Search…

Where to Find the Best Gluten-Free Goodies in Manhattan

It wasn’t that long ago when people in this country sort of pooh-poohed the idea of gluten-free. But It can be a serious health issue, so it’s necessary to acknowledge it–and the best news is it can be really delicious.  In fact, some people who aren’t gluten-free go to these places just for the taste… CONTINUE READING >> 

With an increasingly large number of people following a gluten-free diet, the availability and variety of foods that meet this dietary restriction have expanded.

“It wasn’t that long ago when people in this country sort of pooh-poohed the idea of gluten-free (GF), although it had been  acknowledged by Europeans for many years,” said Blair Nicole of Liberty Cruise NYC. “It can be a serious health issue, though, so it’s necessary to acknowledge it–and the best news is it can be really delicious.  In fact, I know some people who aren’t gluten-free who go to these places just for the taste!”

Erin McKenna’s Bakery (formerly called Babycakes)

Address: 248 Broome St, New York, NY 10002

Erin McKenna’s Bakery, formerly called Babycakes, is an establishment with a 1950s soda shop feel, which sells treats that are free from harmful ingredients.

This is really a story about how some of the best ideas are born out of necessity.  McKenna, owner and founder, couldn’t find anything to satisfy her sweet tooth, because she had so many food allergies.  So she decided to do it herself, and Babycakes was opened in the late 2000s.  Soon after she was on the cover of Inc. Magazine with celebrity chef Tom Colicchio and at the helm of an empire that included several locations around the country, as well as a best-selling cookbook.  

Later, she renamed it to Erin McKenna’s Bakery.

Products are vegan, Kosher, GF, and also don’t contain any refined sugars, wheat or soy. Soft serve, cupcakes and donuts are popular items, but sweet breads and other treats are also available.

Celebrities, such as Pamela Anderson and Natalie Portman, have been spotted here. Madonna has been known to come in for the donuts.

Even if you aren’t gluten-free, we promise you’ll swoon–especially when you taste her scones and donuts. Trust us, you want to go to this place.

Rubirosa Ristorante

Address: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

With dim lights, a chic yet familial atmosphere and big pizzas, Rubirosa is a favorite of both tourists and New York locals. There is an entire GF menu, including mozzarella sticks, fried calamari, meatballs and pasta. The vodka pizza is a standout on the menu.

Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co.

Address: 25 E 17th Street, New York, NY 10003

Warm weather means that traditional baked goods sometimes do not cut it. Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co. has sundaes, fruit pops and soft serve. The soft serve fruit base is only organic cane sugar, water and fruit. It comes in flavors such as banana, dark chocolate and mango.

Tu-Lu’s Bakery

Address: 338 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003

Tu-Lu’s is conveniently close to Erin McKenna’s bakery. Visit one place before checking out the other one. Paninis and homemade croutons share a menu with cookie dough balls and cupcakes.

Baked by Melissa

Address: 110 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038

Baked by Melissa offers bite-sized cupcakes and macarons in GF varieties. Served in trays, these can satisfy any foodie’s sweet tooth. Triple Chocolate Crunch, Red Velvet and Birthday Cake are just a few flavors that are part of the OMFG. assortment. Get some to much on as you explore Manhattan.

Smile to Go

Address: 22 Howard St, New York, NY 10013

The GF desserts at Smile to Go are unique, from the PB&J Cookie to the Banana Quinoa Muffin. The Banana Buckwheat Bread is a more filling menu item. Take one with you while you wander the streets and shop until you drop in Soho.

When you hit land from you Liberty Cruise NYC cruise, your sweet tooth just may be talking to you–so venture around downtown Manhattan later for some GF goodness. Enjoy your foodie adventure!

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Seeking Something Strange in Stockholm

On our second visit to Stockholm we figured we should seek out the stranger side of the city. From smörgåsbord, to history, to street art, see how we did… CONTINUE READING >> 

The view of Stockholm's Old Town from the Viking Star

Not long ago Stockholm wasn’t really on our radar as a destination, then we ended up visiting the Swedish Capital twice within the span of one year.

