Archive - November 2018

Going Hiking? 6 Tips You Should Know

November 27, 2018
Travel & Vacations
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Ah, the great outdoors! A good hiking trip isn’t just great exercise, it’s a brilliant way to clear the mind, enjoy the countryside, and even experience things you wouldn’t normally get to see.  From mountain hiking to coastal walks, hiking is one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways for almost anyone to get some exercise.

Beginners to hiking can sometimes find themselves weighed down with stacks of gear, or even under preparing themselves. Our hiking tips will make sure you’re ready for whatever the terrain throws at you.

Good Walking Shoes

Of course, you already know that you’re going to need a good pair of walking boots so don’t short yourself here. Choose a good sturdy pair of boots that are waterproof and can be securely tied up, with little room for rubbing. Popular brands include Scarpa, Merrell, Karrimor, and Salomon.

Make sure you try on your choice of a walking boot in the shop and make sure to wear them in before you take them out into the wild. Wearing them on short walks around your town will let you break them in and get a feel for any rubbing or pinching.

Check also if you need to apply a treatment such as wax or waterproofing to make sure your walking boots last as long as possible.

Hikers Backpack

When you’re out and about you’ll want to be sure you have a backpack that is fit for purpose. However long you’re planning on going hiking you’ll need to have space for clothing layers, food supplies and items such as maps, compasses, battery packs for your devices and other sundries.

The ideal sized backpack for day hiking is around 20-35 litres. The bigger the bag, of course, the more you can fit in, but this also means more weight. A smaller bag means you’ll be forced to carry only the essentials so consider what you want from your hiking bag.

Make sure there is both a waist belt and a chest level belt. This means you can secure the backpack tighter to your body and avoid too much movement and spread the weight across your body.

Warm Up & Warm Down

Of course hiking is just walking, but actually, a big hike is quite a strain on your body. So in the same way you would prepare for a run or other strenuous exercise, it helps to warm up and warm down. Gentle stretches or ideally some yoga or pilates will help to loosen the joints and prepare your body for what is to come.

Plan Your Route

Any long distance hike should be planned first, especially if you’re heading into a particularly wild region. Wherever you’re thinking of going there will probably be a good map available, often with hiking trails marked, so plan your route well in advance.

Map out waypoints, give yourself a realistic timeframe to complete the distances and take into consideration things like adverse weather or blocked pathways. If the weather is bad you can find walkways blocked off by landslides or fallen trees, so make sure you know the alternatives.

Make sure you take your map with you on the hike and keep it in a waterproof case so that it doesn’t get soaked in the rain.

Supplies

A good supply of high energy foods is essential to keep you going, especially if you’re getting away from civilization. There is a wide range of high energy foods you can buy for your hiking supplies, but you can also make your own! There are plenty of places online where you’ll find recipes for energy bars.

Don’t forget also to take a bottle of water (get a re-usable one such as Chillys) or if you’re going into the cold then make sure you have a nice hot drink packed in your day bag.

For clothing, bring layers so you can add or remove as you need. And, don’t forget waterproofs, suncream, and sunglasses!

Enjoy the Relaxation

After a hard day (or few days) trekking you’ll really feel it in your joints so make sure you’re prepared for the wind-down. You’ll no doubt be planning that delicious meal when you get back to base, but being comfortable help.

Make sure you have some bath salts and plenty of anti-inflammatory creams and gels to soothe the aches. A good pair of slippers and a dressing gown will also make a big difference to your comfort levels when you get back from your hike. A pair of woolly slippers is just what you need after a hard day on your feet.

Wherever you’re going, let somebody know where you’re going and when you’re expected back, take all your rubbish home with you and take time to enjoy your surroundings.

Happy hiking!

5 Cybersecurity Measures All Small Businesses Should Take

November 26, 2018
Tech
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marstechnology

The concept of cybersecurity is generally associated with absolutely massive corporations that typically have whole IT departments for the express purpose of protecting their IT environment. Add to that the fact that they have to make sure that the highly confidential data at their disposal such as credit card numbers and other critically important personal information of literally millions of customers are taken into account.

Here, it is very important to realize that such cyber threats are really not exclusive to big businesses alone.  On the contrary, various small businesses that are also successfully using much the same technology are now unfortunately just as vulnerable to different system infiltrations. This means that they are now also placing proprietary information, their customer data, and many other important cyber assets in dire jeopardy. With the only difference being that they do not have the resources to undertake the kind of sweeping anti-hacking measures that their large corporation counterparts can do so, with ease.

