10 Reasons To Visit Monaco

Monaco has been mythologized over the years. It’s a place for the rich and famous, where everyone is worth a zillion dollars. The sun always shines, the champagne always flows, while the Lamborghini’s get stuck in traffic alongside Maserati’s while helicopters buzz high above.

It’s easy, though, to dislike Monaco. We all know that so-called “tax avoiders” live here, while the royal family is certainly not to everyone’s cup of tea. And this is not to mention the bubble of entitlement and extravagance that exists here.

But if you’re looking for a heavenly retreat this year and quite fancy the idea of rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s richest people in a paradise-like principality, Monaco has got all the aces. It’s always sunny, always opulent, and there are plenty of things to do here.

And while there are probably a thousand reasons to visit Monaco, we’ve decided to whittle it down to just ten of the very best. Let’s take a look!

The Weather

Some people visit Iceland to see the northern lights but usually always find that it’s just so darn cold. Other people, meanwhile, visit Thailand but find that it’s just so darn hot.

Then you’ve got all the middle-of-the-road holiday destinations, such as Germany and the UK, where you’ve literally go no idea what the weather is going to do next. You could wake up at 9am to sunshine, only to get covered in snow by noon.

In Monaco, however, you can always count on it being sunny without being too hot or too cold. It’s reliable and it’s beautiful.

It’s So Easy To Get Here

There are so many “heavenly retreats” on this planet that are just so difficult to get to. You could step off an airplane nice and easily, only to then have to take a train, followed by a coach, followed by a donkey until you actually get to your villa.

Monaco, by contrast, is super easy to reach. You get off your plane at Nice International Airport before taking a 15 mile bus ride.

Alternatively, you could rent a car.

Or a helicopter.

The Casinos

Read the autobiography of any sixties or seventies rock star and you’ll surely read all about how much money they lost at the crap tables in Monaco.

But who really cares how much money you’re losing when you’re surrounded by such a gorgeous facade? Not to mention so many beautiful people!

(Okay, I care – just saying)

Monaco can’t rival Las Vegas when it comes to the sheer number of casinos, but it can definitely rival it when it comes to glitz and glamour. Designed by the world’s top architects, these casino’s are worth a visit even if you don’t gamble.

Shopping!!

If you love to shop (and who doesn’t!?) you’ll be fresh at home in Monaco. Because while cities such as Paris, Berlin, New York and St Petersburg have got you covered when it comes to art galleries, museums and all that other culture vulture stuff, Monaco has got your back when it comes to luxury goods.

Monte-Carlo is home to a wealth of stunning shops and shopping locations. Here you will find the likes of Prada and Louis Vutton, as well as a whole host of others. It might be a small country (second smallest in the world), but even small countries can never have enough shoes, right?

It’s So Safe

So many tourist destinations nowadays are plagued with crime. Being pick-pocketed in a big city such as London is a real fear for many, but the great thing about Monaco is that crime pretty much doesn’t even exist.

Home to a sophisticated CCTV system and more police per citizens than anywhere else in the world, Monaco deters criminals like no other place.

You Can Rent A Super Car

Bet you can’t rent a super car for $500 in your hometown, can you? And even if you could, driving it through narrow streets on a wet day when everyone just wants to get to the grocery store before you isn’t the same as cruising through the sun-drenched asphalt of Monaco.

Yup, as the breeze gently wafts in your face and the sea coos at the beach, you can cooly drive around in a rented super car here in Monaco.

Why take in all the sights and sounds by foot when you can do it in a Ferrari?

The Marina

After you’ve shopped yourself silly, you’ll probably want to put your feet up and relax. What better place to do this than by the side of the marina?

Okay, so many countries have got marina’s. No big deal, right? But what makes Monaco’s marina stand out above all the others is he small fact that it’s got a plethora of multi-million $$$ yachts nestling in its still waters.

The dramatic cliffs are also a sight to see, too, and may help to soothe your mind once you realise just how much you’ve spent.

The Hotels

You won’t find any shoddy hostels here in Monaco, nor will you be posting a DVD to Holidays From Hell after your holiday is done, showing footage of peeling wallpaper, rat droppings and dodgy chefs.

Instead, you’ll be spending your time here wallowing in the luxury and opulence of these grand hotels that were built for king’s, queens – and you.

There are numerous different hotels here, dotting around in different locations. With 11 B&B’s in total, you might not think there is much to choose from, but it’s important that you book early. Some of the hotels are really small (just 40 rooms), while some are literally just steps from the beach.

