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- Friendlier to the environment.
- Bikes can be easier to maneuver through tight traffic.
- Parking is less of an issues because bikes can easily be locked up out on the street against poles, bike racks, or can be brought into some buildings.
- Purchase price for a bike, as well as cost of up keep is very low and minimal.
- Riding in the city can be dangerous due to busy, congested traffic; vehicle doors randomly being opened; road obstacles like sewer grates, potholes, and construction sites.
- When it is raining, or during the winter month’s bike riding may not be compatible with weather.
- You have to be in shape for a bike to be you main way to get places.
- Go to a matinee movie on a rainy day. Matinees are often discounted and less crowded, making this a win-win date. Settle on a movie that interests you both, or take turns picking the movie. Many major cities have discount theaters. Check for local theaters that feature movies that just left major theaters or have discount seating as an alternative to a matinee.
- Go stand up paddle surfing (or SUP’ing). This is a fun outdoor activity that could be a first for you as a couple’s activity. Paddle surfing is becoming increasingly popular, originating in Hawaii (where it is called Hoe he’e nalu). It is an ancient form of surfing; and great for covering long distances. Standup paddle boards are generally made from glass-reinforced plastic with an epoxy resin coating. They range from 9 to 12 feet. This fun sport is generally done in the ocean or lakes.
- Take a hike. If the weather allows it, go for a hike on a nature trail. Pick one that matches your fitness level. You can observe nature while getting exercise. This should be a daylight activity, as most parks and trails are closed after dusk for safety reasons. Alternatively, you can bike on trails. Don’t forget SPF and bug spray!
- Go to a museum or art gallery. This is a common tourist activity that is often overlooked in a local perspective. Brush up on your local history and culture. Take a romantic stroll through the museum and share opinions and facts. Make an afternoon (or evening) of it by packing a picnic lunch. Bring a blanket to sit on and pack finger foods and desserts to share.
- Go to a wine tasting. Wine tastings are often cheap or free outings that couples can enjoy together. You can learn a lot about the process of making wine and practice picking out the various flavors that go into making each wine unique. Not a fan of wine? Consider cheese, beer or fruit tastings as well. If you don’t want to go out to one, you can turn this into a romantic “at home” date by buying some samples at the store and feeding them to each other.
A Guide For Proposing on Valentine’s Day
January 16th, 2013Valentine’s day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to pop the question to your girlfriend. But the question is – how can be you be different with your proposal? If you want your sweetheart to say yes, then you should try and get a little creative. In the following article we look into a few fun and creative ways to propose your woman on Valentine’s Day…
#1: Make a Video – Video is highly popular these days, thanks to YouTube. So why not make a personal video with yourself proposing to your better half and watch it together? The idea here is to surprise her with the video so that she jumps from joy and says yes!
#2: Do It in Mid-Air - If you’re not afraid of some public display of affection, then it’s a good idea to propose while you’re mid-air. You can have the captain of the airplane recite your proposal to your lady over the intercom. As soon as the captain makes your proposal public, you can pull out those beautiful flowers you bought from FloristExpress.com and give them to her before popping the question.
#3: Dedicate through Radio – If your girlfriend is used to listening to radio regularly, and if there’s a certain time she listens to it, then making a radio proposal can work wonders. Here the radio jockey will ask your girl on your behalf to marry you. It’s simple but makes a huge impact.
#4: Rent a Billboard - A fun and unique idea is to simply rent a billboard and drive by it on the afternoon of Valentine’s Day. You can get in touch with a company that offers billboards throughout the nation or just check your local yellow pages to see if there’s any local billboard advertising available.
#5: Skywrite It – There must be some good skywriting companies in your area, with whom you can get in touch with them to have them display your proposal on the Valentine’s Day when you’re out with your girlfriend. A good idea is to spend your afternoon at the beach and have the company arrange the skywriting while you’re enjoying there.
#6: Post an Ad in the Local Newspaper - An easy and inexpensive way to propose is to place a classified ad or a large graphical advertisement with a picture of you both along with your proposal on Valentine’s Day. You can call up your local newspaper to find out about pricing and other details.
As we see, there are many different and creative ways to express your love on Valentine’s day. Which one you choose depends on you and your partner, and your personal preference.
Shaving Your Face – You’ve Come a Long Way
January 15th, 2013Almost nobody remembers what it was like to have to shave with a straight razor anymore. In fact, almost nobody remembers what it was like to shave with a razor that had less than three blades anymore. Even in the last ten years a generation of kids has grown up shaving using techniques and tools that weren’t invented for their parents. So how do you make sure you get a really great shave today? Here are some tips.
