge Palace, which is probably the most famous building in Venice. It was really beautiful on the inside, and we got to over the famous Bridge of Sighs (which isn’t too exciting from the inside). We sat in a huge ballroom for a while and just kind of looked around. After that we went to a random restaurant for lunch, and I had a pizza with prosciutto, olives, and artichokes. We bummed around for a bit after that, got gelato, and tried frittelles, which are little fried balls of dough that Venice is known for. While we were walking back to the square later on, we spontaneously hopped into a gondola because Jasmine negotiated with the gondolier for a cheap ride. We had to do it, so ya know, we did it. We were Venice during the last weekend of Carnival, so people were walking around in masks and full makeup with gowns and old-fashioned outfits. Naturally, we decided to get some masks so we could fit in. We stopped at the hotel for a bit to recoop before we went to Ristorante Pizzeria Dolfin for dinner. We had some wine, and our waitress decided that she really hated Jasmine. I had calamari and salmon gnocchi with some grilled veggies. It was pretty alright. We walked home with our masks on, and got some more Frittelle with Nutella inside. Later we perused some of the Carnival-related stuff that was going on. We saw a few DJ – setups and I heard quite a bit of Daft Punk, so I had a good time. We didn’t really commit, though. We were pretty tired so we just went back to the hotel to go to bed!

On Saturday we woke up and the sun was out in full force. After walking around the town on a pretty overcast day, seeing Venice in the sun was incredible. We walked back to San Marco Square to go up the famous Campanile for those views, which were amazing of course. After that we had some time to bum around before our intended lunch spot opened up, so we sat down by the water on some docks for a bit and just soaked up how beautiful everything was. After that we got takeaway handmade pasta at a place called Dal Moro’s, which was fantastic. We all shared one of the cuttlefish ink pastas, which is a Venetian specialty, in addition to our own orders. We sat on the steps of a bridge over one of the canals and ate them. It was really nice. After we finished eating, we walked to the other large bridge that crosses the Grand Canal, the Accademia Bridge. We got some quality gelato on the way, and I had some real deal Lemon sorbet. We saw another area of Venice, and walked near the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and sat on a walkway near the water again, looking out at the other islands. Venice was just really pretty. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. We picked up our stuff from the hotel and lugged it to the train station. Me, Natalie, and Bri said bye to Bridget and then we got on a train to Florence. We arrived a little over two hours later, checked into our Airbnb, and proceeded directly to Gusta Pizza, which was 5 minutes from our place and was recommended to me by a bunch of different people. I had a caprese pizza, and I can probably say that it was the best pizza that I had in Italy. After dinner we decided to walk around a little bit, and ended up in the Plaza where the Duomo is. We were like, is this the thing? Yes. This is the thing. We saw pretty much everything at night. The Palazzo Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio, most of the main squares.