The Sunrise Views

It depends which hotel you choose, but if you get the location just right, you could be waking up to the most awe-inspiring sunrise views this side of Iceland.

Wake up early, grab yourself a bottle of champagne, and enjoy the sweeping panorama as the sun slowly rises for another knockout day of splendor.

It Has A Great Nightlife

Monaco might only be small, but it still knows how to party like the best of ‘em.

The most famous and happening night club here in Monte Carlo is Jimm’z. George Clooney has partied here, as has Bono. Located on the Place du Casino, the drinks are no what you’d call cheap, but it’s well worth at least one visit if you wan to let your hair down.

Stay happy!

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How to Grow Your Hair Faster? 10 Useful Tips

If you have been trying to grow your hair out and it seems to be taking an age, then you might have wondered if there is anything at all you can do to speed up the growth of your hair. Well, the answer is more a case of making sure that you are not doing anything to slow the natural growth of your hair, rather than doing anything that will magically make you sprout beautiful long tresses. To ensure that your hair is growing as fast as it possibly can, you need to take care that you don’t break and damage your hair and that you keep it well-nourished and well hydrated. Here are ten tips on how to grow your hair faster.

1. Feed your hair from the inside

Dermatologists and hair care experts agree that the best way of all to promote strong and healthy hair growth is to eat the right foods. Hair is formed from protein, so try eating more high protein foods, like fish, eggs, and beans. Generally, a healthy diet of fresh produce will improve the overall health of your hair and that will lead to faster growth and to your hair being less prone to damage.

2. Get your hair trimmed frequently

Contrary to popular belief, getting your hair trimmed won’t make it grow any faster, but it will stop split ends travelling further up the length of your hair. If you don’t have regular trims, when you get it done, the stylist will have to cut your hair shorter to remove the split ends.

3. Don’t shampoo every day

Another tip on how to grow your hair faster is to avoid shampooing it every day. If you leave your hair unwashed for a day or two, it allows the natural oils in your hair to spread along the whole length, and that is the best way to hydrate your hair and repair any damage to it. Don’t leave it for too long, though, or your scalp will itch and scratching it could damage your hair.

4. Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the natural products that is said to be able to boost the growth of hair and it will help keep your hair tangle free and give it a lovely shine. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to some water and use that as your final rinse.

5. Castor oil hair treatment

Another tip on how to grow your hair faster is to try castor oil treatment. Castor oil can have an amazing effect on hair; it will strengthen it and make it look a lot thicker. Massage some castor oil into your hair and scalp before you go to bed, wrap your hair in a towel, and leave it on overnight. When you shampoo your hair the next morning, the castor oil will have conditioned and nourished your hair, making it look amazing and strengthening it in the process.

6. Brush your hair to stimulate blood flow to the scalp

Gentle brushing of your hair, twice a day, will spread the natural oils along the full length of the hair, which will hydrate it and protect it. Brushing will also promote a good blood supply to the scalp, which will encourage the growth of hair. Don’t tug at your hair, though, or brush it when it is wet, or you will run the risk of breaking your hair.

7. Air-dry your hair whenever you can

One of good tips on how to grow your hair faster is to air-dry your hair whenever you can. Heat is your enemy when you are trying to grow your hair; it damages hair and it will make it more prone to breakage. Whenever you have the time, gently pat your hair dry, but never rub it and then just leave it dry naturally in the air. The more often you can do this, the better condition your hair will be in, and the faster you will see it growing.

8. Use a Vitamin E-rich hair mask

Another tip on how to grow your hair faster is to feed it from the outside with nourishing, Vitamin E rich, hair mask. Gently warm up some sweet almond oil and coconut oil and mix them together. Massage the mixture into your hair and leave it to sit for half an hour before you wash it out. This will make your hair shiny and bouncy and it will boost hair growth as well.

9. Avoid over-styling your hair

Heated tools will strip the natural oils from your hair and damage it, so give your hair a rest from styling as often you can. If you do use heated tools, turn the temperature setting down to low, so that you cause less damage. Quite simply, the more you damage and break your hair, the longer it will take to grow.

10. Finish your shower with a blast of cold water

Very hot water is no good for your hair at all, so keep the water temperature down when you shower. It’s also a good idea to give your hair a rinse in cool water after a shower, because that will help by sealing off the cuticles and giving your hair back some of its strength after the hot water has softened it.

