Thursday, June 30, 2016

3 Common Electronic Door Locks for Your Home

Having an electronic door lock can be a good way to spare you the hassle of rummaging for keys in your bag or pocket, and it also adds security to your home. Here are 3 of the most common electronic door locks available on the market today.

Image Source: Flickr

Image Source: Flickr

Kwikset Kevo
The KwiksetKevo instantly transforms the owner's smartphone into a key. Designed with Bluetooth-connectivity, this smart lock replaces a regular deadbolt on a door. To unlock the door, the user has to touch the Kevo to send an "open" signal. Users acquiring the entry-level version of this smart lock will get two eKeys, two key fobs and two traditional keys. The latter is handy if the Kevo runs out of power. The major feature is the set of eKeys, which are encrypted codes that you can with your smartphone. eKeys offer more peace of mind than traditional keys because they cannot be duplicated. Moreover, eKeys can allow a guest either scheduled or "anytime" access Source: TechTimes

Keyless
For advanced home security and convenience, keyless locks can be used to replace any standard deadbolts on exterior doors. An anti-theft rolling code feature ensures the same code is never used twice, and certain models sound an alarm after the incorrect code is entered more than three consecutive times. Additionally, some systems are compatible with select garage door openers or home security systems. Source: ASecureLife

August Smart Lock
Don't let the name fool you – there are no keys involved. No access codes either, so a thief can't use a key logger to copy your code and then sneak in when you're not home. The August Smart Key lock discretely replaces most single cylinder deadbolts to provide secure access to your home via iOS or Android devices. The August Smart Key lock works independently, via a secure BlueTooth connection or over your home's Wi-Fi. The app sends a reminder if the lock's AA batteries are low so this lock keeps working, even if your power goes out.
Coupling the August Lock with August Connect, a smart device that allows you to access the lock from any Internet-enabled device, provides additional features. Rather than simply referring to a log of activity over the past week, you'll receive real-time notifications of who accessed your lock and when. You'll also be able to lock and unlock the door via any Internet-enabled device and connect your lock with other smart devices in your home. Source: SafeWise

 

Contact:
Mr. Locksmith Calgary
555 Maidstone Drive NE
Calgary, Alberta T2A 4B6
Canada
Phone: (403) 800-9185

The post 3 Common Electronic Door Locks for Your Home appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.



from Mr Locksmith Calgary http://ift.tt/29fkyRQ

3 Common Electronic Door Locks for Your Home

Having an electronic door lock can be a good way to spare you the hassle of rummaging for keys in your bag or pocket, and it also adds security to your home. Here are 3 of the most common electronic door locks available on the market today.

Image Source: Flickr

Image Source: Flickr

Kwikset Kevo
The KwiksetKevo instantly transforms the owner’s smartphone into a key. Designed with Bluetooth-connectivity, this smart lock replaces a regular deadbolt on a door. To unlock the door, the user has to touch the Kevo to send an “open” signal. Users acquiring the entry-level version of this smart lock will get two eKeys, two key fobs and two traditional keys. The latter is handy if the Kevo runs out of power. The major feature is the set of eKeys, which are encrypted codes that you can with your smartphone. eKeys offer more peace of mind than traditional keys because they cannot be duplicated. Moreover, eKeys can allow a guest either scheduled or “anytime” access Source: TechTimes

Keyless
For advanced home security and convenience, keyless locks can be used to replace any standard deadbolts on exterior doors. An anti-theft rolling code feature ensures the same code is never used twice, and certain models sound an alarm after the incorrect code is entered more than three consecutive times. Additionally, some systems are compatible with select garage door openers or home security systems. Source: ASecureLife

August Smart Lock
Don’t let the name fool you – there are no keys involved. No access codes either, so a thief can’t use a key logger to copy your code and then sneak in when you’re not home. The August Smart Key lock discretely replaces most single cylinder deadbolts to provide secure access to your home via iOS or Android devices. The August Smart Key lock works independently, via a secure BlueTooth connection or over your home’s Wi-Fi. The app sends a reminder if the lock’s AA batteries are low so this lock keeps working, even if your power goes out.
Coupling the August Lock with August Connect, a smart device that allows you to access the lock from any Internet-enabled device, provides additional features. Rather than simply referring to a log of activity over the past week, you’ll receive real-time notifications of who accessed your lock and when. You’ll also be able to lock and unlock the door via any Internet-enabled device and connect your lock with other smart devices in your home. Source: SafeWise

 

Contact:
Mr. Locksmith Calgary
555 Maidstone Drive NE
Calgary, Alberta T2A 4B6
Canada
Phone: (403) 800-9185

The post 3 Common Electronic Door Locks for Your Home appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.



from Mr Locksmith Calgary http://ift.tt/29fkyRQ

Gifted Funds As A Down Payment Option – Mortgages

Yes, Vancouver is the most unaffordable housing market in Canada. But determined home buyers are still trying to get their foot in the door, in order to get in before it's too late and the lowest rung on that ladder is even further out of reach.

 

The average price for all residential properties in Vancouver is $889,100 ($1.5 million if you want a detached home). And if you want to avoid paying mortgage insurance premiums, you need to come up with 20% as a down payment. For the average consumer, it'll cost more than 20 years to come up with a down payment, according to a report by Generation Squeeze titled "CODE RED: Rethinking Canadian Housing Policy."

 

Can't wait that long? You'd better find some family members who are willing to contribute to your housing fund.

