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15 Secluded Beaches In The U.S

Have you been searching for secluded beaches near me lately?

For more than two months people have been on stay home orders. During this time most businesses were close except essential businesses and some people are working from home. Recently many states and countries have lifted the stay hame order and some businesses starting to operate as usual.

 As we all know summer is almost here and one of the things people like to do is to go to the beach. Most beaches are open too, we saw a crowded beach in Daytona during the memorial weekend, for some people it was scary because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So what can you do if you want to take a little beach vacation but you still want to practice social distancing? Luckily, there are many secret beaches to be found in the  U.S, places that you might never hear about it or you don’t even know exists. These beaches are affordable and do not require staying at an exclusive private resort etc.

Some of these destinations may not be easy to reach, but gives you a peaceful and pristine beach experience, far from the crowds. Here are some best-secluded and quiet  beaches in the U.S

Carova Beach, North Carolina

Close-up Photo of Shore

Carova Beach is the northernmost Outer Banks community and is only accessible by the unpaved beach. You will not find paved roads, you will drive mostly in sand dunes which will give you a wonderful experience. 

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended when visiting Carova beach. Carova beach requires a  parking permit from the Friday before Memorial Day until  Labor Day. 

Covert Park Beach, Michigan

foot prints on the beach during daytime

 

Covert Park Beach located farther north of lake Michigan shorelines. The beach has placid waters and an undisturbed sandy strip. There is a campground at the park which adds value to the area.  A parking permit is required for visitors.

Cumberland Island Beach, Georgia

photography of seashore during sunset

 

You will need to catch a ferry to get to this  Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island.  You can enjoy your day rest on the sand dunes watching wild horses roaming or explore old Spanish mission ruins and 19th-century homes. Or, just relax by the surf. It’s a paradise for a beachgoer who just wants to connect with nature.

Duck Beach, North Carolina

brown rock formation beside body of water during daytime

This North Carolina gem can be found in the Outer Banks between Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. An unspoiled beach destination, Duck offers adventure and relaxation. Visitors will find clean waters and beaches, maritime forests, wetlands, and dunescapes.

Dry Tortugas, Florida

gray lighthouse near trees and sea

Dry Tortugas National Park is actually one of the country’s least-visited national parks. One can argue maybe because its difficult to get there.

The Dry Tortugas beach is only accessible by boat or plane. Its magnificent pristine, blue waters, and white sands it’s all worth the hustle of getting there.

There is a lot to enjoy when you get there such as its picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs, and marine life, the vast assortment of birdlife that frequents the area. It’s also the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson.

Dyer Prince Beach, Massachusetts

photo of sea waves

This beach with hidden pathways in Eastham shores small with calm waters,  but tidal flats stretch out quite far during low tide.

Dyer Prince is perfect for quality time with family and friends or when you need a break from a busy life and you just want to strategize yourself.

When you are looking for secluded, uncrowded beaches   Dyer Prince Beach is your best-hidden beach. Parking is limited but I’m sure there are some alternatives.

Fort Morgan Beach, Alabama

guard house near body of water

 

Fort Morgan is a relaxing getaway to a beautiful beach on the Gulf Coast. It’s a very secluded and charming best beach vacations surrounded by the Fort Morgan stone fortress on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

It has a peaceful environment, which is void of commercial property and beach rentals, serves up a view of the Sand Island Lighthouse and ships cruising over to Mobile.

Lovers Key State Park, Florida

Couple Kissing on Beach during Golden Hour

If you are in search of secluded beaches in Florida this secluded barrier islands were once reachable only by boat. According to local stories this beach was so isolated that only lovers made the effort to seek out the hideaway.

Today the island strip is more easily accessible, but it still retains a secret feel and has become a  popular romantic destination for spectacular, beachside weddings and frequently hosts picturesque gulf-side weddings.

There are a lot of things to do in Lovers Key State Park, such as kayaking, explore the canals and lagoons.

You may also see the calm, turquoise waters broken by a dolphin’s dorsal fin or by the strike of an osprey’s talons.

Montaña de Oro State Park, California

yellow petaled flowers near body of water at daytime

The park features secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Good for nature lovers, they will enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park’s trails.

There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner’s Cove, across from the campground. 

There’s wildlife in the park that includes black-tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park also includes primitive and equestrian campsites.

It’s a nice place when you want to leave crowds and noise behind, and enjoy the quiet coastal trails that lead down to the water.

Point Sal State Beach, California

palm tree leaf near at body of water

Located in the northwestern part of Santa Barbara County, near the city of Guadalupe it’s one of the state’s most beautiful beaches, and one of the most scenic and least-visited. 

The  Point Sal includes about 80 acres and just over 1½ miles of ocean frontage. The Point Sal views will take your breath away. Lion Rock, located offshore, is an important bird-roosting site and is also used by sea lions and other marine mammals.

There are some activities that can be done while you are there such as fishing, beachcombing, hiking, nature study, photography, picnicking, and sunbathing. 

Swimming is not recommended due to extremely dangerous rip currents, occasional shark sightings, and the absence of Lifeguard service.

Roque Bluffs Beach, Maine

dock with railing near boats during day

This is one of the most secluded beaches in the U.S. It Is not well known by many people that’s why it offers you a private utopia to watch the sunrise. It’s a perfect gateway from a busy life. 

You can enjoy chilly water laps on the shores of Roque Bluffs, a half-mile stretch that shoulders Englishman Bay. There is a lot to do while you are there such as bird watching, enjoy interesting sightings at all seasons.

Bald eagles frequent the area year-round and many migrant species stopovers during spring and fall.  Also, you can be kayaking to explore both Englishman Bay and Simpson Pond.

The  Simpson pond is stocked so anglers you can fish for brook trout in the spring and brown trout through much of the summer. 

Rockport Beach, Texas

brown wooden bridge near beach

This small-town of  Rockport, Texas might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches but you might change your mind when you get tome to explore Rockport beach

Rockport beach is the first Blue Wave Beach in Texas, it offers a healthy, safe, and clean environment and a lot to do activities. 

It offers clean play areas for the kids and a saltwater lagoon for swimming. There are several neighboring piers that offer fishing opportunities. 

Salt Creek Beach, California

five birds flying on the sea

The popular beach park located in Dana Point, California, it features amenities such as a half-court basketball court, beach volleyball,  and offers opportunities for surfing, swimming, and fishing.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the beach serves up brag-worthy views, and the sandy strip is large enough space not to worry about sharing elbow space.

Sandbridge Beach, Virginia

brown wooden dock on body of water during daytime

Sandbridge Beach is a short drive south of the Oceanfront District, It is a secluded beach hideaway of pristine sand dunes and dancing sea oats.

It is a relaxing and peaceful community where you can truly slow down and unwind on your vacation. You can enjoy the view of the Atlantic which never fails to entertain. 

Also, it is a good place for outdoor lovers, they can enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing and many more. 

Sunset Beach,  North Carolina

birds in flight from pier over cean

Located in the southern-most Brunswick Islands beach, its the best place when you want to gateway from the crowd. Sunset Beach was recently included on National Geographic’s list of 21 Best Beaches In The World, It has beautiful nature and offers amazing breathtaking views.

While there you can also enjoy the stunning  Bird Island Reserve, which features pristine sandy white beaches, high natural dunes, and tidal creeks. 

You can take uninterrupted evening walks by boardwalks or biking and surfing in the waters. If you are not into those kinds of activities you can collect shells while reconnecting with the natural world and enjoying nature.

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Lifestyle,

What to Consider Before You Book Your Next Flight or Hotel

As things are trying to get back to normal, many people are considering to resume the plans they have for  2020.  Before the COVI-19 Pandemic, people had vacation plans, wedding plans, honeymoons, etc all have been postponed. Not only that we have seen the been seen the cancellation of big events such as the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, UEFA finals in Istanbul, Essence Festival in New Orleans, and many more. Everybody is looking forward to returning to their normal life. 

travel is good for the soul

Businesses have been eager to get back to business, finally, some businesses have are starting to operate with some restrictions hopefully everything will go back to normal and we will not have to worry about the pandemic any more.

Since businesses are starting to reopen, the questions travelers ask themselves is this the right time to make vacation plans, or is it the right time to book flights, hotels, or cruises. As we can see right now, flight fares are at an all-time low. There have been several good deals on flights which are very tempting.

But one can still ask themselves will I be able to travel this is due to safety reasons and people are expecting the second wave of COVID-19. Another question is if I buy my ticket and I can’t go will I get a full refund, partial or I will lose my money.  Here are some precautions you need to take before you make any travel arrangements.

Read Cancellation Policy.

Before you start booking that flight or hotel you need to look at airline and hotel websites to check out their current change and cancellation policies.

The good thing is many airlines have created temporary policies that allow you to book new flights now through certain dates, with the ability to change and cancel them for a full refund for the next year or even more.

