A chilly house during winter is no fun at all. How can you relax when your home is freezing cold? Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to cozy up your home to get ready for the upcoming cold. Use this advice to get through the winter in one piece.

Take Advantage of the Sun

The sun keeps on shining during the winter. While the sun isn’t as warm this time of year, it’s still bringing in heat every day. With a little planning, you can take advantage of this source of energy. Every morning open up the curtains and drapes in your house. During the day, the sun’s heat will soak into your floors and walls. At night, this heat will come off and make everything feel a bit warmer. Best of all, you’re getting extra heat for free.

Run Ceiling Fans Backwards

Ceiling fans come in handy during the winter as well as the summer. Many fans let you reverse the fan cycle, so they go clockwise. By making this switch, the fan pushes air down. This is helpful because hot air rises and settles by the ceiling. By running your ceiling fans backwards, you’ll push this warm air down to your level where you need it.

Coordinate Your Cooking Schedule with the Family

The oven and stove in your property are both great sources of heat. Every time you cook something up, it will heat up the whole house. You can use this as another way to keep your heating bill lower. Try to cook when most of the family is at home so everyone stays warm without blasting the heating. As an added bonus, everyone will get to enjoy the delicious aroma of your cooking making your house feel even cozier.

Keep Furniture Away from Windows and Walls

The coldest spots in your house are the sections close to a window or wall facing the outdoors. If you have your couch or chairs near these chilly areas, you’re going to feel uncomfortable sitting down and will be tempted to turn up the heat. A smarter approach is to rearrange your furniture so people don’t sit in these areas. During the winter, people will feel more comfortable sitting in the warmer, more central parts of your home.

Keeping your home nice and warm during the winter takes some work but with these easy tips, you should be able to keep the cold at bay.

The post Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home for the Winter appeared first on .

It is easy to get into a fashion rut in the work place. Ensuring that you are both professional and stylish in the workplace will work wonders for your job prospects and confidence. In most cases people judge you by the way you look, for better or worse, and that’s why it is important to choose the right accessories and work clothes. Other than the pant or skirt suits there are stylish work dresses that will influence the way people behave around you in a positive way.

The work dresses need to be stylish, but follow the rules of your workplace that is they need to be acceptable and conforming to the standards of the company. It’s your job, not a wedding after all. A look that’s put together and thought out sends out the message that you pay attention to the details. In addition, you will be comfortable with the different stylish dresses that flatter your body. It is not hard to find dresses that will suit your body and some of the best designers include Calvin Klein, Chloe dresses and the Diane von Furstenberg dresses among many others. The price varies; however shopping online can give you more options to select a style that will represent your personality.

There is no need to look stylish in a work dress and have no shoes to compliment the style. In the past women sacrificed their comfort for stylish shoes which despite looking good were quite uncomfortable. Things have changed now as there are different fashionable shoes that you can wear to work. Most of the shoes are from past designs that have been made to look more fashionable. There are many brands like Taryn Rose that will give you both fashion and style as they were designed for comfort and proper support. The feet need to get proper circulation and the stylish sandal needs to be comfortable.

There are times that the job you are in is not want you want or may seem simple with no rule in the dress code. However, you can choose to be trendy everyday and look professional at all times. This is a way to boost your confidence and also open doors for new opportunities. Being a simple secretary doesn’t mean that you simply wear anything. Have fashionable suits and dresses that will help you earn respect from those that visit the office. Look formal yet presentable for the job that you are doing.

No matter your dress code, your personality needs to shine through. There is the possibility of adding personality to the outfit that you wear with matching accessories as handbags, chains as well as earrings and belts. The outfits do not need to be expensive just appropriate and fashionable. Plus that way they can double as vacation wear or your at home style. There are versatile designs that could be simple business suits or dresses and the designs tend to be more appropriate for the office. Understand the nature of your work environment so as to know which styles will work best. You need to be able to move smartly and freely in the work place without any hindrances from the clothes.

The post Work Wear: What to Put On appeared first on .

London has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth that you can visit. It has a rich cultural and historic heritage. Many people from all over the world visit the place yearly. For those who are looking for a travel destination then this surely is the place to be. As is with any trip it is important that you look for the best deals so that you can do more with the amount of money you have. Check out AirportHotels.com for deals at Heathrow when booking your trip. Here you will get very good deals that will help you save quite a lot. And you can find similar deals for other cities across the UK, allowing you to use London as a great travel hub.