However, it is not always doom and gloom for them since there are a few measures that they can take in order to ensure that their data remains as safe and secure as ever before. Let us take a quick look at these measures that require few resources, but a lot of common sense.

  • Keep your Employees both Informed and Updated

The age-old adage “forewarned is forearmed’ hold as true today as it has ever done before, at any time in history.  You should do well to remember that all it takes is one of your employees to say the wrong thing to the wrong person or open the wrong attachment and you are pretty much done for. That is, your whole system can easily be compromised.

As a matter of fact, the staff member can fall for what is colloquially referred to as a ‘phishing scheme.’ If your employees use an ‘easy to guess’ password, then this can easily result in your data being compromised, in the long run.

  • Rotate All of Your Passwords on a Periodic Basis

This may seem like a really simple step, but unfortunately, it is one that many, if not most small businesses tend to often miss. Remember, the longer you use the same password in the same organization, the easier it will be for outsiders to break through into your network. However, changing passwords on a periodic basis can help put a stop to this otherwise egregious practice. In fact, Experts in Cybersecurity Virginia also highly recommend this practice.

  • Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Having a fully functional Wi-Fi is a pretty obvious work necessity, but, you have to make sure that your network is as secure as it is possible. If you are using an open or unsecured network, then you should do well to remember that the same can be easily accessed by just about anyone and everyone. If the hacker is determined enough, he will be able to easily gain wide-ranging access to your LAN based shared files, emails, and just about any other sort of transmitted information.

  • Always Create Backups

Since cyber attacks are an unfortunate reality of our times, it is always prudent to opt for backups on a regular basis. This way, should the information be either stolen or in case it goes missing then you will be able to recover all the important work, easily enough. Furthermore, backups should be created at multiple places to ensure maximum security.

  • Always Install Highly Reliable Anti-Virus Software

Under no circumstances should you ever be stingy with your cyber security related software programs. That is, there is virtually no point in relying on free software downloads to protect your otherwise highly critical data. As a matter of fact, not only you should you go for the best anti-hacking as well as anti-virus software? Also, make sure that they are kept as up to date, as possible.

  • Conclusion

In the light of the above, we can see that any small business can protect their confidential data, with a bit of foresight and common sense.

Your Skin in Winter

November 22, 2018
Health & Fitness
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Winter has a lot to enjoy: ice skating, crisp walks in frosty parks, and all the parties, presents and good food that attend Christmas. Even if you’re someone who finds themselves seriously depressed by the cold weather, short days and long, dark nights, there are silver linings to be found.

Unfortunately your skin isn’t one of these silver linings: winter weather is hard on your face and hands. It puts stress on your body: the air is cold and dry, weather can be extreme, and the swings of temperature from cold outside to warm indoors can be as much as a stressor as simple exposure to the cold.

Today we’re taking a look at how you can protect yourself in the winter to make sure you look and feel your best when the time comes to party!

Dry Skin

The biggest problem you’re going to run into in the winter is dry skin. The cold and the wind dry your skin directly, but they also leave the air dry so your skin needs to work over time to keep hydrated. If you don’t help it out, it’s going to have a hard time.

There are plenty of things you can do to help you skin battle the extreme weather, from booking into a skin clinic – UK winter weather permitting! – for a rejuvenating, moisturising facial, to buying a selection of day and night creams to use at home, to trying to avoid exposure to the cold in the first place: keeping wrapped up warm with your face covered can help avoid the worst of the damage in the first place.

While you’re out and about, make sure you have some hand cream with you: it doesn’t have to be highly scented (in fact that can even irritate sensitive skin), just a functional one your able to keep with you and apply whenever you need it. Once you get into the habit of keeping it topped up and reapplying when you wash your hands, or come in from the cold, you’ll be doing valuable work keeping your skin moisturised and defended against the bitter weather, and potentially calming eczema outbreaks caused by dry indoor air.

Cracked Skin

Even if you’re moisturising regularly, you might find your skin is cracked and flaky in the winter months. The key here is to use an exfoliating wash to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin.

Be kind to yourself here: use a sensitive soap to avoid irritating skin further and pat yourself dry rathe than rubbing yourself down aggressively with a towel. Follow up with a moisturising facemask and you’ll have everything in place to look and feel your best all the way through the winter!

Preparing Your Business for Christmas

November 19, 2018
Tech
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Christmas is coming and with it the biggest retail opportunities of the year. Black Friday, and the shopping season that follows gives retail businesses as much as 40% of their yearly sales, which makes it the single most important 60 day period of the year.