Also, some of them introduced new cancellation and rebooking policies to accommodate customers at this time. Keep in mind these policies are different depends on the airline.

For instance, Delta airlines are now waiving change fees and providing greater flexibility to travel using eCredits through September 30, 2022, and If you’re uncertain of future travel plans, they are recommending canceling and then rebooking once your new travel plans are confirmed.

The value of your ticket will become an eCredit for future use. This means the refund will be in terms of eCredits that you can use on Delta airlines.  

Emirates airlines will give cancellation refunds or waive rebooking fees only in these circumstances such as flight cancellation, this is when  Emirates flight is canceled for a specific date or route is suspended for a continuous period.

There is a travel ban, where there is an explicit government notification that prohibits travel from either point of journey origin or destination. The travel advisory, this is a general government advisory against non-essential travel but no travel ban.

Visa process which required visiting an embassy/consulate or mandatory quarantine at origin or destination. A situation where a  passenger is unable to reach the airport, for those countries which have a government lockdown and passengers are unable to reach the airport.

With that being said, it very important to read the policy before you jump into that deal.  As you can see each airline has a different policy one might be good to you and one may not. 

Another thing you need to consider is where are you going to buy your ticket. Are you buying straight from the airline or through a travel agency?  This makes a difference when it comes to changes and cancellation because they both have different policies when it comes to cancellation and refunds.

Airlines will not issue refunds if you bought your ticket through a travel agency, this means the airline policies will not apply to you.

young woman with traveling documents

These also apply when you want to do hotel reservations, it’s important to check their refund and cancellation policies. There have been many cases where people are not to get their full refund when they cancel the hotels or pay fees for changing dates.

For instance, Marriott will allow full changes and cancellations without charges for existing reservations for any future arrival date as long as the change or cancellation is made by June 30, 2020.

For new reservations and any future arrival date,  between now and June 30, 2020, they will allow the reservation to be changed or canceled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival date.

Make sure you check airlines and hotel websites before you jump into their deals so you can make the right decision and also be in control.

Be sure  about the dates

After seeing the deals floating all over the internet it’s still uncertain when can we travel again. Some people think it is not a good idea to jump on those deals or planning a trip.

But many experts are suggesting it will be good your trip dates to around June and up not below that.  According to Scott Keys of  Scott’s Cheap Flights, he advised that you should choose the deals that are at least three months in advance. 

You can still get good deals on later dates, for instance, right now there are good deals which are available until November for both domestic and international flights. 

You can choose later dates that will make you comfortable that things will be back to normal and you will be able to go on your trip, instead of early dates which your trip may not happen and then you will be forced to deal with cancellation and rebooking issues.

 

Lifestyle,

21 Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas | Birthday Gift Ideas for Dads and Grandpas

Like mother’s day, it’s uncertain if some of us will be able to spend quality time with our dads on Father’s Day this year.

It looks like a video call such as Zoom, Facetime, or  Facebook portal accompanied by gift delivery is going to be the best way to celebrate one of the important men in our life.

Since sending gifts somehow will be the important part, we want to make sure the gift is a good one. Here are 21 gifts that we think are beyond great for the dad on this special day.

1.Vetelli Hanging Toiletry Bag for Men

To buy: Amazon
These high-quality durable toiletry travel bags are perfect for dad to keep his items organized for short weekend trips or longer vacations.

They are big enough to store all his essential items and will hold up to the wear and tear of traveling.

It’s the perfect travel accessories that he can use as Toiletry Wash Bag, Travel Storage Organizers, Portable Travel Kit Organizers, Shaving Kit Bags, and much more.

 

2. Cubii Pro – Seated Under-Desk Elliptical

To buy: Amazon

Perfect gift for dads who like to stay fit. Cubii home elliptical machines are ideal for exercising at home, or office, without stressing your joints.

The Cubii Pro syncs steps, distance, and calories burnt with iPhone and Android cellphones, Fitbit smart bands, and Apple Health Kit, so you can set and track your goals and will not have an excuse, not to workout. 

Because this under-desk elliptical can be used on the couch, at your desk, even at the dining table. Unlike big ellipticals, this doesn’t make noises won’t disturb your colleagues or have you struggling to hear the TV.

3. Philips Norelco Shaver 9700

To buy: Amazon

For dads who like to shave and keep it clean, Philips Norelco Shaver 9700 is the most advanced yet. It has unique Contour Detect Technology, each shaving head independently moves in 8 directions to follow the face’s every curve.

The improved contouring helps cut up to 20 percent more hair in a single pass. Dad can choose the speed setting that best fits his skin and hair type that is;  Slow -for an, even more, skin-friendly shave. Medium -for a thorough shave and Fast -for a high powered shave.

It comes with a facial cleansing brush attachment that delivers a thoroughly deep clean while remaining gentle on the skin.  Also,  the SmartClean System allows for easy shaver maintenance.

 

4. Whiskey Etched World Globe Decanter Set with 2 Glasses in Premium Gift-Box

To buy: Amazon

Additional accessory for the home bar,  and it’s a perfect gift for dads who like Whiskey. It’s a  perfect glass container for scotch, brandy, rum, gin, liqueur, wine, juice, or any of your favorite beverages.

5. 10L0L Golf Pens with Golf Bag Holder

To buy: Amazon

Ths Golf Pens is the best choice of novelty desk gift especially golf lovers or enthusiasts dads. Get one of these golf pens and they are sure to love it. 

The golf pen holders are decorative and add a little something extra into their workspace. It is not just attractive but quite functional, holding 3 club-shaped ink pens to use and comes with a little green lawn for it to be placed on.

6. Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill

 

To buy: Amazon

For dads who like to grill this small grill will be a perfect gift. Grill a quick afternoon lunch of burgers and hotdogs, or a fish fillet for family dinner.

Preheating and cooking are fast and easy. The large grease catcher with an opening at the bottom keeps the drippings and any droppings easy to clean up. It does not rust and does not have to be seasoned.

7. Coravin Limited Edition II Advanced Wine Preservation System and Bottle Opener

To buy: Amazon

Perfect gift for wine lovers dads, The dads who love and appreciate wine. The Coravin wine system gives wine lovers the freedom to pour any wine, in any amount, without removing the cork.

When you pour wine without removing the cork, you have the freedom to drink what you love, not just the wines you have open. This system is specially designed with Teflon coated wine needle made to be gentle on your wine cork and pour wine both quickly and smoothly.

Made of sturdy zinc and filled with ultra-pure argon gas (99. 99%), Coravin capsules are designed with patented technology to ensure that no argon escapes and that nothing will spoil the taste of your wine, even after many years.

8. Screwdriver Pen Pocket Multi-Tool Kit 6 in 1 – (6 Pack) 

To buy: Amazon

Perfect gifts for handy dads or those who are into cool gadgets.  This screwdriver can function as a ballpoint pen, stylus pen, flathead screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, level tool (bubble tool), and 4-inch pocket ruler. Yes, it does all that, It combines all your most useful functions for the ideal all in one.

Each 6 in 1 mini tool kit is made of extra strong aluminum so you can use it at home, at the office or on the road. Add it to your hand tools, home improvement supplies, or office gadgets.

The pen set can easily transform into cool tech. The stylus pen feature of these gadgets is compatible with all touch screen devices like smartphones and tablets.

The ergonomic shape allows you to easily use the stylus pen features on all of your touch screen devices comfortably.

9.Waterpik Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Professional Oral Irrigator For Teeth

To buy: Amazon

Perfect gift for dads who are struggling with flossing. The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser is the easy and most effective way to floss; it removes up to 99.9 percent of plaque and is up to 50 percent more effective than floss for improving gum health; ideal for braces, implants, and dental work.

It is clinically proven and the only Water Flosser brand to earn the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Enjoy healthier gums and brighter teeth in just 1 minute a day.

10. Made in USA KettlePizza Deluxe USA Pizza Oven Kit for Kettle Grills – Includes Stone and Metal Peel

To buy: Amazon

For the dads who like the outdoor life, the KettlePizza Deluxe USA is a pizza oven conversion kit for 18.5 and 22.5-inch charcoal kettle grills.

This product installs on top of your kettle grill transforming it into a charcoal or wood-burning pizza oven. It comes with a pizza stone and aluminum pizza peel.

The good thing about the Kettle Pizza is not just for pizza. Using pizza pans and skillets, almost any food can be cooked.

If you purchase an extra grill grate, they can be added to the top standoffs, creating a “double stack”. This will double the cooking surface of your traditional kettle grill.

11. Ring Video Doorbell Pro, with HD Video, Motion Activated Alerts, Easy Installation.

To buy: Amazon

Perfect gift for dads who like to keep the security of their home 24/7  even if they are not there. It’s home security in your hands, you can answer the door from anywhere and watch over your home in 1080HD video with Ring Video Doorbell Pro.

