Lifestyle

Whilst cruises have become a more popular form of travel in the last decade there are still many people who won’t take a cruise because of the many myths that surround this type of vacation, myths which we will debunk today. I first took a cruise in 2006 after being invited by my friend and cruise captain Alexis Fecteau, I must be honest, I too had bought into some of the myths which exist and I really didn’t know what expect from the cruise, despite what Alexis had told me. As it turned out, I absolutely loved the experience and have been on 3 more since then, with another coming up in 2020. Here are the myths that many believe, and why you should ignore them and join the cruise revolution!

Old People

A common myth which far too many people buy into is that a cruise holiday is going to be a ship full of pensioners, a bizarre myth which simply isn’t true. I think much of this comes from the 80s when cruises became popular amongst the elder generation, who had cash to spend and wanted an easy and relaxing vacation. The truth is however that the people you find on a cruise ship are from every age group and situation, you’ll find couples, families and even solo travelers of all ages on such a vacation.

No Time At Destination

Most cruise vacations include visits to multiple destinations and it is true that you have some limitations on how long you will have at each destination. With this being said it is important to remember that the whole idea of going on this type of vacation is that you squeeze in a number of different destinations, and to do that there must be limitations. The idea that you don’t get enough time at these destinations however is false and whilst I have been to some places where I would’ve liked to stay a little longer, I have never felt rushed away from a place because the ship needs to sail. You know what you are getting on these types of vacations, which is why the limitations shouldn’t surprise you.

Expensive

Another myth which I believes goes back to the early days of cruise vacations is that this is a holiday type which is very expensive. In the older days this was something which would really cost a lot but the growing demand and the increase in the types of curses on offer, combined with more companies offering a vacation like this have seriously brought the costs down. Of course you can still find expensive cruise vacations if you wish, which will include all of the luxury that you may be looking for, but a cruise doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg and there are in fact a great number of worldwide cruises which you can even enjoy on a budget.

Why not take a look at doing your first cruise in 2020!

 

DJs who play at weddings and private functions are almost always lame and it seems that many grow up actually trying to find ways to be bad rather than trying to play a killer set. I am under no illusion that those who play these types of gigs are not exactly looking to become the next DJ Rama, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be as bad as they are. At every private event of wedding that I attend, I am always angered by these DJs and if you wish to be a good DJ who plays these events, here are the common mistakes to avoid.

Nobody Wants to Hear You

Some of these DJs appear to think that they are on the radio or something like that and they will speak over songs and try and have some chat in-between the records. When you DJ a private event, a party or a wedding you have to understand that nobody wants to hear what you have to say, all they want to hear is you playing songs, and that’s it. To be completely honest I have no idea why they let DJs enter with a microphone!

Read The Crowd

It takes a while to get people warmed up and onto the dance floor, and this for a DJ is basically what they are aiming for, that people dance to the music that they play. It is for this reason why I am constantly bamboozled at the fact that DJs wait so long to get the party started and the people up dancing, before killing it all with a slow song that forces everyone back to their seats. Read the room instead of just sticking to your playlist and have some anthems which are going to keep the partygoers on their feet and dancing all night.

Refuse Requests

I understand that there is nothing more frustrating for a DJ than people coming up to the booth and making requests, especially after they have spent so long working out the perfect playlist which they are going to drop. With this being said, sometimes people just want to hear a song and as their DJ you should try to accommodate. Now there are some rules which you can certainly adhere to here. The first rule is that nobody makes more than one request, secondly if the requests are getting out of control then stop and finally if the song just doesn’t fit in with your playlist or with the occasion, just don’t play it. The worst thing you can do however is to just say no, especially if people aren’t even dancing to what you have put on.

I mentioned DJ Rama at the top because he is one of the finest event DJs that I have seen, this guy knows how to read the room, he plays music from all genres and decades and he knows just how to portray himself properly as the DJ, and nothing more.

