Showing posts with label TOP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TOP. Show all posts
May 31, 2014
May 16, 2014
It is said that home is not a place, but a feeling. However, it is a fact that some US cities tend to be safer and less polluted than others. Some cities are thriving in many aspects, and residents have a better chance to land a stable, lucrative job and the peace of mind that comes with it. That being said, here are the top 10 best US cities to live in: 1. Austin One of the best cities to live in is certainly the Texas capital of Austin, which is well known for its excellent music and its very low unemployment rate. Also Austin is home to no less than eight colleges and universities, making it a perfect place for families with children. The water and air are clean, the transportation network is flawless, and the weather is outstanding as well, with an average winter low of just 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Homes are quite affordable as well; a medium-sized house can be purchased for just under $200,000. Austin is certainly an excellent place to be if you are education-oriented and are looking for a lucrative career, especially in the academic field. 10 Financial Mistakes That Can Make You Poor 2. San Diego Another great place to live is San Diego. What makes San Diego stand out is the always-pleasant weather, which has attracted more than a million people to reside there. If you are looking for a city right next to the ocean, with sandy beaches and clean waters, then you should certainly put San Diego at the top of your list. San Diego is also a great place to live if you are passionate about outdoor activities like hiking or mountain biking. The annual income of San Diego residents is around $60,000, although this varies widely based on your particular field.
7. San Francisco San Francisco is one of the most beautiful and popular cities, not just in California but in all of the US. The San Francisco Bay Area (which also includes the city of Oakland) has more than 7 million inhabitants, so it’s not for those looking for a less-crowded city – but the weather is mild, there are many world-renowned restaurants and museums, and there’s also an impeccable transport system. There are more than 20 colleges and universities in San Francisco as well, allowing for a rich academic environment. 8. Seattle Seattle is certainly a great city for many reasons. Among US cities that are ranked as the healthiest and most exciting, Seattle sits in the top five. It’s clean and relaxed, and is surrounded by natural beauty, including mountains and many pristine bodies of water. 9. Las Vegas Las Vegas is well known around the world, but so-called ‘Sin City’ is far from being as bad as people tend to think it is. The weather is warm and sunny, and it ranks as one of the most exciting cities in the US. It’s also a great place to buy a home, especially if you are looking for an excellent real-estate investment. The prices for homes in Las Vegas have gone down over the past few years, and chances are that they will rocket back up in the near future. 10. San Jose San Jose is another great place to live. Despite the relatively high living costs (like all major cities in California), the median yearly income is well above the national average, making it actually one of the most affordable major cities in the entire state. Aside from being at the center of the technology industry, there are plenty of outdoor attractions there as well. San Jose has been blossoming lately, especially from an economic standpoint – the median annual salary of a computer technologist in this city is over $100,000. These are the top 10 best US cities to live in, based on multiple factors that include safety, environment, climate, unemployment rate and median incomes, as well as average real estate prices.
-
It is said that home is not a place, but a feeling. However, it is a fact that some US cities tend to be safer and less polluted than others. Some cities are thriving in many aspects, and residents have a better chance to land a stable, lucrative job and the peace of mind that comes with it. That being said, here are the top 10 best US cities to live in:
1. Austin
One of the best cities to live in is certainly the Texas capital of Austin, which is well known for its excellent music and its very low unemployment rate. Also Austin is home to no less than eight colleges and universities, making it a perfect place for families with children. The water and air are clean, the transportation network is flawless, and the weather is outstanding as well, with an average winter low of just 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Homes are quite affordable as well; a medium-sized house can be purchased for just under $200,000. Austin is certainly an excellent place to be if you are education-oriented and are looking for a lucrative career, especially in the academic field.
10 Financial Mistakes That Can Make You Poor
2. San Diego
Another great place to live is San Diego. What makes San Diego stand out is the always-pleasant weather, which has attracted more than a million people to reside there. If you are looking for a city right next to the ocean, with sandy beaches and clean waters, then you should certainly put San Diego at the top of your list. San Diego is also a great place to live if you are passionate about outdoor activities like hiking or mountain biking. The annual income of San Diego residents is around $60,000, although this varies widely based on your particular field.
7. San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful and popular cities, not just in California but in all of the US. The San Francisco Bay Area (which also includes the city of Oakland) has more than 7 million inhabitants, so it’s not for those looking for a less-crowded city – but the weather is mild, there are many world-renowned restaurants and museums, and there’s also an impeccable transport system. There are more than 20 colleges and universities in San Francisco as well, allowing for a rich academic environment.
8. Seattle
Seattle is certainly a great city for many reasons. Among US cities that are ranked as the healthiest and most exciting, Seattle sits in the top five. It’s clean and relaxed, and is surrounded by natural beauty, including mountains and many pristine bodies of water.
9. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is well known around the world, but so-called ‘Sin City’ is far from being as bad as people tend to think it is. The weather is warm and sunny, and it ranks as one of the most exciting cities in the US. It’s also a great place to buy a home, especially if you are looking for an excellent real-estate investment. The prices for homes in Las Vegas have gone down over the past few years, and chances are that they will rocket back up in the near future.
10. San Jose
San Jose is another great place to live. Despite the relatively high living costs (like all major cities in California), the median yearly income is well above the national average, making it actually one of the most affordable major cities in the entire state. Aside from being at the center of the technology industry, there are plenty of outdoor attractions there as well. San Jose has been blossoming lately, especially from an economic standpoint – the median annual salary of a computer technologist in this city is over $100,000.
These are the top 10 best US cities to live in, based on multiple factors that include safety, environment, climate, unemployment rate and median incomes, as well as average real estate prices.
May 15, 2014
The fitness industry is ever changing. As more research is conducted, we learn the most effective ways to achieve physical fitness. As such, workout trends come and go, and each year as certain trends get pushed to the back-burner, new trends rise to the top. Here are the top trends predicted for 2014 (sorry ladies, you won’t find zumba on this list). TOP 10 REASONS TO PRACTICE YOGA HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT): High intensity interval training involves short bursts of high-intensity anaerobic exercise, followed by short periods of rest. The exercises can be anything from sprinting, to jumping rope, or even weight lifting. This type of exercise is ideal for fat burn, because of the after-burn effect, EPOC (excess-post exercise oxygen consumption). After HIIT exercise, you increase your metabolism and continue to burn more calories for up to 24 hours after the training, whereas with standard cardio there is no afterburn effect whatsoever. FITNESS TRAINERS: By 2020, the fitness trainer industry is expected to grow 24% as more and more people turn to professionals to help them achieve their fitness goals. While currently achieving a personal training certification is considerably easy, we can expect increasing regulation of individuals working in the fitness industry by third party organizations. YOGA: This isn’t the first time yoga has appeared on this type of list, and it certainly won’t be the last. Yoga has been popular for a long time, and will remain so. Not only is yoga good for the body and spirit, but it is a creative discipline that keeps changing, keeping people interested and drawing more people in. Yoga is practiced both for health, and for body relaxation. FUNCTIONAL FITNESS: Many people benefit from strength-training regimens which imitate daily activities, especially older adults and people recovering from injuries. More trainers are designing workout programs that are geared towards helping people become able to perform normal daily activities without fatigue, and improving their overall physical fitness. “I think we’ll see people embracing more online workouts and continuing to move more toward any kind of functional fitness that encourages a sense of community and really makes fitness fun.”- Adam Rosante, celebrity trainer. CHILDREN’S EXERCISE PROGRAMS: It’s no secret that childhood obesity is a huge problem, especially in America. With schools cutting physical activities, the commercial fitness industry is picking up the slack. In 2014 you can expect to see trainers leading after-school programs for children to help them with weight loss. BODY WEIGHT TRAINING: Body weight training is strength training that does not require free weights, and rather relies only on the individual’s own weight to provide resistance for the movements. Some of the most common body weight training exercises are push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. Seeing as this type of exercise requires no equipment, it’s an inexpensive, and very effective way to work out, and you can expect to see a lot of it in 2014. WHAT’S OUT? The fitness trends for 2014 are all exciting, but which trends have gotten the nix? It turns out that Pilates, Zumba, and spinning were all fads, not trends. While they may have received a lot of hype, they weren’t cut out to last. Why? Lead author of an American College of Sports Medicine survey explains, “They just weren’t creative enough. People got bored with the exercise and with doing the same thing all the time”. Only time will tell if the new trends will come or go, or if they’re built to last.