You’ll get mobile alerts when anyone comes to your door, so you can see, hear and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet, and PC. There is an option to customize your motion zones to focus on the most important areas of your house or yard. Easily connects to existing doorbell wiring so you’ll never have to charge a battery.

You can choose one of four complimentary faceplates to match your security to your home. Another great feature is, you can link your Ring account to Alexa for hands-free home monitoring so you’ll always know when someone’s there.

Hear announcements on your Echo devices when your doorbell is pressed, and automatically see a live view of your camera on Echo devices with a screen. Talk to visitors through compatible Echo devices, like Echo Dot or Echo Show, by simply saying “Alexa, talk to the front door.”

12. Crosley CR6019D-BR Executive Portable USB Turntable with Bluetooth

To buy: Amazon

Perfect for music lovers’ dad, It has a built-in Bluetooth receiver that lets you stream your music wirelessly to the executive’s dynamic full-range speakers. 

There is Adjustable pitch control and plays 3 speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records. Built-in Full Range Stereo speakers with auxiliary input and RCA audio output and has USB enabled to connect to Windows PC or Mac.

13. Mixology Bartender Kit: 10-Piece Bar Tool Set with Stylish Mahogany Stand

To buy: Amazon

This is a perfect addition to dad’s home bar.  It has everything you need for a bar tool set with serious quality. It gives the power to whip up impressive cocktails for his guests.

Whether he is an amateur bartender or a professional cocktail mixing guru,  this Mixology&Craft’s cocktail set is a brilliant way to hit the ground running.

It comes with an elegant mahogany wood stand carefully designed to keep barware tools scratch-safe, organized, and accessible at all times. 

14. YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler/Backpack

To buy: Amazon

Another perfect gift for dads who love the outdoor life.  It’s easy to carry because of its design. The Hopper BackFlip 24 fuses the durability of the Hopper Flip with a new, convenient-to-carry design.

Built taller and wider than its Hopper Flip counterparts, Hopper BackFlip is designed to efficiently distribute the weight of your goods, while the ergonomic shoulder straps make the journey more comfortable.

Even more, a removable chest strap and waist belt are included for added stability and security. And like the rest of the Hopper family, it promises superior cold-holding, a 100% leakproof zipper, and a tough DryHide Shell. 

It’s very good for fishing trips, picnics, and all other outdoor activities that dad might have.

15. Traeger Grills TFB57GZEO Pro Series 575 Grill, Smoker

To buy: Amazon

The best grill gift you can give to dad, make outdoor cooking easier and better tasting.  This grill helps you spend less time tending to the grill, and more time bringing family and friends together, creating a more flavorful world.

The Pro Series 575 is the latest in cooking technology utilizing WiFIRE technology that allows you to monitor and adjust your grill anytime, anywhere from the Traeger app on your smartphone.

Plus, with the brand new D2 drivetrain, the Pro Series WiFIRE-enabled pellet grills now start quicker, heat up faster, and put out better smoke quality. 

16. Breville-Nespresso USA BEC250BLK1AUC1 Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine

 

To buy: Amazon

Dads will surely enjoy this newest and smallest ever single-serve espresso maker from Nespresso by Breville, without compromising on exceptional coffee and espresso moments.

This compact espresso machine is effortlessly portable and features a sleek design and modern smooth lines, allowing it to fit into anywhere saving valuable counter space.

It creates a barista-style coffee or espresso drinks every time, in a one-touch operation and extraction system which delivers up to 19 bars of pressure.

It has an adjustable cup size with two programmable Espresso and Lungo buttons making Essenza Mini a great coffee maker for all you single serve coffee needs. You can also pour over ice to create your favorite iced coffee and iced latte drinks.

17. Kaweco Brass Sport Fountain Pen Brass 

To buy: Amazon

Best addition to dad’s fountain pen collection, this pocket fountain pen is 10.5 cm in length when closed and increases to a normal size of 13 cm with the cap on.

The high-quality brass develops a natural, individual patina over time. Due to the high weight of the model, the writing instrument presses easily on the paper by itself.

This allows for longer writing. It’s easy to carry around because it fits in most places.

18. Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage & Wine Chiller

To buy: Amazon

This Revolutionary Cooling Systems Cooper Cooler will make a perfect gift for dads. Quickly chills room-temperature beverages for a cold, refreshing drink.

Just pour ice and water into the Cooper Cooler, select the container setting, and the cooler does the rest. A patented process chills by rotating beverages while simultaneously spraying them with ice water.

The appliance will cool a 12-ounce beverage can from 77 degrees to 43 degrees in about 1 minute. An extra chill setting chills beverages to 34 degrees.

The cooling process will not affect a drink’s taste, composition, or cause carbonated beverages to fizz and explode upon opening. 

The Cooper Cooker is great for parties, road trips, dorm rooms, and office break rooms.

19. Portable Charger Jackery Bolt 6000 mAh Power Outdoors 

To buy: Amazon

This portable charger is a perfect gift for dads on the go.  It comes in a small size which makes it easy to carry it anywhere such as a pant pocket, jeans pocket, etc.

Built-in phone cables mean no extra cables to carry or deal with cables getting tangled up.  It multitasks, this means it can charge a phone and get charged at the same time.

It comes with a USB port as well if any device with a different adapter needs charging and also has a flashlight which can be useful at times. The other best part it gets fully charged in real quick time.

20. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls (One Dozen)

To buy: Amazon

If dad is a golf pro or golf enthusiast, he will love this gift. These golf balls are very low long game spin and have a penetrating trajectory.  It has short game control and a very soft feel. Extraordinary distance with a consistent flight.

21. Sony MP-CD1 Portable Pico, Pocket-Sized 

To buy: Amazon

This mobile projector makes a perfect gift because it’s an ideal companion for business professionals, gamers, and movie fans.

Despite its pocket-sized design, Sony’s new MP-CD1 Mobile Projector packs a powerful ANSI 105-lumen punch for bright and dynamic pictures.

Use it with media-streaming dongles, smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles. It’s good for business presentations, weekend parties, or outdoor events, the MP-CD1 is the go-anywhere projector you’ve always wanted.

Very super-convenient portability allows you to put on a show anywhere, anytime it weighs less than a pound. You can carry it anywhere in your briefcase, backpack, or crossbody and you’ll always be ready to make a business pitch during the day or stream a movie at night.

22.  Summit Coffee Kegerator

To buy: Modishtheme

This freestanding coffee kegerator is designed to please all coffee tastes. It includes an NSF-listed tap kit with a dual tower that lets you serve both standard “flat” iced coffee and nitro-infused cold brew from two Cornelius style kegs. It’s good for dads who love their coffee cold and those who like to switch it up sometimes. This kegerator can keep your coffee cold for a long time and the good part is it’s also good for beer. 

 

23. Admiral Kraft Beer Dispenser

To buy: Modishtheme

Perfect gift for dads who like to chill with their cold beer. This beer dispenser is an easy way to offer up cold and refreshing draft beer. Dad can enjoy the game and other activities with friends.  This beer dispenser features a stainless steel tap tower that allows you to fill pint glasses and pitchers straight from the keg.

 

24. Whynter  Elite Touch  Control Cigar Cooler  Humidor

To buy: Modishtheme

This  Elite Touch Control  Cigar Cooler Humidor is a perfect gift for dads who are a true cigar aficionado or casual enthusiast. An ideal cigar storage system that can help preserve cigars flavor and also protect them from pests or other harmful conditions.

 

25. Summit Built-In Wine Cellar

To buy: Modishtheme

For dads who like to collect wine but don’t have enough space, this Summit Built-in Wine Cellar is a perfect gift for them. This unique 6-inch width will transform the smallest place into convenient wine storage and display. Perfectly sized to complete any extra under-counter space.

 

26. Allavino Beverage Center

To buy: Modishtheme

Allavino Beverage Center is a perfect gift for dad’s office, game room, garage, or wherever he feels comfortable to put it. This little unit makes it easy to always have your favorite beers and sodas refreshingly cold and easily accessible. It can store up to 154 standard 12 oz cans and 42 standard beer bottles.

 

27. Studio Rovelyn Rustic Lounge Chair

To buy: Modishtheme

The best gift you can give dad to relax on, made with the natural raw material it makes you feel relaxed while sitting on this chair. This chair can be placed anywhere you like and will still look good and blend with the environment.

Business, Culture, Fashion, Lifestyle, Travel Adventures,

7 Best Digital Cameras for Your Needs | 2020 National Camera Day Review

Photography is the art or practice of taking and processing photographs. One can argue that you don’t need a good camera to take a good picture. All you need is a skill or creativity intention and there is no motivation like the upcoming 2020 National Camera Day.