 

Shaun Zipursky, a broker with City Wide mortgage services in Vancouver, says that they're seeing many more gifted funds than they have in years past, particularly for young professionals.

 

"We're seeing a lot of clients that are coming in with massive amounts of gifts, six-figure gifts," Zipursky says. "So families are really trying to help out in keeping their kids in the housing market in the areas that they want to be in."

 

Showing proof and documentation of gifted funds

 

But even if you are getting a gift in order to buy a home in Vancouver, there are some things that you need to know about a gifted down payment.

The post Gifted Funds As A Down Payment Option – Mortgages appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.



from Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC http://ift.tt/29jwXD6

Gifted Funds As A Down Payment Option – Mortgages

Yes, Vancouver is the most unaffordable housing market in Canada. But determined home buyers are still trying to get their foot in the door, in order to get in before it’s too late and the lowest rung on that ladder is even further out of reach.

 

The average price for all residential properties in Vancouver is $889,100 ($1.5 million if you want a detached home). And if you want to avoid paying mortgage insurance premiums, you need to come up with 20% as a down payment. For the average consumer, it’ll cost more than 20 years to come up with a down payment, according to a report by Generation Squeeze titled “CODE RED: Rethinking Canadian Housing Policy.”

 

Can’t wait that long? You’d better find some family members who are willing to contribute to your housing fund.

 

Shaun Zipursky, a broker with City Wide mortgage services in Vancouver, says that they’re seeing many more gifted funds than they have in years past, particularly for young professionals.

 

“We’re seeing a lot of clients that are coming in with massive amounts of gifts, six-figure gifts,” Zipursky says. “So families are really trying to help out in keeping their kids in the housing market in the areas that they want to be in.”

 

Showing proof and documentation of gifted funds

 

But even if you are getting a gift in order to buy a home in Vancouver, there are some things that you need to know about a gifted down payment.

The post Gifted Funds As A Down Payment Option – Mortgages appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.



from Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC http://ift.tt/29jwXD6

Drinks for Divers: Blue Ocean Spritzer

Sometimes we just can't get to the ocean, and our best mechanisms for coping with diving withdrawal are music, food, and beverages that remind us of the sea. The feeling is best described in the song, "Ocean is my Potion," by singer and songwriter Mishka. The lyrics are a great accompaniment to this refreshing sparkling "Blue Ocean" spritzer, inspired by the sea.

"Ocean is my potion; I need vitamin sea. So if you're trying to find me, look out there by the reef…if you're a sailor, swimmer, deep-sea diver then you know what I mean…"

Fresh, great-tasting drinks for divers are often high in calories, especially in the form of sugar, and sometimes in the form of alcohol, which goes almost directly to stored body fat. In hot weather, on dive trips, or landlocked, the following refreshing spritzer is big on nutritional benefits and taste, but low in calories and sugar.

Drinks for Divers

Blueberries create the sparkling blue color of this ocean-themed beverage, but any berry or citrus combination will satisfy. It's easy to make and the ingredients are readily available. After juicing or muddling the berries, place all ingredients in a shaker. Shake for a few seconds and pour over ice. Calorie count for the blueberries in this recipe is about 75, and the small amount of citrus and sparkling water make this drink less than 100 calories.

diver drinks

1 cup of blueberries (juice or muddle)

1 cup of sparkling water

1 mint sprig (muddle)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon, lime or orange juice

A few drops of liquid Stevia

Note: If you'd like to make this an alcoholic spritzer, adding 8 oz. of white wine instead of sparkling water increases the calorie count by 185 calories, making it closer to a 300-calorie beverage.

Blueberries are best when locally grown, but wherever they come from, they freeze well for enjoyment year-round. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant. It helps the growth and repair of body tissues, and makes the collagen essential to maintaining healthy skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps heal wounds and repair and maintain bone and tooth health.

 

The post Drinks for Divers: Blue Ocean Spritzer appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2978ssk

Drinks for Divers: Blue Ocean Spritzer

Sometimes we just can’t get to the ocean, and our best mechanisms for coping with diving withdrawal are music, food, and beverages that remind us of the sea. The feeling is best described in the song, “Ocean is my Potion,” by singer and songwriter Mishka. The lyrics are a great accompaniment to this refreshing sparkling “Blue Ocean” spritzer, inspired by the sea.

“Ocean is my potion; I need vitamin sea. So if you’re trying to find me, look out there by the reef…if you’re a sailor, swimmer, deep-sea diver then you know what I mean…”

Fresh, great-tasting drinks for divers are often high in calories, especially in the form of sugar, and sometimes in the form of alcohol, which goes almost directly to stored body fat. In hot weather, on dive trips, or landlocked, the following refreshing spritzer is big on nutritional benefits and taste, but low in calories and sugar.

Drinks for Divers

Blueberries create the sparkling blue color of this ocean-themed beverage, but any berry or citrus combination will satisfy. It’s easy to make and the ingredients are readily available. After juicing or muddling the berries, place all ingredients in a shaker. Shake for a few seconds and pour over ice. Calorie count for the blueberries in this recipe is about 75, and the small amount of citrus and sparkling water make this drink less than 100 calories.

diver drinks

1 cup of blueberries (juice or muddle)

1 cup of sparkling water

1 mint sprig (muddle)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon, lime or orange juice

A few drops of liquid Stevia

Note: If you’d like to make this an alcoholic spritzer, adding 8 oz. of white wine instead of sparkling water increases the calorie count by 185 calories, making it closer to a 300-calorie beverage.