The fitness industry is ever changing. As more research is conducted, we learn the most effective ways to achieve physical fitness. As such, workout trends come and go, and each year as certain trends get pushed to the back-burner, new trends rise to the top. Here are the top trends predicted for 2014 (sorry ladies, you won’t find zumba on this list).
TOP 10 REASONS TO PRACTICE YOGA
HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT):
High intensity interval training involves short bursts of high-intensity anaerobic exercise, followed by short periods of rest. The exercises can be anything from sprinting, to jumping rope, or even weight lifting. This type of exercise is ideal for fat burn, because of the after-burn effect, EPOC (excess-post exercise oxygen consumption). After HIIT exercise, you increase your metabolism and continue to burn more calories for up to 24 hours after the training, whereas with standard cardio there is no afterburn effect whatsoever.
FITNESS TRAINERS:
By 2020, the fitness trainer industry is expected to grow 24% as more and more people turn to professionals to help them achieve their fitness goals. While currently achieving a personal training certification is considerably easy, we can expect increasing regulation of individuals working in the fitness industry by third party organizations.
YOGA:
This isn’t the first time yoga has appeared on this type of list, and it certainly won’t be the last. Yoga has been popular for a long time, and will remain so. Not only is yoga good for the body and spirit, but it is a creative discipline that keeps changing, keeping people interested and drawing more people in. Yoga is practiced both for health, and for body relaxation.
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS:
Many people benefit from strength-training regimens which imitate daily activities, especially older adults and people recovering from injuries. More trainers are designing workout programs that are geared towards helping people become able to perform normal daily activities without fatigue, and improving their overall physical fitness.
“I think we’ll see people embracing more online workouts and continuing to move more toward any kind of functional fitness that encourages a sense of community and really makes fitness fun.”- Adam Rosante, celebrity trainer.
CHILDREN’S EXERCISE PROGRAMS:
It’s no secret that childhood obesity is a huge problem, especially in America. With schools cutting physical activities, the commercial fitness industry is picking up the slack. In 2014 you can expect to see trainers leading after-school programs for children to help them with weight loss.
BODY WEIGHT TRAINING:
Body weight training is strength training that does not require free weights, and rather relies only on the individual’s own weight to provide resistance for the movements. Some of the most common body weight training exercises are push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. Seeing as this type of exercise requires no equipment, it’s an inexpensive, and very effective way to work out, and you can expect to see a lot of it in 2014.
WHAT’S OUT?
The fitness trends for 2014 are all exciting, but which trends have gotten the nix? It turns out that Pilates, Zumba, and spinning were all fads, not trends. While they may have received a lot of hype, they weren’t cut out to last. Why? Lead author of an American College of Sports Medicine survey explains, “They just weren’t creative enough. People got bored with the exercise and with doing the same thing all the time”. Only time will tell if the new trends will come or go, or if they’re built to last.
There is no shortage of men out there who need to change their lifestyles, get fit and lose some extra pounds. Over fifty percent of American men are overweight. Fitness isn’t just about appearances: your health is what’s at stake here. Being careful about what you eat and making sure that you get regular exercise—at least ten minutes of activity a day—are the keys to getting back into shape. 5 SECRETS TO BURNING MORE CALORIES IN THE POOL Be Consistent—If your workout regimen is going to work then you have to be dedicated to it. Designing your exercise routine is the starting point to staying fit. Make sure you don’t schedule too much gym time and wind up cheating yourself out of needed rest—that leads to burning out and quitting before you see results. Also, don’t miss your scheduled work out times. Once you skip one workout, you’re more likely to skip the next. Stick to it! Mix It Up—You need to exercise different parts of your body in order to make sure that your body is continually challenged by your workout routines. Doing just one type of exercise will become ineffective over time as your body becomes more efficient at doing it. Try designing a workout routine that targets specific muscle groups on different days of the week. It will also keep you from developing your body unevenly. Crunch the Numbers—There is nothing more cliché than the idea of calorie counting on a diet. It may not seem like the most masculine thing to do, but you should be keeping track of what is going into your body every day. That means counting the calories, fiber, carbohydrates, fats and the other nutrition information on your food’s labels. Make sure that you keep the food high in sugars to a minimum, and stay as far away as you can from trans-fats. Size Matters—Every guy wants to have the big piece of chicken when he gets home, but maybe that’s not the best choice when you’re looking to drop a few pounds. Cut back on your portion sizes if you want to see your weight drop. Cutting back won’t make you seem unmanly, but piling your plate high will lead to excess weight gain. Exercise Is Everywhere—Everything that you do during the day can be re-purposed as exercise. Choose the commute to work that includes a ten minute walk to the bus or train instead of just taking the car. If you do drive, try to park far away from where you’re headed so that you get some cardio on your way to and from work. When you go grocery shopping, turn your shopping bags into weights and do some reps. If you are serious about getting into shape and losing weight, you should also consider a program like The Truth About Abs. With this leading program, you will learn how to burn fat AND get ripped abs. You will find out about the 5 fat-triggering foods that you’re eating which are actually damaging your efforts! This program is the world’s best selling Abs program out there for a reason. It has sold more than 500,000 copies since 2005 and has 680,000 subscribers. It’s your body so do what is right for it!
There is no shortage of men out there who need to change their lifestyles, get fit and lose some extra pounds. Over fifty percent of American men are overweight. Fitness isn’t just about appearances: your health is what’s at stake here. Being careful about what you eat and making sure that you get regular exercise—at least ten minutes of activity a day—are the keys to getting back into shape.
5 SECRETS TO BURNING MORE CALORIES IN THE POOL
Be Consistent—If your workout regimen is going to work then you have to be dedicated to it. Designing your exercise routine is the starting point to staying fit. Make sure you don’t schedule too much gym time and wind up cheating yourself out of needed rest—that leads to burning out and quitting before you see results. Also, don’t miss your scheduled work out times. Once you skip one workout, you’re more likely to skip the next. Stick to it!
Mix It Up—You need to exercise different parts of your body in order to make sure that your body is continually challenged by your workout routines. Doing just one type of exercise will become ineffective over time as your body becomes more efficient at doing it. Try designing a workout routine that targets specific muscle groups on different days of the week. It will also keep you from developing your body unevenly.
Crunch the Numbers—There is nothing more cliché than the idea of calorie counting on a diet. It may not seem like the most masculine thing to do, but you should be keeping track of what is going into your body every day. That means counting the calories, fiber, carbohydrates, fats and the other nutrition information on your food’s labels. Make sure that you keep the food high in sugars to a minimum, and stay as far away as you can from trans-fats.
