Archive - December 2018

Bali’s Best- Our Top Five Spots to Visit!

December 13, 2018
Travel & Vacations
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Bali, a dream destination for lovers and dreamers everywhere, is a place that should be marked on everyone’s map in their lifetime. Don’t be fooled by its honeymoon-esque stigma because it’s still the perfect place for some solo soul searching and rediscovery. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend four incredible nights in this slice of paradise so let me share my experience with you. I specifically chose to stay in Ubud village because of its rich culture, close proximity to all of the top sightseeing locations and activities, and immaculate scenery- the jungle. Each morning I was greeted by the sound of birds fluttering through the trees of the dense rainforest that surrounded my villa, the sun peeking through the leaves to reflect light on the infinity pool that welcomed a quick morning dip, and the serene calmness of the village- secluded from the bustling city centre. Normally, I choose between being a budget traveller or an opulent leisure traveller depending on the destination, but in Bali I found that I could be both – Chanel sunglasses and scrubber all in one! This was a luxury that set Bali apart from any other country I visited thus far, and trust me, I’ve done a ton of backpacking and vacationing! If you’re in for a quick stop in Bali, check out my best tips below on what to do and where to visit during your stay!

Bali

Hike to Campuchan and Karsa Spa

If it’s your first day in the Ubud village, you’ll need to get a feel for what makes this place so special. I say start with a quick morning hike just 10 min walking distance from the city centre to get an unforgettable view that overlooks the entire village and the rice terraces that run through it. I recommend this hike as your first activity as it forces you to walk through parts of the city centre before escaping into the tranquil landscape of the trail. You’ll pass through a temple and some small rice fields with local art shops and coconut stands before you reach the top. Once you’ve made it to the top, and you’ll know once you’ve hit the apex, take your time indulging in the city landscape. Afterwards, you’ll see welcome signs to the Karsa spa. This spa is still ranked as number one on Trip advisor and is always booked up, but you might be lucky enough to catch an open slot depending on the day and time. Get treated to an hour long foot massage and a pedicure all for just $18! Do yourself a huge favour by booking an appointment ahead of time as the impeccable service and scenery is one that you won’t find anywhere else.

Aling Aling Waterfalls

Nothing says adventure like trekking through the secret hidden treasures of Bali. Aling aling, meaning just that- hidden secret, holds some of the most beautiful and secluded waterfalls in all of Bali. It’s a 1.5 drive up north from the city centre that offers a gorgeous scenic route full of temples and the Buyan lake for you to stop and take some quick pictures. Upon arrival you’ll have to get yourself a local guide to lead you through the trek and you can choose from doing a short one ( 2 hours) to a long one ( 4-5 hours) with activities included such as waterfall jumps and slides. No matter the decision, you’ll be in awe of discovering the many secret jungle pools with the crisp and clear waters that are safe to swim and relax in.

monkey Bali

Monkey Forest

Sure it may seem a bit too touristy to do the given but the Monkey forest is a must do when you’re exploring the city. It’s a part of the city centre so prior to checking out the local market and art scene of the village, I encourage you to make some new friends by walking into the Monkey forest. There will be a small entrance fee and banana stands in the front for you to purchase a few bunches. I highly recommend that you stow away your bananas in a bag or backpack for if the monkeys see you with it, they’ll try to take the entire thing! Be warned that the monkeys can be aggressive so be sure to stay calm and hand a banana to them one at a time. Don’t touch them first but let them come onto you and you’ll be surprised at how much they like to sit on your lap or shoulder for some amazing selfies!

Tegalalang Rice terrace

It might not seem too appealing at first to check out some rice fields but the Tegalalang rice terrace of Ubud offers an incredible terrain of what seems like dreamy green steps, layered onto the hill side. I personally find it to be a peaceful and easy little hike up and down the terraces but be careful of the small passageways as they’re literally made in between the rice paddies and can get slippery! Be sure to take photos from the top where the rice terraces are directly behind you for that perfect background shot.

