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5 Resources For Interior Design Inspiration

Redesigning your home is a fun-filled process, a chance to experiment with some new styles and inject your personality into your home, but along the way, you’ll likely need some advice and inspiration… CONTINUE READING >> 

Redesigning your home is a fun-filled process, a chance to experiment with some new styles, and inject your personality into your home. Along the way, you’ll likely need some advice and inspiration, to inform your planning and ideas. To make a fab start, try these five great resources.

Interior Design Podcasts

1. Interior Design With Kandrac & Cole

For some fabulous interior design inspiration, tune in to ‘Interior Design With Kandrac & Cole’. Here you’ll learn the ins and outs of the interior design world, and plenty of news from industry events. Throughout these episodes, you’ll get the latest on interior design trends, and learn how to put these into practice for your home. Kandrac & Cole have got plenty of wisdom to share, including episodes such as ‘12 Easy Updates You Can Make To Your Home,’ ‘Your Design Dilemmas’, and ‘How The Pandemic Will Change The American Home.’

2. Affordable Interior Design

Affordable Interior Design is a podcast created by Betsy Helmuth, a renowned designer based in New York. It’s Betsy’s mission to teach her listeners that interior design doesn’t need to be super expensive. You’ll gain expert insights on plenty of different topics, including, ‘Building A Better Bedroom’, ‘Outdoor Design Tips,’ and ‘Making Your Space Your Own’. From money-saving hacks to the DIY know-how you’ll need, this show has all you need. Whether it’s choosing the right kitchen sink or the trendiest color schemes, Betsy has got plenty of wisdom to share.

Interior Design Apps

3. SmartDraw

SmartDraw is a leading software design tool, supporting both newbies and pros, with floor planning. With the SmartDraw app, you can choose from a range of floor plan examples, building materials, and furniture items. The app has many different layouts to discover, so there’s plenty to get you inspired. SmartDraw provides an extensive suite of symbols, tools, diagrams, and templates, to support any type of design project. You can use the app for either commercial or residential floor plans. The app automates and streamlines your drawing processes, meaning that it’s perfect for interior design.

4. HomeByMe

HomeByMe is an AR application, here you can preview different objects inside your home. There are many options, whether decorative objects, furniture, or Entertainment units Sydney, HomeByMe allows you to ‘test’ these items in your rooms, before making a purchase. With this application, interior design becomes fun and simple. When you can preview your design choices, you’ll ensure that you’re making the right purchases. In HBM catalog has many branded products for you to try, there’s no obligation to purchase, simply have a play around!

Interior Design Magazine

5. Architectural Digest

Last up, Architectural Digest is one of the top magazines for both architecture and interior design. Whether you’re looking for news, trends, or tips, you’ll find plenty to inspire you here. Planning out architectural changes for your home can be a little daunting, and so it’s useful to spend a little time researching the best residential architects. In the meantime, you’ll find lots of beautiful ideas in Architectural Digest!

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Sicily and The Wine District of Mount Etna


When we think about Italy, one of the first word associated with this beautiful country is food, while the second is wine….
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The beautiful island of Sicily, every year attracts an average of fourteen million holidaymakers, thanks to the immense biodiversity that it offers and the rich historical heritage.

The Mighty Mount Etna is a big attraction for millions of travellers that every year choose Sicily as a travel destination. This active volcano has been known for his spectacular eruptions for thousand of years. The first written records date back to the 7-century B.c. When the Greeks colonized this beautiful corner of the Mediterranean sea. On the last decades, this active volcano has risen to international fame as a top location in Italy for outdoor activities.

Through a series of trekking trails, people can reach the active craters up to the summit at an altitude of 3320 meters. During winter the slopes covered with snows offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy some snowboard. For Mountain bike lovers the “Altomontana Trail” is the place to enjoy the volcano on two wheels. While the proximity of the marine park of Isola Bella lengthen the list of available activities with sea kayak and stand up paddle excursions.