Size Matters—Every guy wants to have the big piece of chicken when he gets home, but maybe that’s not the best choice when you’re looking to drop a few pounds. Cut back on your portion sizes if you want to see your weight drop. Cutting back won’t make you seem unmanly, but piling your plate high will lead to excess weight gain.
Exercise Is Everywhere—Everything that you do during the day can be re-purposed as exercise. Choose the commute to work that includes a ten minute walk to the bus or train instead of just taking the car. If you do drive, try to park far away from where you’re headed so that you get some cardio on your way to and from work. When you go grocery shopping, turn your shopping bags into weights and do some reps.
If you are serious about getting into shape and losing weight, you should also consider a program like The Truth About Abs. With this leading program, you will learn how to burn fat AND get ripped abs. You will find out about the 5 fat-triggering foods that you’re eating which are actually damaging your efforts!
This program is the world’s best selling Abs program out there for a reason. It has sold more than 500,000 copies since 2005 and has 680,000 subscribers. It’s your body so do what is right for it!
May 14, 2014
There are so many fantastic products constantly coming out, and the make up companies really do know what they’re doing. But every girl has her own needs, and every season asks for not only its own colors, but different products as well! The winter dries us out, from our skin to our hair, and makes for troublesome make up combinations. Here are some helpful products to fight the cold! HOW TO EASILY BUILD YOUR OWN WEBSITE (EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT TECHY)! 1. FIGHT DRY SKIN: In the winter cold, our skin just dries out! For full body moisturization, there’s a great new, unique product! It’s a lotion – in spray form! This means that if you are showering at the gym before/after work, or heading to a slumber party, you can throw this in your bag without worrying about a messy explosion that might occur with a tube of lotion. Also, it’s fast and easy to apply! Try St. Ive’s Fresh Hydration Lotion this winter, 2014. In the winter cold, if you are walking around, or biking to your next class or job, then your hands are definitely getting dry and chapped. Keep your hands soft and feeling great with this great moisturizer: Hand Cream with Argan Oil. Argan oil is the new miracle product everyone has been talking about. It is super light and non-sticky as a cream, but it instantly relieves cracked and dry skin. It also has a light rose scent so while it’ll keep you smelling nice, it won’t clash with your perfume! Try Argan oil moisturizer called Tree Hut Renewing Hand Cream! 2. AVOID DRY HAIR: Washing your hair every day dries it out and strips your hair of its natural oils, especially in the wintertime, when your scalp is already dried out. So this winter, try to avoid washing your hair every day and try out some dry shampoo. This lets you skip a day between washings and it gives your hair extra texture! It comes out transparent, and has a fantastic scent that will keep you smelling great. Try Alterna Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo. Another product to keep your hair moisturized and looking great this winter is Moroccan Oil. There is a reason this product continues to stay popular! It is also rich with Argan oil, which is antioxidant-rich, and it helps strengthen proteins and gives a shiny boost. It helps keep your hair healthy and counteracts those negative winter effects. Try the classic Moroccan Oil or L’Oreal’s Mythic Oil. Winter also means wearing lots of hats and combine that with dry hair? You get Frizz! To avoid frizz and overly dry, cracking hair, you should dry some super conditioner! This is especially important for the ladies with thick or curly hair. It is an extra moisturizing hair masque but it does it with the efficiency and speed of a regular conditioner! Try Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner to fight the frizz and keep looking great even in the winter months! 3. WHAT TO DO WITH AN OILY FACE: Sometimes, in order to overcompensate for the dryness of our skin, our face produces extra oil in order to return to balance. Sadly, this may cause overproduction of oil, leading to breakouts! One make up product you are definitely going to want this winter is a Toner. Avoid slathering on the acne cream (which may cause further dryness and lead to even more oil production and breaking out), and inset toner into your routine to reduce redness and absorb excess oils while fighting dry flakes. A great toner is the Multi-Action Toner Combination to Dry Skin. You should also consider the GlamGlow Mud Mask set that comes with the Supermud clearing treatment that helps fight all common skin concerns, and the Youthmud exfoliating treatment that contains super antioxidants and minerals that help tighten, brighte, exfoliate, and resurface your skin to help you keep it clean, even, and moisturized (and not flaky!) all winter long. 4. PREPARE YOUR LIPS FOR WINTER: All that cold wind blowing can really dry up your lips! And then whenever you want to smile, it cracks and hurts. But you really need to find that right chapstick for you because some of those lipglosses and new chapsticks just make things worse. So first of all, try out the Sugar Baby Gift Set of Lip Scrub and Treatment. This set comes with a gentle exfoliator to scrub off dead skin, and then two different lip treatments to fight flaky lips, as well as a tinted balm with SPF and a high-shine gloss that keeps you moisturized for 6 hours. If you don’t feel the need for the full set, you can also try out Vaseline’s Limited Edition Pink Bubbly Lip Therapy, which comes in a pink champagne addition. You can moisturize and feel pink and bubbly simultaneously! When it comes to picking out lipstick colors for going out this winter, it’s all about the bold and the dark. Go far strong, deep reds and reddish purples to create that light skin with accents contrast. No light, bright colors. The new matte lipsticks are all the hype today so shoot for matte and classic dark colors this winter, 2014. 5. THE FOUNDATIONS FOR FACING THE COLD: To keep up with the toner and the moisturizing, you’re going to want a matte cover up for your face as well. Try Frankie Rose’s Cosmetics Matte Perfection Foundation for all day, flawless matte coverage! It comes in nine different shades. The matte is important because the winter cold can make us shiny, as can the constant movement from heating to the cold. The cold can also drive the blood away from our skin, causing us to look paler than normal, or when the wind hits, causes our cheeks to brighten up like tomatoes! So apart from serious cover up to keep us looking calm and collected, we also need great contouring to help keep us looking revitalized and lively! Try Anastasia Beverly Hills’ new contour kit that comes with 6 different powders to help you define, sculpt, and highlight your features. 6. WINTER MAKE UP TRENDS: This winter, you want to use the dark colors to create contrast and live up the drama. Winter means it gets dark early, so the darker colors are more suitable for everyone’s moods. But during the day, try for darker neutral look. Try out Urban Decay’s Naked for the natural, not-bright colors that are suitable for the winter months. But for the smoky eye make up and the majorly bold lipsticks that are the winter fashion colors, you are going to need some major make-up removing wipes. But you want make-up removing wipes that will not only remove heavy duty dark make up, but that will also keep your skin moisturized. For that delicate balance, try Olay Fresh Effects S’wipe Out! Refreshing Make-up Removal Clothes. 7. NAIL POLISH FOR THE COLD MONTHS: This winter the nail polish colors you should be wearing are dark purples, dark reds, greys, blacks, cold colors and neutrals. But it’s 2014 and just because it’s winter and the colors are dark and bold does not mean you should not have some fun! Mix and match with the matte vs shiny fads that are occurring. Try out Essie’s new textured nail polishes, and throw in some fun accents with glitter nail polish as well! Shiny and Matte metallic colors are all the rage. The best companies to look out for are Essie and OPI, but don’t be afraid to venture out and try something new! 2014 is all about mixing and matching textures on your nails, matte EVERYTHING from nails to foundation to lipstick, and keeping moisturized! So stay warm and stay beautiful with these great products.
There are so many fantastic products constantly coming out, and the make up companies really do know what they’re doing. But every girl has her own needs, and every season asks for not only its own colors, but different products as well! The winter dries us out, from our skin to our hair, and makes for troublesome make up combinations. Here are some helpful products to fight the cold!