But do you know somehow a good camera that has brilliant functions can enhance those skills and give you an amazing photo that you want? 

Choosing the best camera can also be a hard task. Today cameras have many functions that you might or might not need.  Some people choose the camera based on functions, portability, user friendly, etc. 

So we did a little research and found some best cameras that might be good for you depending on your needs or skill levels. 

1. Best Digital Camera for Beginners: Sony A6100

 

 

To buy: Amazon

The Sony A6100

It is a  beginner-friendly camera. The functions include a 24 2MP Exmore CMOS image sensor, the latest bionz x image processor, and a front-end LSI as implemented in Sony’s full-frame cameras which combine to deliver all-round enhancements in image quality and performance across all areas of photo and video capture.

This camera has an excellent autofocus system.  The battery can be charged inside the camera, so you can use external battery packs as needed. Great portability which makes it a great all-around camera to use.  

It comes with a great app and built-in  WIFI which is also easy to navigate and make it super easy to transfer photos from the camera to your phone or any gadget you want to.

Another good function is that you can use the app on the phone to control the camera,  I think this is so amazing because it makes it easier to take solo photos, or when you want to include everybody and no one is being left out to control a camera.

With this camera, you will be able to enjoy the high-quality image shots, the superb autofocus speed, and no problems with low resolution.

Sony A6100 is not the fanciest camera but gets a job done especially for beginners.

 

2. Best Digital Camera for Kids: Olympus Tough TG-6

To buy: Amazon

Olympus Tough TG-6

This camera is not only good for kids it’s also good for adventures and those who need a sturdy point and shoot. It is waterproof, can go 50 feet deep in the water,  can also survive a drop from 7 feet, and will even resist 200 pounds of pressure. That’s why it has been considered the best camera for kids. 

A child can drop it in the bath or swimming pool, throw it down the stairs, or walls, and the TG-6 will keep working as normal. Again  TG-6 is not a toy it’s a real camera but was categorized as best for kids due to its durability, but it does get the job done. 

It’s also good for adventurers,  for those who like hiking steep mountain trails,  skiing in the wilderness. This camera has been built to endure all the extreme environments.

You can drop it, step on it, go deep underwater, or out into a freezing blizzard the  TG-6  will keep rolling shooting awesome stills and video.  

The TG-6 has the following features; High-resolution F2. 0 lens, maximum 8x zoom, true pic VIII, back-illuminated CMOS Image Sensor. 5 underwater shooting modes including underwater microscope, 3 underwater white balance modes.Image File Format: JPEG, RAW.

The variable macro system consisted of 4 macro shooting modes, magnified shooting up to 1 centimeter from the end of the lens. Waterproof (50 feet / 15 meter), dustproof, shockproof (7 feet / 2. 1 meter), crush-proof (100kgf), freezeproof (14 degree Fahrenheit/ -10 degree Celsius), anti-fog. 4K movies and Full HD 120 fps high-speed movies can be recorded.

Overall the TG-6 is a very good compact camera it takes good high-quality images, Pictures are bright and lively.   It performs well in low lights, and underwater photos are very strong.

 

3. Best Digital Camera For Travel: Sony RX100 VII

To buy: Amazon

Sony RX100 VII

Sony RX100 VII has Impressive performance and image quality. It’s good for photo enthusiasts and pros on the go due to its size and performance.  This camera has the following features; 4 K video with s log3 and Interval Shooting.

Microphone jack and vertical position data recording. Active mode image stabilization in 4K video recording and Movie Edit add on compatible. High-speed Autofocus(AF), 357 points focal plane Phase detection AF, and 425 points contrast-detection AF.

It also has up to 20 fps blackout-free shooting, using up to 60 times/sec. Af/AE calculations.The 20. 1MP 1. 0 Type stacked CMOS sensor, Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 24 200 millimeter F2. 8 F4. 5 large aperture high magnification zoom lens

Ai is based on real-time tracking for stills and movies, and touch tracking. Real-time eye AF for human (stills and movies), and an animal (stills only)

This is a good camera that provides good images and not so complicated. It’s easy to carry because of its size, that’s why we pick it up as a travel camera or to go camera.

 

4. Best DSLR Camera: Nikon D780

To Buy: Amazon

Nikon D780

 Nikon  D780 has a balanced performance, features, images quality. It’s good for anyone who still needs an optical viewfinder and marathon battery life. His camera is good at capturing fast-moving action subjects and time-lapse sequences plus the best rich 4K videos.

Thanks to  Its 51-point AF system it helps detect and tracks subjects more tenaciously. The AF system brings huge enhancements in live view shooting, with wide 273-point coverage and eye-detection. 

Not only that it offers a rich array of advanced image-making options, from improved time-lapse movies to shutter speeds of 1/8000 to 900 s, and diverse movie functions including 4K UHD/30p with HDR (HLG) support.

Combined with the effortless handling of a touch-operable LCD, the D780 lets you stay nimble, and seize every imaging opportunity. It has great ergonomic, lightweight compared to previous Nikon generations. 

5. Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera: Sony A7R IV

To buy: Amazon

 Sony A7RIV  

Sony A7RIV  is a class-leading resolution and fast performance camera. This camera is good professional photographers and serious enthusiasts. It’s 61 megapixels (MP) is perfect for most demanding photographers.

The evolutionary leap in image processing power and efficiency of the Sony  A7R IV combines a high-resolution 61MP back-illuminated Exmore R CMOS image sensor with impressive shooting speeds of up to 10 fps with full AF/AE tracking, as well as beautiful 4K HDR video, wide 15-stop dynamic range, and high sensitivity with area-specific noise reduction.

Sony A7R IV has the following features;  a stunning resolution from its world’s first 61MP full-frame 35 millimeters back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Image Sensor. High speed: up to 10Fps continuous shooting at 61MP with AE/AF tracking; 26.2MP in APS C crop mode.

Fast Hybrid Autofocus with  567 Phase detection AF points and 425 contrast AF points to cover more area. Advanced subject recognition, perform real-time tracking and real-time eye AF for humans, animals, and movies. It also provides accurate color reproduction.

Provide full pixel readout without binning in super 35-millimeter mode; S log and HLG recording feature for 4K videos.  It comes with an electronic viewfinder. 

 

6. Best  Digital Camera for  Video: Panasonic Lumix GH5

To buy: Amazon

Panasonic Lumix GH5

The GH5 is a hybrid camera that can shoot both stills and videos without cutting corners. This camera is for those who put much emphasis on motion content as they do on still photos.

It is the best mirrorless camera for recording video than most camcorders and it shoots stills, too. The Lumix GH5 has the following features; a 20.3 Megapixel micro four-thirds sensor with no low pass filter to capture sharp images with a high dynamic range and artifact.

Freezeproof to 10 degrees the durable magnesium alloy body withstands heavy use in the field; Splash/dustproof construction with weather sealing on every joint, dial and button.5 axis dual image stabilization corrects all lenses, including classic lenses not equipped with O. I. S, to eliminate Blur and nearly eliminate body and lens shake in both photo and 4K video recording.

Records silky smooth 4K 60P/50P (QFHD 4K: 3840 x 2160/ MOV or MP4) video with internal 4: 2: 2 10 bit 4K video recording, Plus exclusive 6K photo and 4K post focus records photos up to 60Fps. 3.5-millimeter audio port, connect to devices with USB 3.0, an external monitor or external Recorder with a full-size HDMI port; Available Twin SD card slots (UHS-II U3 Compatible)

Lumix GH5 It’s great for photos, video, and has cool features. It has a post focus feature which is great. The other best thing you can find in this camera is high frame rate capabilities and the uncompressed video. It can be used for interviews, professional photoshoots, studio work, and music videos.

 

7. Best  Digital Camera Overall: FujiFilm X-T4

To buy: Amazon

FujiFilm X-T4

The X-T4 is a  high-performance camera. It’s good for enthusiast photographers, or anyone looking for a one-size-fits-all camera. 

This camera is the definition of elegant styling that meets high-tech performance.  X-T4 has a powerful image-making tool that offers professional photo and video functionality that can be quickly and easily accessed at the flick of a switch. X-T4 offers five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization, autofocus sensitivity down to -6EV, and Full HD/240p super slow-motion video recording.

It also provides improved AF tracking performance and enhanced battery life compared to X-T3, along with a new mechanical shutter that is capable of making images at 15 frames per second and 300,000 actuation. High-resolution movie footage can be made at DCI 4K/60p in 10-bit color, while the addition of a newly designed optional.

Vertical Battery Grip uses two extra batteries to provide nearly 2,000 still frames before needing to recharge. X-T4 is the ultimate camera for hybrid image-makers who want the versatility to make the most of their creativity.

 

Africa, Culture, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures,

9 Best Beaches in Africa To Visit

Whether you’re taking a trip from Africa for some business,  safari tour,  a romantic honeymoon, or just a vacation the other best thing you can do is to have a  chilled beach relaxation on those of the magnificent beaches in the world.  