When we think about Italy, one of the first word associated with this beautiful country is food, while the second is wine. Some of the northern regions have been marketing their high-quality wines for a long time. We all know the Chianti from Toscany, the Valpolicella produced around Verona the city of Romeo and Juliette or the super expensive Barolo from Piemonte.

Mount Etna, the rising star of Italian wines

But Sicily? Does it even produce Wines? It is hard to know when the first production of red wine started in the island, some date it back to the 7-century B.c when the Greeks arrived in Sicily. Others think that already in the 8th-century b.c. the Phoenicians introduced the Sicilians to the nectar of the gods. The most appreciated wines of Sicily are dessert wines. The Aeolian islands produce the Malvasia, The island of Pantelleria the Passito, at the same time, the West district of Sicily has the world-famous Marsala.

And Mount Etna wines? How come they never reached the fame of their northern Italian counterparts? Well, the soil of the volcano is extremely rich in mineral, creating a complex structure hard to balance. The area around Mt. Etna is subject to severe thermic excursions up to twenty degrees in wintertime. Moreover, in the past, the lack of local expertise in the winemaking process have contributed to producing a high volume of wines with low quality.

On the last fifteen years, things have changed, A new generation of Sicilian enologist has been able to obtain some exciting wines with the best quality-price ratio in Italy. The lower flanks of the volcano now day host hundred of wineries, run by local families. The nerello mascalese and Nerello cappuccio native grapes of the volcano are blended together to produce a red wine with a complex structure but still easy to drink. Often the red wines from Mount Etna among other flavours have lots of hints of spices, chocolate and leather.

The Cataratto and Caricante grapes deliver an exciting and fresh white wine that reflect the rich mineral soil upon which they are cultivated. The wine district of mount Etna has become a big attraction for wine lovers from all over the world. The ideal place to stay in Sicily in order to enjoy the nature of mount etna while being close to the sea is either Taormina or Giardini Naxos.

A full day around the wine district of mount Etna can cost as little as €90. For that price local tour operators like Sicily Active, offers Jeep tour of the volcano, gentle trekking on Etna and a visit to a winery. The cost of the excursion includes the tasting of five wines and a three-course meal. Next time you’ll think about the Mediterranean, think Sicily. This beautiful island offers much more than you might imagine. In a single day, you can sail in the wonderful marine park of “Isola Bella”, and by lunchtime, you can seat on the flank of an active volcano for an exclusive wine tasting.

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Best Tips from Astronomers For Stargazing

Who can stop themselves from admiring the stars on a clear night sky! It does not matter whether you live in the countryside or a city; the sky gems never stop to amaze people who spend at least a moment looking at them. Some stars fans spend on devices, tools to take them nearer to the sky. If you wish, you can visit any online web site which deals in these astronomical instruments.

However, this article will enlighten you with the best tips from top astronomers for stargazing to take your amusement to the next level.

1. Get Higher

When you want to inch closer to the skies, you have to get as high as possible so that buildings or anything that tall does not get in your view. You would also want to get away from the streetlights, which, according to astronomers, stuns your darkness adaptability. They also suggest that the farther from LED streetlights, the better.

2. Go For A Red Flashlight

If you want something to lighten up your way, you should go for a flashlight with a red filter. It does not affect your eyes the way white or blue light does. If you do not have one, you can DIY with your phone by covering the flash with a red cellophane paper.

3. Know The Perfect Time To Look

The ultimate fun is when you know the perfect time to look at the sky to get the best view. A clear, humidity-free, wintery night is the time you should never miss a gaze towards the sky. It is even better when the moon is in its gibbous or crescent phase or a no moon night. However, a moon is also spectacular for city dwellers who often miss out on such views.

4. Get Yourself A Start Chart

Getting a star chart is also a fantastic way to move closer to the sly and the stars. You will be familiar with the objects you are looking at, and you will have a better understanding of where to find the stars or constellations you are seeking. Although several apps and sites have replaced charts, astronomers suggest that the old school feels better when stargazing.