Rice Bali

Dreamland and Blue Point Beach

Bali would not be complete hitting it’s famous beaches. Get a driver to take you down south ( about 2 hours depending on the traffic) and hit up multiple beach stops along the way. I say this because some of the more popular and larger beaches can get crowded with local Indonesian tourists more than foreigners! Dreamland and Blue point both offer the most exquisite blue waters for swimming and will help you capture that perfect instagram moment while resting on shore. However, if you’re looking for something more private and exclusive, make reservations to stay at the Ayana resort ( even if it’s only for a day!) to sit cliff top above the ocean waters with a private beach that is reserved for guests only alongside their famous rock bar!

Baabuk vs. Allbirds – Difference between the 2 giants in the Wool Shoes Industries

December 10, 2018
Lifestyle
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Wool shoes may seem like a fad, but there are several reasons to go for this trend with the obvious one being warmer feet. It’s common for our hands and feet to become cold during the winter. On days such as these, wool slippers can come to our rescue.

These slippers made from sheep’s hair keep your feet comfortably warm even if they get wet. In addition to their temperature regulation, wool shoes are lightweight. This adds to the comfort of your feet. You get comfortable footwear without having to carry any extra weight.

There’s another reason to pick up wool shoes. This one will specifically appeal to the eco-conscious folks – these are made with an all-natural material. In other words, there are no harmful synthetic compounds that go into the manufacturing process. The material’s sustainability is another relevant plus point.

Not to mention, wool is a natural moisture-wicking material, and most of the sneaker varieties are machine washable, making caretaking truly effortless. Plus, the antimicrobial potential of the material means that you can wear your shoes without the need for socks.

Now that we’ve listed some important reasons why wool shoes are an incredible investment to make let’s dive into the shopping part. Except, we can’t go ahead with that unless the difference between Baabuk and Allbirds, the two wool shoe industry giants are understood.

So, here’s an in-depth look at the differences between the two wool shoe giants:

Baabuk for getting a versatile pair of sneakers

Baabuk.com is a certified b-corp with its manufacturing starting with soap, water, and wool in Nepal. The upper is then made in Portugal. Originally, a slipper-only brand, Baabuk has grown to offer a richer line of footwear including boots and sneakers as well.

Besides being socially responsible, the wool shoe giant offers a wide array of versatile styles that promise comfort. Regardless of your preferred aesthetic, you will find something by this brand that pleases your tastes.

Baabuk’s shoes are easy to put on and don’t require extensive efforts that go into shoe-tying. If you are worried about the slipper’s grip on ice, then know that the sole will help hold your position on the ice. Most of its varieties are also machine-washable, so you can throw in your shoe (provided it is machine-washable) and don’t fuss over its caretaking.

Babbuk emphasis sustainability in their shoe collections that showcase brilliant colors and wide-ranging styles. You only have to hurry to get the colors that come in the limited-edition collections because they run out pretty fast.

Allbirds for traditional wool footwear

Allbirds was born in 2004 and instantly shot to popularity in the Silicon Valley. Later on, it went to expand to the rest of the US. At the opening of this year, they introduced a new line of sneakers, which are made from Eucalyptus pulp. The collection goes by the name of Tree Collection and is comfortable as you’d expect wool shoes to be.

Allbirds standard slip-on Loungers, as well as Runners, keep your feet warm, dry, and sweat-free all day long. Plus, they are machine-washable, so you can keep your sneakers as clean as they arrive originally, making them last longer in your shoe collection.

Some other differences between Baabuk and Allbirds

If you’re looking for traditional wool shoes, you will get a reasonable pair at Allbirds. However, if you are searching for something a little more versatile, stylish, and durable, then Babbuk should be your first choice.

Babbuk is considered as a better option to Allbirds because it has the no-tie feature. This means that when you’re in a hurry to go out for a jog in the morning, you won’t need to spend time fiddling with the laces.

Another feature that sets both these brands apart is that they boast different origin points. Where Allbirds’ starting point is the Silicon Valley, Baabuk is a brainchild of Dan and Galina. It all started when Galina’s parents gave Dan a pair of Valenkis.

Originally, such wool shoes were worn by Russians to keep their feet warm in the Siberian sub-zero temperatures. Dan and Galina realized that the footwear was eco-friendly and they decided to share these to the rest of the world, which is how Baabuk came into being.

Another point of difference is their making. Baabuk boasts durability on account of its making. The shoes from this giant are seamless. This means that there isn’t a seam to tear and cause trouble. Moreover, while Babbuk uses mulesing-free sheep wool (which guarantees that they don’t harm sheep), Allbirds make no such promises.