On Sunday morning we did the best that we could waking up. We got to the Uffizi Gallery (famous renaissance museum) around 10 and whoops. The line didn’t look as daunting as it really was because it took us 2 ½ hours to get in. About 2 hours in, I was like how about me and Jas go get sandwiches. So we left Bri there, and we got back right as she walked in the door to get tickets (whoops). At this exact moment we met up with Sarah, and I was panicking because I didn’t want to get back into line. I literally inhaled my sandwich while Sarah tried to wolf down the one we got for Bri so we could go into the museum. Of course Jasmine saves the day by somehow finagling into the building and having Bri buy our tickets for us. One of the security guards was not too happy about the whole situation but guess who got into the museum? We did. The Uffizi was really cool and I’m glad we went. We spent a solid 2 hours in there. I wish I had a little bit more background in the renaissance, but it was still really great to see. The Botticelli’s were my favorite, and they were so huge. La Primavera was definitely the best part. After the museum, we got gelato at this amazing place called Gelateria Neri. It was the best gelato I’d had so far hands down. I had chocolate and raspberry. After that everybody had another Panini (since Bri’s never made it to her earlier). We made our way to the Galleria Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s David sculpture. We waited in line for just a little bit, and Sarah went to go meet up with her friends again, so it was just me, Bri, and Jasmine. The first ~30 seconds that I saw the David statue were definitely a highlight of the break. You just stare at it immediately because it’s so huge. It’s really, really gorgeous and detailed and we just sat there and stared at it for a bit. There wasn’t much to see in the rest of the museum, it was pretty small. When we left there, we basically sprinted to Piazza Michelangelo, which is on a hill overlooking the skyline of Florence. It was crunch time until sunset and we wanted to get there while we could still see.  We were sweaty and ready for spaghetti by the time we made it up there. We brought a bottle of wine and sat on the steps and watched the sun go down. It was probably the highlight of the time we spent in Florence. After it was dark, we walked back to the Airbnb, changed, and then met Spangler for dinner (he was in Italy at the same time) at il Gato e La Volpe. We had bruschetta and wine, and I had some 4-cheese gnocchi. We all split tiramisu at the end. It was a really great meal and it was nice to just chill for a bit. We went home and passed out because we were climbing the dome at 8:30 am the next morning.

On Monday our alarms went off to collective groaning before we schlepped off to the Duomo to climb the cupola. We stopped at a cute café near the Basilica di Santo Spirito and had an espresso and a croissant. We rolled up to the Duomo and started to climb the 436 steps up to the top. The route that you’re sent on to climb it was ever intended to be used by the public and mostly just existed for maintenance to the Basilica. Basically, it’s a real squeeze. It doesn’t particularly help that people mostly go up and down the same stairwell. The climb was worth it though, it was a sunny morning and the view was amazing. Afterwards though, we met up with Sarah and ate a huge brunch at La Vespe. Then we ran back to our Airbnb to pick up our luggage, which we dropped off at the train station so we could do more exploring. We walked around the San Lorenzo neighborhood so my friends could check out some fine leather goods. We got paninis at a place called Pino’s for lunch, which hangs banners from American universities in it because of all the study abroad students in the area. After lunch we met Natalie to climb the Bell Tower that is part of the Cathedral. (Our tickets to climb the cupola were also good for that) To get to the top, we had to climb fewer stairs, but they were much more cramped and it was not a great time. We had a nice view of the cupola from the top though, which was neat. The descent was not ideal, as we had to nose dive down spiral staircases and squeeze past people on their way up.  To treat ourselves for surviving this experience, we went back to the same gelato place as yesterday. At this point, I was so stuffed. But we wouldn’t be in Rome until late, and knew that we needed something to tide us over. So we walked back to the Santo Spirito area and split a ricotta rigatoni and the most delicious truffle gnocchi that I could have ever laid my eyes on. From there, we said bye to Nat (she was staying in Florence with her friend for another night), walked to the train, picked up our bags, and zipped off to Rome. We got to our Airbnb easily, and planned out the next two days in more detail before passing out.