It’s an unfortunate truth that these all-important customers won’t just seek you out by themselves, and when they do come, you’re not just going to be able to operate as normal. You need to prepare, getting the message out that your brand is just what people need for Christmas and ensure that you’re in a position to fulfil that promise. One good Christmas taking lots of orders is good news in the short term but if you can’t fulfil those orders in a timely fashion you’re going to destroy your brand in customers’ eyes and may well not be there when next Christmas comes around.

Today we’re taking a look at how you can prepare your business for Christmas to get the maximum amount out of the season when customers are simply lining up to give you their money.

Brand Readiness

Think of your brand as a beacon: it’s what lets customers know you’re there and the right choice for them. If it’s not strong enough, not shown in the right times or places, or to the right people, your ideal customers might never even know you’re there!

It’s important to do your research in the run up to Christmas to make sure you know where to target your research to reach the ride people and strengthen your brand. Brand tracking surveys will tell you how customers rate your business against your rivals and, crucially, why. If you perform this sort of check regularly you’ll spot any problems soon enough to course correct and know exactly how to tune your festive marketing to attract the maximum number of people!

Keeping Your Promises

Recent reports show that the post-purchasing experience is far more important than you might think. 86% of consumers in a recent survey have said their experience after purchasing makes all the difference in their decision to buy again.

Getting ready for Christmas means checking your supply chains, making sure they’re ready to perform under pressure. The same survey showed that people were at least as impressed by clear communication in the event of delays as they are by short delivery times, so giving a more realistic quote for how long customers might be waiting, and having a proactive policy in place in case of problems could make all the difference between Christmas as a one off success and Christmas as a time when you welcome of lots of new regular customers to your business.

The Italian Dream: 5 Spots to Eat Pizza in New York

November 13, 2018
Food, Travel & Vacations
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What things do you associate with New York? Many people will say that this is the Statue of Liberty, the yellow taxi or the Brooklyn Bridge. Well, and what about pizza? New York pizza is known all over the world. New Yorkers even insist that it’s thinner and tastier than pizza cooked in Italy. In New York, this traditional Italian dish is prepared in the form of a huge pie, which is served either in slices or wholly.

Today, New York features more than 400 pizzerias, not counting all the restaurants that have pizza in the menu. However, not all of them deserve your attention. Let’s get acquainted with the best pizzerias in New York. According to the residents of the city, you should definitely pick up Alamo car rental in New York and visit at least one of the following restaurants…

Grimaldi’s

As reported by the owners of this restaurant, the skill of cooking pizza on coals is a fading art. This is the skill that Grimaldi’s chefs are proud of. Its pizza has a light smoked flavor and the finest crust, which is simply impossible to achieve by baking the dough in a gas or electric oven. This high quality-product is achieved through the use of coal from Pennsylvania, which features the highest quality on the planet.

Grimaldi's

About 150 kg of coal are burned in the restaurant every day, which makes it possible to heat the oven up to 650°С. The result is satisfied smiles on the face and great guests’ reviews. Not surprisingly, the queues at the restaurant begin to form long before the opening!

Address: 1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY

 

Di Fara

According to Zagat rating, Di Fara for the past eight years is among the best establishments in the list of New York pizzerias. The restaurant owner comes from an Italian family of bakers and pizza-makers, and he even won the title of “rock star” among local fans. He cooks pizza for visitors of the restaurant, and on those rare days when he leaves pizzeria for business needs, the establishment is simply closed.

Di Fara Pizza

(photo by John Penny)

All restaurant recipes are based on family traditions that are passed down from generation to generation and are kept in the strictest secrecy. The ingredients are imported from Italy itself, which provides a unique authentic taste of the finished product.

When ordering a whole pizza at Di Fara, you will be given the choice between a round and square shape, which is $4 more expensive. Remember that there’s no menu in the restaurant. All pizza is automatically served as plain – a combination of cheese and tomato sauce. If you want something more interesting, then you have to choose the desired filling for a fee.