How to smorgasbord in Sweden

We have to say we’re glad we did, because the first time was mostly taken up with the more traditional activities one looks for, such as the amazing Smörgåsbord at the world renowned Grand Hôtel…

The Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden

…or the incredibly preserved ship, the Vasa, that sank while leaving the harbor on its maiden voyage only to become one of the best specimens of shipbuilding from the Age of Exploration to be found anywhere in the world…

Captain's suite at Victory Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden

…or the luxurious accommodations and cuisine at The Victory Hotel and the Djuret restaurant.

We also stumbled upon some slightly quirky attractions during our explorations, being surprised by the odd assortment of seafood at the Östermalm Food Hall, a huge covered market where members of the royal family are often spotted…

…and by taking a ride to the top of the world’s largest spherical building, the Ericsson Globe.

Since we felt as though we had done the town once, we figured our second pass should be spent seeking out the even stranger side of Stockholm.

As we wandered the narrow cobblestone lanes of the old town, Gamla Stan, we noticed an array of whimsical statues ranging from the somewhat normal, yet mildly amusing, to the fully eccentric, which oddly enough did not seem at all out of place.

One, at the Royal Dramatic Theater, depicts the actress Margaretha Krook standing at the spot she was famous for occupying before each show, while another has the country’s most famed singer and songwriter (at least of any who wasn’t a member of ABBA) Evert Taube in Järntorget , The Iron Square.

Some more peculiar pieces also caught our attention among the wide variety of street art.

Outside of the city’s old central district there was more quirky artwork to be discovered.

Such as the Untitled (standing man) by Sean Henry…

…or one of the weirdest we found, Torso, a sculpture by Dan Wolgers that sits outside of Fotografiska, which is one of the world’s largest centers for contemporary photography.

As is the case in many cities, Stockholm has a statue that is said to bring good fortune if given a rub, so of course we stroked the Järnpojke, or Iron Boy looking at the Moon.

The little guy was sculpted by Swedish artist Liss Eriksson, and at less than six inches high, has been renowned as the smallest statue in Stockholm for over fifty years.

More unconventional art awaited us inside of the Hallwyl Museum. Countess Wilhelmina von Hallwyl set about preserving her home as a museum long before her death and a big part of those preparations included collecting artworks during her worldwide journeys.

The rest of the house / museum is not at all weird, but gives a fine view into the late Victorian period in Sweden, with a look at the lifestyles of the nobility in Stockholm at the time.

Other historic idiosyncrasies revealed themselves as we explored further, such as a story we heard about the Rowing Madams, or Roddarmadam. The ladies, using row boats, ferried people between the fourteen islands that the city is scattered across before bridges were built.

Besides the fact that women were not known to be in the workforce back then, they were also famous for their extensive use of foul, um, shall we say colorful language. Accounts date back over five hundred years, but as Stockholm’s famous fifty-seven bridges were constructed their numbers dwindled, and by the early nineteen hundreds the Madams had disappeared altogether.

Even more ancient were the runestones that we noticed incorporated into the stonework of several buildings in the city. These inscribed rocks are often well over a thousand years old and were originally erected in honor of dead men, not as grave stones, but as memorials.

One thing we know for certain, these remembrances will remain in our memories for many years to come.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

See all of our adventures in Sweden here.

Catherine Lowe: Rare Combination of Beauty and Brain

Are you looking for someone with a rare combination of beauty and brain? Catherine Ligaya Lowe is a perfect example in this modern world… CONTINUE READING >> 

Are you looking for someone with a rare combination of beauty and brain? Catherine Ligaya Lowe is a perfect example of the same in this modern world. Occupied in different career paths, Catherine is also very keenly handling her family life after getting married to Sean Lowe.