On Tuesday, we woke up bright and early for a very long day. Jasmine, Sarah, and I headed to the Colosseum for our Ancient Rome experience. Bri had her own day planned since she’d already been to Rome and done all the touristy stuff before. The Colosseum was just really cool to see in person, and you could just really appreciate how amazing it is that most of it is still standing. We spent about an hour there looking fondly back on the times when people would sit in the stands and eat their lunch while criminals got ripped apart by wild animals. Afterwards, we walked up Palatine Hill, saw the ruins of the old palace as well as a pretty great view, and then walked through the Roman Forum. I hung back for a while after Sarah and Jas left because, you know, I am a ruins kinda girl and I wanted to see everything. I met up with them back at the Airbnb where they had secured a tomato and some balls of burrata mozzarella. So we pregamed lunch with some fresh snacks. We ended up with paninis, which contained the heaviest mozzarella I’ve ever consumed. Delicious, but wow. We walked to the Pantheon, which contains Raphael’s tomb and is a pretty remarkable structure. Then we got gelato at Giolitti (amazing) and met up with Bri to go to the Trevi Fountain. We did the thing where we threw the coin over our shoulder and got the heck outta there. It was really wonderful to see the fountain in person, though. Then we went around the block to the Pontifical North American College, where we picked up the tickets to the Papal Audience on Wednesday that I reserved. We had a really nice little orientation with one of the Sisters there, and ended up chatting with her a little and making an impromptu stop in confession. It turned into a real part of our day instead of just picking up tickets, but it was really positive and I liked it. From there we went to see the Spanish Steps, which I imagine are more beautiful when they aren’t swarmed with people, but it was nice anyway. We walked up to the top and decided that we’d tackle Castel de Sant’Angelo next. The castle was originally a mausoleum for Hadrian, and was converted into a fortress later on and has been used by various Popes because of its proximity to the Vatican. It’s very old and very cool and a little weird. Me, Bri, and Sarah climbed to the top and got a great nighttime view of Rome and the Tiber, and especially the Vatican. After that we walked back to the Airbnb, took a little break, and went out to dinner at a place in Trastevere called Il Ponentino. I had a pizza and it was lovely. We stopped for gelato on the way home and went the heck to sleep.

On Wednesday my alarm went off at 6 am because we were going to the Papal Audience! Natalie had somehow made it into Rome the night before and met us at our Airbnb in the morning. We left around 7, and made it to the square just as they opened the gates. We went through security and ran to the chairs. We ended up in the 7th row!! Then we sat around for about 2 hours, but we were armed with some snacks so that was fine. It was really a God-send (ha) that we got to sit. It was super relaxed. Around 9:30, the Pope came onto the scene in his Popemobile and it was absolutely amazing and hysterical watching him zip around. Natalie literally cried. We were right on the main aisle so he came up that last but we were probably only a few feet away from him. I got some great pictures. What a quality guy. Then he walked up to his little chair, and Priests read out the visitors in every language from every country that was present. There was a reading in Italian, and then the Pope gave his message, which was summarized, again, in English, French, German, Spanish, etc. (although of course the Pope summarized his own message in Spanish). Then he gave the big blessing at the end, which is the culmination of the whole audience. Overall, it was just the coolest experience. I absolutely adore Pope Francis. After the audience we walked to a pizza place that’d been recommended to us that was closed, so we ended up at Ombre Rosse and I got a flatbread pizza thingy. Really good buffalo mozzarella. I also had a spritz, which is kind of a blood orange sour beverage. We finished lunch and went back to the Vatican to see the museums. The Vatican Museums were super great. There was a lot to see, from sculptures to contemporary art. I particularly loved the hall full of old Italian maps. I had the biggest smile on my face the whole time.   Obviously the Sistine Chapel was a highlight and walking into it was one of those moments where your jaw just drops because every inch of the walls and ceiling is full of the most beautiful paintings and frescoes you’ve ever seen. As always, seeing things in real life that you’ve only ever seen pictures or replicas of it amazing. We just sat in there for a while actually. I also got to see a few really famous paintings by Raphael, like the School of Athens as well as the Transfiguration. Then we walked back into the square and walked into St. Peter’s to have a look around. After being in the Sagrada Familia about a month prior, seeing another large Cathedral but in such a traditional style was different! (It should probably be the other way around, eh?) But yeah, St. Peter’s was just spectacular. There was something to look at every time I turned by head. Seeing Pope John Paul II’s tomb was very impactful. Sarah and I were going to climb the dome, but decided against it because we were exhausted (especially since we’d been up for so long) and it was getting late. We walked back to the Airbnb for a little break before our big dinner at Da Enzo, which was recommended to me by my friend Kristina who studied in Rome last spring! *Almost literally everything that I ate/did on this trip was a rec from Kristina – if you’re reading this, you are my hero. At Da Enzo we had wine, bread, and olive oil to start. I had a zucchini flower with mozzarella and anchovies, and the most gorgeous piece of lasagna. For dessert, I had tiramisu, maybe the best that I’ve ever had. This was our Last Supper and it was fantastic. After dinner, we just walked back, packed a bit, and went to sleep.

