#optional caption: elegance of a bird | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

comfsy · 4 years

Text

The Legal Nomads 2019 Gift Guide: Art and Jewelry

I did my first ever holiday gift guide for travelers a few years ago, which was fun to compile. Readers seemed to enjoy the various items, and I was happy to share some of the products that accompanied me on the road. This year, I wanted to do something a little different. For starters, my life is a little different – something all of you already know. As a result, my own gifts to family and friends aren’t souvenirs from far-away places, but fun things I’ve discovered online. I wanted to share some of them here, especially as many are small businesses like myself.

I completed the resulting creative gift guide later than expected, because I could only type in 20 minute increments. I hope you enjoy this gift guide, one that focuses specifically on art and jewelry. There are so many shops with interesting work out there, and sometimes it’s hard to narrow it down.

The items below are from artists that I have supported, some of whom I’ve actually met, and they are all products I stand behind.

Unique Art and Jewelry Gifts for 2019

BECCA JANE DESIGNS

When searching for a gift for my mum’s birthday this year, I thought I would do something a little different. I looked for an artist who could illustrate our family with a beautiful border and then send her a printed copy for her birthday.

I’ve never commissioned this kind of gift before, and Rebecca – the artist I chose – was patient and kind, and we went back and forth a few times until I was satisfied. She even agreed to make my brother as depicted, wearing his favourite martini t-shirt.

I was waiting on this gift guide until my mum received her gift, and she loved it!

Rebecca’s full shop here, and note that she will do other kinds of designs as well, like Save the Dates for weddings, holiday cards, personalized baby blankets, and more.

LEXIGRAPHIQUE

I’ve followed Michael Buchino’s whimsical word work for some time on Instagram, as it combines two of my favourite things: learning, and art. His Insta feed, Lexigraphique, is one of those accounts that I send to multiple friends many times a week.

Before this guide went up, I wrote him to ask if he had any holiday items I could include, and lucky for all of us he was just about to launch the hygge cards below.

You can buy his prints and these cute holiday cards in his Buchino shop, here.

PICTRIXDESIGN

Anne Connell’s shop is a wonder to behold, chock full of paper goods designed — as she notes on Instagram and on her website — with an “absurd attention to detail” She lists herself as a precisionist, and it’s easy to see why. Her artwork is meticulous, delicately crafted, and very unique.

I found her botanical card series first, and clapped my hands with glee. As someone trying to get out in nature during brief spurts of respite from bedrest, they were a breath of fresh air. Her constellation cards, featuring each of the zodiac signs, are a clear crowd-pleaser. I’ve put those two types of cards below but honestly it’s worth heading to see her full shop.

I realize these are listed as cards, but I think they are frame-worthy all by themselves.

Botanical cards here.

Constellation cards here.

And the full shop here.

NICALLENART

Nicola is a long-time Legal Nomads reader, and a fellow lawyer and traveler. She has generously shared bird illustrations and other fun to keep me cheered up when I’ve been down. She’s also a very talented artist, and her cards and other items are rich in puns and joyful artistry.

Nicola’s work reminds me of the children’s’ books I loved most, with creative characters, maps, and whimsical animals. A talented hand-brush lettering artist, she also includes a lot of drawn typography in her work.

From a grumpy owl to a festive sheep, you’ll be sure to find holiday cards to your tastes. And one of my absolute faves is her wedding card below, “Of all the fish in the sea” — delightful.

Nicola’s full shop is here, with specifics from the above illustrations as follows:

Grumpy Owl here

Festive sheep here.

Of all the fish in the sea here.

BIRDSTRIPS

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jess, the genius behind Birdstrips, in person twice. She’s currently in Montreal, and a friend introduced us just before I re-leaked last summer. Her illustrations have grown a huge following on Instagram due to its relatable messaging, and her captions that accompany the drawings are raw and vulnerable. Together, it’s powerful work that makes almost everyone feel heard.

In Jess’ words, the shop comprises “the existential distress of the flightless through the eyes of the flighted.”

You can check out her images and pick up mugs, shirts, prints and more, here.

ABSTRACT AERIAL ART

JP and Mike Andrews, two brothers from the UK are an Instagram favourite of mine. I often share their images with my community because their eye is unique, and their pictures compelling. Like me, they absolutely love to travel. Unlike me, they specialize in photographing bizarre, aerial images our planet using drone photography.

Their goal: to share perspectives of the world otherwise unseen, captured from a vantage point most of us miss. A great gift option for those who love to roam.

Here’s one I love from them: Skyline, a drone photograph of a freighter that looks like a cityscape.

And this aerial view of a beach made me smile:

Their full gallery shop here.

TEKSTARTIST

Jason Markow, aka TEKSTartist is an artist I found a few years ago, and was hooked immediately. His work combines both traditional and digital media, a fusion of techniques that result in elegant yet crisp products. Given that my own products are typographic representations of food, I love that his art includes quotes he’s enjoyed over the years, visually represented in unique ways.

One of my favourites: this flower, “Your Garden, Forever” available here, created by warping and twisting the words from Tennyson’s famous quote – “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you…I could walk through my garden forever.”― Alfred Tennyson

(c)TEKSTartist 2019

And the item below, The Giving Tree, was created by warping/twisting the words from the entire set of text from Shel Silverstein’s iconic book “The Giving Tree”. Buy a copy of the artwork here.

(c)TEKSTartist 2019

Full shop here.

EFFIN BIRDS

These illustrations of birds with curse words sayings are all the rage on Instagram and Twitter, for good reason: they’re hilarious. Crafted by Aaron Reynolds, they do seem to offend some, but as the name suggests exactly what they are it’s hard for anyone to be upset. Don’t like them? Close the tab. Personally, I find them exactly what I need, each and every day. Clothing, mugs, pins, and more at the link, including a new Effin’ Birds book.

Buy here.

TOTE BAGS: TYPOGRAPHIC MAPS OF FOOD

I’m excited to share the new tote bags in the Legal Nomads shop. Previously, I offered a canvas, bull-woven tote of the maps, with the map printed on once side. These new tote bags are black and white – and if people like, I can also swap out the handles to make them red or mustard! – and the design is printed on both sides.*

*If you’d like to swap out the tote bag for a different handle (example here), just send an email to jodi-at-legalnomads.com after you order, and I’ll make sure it happens.

The new tote has sturdy handles and holds up to 44lbs, perfect for errands and/or carrying a laptop without a laptop bag. Food maps of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Portugal, Italy, and Mexico available.

Shop the new totes here. The full shop is here.

VANRILEY

These beautiful macrame earrings are courtesy of the Van Riley shop, run by a fellow leaker. I wanted to share her work as I know how it is to worry about making ends meet with a CSF leak. If someone in your life loves macrame, please consider supporting her shop!

Macrame earrings and other items, on the VanRiley shop here.

MICAPEET JEWLERY

Given my love of nature, it’s no surprise that I also love jewelry that depicts it in design. I saw these gold leaf earrings recently and ordered a pair as my holiday gift to myself. They’re lightweight — great for anyone with headaches — and they are delicate and just so pretty. I like the contrast of the gold with the emerald green stud in the ear.

If leaf earrings aren’t your thing, Mica also has necklaces, rings, and other earrings in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re lightweight and beautiful, and oh so creative. Her jewelry is hypoallergenic and nickel-free.

Buy the same gold leaf earrings that I love here, with Mica’s full shop here.

GLDNxLAYEREDANDLONG

Several readers nominated this Etsy shop, and it’s the only one on this list that I haven’t also purchased myself. But when my readers are happy, I’m happy, and I wanted to share what brought them such joy in gift giving.

Chrissy’s shop features personalized, delicate jewelry for those who want to memorialize their care with initials or names. The image below is for the necklace that several readers bought, but her shop is full of other options, including rings, earrings, and pendants.

Personalized initial necklace here. Full shop here.

BEBANGLES

I’ve saved one of the best for last.

My friend Chantelle started Be., a company that sells bangles – but also much more than simply bangles. Chantelle is one of the most open-hearted, vivacious people I’ve ever met, and thankfully I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her in person years ago. Her company’s bangles work well in conjunction with the lightness and curse words of Effin Birds, two small business enterprises that use curse words to make a valid point. In Chantelle’s case, Be. takes a stand against societal norms. Her work aims to support women and girls in a society that often expects airbrushed perfection.