Let’s turn out pages to go through her interesting life.

Catherine Lowe: Early Life

Catherine Ligaya Meija Guidici, popular by the name Catherine, was born on April, 1986, to Carey and Cynthia Guidici in Seattle, Washington, USA. Her father comes with a Swiss-Italian culture, of Scottish descent, while her mother is Filipino. She completed her graduation from Roosevelt High School in the year 2004, after which she headed towards Washington State University in the year 2008 to complete her B.A. in the field of Advertising. She had a dream to pursue acting as her career during her childhood. However, after graduation, she started working in the field of advertising and took it as her profession. Later, she also worked for the girls in Seattle’s Wexley School.

Catherine Lowe: Hidden Talent

Yes, it is known to everyone that Catherine is a graphic designer, but very few know about her other hidden talents. Catherine loves to write, which can be proven through her column Meatless Mondays which is available on Seattleite.com. As a writer, every week she provides the names of various places in Seattle that serve with delicious and vegan meals.

Wait, there is still a surprise. Yes, Catherine is an athletic too. She maintains her fitness levels with keen interest. According to a post on Instagram, Catherine completed around 9.3 miles through the Seattle Hot Chocolate 15K marathon, in merely 1 hour, 36 minutes and 16 seconds of the time period. Her Instagram also included a picture of her with her friend mentioning the experience.

Catherine Lowe: The Bachelor

Catherine started her career as a graphic designer with Amazon, but soon she was cast in the live game show The Bachelor Season 21 in 2013 that was telecasted on ABC, which gave a blossom to her career. She proved to be a strong contestant on the show, who finally grabbed the winning crown. She gained not only fame, but also thousands of followers and fans from every corner of the world.

Catherine Lowe: Television Appearances

After becoming popular through The Bachelor Season 21, Catherine Lowe Loves Wallpics Mixtiles Stickable Photo Tiles For Walls, and became a trendy television personality. She gave a guest appearance on the show Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Sean, her fiancé, before they decided the wedding date. In the show, they also went through a polygraph test by Kimmel who didn’t believe they haven’t hooked up yet before marriage. The lie detector nevertheless proved that the couple was right and what Kimmel was thinking was wrong. After that, both Catherine and Sean appeared in the reality show Marriage Boot Camp, in which they had to work on their own marital issues. Finally, they also made a guest appearance on another reality show, Billion Dollar Buyer Season 3, in which they won with the help of biding as they sold products in the stationery field.

Catherine Lowe: Marriage and Family Life

The reality show also gave her the love of her life, Sean Lowe, who proposed her on the same show. The couple started dating on the show and that was the beginning of their affair, which ended up in 2014 when they finally declared their marriage.

Catherine and Sean made another important news to their fans on 8th of December 2015, when they both were ready to welcome their new family member. They both also shared their experience and excitement of becoming parents on their social accounts as they grew responsible for the first baby. On 2nd July 2016, Catherine gave birth to a baby boy, Samuel Thomas.

5 Interesting Facts about Catherine Lowe’s Life

1. Catherine and her dad have a complicated history.

While she was on the show The Bachelor, she revealed her complicated history with her father to Sean. She told him how her father Carey went for committing suicide while she was watching in her teenage. She was on the spot taken away with the sight. However, the recent updates reveal that he is well and is living in Taiwan. He also gave marriage approval to Sean.

2. Catherine became Vegan after her visit to Kenya.

Catherine declared in The Bachelor that she was a vegan. However, the reason behind it was the trip to Kenya. On her trip, she has an abundant amount of exotic and medium exotic meat that when she returned back to the United States, she craved for every piece of meat, anything without a face. Hence, she then decided to remain a strict vegan thereafter.

3. Catherine was baptized because of Sean.

Catherine believed in Christianity to a great extent, but she took things for indentation to make her family believe that she is into religion for long. It was Sean’s father, Jay Lowe, who took out Catherine from all these, baptize her, and officially went to the wedding of Catherine and Sean.