Your Shaving Brush
Obviously by now you know that a wet shave is best if you want your face to look and feel as good as possible. This, then, requires you to have a high quality shaving brush. The best quality shaving brush you can have is a badger brush. This is because a badger’s bristles (or hair) is better both at applying the shave cream to your face (it helps it mix with the hot water better) and at preparing your stubble for being shaved (as you apply the shaving cream, the hair on the brush lifts up the whiskers on your face so that they are easier to cut cleanly). A good brush like this can cost some coin but it will be coin well spent.
Shaving Oil
You might not have ever thought of or even heard about shaving oil. This is not the same product as the oil you would use to shave with an electric razor. This is oil that you apply to your face before you actually set razor or shaving cream to skin. The oil acts as a supplemental layer of moisture and lubrication for your skin. It prevents against razor burn. For the best shave oil look for plant based oils (like olive oil) because they are less greasy and you won’t have to worry about accidentally clogging your pores when you shave which helps you have a much better shaving experience.
The All Important Razor
These days you can buy disposable razors with six blades in them—all designed to supposedly give you the best and closest shave possible. The very best shave you can get is still with a straight razor but very few men feel comfortable with the idea of shaving with a straight razor every day. Don’t go for the cheap disposable blades, though. For a good, high tech and comfortable, shave with a DE razor. These are the old fashioned razors with a single blade that you can toss when it gets dull (which will take a while). The blade stays sharper for a longer period of time and is easier on your face.
The truth is that when it comes to shaving and technology, technology has yet to catch up with the quality of the old fashioned tools. More blades doesn’t automatically equal better and disposables are best left on the shelf. Rather than jumping for the latest multi blade, why not do your face a favor and use what has worked forever?
NYC: Cars vs. Bikes
January 6th, 2013With 8.2 million people living in 468.9 square miles, New York City is by far one of the most populated and congested cities in the US. It is also a city filled with corporations, entertainment, and things going on 24 hours a day 7 days a week. With all that business and congestion, how do people get around? Cars and bikes are two popular modes of transportation, but if you are going to decide which of these are better for you than you need to think through a few things first.
According to Streetblogs the number of households with cars in New York City has actually risen by 1.7% in the last few years. And though people may not think of New York City as a place to need or want to own a car, there are actually some benefits to having your own vehicle:
· You have a vehicle to haul friends and cargo in; may be a huge benefit for working.
· You can transport a pet.
· You have transportation no matter what time of the day it is, or what day of the year it is.
· Manhattan Monthly Parking can help cut costs for people looking to park their cars in the city.
Unfortunately there are also some downsides when it comes to owning a car in New York City as well. These mainly include:
· With an almost 2% a year increase in cost of ownership, a car costs on average $8,946 a year.
· New Yorkers pay the 4th highest no-fault insurance premiums in the US.
· With heavy traffic, having to drive yourself places and find parking when you get there can be problematic.
There are other transportation options like taxis. But the costs can add up there too. For people who are looking for an alternative to purchasing a vehicle or relaying on taxis all the time, then owning a bike can be a good choice.
Bikes offer many great benefits as a choice of transportation through the city. However, they may not be the right choice for you. There are other things to consider.
Living in New York City can be a great adventure. Finding your way around doesn’t have to be that difficult. Think through what is best for yourself and what you can afford and you will be able to decide on the best type of transportation for your New York City explorations!
Romantic Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season
January 6th, 2013Even though it can be challenging to find a worthy holiday gift for your better half, it doesn’t have to be expensive. What matters more is your emotion behind your gesture.
If you’re serious about giving a present that makes an impact, then try and pay attention what he or she talks about. Take hints so that you know what kind of gift they’d like. For example if he or she mentions their favorite restaurant, you could plan out a romantic candle dinner at it.
Giving a thoughtful gift to your partner shows that you actually care about their needs and want to make them happy. In the following article we will be looking into such romantic gift ideas that will help you make your partner feel special this holiday season.
#1: Visit to a Concert or a Play
If you want to have special bonding time with your other half while being entertained, then go to a local theatre, playhouse or symphony. Even if you’re low on funds due to the holiday season, you still can find community events that are free yet worth going to.
However, it will take a bit of research and planning to find a good, affordable place to go to. Just see to it that you don’t compromise when it comes making the occasion worth it.
#2: Certificate for Guitar Lessons
Want to gift your significant other with a truly romantic gift? Give them a gift certificate for guitar lessons. Learning guitar is a popular activity, which means your loved one will like the gift.
Each one of us has the creative urge to express ourselves, and guitar is a great way to do it. Finding a school that teaches the instrument shouldn’t be hard, especially if you’re living in a city like Los Angeles, where you can easily find private guitar lessons.