The number of tourist attraction sites in London are quite many. They are magnificent and they will leave you awed at their splendor. From museums to historical buildings you eyes will see a lot of stuff. Some of the attraction sites that you really need to see are the world famous museums found in London. They include Natural History Museum, British Museum, Tate Museum and the Royals Museum Greenwich. This museums have a rich history and their collections are composed of world famous artifacts. The London Eye which is once of the most pronounced features in London’s skyline is also a major site that attracts tourists. It is the world’s highest observation wheel. The London Tower is a 900 hundred year old building which is very famous throughout the world. It tells a story of England through the dark ages to the present.

Britons have a very good taste for food and this can easily be seen in their cuisine. There have been many inhabitants in that country and this had led to the development of hybrid cuisines. British foods are prepared in such a way that the sauces used bring out the flavor of the food rather than disguise it. Typical British foods that you should try include; shepherd’s pie, Sunday roast, steak and kidney pie and bangers and mash. Fish and chips, pies and sandwich are also very common in London. This food is part of their culture and their everyday lives. Famed British food can also be found at one of AirportHotels.com’s other deal destinations, Gatwick.

For a country that has been existence for a long period they have a very rich culture. The fashion sense in London is also very vibrant. The city plays host to some of the most glamorous fashion events in the world such as The London Fashion Week where top class designers come to showcase their products. The city has many people who are not original inhabitants and this has led to the city being very diverse culturally. There are many live comedy shows in the city that make the place very vibrant. It’s also home to quite a few festivals, as is neighboring city Birmingham. Birmingham is another city where you can find great deals on airport hotels through AirportHotels.com.

Visiting London for a family holiday is definitely a good idea. The memories and feelings that the place will give you will forever be etched in your heart. The inhabitants are friendly and the diversity of people found there will help you feel like you are in the right place. If you are planning on creating memories that will last a lifetime then this is the place to be.

Photo Credit: Jim Bahn

The post Escape to London appeared first on .

Once married, many couples look forward to having children and when they finally appear they are bundles of joy indeed. After the celebration and happiness comes the responsibility of a lifetime which is making the child happy and in perfect healthy. Making sure your new little one has just the right clothes is definitely a part of that, and a pretty fun one! 
It’s easy to immediately go for the cutest or most fashionable baby clothes available today. And while that’s definitely one of the most enjoyable outfit when it comes to outfitting your little one, you want to make sure the clothes are practical as well. There are lots of designer baby clothes that still take into account the protection required for harsh winters or steamy hot summers, for example.

The challenge for children’s clothing is that they quickly outgrow them but nevertheless stylish clothing especially when worn by children is a spectacle to behold. Usually parents are hesitant in buying stylish children clothing as they become too small fairly quickly. You can look for discounts especially if you are shopping online, to make sure you get so much within your budget. It is easier to do bulk buying online because then you attract discounts and there is variety to choose ranging from traditional baby clothes to cheap designer clothes. However you should always be on the watch to avoid fraudulent online sellers that can swindle you.

Looking for cheap clothes sold in retail outlets near your place of residence is important as they can offer great bargains in an effort to sell their wares quickly. Besides this, be on the watch out for supermarkets that give great offers to enhance their sales because fashion trends change quickly. Through this manner you can be assured of stylish baby clothing at a modest price making your baby look more adorable and beautiful than ever. Whether it’s for an upcoming trip or just hanging at home, babies need a variety of different clothing options.

With the hustle and bustle of life, parents spend time away from their children. However, going for a shopping spree with children can be a satisfying experience. Shopping together allows you to bond with the kids giving them a sense of belonging that they strongly crave for. Kids want to choose what they have seen others wear. And as your baby turns into an adventuresome toddler, they’re going to appreciate the one-on-one time with you more and more. You don’t even have to leave the house, if responsibilities at home keep you there more often than not. Hop online with your wee one in your lap and go for a little virtual shopping trip! For mums you can take your daughters out for them to shop while counting on you for advice especially during holidays. You can even figure out a shopping experience after every three months making children full of anticipation always.

Give your child a shopping treat that will help keep the bond with you always. Remember stylish clothing may be expensive but gives the best looks to your kids always. And while looking their best is definitely important, feeling their best is even more so. So you’re not the only one who needs a splurge now and then!

The post Selfless Splurge: Adorable Baby Clothes appeared first on .

Happy Wednesday, Urban Housewives! Hope you guys are all surviving the midweek slump and have your sights firmly set on Friday – I know I do! The weather outside is pretty yucky, and I have to admit my spirits are too! But so it goes. April showers bring May…showers, or at least this week they do. Here’s hoping the flowers don’t get washed away in the rain!