Blueberries are best when locally grown, but wherever they come from, they freeze well for enjoyment year-round. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant. It helps the growth and repair of body tissues, and makes the collagen essential to maintaining healthy skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps heal wounds and repair and maintain bone and tooth health.

 

The post Drinks for Divers: Blue Ocean Spritzer appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2978ssk

Kayak’s Facebook Messenger lets you plan a trip by simply texting

Travel search site Kayak today launched an interactive "chatbot" for Facebook Messenger that will let you search for - and book - travel right inside the app. Or as Kayak puts it, "a travel agent inside your pocket."

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/299SP4z

Airbnb’s shift into meetings

Chip Conley, head of hospitality and strategy at Airbnb, discussed the opportunities and challenges of room-sharing for meeting planners during his speech at a vendor conference in Las Vegas this week.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2925K4J

Could this tool save hotels from bad reviews?

Several travel brands have started rolling out real-time feedback tools to address customers' qualms before they turn into something more serious.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/296fjmD

Priceline founder discusses new travel site

Travelers have a giant hidden asset that they're not using that's worth a small fortune. The asset is they have little bits of flexibility on the flights and hotels they buy on their trip.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/299SSxd

Foodies flock from Instagram to Snapchat

Instagram's long-awaited algorithm has finally started rolling out, and food influencers and sites that built their brands on the Facebook-owned app are already feeling the squeeze and moving to Snapchat.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2926ffd

Facebook news feed puts friends, family first

Facebook said it will de-emphasize content from digital publishers in its news feed, a move that caps a tumultuous month of debate over the social network's role in the news ecosystem.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/299STBd

Buzz of big data yields to practical applications of new data

Throughout the official first day of CVENT CONNECT 2016 in Las Vegas, the focus was not on big data. Instead, the topic getting most of the attention was not a necessarily new concept, but a unique twist on the tired, over-curated topic of big data. That fresh twist is New Data.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2925MK9

How hotels make their OTA addiction worse

The cycle of OTA dependence is all too real and aggravating. But, it's time to face the facts. It's your fault, not the OTA's, if an OTA-driven guest doesn't come back and book direct the next time around.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/299T5R2

Kayak’s Facebook Messenger lets you plan a trip by simply texting

Travel search site Kayak today launched an interactive “chatbot” for Facebook Messenger that will let you search for - and book - travel right inside the app. Or as Kayak puts it, "a travel agent inside your pocket.”

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/299SP4z

Airbnb’s shift into meetings

Chip Conley, head of hospitality and strategy at Airbnb, discussed the opportunities and challenges of room-sharing for meeting planners during his speech at a vendor conference in Las Vegas this week.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2925K4J

Could this tool save hotels from bad reviews?

Several travel brands have started rolling out real-time feedback tools to address customers' qualms before they turn into something more serious.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/296fjmD

Priceline founder discusses new travel site

Travelers have a giant hidden asset that they're not using that's worth a small fortune. The asset is they have little bits of flexibility on the flights and hotels they buy on their trip.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/299SSxd

Foodies flock from Instagram to Snapchat

Instagram's long-awaited algorithm has finally started rolling out, and food influencers and sites that built their brands on the Facebook-owned app are already feeling the squeeze and moving to Snapchat.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2926ffd

Facebook news feed puts friends, family first

Facebook said it will de-emphasize content from digital publishers in its news feed, a move that caps a tumultuous month of debate over the social network’s role in the news ecosystem.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/299STBd

Buzz of big data yields to practical applications of new data

Throughout the official first day of CVENT CONNECT 2016 in Las Vegas, the focus was not on big data. Instead, the topic getting most of the attention was not a necessarily new concept, but a unique twist on the tired, over-curated topic of big data. That fresh twist is New Data.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2925MK9

How hotels make their OTA addiction worse

The cycle of OTA dependence is all too real and aggravating. But, it’s time to face the facts. It’s your fault, not the OTA’s, if an OTA-driven guest doesn’t come back and book direct the next time around.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/299T5R2

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

4 Tips for Cleaning Roller Blinds

from Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters http://ift.tt/295QUxB

4 Tips for Cleaning Roller Blinds

Cleaning methods for your roller blinds depend largely on the material that your blinds are made of. Here's how to keep your roller blinds looking their best.

Image Source: Flickr

Image Source: Flickr

Below are 4 tips for cleaning roller blinds:

Checking
It is important that you follow the care instructions of the blinds, to ensure that you are washing your blinds in a way that won't damage them.