 

Hobbies have long been known for their positive effects. Having interests outside of work or family life gives you chance to relax, have some alone time and simply have fun. If you enjoy hobbies which are done with others, they are also very social. Of course, most people do not have lots of spare money to spend on hobbies, particularly those requiring expensive equipment or an initial investment. The great news though is that many hobbies do not need lots of money to start enjoying. Online casino play is a great example here as you can use bonus codes to get the most from playing at casino sites. If this is your thing, the Borgata online casino bonus code is worth taking advantage of.

Aside from having fun with online casino games, what other hobbies could you take up with next to no outlay financially?

Keeping fit

Many people make the mistake of thinking that taking up exercise as a hobby means spending lots of money initially. The simple fact is that, in most cases, keeping fit as a hobby can be done with little to no investment. Keeping fit does not have to mean paying out gym fees every month or buying the most expensive gear. Jogging is a classic example – you really only need a decent pair of running shoes which can be picked up cheaply online. Once you have them, simply throw on an old t-shirt and jogging bottoms to get going.

Drawing and painting

This is one of the best hobbies to take up as it is both relaxing and fulfilling. Finishing a picture you are proud of is a satisfying feeling as is seeing your progress as your artistic skills improve. It is also one that requires little investment to get started. You only need a pad of paper, pencils and paint and you are good to go. Whether you stay inside and draw household items or sit in the garden to paint the scenery, it gives you a cheap way to pass the time in a most enjoyable way.

Photography

This may sound like a strange choice as photography brings up images of professional reporters snapping away on large, expensive cameras. While this might still be true for those who do it for a living, photography can be done as a hobby with no outlay as most people now own a smartphone and the latest models come with superb cameras packed into them. They offer great resolution, built-in flashes and a host of options for editing pictures. This makes using your mobile phone to take pictures as a hobby achievable – you will be surprised at just what great results you can get!

Learn new languages

Learning a new language or two is a great hobby to take up at any time – whether you are young or looking for new things to do when retired. It not only gives you new skills to use in daily life but helps teach you about new countries and cultures. Modern online services like Duolingo actually offer free language courses which makes this a very cheap hobby to take up. Not only will learning more languages make you a better-rounded person and give you something to do in your spare time but it could also come in very handy on holiday. From Italian to French, Spanish or something more exotic, the choice is yours.

Geocaching

If you want to get out and about with a hobby that costs next to nothing, why not consider geocaching? This is basically like going on a treasure hunt where free online apps give you GPS co-ordinates of a hidden container at a certain location. You use a GPS enabled device (like your smartphone) to make your way to the location, find the container and see what has been left there. There may be some travel expense involved if the cache is not local but this won’t add up too much. Indeed, there are so many sites around the country, you might not need to go far at all. Geocaching is great fun and a good hobby for those who like to be active.

Having fun does not have to cost lots

It is easy to think that everything we do has to cost a lot in modern life. While this can be true if you get into something like F1 racing, there are lots of fine hobbies you can take up which are very cheap. If you need some ideas to get going, then the above should help.

The older a person gets, the more they start to pay attention to their overall health. That not only include staying active, but understanding what goes into the body every single day.

Patriot Health Alliance has one of the best reputations online for dietary supplements to help in a variety of ways. Targeting many different elements in one formula is a dependable option for those getting up there in age. Is it the best overall to go with? From a healthy boost of energy, most agree that it’s hard to beat.

The powerful ingredients inside patriot power greens

This green drink might taste like berry, but it has over 40 fruits and vegetables in the formula to create a great tasting option. With 10 probiotics and six digestive enzymes as well, one scoop of this mix can provide a ton of benefits for people of any age.

Anyone willing to start early can certainly benefit from Patriot Power Greens, but the ingredients help out the most when it comes to active seniors. It can be hard to get a natural boost in energy, but this formula does the trick.

The importance of energy

A boost in energy can help in so many different ways. Many individuals find it hard to get the energy throughout the day and sustain it. It’s one thing to get through the workday, but it’s another to work, work out and everything else that makes up a day.

There is no crash involved with Patriot Power Greens, as is the case with a lot of energy drinks and other options out there. As long as a person is willing to stay diligent about taking the supplement every single day, they will notice a change fairly quickly.