With clear turquoise water, so many stretches of white sand and different activities to choose from, it’s hard to choose the best beach in Africa.

Here is some guide to nine best beaches in Africa for swimming, kite diving, snorkeling, wakeboarding, sunbathing, and enjoying beautiful beach resorts. (in no particular order).

1. Nungwi Beach- Zanzibar, Tanzania

island

Nungwi Beach is located in the northernmost tip of Zanzibar and is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Zanzibar.

Nungwi has amazing white coral sand that seems to glow after nightfall. In 2014, Nungwi Beach was on  CNN’s list of 100 best beaches. Also in 2018, it made it to the list of Top 25 Beaches in the World in TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards. 

There are numerous beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars that offer a variety of night-time entertainment. Nungwi’s extensive coastline is wide open for diving, swimming, and snorkeling in some of Africa’s most pristine, reef-rich waters.

It’s one of the rare beaches untroubled by severe undulations of high and low tides, making it perfect for all-day water activities. You can also see green turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks, and enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow sailing boat.

 

Best Place to Stay in Zanzibar  

Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar,  located on Nungwi Beach beautiful white sand and crystalline turquoise water that makes it a paradise. 

This place offers inclusive holidays/vacations with exclusive services of RIU Hotels and Resorts.   The rooms are very sophisticated and are notable for their designs and spaciousness. 

All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV,  Minibar, and balcony/terrace. For those who prefer more privacy, there are villas with private pools.

Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel, main and theme restaurants. The hotel is  66km (41 miles ) from the airport. Also, there is a spa with a variety of treatments, beauty salons, and massages.

 

2. Anse Source D’Argent  -La Digue, Seychelles 

brown rocks near body of water

Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Anse Source D’Argent is an Adventureland and is suitable for adults and children and is one of the most popular beaches of the 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.  

The beach is located on La Digue Island and is one of Seychelle’s most famous attractions. Famous for its reef-sheltered, crystal clear water and otherworldly granite boulders.

It’s also famous for having been used in several prominent commercial shoots and films, including movies such as  Castaway by Tom Hanks and the famous Bacardi Ad of the 1990s.  

The beach can only be accessed through privately-owned plantation L’Union Estate with an entrance fee of 100 rupees, ( US$7.40) that is valid all day. 

The beach is very popular so that it can get crowded with visitors.  It will be better to visit early in the morning and return in the late afternoon to avoid many of the island’s day visitors if you don’t like the crowd.

Best Place to Stay in Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles 

La Digue Island Lodge, this is one of the most unique and vintage establishments of Seychelles – surrounded by a lush green environment and a private stretch of beach.

The hotel is a time-honored establishment with its iconic Yellow House that transcends the island’s traditions and way of life. The unique beachside setting boasts magnificent vistas of the neighboring islands and beautiful crystalline waters where colorful sunsets paint the skies daily.

The hotel offers a lot of activities and leisure such as Spa, excursions & sightseeing, walk & trails, and fishing. Also, there are five different restaurants to choose from.

3. Grand Baie, Mauritius

people by the beach during daytime

Grand Baie is a  large tourist beach located in the district of Rivière du Rempart at the north of Mauritius. This resort town is the most popular holiday/vacation destination in Mauritius.

Grand Baie offers facilities for safe swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and water skiing.  It is also the departure point for deep-sea fishing trips and boat excursions to the islands to the north of Mauritius. There is good accommodation, bars, and restaurants, 

Best Place to Stay Grand Baie, Mauritius

The Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers Resort Its two idyllic beaches are protected from the wind and lined by former colonial houses with thatched roofs.

Glide across the turquoise lagoon on your waterskis, then enjoy some time for yourself in the Zen infinity pool. Embark in a family diving adventure among coral reefs and swordfishes.

Savor the delights of a tasting workshop led by one of France’s top wine sommeliers.

 

4. Nosy Be, Madagascar

two brown wooden armchairs on beach during daytime

 

Nosy Be Island is Madagascar’s number one beach destination.  It has turquoise water, soft white, and don’t forget the wonderful seafood.

Nosy Be is the best place for water activities such as diving which is a famous activity there.  Plenty of swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing. There are also excursions to the surrounding islands. 

Best place to stay in Nosy Be Island

Anjiamarango Beach Resort Hotel, located near a small village of Befotaka 20 minutes from Fascene International Airport.

The hotel has 35 individual bungalows that are facing the sea which gives you a breathtaking view. 

There are a French & Malagasy cuisine restaurant and a lot of activities to do such as outing in the sea in kayaks, traditional fishing, scuba diving, and many more.

 

5. Saly Beach, Senegal

brown wooden shed surrounded body of water

Saly beach is located in the seaside town of Saly- Portudal,  50 miles from Dakar the capital of Senegal, and its 15 minutes away from Blaise Diagne International Airport.

The area has high-class luxurious hotels, casinos, and golf courses. This place attracts many tourists with its long arching beach, and palm-fronded hotel -restaurants. Saly beach has a lot of activities such as windsurfing, jet ski,  and sport fishing.

Best Place to Stay in Saly-Portudal

Lamantin Beach Resort & Spa, this is the largest seaside resort in West Africa. Built-in local style with a flowery garden and coconut trees around the area that is one of the things makes the resort popular.  The resort offers both land and water activities.

 

6. Camps Bay Beach, South Africa

brown mountain near body of water during daytime

 

Camp Bay beach is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It’s the campground for beachgoers. The beautiful Camp Bay beach is surrounded with its white-sand beaches,  hiking trails, and beachfront restaurants serving seafood and local wines, best enjoyed while watching a  colorful sunset. 

Don’t forget a lot of activities such as volleyball, beach bats, frisbees, etc.

Best Place to Stay in Cape Town

The Twelve Apostles dramatically located above the Atlantic Ocean, flanked by majestic Twelve  Apostles and   Table Mountain, our award-winning hotel offers luxurious rooms and exquisite dining experiences.

Savor seafood and fine dining at Azure Restaurant, enjoy delicious cocktails and breath-taking sunsets at The Leopard Bar, and luxuriate in our holistic spa with stunning outdoor gazebos

7. Bazaruto-Mozambique

green-leafed plant

Bazaruto Islands are located in Mozambique and are known for their unspoiled beauty and diverse ecologies. Its magnificent coral reefs are home to more than 2000 fish species as well as whales and dolphins.

There are a lot of activities to do in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Such as the diving and snorkeling in the Bazaruto Marine National Park,  kayaking and parasailing.

For those visitors who would just like to get away from it, all will find Bazaruto just the place to relax, sip cocktails, and indulge in a delicious seafood beach dinner or perhaps sail away on a dhow for a castaway picnic.

Best Place to Stay in Anantara Bazaruto Island

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, seats on the Indian Ocean coastline is an aqua playground immersed in brilliant watercolor. Breathtaking views, rolling dunes melt into the ocean.

Here you can swim with dolphins and experience the annual migration of humpback whales from July to September. The resort offers several activities like world-class diving, sailing, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, sunset dune boarding, sunset sail, and award-winning Anantara Spa.

 

8. Santa Maria, Sal – Cape Verde

people on beach during daytime

The fishing town of  Santa Maria is located in Cape Verde,  has beautiful beaches and lively evenings. It is a hot vacation destination. Santa Maria beach is a perfect place to admire the natural beauty.

You can soak up some sun in the afternoon in those golden sand and hit the bars and restaurants in the area. If you happen to visit in mid-September you will be able to enjoy their music festival.

 

Best Place to stay in Santa Maria, Cape Verde

Meliá Dunas Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury all-inclusive pool and beach resort. Located overlooking a coral reef with rich sea life. The tropical gardens make this place a paradise

The best place to watch the sunset, a good place to have fun with kids at the water park, relaxing at the Yhi Spa and enjoying exquisite cuisine in their fine restaurant.  The resort is a great destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing and scuba diving. 

 

9. Essaouira- Morocco

white concrete building near sea during daytime

The whitewashed and windswept coastal town of Essaouira is located in Morocco. This place has been a tourist attraction for so long.

There are long expanses of white sand backed by the dunes and a stretch of argan trees which gives a unique feeling. Its endless expanse of pristine Atlantic beach makes it a paradise for surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers.  

Best Place to Stay in Essaouira

Villa Quieta Essaouira, this former family place will take your breath away with its traditional architecture mixed with modern comfort.

While there you can enjoy its outdoor swimming pool located in a large garden. There are a lot of activities such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, etc.

 

Fashion, Lifestyle, Uncategorized,

Top 10 Best Mother’s Day Gifts – Last Minute Ideas

Mother’s day is around the corner and this year will be unique, it will be different from how we use to celebrate Mother’s day. Due to lockdown and social distancing, we won’t be able to make restaurant reservations to have a brunch or dinner with our mothers. We wont to take those trips or weekend gateways, a day at the spa, etc.  