  4. Catherine believes in charity.

Yes, very few know about this social side of Catherine. Both Catherine and Sean are planning to bank their wedding and televise it so that they can use the money gathered from their fans as a donation to the Micaela’s Army Foundation. This foundation works for the children suffering from cancer and uses the money of the fund in their treatment and basic needs.

5. Catherine loves to remain close to her friends.

No doubt, Catherine has bid a goodbye to Seattle after the wedding and shifted to Dallas, she still remains in touch with her besties in Washington. She proves to be a best friend one can have, as she remains in touch with them. She is still in contact with her co-participants from The Bachelor.

Catherine Lowe is currently enjoying her life in Dallas with her small family, and the couple is ready to welcome another child in 2017. She still remains in touch with her social accounts to which remain flooded with new posts and images from her life.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Top Things to Remember When Moving House

Moving anywhere these days can be a trying and stressful experience, and you need to make sure you do what you can to make it as stress-free as possible. Buying a house is a big step in your life, so keep these things in mind before you actually settle on a place to move… CONTINUE READING >> 

Moving anywhere these days can be a trying and stressful experience, and you need to make sure you do what you can to make it as stress-free as possible. When choosing a new place to live there are so many things you have to take into account. You need to remember a lot of things to make sure you are making the right decisions as a new homeowner.

When planning a move of any kind, it’s not just yourself you need to keep in mind, but the whole family as well. There are plenty of things to bear in mind when it comes to trying to make the right choices. Buying a house is a big step in your life, and it is important to make sure you are making the right sort of investment. That means keeping these things in mind before you actually settle on a place to move.

What is Your Budget?

Anyone who makes a decision to move home will have a budget in mind before they actually spend any money. It is important to get your budget sorted before you start looking at properties, because you need to know what you can afford. It’s no good looking at half a million dollar homes when your budget is $300,000. So, you need to get this sorted as the first thing you choose to do. Sit down as a family and work out your financial situation, including what you might make for selling your existing home, as well as what you’re going to have to pay as a deposit on the new one.

How Will the Family Be Affected?

It is also worth keeping in mind how you feel the family is going to be affected by this step. You have a lot to think about in this regard, but you need to consider career opportunities, as well as schools and crime rate in the area. Some areas might be better than others – for example, there are plenty of great places to live in Austin for young professionals with families. But this might not be the case if you live in other areas. So this is something worth thinking about before you actually choose a place to live.

Are You Living in the Right Area?

It is also important that you understand what is the right kind of area to be living. This is something you need to suss out before you actually make the move. Doing a bit of research into the area before moving is so important, and checking out the neighborhood is also crucial. Use sites like Peoplefinders to find out about your prospective new neighbors, as well as what their backgrounds are like. This is something that you need to sort out well in advance because it could well affect the decision you make about where you are going to live.

These are just a few of the crucial things to keep in mind before you choose to move house. This is an experience that you need to make the most out of, as well as an investment that requires you to be more careful with the money you are spending.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Fall in Love with These Amazing Travel Experiences in India

Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks when it comes to India is describing it in a few words. India is a potpourri of cultures, languages, religions, traditions and customs. Its great diversity is also reflected in its landscape, which boasts a great coastline and mighty deserts, snow-capped mountains and enormous plains. Bewilderment gives way to fascination, and before you know it, fascination to love. That, in essence, is the magic of India… CONTINUE READING >> 

Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks when it comes to India is describing it in a few words. India is a potpourri of cultures, languages, religions, traditions and customs. Its great diversity is also reflected in its landscape, which boasts a great coastline and mighty deserts, snowcapped mountains and enormous plains. Bewilderment gives way to fascination, and before you know it, fascination to love. That, in essence, is the magic of India.