I received a few Be. bangles as a wonderful 40th birthday gift from Chantelle, and my two faves – that came with me to Florida are:

“I’m mostly peace, love, light, and a little go fuck yourself” – product here, and

“I stopped waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel, and lit that bitch up myself” – product here.

I am someone who uses curse words as a form of punctuation, so those two bracelets are perfect. For those with less swear-y tendencies, lots of beautiful options like:

“Be you. The world will adjust.” (here), and

“Speak. Even if your voice shakes.” (here.)

All of Be.’s products here.

That’s it for 2019! A big thanks to my friend Reine who helped pull many of the images and upload them for me, so that I could do this guide more easily. It would have been a 2020 gift guide without her. Hopefully there’s something fun in here for someone in your family.

Happy holidays, and thank you as always for all the incredible support.

-Jodi

The post The Legal Nomads 2019 Gift Guide:<br /> Art and Jewelry appeared first on Legal Nomads.

The Legal Nomads 2019 Gift Guide: Art and Jewelry published first on https://takebreaktravel.tumblr.com/

0 notes

elegantoutdoorkitchens · 4 years

Text

A Truly Grand Community - Custom Summer Kitchen

New Post has been published on https://elegantoutdoorkitchens.com/project-portfolios/a-truly-grand-community-custom-summer-kitchen/

A Truly Grand Community - Custom Summer Kitchen

L-Shaped Summer Kitchen by Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

Vineyard Country Club Southwest Florida

This home is located in the Vineyards, a truly grand community. The customer had recently closed on this home, which had a huge outdoor living space but lacked a summer kitchen. The homeowners decided that an summer kitchen would be best situated in an area out near their pool. With a built-in configuration between the home and a pillar, the cabinet base housing the grill was 4’10” in length. Coming off the front of the right side, the section housing the refrigerator was 7’0″ in length (as measured from the existing pillar to the left of the refrigerator cabinet). The refrigerator side was a 2-tier cabinet base.

The base is framed with aluminum and wrapped with a wet weather backer board. The façade is a stacked stone per the drawings (Golden White). The Normandy granite countertop was a level 3 granite and was a close match to the existing granite on the interior of the home. Because the 2-tier bar top had 17″ depth and was going to be a showpiece, the customer made an additional trip back down to the granite yard for the layout. This allowed the customer to select specific parts of the slab for particular areas of the kitchen and bar top. This summer kitchen was worth the extra effort, and it turned out amazing.

The following components were included in this outdoor kitchen:

Blaze 32” 4-burner LTE series (LP, leak tested by the certified gas company)

Blaze rotisserie kit

Blaze 32” door & double drawer combo (under grill)

4.1 CU outdoor refrigerator

4.1 CU/4.5 CU trim kit

Blaze Dry Storage cabinet

Vineyards Country Club – Custom Summer Kitchen

As you enter Vineyards, a canopy of foliage embraces the boulevard. Tropical flowers anchor majestic oaks. Nature’s beauty can be seen in over 100,000 mature palms and shade trees, fragrant flowers, and flowing greenery. The ever-present blue-water lakes reflect the majesty of Mediterranean structures rising to meet tropical sunlit skies, while the air shimmers with the song of birds and splashing fountains. Naples is truly a tropical paradise. Attracting residents from around the world with its enticing blend of surfs, sunshine, and style, Naples, Florida, is one of America’s most desirable new hometowns. The Vineyards Community encompasses parks, trails, convenient shopping, an innovative medical center, elementary to university schools, golf, boating, and many more activities that make Naples your ideal address. Any home in this community deserves an outdoor kitchen. Schedule your on-site outdoor living consultation with Elegant Outdoor Kitchens today!

About the Grill – Blaze 32” 4-burner LTE series

Blaze introduces an affordable commercial style grill that was designed with your outdoor BBQ desires in mind. Blaze gas grills feature precision cut, 304 stainless steel components that bring the promise of lasting durability to your outdoor BBQ! This model, Blaze 32” 4-burner LTE series, takes things to the next level with our signature SRL led accent lights and integrated halogen hood lighting. Blaze gas grills have a lifetime warranty that warrants against any defects in the manufacturing and workmanship of the main burners, cooking grids, body, flame tamers, heat zone separators, warming rack, and control valves. While ignition, electronic, and lighting systems are covered for one year after the date of purchase. Grills must be registered within thirty days for the warranty to apply. Considering an outdoor kitchen, consider letting Elegant Outdoor Kitchens add a Blaze grill to your outdoor kitchen!

Beyond the Grill

You have your grill picked out now what? You need to pick accessories and components to complete your outdoor kitchen. There are so many options with Blaze today. Get some help from Elegant Outdoor Kitchens and consider the space you have to work with and lifestyle conveniences you would like to have outdoors. We suggest having some storage doors underneath your grill. Our homeowners opted for a Blaze 32” door & double drawer combo unit. An outdoor fridge is perfect for keeping salads cold while you grill the meat, storing beverages for a party, or keeping condiments close at hand. Elegant Outdoor Kitchens is here to make your dream a reality.

Vineyard Country Club Southwest Florida with Golden Stacked Stone and Normandy Granite

Close-up of Normandy Granite Counter-top

Custom Outdoor Kitchen with Blaze 32 Inch 4-Burner LTE Series Barbecue Grill

Vineyard Country Club Southwest Florida with Golden Stacked Stone and Normandy Granite

Vineyard Country Club Custom Outdoor Kitchen by Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

Vineyard Country Club Southwest Florida with Golden Stacked Stone and Normandy Granite

#Blaze 32 Inch 4 Burner Grill #Blaze 32 Inch Door Drawer Combo #Custom Summer Kitchen #Elegant Outdoor Kitchens #Golden White Stacked Stone #Normandy Granite #Southwest Florida #SWFL #Vineyard Country Club

0 notes

wikitopx · 4 years

Link

Tampa is tailor-made for families who love animals.

Take your pick between the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center, Big Cat Rescue or Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. Not traveling with the kids? Tampa's got you covered there, too. When you're not getting a history lesson at the Henry B. Botanical Museum, relax with a cocktail or two and some delicious Cuban cuisine in the city of Ybor. And while Tampa may not be known for its beaches, that doesn't mean the sun and joy are out of reach. You'll find some of Florida's most famous beaches, including Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island State Park, and Treasure Island less than an hour from downtown Tampa.

[toc]

1. Tampa Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is a 2.6 mile-long trail that runs along the Hillsborough River in Tampa. Visitors walk, bike, rollerblade, relax with public art and visit lots of restaurants, shops, parks and playgrounds, bike rental shops and attractions such as the Florida Aquarium and the Glazer Children's Museum, along with the route.

Recent visitors have been impressed by how well the park is maintained and cleaned and noted that this is an ideal place to catch the sunset. You can access the Riverwalk from any number of locations along the river. Visit the Friends of the Riverwalk website for more information and maps.

2. Armature Works

Armature Works Heights Public Market - a 22,000 square foot industrial market - is Tampa's latest destination for architecture and food lovers. The 1910 building was formerly the place to store and maintain the electric vehicles of Tampa Electric, contributing to the urban feel it embodies today.

Recent visitors loved the variety of dining options and space itself. In addition to all the eateries, there are retail stores and rooftop bars as well as a "Show + Tell" seminar, which is used for everything from cooking classes to wine tasting.

There are plenty of activities outside too, including concerts and movie nights. Since the property is right on the Riverwalk, it is easily accessible. It's open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 11 p.m.

Friday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. It welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The entrance is free. Parking is free during the visit and costs $5 on the weekends. Visit the market's website for more information.

3. Busch Gardens

[caption id="attachment_703703" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] [/caption]

Span over 300 acres and boast over 12,000 animals live shows, restaurants, roller coasters, shops and games, Busch Gardens is a common way to spend a day in the Tampa sun. Did you know that Busch Gardens is actually older than the nearby Disney World?

Recent visitors love the combination of entertainment and education found here, saying that everyone from animal lovers to thrill-seekers will be happy at the park. If you're here to move, you can buy a Quick Queue Unlimited card to skip the lines - another highlight for reviewers.