In short, this year’s celebration is going to look and feel very different from previous years, and so will our memories of it. But despite all this pandemic crisis all over the world, we still got many opportunities to give our mothers a thoughtful gift.   Here are the best Mother’s Day gift ideas we can give to our lovely mothers despite the impact of  COVID-19.

1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1

To Buy: Amazon.com

This is a perfect gift for moms since they are spending most of the time at home they can use this time to cook and try different recipes they always want to but they don’t have time. Not only that its something they will cherish forever not only during lockdown but also when we resume in our normal life because of its a lifesaver for busy moms. 

  • It cooks fast and saves time it has  multi-cooker combines 7 appliances in one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer  and cooks up to 70% faster
  • Consistently Delicious: 14 one-touch Smart Programs put cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more on autopilot – with tasty results
  • Easy to clean, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel lid and components and accessories are dishwasher safe
  • Comes with plenty of recipes from free Instant Pot app on iOS and Android devices, loaded with hundreds of recipes for any cuisine to get you started on your culinary adventure.

 

2. Personalized Picture  Frame

To buy: Amazon.com

This is one of the thoughtful gifts for mother’s day. It’s something that will always be there and not easy to forget. You can personalize it and create it in the way you want it.

  • This 5×7 frame you can personalize it with your favorite photo. It also includes a heartfelt poem on the left side and a place to show off the perfect mother-daughter or mother-son picture on the right. Use a current photo or an old photo that brings back a treasured memory to bring a smile to your mom’s face every time she sees it. Note: The 3/8″ mat will make the visible portion of the photo smaller than 5×7.
  • Give you multi-display options with the bi-fold design, these picture frames can be displayed either standalone on a tabletop, desk, or shelf by bending the frame at the hinge, or they can open flat to be easily hung on any wall with the brackets located on the back. This makes it simple to display in any area of your mom’s home or office. The large, clear font of the poem, makes it easily legible from a distance, and the pops of color brighten up the decor in any room.
  • This picture frame has quality materials and packaging. It made of real paulownia wood, not cheap fiberboard or manufactured wood, and paired with high-quality card stock and mat for an elegant keepsake that can be displayed and cherished forever. The frames are thoroughly packaged in a thick gift box, bubble bag, and extra padding to prevent damage and broken glass during shipment and ensure your presents make it to you or your loved one safely.

3. Tile Mate

To buy: Amazon.com

Moms do it all but sometimes they need some help to make their life easier. After she attaches Tile Mate to her keys, she can use the corresponding app on her phone to track ’em down when she inevitably misplaces them.

  • The new tile mate is our versatile finder for everyday things; Ideal for individuals and families who want a cost-effective tracker for multiple items
  • You can ring your things by using  your smartphone to make your tile ring when you misplace your things within 200 feet Bluetooth range
  • Can’t find your phone? Simply double press the Tile button on your tile to make your phone ring, even when it’s on silent
  •  The Tile app remembers when and where you left something behind
  •  If you lose your tile, you can anonymously recruit the entire tile community to help you find it; The Tile app running on their phones will send location updates to your app, letting only you know where your Tile Mate is
  • Battery life: replaceable CR1632 battery is guaranteed for one year from activation; You can easily replace it yourself

4. Charcuterie Board Set

To buy:  Amazon.com

Sometimes moms need to entertain some friends and family.  This is a charcuterie board set is perfect for entertaining comes with  4 ceramic bowls server plate which holds dips, olives, and other garnishes. It comes also with  4 knives.  

  • This acacia wood cheese board set includes 4 bowls and 4 knives to hold and slice all kinds of cheese types and charcuterie. Your luxurious parties won’t be the same without it.
  •  Meticulously crafted for upscale parties and lavish dinners. Let your guests marvel at your beautiful table setting along with the mouth-watering food you prepared.
  • Thanks to its wide 13 inches diameter, this acacia wood cheese cutting tray has all the room you’ll need for crackers, serving utensils, and cutlery for cheese and meat.
  • The 4 ceramic bowls in our slate cheese board set help you sort various kinds of side dishes, fruits, crackers, nuts, and meats while keeping them neatly arranged.
  • Made of heavy-duty stainless steel, our cheese knives can seamlessly slice hard, soft and semi-hard cheeses while preserving their original shape. Easy storage and cleaning.

 

5. Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

To buy: Amazon.com

This is a very useful mug, it’s not a regular mug that’s why it makes a perfect gift for mother’s day. Once she programs this app-controlled mug with her ideal sipping temperature, it’ll keep her drink nice and warm, even if she poured it two hours ago and forgot to drink it.

  • There’s extended battery life on your temperature control mug keeps your drink perfectly hot for up to 1.5 hours on a single charge—or all day on the included newly redesigned charging coaster. Choose the exact temperature you prefer (between 120°F – 145°F).
  • This smart mug allows you to control your smartphone. Pair with the Ember App to set your temperature, customize presets, receive notifications, and more.
  • The Ember heated mug intelligently senses when to turn on and off. The mug enters sleep mode when empty and wakes up when it senses movement or liquid.
  • This stainless steel coffee mug with an updated scratch-resistant ceramic coating is safe to hand wash. Ember Mug 2 is IPX7 rated and fully submersible up to 1 meter deep.
  • Ember’s 1-year warranty and 30-day return program were valid only for purchases “Sold By” Ember Technologies or Amazon. Ember Technologies is the only authorized reseller for Ember products on Amazon. Warranty not valid for any other third-party resellers on Amazon.

6.Enamel on Steel Vintage Tea Kettle

To buy: Amazon.com

This tea kettle sure looks great on any tea-loving mom’s stove. It comes in different colors this sure will make perfect mother’s day gift.

  • This Tea kettle is the definition of traditional design meets contemporary style, sought-after look inspired by traditional kettle designs of the past which have matching enamel lids
  • One-piece body construction eliminates an interior seam and prevents rust; premium “boiler” enamel on the interior provides extra durability for long-term performance
  • Chantal enamel is fired at high temperatures to create a smooth, glossy finish that is guaranteed not to fade and is easy to clean
  • Wide opening lid for easy cleaning and fill
  • Conical spout with a one-tone whistle; Comfortable black stay-cool handle and knob
  • Wide flat bottom facilitates rapid boiling; Perfect for all stovetops including magnetic Induction
  • 1.7-quart capacity

7. Bamboo Bathtub Tray & Bed Laptop Desk with Foldable Legs

To buy:  Amazon.com

This is perfect for a mother’s day gift. It helps her to relax and enjoy her “mommy time” while taking a bubble bath etc.

  • Spice up your romantic life even in the bathtub! Perfectly designed with two side trays and an extendable handle to fit the two of you. Enjoy a romantic time together during anniversaries, birthdays & honeymoons.
  • This high-quality bathtub tray has a top-class antique design with a classy wood finish has made this product to become awesome furniture to fill your space. With its adjustable, 2 foldable legs, you can transform the bathtub tray into a lovely bed tray.
  • Blend your bathing area with some quality furniture art with this unique bathtub tray. Our product is made from pure bamboo material that is 100% eco-friendly. Bamboo is ideal for making this modish piece of furniture due to its high durability.

8. All-new Kindle Oasis – Now with adjustable warm light

To buy: Amazon.com

This Amazon’s Kindle Oasis is waterproof, comes with the highest resolution display, and is linked to Audible so that you can listen to audiobooks. It also comes in a different color.

  • Its the best 7″, 300 ppi flush-front Paperwhite display.
  • Adjustable warm light to shift screen shade from white to amber.
  • Waterproof (IPX8) so you can read in the bath or by the pool.
  • Thin and light ergonomic design with page turn buttons.
  • Reads like real paper with the latest e-ink technology for fast page turns.
  • Instant access to millions of books, newspapers, and audiobooks.
  • Works with Audible – pair with Bluetooth headphones or speakers to switch seamlessly between reading and listening.

 

9. Philips SmartSleep HF3520/60 Wake-Up Light Therapy Alarm Clock with Colored Sunrise Simulation and Sunset Fading Night Light

To buy:Amazon.com

This alarm clock is the best it eases awake in the morning by mimicking the rising sun while providing a slow, gentle progression from a barely-there golden glow to a bright. 