There are many ways of experiencing India, and each way gifts you with special memories. Surprises wait in store at every turn while embarking on a new journey. You experience India in many ways, while interacting with its people, taking a train ride, reveling in the beauty of its culture and seeking adventure in its fabulous landscape. In this blog, we tell you some of the amazing travel experiences in India that make you fall in love with this country.

Take a Golden Triangle Tour

India’s Golden Triangle Tour is a tourist circuit which covers the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? All of these cities boasts splendid monuments, bustling bazaars and a glorious history. Visiting them is an enriching experience. Consider this: on a golden triangle tour, you get to visit the Red Fort, Taj Mahal and City Palace, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cities covered in this tour boast a fascinating history, heritage and culture. While Delhi is all about the old-school charm, Agra is about coming face to face with Mughal resplendence. In Jaipur, its all about opulence and grandeur.

Get a Glimpse of India’s Culture
A celebration of life in many ways

India’s culture is represented in its festivals, music, cuisines and in its streets. Try participating in a festival which, and if, it coincides with your visit. Interact with the people, listen to Indian music and taste the various cuisines that India has to offer. Take a trip to the renowned Ajanta and Ellora Caves or marvel at the artistic excellence on display at the great Chola Temples. Attend a Yoga session or learn about the cuisine of the city or state you go to. Your travel experience in India is incomplete without experiencing its culture.

Beaches and Backwaters: Two amazing Experiences
Kerala’s houseboats and Goa’s beaches: excitement in two ways

India, with its enormous coastline, is blessed with many incredible beaches. Goa is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destinations in India when it comes to beaches. However, there are other states like Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Kerala where you can enjoy a day out on the beach. Then there are the backwaters of Kerala which are best experienced on  traditional Alleppey houseboats called “kettuvallam”. The backwaters of Kerala are a network of lakes, canals and lagoons, besides being oases of serenity. Taking a ride through these takes you to those rural parts of Kerala which you would be unaware of otherwise.

Luxury Train Tour: The way to Experience Royalty
Maharajas’ Express: The royal way of discovering India

Have you ever wanted to get a taste of India’s royalty? Luxury trains let you do that. When you step into a luxury train, the grandeur and splendor catches your attention. It’s like taking a huge leap back in time and reliving the lifestyle of a Maharaja. As the train takes you through India’s most scenic destinations, you are pampered with the most magnificent hospitality. This is one travel experience which you should not miss out on. The famous luxury trains of India are Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey and Golden Chariot. These luxury recreate the royal aura while taking you to the most fabulous destinations in India.

Reveling in the Beauty of the Hills
The spectacular hill-station of Munnar

Without a doubt, you will have some of the top travel experiences in India by travelling to the hills. Be it Shimla or Ooty, Shillong or Munnar, it’s a delight breathing the fresh mountain air and leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind you. In these hills, you find solitude in abundance, while getting a chance to explore the heritage in many of them. Hill states like Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim also offer adventure in good measure, along with the incredible sightseeing opportunities they provide. Trekking activities at these places are most famous. Hampta Pass Trek, Goecha La Trek, etc are a must go, if you are there.

Create Special Honeymoon Memories
Honeymoon in Andaman means romance with unlimited adventure

Planning to spend your honeymoon in India? That’s great, because there are a lot of places which are as romantic as it gets. Looking to party? Head to Goa. Want a dash of adventure with romance? Nothing better than Manali, Gangtok or Andaman. Excited by the idea of romancing amidst royal settings? Udaipur awaits you. There are many destinations, each of which provide something special.

The many Colors of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is as exotic as it gets

Rajasthan is one of the most colorful states of India. It boasts a glorious history, much of which can be explored in its larger than life forts and palaces. Its cuisine is as exciting as its folk music and dance, and you never know what lies ahead. A desert safari in Jaisalmer is extremely exciting, as is a wildlife safari to Ranthambore National Park. Get a taste of the famous “daal-baati-churma” or purchase a traditional “jooti” from one of its bustling markets. There are many ways to enjoy the beauty that is Rajasthan.