Address: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY

 

Joe and Pat’s

Cheese pizza ($13.50)

(photo by Adam Goldberg)

This is another establishment in New York, which for more than half a century never ceases to please connoisseurs of good pizza. The decor of the restaurant is made in the Mediterranean style and sets the visitors in a positive mood, as if transferring them to the cozy towns of the Italian coast. The owners and workers of the pizzeria are from the same family and are always happy to support the conversation in both English and Italian. A special feature of Joe and Pat’s is the heart-shaped pizza. This fact emphasizes the chef’s love for this dish. As in Grimaldi’s, in this restaurant you cannot order a single slice – when visiting Joe and Pat’s, get ready to eat the whole pizza. In addition to the delicious pizza menu, the restaurant is rich in traditional salads and hot dishes, giving guests the opportunity to taste other delicacies of Italian cuisine.

Address: 1758 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY

 

Artichoke

artichoke pie

(photo by Howard Walfish)

This relatively new pizzeria was opened in 2008 in Manhattan. A menu full of improvisation will surprise you with a juicy broccoli and pecorino cheese sandwich, as well as a culinary intrigue of the restaurant – artichokes stuffed with cheese. This delicacy is also served in combination with spinach. Or maybe you prefer the crab stuffing or pizza with meatballs and parmesan? In any case, get prepared for long queues, as the place is very popular. This is probably the only drawback of the restaurant. Well, if you don’t want to spend time in the queue, come there at 3 o’clock in the morning or order home delivery – the restaurant works and delivers 24 hours a day!

Address: 114 10th Ave, New York, NY

 

Lucali

Lucali, Take-Out

(photo by Adam Kuban)

The history of the creation of this pizzeria has a romantic touch. Its owner and chef, Mark Yokano, wanted to save his favorite childhood pastry shop from chain restaurants. Therefore, he decided to buy the room by opening an independent restaurant in it. Mark had to spend days and nights without a break, mastering the skill of cooking the finest dough in a traditional wood-burning stove. However, his efforts paid off. Lucali instantly won the hearts of the locals and became famous for its extraordinary pizza for the whole of New York. In the interior of the pizzeria the central place is occupied by the chef’s desk, on which this cherished dish is prepared.

When visiting Lucali for lunch or dinner, you can taste either the traditional pie, or calzone. You won’t find any other types of pizza or dishes there. In addition, all fillings are offered separately.

Address: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY

Summer Trends You Can Still Wear in Autumn

November 6, 2018
Lifestyle
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It’s time to put the summer behind us and dust off the jackets, jumpers and jeans you’ll be wearing in the Autumn/ Winter seasons. Autumn tends to be an expensive time of year, you’ll want to purchase layers, a new coat and we can’t forget about the festival period that everyone starts to shop for early. To avoid spending too much on new clothes, there are some summer trends that you can still wear in the Autumn, and no one will bat an eye.

 

 

Dad Trainers

Some people hate them, and others love them, dad trainers are a trend that is here to stay, and more brands are following the trend now. With so many options available, the bulky styled shoe has been a sensation with brands such as FILA, Asics and Champion and adds a slightly alternative look to the conventional streetwear style.

 

Pink Stays Put

Pastel pinks have been on trend all summer, and designers are continuing to push the neutral colours in jackets, t-shirts and sweaters. It’s a smart/casual style that can be matched up with the majority of clothing, in the Autumn, layering pink up with similar colours makes for an excellent tonal style that will work well with a dark pair of trousers. So, if you own a pink shirt, top or jacket, don’t put it away for the winter just yet.

 

Caps

The beanie whether is commencing but it isn’t cold enough yet for your ears. Trucker hats have always been a staple for streetwear styles, however, because of the dad cap trend the desire for wearing caps in a semi-smart manner is becoming more common, and the Autumn has already seen this trend in full effect.

 

Cropped Trousers

Frozen ankles will still be on trend in the Autumn and is likely move into the winter too. Styling cropped smart trousers with a thick knit jumper or a turtleneck sweater, and some brogues is an effortless look ready for most occasions. If you’re not one for enduring cold ankles, the style has also been seen at fashion events with patterned socks, so you might be in luck for keeping them warm.

 

Denim Jackets

Perfect all year round, a denim jacket in summer is a great choice of lightweight outerwear that isn’t going to make you feel warm. In the autumn, denim jackets are the ideal final layer to any casual look, pairing it with a hoody or jumper gives a solid layered look suitable for both Autumn and Winter.

 

Naturally, t-shirts, jeans and jackets from the summer can be kept out and unless you’re looking to completely change your style. There shouldn’t be much need for spending the autumn unless you need a new coat or some extra layers for the colder seasons. The majority of designers think that layering is essential and to do this styles from different seasons can all make an appearance.