  • Light therapy lamp and natural sunrise alarm clock for improving your sleep, energy, and well being
  • Philips’ #1 best-selling wake up light alarm clock. Only Philips wake- up lights are clinically proven to help you wake up feeling more refreshed
  • Relax and drift off to sleep with dimming sunset and sounds. The colored sunrise simulation alarm clock wakes you gradually with a natural light lamp and a speaker that plays a choice of 5 wakes up sounds or FM radio with a tap to snooze
  • New PowerBackUp+ feature maintains internal clock settings and back-up alarm for at least 8 hours in the event of power failure
  • 90 Day No-Hassle Money Back Guarantee from Philips and can be used as a bedside reading lamp with 10 brightness settings
  • Power Output: 12Watt ; Voltage: 100/240 Volt ; Cord length: 150 cm

 

10. Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat

To buy: Amazon.com

This is the best gift for moms who like yoga or they want to practice yoga. With this  Manduka ProLite Yoga might you can use it anywhere and is very comfortable. The best thing is available in different colors so you can choose your favorite or the color that matches your environment.

  • High performance in a lightweight form
  • Zero-waste, sustainable yoga mat
  • Superior wear and longevity
  • 100% latex-free, and safe to use for people with latex sensitivities
  • OekoTex certified, emissions-free manufacturing

 

Culture, Lifestyle, Music, Travel,

Happy International Dance Day 2020 | Most Popular Dance Styles

April 29th is a global celebration of dance,  the day is known as International Dance Day. One can wonder why the celebration is on April 29. Well, the event takes place on this day every year because is the anniversary of the birth of JeanGeorges Noverre (1727–1810), the creator of modern ballet. The day strives to encourage participation and education in dance through events and festivals held on this date all over the world.  Its also a celebration day for those who can see the value and importance of the art of dance.

Usually, on this day the outstanding dance personality is selected by International Theatre Institute to write a message for International Dance Day. There’s also a Gala celebration event in a selected host city, at which there are dance performances, educational workshops, humanitarian projects, and speeches made by ambassadors, dignitaries, dance personalities, and the selected Message Author for that year.

In honor of celebrating this day, we want to showcase some of the dance styles around the world. Here we go;

Salsa-Cuba

Man and Woman Dancing

Salsa is a Latin dance originated in the 1960s in  New York City strongly influenced by Latin American culture. Salsa is a result of the combining of  Cuban dances that were popular in the ballrooms and nightclubs of Havana by the end of the 1950s.  Developed by Puerto Ricans living in New York in the late 1960s and early 1970s. There is a distinct salsa style from different regions of Latin America and the United States. Salsa dance socials are commonly held in nightclubs, bars, ballrooms, restaurants, and festivals.

 

Breakdance- United States 

Dancing Man Among Crowd

Breakdance also is known as b-boying/b-girling or breaking is a style of the street from the United States. African American youths created this dance in the early 1970s, by the late 70s, it started to spread to other communities and gained popularity. Breakdance mainly consists of four kinds of movement: top rock downrock, power moves, and freezes. Breakdancing usually plays set to songs containing hip hop funk, soul music with drum breaks, and electronic music that utilizes breaks also known as breakbeats.

 

Bollywood Dance-India

man and girl dancing

Well if you are a fan of Bollywood movies and watch those dancing scenes, that dance you see is what known as  Bollywood dance.  Bollywood dance is usually used in Indian Bollywood films. There are different styles used in executing this dance. The mix of different dancing styles such as Indian folk, jazz, belly dancing, kathak, western popular, and many more.  Bollywood dancing has gained wide recognition around the world due to his well-executed choreography.

 

Flamenco-Spain

woman wearing red-and-brown long-sleeved dress standing on stage

Flamenco dance is a famous dancing style that originated in Spain. Its a very highly-expressive dancing style based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain. The flamenco is usually performed solo features hand clapping, percussive footwork, and detailed body movements. The dance is usually accompanied by a singer and guitar player.

 

Belly Dance-The Middle East

female belly dancer performing

 

Belly dance is an expressionist and impressive style of dance that originated from Egypt and spread all over the Middle East.  Belly dance emphasizes the complex movements of the torso. The belly dancing style and costume can be different depending on the country. 

 

Tango-Argentina

dancing man and woman

Tango is a social and partner dance that originated in the 1880s  in Rio de la Plata the border between  Argentina and Uruguay. This dance style is the combination of African Candombe Spanish-Cuban  Habanera and Argentinian  Milonga.

Samba-Brazil

 

Samba is a rhythmical lively dance of  Afro-Brazilian. Samba was created by African people in Brazil from the music and dance culture they brought from Africa. In other ways,  we can say Samba is originated in Africa. Samba music is influenced by Angolan and  Latin American music genres and dances. Samba is the most predominant dance style in Brazil and plays a big part during the festivals or Carnival.

women dancing samba music

 

Culture, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures, Uncategorized,

10 Happiest Cities In The World

March 20th is the  International Day of Happiness. Unfortunately, this year we are facing a global crisis that is dealing with  Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID19).

Sometimes good or positive news can make us feel better or get some sort of relief and here are some of the good vibes news which  The annual World Happiness Report has shared with the world on International Day of Happiness.

For the first time, The  World Happiness Report 2020 ranks the happiest cities around the world base on their subjective well being, social life, urban and natural environment The report shows the top ten cities are dominated by Scandinavian countries and only two United States cities made it into the top 10.

1. Helsinki-Finland

white and blue mosque among buildings

Helsinki is the largest and capital city in Finland is the home of 1.4 million people.  Located in the northernmost corner of Europe but it is an easy hub to reach with fast flight connections from East to West.

Helsinki has one of the highest urban standards of living in the world. The city has a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands and great green urban areas.

The Helsinki Archipelago consists of over 300 mesmerizing islands. The rhythm of Helsinki is laid-back and the city is easily approachable. 

The public transportation system is one of the best in the world and it is also easy to walk and bike everywhere. Helsinki is wonderful and unique, it has dynamic food, design, architecture and famous for its sauna scenes. 

 

2. Aarhus-Denmark

aerial photo of building

Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark.  It is located on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula, in the geographical center of Denmark. As of 2017, Aarhus is the home to 336,411 people.

Aarhus is at the cultural and economic center of the region and the largest center for trade, services, industry, and tourism in Jutland.

The city is known for its musical history and its home to the famous annual eight-day  Aarhus Jazz Festival. In 2017, Aarhus was the European Capital of Culture.

3. Wellington -New Zealand

city buildings near body of water

Wellington is the capital city and second-most populous urban area of  New Zealand. As of June 2019, the city has a population of 210,400. 

The major contributor to the city’s economy is tourism. The city is a popular conference tourism destination due to its compact nature, cultural attractions, award-winning restaurants and access to government agencies.

4. Zurich-Switzerland

landscape photo of cityscape

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland located in north-central Switzerland.  Zurich is a home of 1,395,000 people. Zurich is known as one of the world’s financial principal center or banking city because is home of a large proportion of banks and financial institutions. It, also known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Zurich has been famous for luxurious lifestyles, high-end shopping, and fancy watches.  However, despite being the most expensive city and it is still ranked as one of the best cities to live in the world and one of the happiest cities in the world.

5. Copenhagen-Denmark

two gray and black boats near dock

 

Copenhagen is the capital and most populous city of  Denmark. As of 1 January 2020, the city had a population of 794,128. Copenhagen like many other Scandinavian cities is a unique city,  known for its cycling culture, a strong economy, its shorter workdays, free college tuition, and more vacation days.

6. Bergen-Norway

town during daytime

Bergen is a second-largest city in Norway. It is located on the west coast of Norway, as of 2019 the city as a population of 283,929. The city is known for being an international center for aquaculture, the offshore petroleum industry, and subsea technology.

Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture.  The city has the ideal combination of nature, culture and exciting urban life all year round. In Bergen, you can also enjoy some of the finest seafood restaurants a lot of activities to do and attractions to see. 

7. Oslo- Norway

group of people on top of building

Oslo is is the capital and most populous city of  Norway. The city is home to 693,491 people. Oslo is the economic and governmental center of Norway. The city is also a hub of Norwegian trade, banking, industry, and shipping.

Oslo is known for its beautiful nature and landscaping and a significant amount of oil.  According to several and UN reports it shows that the city of Oslo is of the best place to live in the world. Because of the highest Human Development Index and the lowest unemployment rate in the world.

8. Tel Aviv-Israel

people on seashore under gray sky during daytime

Tel Aviv is the second-most populous and largest city in Israel, first being Jerusalem. The city has a population of 4,181,000 as of 2020. Tel Aviv fourth-largest economy in the Middle East and has the 31st highest cost of living in the world. The city is the center of economy, culture and the media of Israel.

The fast way to get around the city by bike, Tel Aviv has more than 25 miles of bike paths.  Tel Aviv is small and crowded, by car you will probably find yourself stuck in traffic most hours of the day it feels every hour is a rush hour, so bikes will do you good in the city.

9. Stockholm-Sweden

photo of brown high-rise building

Stockholm is the capital and most populous city in  Sweden it also is the cultural, media, political, and economic center of Sweden. As of  2020 Stockholm’s population is 1,633,000. The city is known as one of the most inclusive and welcoming cities in the world. It also combines modern attractions with historic charm.