4. Tampa Theatre

Even if you're not in town for screenings or movie shows, travelers recommend stopping at the ornate Tampa Theater. When it was built in 1926, the theater was considered one of the world's most elaborate theaters.

Designed by architect John Eberson, the interior features a 1,400-pipe Wurlitzer organ and was constructed to look like a Mediterranean garden with flowers and gargoyles. Take a look at the ceiling and you'll spot 99 bulbs meant to resemble stars in the night sky. If you are unable to attend a program here, consider visiting instead.

The site offers a 90-minute "balcony to backstage" tour, including a Wurlitzer theater performance and detailed information on stories, art, and ants. The architecture has made this palace a place in the Historic State Registry of Places and City of Tampa.

Tours take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. Adult tickets cost $ 10; children from 2 to 12 tours for $ 8. Check the theater website for showtimes and book a tour in advance (they often sell out tickets).

5. Florida Aquarium

Located on the southeastern edge of downtown Tampa, the Florida Aquarium contains a huge collection of marine life - 14,000 animals, by the end.

Past visitors said it'll take you at least three hours to make your way through the maze of stingrays, moray eels and sea turtles that live here, but there's a good chance your child will be tired of the previous outing.

Tourists say that the touch tanks and jellyfish exhibits are among their favorites. Young children will definitely enjoy the Splash Pad area, a 2-acre outdoor area that includes geysers, pours and a sprinkler area for kids (don't forget to pack towels!).

6. Golf

With such ideal weather all year round, Tampa is a great place for one or two golf courses. TPC Tampa Bay, which has held the PGA Tour Champions for over 20 years, is one of the city's most popular courses.

It features an 18-hole course designed by Bobby Weed, with Chi-Chi Rodriguez as a player consultant. Recent golfers praised the helpful staff and enjoyed the as-advertised challenging course.

Another popular course is Saddlebrook Resort, which features two courses designed by Arnold Palmer. Recent visitors said the courses were beautiful and well maintained. The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Golf Resort is equally revered for players and spectators who flock to the course for the annual Valspar Championship.

7. Tampa Boat Tours

[caption id="attachment_703709" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] [/caption]

Make the most of Tampa's coastal location by a boat trip around the bay. You'll have sightseeing options, including sunset trips, half-day trips, and dolphin cruises. If you've been planning to visit the Florida Aquarium, consider piling up for a while for the Wild Dolphin Cruise.

The tour departs from the aquarium twice daily, including a 75-minute trip on a 72-foot catamaran. The purpose of the tour is to travel far enough to Tampa Bay to see hundreds of bottlenose dolphins calling the area, but you may also spot some species of birds and sea turtles occasionally.

Note that you'll have to purchase the aquarium's combo ticket if you want to tack this experience onto your visit. Tampa Bay Fun Boat is another popular sightseeing option other than day cruises and sunsets.

If you'd rather be the captain of your own boat, consider boats Tampa, which offers one- to four-hour boat rentals. No boating license is necessary. For a more traditional boating tour, consider booking with Olde World Sailing Line, which is also a favorite among recent Tampa visitors.

This 44-foot sailboat adds elegance with private sunset cruises and full moon cruises.

8. Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center

Tampa is a city for animal lovers willing to pay the price for cuddling, originality, and cuteness. Science centers, zoos, and aquariums that don't charge at least a little something for you to enter are few and far between.

Which is why Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center is so special. Vacationers appreciate a little rest in their journey to see men swimming through the Tampa Electric water plant, and they don't have to pay an arm and a leg for the privilege.

In fact, you won't have to pay anything at all. At the Big Bend power plant on Apollo Beach, employees seek refuge in the power plant's discharge panels, the warm, clean saltwater currents of Tampa Bay. When the bay was too cold for the manor, they retreated into this space for heating.

When your eyes aren't on the water, turn your attention to the center's other attractions, including a mangrove exhibit, a butterfly garden, and a gift shop. You can also get a bird's-eye view of the area by climbing up the stairs to the 50-foot viewing tower, located halfway down the Manatee Viewing Center's habitat loop trail.

9. Big Cat Rescue

This northwest Tampa spot is more sanctuary than a zoo; while here, you'll have the chance to learn all things concerning bobcats, tigers, cougars, lynx, snow leopards – even house cats.

To give you a perspective on its size and range, the complex covers 67 acres, containing more than 100 animals from more than 14 different species. Recent visitors have said that this attraction certainly attracts an appropriate audience, but cat lovers will be very interested in what they learn from friendly, passionate guides and informative believe.

If you're hoping to spot the animals when they're most active, sign up for a feeding or night tour; the cats are usually resting during the day. Keeper tours receive positive reviews from recent visitors, too.

Visiting can be pricey, however. Ticket cost depends on your tour type (there are day tours, night tours, kids tours, and feeding tours, among others), but usually, it cost between $29 and $125 per person.

You must book an online tour on the Big Cat Rescue website, or you can call to make your reservation. The time and date of the visit vary, but detailed hours can be found on the reserve website. The facility sits about 15 miles northwest of downtown Tampa.

10. ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Spanning 60 acres, ZooTampa boasts natural habitats, educational shows and interactive animal encounters, water play areas, and a handful of rides. Here you'll find a variety of animals from around the world, including African elephants, koalas, orangutans, penguins, and tigers, among other species.

Also, for those who didn't spot any animals at Tampa Electric's Manatee Observation Center, you're in luck; The zoo is home to Florida's only nonprofit acute care hospital, which means this is one of a few places in Florida where you are guaranteed to spot the area's beloved dugongs. tell the season.

Other highlights are a carousel and a section dedicated to Florida wildlife. When you are not surprised at the manor, you will meet with interacting animals, from giving an Indian rhino to posing for a photo with a koala bear.

Recent visitors are often pleased with the zoo, and especially recommend it to families with young children. They also said that the zoo staff was friendly and the zoo was well maintained.

More ideals for you: Top 10 things to do in El Paso

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-tampa-703671.html

#Wikitopx #Wikitopx - Feed

0 notes

jobsearchtips02 · 5 years

Text

40 Best Christmas Gifts for Mom in 2019

Finding Christmas gifts for mom can seem daunting. If your mom tells you she has everything, like my mom often does, rest assured that there is an item or experience you can get her that will put a smile on her face.

Since my mom seems to have every gadget under the sun, holiday gift shopping for her is no walk in the park. I have to get really creative and spend a good few hours looking online before coming up with the perfect gift for her.

Last year, I treated her to a mother-daughter day where we went out to lunch, got our nails done, painted at a local pottery studio, and saw a chick flick. She loved every second of it and has already told me she wants a similar gift for this year.

There are many Christmas gift ideas for mom that she is sure to appreciate. And, believe it or not, a lot of them are quite affordable so you don’t have to break the bank to put a smile on her face.

10 Gifts for Mom that (Usually) Cost Under $20

Money’s tight this Christmas? No problem! There are plenty of Christmas presents for mom that are thoughtful, sweet, and cost less than 20 bucks.

Novelty Coffee Mug

Does your mom love her coffee? If so, gift her a novelty coffee mug with a funny saying. You can find ones that say something like, “No matter how hard life gets, at least you don’t have ugly children,” or “I love my mom more than my sibling does.”

She’ll be laughing every morning and is sure to think of you every time she takes a sip.

Wind Chimes

Wind chimes make the perfect gift for the mom who loves decorating her home. Since they’re durable enough to withstand rain and moisture, she can hang them indoors or outdoors.

Pick wind chimes that reflect her design aesthetic. No matter where she puts them, she’ll love the color and peaceful sounds they bring to her life. Since wind chimes come in various styles and sizes, you should have no problem finding the perfect ones for your mom.

Hummingbird Feeder

If your mom likes to spend time outside bird watching, she’ll be thrilled with a hummingbird feeder. She can hang it on a wall hook, tree branch, deck hook, or feeding poll.

Then, she can sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of nature. There are lots of types of feeders to choose from so you can select one that matches your mom’s unique style.

Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

If your mom has jumped on the essential oil bandwagon, you can treat her to an essential oil diffuser bracelet.