#3: Trip to the Spa
Give your partner a gift certificate that will allow both of you to enjoy your day at a spa. Here you’ll be able to relax and unwind together while receiving facials and massages.
When you de-stress together and let go of the daily life’s tensions, it helps you come closer as a couple. It’s a peaceful, serene way to connect and get romantic with your loved one.
There are a number of ways you can make your sweetheart feel special this holiday season. As long as you are creative in your approach and know your partner’s preferences, you will have no problem gifting them moments that they will cherish forever.
Great Ways to Expand on Your Love of Aviation
December 7th, 2012Aviation is a passion for many. It starts out as a hobby, a need to learn how to navigate the skies, but then suddenly it becomes an all consuming love, a wish to be in the sky at every waking moment. Regrettably, this is not always possible, as flying is an expensive hobby. But for those of you who are very passionate about flying, there are ways you can benefit, expand, and enjoy your passion for flying through other activities.
Make money from your passion
Though you might start engaging with aviation for leisure and recreation, you can end up making money from it. Many pilots start in the industry flying for fun, and then end up making money by becoming guides.
When you become very familiar with the air landscape around certain areas, then you become an expert and know where all of the interesting places, landscapes and scenic views are. Tourists and people that want to enjoy a recreational flight will often hire people like you to learn of an area. Armed with a great aviation GPS device like the Garmin Aera 796, you could make a nice living from showing tourists the spectacular aerial scenery in your area.
Rebuild airplanes
Some flying enthusiasts take a more technical interest in aviation, and may want to expand their interest in the aviation engineering. Some enthusiasts have reconstructed small planes and sold them to collectors.
Aviation simulation activities
Those enthusiasts who aren’t interested in making money or in pursuing the engineering and technical side of aviation, can still enjoy their hobby even when they aren’t up in the sky. You can participate in aviation simulations using applications you find online. Aerial Photography photographers can make money from expanding on their flying hobby by taking aerial photographs. You can sell pictures of certain areas to oil & Gas companies, mining companies, and more.
Airplane rentals
Once you become more involved in aviation, you may want to purchase an airplane. But maintaining it, purchasing fuel, and routine repairs can be very expensive. Compensate for these expenses by renting the plane out to other amateur flyers or to tourists wanting to fly to some nearby location. Aviation is a wonderful hobby, offering great challenges, opportunities and pleasures, but it can also be very expensive. Finding an additional way of expanding on your hobby or of making money to support it, can only add to your enjoyment. This too, can keep you from worrying about finding the money for your next flight expedition.
5 Affordable and Romantic Date Ideas
December 6th, 2012Spending extra money on dates can be tough in this economy. Not every date has to be at a fancy, expensive location. Sometimes the sweetest memories are made in the most common places. Save the expensive dates for rare occasions and anniversaries.
For the Hunting Enthusiast
December 5th, 2012Many families, regardless of where they come from, have at least one hunter. Whether you’re a sport hunter or one who hunts to feed the family, new gear is always welcome. With the holiday season here, it is the perfect time to shop for the avid hunter in your life.
Determine who you’re buying for
It doesn’t matter if the hunters in your family do so for sport or food; their needs are the same. For the hunter who is just starting out, think practical and functional. Shopping for someone who has hunted for years is a bit trickier. Novices need more basic gear to expand their tools, and experienced hunters will already have favorite brands and tools.
There are a few questions to ask when trying to figure which gift is just right. Do the hunters you plan to buy for prefer to hunt with guns or bows? Have they often talked about a desire to hunt in another part of the U.S., Canada or overseas? What about higher-end gear such as a knife or sharpening tools from a designer knife shop? What kind of hunting does the hunter usually do? The right gift for someone who only hunts for fowl, will differ from the perfect gift for someone who primarily hunts game.
Great gifts for the novice hunter
Novice hunters are often young, but some try hunting later on in life. Regardless of age, certain gifts are better for a novice than a seasoned hunter:
Camouflage clothing, starter rifles, and ammo lessons or courses to hone shooting skills are great gift options. Also, the understanding of wilderness survival techniques, or learning knife sharpening skills are another option. Other gift ideas include Clay birds and throwing mechanisms, Knives and whetstones, and Camping equipment.
An experienced hunter will already know how to hunt with a rifle, and will already have most functional necessities like knives, camouflage clothing, and camping equipment. However, there are some additional ideas that may work perfectly:
~Dream hunting trip with a wilderness guide, hunting dog, or advanced training lessons for the hunter and his canine companion.
~Custom built rifle.
~Hunting bow with bow lessons.
~Portable deer stand.
