Thursday, May 13, 2010

3 Things for Children to Do Over Christmas in the London Area

The London area has many things for children to do over Christmas such as street lighting festivities, holiday entertainment and Christmas markets. During the winter time of the year, planning indoor activities keeps the mood festive.

The London area has many things for children to do over Christmas such as street lighting festivities, holiday entertainment, Christmas markets and tastes and walks. Since Christmas is in the winter time of the year, and not knowing if the weather will be inclement, planning indoor activities keeps the mood festive.

Beaulieu

The Beaulieu comprises the National Motor Museum, Palace House and the Beaulieu Abbey. The Palace House has a setting of gardens and lawns overlooking the Beaulieu River. Lord Montagu and his family still live in the Palace House. From December 18 to January 2, Beaulieu's Palace House is decorated with a Christmas motif for its Christmas Celebration. A magnificent lighted Christmas tree is located in the Upper Drawing Room with Victorian-style decorations throughout the house. Carolers are singing around the grand piano in the Lower Drawing Room, and children can play dress up in period costumes. The Victorian theme carries over into the National Motor Museum where visitors see what driving was like in earlier days. Beaulieu is open every day of the year, except Christmas. Hours are from 10:00 am, and children five years of age and get in free.

Muncaster Castle

On Sundays from November 20 to December 30, it is Christmas at Muncaster Castle. Half-hour Victorian Christmas tours are guided by1885 period-clad servants on Sundays in December with the exception of the 26th.. Additional days of December 27 to December 30 will be added to the schedule. Visitors can enjoy Lord Muncaster's mulled wine and a piece of mince pie while viewing the candle-lit Muncaster Castle. On the evening of December 26, the gardens will be illuminated with a light and a themed sound show on the Castle walls transforming it into a winter wonderland. A gift shop and cafe are onsite.

Belsay Castle and Gardens

Belsay Castle and Gardens comprises a Classical Greek Revival villa, medieval castle and gardens, and is located on 30 acres of seasonal landscaped grounds. On December 27, 28 and 29, the Storytellers Theatre Company will bring the tale of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson to life with drama and song. It is an adventure story of a young girl, Gerda, and a young boy, Kaj. Gerda is searching for her friend, Kaj, who has been kidnapped by the Snow Queen, and the struggle of good and evil. Performances are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

References

http://www.visitbritain.com/things-to-see-and-do/

http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu/index

http://www.muncaster.co.uk/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

Five Best Attractions in England

Included are five best attractions to consider when traveling to England. If you live in England, it is an easy day trip. Going on a special occasion day, just might make it more "special."

England has an interesting range of exceptional attractions to offer visitors from Roman baths, stone monuments, favorites by the sea, and the birthplace of William Shakespeare. By examining these five best attractions in England, you will be visiting the towns Bath, Brighton, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Liverpool. (The closest town to Stonehenge is Salisbury). What you will see are glimpses of Roman remains with a unique blend of modern culture, a backdrop of beautiful countryside against Stonehenge, picturesque river setting of Shakespeare's five homes, Liverpool's most famous - The Beatles, and a historic ocean side boardwalk, all in England.

Albert Dock, Liverpool, England

Albert Dock, one of Liverpool's most visited attractions, is a complex of retail, office space, luxury apartments, unique visitor venues and two premium hotels. Attractions include the Beatles Story, BugWorld Experience, the International Slavery Museum and Shiverpool Ghost Tours. You can select from restaurants and bars such as the Spice Lounge, Vinea, Gusto, Ha!Ha! Bar and Canteen, and What's Cooking?.

http://www.albertdock.com/

Brighton Pier, Brighton, England

Brighton Pier, 1,722 feet long, is located in Brighton, England and opened in 1899 with upgrades including widening the promenade, food outlets, and a fish restaurant. A visitor can enjoy the filigree ironwork arches, original kiosks and an Old Chair Pier signal cannon. For the rides, you will need to buy tokens. One of the thrill rides to consider is the Booster 100 foot vertical spinning over the water while you are upside down with a G force where you cannot move your arms. Ghost train surrounds you with goblins and skeletons and trampolines. Glaxia and Sizzler Twister are spinning seats rides. The Sizzler is tamer since its seats spin around while Glaxia seats spins around with a rise and fall as well. Except on Christmas Day, Brighton Pier opens at 10 a.m. every day. It has all year round attractions with most of the rides and attractions under cover with free admission.

http://www.brightonpier.co.uk/indexflash.htm

The Roman Baths, Bath, England

The torchlit Roman Baths in Abbey Church Yard in Bath, a bathing complex, is Britain's only hot spring built by the Romans. Enjoy a Thermae Spa Package which is a full day experience with a two-hour spa treatment, bathe in mineral-rich waters and lunch in the 18th century Pump Room. You can experience the ruins, Roman costumed characters, and hear interesting 2,000 year-old stories of people living at that time. Select from eight languages for your audioguide, included in the admission price. The Roman Baths' hours are 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

http://www.romanbaths.co.uk/

The Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

The Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, has daily performances of the fascinating William Shakepeare characters in the very houses where they were created. While visiting Shakespeare's birthplace, you can view artifacts and treasures while walking through the houses and gardens with Tudor clad guides. Other things you can see is where visitors have been welcomed for over 250 years, where William Shakespeare spent his first five years of marriage with his wife, Anne Hathaway, and how his father earned a living as a glove maker. Hours are normally Monday to Sunday, 9:a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended summer hours in July and August being open an additional hour. Admission price is for children, adults, concession and family.

http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

Stonehenge located in Wiltshire is a mysterious monument built by three prehistoric cultures, the Beakers, First Wessex and Windmill. It is not certain whether the monument was built for a sun temple, harvests or astronomical observatory. Since 1978, the center of the circle has been roped off to keep erosion in check. A group of 26 people, booking in advance, can enter the Stone Circle Access since it is easy to monitor. Stone Circle Access is not a guided tour and is not available on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, due to maintenance. Group admissions have special rates with a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 100 people. Blue badge guides have free admission. Viewing lasts for about a hour.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.16465

References

VisitBritain: Visit Britain

http://www.visitbritain.us/

thermaebathspa.com: Thermae Bath Spa

http://www.thermaebathspa.com/thespa/

Reasons to Drink Decaffeinated Coffee

Facts about the benefits, risks, mortality and process of decaffeinated coffee.