You can drop her favorite essential oil into it so every time she wears it, she’ll feel calm and relaxed. This bracelet may be perfect to escape the tension and stress of everyday life.

Cozy Socks

Let your mom lounge around her house with a pair of cozy socks. Cozy socks make the ideal stocking stuffer and are one of those gifts that your mom will definitely use. After all, there’s no such thing as having too many socks, right?

They come in a variety of colors and patterns and are sure to keep your mom warm all winter long.

Scented Candle(s)

It’s no secret that many moms appreciate good-smelling candles. If your mom loves scented candles, it only makes sense that you add to her collection.

Whether you buy candles that smell like lavender, chocolate chip cookies, or freshly washed sheets, she’ll enjoy a sense of relaxation and think of you when she lights them.

Bath Bombs

If your mom likes to soak in a bubble bath at the end of a long day, you can’t go wrong with bath bombs. She’ll enjoy a fizzy, lush bath and forget about any of her worries or daily stressors.

These bath bombs come in a variety of incredible scents like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus. You can also find ones that smell like hot cocoa or champagne.

Box of Chocolate

A box of Godiva chocolate is a great option for the chocolate-loving mom in your life. It’s filled with chocolate truffles in hazelnut crunch, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and salted caramel flavors.

Each flavor is delicious and is sure to put your mom in a good mood. Since they come in an elegant gift box, she’ll think of you long after the chocolates are gone.

Wine Tumbler

If you have a wine-loving mom, a wine tumbler makes a useful yet affordable gift. Its double-wall vacuum insulated design will keep her wine cool for at least nine while she sips on some Chardonnay or Rose.

This is a gift she can use while she’s out-and-about at a party or relaxing at home. You can choose from a plethora of colors and pair this tumbler with a bottle of your mom’s favorite wine.

Indoor Planter

Getting your mom an indoor planter is a thoughtful way to show her that you care about her houseplants and want them to thrive in the colder months.

She can use the planter to spruce up her favorite plants or add some modern flair to her bedroom or office. It’ll add a sophisticated twist to her space.

See Also: How to Find Cheap Christmas Gifts and Save Money This Holiday Season

10 Sentimental, Meaningful Christmas Gifts for Mom

A sentimental gift is a great way to savor the meaningful connection you have with your mom. If your mom loves a good tear-jerker, a sentimental gift may be the way to go.

Decorative Sign or Plaque

There are countless signs or plaques that your mom will appreciate if she likes to display meaningful quotes or inspirational sayings throughout the house.

You can get her a sign or plaque that says something like, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around your neck,” and she’ll think of you every time she sees it.

Engraved Jewelry Tray

For the jewelry-loving mom, an engraved jewelry tray with a quote or saying about her is an excellent choice. She can use it to store her rings, earrings, or other small jewelry items and decorate her bedroom. She’ll never have to worry about losing her favorite jewelry because it’ll all be in one spot.

Family Tree Picture Frame Display

Show your mom how her family has blossomed over the years with a family tree picture frame display. It features intricately carved branches and leaves spaces for you to add pictures of your family members. Your mom will love being able to see all her loved ones every time she walks by it.

Knock Knock What I Love About Mom Journal

Looking for a unique way to tell your mom why you love her? Buy her the Knock Knock what I love about mom journal. This tiny book is packed with fill-in-the-blank lines that can help you describe why your mom is the best.

All you have to do is complete each line with hilarious, honest, or heartfelt words and watch your mom smile as she reads it. You can get the whole family in on it by asking them what they’d say.

Engraved Necklace

If your mom loves personalized jewelry, an engraved necklace is a great idea. You can get her a necklace that simply says the word “Mom,” or one with all of her children’s names and their birthstones.

You can also engrave a quote that you know she lives by or loves. A locket with a picture of her family is also a good idea. You can personalize it with her anniversary date or birthday.

Journal

Journaling is good for your mom’s soul so why not get her a beautiful journal? She can use it to jot down her grocery lists, write down her to-do list, record her goals, or summarize the day’s events.

You can write a thoughtful message on the first few pages of the journal so she has something nice to read every time she opens it.

Customized Pillow

With a customized pillow, your mom will think of you every time she lays her head down. The pillow can feature a photo, text, or a combination of both.

You can add a photo of you and your mom from your wedding day or a quote you know will make her smile. The possibilities are endless.

Photo Book

Moms love looking at photos of themselves, their family and their kids. Buy a photo book for your mom and fill it with memories of your childhood.

You can use a marker to add captions to each photo and tell a story that may have your mom crying and laughing all at once. A photo book is a perfect way for her to relive the good old days.

Personalized Ornament

A sentimental gift doesn’t have to be big. Even something small like a personalized ornament will get your mom excited.

The ornament can contain a picture of both of you, your name along with your siblings’ names or a picture of her dog or cat. There are a plethora of ornaments you can choose from.

Photo Collage Blanket

Gather your favorite photos of you and your mom and order a photo collage blanket. Your mom will love cuddling up with a blanket that reminds her of your special relationship.

Even when you’re far away from your mom, she’ll feel close to you with this unique blanket by her side. If she’s a dog lover, you can include photos of her pup.

10 Practical, Useful Christmas Gifts for Mom

Practical gifts don’t have to be boring. There are lots of practical gift options that your mom will enjoy and use on a regular basis.

New Purse or Handbag

Does your mom like to be prepared at all times? She may appreciate a new purse or handbag so that she has somewhere fashionable to store everything she needs. With a new purse or handbag, she’ll be able to take her tissues, sunglasses, wallet, lipstick, antibacterial wipes, and medicine she goes.

Choosing the right purse or handbag is the next question. If she likes to be hands-free or walks around a lot, a crossbody may be a good option. If you know she’ll need plenty of room, a large shoulder tote may make more sense.

Set of Pots and Pans

Have your mom’s pots and pans seen better days? Get her a set of pots and pans so she can leave her old, scratched up cookware behind her. Whether she’s searing a steak, flipping pancakes, or simmering soup, she’ll be able to cook like a pro with a brand new set of pots and pans at her disposal.

Cozy House Slippers

Whether your mom is cleaning, cooking, or doing laundry, she’s likely on her feet. Treat her to a pair of cozy house slippers so she can give her feet some TLC when she’s home. She’ll be thankful you helped her kiss her swollen feet and cold toes goodbye this winter season.

Cast Iron Skillet Cleaner

If your mom loves her cast iron skillet but wishes there was an easier way to clean it, she’ll love a cast iron skillet cleaner. This chainmail-like scrubber lets her clean the cast iron without using a sponge. It only takes minutes to get rid of caked-on mess without scratching her skillet. You can expect it to last her just as long as the skillet does.

Veggie Spiral Slicer

Slicing veggies can be a real pain. A veggie spiral slicer is a breeze to use and works on a variety of fruits and veggies.

This is a great gift option if your mom is a health-conscious eater or looking for a fun and easy way to improve her eating habits. If she’s trying to cut down on carbs and calories, she can use the slicer to swap traditional for zucchini noodles or “zoodles.”

Garden Tool Set with Organizer

If your mom has a green thumb, you can’t get any more practical than a garden toolset with an organizer. It’s loaded with almost everything she needs to enjoy herself in the garden. She’ll love her new gardening shovel, mini rake, trowel, cultivator, hand weeder, spade, heavy-duty gloves, sprayer, and adorable garden tote bag.

This gift is a particularly good choice if your mom loves to garden, but hasn’t upgraded her equipment in a while.

Cardigan

A cardigan is one of the most versatile clothing items you can buy for your mom. She can dress it down with a tank top and her favorite pair of jeans or dress it up with a skirt or dress. There’s no shortage of styles and colors to choose from so you shouldn’t have any issues finding a cardigan that your mom will get great use out of.

Avocado Hugger

An avocado hugger is ideal if your mom loves to get her daily avocado toast. Its patented design will reduce air exposure and slow the oxidation process to keep your mom’s avocados fresh for as long as possible.

She’ll no longer have to throw away uneaten avocado halves or go through the hassle of using foil or plastic wrap to try to keep them from going brown.