If you want to read more in-depth tips on how to grow your hair faster click here.

To read about very effective mask for extreme hair growth click here.

Stay beautiful!

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What To Eat For Healthy Skin?

A friend of mine came up to me a few weeks ago with a good question. She looked world weary and needed my advice.

“I feel like I’m eating all the right foods,” she said, “but my skin is still awful. I look like I’m ageing quicker than my years.”

She seemed pretty dejected, and I had to agree that her diet was much better now than it ever had been. She was indeed eating a lot of good stuff. But little did she realise that there are specific foods which are amazing for your skin. And she was missing out on them.

There has never been a truer saying than you are what you eat. If you eat the wrong foods, your skin won’t glow. If you eat the right foods, however, and you skin will look fab.

According to author of Feed Your Face Jessica Wu, MD:

“There’s a growing body of research showing that diet really does affect your complexion. What you eat can affect your hormonal balance, cause acne, and create or lessen inflammation, which is associated with skin ageing.”

Many of us rely on creams and serums for healthier looking skin, but just as important is your diet. Let’s take a look at what you should be eating for healthier skin!

Olive Oil

The world’s oldest ever woman was asked what foods were essential parts of her diet, and olive oil was one of them. Lots of it.

Researchers recently carried out a study that took a closer look at the diets of 1,264 women. What they found was significant: Women who consume more olive oil than those who consume a lot less show around 30% less signs of ageing.

There were oil oils tested, such as peanut and sunflower, but olive oil came out on top.

One of the possible reasons for this is that olive oil contains plenty of mono-saturated fats, which scientists believe play a key role in keeping us looking younger.

Strawberries

When it comes to fruit, strawberries are among the very best for promoting healthier skin. Rich in the anti-ageing vitamin C, they help to eliminate wrinkles and dry skin,

Vitamin C also combats pesky free radicals, molecules which are intent on damaging skin dlls and make you look older than you are.

As well as eating strawberries, you could also apply a strawberry face mask.

Tomatoes

You say tomatoes, I say tomatoes. But we all should eat tomatoes. Why? Because tomatoes can protect your skin against the harmful, pro-ageing effects of the sun.

Look, we all like spending time underneath the giant yellow ball when it comes out to play. During the summer months, we all want to enjoy ourselves outdoors. But there is a price to pay here, and too much sun exposure can age your quickly.

For healthier skin, eat more tomatoes. Rich in an antioxidant known as lycopene, it boosts your skin’s natural SPF.

Tomatoes should not be used as alternatives to sunscreen, though!

Pumpkin

Pumpkin gets its vibrant orange hue from its carotenoid content. Carotenoids, which are also found in carrots (unsurprisingly!), fight wrinkles and free radicals, thereby keeping your skin in tip top shape.

Pumpkins are also rich in vitamin C, another anti-ageing vitamin that cleanses your skin.

Dark Chocolate

When my friend told me that she was eating all the right foods these days but that her skin wasn’t getting any better-looking, I asked if she was eating dark chocolate.

“Of course not!” she sneered. “I know better than to eat chocolate!”

It’s a common response. The truth, though, is that dark chocolate is actually really beneficial for your skin. Loaded with an antioxidant known as cocoa flavanols, dark chocolate keeps your skin hydride and boosts circulation.

Cocoa also smooths over your skin and eliminates fine lines and scaliness. You don’t have to overdo it, but just two squares of dark chocolate each day will be enough for healthier looking skin.

Greens

Greens are stuffed with all kinds of skin-friendly nutrients, and the good news is that your body soaks them all up like a magic sponge! Greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli, watercress and green apples should become a regular part of your diet from now on.

Pomegranate

Do you eat enough pomegranate? Most people don’t. But pomegranates are stuffed with more antioxidants than most other fruits. When it comes to healthier skin, you really can’t go wrong with this delicious but overlooked fruit.

Oatmeal

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet so many of us skip it. If you skip breakfast, you could be missing out on a great opportunity to boost your skin’s health.

Oatmeal is easily a better breakfast bet than donuts, bagels and jelly. These sorts of foods are bad for your skin because they basically load you up with refined, sugary carbohydrates that promote more insulin production. This can eventually lead to obesity – and bad skin.

If you do treat yourself to a morning bowl of oatmeal, swap brown sugar for chopped fruit.