Coffee beverage is consumed all over the world. Decaffeinated coffee has 97 percent of the caffeine removed. If the decaffeinated coffee label states it is "naturally decaffeinated or Swiss water processed, it is a sign no harmful chemicals are used in the caffeine removal process of your coffee. Moderation of decaffeinated coffee is always a good practice since caffeine is mildly addictive.

Process

Swiss water decaffeinated coffee process uses the soaking liquid of the coffee beans and filters the liquid through activated charcoal or carbon filters. Another decaffeinated process is the use of ethyl acetate, also found in fruits. If it is used in the coffee filtering process, it considered to be "naturally decaffeinated." Also, compressed carbon dioxide is used as a filter in the decaffeination process. There are no harmful chemicals used because carbon dioxide just evaporates from the coffee beans.

Benefits

Decaffeinated coffee increases resting metabolism rate and protects against diabetes. It decreases C-peptide levels, which are an indicator of insulin resistance.

Mortality

According to Harvard School of Public Health, findings indicate there is no "relationship between coffee consumption and increased risk of death from any cause, death from cancer, or death from cardiovascular disease."

Risks

Pregnant women should limit daily caffeine intake to about three cups of coffee.

Reasons for Drinking Decaffeinated Coffee

Drink decaffeinated coffee to avoid rapid heart rate, upset stomach, and sleep disturbance.

References

Go Ask Alice.Columbia.edu:

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/2200.html

Harvard.edu:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/coffee_health_benefits

Harvard.edu:http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/questions/coffee/index.html

Weddings Near the Sea

How to Reduce the Cost of Your Wedding

We all know weddings can be very expensive. An innovative idea is to have your wedding near the sea by cruising or meet your guests at a port of call.

As we all know weddings can be very expensive. So why not have some fun and romance while tying the knot with a wedding at sea or at one of the ports on the cruise? According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the wedding business has increased 60 percent in the last decade. About 80 percent of travel agents indicate that the Caribbean and Bahamas is a desirable romance setting.

Not only are more brides and grooms going to sea but they are bringing their guests with them. According to Norwegian Cruise Line spokesman, a New York bride is planning a wedding in May with 100 guests. A Royal Caribbean survey indicates that "95 percent of vacationers rated cruises as 'extremely' or very romantic" when comparing it to single destination only vacations.

Weddings are popular near the sea because of convenience. Also, the romance of being near the water is another reason. Cruise lines have made it very easy with their wedding packages, access to wedding planners, amenities, and legal marriages performed by ships' captains.

Princess Cruises, "the Love Boat," series officially launched weddings at sea with marriages being performed by the ship's captain. Since 1998, there have been over 6,000 couples who have married at sea or in port. A side note is Princess' weddings are official since their vessels are registered in Bermuda in international waters.

As we all know cruising can be great for honeymoon destinations, vow renewal ceremonies, or engagement parties at sea. Just ask any cruise line and they will give you a reason to cruise. On Carnival Cruise line alone, it is anticipated that 2,400 couples will marry aboard the "Fun Ships" this year. Cruise lines leaving from U.S. ports include:

• FL: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Port Canaveral and NOW Jacksonville
• TX: Galveston
• SC: Charleston
• LA: New Orleans
• AL: Mobile
• MD: Baltimore

With all these options, it is easy to see why couples are getting married near the sea.

If you want to get married at a U.S. port, then Key West is an option. Guests can meet in Key West for the wedding on this 4 miles by 2 miles island for the beach ceremony. Happy cruising.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Is a Big Cat in the Parking Garage?

On March 2 in downtown Houston, Texas a very big cat was spotted in a parking garage located at 511 Rusk around 11 a.m. As it turns out, the big cat was actually a bobcat. Yes, you read correctly a bobcat was lurking between cars in the garage. Get more details.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

How to Give a Foot Massage
Foot massage is one of the most soothing experiences at the end of the day or really any time. This methodology is different than reflexology because lotion is used. Lotion is not used in reflexology. Enjoy this simple foot massage.
Read More
2016 Olympics Summer Games - Rio
Olympic news for Summer Games of 2016 Olympics will continue to be forthcoming. So stay tuned for additional news.
Read More
Marinated Vegetables
Colorful vegetable side dish with 10 to 12 servings. Can make one day ahead of serving. In fact the longer vegetables marinate, the better.
Read More

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

2016 Olympics Summer Games Copenhagen Oct. 2 Winner
Stunned Chicago eliminated after first round of voting. After 3 rounds of voting, the most rounds possible, Rio comes out the winner with 66 votes to Madrid's 32 votes. Rio for 2016 Olympics Summer Games.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2243851/2016_olympics_summer_games_copenhagen.html
2016 Olympics Summer Games Copenhagen Oct. 2
Excitement is building the day before the 2016 Olympics Summer Games host city announcement. Who will bring home the gold? Chicago, Madrid, Rio, or Tokyo? Good luck.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2240041/2016_olympics_summer_games_copenhagen.html