Heat-Conducting Ice Cream Scoop

If your mom says no to ice cream because it takes forever to soften, she’ll be thrilled with a heat-conducting ice cream scoop. It was specifically engineered to help your mom avoid the strain that comes when scooping rock-hard ice cream. She’ll no longer have to melt ice cream in the microwave and can finally enjoy ice cream straight from the freezer.

Phone Sanitizer

Does your mom carry around a bottle of hand sanitizer everywhere she goes? If she’s one of those germ-conscious people, she’ll get excited about a phone sanitizer.

Cell phones can get dirty quickly and it’s easy to forget to give it a scrub down every once in a while. A phone sanitizer can quickly and conveniently disinfect her entire phone.

10 Fun or Unique Christmas Gifts for Mom (Who Has Everything)

Experiences are the perfect gift for the mom who has everything. These outings will also help you create lasting memories.

Favorite Food or Candy Gift Basket

Is there one type of food or candy your mom can’t live without? If she’s addicted to Reese’s peanut butter and chocolate cups, you can create a gift basket with an assortment of Reese’s candies. If she’s a “cheeseaholic,” a gourmet cheese basket may be perfect.

Jade Facial Roller

Does your mom love trying the latest beauty products? Treat her to a Jade stone facial roller that she can incorporate in her regular beauty routine.

This unique beauty tool has the power to remove sub-surface water and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, eye, nose, and mouth areas. It will also feel incredible on her skin.

Mother/Daughter or Mother/Son Movie Date Voucher

When was the last time you took your mom out for a movie? If you can’t remember or it’s been years, you can’t go wrong with a movie date voucher.

Watching a movie after the holidays is perfect because the Oscar-worthy movies will be out in theaters. Find a movie you’ll both enjoy and create a voucher with the date and time of the movie.

While you’re at the theater, don’t forget to buy your mom a large tub of popcorn or her favorite candy. You can also pick a theater that offers food so you can treat her to dinner and a movie.

Movie Night at Home DIY Basket

If your mom loves a relaxing night in, get creative and make her a movie night at home basket. You can include her favorite DVD, a few mini wine bottles, movie-theater popcorn, chocolate, candy, and anything else you think she’ll like while watching a flick on her couch.

Instead of buying a DVD, you can get her a gift card to Netflix or Hulu if she doesn’t have a subscription.

Electric Back Massager

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on professional massages for your mom when an electric back massager will do the trick. She can keep it at home and use it to unwind when her muscles are feeling tense or she’s had a long day.

Electric back massagers are easy to use so don’t worry if your mom isn’t great with technology.

Kindle Fire

Your mom will never be bored with a Kindle Fire. She can use this tablet to check her email, browse social media, shop online, listen to music, play games and more.

Once your mom gets a Kindle Fire, she’ll wonder why she didn’t own one sooner. The Kindle Fire is one of the most versatile Christmas gifts that money can buy.

Manicure/Pedicure Gift Certificate

A mani-pedi gift certificate is a fun way to spoil your mom. If she’s a “girly girl,” she’ll love getting pampered, especially if she doesn’t treat herself often. Not only will her hands and feet look great, she’ll feel great.

If you can, come along with her and get a mani-pedi too so you can spend some quality time together. If you can’t come, buy her a second gift certificate so she can take a friend.

Genetic Ethnicity Test

Let your mom discover something new about herself with an Ancestry DNA test. After you give her the kit, she’ll return it to a state-of-the-art lab in a prepaid package with her saliva sample.

She’ll get her results online in six to eight weeks and learn all about who she is and where her family comes from.

Weekend Getaway

If your mom loves to travel and explore new places, a weekend getaway is a gift she’ll never forget. You can book her a stay at a nearby bed and breakfast or a hotel in a big city so she can make memories in a place she’s never been to before.

This gift does cost a bit more, but you can save money by picking a weekend without anything else going on. You can also look for special deals on travel sites or call and ask for discounts directly.

Cooking Class

A cooking class is a great gift for a mom who loves spending time in the kitchen. Find a cooking class at a local cooking school or cookware store and expose your mom to an exciting night of learning from professional chefs. She’ll get to try a new recipe and unleash her inner chef.

Better yet, sign up for the class too so you can take it together. If you don’t live in town, have her take the class with a girlfriend.

Choosing the Christmas Right Gift for the Impossible Mom

While choosing the right gift for your mom may still seem challenging, remember that it’s the thought that counts. Even if your mom seems impossible to please, you can always find something that will make her happy.

If you can’t find anything online or at a brick-and-mortar store, get crafty and make her something she’ll love. Sentimental gifts are a good idea, especially if you live far away.

Regardless of what you gift your mom this Christmas, be sure to remind her how much she means to you. After all, that’s what the holidays are really all about.

from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/40-best-christmas-gifts-for-mom-in-2019/

0 notes

ringinserts · 7 years

Text

4 Tips for Choosing Wedding Bands

Shopping for wedding jewelry is not about spending the least amount of money or the most amount of money, it is all about spending good money on the pieces that are worth to you and your partner. Wedding Bands are one of the essential parts of wedding jewelry. And finding a perfect and stylish wedding band has always been a headache for couples.

It is essential for you to select premium-quality jewelry, especially wedding band because you have to wear this timeless piece for whole life. Today, we will enlighten you with 4 proven tips that can help you to choose perfect and stylish wedding band for your partner:

Check the Trends

To acquire stylish wedding bands, you need to take care of a few things like keeping an eye on the latest trends and styles of the ring. To achieve this, you can also inspire your style ideas from various sources like magazines, celebrity, and much more. Make sure that shop for your wedding jewelry little early, so, that you get enough time to do research and get that perfect wedding band which you dream of.

Plan Your Budget

If you want to get perfect and authentic diamond ring, then the well-planned budget can help you to achieve your dream ring without being cheated. Always be honest and realistic while preparing your budget and keep other consideration in mind like preference and style. But never let your budget come across the quality of metal type for your wedding band because you have to wear this for your whole life. So, while preparing budget always consider buying a beautiful, comfortable, and budget-friendly band.

Discuss With Your Partner

Some couples wish to have matching sets of the band which is perfectly complemented each other. If you are also looking for such option, then discuss the design, styles, metal type with your partner. If you want something unique and expressive then you can also go for custom design wedding bands that can help you to acquire the wedding band or ring as per your requirement.

Choose Premium-Quality Metal

When it comes to selecting the metal type for the wedding band, numerous options are available, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum. Whatever metal you choose for your wedding, but before that consider a few things like quality, comfort level and durability of the metal. If your partner is allergic to any particular type of metal, then avoid selecting it or metal-mix containing that metal. Choose the high-quality metal type that is durable and comfortable to wear.

Wedding Band is the true symbol of the love, understandings, togetherness, and commitment between you and your partner. Where ever you go, this timeless piece of jewelry expresses that you are meant for each other. So, these 4 tips can help you to acquire high-quality, stylish, comfortable, durable and pocket-friendly Wedding Band.

Get world’s stunning collection of Wedding Band and Engagement Rings at True Romance.

from True Romance http://ift.tt/2jmmtKF via IFTTT

from trueromancenet http://ift.tt/2y52cwx via IFTTT

#trueromancenet

0 notes

puravidaeh · 7 years

Text

Looking for Monteverde Country Lodge discounts? As a thank you for visiting us, WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO A 15% DISCOUNT OFF THE MONTEVERDE COUNTRY LODGE’S RATES when booking with the hotel directly using our “Pura Vida! eh? Exclusive Promotion” code. Click here for more information and/or to obtain the hotel promo code. Con mucho gusto (you’re welcome) and pura vida! 🙂

Ricky and Nikki; at the Monteverde Country Lodge

THE MAGIC OF MONTEVERDE

Few destinations in Costa Rica capture and keep our undivided attention as often as Monteverde; a destination that is as much a magical gift of life to the country as the Amazon to the south, Niagara Falls to the north, and the vastness of oceans that surround us. The area is without a doubt a nature lover’s haven that begs for exploration, warrants admiration, and rewards appreciation, and it is no wonder that as recreational hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers, Ricky and I lose ourselves in Monteverde’s maze of amazement each and every time we visit.