Essential Tips to Speed Up Your Android Phone

November 5, 2018
Tech
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Every smartphone starts with running smoothly and instantly responds to every tap on the screen. But it is obvious that over a period of time, even some of the fasted smartphones can start to slow down. But don’t get too worked up by this. It is definitely an issue that can be fixed easily.

Let’s run through a guide to speed up your Android phone, and you will be surprised to know how quick the results are.

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Traveling for Pleasure: 5 MUST VISIT Exotic Places in the USA You Can Easily Find Out

November 2, 2018
Travel & Vacations
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Today, people are fond of traveling. They have many different opportunities for that! Technological progress, free internet access, sales, and cheap flights. Even if you are a student, your traveling opportunities are unlimited. You can solve any of your college problems with the help of the internet. The same is about traveling! You can pack your bag and go traveling right now! Just take the car! Which  one? The best vehicle for exploring different exotic places is convertible from USA car rental.

Why convertible?

Renting a cabriolet car gives you a good driving experience and even more. First of all, this kind of car looks stylish, attractive, and brighter than hard-roof cars. Secondly, you have more chances to taste beautiful landscapes around in the open-roof car. Again, you look really cool in it! By the way, you don’t need to go far. Your country is full of exotic places you didn’t see yet.

Return to Paradise Beach II

 

Florida and more…

What first comes to your mind when you think of the USA nature? Of course, you think of never-ending American plains, high mountains, heavy snowfalls, and Southern beaches. You should know that American territory is full of exotic places with the rain forests, hot tropical climate, crystal clear water, and romantic beaches. These are places, where you can meet exotic nature and unique culture. If you like passive leisure more than climbing mountains, just drive your car and enjoy your trip! Remember, not only Florida is worth your attention!

Puerto Rico (Vega Baja)

 

Eastern Samoa

The list starts from the Eastern America – Samoa. This part of the USA is washed by the Pacific Ocean. The territory of Samoa is about 200 square kilometers. More than 50 thousand people live in this area. It consists of many big and small islands. The biggest of them is called Tutuila. This is the most interesting place and you should stay there at least for a day. The nature is amazing! You can see volcanic islands, rain forests, high mountains, and a coral reef. The climate is warm and pleasant the year around.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is rather popular place for visiting. This unique territory lies in the Caribbean Sea. It can boast its rich history, amazing nature, beaches, lakes and rivers, pleasant climate, and well-developed infrastructure. Locals speak English and it will be easy to find a way or ask something. Also, this is a place where you can learn American history.

Guam

This exotic island is situated in the Pacific Ocean, its Eastern part. The life here started about 3 000 years ago. The territory is not big, but nature us various and rich. Of course, tourism is well developed here. Why not? The warm climate and natural sights attract people from different continents, especially from the next-door Japan. Also, you cannot find crowds of tourists here, so, your rest must be comfortable and pleasant. You can easily join the statistics and become a new visitor. Welcome to Guam!

IMGP1041

 

Palmyra Atoll

This exotic place can be special for you. It is very beautiful and atmospheric. Actually, Palmyra is a small territory in the Pacific Ocean which is surrounded with a Coral Reef. This island occupies a territory of 7-8 square kilometers and 2 meters high. The nature here is exotic and various. You can find a lot of interesting plants and trees that you can hardly find on a continent. It’s because people don’t live here, they just come here by boats or planes to take pictures and take some rest far from civilization. Just remember, no one lives on the island, so, you can find just minimum you need and expect from the civilized world. If you need some water, food or medicines, it is better to take with you. That’s why visiting shop before the trip is recommended.

Palmyra Atoll wildlife (DSC00662)

 

Hawaii

Probably, this area is not a new place for you. If you haven’t visited it yet, you should go. Hawaii is situated in the Pacific Ocean. Actually, the territory consists of numerous islands. This is not a lonely place as the most of the tourists know a lot about this exotic country. People come here to enjoy Hawaiian infrastructure, comfortable and clean beaches, rich nature, and warm climate the whole year. You’ll be exited to visit old volcanoes, coral reef, waterfalls, and other amazing places. It’s like a paradise for all tourists. That’s why Hawaii takes the leading position among the most popular exotic places in America. It is able to meet all touristic needs and requirements, even the craziest.

So, your list of MUST VISIT exotic places has begun! You have at least 5 of them to travel to. Be sure, you are on the right way. Traveling across the country every time you have some free time is more interesting and enjoyable than go shopping or spending time at home watching TV. Just make you’re your valise is ready and properly packed. Want to know how? We’ll talk about in the next article!