HOW TO EASILY BUILD YOUR OWN WEBSITE (EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT TECHY)!
1. FIGHT DRY SKIN:
In the winter cold, our skin just dries out! For full body moisturization, there’s a great new, unique product! It’s a lotion – in spray form! This means that if you are showering at the gym before/after work, or heading to a slumber party, you can throw this in your bag without worrying about a messy explosion that might occur with a tube of lotion. Also, it’s fast and easy to apply! Try St. Ive’s Fresh Hydration Lotion this winter, 2014.
In the winter cold, if you are walking around, or biking to your next class or job, then your hands are definitely getting dry and chapped. Keep your hands soft and feeling great with this great moisturizer: Hand Cream with Argan Oil. Argan oil is the new miracle product everyone has been talking about. It is super light and non-sticky as a cream, but it instantly relieves cracked and dry skin. It also has a light rose scent so while it’ll keep you smelling nice, it won’t clash with your perfume! Try Argan oil moisturizer called Tree Hut Renewing Hand Cream!
2. AVOID DRY HAIR:
Washing your hair every day dries it out and strips your hair of its natural oils, especially in the wintertime, when your scalp is already dried out. So this winter, try to avoid washing your hair every day and try out some dry shampoo. This lets you skip a day between washings and it gives your hair extra texture! It comes out transparent, and has a fantastic scent that will keep you smelling great. Try Alterna Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo.
Another product to keep your hair moisturized and looking great this winter is Moroccan Oil. There is a reason this product continues to stay popular! It is also rich with Argan oil, which is antioxidant-rich, and it helps strengthen proteins and gives a shiny boost. It helps keep your hair healthy and counteracts those negative winter effects. Try the classic Moroccan Oil or L’Oreal’s Mythic Oil.
Winter also means wearing lots of hats and combine that with dry hair? You get Frizz! To avoid frizz and overly dry, cracking hair, you should dry some super conditioner! This is especially important for the ladies with thick or curly hair. It is an extra moisturizing hair masque but it does it with the efficiency and speed of a regular conditioner! Try Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner to fight the frizz and keep looking great even in the winter months!
3. WHAT TO DO WITH AN OILY FACE:
Sometimes, in order to overcompensate for the dryness of our skin, our face produces extra oil in order to return to balance. Sadly, this may cause overproduction of oil, leading to breakouts! One make up product you are definitely going to want this winter is a Toner. Avoid slathering on the acne cream (which may cause further dryness and lead to even more oil production and breaking out), and inset toner into your routine to reduce redness and absorb excess oils while fighting dry flakes. A great toner is the Multi-Action Toner Combination to Dry Skin.
You should also consider the GlamGlow Mud Mask set that comes with the Supermud clearing treatment that helps fight all common skin concerns, and the Youthmud exfoliating treatment that contains super antioxidants and minerals that help tighten, brighte, exfoliate, and resurface your skin to help you keep it clean, even, and moisturized (and not flaky!) all winter long.
4. PREPARE YOUR LIPS FOR WINTER:
All that cold wind blowing can really dry up your lips! And then whenever you want to smile, it cracks and hurts. But you really need to find that right chapstick for you because some of those lipglosses and new chapsticks just make things worse. So first of all, try out the Sugar Baby Gift Set of Lip Scrub and Treatment. This set comes with a gentle exfoliator to scrub off dead skin, and then two different lip treatments to fight flaky lips, as well as a tinted balm with SPF and a high-shine gloss that keeps you moisturized for 6 hours.
If you don’t feel the need for the full set, you can also try out Vaseline’s Limited Edition Pink Bubbly Lip Therapy, which comes in a pink champagne addition. You can moisturize and feel pink and bubbly simultaneously!
When it comes to picking out lipstick colors for going out this winter, it’s all about the bold and the dark. Go far strong, deep reds and reddish purples to create that light skin with accents contrast. No light, bright colors. The new matte lipsticks are all the hype today so shoot for matte and classic dark colors this winter, 2014.
5. THE FOUNDATIONS FOR FACING THE COLD:
To keep up with the toner and the moisturizing, you’re going to want a matte cover up for your face as well. Try Frankie Rose’s Cosmetics Matte Perfection Foundation for all day, flawless matte coverage! It comes in nine different shades. The matte is important because the winter cold can make us shiny, as can the constant movement from heating to the cold.
The cold can also drive the blood away from our skin, causing us to look paler than normal, or when the wind hits, causes our cheeks to brighten up like tomatoes! So apart from serious cover up to keep us looking calm and collected, we also need great contouring to help keep us looking revitalized and lively! Try Anastasia Beverly Hills’ new contour kit that comes with 6 different powders to help you define, sculpt, and highlight your features.
6. WINTER MAKE UP TRENDS:
This winter, you want to use the dark colors to create contrast and live up the drama. Winter means it gets dark early, so the darker colors are more suitable for everyone’s moods. But during the day, try for darker neutral look. Try out Urban Decay’s Naked for the natural, not-bright colors that are suitable for the winter months.
But for the smoky eye make up and the majorly bold lipsticks that are the winter fashion colors, you are going to need some major make-up removing wipes. But you want make-up removing wipes that will not only remove heavy duty dark make up, but that will also keep your skin moisturized. For that delicate balance, try Olay Fresh Effects S’wipe Out! Refreshing Make-up Removal Clothes.
7. NAIL POLISH FOR THE COLD MONTHS:
This winter the nail polish colors you should be wearing are dark purples, dark reds, greys, blacks, cold colors and neutrals. But it’s 2014 and just because it’s winter and the colors are dark and bold does not mean you should not have some fun! Mix and match with the matte vs shiny fads that are occurring. Try out Essie’s new textured nail polishes, and throw in some fun accents with glitter nail polish as well! Shiny and Matte metallic colors are all the rage. The best companies to look out for are Essie and OPI, but don’t be afraid to venture out and try something new!
2014 is all about mixing and matching textures on your nails, matte EVERYTHING from nails to foundation to lipstick, and keeping moisturized! So stay warm and stay beautiful with these great products.