Stay at a Royal Palace
Lake Palace in Udaipur: A floating vision come to life

Being in India, your travel experience should also be royal. Staying at a royal palace brings to life all your fancies of staying at fairytale-like palaces and enjoying the same kind of hospitality normally reserved for Maharajas and princes of yore. There are several palaces that were converted into hotels. However¸ their existence as heritage hotels of India in no way diminished their splendor or grandeur. There are several places in India where you can bring this royal travel experience to life. You could stay at the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur (the same hotel which featured in a James Bond movie), or you could head to Hyderabad and stay at the Taj Falaknuma Palace (it once served as the palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad). You can also experience royalty in the dreamy environs of Leh at the Stok Palace (which is till today the residential palace of the descendants of King Sengge Namgyal).

Time for some Rejuvenation and Relaxation
Enjoy a relaxing massage in India

Although Yoga has earned a worldwide popularity, India is where it all began. On your trip to India, take some time out to practice Yoga and meditation, or undergo an Ayurveda treatment. You could head to Kerala, where Ayurveda is still practiced in its original form, or make your way to Rishikesh, where the soothing ambience combined with the best Yoga and meditation sessions work wonders for your body and mind. In addition, there are several spa resorts all across India which provide the best healing to your mind, body and soul. This is important because, travel is as much about exploring the inner self as the outer world.

See the Unseen side of India
Several places like Gokarna waiting to be explored

Just take a trip across India. Travel anywhere, get lost in the crowd, stay overnight in a tent and try to feel the pulse of India. As vague and daunting as it sounds, this is the only way of experiencing the real India. Forget about the touristy destinations for some time, go offbeat. Take the untaken path. Don’t be just another traveler, be the one that is talked about. There are many places which still lie hidden from the prying eyes of the tourists. It could be any part of India, any state, any region, these unseen places fulfill your purpose of experiencing an amazing travel journey. A few examples are Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, Gokarna and Halebid in Karnataka, Bundi in Rajasthan and Patan in Gujarat, to name a few.

In the Heart of India
Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh: mysterious and beautiful

Which state lies in the heart of India? Madhya Pradesh, with Madhya meaning central. It is one of the top places to visit in India because of its cultural, historical and natural significance. Travelling through this state, you come across the Sanchi Stupa, reminding you of its ancient past and Buddhist heritage. It also houses some of the best national parks in the country like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and     Pench National Park. In Madhya Pradesh, you also come across several forts and palaces, thanks to the city’s royal past. Ever heard of Khajuraho Group of Temples? This is where to find them.

The Tribal Communities of India
India’s fascinating tribal communities

There are a large number of tribal communities in India, each with its own history, language, dance and music. Some say the number exceeds more than 500. From the remotest parts of northeast India to the westernmost part of India, namely Rajasthan and Gujarat, tribal communities are scattered all over India. After all, it is the tribal people of India that have played a key role in preserving the ecosystem. Some of the tribal communities in India are the Santhals in West Bengal, Bhils in Rajasthan and Chenchu in Andhra Pradesh, besides others. However, your tribal exploration is incomplete without visiting northeast India, which is inhabited by several tribes. They are famous for their culture of music and dance.

What the South has to Offer
The timeless Hampi ruins in Karnataka

A lot, actually! It’s in the South that you come across temples dating back to ancient times and traditions being practiced in continuity for thousands of years. Some of the best beaches are located in South India, as are the Ayurveda resorts. If Tamil Nadu prides itself on Marine Beach, Kerala delights itself on its elegant backwaters. The cuisine of South India, differs widely from the North, as does the manner of serving and consumption. One country, several experiences. That’s India for you.

Head to the West
At the beautiful Akshardham Temple in Gujarat

Many of the top experiences in India are to be had in the western part of India. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa and Maharashtra. After exploring the forts and palaces along with the wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat and Rajasthan, head to Goa and Maharashtra for exploring the caves, partying on the beaches and visiting some of the oldest churches in India.