The good news though is that both these shoe giants follow environmentally-friendly practices when it comes to their shoe manufacturing process. Plus, they aren’t any synthetic compounds used in the making of this footwear, which is why their costs are a bit pricier than the average shoe.

Closing thoughts

Wool shoes are great ways to keep your feet warm and sweat-free without having to worry about donning socks. What’s more, the material of such footwear is durable. In contrast with cotton, wool is seven times stronger. Besides, it can be bent 30,000 times and is recyclable as well.

All these factors and more make a convincing story for including wool footwear to your shoe wardrobe. Moreover, you can always choose from a variety that Baabuk and Allbirds offer.

Children’s Dream: 3 Great Amusement Parks near Atlanta

December 7, 2018
Travel & Vacations
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Georgia is the US state, which is located in the south-east of the country. It’s the fourth state to sign the United States Constitution, and it has two nicknames that are recognized to be official – the Empire State of the South and the Peach State. It’s interesting to know that Georgia is known not only for its natural attractions, but also for exciting amusement parks. In addition, all of them are situated in the vicinity of Atlanta – the largest city in the state. Here are the best parks to enjoy with kids…

Six Flags over Georgia

Six Flag Over Georgia

Six Flags over Georgia is the king in the world of rides. This amusement park is located 10.5 miles west of Atlanta. If you arrive at the local airport, then cheap car rental in Atlanta Georgia will be the easiest way to get there. The opening of the park took place in 1967 – it was the second in a row on the Six Flags chain. The story says that once upon a time in the place where the park is now located, there were six flags of different countries and states: France, Spain, the United States, Great Britain, the Confederation and the state of Georgia.

Of course, the main attraction is a roller coaster. In total, the park currently has 14 roller coasters, which have varying degrees of fear. Moreover, it even has several sections on topics. One of these sections is dedicated to Batman. As in any good amusement park, everything is provided there to accommodate a large number of people. It’s noteworthy that even the queues are organized practically and thoughtfully. Also in this park there is an attraction that doesn’t have a floor – these are special chairs that freely fall from the tower.

Rollercoaster

The list of the most unusual rides of Six Flags over Georgia includes Riverview Carousel. In the US, there are three carousels with five rows, and Riverview is one of them. By the way, this ride is listed in the National Register of Historical Places of the country. It’s worth mentioning that this park features an iron ring road. If you take a guided tour, you can see all the rides and choose the best ones for yourself. The Six Flags rides are fairly well-known and incredibly popular among residents of other cities located in Georgia and even such nearby states as Alabama and Tennessee.

The legendary Six Flags Over Georgia will leave only the most vivid and unusual impressions.

Address: 275 Riverside Parkway Southwest, Austell, GA

 

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain

In case you’re going to have a trip to Georgia, don’t miss this amazing park anyway. It’s situated only 25.6 miles from Atlanta, and it will take you not more than 25 minutes to reach it by car. Stone Mountain Park will be an incredible relaxing spot even for avid tourists.

Despite the fact that most rides are suitable exceptionally for children, adults will also have something to remember. You will receive a sea of ​​colors and impressions. By the way, in the park, you can also see the incredible beauty of the Appalachians. The decoration of the mountains is a world-famous bas-relief with the 3 presidents of the United States – the names of Jackson, Lee and Jefferson are carved in the stone.

If you decide to head to Stone Mountain in summer time, you can add one more impression to your collection of adventures. In the summer evenings you can visit amazing laser shows. Thanks to them, the park is simply transformed – such shows are the main decoration of Stone Mountain. Everyone who has been on such shows brings a lot of impressions and enthusiastic responses.

Stone Mountain Park, GA

By the way, there’s an opportunity to climb the top of the bas-relief mountain in order to admire fascinating views. In addition, you can replenish your list of impressions from this park by visiting a plantation house, which is a historical landmark. You can see there the mansion of gentlemen and hovels of slaves, as well as the farm and kitchen yard, which were built in the 17th century, but despite this they remained in excellent condition.

There’s an interesting feature of the park: in addition to attractions, you’ll be able to visit historical finds and enjoy the incredibly beautiful views. In short, Stone Mountain will provide you a lot of positive impressions!

Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Bvld, Stone Mountain, GA

 

Safari Park Georgia

Animal_Park-33

(photo by Bob Zumwalt)

Located 75.4 miles away from Atlanta, this park is quite large in size and contains a considerable number of animals. Among them are goats, buffaloes, roes, zebras, wild boars, deer and giraffes. Also, the park is a home for such predators as tigers, rhinos, lions, crocodiles and bears. You can see animals from the windows of your car, because there‘s a special road for your own transport.

It’s worth mentioning that the animals in the park are kept without cages – they are only separated by an inconspicuous wire fence. Thus, when visiting the Safari Park, you, in fact, will be able to see animals in the wild habitat.

Animal_Park-39

(photo by Bob Zumwalt)

Well, having checked out the amusement parks of Georgia in the United States, you can definitely choose any spot you like most. While visiting the park or any local landmark, don’t forget to take enough photos that will remind you of the wonderful holiday in this amazing southern state.

Is your car ready to go on a road trip? 7 Checks you need to make

December 6, 2018
Travel & Vacations
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Are you planning a road trip soon? A road trip sounds like the perfect family outing after spending months cooped up inside the home during winters. However, before you plan to get away from it, all make sure that your car is ready to handle the long journey. After all, who wants to stop at the mechanic midway? A pre-trip auto checkup can ensure that your trip is smooth and fun-filled.

You need to be even more careful if you are driving the same trusted old car for a long time. So, how do you know if your car is ready to ‘hit the road’? Here is a list of 7 auto checks:

1- General inspection

The first step is to give your car a thorough inspection. Look out for signs of potential problems. Is there any questionable noise coming from the engine? Are there any signs of fluid leakage? Is the outer-body of the vehicle in perfect condition?

A general inspection of the vehicle is a great way to spot any problems that you might otherwise miss.

2- Clean it up

Who wants to spend hours inside a dirty car? Make sure you clean it up from outside and inside before the trip starts. Begin by taking the car for a wash and wipe and getting the insides cleaned too. A great way is to keep a portable trash can or bag in your car so you can keep the car clean along the way too.

3- Make a trip to the mechanic

Now, this is one step that you can’t skip. Make an appointment with your car’s mechanic and give your engine a much-needed service and general checkup before you start your journey. Refill all the essential car fluids such as oil, brake fluid, radiator fluid, power steering fluid, windshield fluid, and transmission fluid. Change the dirty air filters as they can affect the performance of your car’s engine.

4- Check the tires

Tires are the key to a safe and comfortable road trip, so it’s important that you check their condition before heading out. You don’t want to waste precious fuel by driving on underinflated tires. On the other hand, overinflated tires are even worse for the car’s health. This is why, make sure that you check the tire pressure every 1000 miles or so, depending upon the length of your trip.

5- Carry a battery booster

Even though car batteries are generally low maintenance, it is always a good idea to keep a battery booster to jumpstart your car in case you need it. You might face unpredictable weather during your road trip, so make sure that your car’s battery has the power to handle all the excitement.

6- Don’t forget the small details

Don’t forget to check the small parts such as lights, wipers, horns, and other electrical tidbits as they can cause bigger problems than you think. Keep spare bulbs in case you need them and an extra pair of rubber lining for the wipers, in case you face a rainstorm.

7- Keep an emergency kit

You can’t head out on a road trip without keeping an emergency kit. Ideally, there should always be one in your car at all times. Keep a universal screwdriver, a strong flashlight, spare batteries, first aid supplies, and other essential tools in it. Jumper cables and towing straps are also a lifesaver when you’re in a sticky situation.

Road trips on old cars can be tricky. We recommend taking even more care of your car if it has been your trusted companion on the road for a long time. If you want to know how much is my car worth, then log on to We Buy Cars Today. Their online valuation tool can give you the best price for your car within minutes.

It might take a day or two to prep your car before you are ready to go on a road trip, but it is much better than having an adventure ruined by a problem that could have been prevented.

Are there any more things you like to check in your car before heading out on an adventurous road trip? Let us know:

12 Easy Ways to Keep Your Teeth Strong

December 6, 2018
Health & Fitness
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A healthy mouth will always lead to a healthy body. Looking after your teeth is the single preventive measure which you can do by yourself. Below are some of the simple, natural ways to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Dr. Madhvi Nagpal provides you with the easy to do at home remedies for your teeth.