May 12, 2014
We all have our bucket list of places to visit and historical landmarks to see or beaches to explore. Here is a list of the top 10 cities you should definitely visit -if you cannot see them all this year, then at least in your lifetime! They are in no particular order or ranking because they are all fantastic, unique, miraculous, and wonderful in their own ways. 1. ISTANBUL, TURKEY 
This stunning city, previously known as Constantinople in the times of the Crusades, is not only the capital of Turkey, but a capital in religious history! It is home to the stunning Hagia Sophia and sits on both the European and Asian continents. It was previously the hub from which the Christian Crusades were controlled, and later home to the Ottoman Empire – two powerful entities saw this strategic location as home to their religious beliefs and incredible architecture. That architecture still stands today and Istanbul is home to so much culture and history, that every place you walk should be an archaelogical site! Istanbul has this overwhelming, buzzing energy that fills everyone with life and is constantly propelling forward with beautiful art galleries and fantastic new hotels, but still somehow manages to maintain a strong hold on its old tradition and history. On the European side you can see the pedestrian-only street lined with restaurants and shops, called the Istiklal Caddesi, which means Independence Avenue and symbolizes the center of modern Istanbul. From this main street shoot out many small alleyways with great coffee shops and bars to check out. All of the “modern” European Embassies were built on this street, away from the Old City, so it has a more modern vibe to it. If you go to the Asian side of the city, referred to as Kadikoy, there are more casual and “hip” restaurants and bars to visit and a great night life. When visiting, make sure to try some of the local food, wander the old city, and hop on a boat ride up the Bosphorus. A great time for this is sunset, perhaps a great way to wind down from a day of walking around the city, before you head out to dinner. You can see candlelit restaurants, beautiful houses, and just an overall view of this ancient, stunning city. The best time of year to visit is probably late spring or early autumn, while it’s still warm out, but not too hot like the summer. That is also when the flowers bloom on the Princes Island – also a must see. There are also great food and art festivals in the spring and summer. 2. MARGATE, ENGLAND 
Recently, named “romantic, sexy, and weird” by local Tracy Emin, this seaside city is filled with quaint charm. It is filled with indie art galleries, retro shops, and contemporary artwork throughout the city which is set against a beautiful backdrop of a dilapidated seafront. The coffee shops are fantastically charming, and once you go you will understand why this city appears as a highlight on the forthcoming guide to Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. If you want a lovely, relaxation vacation filled with beautiful views, relaxing and romantic vibes, and a lot of culture, then Margate is the place for you! The best time to visit would definitely have to be late spring and summer in order to avoid the rains and cold winds. 10 Incredibly Creative Christmas Wedding advice 3. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (USA) 
“The Darling of America’s West Coast”, this funky city has so much charm, you may not be able to handle it! Its colorful and creative houses built side by side along rolling hills fill this roller-coaster city seem small and charming considering its size. From the tops of these hills you can catch glimpses of the bay, and maybe even the glistening Golden Gate Bridge (which may surprise you with its bright red color) or the Alcatraz Prison Island which is now a fun tourist attraction. While it tends to be covered up in fog most days, this life filled city is stuffed and crammed with ethnic restaurants and interesting characters. If you wander the Mission district, you will come across large wall murals of the struggles of minorities. Union Square and the downtown area are the place to be if you’re into shopping. The Embarcadero is a lovely stroll on the water front with beautiful artwork. Most weekends there is an antique and artwork fair across from Peir 1, and a couple piers up you can find a large, artistic fountain which you can climb! Pier 39 is the tourist hub, filled with small shops, street performers, local foods, and sea lions! From here you can catch a ferry to Alcatraz or take a tour of the bay. You can also go to the Bubba Gump Restaurant if you are a big fan of Forrest Gump. Fisherman’s Wharf is where you should grab yourself a sourdough breadbowl with calm chowder before visiting the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, or the famous Wax Museum to take pictures with all the stars. You can continue strolling down the same street along the water in order to find a museum of ships and fantastic views of the famous bridge. Take an old-style trolley back to downtown or climb up the hill to taste some delicious Ghirardelli chocolate at the original factory! Another great place to spend time is the Golden Gate Park – filled with museums like the Cal Academy of Arts and the Exploratorium, or the beautiful Japanese Botanical Gardens. You can also just sit around and have a picnic in this beautiful park, or check the local listings and see whether there is a concert going on. The best times to visit San Francisco are late Spring to Late Fall – the warmer months – where you may get several sunny days in a row in this life filled, colorful city. 4. VALPARAISO, CHILE 
This seaside city was the first port city in all of Chile. About an hour and a half bus ride away from the capital, Valparaiso has so much character and personality, it is one of the most distinctive cities in South America. The city walls are covered with colorful graffiti, some even done by very well-known artists. It has beautiful, colorful houses, built atop steep hills. There are public elevators to help the elderly or sick get from the bottom of the city to the top of one of the major hills. The views of the pacific ocean from atop the winding roads on the hills are breathtaking, as you gaze down the colorful homes and painted stairs and streets. The Bohemian atmosphere with the colorful walls and cobbled streets is filled with some of the best restaurants and bars in all of Chile. Be sure to try the local Chorillana – fries or potatoes topped with pieces of meat topped with fried onions and a fried egg- in different variations, from the cheap style at El Domino, to the fancy El Pimenton. You should also definitely try the unique, large enchiladas in Chile. Their unique meat enchilada is different from the Mexican and Argentinian enchiladas not just in their immense size but also because the meat is accompanied by onions, black olives, and a hard boiled egg – yes. A hard-boiled egg inside the enchilada. The local beers are also fantastic – and after a lovely lunch in the city, stroll to the sea front to see some sea lions lounging on old broken down buildings in the harbor. Maybe you can lick up some ice cream for dessert in the warm, summer sun. The streets are filled with lovely street dogs that might accompany you on your city explorations. Hit up the ancient cemetery for cool graves, or Pablo Neruda’s house. The Pisco Sours are great if you’re looking to go out, and an alfajor is a fantastic afternoon snack of a light buttery cookie sandwich with sweet, creamy dulce de leche in the middle, rolled in coconut or dipped in chocolate. There are free walking tours available and are a great way to discover the city. Summer in Valparaiso is during Januar y and February. A recommended time to go is March, as summer ends and fall starts – still warm but not overwhelming. For those of you looking for an escape from your Northern Hemisphere winter cold – travelling to Valparaiso will add a week, or month (however long you choose to stay!) of summer to your year. 5. RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL 
This city is definitely one to visit this year, being the host of the World Cup in 2014. This city will be getting a major facelift – not that it really needs one. Rio de Janeiro may be the most stunning city, with its hilltops and valleys, white beaches, green islands, and marinas. It is varied and filled with life. If you want the experience of a lifetime, go in early February to see the Carnaval. It may be pricey, and filled with people, and hot as the hottest day of summer – but there are people on the streets celebrating life every single day for almost a month. There is live music, costumed performers, and street parties every way you turn. There are entire streets worth of street vendors, like a mini city of street food. If you are a culinary explorer, be sure to try the Farofa – ground manioc root that is served as a powdery addition to many dishes adding some crisp texture and salty taste. You can travel anywhere with the bus and subway system, and it is not very expensive. Be sure to visit the statue of Christ overseeing the stunning city -Corcovado. You will have to take a bus or taxi up to the train up to the trolley that will take you all the way up to the peak. From there you can see the entire city laid out beneath you. You can see the Marina, Copacobana, Ipanema, and the Barra. After visiting Corcovado, go wander around the stunning botanical gardens. Sunset is the best time to take the trolley up to Sugarloaf and watch the sun’s orange rays cover the sparkling waters and the crowded streets. You should definitely take a day to explore the beaches – Ipanema and Copacobana. Another local dish to try is the Acai. We know the Acai as an omega-3 and antioxidant filled berry. But acai is served in several ways in brazil. It can be made into an energy drink – mixed in with protein powder and some other fruit (DELICIOUS!) or it can be served in an acai berry sorbet form – sometimes just served to you plain, and sometimes with added pieces of fruit, granola, and even honey on top. Every form of acai is delicious so you should definitely try all of them. You can take a tour of the favellas but do not try to go in their on your own. You can also take the trolley that flies above the favellas for a very small price and get a birds eye view. Extreme sports are also available – yes, inside the city. You can go sky diving and take surfing lessons. If you do decide to go for Carnaval – try to arrive two weeks early so that you can join a Samba School and even march in the parade one night. Rio is stunning and will be filled with excitement this coming 2014 with the Olympics and the World Cup taking place so it should definitely be at the top of your list! 6. RANGOON, MYANMAR 