Looking for a Dash of Adventure?
Scaling one of the mountains in India

India, with its mountains, valleys, high passes and roaring rivers, provides abundant opportunities for adventure. Battle the dangerous passes in Ladakh or try rock climbing, cliff jumping and river rafting in Rishikesh. Mountain climbing in Sikkim or caving in Meghalaya, all you have to do is choose the kind of adventure you want.

About Author: Rekha Bisht is a travel enthusiast who loves to visit the most popular as well as offbeat places of the world. She loves to share her travel experiences with fellow travelers. For planning memorable holidays in India or any world destination, you follow her write-ups.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Un-nesting. Could it be Blissfully Real?

I’m constantly searching for material that dispels my internal anti-mantra, “You are a bad mommy. You shouldn’t be so happy that your children have left the nest. You are a bad…” In my latest frantic search, I came across a theory that I love. Un-nesting.

Suzanne Koven, M.D. writes in her post for Psychology Today entitled “The Un-Nesting Instinct”:

Celia’s story started out sounding pretty familiar-a cliché almost. She was fiftyish and going through menopause and, in addition to the weight gain and hot flashes, she found herself irritable and sad. Her children, she told me, were a particular source of sadness. “You mean because they’re growing up, moving away?” I asked. ‘No,’ answered Celia, ‘Because they’reCONTINUE READING >>

I’m constantly searching for material that dispels my internal anti-mantra, “You are a bad mommy. You shouldn’t be so happy that your children have left the nest. You are a bad…”

What keeps that inner nag going? Guilt? Self reflection? Stupidity? I suppose it doesn’t really matter, it is what it is.

In my latest frantic search, I came across a theory that I love. Un-nesting.

Suzanne Koven, M.D. writes in her story for Psychology Today entitled “The Un-Nesting Instinct“:

“Celia’s story started out sounding pretty familiar-a cliché almost. She was fiftyish and going through menopause and, in addition to the weight gain and hot flashes, she found herself irritable and sad. Her children, she told me, were a particular source of sadness. “You mean because they’re growing up, moving away?” I asked. ‘No,’ answered Celia, ‘Because they’re not.’‘”

WOW! You bet my interest was piqued – could I finally have an answer, and from a doctor, no less?

Dr. Koven continues: “This ‘un-nesting instinct’ is the opposite of what some women experience at the end of pregnancy when they find themselves scrubbing floors, straightening drawers and otherwise ‘feathering the nest'”

Could it be that my un-nesting instinct is just as potent as the nesting instinct? Are my feelings just as valid now as when I was pregnant and wanting to feather our little home with love?

She goes on to add: “At menopause a woman may find herself with a very different urge: to get rid of stuff instead of cleaning and rearranging it, to downsize.”

THAT’S IT! The validation I needed! Of course, Dr. Koven insists that her observation with Celia is just a theory, but WHAT A THEORY! I’m taking it as fact and going on with my bad self. And this Celia chick? My kind of gal.

Then there is this survey that further bolsters my mood:

According to a Del Webb survey (tip o’ the GN hat to Grace Curtis who found these stats for us!):

58 percent (of the Baby Boom Generation) say they are or were emotionally ready to get the kids out of the house. Males (70 percent) are significantly more likely to be emotionally prepared than females (55 percent.)

The older the Boomers become the more ready they are to clear the Nest. In fact 71 percent of the Boomers between 53-58 years old are emotionally ready to be Empty Nesters.

I am not alone.

And, best of all, I have some anti-venom for the “bad mommy” anti-mantra.

Veronica, GypsyNester.com

YOUR TURN: Do you find validity in the un-nesting theory? Are you one of the 58% that are or were ready for the empty nest? Is my “bad mommy” mantra correct?