5. Do Not Miss The Milky Way

Probably one of the best views of the galaxy from the planet earth is the milky way. It is utterly breathtaking if you know how to look at it. You will find it low on winter nights and high on summer skies. The appropriate time to look up is 11 pm during the summer nights from the darkest area possible with no lights as far as 20 miles.

Conclusion

So, are you already planning for your night endeavor? Well, why not. When you have something so beautiful and fantastic right on top of you and outside your window, there is no point in wasting time. Moreover, the tips from the top astronomers mentioned above will help you have a spectacular night of your life.

Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Mexico

It’s never too early to start planning your dream wedding in Mexico! Even under the current pandemic conditions, you can start preparing for your big day. In fact, the sooner the better, as the upcoming year is looking to be a big one for the wedding industry.

Combine the couples who had to put off their wedding due to Covid-19 with those who already have a wedding planned in 2021, and you have yourself a fully booked wedding season.

But before you dive into the endless ocean that is destination wedding planning, read over these tips for planning a wedding in Mexico.

Choose Your Mexico Wedding Destination

You know you have your heart set on Mexico, but have you thought about where in Mexico you want to exchange vows? One thing you’ll notice once you start looking for wedding venues in Mexico is that the country is abundant with beautiful locations. From Cabo San Lucas to Tulum to Cancun, Mexico has no shortage of dreamy destinations.

Once you have your location picked out, it will be much easier to find a suitable venue in the area. Maybe that means saying “I do,” in a cathedral, then waltzing around a ballroom in a chic hotel. Or perhaps you’d love to spend your big day on the beach and have a Resort at Pedregal wedding.

If you feel lost in the sea of options, it helps to do a little research. Check out destination wedding websites, read about other couples’ experiences, and think about what it is you’re looking for in a location. Reaching out to a wedding planner who is familiar with the potential area is also a huge help, as they know everything there is to know about a location and can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Consider the Seasons

No matter where in the world you’re planning your wedding, the weather should be on your mind. Fortunately, Mexico is known for its pleasant weather, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about what time of year you’d like to get married there. Not only because the weather may not be in your favor, but because Mexico is also known for its fiestas, holidays, and all kinds of celebrations, so you need to plan around such days.

For example, the best time to have a wedding in Cabo is in May and June because skies are clear and temperatures are comfortable. August, however, is ripe with rain and muggy conditions.

You can check out your chosen location’s weather patterns online to get a sneak peek at what to expect. You can also do simple searches for popular events and festivals happening around the time you’d like to tie the knot.

Let Your Guests Know As Soon As Possible

It’s always important to give your guests a heads up about your wedding date so they can plan accordingly. And it’s especially important when planning a destination wedding because there’s so much more that guests need to consider before they send in their RSVP.

Consider sending save-the-date cards and invitations to anyone you want to invite to your wedding in Mexico at least six to nine months in advance. This gives everyone plenty of time to think about work schedules, travel arrangements, and the like. Traveling to a different country is more of a commitment than traveling to a wedding a couple cities or states away, so giving guests plenty of time to make plans is appreciated.

It also helps to create a wedding website about your destination wedding that informs guests and keeps them updated about your big day. The more information you can give them, the better.

Hire a Destination Wedding Planner

If you decide to host your wedding somewhere like Los Cabos, hiring a Cabo San Lucas wedding planner can make a huge difference in how smoothly your destination wedding planning goes. Working alongside an established local planner will benefit you in so many ways, including:

    • Reducing the language barrier
    • Connecting you with the best vendors and venues in the area (minus all the research!)
    • Helps coordinate everything from afar (instead of trying to communicate with different vendors/venues)
    • Takes care of legal documents and travel arrangements
    • Allows you to focus on and enjoy your engagement

Trying to coordinate with handfuls of vendors (who may or may not speak English), researching the best wedding spots, and trying to wrap your head around what you may or may not need in order to get married in Mexico (plus everything else involved with wedding planning!) can be incredibly overwhelming. At some point you may even wonder if it’s worth having a destination wedding at all.

Don’t let the overwhelm stop you from having your dream wedding! Seriously consider a destination wedding planner to help you with all the big and little details of organizing an overseas celebration.