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has just recently opened its doors to tourism after decades of political isolation. Few countries have shot up to the top of the traveler’s bucklist as this stunning, mysterious country for that exact reason. Of course, some people have gone and travelled in Burma during its years of isolation, but it is still unmarred by the over tourism that some other countries in South East Asia have suffered from. This land is filled with epic sunrise vistas of pagodas at Bagan, rustic floating villages on Inle Lake, timeless traditions and a deep Buddhist Culture. The food is a scintillating combination of Chinese, Thai, and Indian flavors into something you’ve never experienced but always dreamed of. A great way to travel in Myanmar is via small cruise ships, from which you can visit the different floating islands, but if you want a more land-based trip, then the Governor’s Residence is the place to stay in Rangoon, the capital. If you are travelling to Bagan (which shouldn’t even be an if, but rather a when), find yourself a knowledgeable guide and a horse-drawn carriage – it is definitely the most memorable experience. Rangoon is just the capital hub of this country-less-traveled so be sure to visit it soon in order to experience the raw, beautiful, stunning, untouched tradition and beauty of this fascinating country! Best times to visit: The Winter – November through February are the driest months to go. The longest rainy season starts in July and continues through to October so try to avoid those times. 7. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA 
Cape Town has become a popular destination in recent years. Not only is it stunning, on the water front, and filled with culture and undeniable natural beauty, but it is also a spot from which you can take fantastic tours to other parts of South Africa. A home-base for a trip throughout the country-if you will. But the reason you should definitely visit it this coming year is that it has been named the World Design Capital of 2014! This means that designers from all over the word will be regenerating, decorating, and doing sustainable projects throughout the former industrial districts, parks, and other areas in the city. There will be sculpture lined green spaces and fun trendy events to see. The main goal of this project is to bridge the gap between Cape Town’s disparate population, so be sure to go out of town on a tour and see if and how the innovation is turning things around. You should also check out the swanky bus system that has been recently developed and turning Cape Town feasible to travel in with public transport! Sit on the dock for the sunset, and take a tour out to see some lions in the wild! When you visit Cape Town you can balance a cultural trip, historical trip, sunsets, views and natural hikes trip, animal adventure, and calm and classy all into one vacation!! This is the southern hemisphere so best times to visit are spring and fall, which would be April through June and October through December. 8. VENICE, ITALY 
This floating city in northern Italy has been named the most beautiful city in the world time and time again. This stunning location is characterized by its colorful buildings sitting on the water’s edge. It is one of those cities that truly deserves the term “unique”, where the streets are canals and the main form of transport is by boat. The mixture of Byzantine, Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque architecture leaves visitors in awe and fills the curious with knowledge and questions simultaneously. Everywhere you turn, you can sense the theatrical, almost fairytale like atmosphere only enhanced by the carnival mask shops, the singing gondola guides, and the stunning palazzos. You may think you know what to expect after reading your guidebooks and seeing it in movies, but nothing truly compares to the experience of being there. The history of Venice is also overwhelming and fills one with inspiration and trepidation, awe and wonder. Whether you are visiting for the museums, the carnival, or the atmosphere, prepare to enjoy all three no matter what! There are so many designer shops, sophisticated bars, classy restaurants, stunning art galleries, and historical museums but make sure you spend at least a few hours of your trip wandering the city and sitting on the piazza, enjoying a huge scoop of gelato and people watching from a coffee shop. As part of your trip, make sure to take at least one ride in a gondola, definitely go see the Piazza San Marco and marvel at the Basilica, the Accademia Galleria, cross the iconic Rialto Bridge and peruse through the market on the other side, stand under the dome of the Santa Maria Della Salute Church, check out the Scuola Grande di San Rocco for its impressive paintings, and admire the art in the Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari Church. Between these landmarks and visits, avoid the touristy locations and hit the backstreets to find the true local dishes, which are truly delicious. The best time to visit, weather-wise, is late spring and early summer. In the summer there are summer festivals with feasting, fireworks, and a gondola regatta – for the Festa del Redentore, which takes place on the third week of July. Although the streets are crowded with tourists at this time of the year, the waters are at their lowest and the warm weather is pleasant and allows for much gelato consumption. If you are looking to experience the masked and costumed revelry of Carnival, it takes place in February or early March (important to check the dates ahead of time). It will be colder, but filled with tourists, and fun activities. Dress warm! The waters are high starting in October and on through January, which means there is flooding and can hamper sightseeing, so avoid those months. As years go by, waters are rising, and soon Venice will not be as beautiful or accessible, so make sure you go visit it soon! 9. SEVILLE, SPAIN 
While Madrid and Barcelona are the hot-spots of Spain tourism, Seville (and all of Southern Spain) have remained a more authentic, historic slice of the country with great prices, less tourists, and delicious traditional food. If you are looking for Old Spain, you will find it here, with its looming, stately fortress, its ancient cathedral, and traditional plazas. But just because it is old, does not mean it is not filled with exuberant life. Restaurants are filled with diners til the very early hours of the morning, the night-life is hopping, and the coffee shops are stuffed full. This vibrant city has festivals, especially around Easter time. It is quite an experience to see the parades through town, and the adornment at the church. You can go out and enjoy tapas and watch flamenco performances at all hours with the locals and other travelers. This city is not only historically and culturally beautiful, but it is also filled with natural beauty, with bougainvillea and orange trees adorning the streets. You should definitely try sitting at a coffee shop in a plaza and enjoying a hot cup of ciocollata, which is something between a hot chocolate and a warm chocolate pudding. While in the south of Spain, you can go see the Alhambra, an Islamic palace that is a remnant of the Ottomans and Muslim take over in Spain years ago. The artichecture of the palace stands out in the old European country. You can also go to Ronda, a quaint mountain-top town about an hour out of the city. For a farther excursion, travel out to Gibraltar. Technically no longer Spain, this British settlement is a tiny island swarming with adorable monkeys. The best times to visit are Spring and Fall because the summer is miserably hot, and those times have fun festivals and cultural events you can enjoy. 10. RIGA, LATVIA 
This city is finally getting the attention it deserves for being a cosmopolitan cornerstone of the Baltic two decades after the full of the USSR. It sits at the crossroads of two great empires of Europe’s elaborate history and had been a strategic linchpin in the annexation of important lands for centuries. Now it has a renewed status as Latvia’s capital and has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2014. Its crumbling facades have been restored to their brilliant, art nouveau lustre, and the city is teaming with hipster-chic cafes. Due to its title as the Culture Capital of Europe this year, there will definitely be great festivals, exhibitions, and activities to partake in. Be sure to try out the pork-and-potato dinners of old time along with the new, Nordic-inspired dishes that are now growing to be more popular in the area. Sit at the cafe and enjoy the happiness, splendor, and positive vibes that are filling this stunning and once again flourishing city! In the winter months, it is very cold. So shoot for a visit in late spring or early summer. You have a lot of trips to plan and a long year of adventure ahead of you, so go! Enjoy the culture, the beauty, and the food and discover this incredible planet and all of the wonders that await. Have fun! THE SCIENCE BEHIND LOSING STUBBORN STOMACH FAT
We all have our bucket list of places to visit and historical landmarks to see or beaches to explore. Here is a list of the top 10 cities you should definitely visit -if you cannot see them all this year, then at least in your lifetime! They are in no particular order or ranking because they are all fantastic, unique, miraculous, and wonderful in their own ways.