  • If the care label indicates that you can wash the blinds (plastic/vinyl blinds), or your blinds are very dirty, you can thoroughly clean the blinds in a bathtub.
  • If the care label indicates that the roller blinds cannot be washed, you'll need to spot clean them, meaning you'll only clean the spots that are visibly dirty. Source: wikiHow

Removing
Remove the rolled up blind from the mounting hardware. I'm sliding a knife behind the bracket to release it. This is a Level or blind and they can be removed in a SNAP! (they're 12 yrs old btw)
Be sure to remove the roller mechanism if you can. You want to safeguard it from the water to avoid damage. Source: SnapGuide

Vacuuming
If your roller blinds will not stand up to being washed, you'll need to spot clean them. This is where you only clean the bits that are visibly dirty.  You can start by vacuuming your blinds as outlined above to remove most of the surface dust and dirt. Source: HomeImprovementPages

Washing
Use the brush attachment on the vacuum to gently brush over the surface and vacuum away any loose dirt, dead bugs, etc. Next, fill the bathtub about half full of warm water.
Add some laundry detergent to the water and mix together until a few suds begin to form on the surface. If the blinds are white, a small amount of bleach can be added to the water as well.
Next, carefully lay the blinds in the tub. If the blinds are long, it is okay to loosely layer them in an accordion fashion. Allow them to soak in the soapy water for a couple of hours.
Next, start at one end of the blinds and gently wipe them back and forth with a soft cloth or sponge. This will help remove any remaining dirt and/or stains. For tough stains, scrub them gently with an old toothbrush. Drain the sudsy water from the tub.
Fill with clean water and rinse the blinds. Repeat until all of the soap is removed. If soap residue remains on the blinds, it will act as a magnet quickly collecting dirt and dust.
If a partner is available to assist, the blinds can be held up and rinsed with a shower sprayer for quicker soap removal. Lay the blinds over a drying rack or outside on a clothesline until they are completely dried. Attach them back onto the roller and reinstall them over the window. Source: HowToCleanStuff

For more tips, don't hesitate to contact us here:

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

The post 4 Tips for Cleaning Roller Blinds appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.



from Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters http://ift.tt/295QUxB

4 Tips for Cleaning Roller Blinds

Cleaning methods for your roller blinds depend largely on the material that your blinds are made of. Here’s how to keep your roller blinds looking their best.

Image Source: Flickr

Image Source: Flickr

Below are 4 tips for cleaning roller blinds:

Checking
It is important that you follow the care instructions of the blinds, to ensure that you are washing your blinds in a way that won’t damage them.

  • If the care label indicates that you can wash the blinds (plastic/vinyl blinds), or your blinds are very dirty, you can thoroughly clean the blinds in a bathtub.
  • If the care label indicates that the roller blinds cannot be washed, you’ll need to spot clean them, meaning you’ll only clean the spots that are visibly dirty. Source: wikiHow

Removing
Remove the rolled up blind from the mounting hardware. I’m sliding a knife behind the bracket to release it. This is a Level or blind and they can be removed in a SNAP! (they’re 12 yrs old btw)
Be sure to remove the roller mechanism if you can. You want to safeguard it from the water to avoid damage. Source: SnapGuide

Vacuuming
If your roller blinds will not stand up to being washed, you’ll need to spot clean them. This is where you only clean the bits that are visibly dirty.  You can start by vacuuming your blinds as outlined above to remove most of the surface dust and dirt. Source: HomeImprovementPages

Washing
Use the brush attachment on the vacuum to gently brush over the surface and vacuum away any loose dirt, dead bugs, etc. Next, fill the bathtub about half full of warm water.
Add some laundry detergent to the water and mix together until a few suds begin to form on the surface. If the blinds are white, a small amount of bleach can be added to the water as well.
Next, carefully lay the blinds in the tub. If the blinds are long, it is okay to loosely layer them in an accordion fashion. Allow them to soak in the soapy water for a couple of hours.
Next, start at one end of the blinds and gently wipe them back and forth with a soft cloth or sponge. This will help remove any remaining dirt and/or stains. For tough stains, scrub them gently with an old toothbrush. Drain the sudsy water from the tub.
Fill with clean water and rinse the blinds. Repeat until all of the soap is removed. If soap residue remains on the blinds, it will act as a magnet quickly collecting dirt and dust.
If a partner is available to assist, the blinds can be held up and rinsed with a shower sprayer for quicker soap removal. Lay the blinds over a drying rack or outside on a clothesline until they are completely dried. Attach them back onto the roller and reinstall them over the window. Source: HowToCleanStuff

For more tips, don’t hesitate to contact us here:

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

The post 4 Tips for Cleaning Roller Blinds appeared first on Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters.



from Universal Blinds, Shades & Shutters http://ift.tt/295QUxB

4 Tips to Intensify the Benefits of Saunas

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Saunas are used throughout the world for their health benefits. Below are some tips to intensify the benefits of saunas – read on!

2689085868_0e776fa511_z

Drink Plenty of Water
Drink 8 to 16 ounces of water before going inside the sauna room, holistic physician Lawrence Wilson recommends in "Sauna Therapy." During the sauna bath, the body produces a therapeutic sweat that eliminates heavy metals and toxic chemicals, Wilson says. Sauna enthusiasts say that the body can lose about a pint of water during a 20-minute sauna session. Source: LiveStrong

Exercise First
Exercise prior to entering the sauna. Since the sauna promotes circulation of the flow of blood through the body, this will help you recover from joint and muscle soreness from your workout. Plan your use of the sauna on days you rest from exercise. While beneficial in conjunction with exercise, it is claimed that a session of 15-20 minutes will give you a workout equivalent to a brisk walk of 1-2 hours. This is due to an increase in your heart rate which is similar to that which occurs during a brisk walk.  Source: wikiHow

Choose the Right Temperature
The temperature you create inside the sauna is very important in achieving the most beneficial sauna session. Studies show that it's best to heat the sauna to a temperature between 176 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you will feel comfortable inside the sauna, you will not overwhelm your body with too much heat, and you will benefit from all the good effects of the sauna. Source: AllWomenSites