On Thursday morning, I woke up and Jas had already left for her flight to Berlin. Sarah was about to leave for the airport, and Bri and I (who had a later flight with Natalie) were heading back to St. Peter’s to climb the dome. We trekked back to the Vatican and conquered to 500+ steps up to the top before our bodies even knew that we were awake. Somehow this was the easiest climb, probably because almost 200 of the steps were really small and on an incline. It was a little overcast when we got to the top, but the view was worth it. After, we just walked around inside St. Peter’s (again) for a little, and went back to the Airbnb to pack up our bags and take them to a locker service so we could do a little bit of exploring before we needed to leave for our flight. We met Will (who again, was at Rome at the same time) for lunch at Sora Margarita, which is a restaurant that constructs a new menu everyday based on their freshest ingredients. We had some bread, and I had a roman artichoke (delicious) and cacio e pepe, which was sooooo good. Of course I needed to round it out with another tiramisu. That restaurant was phenomenal. Everyone in there but us was Italian and ordering our food was a bit of a challenge but it was so worth. After lunch Bri and I said see ya to Will and chucked our bags in a locker so we could walk around Trastevere for a bit. I got my postcards sorted and we explored for a little. Then, even though we were disgustingly full, we went to a Prosciutteria, because it was the last thing left on our Italy bucket list. It was really amazing and we ate it all, stuffing ourselves to the point where when we retrieved our bags and met up with Natalie I almost passed out in the back seat of our abnormally warm uber to the airport. The airport was pretty easy to navigate through and we made it to our gate in time to grab a sparkling water (I’ve noticed that this effectively combats the almost constant nausea I get when I travel) and get on the plane. Our flight was actually pretty empty, so even though I was sat next to Bri and Natalie, we all got our own rows to ourselves on the real flight. It was lovely. We landed in London around 8 pm and made it back to our place around 10. I pretty much went right to sleep.

That is a wrap on Italia. Wales blog coming soon!

[touristguidebuzz]

10 Things No One Tells You About… Melbourne

Mention Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city, and you’ll typically hear about two things: the nearby Great Ocean Road and how it’s home to great cafés. But while the coastal road trip along the cliffs to the 12 Apostles is a must-do and the café scene is an experience in itself, there’s still so much more hiding behind and beneath its lovely laneways. Here are 10 tips and tricks for making the most of a stay in Melbourne, starting with one of the most crucial: where to properly get your caffeine fix.

1. It’s Australia’s Coffee Capital

You’ll still come across chains like Starbucks, but when it comes to coffee, the Melbourne’s cafés regard the drink as something sacred, with baristas working in similar style to sommeliers, happy to explain the beans and brewing method to match. Ask which café is best and everyone will give you a different answer. A few of the top spots are Cup of Truth, a subway-based stand with baristas trained at Vue de Monde, one of the city’s best fine dining establishments; chemist-inspired Sensory Lab, with a stand at department store David Jones; and small-batch roaster Padre, with four cafés around town, including one at Queen Victoria Market.

Coffee culture is strong in Melbourne, with specially-trained baristas whipping up craft coffee. Image courtesy of Sensory Lab’s Facebook page.

2. Brunch is Epic Almost Everywhere You Go

As an American, I’ve had my fair share of epic brunches in foodie cities like New York and New Orleans, but brunch in Melbourne is an entirely different experience. This city places serious importance on the quality of its brunch fare, with cafés drawing cult followings for staples like avocado on toast and açai bowls topped with caramelized buckinis (buckwheat) and edible flowers. How to decide? Each neighborhood has top-notch picks, from South Melbourne’s The Kettle Black, set in an old Victorian terrace house, to South Yarra’s SOS Cafe with its Instagram-favorite tiramisu pancakes — and Sensory Lab brew.