Spa Treatments from Around the World

A modest bunch of imaginative spas have made unique medications that shake up customary ideas of spa-going while purportedly offering a large group of astounding medical advantages. Let’s discover the most outrageous spa medications from around the globe… CONTINUE READING >> 

The last years, it eventually turns out spas isn’t just oils and delicate music. A modest bunch of imaginative spas have made unique medications in view of neighborhood culture and traditions — be it a commonplace sustenance or a residential community custom – that shake up customary ideas of spa-going while purportedly offering a large group of astounding medical advantages.  Let’s discover the most outrageous spa medications from around the globe.

Beijing, China

Fire measuring, a conventional Chinese strategy for pressure point massage, is implied to lighten scores of ills, from muscle torments to respiratory tribulations like the basic icy. Glass mugs are warmed and put onto the customer’s body, making a suction impact on the skin. The outcomes, truly, are very unnerving to look at. Individuals who’ve experienced the treatment are commonly left with round wounds where the containers were set.

Porvoo, Finland

Spas in European nations like Finland and Slovakia, where winters are long and chilly, offer an Arctic-motivated treatment called cryotherapy.  You enter a cryogenic load in which the temperature is regularly set at around minus 184 degrees Fahrenheit. You can’t spend in excess of a couple of minutes inside the chamber, as an excessive amount of time in such freezing temperatures will rapidly cause hypothermia. Cryotherapy is said to expel poisons and reinforce the invulnerable framework of the body.

Bali, Indonesia

Spa customs here are based, as a matter of first importance, on faith in the congruity amongst body and soul. Conventional Balinese knead is a blend of great back rub, needle therapy and fragrant healing. That deals with your blood flow, lymphatic seepage, disposes of muscles strain, completely unwind and disregard your everyday issues. The technique for this back rub is associated with vitality course, so on the off chance that you feel discouraged and depleted One of the customs is a back rub with well of lava hot stones, that are accepted to have mending powers. After appropriate customary Balinese knead you get a body scour that is made of coconut meat and turmeric. After all they cover your body with a nutritious rice veil. At last you will completely unwind in a bath with roses clears out. For beyond any doubt it is smart to spend a day in the best spa in Bali and feel like you are reborn.

Sivas, Turkey

The uplifting news: The fish snacking on your feet don’t have teeth. The awful news: They are snacking on your feet. Obviously, this likely won’t be awful news to spa-goers worried about the unkempt condition of their very much used feet. Stick your feet in some “specialist angle”- swamp water, take it easy as many little mouths expend the dead skin off your feet. This treatment began in open air Turkish pools, however spas offering specialist angle pedicures can be found far and wide, incorporating into the United States. For a valid specialist angle understanding, go to Sivas, Turkey, where voyagers can truly swim with the specialist angle in regular warm pools.

Chodova Plana, Czech Republic

The Czechs consider lager important . They have lager celebrations, brew gardens, bottling works aplenty — hell, they even bathe in the stuff. Try not to trust us? Travel to a Czech lager spa, where the yeasty mix is utilized for something beyond extinguishing thirst. At brew spas, you can absorb your bones a warm, frothy lager shower, rising somewhat sticky yet completely casual. The showers are fermented from a blend of mineral water, lager and different brew fixings, for example, bounces and yeast.

Hershey, PA

You know you’re in Hershey, Pennsylvania — “The Sweetest Place on Earth” and home to one of the world’s most celebrated confection organizations — when you’re coasting in a shower of whipped chocolate drain or wrapped in layers of chocolaty fondue. This Chocolate Spa offers an extraordinary menu of cocoa-themed medications — a superb liberality for chocoholic explorers. There are likewise a lot of traditional spa medications, similar to fragrance based treatment back rubs and hostile to maturing facials, accessible here. In any case, the spa’s specialty, normally, is its particular chocolate-themed medicines, which ruin guests with the opportunity to thrive in chocolate sans every one of those undesirable calories.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.