Alternate Temperatures
After about 15 minutes, you better step out of sauna room to cool down your body in air. It is better to jump into a cold pool or lake. Experts say that shocking your body with hot and cold in succession increases the effects of sauna detoxification and increase the blood circulation in your body.
You need not to get your body chilled. When you start feeling cold, you better come back to the sauna room and stay there until you start sweating again. You have to repeat this heating and cooling of your body three to four times for best results. Just be sure not to exceed 45 minutes in total in the sauna room.
When you are finished, cool yourself with fresh air, not cold water, to settle your body temperature. Take a cold bath afterwards to remove any dead skin cells. Source: StepByStep

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 4 Tips to Intensify the Benefits of Saunas appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://ift.tt/294eGvk

4 Tips to Intensify the Benefits of Saunas

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Saunas are used throughout the world for their health benefits. Below are some tips to intensify the benefits of saunas – read on!

2689085868_0e776fa511_z

Drink Plenty of Water
Drink 8 to 16 ounces of water before going inside the sauna room, holistic physician Lawrence Wilson recommends in “Sauna Therapy.” During the sauna bath, the body produces a therapeutic sweat that eliminates heavy metals and toxic chemicals, Wilson says. Sauna enthusiasts say that the body can lose about a pint of water during a 20-minute sauna session. Source: LiveStrong

Exercise First
Exercise prior to entering the sauna. Since the sauna promotes circulation of the flow of blood through the body, this will help you recover from joint and muscle soreness from your workout. Plan your use of the sauna on days you rest from exercise. While beneficial in conjunction with exercise, it is claimed that a session of 15-20 minutes will give you a workout equivalent to a brisk walk of 1-2 hours. This is due to an increase in your heart rate which is similar to that which occurs during a brisk walk.  Source: wikiHow

Choose the Right Temperature
The temperature you create inside the sauna is very important in achieving the most beneficial sauna session. Studies show that it’s best to heat the sauna to a temperature between 176 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you will feel comfortable inside the sauna, you will not overwhelm your body with too much heat, and you will benefit from all the good effects of the sauna. Source: AllWomenSites

Alternate Temperatures
After about 15 minutes, you better step out of sauna room to cool down your body in air. It is better to jump into a cold pool or lake. Experts say that shocking your body with hot and cold in succession increases the effects of sauna detoxification and increase the blood circulation in your body.
You need not to get your body chilled. When you start feeling cold, you better come back to the sauna room and stay there until you start sweating again. You have to repeat this heating and cooling of your body three to four times for best results. Just be sure not to exceed 45 minutes in total in the sauna room.
When you are finished, cool yourself with fresh air, not cold water, to settle your body temperature. Take a cold bath afterwards to remove any dead skin cells. Source: StepByStep

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 4 Tips to Intensify the Benefits of Saunas appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://ift.tt/294eGvk

Diving Aliwal Shoal

Of all the fantastic diving in South Africa, Aliwal Shoal counts as some of the very best. The shoal lies within a marine-protected area, running in a north–south direction on the inner edge of the Mozambican current. The remains of an ancient sand dune, the shoal sits at an average 64 feet (19.5 m) of depth, is about a mile (1.5 km) wide, three miles (5 km) long, and approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) offshore from Scottburgh. Aliwal formed when sand and other deposits washed into the ocean from area sand dunes. Over time, this runoff formed the calcium-carbonate compound that laid the foundation of this sandstone reef. Heavy rainfall later drowned this sand-rock structure, and a variety of coral species moved in to colonize it.

The reef itself has a pinnacle ridge and gradually drops off on both edges until it hits a sandy bottom. The reef's uneven structure is bursting with gullies, cracks and overhangs, and is home to at least 1,200 tropical and sub-tropical fish species. Divers will also see eels, turtles, rays and a variety of sharks.

Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal

Diving Aliwal Shoal with Crystal Divers

Crystal Divers is my go-to operator when it comes to diving in Aliwal Shoal. The shop is conveniently located at the newly renovated Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottburgh, South Africa. Crystal Divers is a PADI Five Star IDC Center, which offers all sorts of dive training as well as fun dives. In fact, I took part in their PADI IDC in 2015.

Crystal's impeccable service, knowledgeable staff, and experienced skippers leave you feeling comfortable and in safe hands. You'll dive all around South Africa from beach launches, meaning that you'll have to hop onto the skiff on the beach, wade the boat into deeper water, and then head out through the surf. So a great crew and experienced skipper can make a huge difference during any South African diving experience.

After Diving

When your dive day is done, the Blue Marlin offers guests an incredibly comfortable stay. The food is fantastic and the rooms are newly renovated. Perched on top of a hill and offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the hotel offers a spa, private walkway to the nearby beach, and onsite swimming pool. Blue Marlin will take such good care of you that you won't feel a need to leave the hotel, which is fine as Scottburgh is very quiet at night.

If you are looking for a fun, safe, comfortable and affordable experience while diving Aliwal Shoal, you can't go wrong with Crystal Divers South Africa and the Blue Marlin Hotel.