Understand the Legal Requirements

Mexico has its own requirements for getting married, and although it’s typically easy enough to obtain a marriage license, you’ll need to plan ahead. You may need to supply certain legal documents, blood tests, and paperwork before saying, “I do.”

You’ll also want to think about what kind of wedding you want to have: civil ceremony, religious, symbolic, Catholic, etc. Each has its own requirements and may or may not be official. For example, a civil ceremony is the official way to get married in Mexico and will legally change your marital status. However, a symbolic ceremony is not legally valid and will not change your status.

Stay Informed on Travel Conditions

Guests and couples alike have always had to keep certain things in mind when traveling to a wedding in Mexico, like putting important documents and valuables in the carry-on bag. But now, due to the global pandemic, there are many other considerations when it comes to traveling.

Although this won’t always be the case, at the moment you must keep up to date on what the Covid-19 situation is like in Mexico and what, if any, travel restrictions and requirements are in place.

Here, again, is where a destination wedding planner can take some of the stress off of you and your fiance. Instead of wondering what’s going on in a different country and trying to stay informed when things happen so quickly, you can hire a wedding planner who intimately knows the area and can communicate these things to you. You can then communicate relevant information to your wedding guests.

5 Tips for Moving to Pattaya, Thailand

Thailand is hands-down one of the most awesome countries to visit in Asia. But living there is even better, especially a coastal town like Pattaya…
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Thailand is hands-down one of the most awesome countries to visit in Asia. But living there is even better, especially a coastal town like Pattaya.

If you’re planning to buy or rent in Pattaya, Thailand, it’s a good idea to consider renting or investigating Pattaya properties in person before you decide on any down payments or permanent purchases of real estate. Once you have your new home all set, making a move is the easy part, and it can be low stress if you use these tips.

1) Prepare for Heat

Thailand is located south of China in Asia. So, being in this area means that it’s scorching for most of the year. With the average temperatures being between 65 -100+ degrees Fahrenheit (18-38+ Celsius), bringing cool clothing is a must. These hot temperatures in Thailand can make beach days in Pattaya beautiful and relaxing, but living there each day means you need be more conscious of your water intake, retreat to the air conditioning if you get too hot, and pack plenty of light clothing.

2) Learn the Language

The common language spoken is Thai. Sometimes, meanings and details can be lost in translation between individuals, making it hard to set up accounts, make purchases, or get around the city. But this will not be a problem if you use Certified Translation Services.

If you are planning to make a permanent move to Pattaya, learning Thai will make the transition easier and smoother for you.

3) Details about Visas and Papers­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Immigration to any country can be a long and difficult process, and Thailand is no exception. Thailand offers several types of visa based on the type of travel you are doing and the length of your stay. A good starting point for anyone wanting to move to Thailand permanently is called a Thai Elite Visa and lasts for 5 to 20 years. While this is technically a tourist visa, it will allow you to live in the country long enough to qualify for a permanent resident visa and become an official resident of Thailand.

4) Setting up your Bank Accounts

When moving to a new area permanently, switching to a local bank is wise. Banking in Thailand can be very different, and using banks from other countries will likely cost you a small fortune with foreign transaction fees. Some banks with good reputations are Bangkok Bank and the Bank of Ayudhya. Additionally, it is good to set up a service like PayPal or Transferwise on both your Thai and original bank account to manage your funds seamlessly.

5) Enjoy Every Minute

This city is one of the most beautiful in the world, with stunning beaches and amazing attractions. Once you have gotten to your new home in this city, it helps to manage stress by taking breaks from all the setup and the settling in to walk around and explore the area. With many beautiful and natural areas in Pattaya, you will never run out of places to explore and new areas to see.

Final Thoughts

Pattaya is one of Thailand’s gems, and if you are moving here, be sure to consider these tips. Knowing the language can help make setting up your accounts easy, as well as managing your money transfer between the Thai baht and your original currency. Packing for the area and having all your papers set in advance can help ease your stress while you settle into your new home.