1. ISTANBUL, TURKEY
This stunning city, previously known as Constantinople in the times of the Crusades, is not only the capital of Turkey, but a capital in religious history! It is home to the stunning Hagia Sophia and sits on both the European and Asian continents. It was previously the hub from which the Christian Crusades were controlled, and later home to the Ottoman Empire – two powerful entities saw this strategic location as home to their religious beliefs and incredible architecture. That architecture still stands today and Istanbul is home to so much culture and history, that every place you walk should be an archaelogical site! Istanbul has this overwhelming, buzzing energy that fills everyone with life and is constantly propelling forward with beautiful art galleries and fantastic new hotels, but still somehow manages to maintain a strong hold on its old tradition and history. On the European side you can see the pedestrian-only street lined with restaurants and shops, called the Istiklal Caddesi, which means Independence Avenue and symbolizes the center of modern Istanbul. From this main street shoot out many small alleyways with great coffee shops and bars to check out. All of the “modern” European Embassies were built on this street, away from the Old City, so it has a more modern vibe to it. If you go to the Asian side of the city, referred to as Kadikoy, there are more casual and “hip” restaurants and bars to visit and a great night life. When visiting, make sure to try some of the local food, wander the old city, and hop on a boat ride up the Bosphorus. A great time for this is sunset, perhaps a great way to wind down from a day of walking around the city, before you head out to dinner. You can see candlelit restaurants, beautiful houses, and just an overall view of this ancient, stunning city. The best time of year to visit is probably late spring or early autumn, while it’s still warm out, but not too hot like the summer. That is also when the flowers bloom on the Princes Island – also a must see. There are also great food and art festivals in the spring and summer.
2. MARGATE, ENGLAND
Recently, named “romantic, sexy, and weird” by local Tracy Emin, this seaside city is filled with quaint charm. It is filled with indie art galleries, retro shops, and contemporary artwork throughout the city which is set against a beautiful backdrop of a dilapidated seafront. The coffee shops are fantastically charming, and once you go you will understand why this city appears as a highlight on the forthcoming guide to Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. If you want a lovely, relaxation vacation filled with beautiful views, relaxing and romantic vibes, and a lot of culture, then Margate is the place for you! The best time to visit would definitely have to be late spring and summer in order to avoid the rains and cold winds.
10 Incredibly Creative Christmas Wedding advice
3. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (USA)
“The Darling of America’s West Coast”, this funky city has so much charm, you may not be able to handle it! Its colorful and creative houses built side by side along rolling hills fill this roller-coaster city seem small and charming considering its size. From the tops of these hills you can catch glimpses of the bay, and maybe even the glistening Golden Gate Bridge (which may surprise you with its bright red color) or the Alcatraz Prison Island which is now a fun tourist attraction. While it tends to be covered up in fog most days, this life filled city is stuffed and crammed with ethnic restaurants and interesting characters. If you wander the Mission district, you will come across large wall murals of the struggles of minorities. Union Square and the downtown area are the place to be if you’re into shopping. The Embarcadero is a lovely stroll on the water front with beautiful artwork. Most weekends there is an antique and artwork fair across from Peir 1, and a couple piers up you can find a large, artistic fountain which you can climb! Pier 39 is the tourist hub, filled with small shops, street performers, local foods, and sea lions! From here you can catch a ferry to Alcatraz or take a tour of the bay. You can also go to the Bubba Gump Restaurant if you are a big fan of Forrest Gump. Fisherman’s Wharf is where you should grab yourself a sourdough breadbowl with calm chowder before visiting the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, or the famous Wax Museum to take pictures with all the stars. You can continue strolling down the same street along the water in order to find a museum of ships and fantastic views of the famous bridge. Take an old-style trolley back to downtown or climb up the hill to taste some delicious Ghirardelli chocolate at the original factory! Another great place to spend time is the Golden Gate Park – filled with museums like the Cal Academy of Arts and the Exploratorium, or the beautiful Japanese Botanical Gardens. You can also just sit around and have a picnic in this beautiful park, or check the local listings and see whether there is a concert going on. The best times to visit San Francisco are late Spring to Late Fall – the warmer months – where you may get several sunny days in a row in this life filled, colorful city.
4. VALPARAISO, CHILE
This seaside city was the first port city in all of Chile. About an hour and a half bus ride away from the capital, Valparaiso has so much character and personality, it is one of the most distinctive cities in South America. The city walls are covered with colorful graffiti, some even done by very well-known artists. It has beautiful, colorful houses, built atop steep hills. There are public elevators to help the elderly or sick get from the bottom of the city to the top of one of the major hills. The views of the pacific ocean from atop the winding roads on the hills are breathtaking, as you gaze down the colorful homes and painted stairs and streets. The Bohemian atmosphere with the colorful walls and cobbled streets is filled with some of the best restaurants and bars in all of Chile. Be sure to try the local Chorillana – fries or potatoes topped with pieces of meat topped with fried onions and a fried egg- in different variations, from the cheap style at El Domino, to the fancy El Pimenton. You should also definitely try the unique, large enchiladas in Chile. Their unique meat enchilada is different from the Mexican and Argentinian enchiladas not just in their immense size but also because the meat is accompanied by onions, black olives, and a hard boiled egg – yes. A hard-boiled egg inside the enchilada. The local beers are also fantastic – and after a lovely lunch in the city, stroll to the sea front to see some sea lions lounging on old broken down buildings in the harbor. Maybe you can lick up some ice cream for dessert in the warm, summer sun. The streets are filled with lovely street dogs that might accompany you on your city explorations. Hit up the ancient cemetery for cool graves, or Pablo Neruda’s house. The Pisco Sours are great if you’re looking to go out, and an alfajor is a fantastic afternoon snack of a light buttery cookie sandwich with sweet, creamy dulce de leche in the middle, rolled in coconut or dipped in chocolate. There are free walking tours available and are a great way to discover the city. Summer in Valparaiso is during Januar y and February. A recommended time to go is March, as summer ends and fall starts – still warm but not overwhelming. For those of you looking for an escape from your Northern Hemisphere winter cold – travelling to Valparaiso will add a week, or month (however long you choose to stay!) of summer to your year.
5. RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
This city is definitely one to visit this year, being the host of the World Cup in 2014. This city will be getting a major facelift – not that it really needs one. Rio de Janeiro may be the most stunning city, with its hilltops and valleys, white beaches, green islands, and marinas. It is varied and filled with life. If you want the experience of a lifetime, go in early February to see the Carnaval. It may be pricey, and filled with people, and hot as the hottest day of summer – but there are people on the streets celebrating life every single day for almost a month. There is live music, costumed performers, and street parties every way you turn. There are entire streets worth of street vendors, like a mini city of street food. If you are a culinary explorer, be sure to try the Farofa – ground manioc root that is served as a powdery addition to many dishes adding some crisp texture and salty taste. You can travel anywhere with the bus and subway system, and it is not very expensive. Be sure to visit the statue of Christ overseeing the stunning city -Corcovado. You will have to take a bus or taxi up to the train up to the trolley that will take you all the way up to the peak. From there you can see the entire city laid out beneath you. You can see the Marina, Copacobana, Ipanema, and the Barra. After visiting Corcovado, go wander around the stunning botanical gardens. Sunset is the best time to take the trolley up to Sugarloaf and watch the sun’s orange rays cover the sparkling waters and the crowded streets. You should definitely take a day to explore the beaches – Ipanema and Copacobana. Another local dish to try is the Acai. We know the Acai as an omega-3 and antioxidant filled berry. But acai is served in several ways in brazil. It can be made into an energy drink – mixed in with protein powder and some other fruit (DELICIOUS!) or it can be served in an acai berry sorbet form – sometimes just served to you plain, and sometimes with added pieces of fruit, granola, and even honey on top. Every form of acai is delicious so you should definitely try all of them. You can take a tour of the favellas but do not try to go in their on your own. You can also take the trolley that flies above the favellas for a very small price and get a birds eye view. Extreme sports are also available – yes, inside the city. You can go sky diving and take surfing lessons. If you do decide to go for Carnaval – try to arrive two weeks early so that you can join a Samba School and even march in the parade one night. Rio is stunning and will be filled with excitement this coming 2014 with the Olympics and the World Cup taking place so it should definitely be at the top of your list!