In fitting with the region’s natural landscape (and unlike other popular Costa Rica destinations, where a greater number of superior and resort-quality accommodations are present), Monteverde is home to a multitude of rustic lodges, cabins, and eco-friendly hotels. When we visit the area, we wouldn’t dream of staying in anything else; like any truly respectful Monteverde explorer, we would trade high-class, luxury, and fine dining, for bugs, fog, and an authentic taste of the Costa Rican rainforest any day.

As we touch on in our related blog post Should You Visit La Fortuna (Arenal), Monteverde, Or Both Destinations During Your Costa Rica Vacation, many travellers question whether or not the Monteverde region is worth a visit (and, if you cringed at the mere thought of bugs and fog when we mentioned both above, you may be one of those people). Upon reading that blog post, should you decide that you would like to experience and stay in the area, one of our very best Monteverde hotel recommendations is the Monteverde Country Lodge.

Not to be confused with other Monteverde accommodations with similar names (such as the Monteverde Villa Lodge, the Monteverde Rustic Lodge, or the Monteverde Lodge; please see our related blog post Costa Rica Hotel Tip: Can You Name Your Arenal Or Monteverde Hotel? for more information on the importance of knowing your exact accommodation name), the Monteverde Country Lodge is a standard accommodation that offers everything a traveller might want or need to execute the perfect Monteverde trip, without charging more than its worth. Here’s why we value the hotel highly.

MONTEVERDE COUNTRY LODGE: HOTEL LOCATION

The Monteverde Country Lodge offers an ideal location; not only is the hotel situated less than a five-minute drive from downtown Santa Elena where travellers can access souvenir shops, restaurants, tour operator offices, a bank, grocery stores, and more, but it is also situated down a side road off the main highway that runs between town and the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve. With a location that combines convenience with calmness, and offers close proximity to one of the country’s most precious attractions, the Monteverde Country Lodge is discretely tucked away from the bustle of the downtown core, yet still situated in the heart of it all.

MONTEVERDE COUNTRY LODGE: ENVIRONMENT AND AMBIANCE

Want to know the absolute best thing we do whenever we visit Monteverde? We love to take it all in. Wafts of dew in the air. A monkey troop’s howls. The rustling of plant leaves. A hummingbird afloat midair. The buzz of a cicada’s mating call. The brilliance of a torch flower’s light. The speed of a gecko’s sprint. The warmth of a beam of sunshine broken through the rainforest canopy. Although beauty is abundant throughout Costa Rica, Monteverde is bursting with it in some of its tiniest and most unrecognizable forms as a result of the sheer volume of biodiversity that exists in the region. At the Monteverde Country Lodge, we experienced much of it, including visits from countless species of birds, a natural soundtrack stemming from wildlife and critters that inhabit the neighbouring Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve and Children’s Eternal Rainforest Bajo Del Tigre Reserve, a colourful sunset over the roof of the lodge, and the aroma and taste of locally-roasted coffee produced by one of the country’s best plantations. We loved roaming about the hotel’s property, admiring its many plants, flowers, and trees, and educating ourselves using the flora information placards provided. As if the hotel’s grounds weren’t peaceful and pretty enough, the natural stonework and trickling ornamental water fountains scattered throughout the property’s gardens reminded us of nature’s glory.

Natural stonework

Gardens and fountains

Nikki; with a new friend

Sunset over the Monteverde Country Lodge

MONTEVERDE COUNTRY LODGE: DESIGN AND DECOR

Ricky and I aren’t skiers (Costa Rica’s tropical climate makes it rather difficult for us to become ones), but if we were to envision a typical ski chalet, an image of the Monteverde Country Lodge would appear in our minds. The two-storey hotel (renovated in 2010) is almost entirely constructed of wood, complete with wood balconies, wood doors, large wood-framed windows, and a peaked roof. Inside our hotel room we found wood furniture to match, but surprisingly, no funky wood smell–one of a few common downfalls to rustic accommodations, especially in a region such as Monteverde where dampness is the dominant state.

Beyond offering cleanliness and standard amenities (including a private bathroom, hot water, television, safe, and blackout curtains), our room offered little else, which is exactly what we were hoping for. Anything more would have likely increased the price and for little purpose, since the “Monteverde experience” is about becoming one with nature–not sugarcoating it.

Monteverde Country Lodge

Monteverde Country Lodge reception

Recycling program

Second-floor rooms

Monteverde Country Lodge

Our hotel room

Our room’s bathroom

Monteverde Country Lodge

MONTEVERDE COUNTRY LODGE: BONUS AMENITIES

This being said, there are a number of extra benefits to staying at the Monteverde Country Lodge that cause the hotel to standout among other similar lodge-type accommodations in the area. For one, we found the live music offered at the hotel’s onsite restaurant to be a nice touch; it brought ambiance and elegance to a low-key evening spent relaxing “at home”. We also enjoyed sitting out on our room’s front patio–a private space that encourages travellers to “grab a book, a glass of wine, or a pair of binoculars and forget about everything else” as the Monteverde Country Lodge notes on their website. Personally, the space was all we needed to carve out some time for recording thoughts in our travel logs and sifting through our bird guides, all while taking in the crisp Monteverde air. The hotel’s buffet breakfast (complete with eggs, toast, pancakes, gallo pinto, fruit, cheese, cold-cut meats, yogurt, cereal, fruit juice, coffee, and tea) and onsite parking are included in the hotel’s room rates, as is wi-fi access, which we had no problem using from within our room. For travellers with young children, a wood playground set is provided at the back of the property complete with swings and slides. And, as a bonus amenity, Monteverde Country Lodge guests are welcome to use the facilities provided by the hotel’s sister property Hotel Poco A Poco (our superior accommodation option in Monteverde, when an upgrade from the Monteverde Country Lodge would be preferred), which is located less than a five-minute drive away. Specifically, travellers who opt to stay at the Monteverde Country Lodge are granted access to Hotel Poco A Poco’s onsite pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, and spa free of charge (restaurant and spa service charges apply).

Our room’s front patio

Onsite restaurant

Breakfast

Ricky; enjoying breakfast

Onsite playground

Nikki; at Hotel Poco A Poco

Ricky; at Hotel Poco A Poco

Hotel Poco A Poco pool

Hotel Poco A Poco jacuzzi

Throughout our Costa Rica travels, we have stayed in enough accommodations to know when our money was well spent. There have been times when we searched for high-quality experiences or specific hotel amenities and we were willing to pay extra for them, just as there have been times when we sought only a clean and safe place to sleep at and we had no interest in paying for anything else. At the Monteverde Country Lodge we found a fair balance between cost and quality. It is not a superior accommodation, so travellers looking for more than what a standard accommodation aims to offer might be best to look elsewhere, but at the same time, the hotel is worth paying more for than an economy hotel and/or hostel. Perhaps we would comment otherwise with respect to accommodations located in different towns in Costa Rica, but for Monteverde specifically, we support experiences (including those provided by tours, attractions, and yes, hotels!) that capture the natural, raw, and rustic feel of the area. It is that grassroots feeling that Monteverde is known for, that Monteverde is loved for, and that keeps Monteverde distinct. Seek it during your visit; settling for less is simply missed opportunity.

QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you stayed at the Monteverde Country Lodge? What did you think of your visit?

Pura vida!

If you’re more of a visual learner, take a moment to view our gallery photos below from our most recent visit to the Monteverde Country Lodge.

#gallery-0-25 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-25 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-25 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-25 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Monteverde Country Lodge

Our room’s front patio

Onsite restaurant

Ricky; at Hotel Poco A Poco

Recycling program

Ricky; enjoying breakfast

Hotel Poco A Poco pool

Monteverde Country Lodge

Breakfast

Onsite playground

Natural stonework

Monteverde Country Lodge reception

Gardens and fountains

Our room’s bathroom

Nikki; with a new friend

Monteverde Country Lodge

Onsite restaurant

Monteverde Country Lodge

Our hotel room

Sunset over the Monteverde Country Lodge

Ricky and Nikki; at the Monteverde Country Lodge

Monteverde Country Lodge

Hotel Poco A Poco jacuzzi

Monteverde Country Lodge reception

Breakfast

Second-floor rooms

Nikki; at Hotel Poco A Poco

Our room’s bathroom

Monteverde Country Lodge reception

Monteverde Hotel Recommendation: A Quiet And Rustic Lodge That Captures The Feel Of Monteverde Looking for Monteverde Country Lodge discounts? As a thank you for visiting us, WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO A 15% DISCOUNT OFF THE MONTEVERDE COUNTRY LODGE'S RATES…

0 notes

jamiekturner · 7 years

Text

Best Calendar Apps: Alternatives to Google Calendar

Helping you through your days, a nice calendar app is very useful that it virtually becomes a personal assistant.