10. Brisbane-Australia

city skyline under clear blue sky during daytime

Brisbane is the capital of and the most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland.  As of 2020, the city has a population of over 2.4 million which ranks it the 3rd most populous city in Australia.

Brisbane is famous for its amazing climate that is perfect all year round. Usually its summer and winter, summer temperature can be higher 91F(33C) and winter temperature can be lower  68F(20C) it’s rare to go below 68F.

Please tell us your opinion.

Did you city make it to the top 10?

Culture, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures, Uncategorized,

7 Travel Television Shows To Binge Watch

Many people around the world have been practicing social distancing, these means no school, no work/work from home and no traveling. People are trying to be creative and do things to stay active. For those who like  to watch TV or like to get some traveling inspiration here are the best travel TV shows you can binge-watch at this time :

 

1. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Parts Unknown

Credit: CNN

 

 

This is an American award-winning travel and food show used to be on  CNN which premiered on April 14, 2013. In the show, the late Anthony Bourdain who was the show’s host travels the world uncovering lesser-known places and exploring their cultures and cuisine. The show is an eye-opener like the name of the show states  “parts unknown” you will be able to explore places you have never hear about it or know they exist. Cultures and cuisines that you have no idea exist. because The show has 12 seasons and was on from April 14, 2013 –November 11, 2018. It’s available on  Netflix, Amazon Video and On-demand streaming.

2.Rick Steves’ Europe

Rick Steves' Europe | PBS

Credit: PBS

This travel documentary show premiered  September 3rd, 2000 on Public Television(PBS). The show is hosted by American travel writer and television personality  Rick Steves. In the show, Steve travels across the continent of Europe, documenting his experiences along the way from big cities to small towns. All you need to know about Europe’s culture, traditions,  food, etc this is your show. The show is available on Amazon video and still airs on PBS.

 

3. The Amazing Race

About The Amazing Race - TV Show Information - CBS.com

Credit: CBS

 

Its an  American reality competition show in which teams are racing around the world. The race is generally split into twelve legs, with each leg requiring teams to get clues, navigate themselves in foreign areas, interact with locals, perform physical and mental challenges. The team of two travel using different types of transportation such as flights, boats, taxis, and public transportation all depends on where they and the limited budget provided by the show. The last team standing wins US$1 million. This show makes you curious about destinations, gives you ideas on where else you want to go and also entertaining. The show premiered on September 5th, 2001 and still running on CBS. You can also catch t on Hulu, Amazon video, On-demand, etc.

 

4. Samantha Brown’s Great Weekend.

Samantha Brown's Great Weekends | GAC

Credit: Travel Channel

This  TV show airs on Travel channels hosted by Samantha Brown. On the show Samantha travels to various locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe and describes her experiences and provides tips in staying in hotels, eating in restaurants and participating in local activities. This is a good idea for those who like weekend gateways. The show episodes are available on iTunes and on  Amazon Video. Nearly all episodes are available on-demand for free streaming 

 

5.Not Your Average Travel Guide

Not Your Average Travel Guide - Wikipedia

Credit: Travel Channel

It is a travel show which airs on Travel Channel, the show premiered on November 17th, 2006.  It has seven different hosts who call themselves “Travel Guides”, who are Bill Delano, Brian Knappenberger, Carrie Lederer, Kate Ward, Shane O, Joseph Van Harken, and Brad Hasse. The show features a specific city in each episode and gives an unconventional personal tour. They have several segments which provide small travel tips and facts, such as history, how to get around, where to eat, culture & vulture, what’s happening, and more. The shoe is available on Travel channels, youtube, and other online streaming.

 

6. Departures

Departures (TV Series 2008– ) - IMDb

Credit: Departures

Departures is an award-winning and inspiring travel television show hosted by  Scott Wilson who is also a co-creator and Justin Lukach accompanied by their friend and cameraman, Andre Dupuis. Departures showcase the revelations of two travelers who strive to find themselves and new perspectives while trekking across the world. The show is about the journey, rather than just the destinations. A lot of unique experiences through some of the most beautiful and remote places on earth. By watching this show you will able to see epic landscapes and unforgettable cultures. The show is available on iTunes and Amazon Video.

 

7. Globe  Trekker

Globe Trekker - Pilot Productions - Travel, Explore, Learn

Credit: Globe Trekker

Globe Trekker is a British adventure tourism TV show. The show was inspired by the LonelyPlanet travel books and premiered in  1994. The show takes viewers to unforgettable and magnificent destinations through its photography, rhythmic indigenous music, and spirit of adventure. Each episode has different hosts who call themselves travelers.  They get into the local culture, sample the cuisine and revel in breathtaking vistas. While keeping with their aim of “living as the locals do,” the show hosts Ian Wright, Justine Shapiro, Zay Harding, Megan McCormick, and others explore everything from big-city landmarks to exotic sights in remote villages. The show is available online streaming, VUDU, Amazon Video, etc.

Business, Culture, Lifestyle, Travel,

How To Travel Without Traveling In This Coronavirus (covid-19) Crisis Time

What Travel Lovers Can Do During Coranavirus Lockdowns

Many people had to cancel their travel plans due to COVID-19 (CoronaVirus). Many places have been shut down such as airports, movie theaters, shopping malls, schools, restaurants there is nothing to do other than staying at home.  As a traveler somehow you feel like you are missing out and go through all the cancellation of planned trips that can be overwhelming. 

Not just that coronavirus outbreak is ravaging the lives of those infected but it is also claiming the jobs of those in travel and hospitality industry.

Well, now that’s out of the way…

What does it mean to you and how can you still enjoy the piece travel from the leisure of your home during covid-19 pandemic?

There are several things you can do to make you feel like you are traveling again, in other words, we can say you can travel without traveling.

Learn A New language

Is there any language you will like to speak but you did not have time to learn? Or a country you plan to visit and English it’s not the first language? Well, it’s easy to do that because there are many resources available which can help you. 

You can take time and learn from apps like Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, Busuu and many more. Also, if you are not into apps there is another option.

You can check out your local library online, they usually have resources for learning different languages all you need is to have a membership. Another option you can check on the Department of State’s website they provide resources. 

Virtual Tours

This one is good and can be a motivation to visit a place.  You can use Google Earth to have a virtual tour of a place you want to visit, it can be fun and also you can gain some little information.  The good news is, you can have virtual tours of some museums around the world. The museums which provide virtual tours are:

  •                   The Guggenheim Museum, New York
  •                    Rijks Museum, Amsterdam
  •                    Tate Britain, London
  •                    La Galleria Nazionale, Rome
  •                    The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
  •                    Museo Frida Kahlo, Mexico City
  •                    Detroit Institute of Arts
  •                   The Art Institute of Chicago
  •                    Georgia O’Keefe Museum, Santa Fe
  •                   The National Museum, New Delhi
  •                  The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
  •                   Uffizi Gallery, Florence
  •                   Museum of Modern Art, MoMA, New York
  •                   Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Research

This will be the best time to research for your next trip. You can use this time to think or plan where you want to go. Searching for accommodation, transportation and things to do. You can research if you can get good travel deals for your future travels.

Read Travel Books or Magazines

Take time and read travel books and magazines to get more inspiration. Books like  “The Alchemist “ by Paulo Coelho, “Unlikely Destinations” by Tony and Maureen Wheeler, and many more. When it comes to magazines there are a lot of them like Travel & Leisure magazine, Conde Nast, National Geographic and many more. I’m sure reading will inspire you more and will make you excited about your future plans. 

Work on your photography skills.

This is another good activity to do, you can drive around your city, I’m sure you haven’t been everywhere around your city or home town. Take some pictures of different places to create an album trying to edit them etc. This is a good practice, especially for photographers.

Find Something New

Well, this can be something to talk about, you can join a Facebook group with the same interest as yours and talk with people around the world with the same interest but different experiences.

You can learn and share ideas with them. Check out and listen to some podcasts about traveling and travelers.

Try New International Cuisine

Unleash your inner chef, have you ever seen a dish and you want to try maybe some BottargaGazpacho or Baklava? This will be the time when you can find recipes of any cuisine around the world and make and enjoy it. Some recipes can be complicated but that is what makes it a fun activity.

Binge on Travel TV

Shows such as  Parts Unknown by  Anthony Bourdain, No passport required by  Marcus Samuelsson, Dark Tourist, Rick Steve’s Europe, If you can scroll more on Travel Channel, PBS, Netflix, etc. Many travelers get their inspiration from watching travel shows and documentaries . Give your curiosity or want to know more about the amazing places

Final Thoughts

Lets bring all this together and realize that during times like these our creative and curious minds are more likely to appreciate small things the world has to offer. This is time for curiosity, planning for future travels and adventures.

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