6. RANGOON, MYANMAR
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has just recently opened its doors to tourism after decades of political isolation. Few countries have shot up to the top of the traveler’s bucklist as this stunning, mysterious country for that exact reason. Of course, some people have gone and travelled in Burma during its years of isolation, but it is still unmarred by the over tourism that some other countries in South East Asia have suffered from. This land is filled with epic sunrise vistas of pagodas at Bagan, rustic floating villages on Inle Lake, timeless traditions and a deep Buddhist Culture. The food is a scintillating combination of Chinese, Thai, and Indian flavors into something you’ve never experienced but always dreamed of. A great way to travel in Myanmar is via small cruise ships, from which you can visit the different floating islands, but if you want a more land-based trip, then the Governor’s Residence is the place to stay in Rangoon, the capital. If you are travelling to Bagan (which shouldn’t even be an if, but rather a when), find yourself a knowledgeable guide and a horse-drawn carriage – it is definitely the most memorable experience. Rangoon is just the capital hub of this country-less-traveled so be sure to visit it soon in order to experience the raw, beautiful, stunning, untouched tradition and beauty of this fascinating country! Best times to visit: The Winter – November through February are the driest months to go. The longest rainy season starts in July and continues through to October so try to avoid those times.
7. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town has become a popular destination in recent years. Not only is it stunning, on the water front, and filled with culture and undeniable natural beauty, but it is also a spot from which you can take fantastic tours to other parts of South Africa. A home-base for a trip throughout the country-if you will. But the reason you should definitely visit it this coming year is that it has been named the World Design Capital of 2014! This means that designers from all over the word will be regenerating, decorating, and doing sustainable projects throughout the former industrial districts, parks, and other areas in the city. There will be sculpture lined green spaces and fun trendy events to see. The main goal of this project is to bridge the gap between Cape Town’s disparate population, so be sure to go out of town on a tour and see if and how the innovation is turning things around. You should also check out the swanky bus system that has been recently developed and turning Cape Town feasible to travel in with public transport! Sit on the dock for the sunset, and take a tour out to see some lions in the wild! When you visit Cape Town you can balance a cultural trip, historical trip, sunsets, views and natural hikes trip, animal adventure, and calm and classy all into one vacation!! This is the southern hemisphere so best times to visit are spring and fall, which would be April through June and October through December.
8. VENICE, ITALY
This floating city in northern Italy has been named the most beautiful city in the world time and time again. This stunning location is characterized by its colorful buildings sitting on the water’s edge. It is one of those cities that truly deserves the term “unique”, where the streets are canals and the main form of transport is by boat. The mixture of Byzantine, Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque architecture leaves visitors in awe and fills the curious with knowledge and questions simultaneously. Everywhere you turn, you can sense the theatrical, almost fairytale like atmosphere only enhanced by the carnival mask shops, the singing gondola guides, and the stunning palazzos. You may think you know what to expect after reading your guidebooks and seeing it in movies, but nothing truly compares to the experience of being there. The history of Venice is also overwhelming and fills one with inspiration and trepidation, awe and wonder. Whether you are visiting for the museums, the carnival, or the atmosphere, prepare to enjoy all three no matter what! There are so many designer shops, sophisticated bars, classy restaurants, stunning art galleries, and historical museums but make sure you spend at least a few hours of your trip wandering the city and sitting on the piazza, enjoying a huge scoop of gelato and people watching from a coffee shop. As part of your trip, make sure to take at least one ride in a gondola, definitely go see the Piazza San Marco and marvel at the Basilica, the Accademia Galleria, cross the iconic Rialto Bridge and peruse through the market on the other side, stand under the dome of the Santa Maria Della Salute Church, check out the Scuola Grande di San Rocco for its impressive paintings, and admire the art in the Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari Church. Between these landmarks and visits, avoid the touristy locations and hit the backstreets to find the true local dishes, which are truly delicious. The best time to visit, weather-wise, is late spring and early summer. In the summer there are summer festivals with feasting, fireworks, and a gondola regatta – for the Festa del Redentore, which takes place on the third week of July. Although the streets are crowded with tourists at this time of the year, the waters are at their lowest and the warm weather is pleasant and allows for much gelato consumption. If you are looking to experience the masked and costumed revelry of Carnival, it takes place in February or early March (important to check the dates ahead of time). It will be colder, but filled with tourists, and fun activities. Dress warm! The waters are high starting in October and on through January, which means there is flooding and can hamper sightseeing, so avoid those months. As years go by, waters are rising, and soon Venice will not be as beautiful or accessible, so make sure you go visit it soon!
9. SEVILLE, SPAIN
While Madrid and Barcelona are the hot-spots of Spain tourism, Seville (and all of Southern Spain) have remained a more authentic, historic slice of the country with great prices, less tourists, and delicious traditional food. If you are looking for Old Spain, you will find it here, with its looming, stately fortress, its ancient cathedral, and traditional plazas. But just because it is old, does not mean it is not filled with exuberant life. Restaurants are filled with diners til the very early hours of the morning, the night-life is hopping, and the coffee shops are stuffed full. This vibrant city has festivals, especially around Easter time. It is quite an experience to see the parades through town, and the adornment at the church. You can go out and enjoy tapas and watch flamenco performances at all hours with the locals and other travelers. This city is not only historically and culturally beautiful, but it is also filled with natural beauty, with bougainvillea and orange trees adorning the streets. You should definitely try sitting at a coffee shop in a plaza and enjoying a hot cup of ciocollata, which is something between a hot chocolate and a warm chocolate pudding. While in the south of Spain, you can go see the Alhambra, an Islamic palace that is a remnant of the Ottomans and Muslim take over in Spain years ago. The artichecture of the palace stands out in the old European country. You can also go to Ronda, a quaint mountain-top town about an hour out of the city. For a farther excursion, travel out to Gibraltar. Technically no longer Spain, this British settlement is a tiny island swarming with adorable monkeys. The best times to visit are Spring and Fall because the summer is miserably hot, and those times have fun festivals and cultural events you can enjoy.
10. RIGA, LATVIA
This city is finally getting the attention it deserves for being a cosmopolitan cornerstone of the Baltic two decades after the full of the USSR. It sits at the crossroads of two great empires of Europe’s elaborate history and had been a strategic linchpin in the annexation of important lands for centuries. Now it has a renewed status as Latvia’s capital and has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2014. Its crumbling facades have been restored to their brilliant, art nouveau lustre, and the city is teaming with hipster-chic cafes. Due to its title as the Culture Capital of Europe this year, there will definitely be great festivals, exhibitions, and activities to partake in. Be sure to try out the pork-and-potato dinners of old time along with the new, Nordic-inspired dishes that are now growing to be more popular in the area. Sit at the cafe and enjoy the happiness, splendor, and positive vibes that are filling this stunning and once again flourishing city! In the winter months, it is very cold. So shoot for a visit in late spring or early summer. You have a lot of trips to plan and a long year of adventure ahead of you, so go! Enjoy the culture, the beauty, and the food and discover this incredible planet and all of the wonders that await. Have fun!
THE SCIENCE BEHIND LOSING STUBBORN STOMACH FAT
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