Many people would forget birthdays, miss appointments, and ignore deadlines without great calendars.

But before of varying individual requirement and needs, there is no calendar in the world that is perfect for everybody.

While some people would like their calendars to be streamlined and simple, others would prefer them to be customizable and robust. And be able to track notes and tasks together with events.

Your computer and phone come already with a calendar application, however, there are tons of options which might be ideal for you.

In our quest for finding the perfect day to day assistant for you, we have tested several of the best calendar apps, and we have come up with a list of the most suitable ones for your day to day activities.

While some people regard Google calendar as the best calendar app for schedule and time management, it doesn’t do it for everybody.

But if you are not utilizing the leading app in the market to sort your hectic life, you can find several good alternatives.

And if you have experimented with some digital calendars already, you must have found out that getting your hands on an easy to use Google Calendar alternative is a daunting task.

What Makes a Great Calendar App?

There are two main functions that Calendar apps provide: Your upcoming schedule is shown by them and they also get you reminded of vital events and activities.

However, apart from being functional, the best Calendars are also exciting to use and thus, they make you a lot more useful.

For this review, we looked at apps that were:

Simple to use: If it requires too much tapping and clicking before you can add an event, you surely won’t enjoy using this calendar app. If upcoming events can’t be found quickly, it is not a good calendar app. The best apps are those that are quick and sensitive.

Visually pleasing: A good-looking, neat user makes using your calendar numerous times daily a lovely experience. Apart from being good looking, the design ought to assist you to identify different types of events and have a bird-eye view of your to-do list.

Easy to be shared with others: Other people are possibly involved in your calendar events, thus if you would love to carry everybody along for those meetups, you will be hugely assisted by sharing features, like inviting others easily to check out your calendar.

We also looked at apps that are:

Available for several devices: A calendar app that is cross-platform provides you with an instant way into your schedule, both on mobile and on the web, and possibly the desktop also, and all these in a steady, familiar interface.

Customizable, or filled with great features: If you are a stern scheduler, great features like customizable views and incorporations with apps for task management, will assist you to maximize your calendar.

Be it looking for the most excellent Android calendar app or the finest iPhone calendar app, you should definitely find a helpful tool here.

Momentum

You will really love Momentum if you have had problems before with continuing on task when a new tab is opened. It is not like a scheduler, Momentum wants to continue to inspire you on your deadlines.

Although, using to-do list feature, daily schedules can also be created by you.

Make use of Momentum to make to-do lists to track your movement, predict the weather, and browse the internet in a much more proficient way.

Your “new tab” page would be substituted with a display of gorgeous photos, all having motivational quotes as caption, which ought to (optimistically) thwart you from going to Reddit or Facebook for the 10th time in 2hours.

Fruux

This great service is free and it syncs your tasks, calendars, and contacts to provide you with total control over your day to day schedules.

Making use of Fruux, your calendars can be shared with others, and you can generate and publish books for team address and also get anything edited from any sort of device from wherever in the world.

While Microsoft Exchange enables you to share your Calendars with others, Fruux integrates well with Outlook to assist you to collaborate and sync with a team.

However, prior to you beginning to use the application, you will have to register one account with the creator, which is a little price to pay for this awesome and brilliant alternative to Google Calendar.

Generally, this is an extremely popular option for professionals that are busy and have to work over many applications, devices and operating software. Fruux as well has options for upgrade, ranging from around $6 – $31 for every month.

SolCalendar

Similar to Momentum, the approach of SolCalendar to organizing is somewhat more unusual compared to the other apps on this list. When the act of forming fresh tasks looks more of a job than essentially crossing them off, you should probably download this app.

There are many extras like sticker packs which instill a few personalities into the course. Outstandingly, SolCalendar can create fresh to-dos that can be viewed as a monthly calendar with and an hourly or daily agenda and can sync with Google Tasks.

Just keep in mind that this app is meant for true enthusiasts of calendars and it will actually take some learning before you can be able to use it efficiently.

Jorte

Jorte offers more than the capability of other calendar apps. The app offers Cloud-syncing abilities for events and schedule management. Actually, it is a great Calendars 5 alternative as it is also compatible with Android devices.

It offers a more detailed monthly overview measures up to Google Calendar and spotlights forthcoming significant events when observed in either landscape or portrait format.

There is abundance range for customization with this application and that is the attractive thing about it. For example, a calendar that will display photos you like daily.

Foogi

Although it is a self-sufficient syncing calendar app, Foogi serves a particular category of professionals who have trouble in setting up meetings in the place of work.

Any calendar model such as iCloud, Outlook, Google Calendar can be used. Foogi reforms the way colleagues share their favored availability and calendar events over time zones.

The two outstanding things about the app are that scheduling effectiveness isn’t lost in circumstances where big teams are concerned and using substitute tools.

Everybody can sync to Foogi with no need to install a fresh app. Take note that it will be needed of you to sign up with a I Cloud, Google, Microsoft Office or Exchange account.

Fantastical 2

Installing Fantastical 2 enables you to have complete control and management of your Mac calendar right from the task bar. It can also be used use with smaller screens.

The app runs off similar color scheme that is set in the iCal app that assists you to identify your various to-dos. Also, your view can be changed to a more comprehensive, five day view system which has the capability to map directions.

This application is just like your personal assistant with integration and facilitation of reminder and natural languages.

It wouldn’t have been last on this list if not for the fact that it is the most costly application by a wide margin (almost $40 for complete Mac integration).

Having said that, the application works at such an extraordinary level that its cost is often justifiable easily by its users. You can take advantage of its 21-day free trial to check it out.

Kin Calendar

This is a trouble-free, however connected calendar, built as a replacement to Sunrise.

Easy enough to assist you to understand better where, when and with who you have to be.

It is connected to incorporate all the services you use every day.

Kin presently provides support to Facebook, Google Calendar, Meetup and Eventbrite. We intend to add numerous services to this list depending on your requirements: so speak your mind so that those you need on a daily basis are prioritized!

Business Calendar

Although this app might not be appealing to everybody as an Android special and it needs still Google Calendar to be put in some of its syncing capabilities.

However, this is a sensitive app for basic schedule management and maintenance for Android user.

The UI with “show text” feature is more detailed than the normal calendar spotted on Android devices.

Generally it is not a substitute for Google Calendar however it has a $4.99 Pro version plus suitable Google sync designed for business professionals.

The menus will be simply navigable for anybody who has before used Google Calendar, which assists them to save time where it matters.

Cal

If you are in search of something with little design style, Cal might be the suitable app for you. Developer Any.do has created one of the most elegant apps listed here by making use of a straightforward card design covered on picture backgrounds.

Cal is perfect for people who like keeping tab of their every day agenda. As soon as the app is launched, it will instantly display an outline of events and to dos in sequential order.

It is a slight alteration from the standard daily, weekly, or monthly view, however it eases things when you want to see what is in store for the day. Plus, Cal incorporates with Any.do.

CloudCal

If you have a tablet or an Android phone, it might be worth it to check out the approach of CloudCal’s novel organization of calendar. The major selling point is the ‘magic circles’.

Made to provide you with a swift hint of how your busy your days are, every day on the calendar’s monthly view is represented by a clock face or a circle, which is filled up with various colors for every undertaking scheduled for the day. It is an exciting feature which a lot of people will find a lot helpful.

However, it has loads of other great features apart from magic circles. It comes packed with tons of helpful features like Google Tasks, Google Calendar, Google Maps, Exchange integration, and Outlook.

There is a natural speech input also, which would enable you to be able to type stuff like ‘dinner with associates at 9pm this Monday’ and the application will take all the related information and form an event.