Price and availability

Supplements can become very expensive, depending on the brand and what it promises to do. Patriot Health Alliance has done a great job of keeping their supplements very affordable, especially for those people who are willing to buy in advance. Buying a multiple month supply can save quite a bit of money.

Ordering is quick and easy online. The company allows people to make purchases on the website, or call their toll-free number to set something up.

Comparison to other options out there

Patriot Health Alliance believes that they have a formula that will benefit so many different types of seniors out there. Along with Patriot Power Greens, they also have other products that can help with specific issues. One, in particular, is called Digestive Freedom Plus. This helps anyone who is having digestive issues, allowing a person to feel younger in a matter of days.

To take a look at everything the company offers, their website is patriothealthalliance.com. They offer several specials, and a trial for anyone new to the company. This is a great way to sample a product and see if it is truly the right option to go with overall.

 

Technological advancements have made everything easier for humankind. This means that it is now easier for people to do business because it makes it easy to communicate, access consumer goods and services, travel, or even send and receive money. That, however, is not all that advancement in technology does. As a downside, criminals also use various technologies to scam people and defraud them of their hard-earned money. As such, you must always be alert whenever you are online to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud.

Here is what you need to do to avoid being scammed online this Christmas:

Don’t be hasty: different kinds of online spams have hasty decision making in common. For instance, someone will call you claiming that your computer needs urgency repair or that you are a victim of malware and tell you that you need to act fast. Before acting on such information, however, take time to review the situation and call someone who can help such as your technician.

Be sceptical about everything that sounds too good: when a deal is too good to be true, you must exercise restraint and seek more information before committing your money to it. This is because scammers often have access to personal information, something that enables them to contact you with deals that seem like a dream come true. This is often true when shopping online because the scammers might have access to data related to your shopping patterns. This makes you susceptible to deals that are seemingly out of this world. When shopping online, therefore, always make sure that you are dealing with a reputable dealer. The same applies when you are looking for a parcel delivery service online.

Secure your online life: the need to always secure your devices with strong passwords and use an antivirus cannot be emphasised enough. Besides securing your devices, it is also important to check your privacy policy on different social media networks. This is because scammers often use unsecured data to gain enough information on you before creating a story that you could fall for easily. Additionally, use passwords that are hard for anyone to guess and avoid using the same set of words or numbers as your password for numerous online profiles.

Keep your banking details to yourself: many people have fallen victim of scams that involve sharing bank information with strangers online. This means that you should refrain from using your credit cards, debit cards, or your online banking accounts to pay for services that appear suspicious. Moreover, be wary of people who will tell you complete certain transactions on their behalf because such transactions might be connected to money laundering schemes.

Don’t trust people you barely know: the most effective method of avoiding online scams is approaching any new online scheme with caution. This is because scammers are known to make all manner of claims ranging from a promise to make you a millionaire to trying to appeal to your compassion in a bid to convince you to make a donation. When confronted with such scenarios, always take it slow and undertake your own research before committing to anything.

We all know that age is just a number, however, there are days when we all wish we looked just a little bit younger. The good news is you can make a real difference to the way you look. The great news is you can do this without having to go under the knife! Here’s how:

Use a Pencil to Lift your Eyes

Many people use an eyeliner that comes in liquid form. However, you should opt for a pencil eyeliner instead. This is because the pencil helps to make the eyes look larger and large eyes are associated with youth. Give this tip a try, you might be surprised as to how well it works. Try to use an eyeliner that works with the tone of your skin and your eyes.

Use a Lighter Color Lipstick

If you wear a dark color lipstick you could be inadvertently making yourself look older. Instead, opt for a lighter color lipstick but make sure you stay away from orange or peach-colored lipsticks. This is because they can make your teeth look quite yellow. If you want to wear lipstick please make sure you also wear other make-up as failing to do so can make you look a little older.