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Domestic Violence Against Men: Spot the Signs

That friend, family member, or coworker you know whose partner seems to be belittling, controlling, and domineering may actually be a victim of domestic violence. Because women are typically the victims of this crime, many people are only familiar with the signs a woman may be abused while missing the signs that a man is being abused that are right in front of them.

I am related to someone who abuses her husband. She calls him names, humiliates him, makes him sleep on the sofa, and burns through money while never lifting a finger. When he fails to do what she wants, she smashes his prized possessions with a hammer. No one outside of her immediate family knows this because, as male abusers often do, she cut him off from his friends and family.

Unfortunately, it may be difficult to recognize the signs that a man is being abused as men are more likely to hide the fact that abuse is happening. These are some of the signs to look for if you suspect a loved one is being abused.

Statistics on Domestic Violence Against Men

According to the CDC, approximately one in 10 men experience some type of physical violence caused by an intimate partner. These incidences may include physical assault, sexual violence or, stalking. Men reported safety concerns and fear, with many developing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Almost 56 percent of men who suffer from domestic violence first experienced it before the age of 25. In addition to physical violence, nearly one in 14 men were forced to perform a sexual act and approximately 75 percent of them had the incident occur before they were 25. Around one in 17 were victims of stalking, with nearly 41 percent dealing with a stalker before the age of 25.

Physical Violence

Men may be hit, kicked, or bitten by their partner. Some partners may throw things, spit on the victim, or, like the couple I know, destroy their possessions. If the attacker is a woman or a smaller man, they may wait until the victim is asleep or attack by surprise. The abuser may use a weapon, such as an object, gun, or knife, and they may threaten or be cruel to pets and children.

Subtle Abuse

In domestic abuse against males, the abuse may be much more subtle than it is in women. It can be a man who is belittled or humiliated in front of friends, colleagues or family. They may post abusive comments on social media. An abuser may be possessive, act jealous, or accuse the victim of being unfaithful.

Colleagues, friends, or family may be told falsehoods about the victim as a way to isolate and manipulate them. The abuser may constantly threaten to leave or take the children should the abuse be reported.

LBGTQ Relationships

Domestic violence against men is also common among members of the LBGTQ community. Some signs a man is being abused include:

    • Claims law enforcement will not help someone from the LBGTQ community
    • Claims leaving the relationship will confirm members of the community are deviant
    • Tells the victim they are not “really” gay, bisexual, or transgender
    • Threats to tell others of your sexual orientation or gender identity

Why Men Don’t Leave

It is not unusual for men to remain in an abusive relationship. Many feel ashamed that they could not stand up for themselves or that they failed as a man. There are also situations where a religious belief makes it difficult to leave. Men fear that the authorities will not believe that they were abused or that their report will be minimized.

Men in a same sex relationship who have not told their family members of their sexual orientation may also remain in an abusive relationship. Just like with female victims, men can be in denial that they are actually dealing with domestic violence.

It is important to remember that men can also fall victim to domestic violence and that the signs for this type of abuse may be more subtle than when the victim is female. If you or a loved one is dealing with domestic violence, you need to take steps to protect yourself as quickly as possible.

7 Cities In South East Asia You Must Visit

Not only is South East Asia blessed with some incredible natural wonders; it’s also home to some spectacular cities. Here are just a few of the greatest cities that the subcontinent has to offer and why you should add them to your bucket list… CONTINUE READING >> 

Not only is South East Asia blessed with some incredible natural wonders; it’s also home to some spectacular cities. From ancient monuments to urban skyscrapers, you’ll find it all in South Asia’s sprawling metropolises. Below are just a few of the greatest cities that the subcontinent has to offer and why you should add them to your bucket list.

Bangkok

Thailand’s buzzing capital is probably the most popular South East Asian city to visit. It’s so popular because it has something for practically every type of tourist. For history buffs, there are an array of historic sights to explore including the lavish Grand Palace and a number of impressive ‘wats’ (temples) including Wat Pho and Wat Arun. For foodies, there’s the opportunity to try authentic Thai foods such as Pad Thai and noodle soup (ranging from mouth-watering street food for those on a budget to luxurious fine dining for those that want to splash out). Meanwhile, those that just want to party are certain to enjoy the vibrant nightlife that Bangkok has to offer. The only tourists likely to be disappointed by Bangkok are those looking for a relaxing vacation (in which case, a city really isn’t the place you should be going anyway).