Provided you love something unique but offers the clean interface and easy usability which are vital for a great calendar app. CloudCal is worth checking out.

Summary

There should be something for everyone on this list and it really all comes down to experiment with your preference. Give a few of these a try and gain more control over your busy schedule.

Everybody should find something useful on this list and it is all based on trying out with your favorites. Try out some of these apps and be on top of your schedule.

from Web Development & Designing http://www.designyourway.net/blog/tech/best-calendar-apps-alternatives-google-calendar/

0 notes

staybitternyc-blog · 7 years

Text

I really like Bill Murray. Really, who doesn’t?

The buzz around 21 Greenpoint’s opening weekend back in 2016 slated Murray to bartend at his son’s restaurant near the waterfront. Of course it was invite only, of course a line of uninvited guests formed outside, and of course I was working anyway.

Despite my frequent visits to nearby Transmitter Park, I unintentionally put the restaurant out of mind. That is, until I read a review regarding a $21 tasting menu featuring food that would otherwise go to waste (think misshapen vegetables, extra fish, not full portions of short rib). 21 Greenpoint is closed Mondays and implements a tasting menu on Sunday nights (the only option for dinner) to clear its walk-in of excess potential wasted food. The menu consists of 5 courses and changes throughout the night, but follow the same categories: 1) soup 2) salad 3) starch 4) protein 5) dessert. The portions are small, as any tasting menu, but the meal allows one to leave satiated.

This model strikes a chord with my personal values of minimizing waste as well as embracing repurposing and recycling. Naturally, I made a point to dine at the restaurant the following Sunday, considering the location is also extremely convenient for me.

*photo via 21Greenpoint.com

The space itself is beautiful. Airy, classy, yet humble. The bar is an oval with a triangular point and the High two-tops line the wall opposite the bar, behind the bar lies an open kitchen and more dining. Eavesdropping, I learn the restaurant was designed by the same person who designed the Life Aquatic. A quick glance around finds the kitchen staff in red beanies. Yes, this restaurant could be a Wes Anderson movie. In fact, I might be in one right now, as I sit at the bar.

I’m becoming attuned to the flow of the tasting menu, the sequence. It’s a little bit like the yoga classes I go to. I know that at about 45 minutes in, I will be in pigeon pose. Here, I know that after the salad comes a flatbread. Tonight, a froccia so well executed with the proper amount of oil that I am sure the sliver will go unrivaled in my mind for some time.

Okay, okay, but we write about cocktails here, let me not get to carried away with the food – perfectly portioned, well-flavored, and mindfully plated. Order food here.

Also order drinks. The backbar is brilliantly stocked – I spy Braulio, Sfumato, and other favorite Amaros among a well-stocked selection of browns, rums, and agaves. A glance at the cocktail list makes it hard to choose – every cocktail sounds unique in some fashion. The Indonesian Spring is my first (white rum, arrack, raspberry brandy, amero, maraschino, kafir lime). I expect something rich but am met with a delicate floral bouquet and kafir. The drink alone is complex and remains so with every sip out of the elegant and minimal vessel.

The bar is more full than I anticipate. I spot Jerry and move with Ben and Lizzie to greet him. After some confusion with the hostess and a party of two other girls awaiting bar seats, the four of us move to a table in the back, a porch-like room with windows to the main dining area. The flow makes the space expansive, bigger than expected.

“Let’s get a bottle,” Ben takes charge. “If it’s alright with you all, I’d like to try as much American wine as I can while I am here.” We nod in agreement, his enthusiasm for all things, especially wine, is immersive and contagious. Laughter at the table is ceaseless. A bottle of pink bubbles arrives and rolls over the tongue – a sweet rosebud and dry floral finish.

The courses land on our table quickly, in succession. We share a salad and slurp our individual soups before flatbread and pasta descend upon us.

I recommend two more American wines and curb Ben’s attempt to order both simultaneously. I doubt we will finish three bottles. “Let’s start with the white and once we finish that, we can order the red,” I suggest. The Clendenen Family viongier is refreshing, round, almost buttery with notes of honeysuckle and minerality. It accompanies the starch and protein courses brilliantly.

“Who wants to relive me of this egg?” Lizzie says, part an offer, part a plea.

“Me,” I eagerly accept what she calls baby bird goo and top my margarita flatbread with the over-easy egg.

Conversation turns to jokes, with one very elongated joke from Ben. “The father and son walk into a pub,” he corrects for American relevance, “a bar – in Williamsburg,” he continues making the scene tangible. The punch line hits as we finish the wine. Ben begins to fall asleep at the table, illustrating that jet lag is indeed real.

No, we will not be ordering the red.

“Good to see you again,” the bartender greets on my most recent visit. “Michelle, right?” he remembers my name but I must ask for a reminder on his. I spread out with Spanish homework, and slide down to accommodate a group of five who order Campari spritzes. I sip a delicate balance of Salers Gentiane and Cappalleti Aperitvo. It elongates over several courses before I switch to the ultra-herbaceous mezcal Derrumbes San Luis Potosí. I had been introduced to this mezcal on my first visit and immediately fallen in love with its aggressive vegetal nature and intensity. The mezcal is perhaps ordered a little late in the meal. As toffee ice cream lands for desert, the agave offers its own satisfaction after the sweet cream leaves my palate.

Since my first visit for the Sunday night tasting menu, I have invited almost everyone I know in my neighborhood to join me. This is the kind of experience I want to encourage. The delight of expertly executed food and drink offer a gourmond’s euphoria. Who knows, one of these days maybe I’ll run into Bill Murray on a Sunday night.

21 Greenpoint I really like Bill Murray. Really, who doesn't? The buzz around 21 Greenpoint's opening weekend back in 2016 slated Murray to bartend at his son’s…

#Bill Murray #Cocktails #Greenpoint #Mezcal #Spirits #Sundays #tasting menu #wine

0 notes

planetzuri · 7 years

Text

by Tasneem Dhinojwala

Lets take a look at some stunning outfits that you can wear for Navroz, and regardless of your religion celebrate it

Navroz or ‘new day’ is the Parsi New Year, which is celebrated on the first day of the Spring or Vernal Equinox. It is also the Iranian and Persian New Year that is celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religions, who either are Persian migrants or have been influenced by Iranian culture. Celebrated by Parsis across India in full zest with delicious food and festivities, it is a good time to indulge in some Parsi style dressing. Lets take a look at some stunning outfits that you can wear for Navroz, and regardless of your religion celebrate it.

The Parsis have their own unique style of dressing. Parsi women mostly dress up in sarees with the pallu coming in the front from the backside. The blouse is generally boat-neck shaped. Their outfits have a stamp of their embroidery also known as Parsi embroidery.

The most exquisite and breathtakingly beautiful is the Parsi gara work. The spidery web of flowers with bird motifs flows effortlessly on the rich fabric. It is an art to behold. It is so seamless that it looks like some kind of romance on fabric. From heavily embroidered outfits to just some little bit of embroidery on the borders and edges, you will find many options to suit your preferences. From exquisite sarees in rich, royal colors to salwar kameez with gara embroidery, or anarkali suits with gara embroidered dupattas, heavily embroidered blouses, tops and jackets – the choices are endless.Another option is the beautiful tanchoi. Here again you have options of sarees and dresses to choose from. Beautifully designed dresses in vibrant colors is a good option to welcome the new day of Spring.You can even mix and match an embroidered piece with an outfit you have to create your own unique style. Pair your anarkali with a gara embroidered dupatta or a tanchoi dupatta. A tanchoi or a gara work kurta to match your palazzos or churidars will make you stand out in the crowd. A chikankari dress paired with a gara embroidered dupatta is nothing but sheer elegance. A fully embroidered gara top is a comfortable and stylish option if you have a navroz dinner to attend post work. You can either pair it with trousers for a formal look or go with denim for a casual but smart look.The choice of fabric that you have here deserves a mention. Mostly the fabric is very rich and fine, mainly silk. But this embroidery nowadays is even available on georgettes. Whatever you choose to wear, rest assured a touch of Parsi finery is enough to add elegance and charm to your wardrobe. So take a look at this collection we have assembled for you and get inspired to stun everyone on Navroz.

Image source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11