Take a seat and linger over the brunch spread at The Kettle Black in South Melbourne. Image courtesy of Tim Grey.

3. Public Transportation Here is Hit or Miss

The Economist Intelligence Unit may have rated Melbourne the World’s Most Livable City for the past six years because of its first-rate universities, quality healthcare and gorgeous botanic gardens, but its public transportation isn’t as reliable as you’d expect — the traffic here even rivals that of Los Angeles from time to time — it can take up to an hour to get across town during peak traffic hours, so locals mostly stick around their neighborhood. The Central Business District, or CBD, is based on a grid system and is as simple to navigate as New York City, so if you’re staying here, you’re better off saving yourself the headache and walking. It’s also easy to explore the beachside suburb of St. Kilda by foot, strolling around the shops, restaurants and seafront, where you might even come across a penguin colony along the St Kilda Breakwater. Trains run from the city’s suburbs into the CBD’s Flinders Street Station and can be accessed using a rechargeable Myki card, Melbourne’s version of London’s Oyster card, which can be picked up at 7-Eleven stores around town. If you’re trying to get from one suburb to the next, skip the hassle of navigating trains and trams and hop in an Uber instead. One type of transport worth the trek, however, is the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola in Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, which shows off some of the best views over the bay.

One of the best views of the city can be seen from the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola in Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula. Image courtesy of Visit Victoria’s Facebook page.

4. Rooftop Bars are a Year-Round Hangout

It doesn’t have to be summer (note: their summer happens during our winter) for the rooftop bar scene to be in full swing, but when the weather starts warming up, these spots are definitely the place to be. Options range from the whimsical, garden party-inspired Madame Brussels in the CBD (named after a 19th century brothel owner) with its faux grass and wrought iron furniture to the pop-up Rooftop Bar sitting seven stories high on top of Curtin House (which doubles as an al fresco cinema come summertime). A newcomer on the scene that’s already a hit with the locals sits on the rooftop of the recently opened QT Melbourne in the heart of downtown. One of the largest rooftop bars in the CBD, the Rooftop at QT shows off perfectly framed views of downtown and serves a menu of craft cocktails that makes the massive line out front well worth the wait. The cocktail list features a well-curated collection of wine and spirits from around the globe, but the local selections are even more impressive — go for one of the specialties like the Yarra Valley Sour, a beautiful blend of Four Pillars Gin (from the small-batch Yarra Valley distiller), orange blossom, egg whites, Pinot Noir and edible flowers.

Take a seat staring out at Melbourne’s skyline at the newly opened Rooftop at QT. Image courtesy of QT Melbourne.

5. Glamping Includes Surf Beaches and Champagne 

An hour and a half outside of Melbourne near the spa town of Daylesford (known for its natural mineral waters and farm-to-table cafés), you can go glamping in the hills of Yandoit where Cosy Tents offers decked-out yurts stocked with the same kinds of amenities you’d find at a luxury hotel — think bottles of Moët & Chandon, handmade raw chocolates and a “brekkie” (Aussie speak for breakfast) box stuffed with T2 Tea and croissants delivered in the morning. Over on the Mornington Peninsula, meanwhile, you can take your pick of Happy Glamper’s 168 campsites, from surf beaches to calmer bays with camp kitchens and herb gardens nearby. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is where you’d like to sleep, opting between a 1950s vintage caravan, a 1966 Airstream dubbed “Peggy Sue” and a yurt-style tent surrounded by fairy lights.

Pop a bottle of Champagne in the countryside glamping near Daylesford. Image courtesy of Cosy Tents’ Facebook page.