The post Diving Aliwal Shoal appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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Diving Aliwal Shoal

Of all the fantastic diving in South Africa, Aliwal Shoal counts as some of the very best. The shoal lies within a marine-protected area, running in a north–south direction on the inner edge of the Mozambican current. The remains of an ancient sand dune, the shoal sits at an average 64 feet (19.5 m) of depth, is about a mile (1.5 km) wide, three miles (5 km) long, and approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) offshore from Scottburgh. Aliwal formed when sand and other deposits washed into the ocean from area sand dunes. Over time, this runoff formed the calcium-carbonate compound that laid the foundation of this sandstone reef. Heavy rainfall later drowned this sand-rock structure, and a variety of coral species moved in to colonize it.

The reef itself has a pinnacle ridge and gradually drops off on both edges until it hits a sandy bottom. The reef’s uneven structure is bursting with gullies, cracks and overhangs, and is home to at least 1,200 tropical and sub-tropical fish species. Divers will also see eels, turtles, rays and a variety of sharks.

Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal

Diving Aliwal Shoal with Crystal Divers

Crystal Divers is my go-to operator when it comes to diving in Aliwal Shoal. The shop is conveniently located at the newly renovated Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottburgh, South Africa. Crystal Divers is a PADI Five Star IDC Center, which offers all sorts of dive training as well as fun dives. In fact, I took part in their PADI IDC in 2015.

Crystal’s impeccable service, knowledgeable staff, and experienced skippers leave you feeling comfortable and in safe hands. You’ll dive all around South Africa from beach launches, meaning that you’ll have to hop onto the skiff on the beach, wade the boat into deeper water, and then head out through the surf. So a great crew and experienced skipper can make a huge difference during any South African diving experience.

After Diving

When your dive day is done, the Blue Marlin offers guests an incredibly comfortable stay. The food is fantastic and the rooms are newly renovated. Perched on top of a hill and offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the hotel offers a spa, private walkway to the nearby beach, and onsite swimming pool. Blue Marlin will take such good care of you that you won’t feel a need to leave the hotel, which is fine as Scottburgh is very quiet at night.

If you are looking for a fun, safe, comfortable and affordable experience while diving Aliwal Shoal, you can’t go wrong with Crystal Divers South Africa and the Blue Marlin Hotel.

The post Diving Aliwal Shoal appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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Sabre previews next-generation GDS

A new version of Sabre Red Workspace will be rolled out next year, offering agents the chance to make bookings via a new consumer-grade user interface as well as increased merchandising opportunities for suppliers.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/29nJYdG

Attention travel agents: Americans still love you!

American travelers’ overall use of travel agents and desire to use them is up across the board in every generational group. Some 19% of the 2,948 Americans surveyed said they had used a travel agent for at least one vacation in the last 12 months.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/293esTI

Airbnb: A glimpse into the future…

Only Airbnb's three founders really know where the company is heading, but listening to them talk and how they describe what they have achieved, it's not too hard to imagine that there is an idealistic streak to their thinking and, therefore, their actions.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2921nr9

Airbnb optimistic on China

Airbnb has said it has high hopes for the Chinese market, as a younger generation of travellers starts to embrace the shared economy.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/295dk32

Americans, Chinese look to UK for travel bargains after Brexit vote

U.S. and Chinese online travel sites have reported a jump in queries about UK holidays since Britain voted to leave the European Union last week, a sign that "Brexit" and the resulting dramatic drop in the pound could boost tourism.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/29nJUuh

How Southwest Airlines created a multimedia comms department

Make videos of your employees. Photograph the junk in your organization's closet. Use Hollywood and the NFL as reference points in internal comms. Learn from Southwest Airlines.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/293eafC

TravelClick’s new Media Suite offering increases direct hotel bookings

TravelClick announced the launch of its new Media Suite offering, designed to use proprietary data to drive better performance of paid media and increase overall direct bookings for hotels.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/29217sv

Leonardo continues to power hotel media for GTA

Leonardo has been providing GTA with connectivity to the world’s definitive source of hotel certified visual content for more than 50,000 partner hotels on more than 40 GTA powered travel websites and GTA’s API globally since 2009.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/295dasG

Sabre previews next-generation GDS

A new version of Sabre Red Workspace will be rolled out next year, offering agents the chance to make bookings via a new consumer-grade user interface as well as increased merchandising opportunities for suppliers.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/29nJYdG

Attention travel agents: Americans still love you!

American travelers' overall use of travel agents and desire to use them is up across the board in every generational group. Some 19% of the 2,948 Americans surveyed said they had used a travel agent for at least one vacation in the last 12 months.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/293esTI

Airbnb: A glimpse into the future…

Only Airbnb's three founders really know where the company is heading, but listening to them talk and how they describe what they have achieved, it's not too hard to imagine that there is an idealistic streak to their thinking and, therefore, their actions.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/2921nr9

Airbnb optimistic on China

Airbnb has said it has high hopes for the Chinese market, as a younger generation of travellers starts to embrace the shared economy.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/295dk32

Americans, Chinese look to UK for travel bargains after Brexit vote

U.S. and Chinese online travel sites have reported a jump in queries about UK holidays since Britain voted to leave the European Union last week, a sign that "Brexit" and the resulting dramatic drop in the pound could boost tourism.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/29nJUuh

How Southwest Airlines created a multimedia comms department

Make videos of your employees. Photograph the junk in your organization's closet. Use Hollywood and the NFL as reference points in internal comms. Learn from Southwest Airlines.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/293eafC

TravelClick’s new Media Suite offering increases direct hotel bookings

TravelClick announced the launch of its new Media Suite offering, designed to use proprietary data to drive better performance of paid media and increase overall direct bookings for hotels.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/29217sv

Leonardo continues to power hotel media for GTA

Leonardo has been providing GTA with connectivity to the world's definitive source of hotel certified visual content for more than 50,000 partner hotels on more than 40 GTA powered travel websites and GTA's API globally since 2009.

from HOTELMARKETING.COM http://ift.tt/295dasG

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Shark Diving in the Bahamas

Shark diving and the Bahamas have become almost synonymous. For the past two years, I've been working on a new shark-ecotourism and conservation project called Shark Business. One of last year's goals was to learn as much about the shark-diving industry as possible from its most prominent operators. High on the list of must-visit destinations was the Bahamas.