Remove Your make-up Before Bed

While it may seem obvious to you that you should remove your make-up before you go to bed there’s a good reason for it. make-up that’s left on can clog up your pores. However, it’s also important that you wash your face so you get rid of all of that pollution that your face has been exposed to. Washing the pollution away can help to percent the break down of your skin’s collagen. It also feels good to wash the day off your face, just make sure you moisturize aftewards.

Buy Large Sunglasses

While you might want to look and feel cool in those thin-rimmed shades, they won’t be doing you any favors. Large sunglasses offer you an anti-aging advantage. This is because they give your eyes much more protection. What this means is you’re less likely to be concerned about wrinkles around your eyes in a few years. Ok, this is not a tip that will make you look younger today but wearing larger sunglasses today will help you tomorrow.

Use Olive Oil on your Face

Many people have dry skin from using too much make-up or make-up that’s too harsh on their skin. However, using olive oil that has not been flavored can help your face. Add a thin layer of olive oil to your face before you go to sleep. It will help to keep your skin moisturized and it will also ensure your skin has those fatty acids it needs to look good.

As you can see, there are some relatively easy ways for you to make a real difference to how old you look. Using the above tips, you can start to look younger today and stay looking younger for many years to come!

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During your college years, you experience an increasing amount of personal freedom. Rather than having to attend class for seven hours a day like you did in high school, you now have classes that typically meet for twelve to fifteen hours a week. Instead of having a regular routine at your family home, you have the freedom to hang out with friends and be an adult in life.

One of the biggest college lifestyle decisions you have to make is whether to live in a dorm room or in off-campus student housing. While dorms have long been a traditional choice, many students are finding that they are no longer satisfied with the small spaces and crowded halls of dorm living. In addition, living in a dorm often comes with shared bedrooms and arbitrary rules that leave you feeling like you’re a child again.

As a student, there are many advantages to living in off campus apartments. The best complexes offer many amenities that help you enjoy your college home away from home.

Greater Privacy

When you are a young adult it’s really nice to be able to spend some of your time in your own private space. In the dorms, this is just about impossible with shared bedrooms and study areas and communal bathrooms the norm. With top quality off-campus apartments each student has their own private bedroom for sleeping, studying or hanging out. Additionally, each person also has a private bathroom to call their own. There’s no more jostling for a shower time in the morning or wondering if the hot water will run out.

Lots More Space

In a cramped dorm room you rarely have enough storage or space. Off-campus student housing typically includes a kitchen, furnished living area and storage plus your private bedroom and bathroom. It’s nice to be able to share time with your roommates, watching a movie or sporting event together in the living room. The mix of personal space and common space in an apartment is far better than the space in a dorm.

Convenience

On campus parking is usually a problem at nearly every college or university. You have to purchase permits and then fight for available spaces at the end of a long day. With off campus housing you will be able to park right near your front door. Doing laundry is also much easier in off-campus student complexes, as each apartment has its own washer and dryer.

Fewer Rules

When you live in a dorm you have a whole set of rules to follow and a resident assistant who is there to enforce everything. In a way, you are treated like a child. Off-campus student housing offers you a chance to live as an adult. You and your roommates can decide what’s right for you and live by your own guidelines in life.

If you’d like to enjoy your college living experience more, you would be wise to consider all the advantages of off-campus student housing. You will have far more freedom, space and amenities in a top notch apartment that you would ever have in a college dorm.

 

After working hard for so many years in life, most people truly look forward to retirement. With no more daily work schedules, upcoming deadlines or difficult bosses to please, retirement should be a stress-free time. The daily grind of working is replaced by a world where you can do what you want when you want to, each and every day.

Retirement is a monumental change in our way of being. Often this is the first time in your adult life that you have the freedom to create your own world. There is no clock to watch or required schedule to keep. It’s very easy to slip into retirement, though, and suddenly find that empty days are passing by endlessly. At this moment of great change, it’s important that you really take a good look at what you want your new retirement lifestyle to be.

There are many options available as you try to decide what to do in retirement. You may want to consider some of the choices below as you design your ideal retirement plan.