6. Poké Bowls are Having a Moment 

The traditional Hawaiian raw fish dish that’s sometimes served in bowl form over a bed of rice (in deconstructed sushi style) was a hit last year in US cities like Miami and LA, and it’s just now making its way Down Under as one of the hottest summer staples. Dedicated poké bowl shops have recently opened around town, catering to this new health-focused trend. One of the first to open was Pokéd in the CBD, with build-your-own bowls and custom-crafted options like Holy Shrimp!, sous-vide prawns with wasabi mayo and mix-ins like edamame and seaweed salad. Another favorite that just recently opened is the perpetually packed Poké Me in South Yarra, where you can choose from bases like pink rice and green tea soba noodles with sashimi-grade kingfish and slightly spicy tofu. Toppings here aren’t boring, either, with everything from charcoal salt to crushed wasabi peas and Togarashi (a blend of seven Japanese spices).

Join the locals hopping on the poké bowl bandwagon at one of the city’s first shops, Pokéd. Image courtesy of Pokéd’s Facebook page.

7. You Don’t Have to Go to the Barossa Valley to Find Good Wine

You’ll find five wine regions sitting just outside the city, including one of the most well-known. Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is home to more than 70 wineries scattered around Healesville, Marysville and the hill country of Nillumbik, Hurstbridge and Kangaroo Ground — an easy day trip that can even be arranged with a tour operator like Wine Tours Victoria. Taste your way through a collection of sparkling wines at Chandon, whose technique is derived from the infamous Champagne house Moët & Chandon. Sit on the countryside-facing terrace for a wine pairing with Australian oysters and house-made terrine.

Set off on wine tours in the Yarra Valley, a quick day trip from Melbourne. Image courtesy of Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges’ Facebook page.

8. Shop Like a Local in Fitzroy

Chapel Street was once seen as the city’s shopping hotspot, but this main drag is now more devoted to chains like Topshop and West Elm. If you’re looking for more local boutiques, head to the edgier suburb of Fitzroy and take a stroll down Gertrude Street for design shops, antique stores and fashion boutiques like The Signet Bureau, whose owners would rather call it a gallery space than a shop.

Shop local designers like Booker and Co in Fitzroy at The Signet Bureau. Image courtesy of The Signet Bureau’s Facebook page.

9. Pop-Ups Here Refer to More Than Just Restaurants

Locals love their pop-ups, gravitating from one trend to the next, whether it’s a pop-up devoted to Nutella, vintage furniture or Japanese homewares. During the summer months (December to February), pop-ups tend to take on festival form, with Birrarung Marr park transforming into a hawker food hall for the Night Noodle Markets and a croquet court and concert venue when the Royal Croquet Club takes over. In the city, the tiny, urban-inspired espresso stand Tom Thumb was meant to last just a year but became a more permanent fixture in the CBD, serving up a different single-origin coffee daily alongside English-fueled fare like crumpets.

Play a round of croquet while catching live music at the summer pop-up Royal Croquet Club in Birrarung Marr park. Image courtesy of Royal Croquet Club.

10. Island Hopping is Easy

From the port in Melbourne, you can hop a ferry to the rugged island state of Tasmania (a nine- to 11-hour ride) or cruise between the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas on a 40-minute trip across Port Phillip Bay, which can take up to three hours by car. A favorite, especially in summer, is Phillip Island, a holiday hotspot 90 minutes from Melbourne. A bridge connects the island to the fishing village of San Remo, but if you don’t want to hire a car, you can take the V-Line train from the city instead. Once you’re here, the highlight is the coastline full of surf-worthy beaches, native penguin colonies and gorgeous coastal walks along rugged cliffs and sea caves.

Get out of town for the weekend and explore the beaches along Phillip Island. Image courtesy of the Friends of Phillip Island’s Facebook page.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Melbourne? Tell us about them, below.

Feature image courtesy of Visit Victoria’s Facebook page.

[ghostlybouquetballoonstuff-blog1]

Holidays In Australia

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