 

Click here: http://dental.softsolutionslimited.com

 

  1. Brush Your Teeth –

    Brushing twice a day should be a rule for your overall health of the mouth. Brushing for about 1-2 minutes is required. Your toothbrush must be replaced after every 6 months. Start your brushing from the back of your mouth by holding the brush at a 45-degree angle. Downward strokes are to be made. Always avoid over-brushing your teeth.

 

  1. Floss –

    Flossing is the most important thing to prevent tooth and gum disease. It will clean the most difficult surfaces of teeth like contact areas. People ignore this simple task and don’t do it properly. Take about 18-24 inches floss and wrap around your thumb and fingers. Hold it tightly in a C shape around each tooth below the gumline. Move it in up-down and pull-push motion.

 

 

  1. Taking Care of Your Tongue –

    Cleaning of the tongue improves oral health. Get a stainless-steel tongue scraper which will make it much easier. It will remove the bacterial growth that leads to bad breath, decay, and other oral problems. Make sure you place the scraper at the back of the tongue, then pull it to the front edge of the tongue and discard the deposits. Repeat it twice gently and protecting your taste buds.

 

  1. Watch Your Diet –

    Fruits and vegetables are important for a healthy body and teeth. Munching on raw fruits and vegetables removes plaque. Apples, pears, onion, celery, yogurt, strawberries, etc. make teeth strong and have a major effect on teeth by triggering saliva and eliminating debris from your teeth.

 

  1. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks –

    Eating too much of sugar cause tooth decay and sensitivity. Sugary and carbonated drinks also a threat They make things worse by increasing acidity. Bacteria will make the enamel weak over time.

 

  1. Herbs and Spices –

    They are known to freshen the breath. The antibacterial properties keep teeth and gums healthy. The clove will cure tooth pain. Aloe Vera will reduce gum inflammation. Mint leaves will freshen breath. Turmeric will control plaque. Herbal, red, white or green tea is known to be excellent palate cleansers.

  1. Add Natural Supplements –

    Vitamin A, C, D and K, magnesium, fluoride, cod liver oil, gelatin is some of the minerals which will keep teeth and gums healthy.

 

Get Regular Checkups –

It is recommended that you have a dental checkup every 6 months, if you have gum disease, then every 3 months. A regular visit to the dentist will keep plaque away and mouth free of any tooth or gum disease

Benefits of Using OCR Technology

December 6, 2018
Tech
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In recent years, computer work is increasing day by day. You all have a series of files and you waste your valuable hours typing the same information again and again. Your fingers must be aching from the constant typing and copying every character mentioned in the text of the file There seems to be no option. You must thankful to the technology called OCR (Optical Character Recognition) which gives you some truly necessary relief. This technology is capable to deliver you editing, file scanning, and insertion and allows you to make content without the dreary typing. It delivers superior document support and storage and enhances every office environment.

 

Download JPG to Word Converter Here

 

OCR technology allows converting printed or hard copy content into digital files. It makes the data entry work easier. It is used to transfer the documents such as industry articles, payrolls, invoices, tax documents, financial statements, legal filings and contact information to PCs, tablets and more. OCR syncs them to each framework and ensures automated presentations.

The company Soft Solutions has developed the software named JPG to Word Converter which is basically developed to fulfill all these requirements. The procedure for converting the file is very simple. First of all, you need to download the software and then, there are some steps you have to carry out:

 

  1. Once the download is completed, install the software.
  2. Now, select the image file you want to convert. You can take the scanned file as well.
  3. Choose the output format “Word (Doc)”.
  4. Select the desired language and check the “Auto Rotate” and “Auto Skew” options to correct the rotation and the skew of the file.
  5. It is time to click the option “Save”. Your file conversion is done in just few minutes.

In summary

JPG to Word Converter is worthwhile for the people who have a daily task of converting the image file. It is capable to convert your document in any format like PDF, DOC, and HTML. You obtain lots of features at one platform. Also, it makes your work error free. Hence, I suggest tech users select this software to do the work of converting the file effectively.