Sharks have been fully protected here since 2011, when the Bahamian government acknowledged the value of shark tourism. Henceforth, the government banned all commercial shark fishing in its waters. Shark diving is now the most popular underwater activity in the Bahamas. One of the activity's pioneers, and first people to ever dive with sharks here in 1978, was Stuart Cove.

Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas

Since then, Stuart and his team have created one of the world's busiest and most successful dive companies. Stuart Cove's offers numerous water-based activities, including snorkel trips and reef dives, but is undoubtedly most famous for its shark-feeding dive.

Every day at around 2 p.m., Stuart's Cove takes excited guests to the Shark Arena. This shallow site is easily accessible for divers of all levels. Here waiting for them is a group of around 30 Caribbean reef sharks. Divers kneel in a circle and, in the center, a chainmail-clad feeder arrives with a box of fish and the action begins.

Within seconds, there are reef sharks buzzing all around. One-by-one they jostle for position and a snack from the chum box. Sharks are incredibly intelligent, and in this situation only ever focus on one thing — the food. The sharks that visit the Shark Arena have been conditioned over hundreds of dives to receive food, presented to them on a metal pole. They pay little attention to the divers nearby, which allows for up-close encounters that many would have never thought possible.

Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas

Introducing people to sharks in this way can have a profound effect, and I have seen attitudes transformed after just 40 minutes in the water with these animals. People who began with fear go away with a better understanding and more realistic perception of sharks. This can only be a good thing in the ongoing battle to protect shark populations around the world. I would encourage anyone who still has doubts about the safety of shark provisioning to visit Stuart and his team and try it out for themselves.

Shark diving in the Bahamas takes place year-round, and Stuart Cove Dive Bahamas is open 365 days per year. The shop can also organize trips to see many other types of sharks, including lemons, tigers, oceanic whitetips and great hammerheads. There really is no better place for shark diving in the world than the Bahamas.

By Daniel Norwood

The post Shark Diving in the Bahamas appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/290gkOM

Shark Diving in the Bahamas

Shark diving and the Bahamas have become almost synonymous. For the past two years, I’ve been working on a new shark-ecotourism and conservation project called Shark Business. One of last year’s goals was to learn as much about the shark-diving industry as possible from its most prominent operators. High on the list of must-visit destinations was the Bahamas.

Sharks have been fully protected here since 2011, when the Bahamian government acknowledged the value of shark tourism. Henceforth, the government banned all commercial shark fishing in its waters. Shark diving is now the most popular underwater activity in the Bahamas. One of the activity’s pioneers, and first people to ever dive with sharks here in 1978, was Stuart Cove.

Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas

Since then, Stuart and his team have created one of the world’s busiest and most successful dive companies. Stuart Cove’s offers numerous water-based activities, including snorkel trips and reef dives, but is undoubtedly most famous for its shark-feeding dive.

Every day at around 2 p.m., Stuart’s Cove takes excited guests to the Shark Arena. This shallow site is easily accessible for divers of all levels. Here waiting for them is a group of around 30 Caribbean reef sharks. Divers kneel in a circle and, in the center, a chainmail-clad feeder arrives with a box of fish and the action begins.

Within seconds, there are reef sharks buzzing all around. One-by-one they jostle for position and a snack from the chum box. Sharks are incredibly intelligent, and in this situation only ever focus on one thing — the food. The sharks that visit the Shark Arena have been conditioned over hundreds of dives to receive food, presented to them on a metal pole. They pay little attention to the divers nearby, which allows for up-close encounters that many would have never thought possible.

Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas Shark diving in the bahamas

Introducing people to sharks in this way can have a profound effect, and I have seen attitudes transformed after just 40 minutes in the water with these animals. People who began with fear go away with a better understanding and more realistic perception of sharks. This can only be a good thing in the ongoing battle to protect shark populations around the world. I would encourage anyone who still has doubts about the safety of shark provisioning to visit Stuart and his team and try it out for themselves.

Shark diving in the Bahamas takes place year-round, and Stuart Cove Dive Bahamas is open 365 days per year. The shop can also organize trips to see many other types of sharks, including lemons, tigers, oceanic whitetips and great hammerheads. There really is no better place for shark diving in the world than the Bahamas.

By Daniel Norwood

The post Shark Diving in the Bahamas appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.



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How much do I love autumn in New Zealand?

Autumn new zealand

Also PSA guys – I'm speaking at the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival on July 2nd in Wanaka and July 9th in Queenstown if you're around and want to hang – details here

Guys, I am obsessed with autumn in New Zealand. Seriously, my love for it is unhealthy.

Actually, to be fair, I'm obsessed with autumn anywhere in the world. It's my favorite time of year. Halloween. Crunchy leaves. Pumpkins. Bonfires. Colorful forests.