Singapore

Unlike other South Eastern Asian cities, Singapore has a very orderly and Western feel to it. It’s ridiculously clean and public transport is a lot more comfortable and punctual than in other cities. It’s also the most expensive city on this list – you’ll want to set aside a larger spending budget than you would in other South East Asian cities. The city has a reputation as a global business capital and has lots of impressive skyscrapers to rival New York. There is a historic side to it that includes the Raffles Hotel and Fort Canning Park, but it’s the futuristic modern sights that set it apart such as Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay. Don’t visit this city without trying an authentic Singapore sling in one of the city’s trendy bars. There’s also no shortage of swanky restaurants to experience a spot of fine dining (some of the best restaurants in South East Asia can be found in Singapore).

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur combines the hustle-bustle of Bangkok with the modern feel of Singapore. There are urban marvels such as The Petronas Towers (at one point the largest skyscraper in the world) and natural/spiritual sights such as the epic Batu Caves. The city is a melting pot of cultures – it’s equal parts muslim, buddhist, hindu and christian. This gives it a very cosmopolitan feel that is present in its architecture and food. The city is also very affordable – whether you rent out an apartment in Boulevard 28 or stay in a hostel around Petaling Street Market, you’re likely to spend very little compared to other cities. Highlights of Kuala Lumpur include the diverse food and the endless shopping experiences.

Yangon

Travel to Myanmar’s capital used to be heavily restricted due to the totalitarian regime that was formerly in place. These restrictions were only lifted in 2011 – while travel to the city has increased massively since then, the city is still relatively untouched by tourism, making it a unique destination to visit in South East Asia. If you love history, the city has plenty of pagodas and museums worth visiting. If you love food, there many fantastic culinary experiences to be had (the Burmese people are largely vegetarian, making this an ideal city to visit if you’re a fellow veggie). Hotels are also very affordable, while also feeling very luxurious. It’s definitely a city to visit sooner rather than later – who knows how tourism will have transformed it in 10 years time.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (known to the locals as Saigon) is ideal for those craving a fast-paced city adventure. This Vietnamese city literally never sleeps – you’ll find shops, restaurants and bars here that are open 24/7. Combined with it’s chaotic traffic and crowds of people, it can feel like an assault on the senses (arguably more so than Bangkok), however it can also be very exciting. A lot of people visit this city for the history – particularly to visit the museums and memorials dedicated to the Vietnam war. Others visit for the delicious spicy food and strong iced coffee. There are even some natural sights to see while in this city such as the Mekong River Delta (which can serve as a welcome escape when you’re exhausted from the hustle-bustle of the city centre).

Manila

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. A popular honeymoon destination, it is sometimes referred to as ‘the Venice of the East’ (it even has its own Venice-style Grand Canal). Its colonial architecture and inner walled city contributes to its European feel. However, like most South East Asian Cities, it still has a very fast-paced and hectic nature to it – albeit with more Western influence. Shopping is definitely big business in Manila – there are compact traditional markets and there are sprawling ultramodern malls. Hotel prices can vary depending on where you stay, however the cost of staying in this city is still relatively cheap compared to many Western cities.

Yogyakarta

There are plenty of Indonesian cities that could have made this list. Yogyakarta is technically more of a large town than a city, but it stands out from many of its bigger neighbours due to its array of historical and cultural sights. The city is home to a number of museums and art galleries that offer a great exploration of Indonesian culture. It’s also got plenty of historic buildings to explore and it’s a stone’s throw from Borobudur – the world’s largest Buddhist archaeologist site. Compared to other cities on this list, Yogyakarta is smaller and calmer. If you’re not a ‘big city’ person, it could be more up your street. Accomodation is not too expensive and the cuisine here is fantastic.

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