Green Tea

Green tea is simply amazing, and comes with multiple health benefits. It can make you smart, lower your risk of cancer and make you more alert. It can also restore your healthy-looking skin.

In a study published by the Journal of Nutrition, people who drank green tea each day for three months enjoyed skin that was smoother and more elastic than those who didn’t touch green tea.

This is because green tea contains important catechins, such as EGCG, which improve the flow of oxygen and blood to your skin.

Water

Your skin needs regular moisture in order to stay flexible, and to prevent it from drying out. If you don’t drink enough water, your skin can start to look tired and even grey.

Too many of us rely on coffee to get us through the day, and too few of us get enough water. For healthier skin, you should really be aiming to drink at least six glasses of water each day.

Instead of heading to the coffee machine at work every hour, take a large bottle of water to work with you instead.

Stay happy and healthy! Source: http://www.beautyandtips.com/healthy-eating/what-to-eat-for-healthy-skin/

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10 Reasons To Visit The Philippines

If you haven’t booked your vacation yet, then we have some very good reasons why the Philippines could be on your list of possible destinations. Sun, sea, sand, and local people who will welcome you with open arms, are just a few of the reasons why you should be thinking about a trip to this wonderful tropical paradise. Most people who visit the Philippines, always go back for more, so read on, and we will give you ten compelling reasons why the Philippines should be on everyone’s list of vacation destinations.

1. The amazing beaches

If you think you have seen beautiful beaches, wait until you see what they have to offer in the Philippines, because these beautiful islands have some of the best beaches in the world. Powder white sand and water so blue, you won’t believe it. There are few places in the world that can boast such beautiful beaches.

2. The people

The warm welcome and broad smiles you will receive when you visit the Philippines are will make you wish you never had to go home again. The people of the Philippines always seem pleased to see visitors and they have a respectful curiosity about people from other countries. They love to dance and sing too, so a holiday in the Philippines feels lake one long celebration.

3. The shopping

The shopping in the Philippines is amazing! They have absolutely huge shopping malls that have shops that sell everything you could possibly think of. If you are looking for something a little bit different, the country is also well knew for its many local craft shops too. There is something to suit every taste and every budget in the Philippines.

4. Great food

The local food is amazing too, and you will find some of the best seafood on the planet. Be sure to try out some of the local delicacies, like Lechon, which is a whole roasted pig, and Kare-Kare, which is a delicious oxtail stew with a peanut sauce. If you are feeling really adventurous, you could try the famous Balut, which is a boiled, 17 year old duck egg containing a developed embryo!

5. The weather

The best time of year to go to the Philippines is between November and May. The weather at that time of the year is just right. It’s tropical, but not so hot that it becomes unbearable, so you can lay our all day on the beach and still feel comfortable. It’s best to avoid the period between June and October, because that is the monsoon season and things can get a bit wet and windy! Even then, though, it still stays hot, so it’s not all that bad.

6. Cheap drinks

You won’t be splashing out a fortune on alcoholic drinks in the Philippines; the drinks are so cheap. You need to be careful about how many drinks you have, because they mix them very strong over there. If you ask for a rum and juice, you’ll probably get more of the rum, than you do of the juice!

7. No language problem

You shouldn’t really choose a holiday based on the fact that the locals speak English, but let’s be honest it does make things easier. Just about everyone in the Philippines speaks English and English is the official language of the government too. There are also loads of English books, magazines and newspapers for sale, so you’ll always have something to read on the beach.

8. The nature

When you get bored of the beach, there’s plenty to see and do inland as well. The Philippines is home to an amazing array of wildlife, including the Philippine Tarsier, the smallest, and quite probably the cutest, monkey in the world. There are also more than 600 different species of birds to see, and hundreds of different mammals and reptiles too.

9. It is hassle free

One of the hassles you get at any tourist resort around the world is people trying to sell you tacky, overpriced souvenirs and people who are trying to con you out of your money. For some reason, you don’t get a lot of this in the Philippines. It’s nice to be able to walk around and not be constantly hassled for money.

10. The diving

If you love diving or snorkelling then you will love the Philippines. The country has some of the most amazing diving sites in the world, including famous spots, like Apo reef and Monad Shoal. If you are feeling particularly brave, you can also go diving with sharks off Malapascua Island. The waters of the Philippines are perfect for diving with crystal clear water, beautiful coral reefs, and amazing sea life.

Source: http://www.beautyandtips.com/travel-tips/10-reasons-to-visit-the-philippines

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