Ok, well not all of that happens in New Zealand, especially since fall happens around mid-April. Talk about confusing. But I digress.

Autumn new zealand

I've made it my point now to stick around NZ during the autumn colors. I am lucky living in Wanaka which is in Central Otago, one of the few regions in New Zealand that actually experiences a fall and have trees that change color

Most of the native trees around New Zealand are evergreens, not deciduous, and don't change color in autumn.

If you haven't figured out by now, I'm a bit of a tree nerd. Tree hugger for life guys!

Autumn new zealand

But beyond the colorful leaves I really enjoy autumn because of the change in weather. The nights get crisper, we start to have a few early morning frosts, though hopefully not before the harvest at the local vineyards. Central Otago is famous for its Pinot Noirs. Yum!

The days become shorter and the light becomes more beautiful. As the seasons change the weather becomes a bit wilder, and we often have crazy sunrises and sunsets that are less frequent in the calm summers.

We had a bit of a late autumn this year, with the colors starting to perk up at the end of April before a few gnarly windstorms took care of business.

Autumn thoughts from Chaplin Focus on Vimeo.

This autumn I spent quite a bit of time outside exploring and trying to make the most of the available adventures before the winter snows kick in. I've also been on a big kick to challenge myself creatively and try new things, and decided to make a video about why I love autumn.

And by make I mean convince my super talented Wanaka bestie Olya from Chaplin Focus to make a video about why I love autumn. Visual storytelling makes me so happy and I am hoping to include more videos like this on my blog this year!

I haven't blogged much this past month as I have been overseas on the road so I thought I'd do a little visual recap of what I've been up to this fall, and perhaps inspire a few fellow autumnal lovers to think about booking a trip to this part of the world next April.

Enjoy!

Autumn new zealand

Autumn new zealand

I have such a love/hate relationship with this tree in Wanaka

Autumn new zealand

Autumn new zealand

Autumn new zealand

Fall was just starting to get underway when I went out on a 4WD tour around Wanaka with Ridgeline Safaris. This is one of my favorite ways to see the area because they take you up on private farmland and roads that you can't access normally.

Plus its a new way to see the lake. It was one of those perfect early autumn days with a low cloud that burned off as the day heated up and the lake was like glass.

Crisp, clean and sunny, my favorite!

Autumn new zealand

I celebrated living in Wanaka for 2 years (holy shit) by getting up at the crack of dawn and walking out to the Rob Roy Glacier. I did this walk when I first moved to Wanaka, and hadn't been back since so it was time to change that.

Autumn new zealand

While this isn't particularly seasonal, there was a beautiful clear autumn night this fall in Wanaka with no moon and a pretty decent aurora display.

Down in the southern hemisphere we have the southern lights which you can see anytime of year. I follow along on the aurora forecast and boom, one night we had a perfect show.

Autumn new zealand

Hanging out at the Blue Pools in the rain with my friend Eric Supertramp.

Autumn new zealand

I also went out and hiked the mighty Kepler Track with Department of Conservation right at the beginning of autumn. A 3 to 4 day 60km hike, it's one of New Zealand's Great Walks and it quickly became my favorite walk in New Zealand. I can't wait to go again.

It was amazing! More soon!

Autumn new zealand

I had a crazy flu for a week this fall during the peak colors and couldn't leave the house. But one morning while super feverish I got up to pee at night and looked up and saw the beginnings of an epic sunrise.

Without thinking I hopped into my car in my jammies and drove out to nearby Lake Hawea. Most epic sunrise ever.

Autumn new zealand

Then i headed out to my beloved Canterbury for a couple of days of exploring around Christchurch, Akaroa, and the Waipara Valley for a food and wine expedition. The drive between Wanaka and Christchurch is one of my favorites in New Zealand, it's so epic and I'll head out whenever I get the chance.

It was a great couple of days exploring in perfect sunny weather.

Autumn new zealand

Autumn new zealand

How beautiful is Waipara?

Autumn new zealand

The food at Roots in Lyttleton

Autumn new zealand

Road tripping around Banks Peninsula

Autumn new zealand

Christchurch

Autumn new zealand

Visiting an alpaca farm on Banks Peninsula – Shamarra Alpacas

I seriously can't wait to write about this soon, but just had to mention I spent a few days this fall over on the West Coast with Fox Glacier Guiding on their new Extreme Fox Heli Hike and spending the night up by the ice at the historic Chancellor Hut, and it was just amazing!

It was seriously the best two days I've had in New Zealand this year.

Autumn new zealand

Finally, one of my favorite places to hang around and enjoy the autumn colors is in Arrowtown, a cute historic village between Wanaka and Queenstown.

But it's not just my favorite autumn spot, it's everyone's favorite spot in April, and is super busy. It's still beautiful though!

And this is where we filmed most of that video. Enjoy!

Autumn new zealand

Autumn new zealand

Autumn new zealand

With my Canon Australia kit

Autumn new zealand

Autumn new zealand

Autumn new zealand

Did you see our video? What did you think? Do you love autumn as much as me? Is it your favorite season too? 

PS thank you Olya for so many of these great still shots of me! Legend!

Autumn thoughts from Chaplin Focus on Vimeo.

Also PSA guys – I'm speaking at the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival on July 2nd in Wanaka and July 9th in Queenstown if you're around and want to hang – details here

The post How much do I love autumn in New Zealand? appeared first on Young Adventuress.



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