Travel and Explore

During our working years we rarely have the time to truly travel and explore. When you retire, though, the whole world can be your playground. You can plan an adventure and take as long as you want getting there. Whether you want to cruise the rivers of Europe or wish to visit all the National Parks, you now have the freedom to enjoy your dreamed of destinations.

Learn New Things

One of the best ways to keep your mind nimble and your being happy is to enroll in lifelong learning courses. There classes may be offered at a university in your area, or you may find the perfect course is available online. Some institutions offer a special rate for seniors that will allow you enjoy learning about a wide variety of subjects, from history to art and music to science.

Revive Your Favorite Hobby

As we journey through life, we often find that we have left some of our interests behind. Retirement is the perfect time to seek out the hobbies we loved and bring them back into our lives. Did you use to love tennis or pool as a youngster? Then get yourself a ping pong table or a pool stick and start playing again. Did you use to take photos or take care of a garden growing up? Then do it again. If you always wanted to be a great cook or chef, a world of recipes and kitchen creativity awaits. Whatever your passion, you now have the time to do it every day.

Move to a New Place

Lots of times people picture retirement as a time when you live out life in your existing home. A new breed of retirees has another approach. More and more people are moving to new countries and leveraging the lower cost of living there. They find that learning a new language, exploring a new culture and living in a brand-new world makes them feel young again.

Volunteer and Help Others

Everyone who has worked in the world for years has a set of important and valuable skills. In retirement, it’s possible to spend part of your time working to help others improve the quality of their life. Whether you are a retired business executive or someone who worked in manufacturing, we all have unique gifts that would benefit our communities.

Retirement is a big change in your life. It’s important that you spend time thinking about what you want to do with your newfound freedom and time. With a well-designed retirement plan, you will remain vital and fill your days with things you love to do.

 

Bingo is a gambling game with more than millions of players both online and offline. It might be a game of luck, but sometimes some players do get a chance to win money that changes their lives in a big way. While it is very important to play this game for fun, it is not a bad idea to also have a winning mentality; after all, it involves money and gambling – click to visit Umbingo.

Most massive wins recorded to date go beyond millions of US dollars but England has one of the greatest bingo winners in the world. Below are a few winners who won great prizes from playing bingo.

John Orchard won £5.9m

In December 2012, the then 60-year-old father of 3 named John Orchard won £5.9m playing 30p on online bingo. The Long Sutton grandfather’s reward is the biggest on record to ever be won on online bingo. Before winning the money, he was a factory worker who used his winnings to revamp his life massively.

His winning only came a few days after he had started playing the online game. He indulged in luxury cars, bought houses for himself and his children and splurged on vacations. He also quit his job at the factory.

Georgios M. won £5.1m

A Greek man by the name of Georgios M. won £5.1m in 2009. He was the record holder of the biggest bingo prize before John Orchard. The then 36-year-old Georgios M, was a businessman and after his winning, he lived a private that no one knows much about.

Lisa Potter’s lucky £1.3m

Lisa Potter from Witney, Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom was a 33 years old housewife when she won £1.3m from a £5 bet ticket playing online bingo in June 2012. She tried the game of bingo out of boredom but little did she know it would lead to a life-changing prize. The neglect from her husband during the soccer season and lack of interest in television were her main source of boredom. But thanks to online bingo, she decided to try rollover machine and it paid in a big way.

She pampered her family with luxurious vacations and invested the money left after her indulgence.

Soraya Lowell claimed £1.2m

In 2008, the 38 years old cleaner Soraya Lowell from Lanarkshire Scotland won £1.3m from the classic traditional offline bingo game. She shared the money with her neighbour and close friend, who was also her bingo partner. Soraya Lowell went through personal turmoil after winning the money. She lost her bingo partner and also filed for divorce. In addition, in 2012, she filed for bankruptcy following failure to pay the mortgage on her house and tax bills.

In conclusion, there have been big winnings from playing bingo, both online and offline. Playing for fun is good, but is also possible to win a lot of money in the process. It doesn’t cost much to play, and some of the profiled winners hadn’t been playing for a long time to win big.