Remember, most hunters appreciate practical gifts that will increase the likelihood of a successful hunt. Avoid gimmicky hunting equipment that is more complicated to use than it is functional. Finally, always look for quality items that will last, and stand up in poor weather or against the various abuses that come with spending time in unforgiving bush areas.
Pablo Sandoval – The Mightiest Panda
October 30th, 2012Pablo Sandoval is not your typical athlete. He is 5-11, overweight, and not very fast. However, Pablo is now a 26 year old, 2 time World Series Champion, and a World Series MVP. Although Pablo is currently in the brightest spotlight of his young career, but it has not always been that way. Sandoval’s baseball career in the US did not start like most all-stars. He was not drafted as a young athlete and took six years to make it to the major leagues as a catcher. During his first season in the big leagues he earned the nickname Kung-Fu Panda after performing and in-game acrobatic while running the bases.
Although Sandoval went through years of position changes, criticism for swinging too freely, and bad press for his weight he always stuck around with the Giants because of his incredible ability to hit. Fast forward a few years and Sandoval is now on top of the world. He just earned his second world series ring and first MVP award. Sandoval hit .364 this postseason and an incredible .500 in the final 4 games against Detroit. Add 6 home runs and 13 rbi’s and you get your MVP. Not only did Sandoval do all that but he also became the the first player to hit three home runs in their first 3 plate appearances of the series. So now that this Panda is the king of the jungle what is next? Well, Panda is only 26 years old and is on a young and talented Giants baseball team that could easily add a few rings to the sluggers hands in the next few years.
If we know anything about Panda, his next few months will include more than a few cheat meals and plenty of time in the batting cages. Sandoval has been open with reporters when expressing his belief that his weight is not holding back in anyway on the field. Sandoval’s off-season training is focused completely around his hitting, the skill which made him an MVP and a millionaire.
If you are a young ball player you can certainly learn a thing or two from the Panda, makes sure you have the right baseball equipment from MonkeySports, get in the batting cage, and hit everyday. Although the best players are known for their all around ability as a player, Pablo will certainly tell you he doesn’t regret working extra on his hitting and less on his conditioning.
Image from Photo Works / Shutterstock.com
How to Travel with Style in Southern California
October 17th, 2012Throughout Southwest California, visitors will find a host of activities and attractions to enjoy. Known for its plentiful sunshine and laidback lifestyle, California has something to offer everyone.
Living the Good Life in Los Angeles
While the city of Los Angeles may be known for the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, and celebrity mansions, there are still many other attractions to enjoy while in the City of Angels. If you are interested in catching a concert while you are in L.A., you should take advantage of the opportunity to purchase The Black Keys tickets and other concert tickets for the plethora of concerts in the area. When it comes to things to do in Los Angeles, it is really a matter of where to begin.
Throughout Los Angeles County, you will find a host of well-known attractions. Options for visitors to the local area include architectural landmarks, beaches, amusement parks, art galleries and museums, hiking, parks, and shopping. After the sun sets, visitors can sample an array of dining, comedy, music, and nightlife options.
Outside of L.A.
To the south of Los Angeles, there are still many attractions to explore, including Mission San Juan Capistrano, Costa Mesa, and Disneyland in Anaheim. When you are in the mood for exciting dining, make reservations for Medieval Times or Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park. In San Diego, visitors will also find a host of activities and attractions to explore. Old Town-Mission Valley is a must-see for history buffs.
As the site of the first Spanish settlement in the state, this historic district is now a popular tourist attraction and major commercial center. Point Loma-Ocean Beach offers spectacular views of the coastline, while Mission Beach-Pacific Beach is the place to be if you are looking for restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
When you are ready for a walk on the wild side, a visit to Monterey is in order. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to a wide array of marine life, including fishes, octopuses, sharks, jellyfish, wolf eel, and much more. It’s fun for kids of all ages.
Relaxing in Ojai
Just a short distance from Los Angeles is the picturesque village of Ojai. The fresh, open air and relaxed atmosphere are just two reasons why actress Reese Witherspoon purchased a ranch in this bucolic setting. Start your day with a sunrise hike on one of the two dozen hiking paths that meander through the valley. If you’re looking for dramatic views and few crowds, consider taking the Shelf Road Trail.
After a refreshing morning hike, hit the town for shopping or for a drink at the local wine bar. While Ojai is not known for its nightlife scene, it does offer excellent dining, including a local Mediterranean restaurant that specializes in dishes made from organic produce purchased from area farmers.
There is truly something for everyone in California. Whether you are looking for a thrilling adventure, a relaxing getaway, or you want to take in a concert, you will be certain to find something that will strike your fancy.
“Consideration was given for the editing and publishing of this article by Anna Hicks”