On this particularly wet Wednesday I’m here to talk about a new concept I’ve recently fallen in love with. I was on the phone with a  girlfriend of mine the other day who lives in Montréal. Now I was envious enough already at her French Canadian surroundings and European style city, but she was telling me about a new service she’d recently tried. It’s called Á La Carte Express, and I’m officially in love. The basic premise of the service is that it aggregates the menus, business hours, etc., of various restaurants in Montréal (those who elect to participate, presumably,) and then provides a deliver service to one’s home! If you want delivery Montréal now, well, delivers!

I adore this whole idea. Do we have anything like this is Brooklyn? Ok, I’m sure we do, and I’ll definitely be confirming one of these days. But to my friends in Canada, take note! What a great way to bring the restaurant experience home. I know that sometimes it’s nice to get out of the house and have a lovely meal out, but that’s not always very realistic. Restaurants can be crowned, noisy, booked and slow. And parking can present a variety of problems. But by being able to peruse the menu of your favorite restaurant at your leisure and then order at will, you completely remove all these annoyances. This is especially cool to me if you’re stuck at work and want a nicer meal than what you would’ve packed yourself at home. Lunch box delivery Montréal has finally arrived. Voila! Tres chic, mon amis, tres chic.

The whole Á La Carte Express thing brought to mind a situation I found myself in other day that happens fairly frequently. My husband is a doll, and I’m no stranger to romantic surprises or gestures on his part. I like to return the favor, and my husband is nothing if not cliche when it comes to the old adage that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But he works. And I work. And we have an apartment to clean, and bills to pay, and volunteer commitments, and errands to run. Did I mention we both work? So more often than not, my aspirations of getting home early to surprise him with a big home cooked meal turn into run of the mill pizza or depressing Chinese food night.

But not if I could order delivery from one of his favorite restaurants! (This isn’t a sexist, woman stays at home and cooks thing either, by the way. My husband does the lion’s share of the cooking in our house, and you won’t hear me complaining about that.) But a restaurant delivery service like my friend’s in Montréal allows me to put my expert knowledge of my hubby’s favorite foods to good use and said food on the table before he gets home. Not to mention he could always do the same for me on a day when I work later than he does!

So just wanted to share this little gem with you guys, in hopes that our neighbors to le north will be able to put it to good use. Now it’s back to work, and then errands, and then the gym, and then dinner…aghh!

The post My Midweek Obsession: Á La Carte Express appeared first on .

The American South has more than its share of ghost stories, and while cities like Savannah may capitalize on their claims to paranormal fame, Atlanta has its share of spooky stories residents like to tell. You can find tours in Atlanta that will educate you on the ghostly history of the city, but here are a few stories to get you started.

The Ellis Hotel

This modern hotel was once the Winecoff Hotel and at one point it was the tallest hotel in the U.S. It was built in 1913 and at the time it was designed without alarms, fire doors or fire sprinklers because the designers were confident that it was fireproof. However, it was about as fireproof as the Titanic was unsinkable. The hotel caught fire on December 7, 1946 while it was filled to capacity with 280 guests. Firefighters’ ladders could only reach the eighth floor and the nets designed to catch jumpers were only effective for someone jumping from less than 70 feet. More than 119 people died that day and as a result, many states created fire codes to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Many believe that the souls of those who died still haunt the building.

The Georgia Aquarium

Currently, you can see a great exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta about the famous Titanic. However, this exhibit has brought a lot of mystery and paranormal activity to the aquarium. Many volunteers have reported strange experiences when they were working on the exhibit, so the Ghost Hunters from Roswell Paranormal Investigations came in to investigate. They used their thermometers and electromagnetic measuring devices to record all sorts of strange phenomenon, including sudden drops in temperature and ethereal voices. There have even been reports of an elderly woman haunting the replica of the first-class cabin.

Beverly Hills Inn

At the 81-year-old Beverly Hills Inn in Buckhead, you might find yourself greeted by the dearly departed souls of three old ladies. The Neo-classical bed-and-breakfast used to be an apartment building for widowed women back in the 1920s. It is thought that the apparitions of the women who used to live here still roam the halls. According to the Georgia Ghost Hunters, audio, photo and video of cloud-like fog and floating orbs have been captured. The audio is the most bone-chilling, as you can hear hoarse voices whispering “Get Out!”

If you want the best chance of having a paranormal experience, book a room on the third floor. The elderly ghosts have been known to tuck guests into bed. Be careful not to speak ill of the dead though because they have also been known to smash drinking glasses in anger.

Oakland Cemetery

This is the final resting place for approximately 3,000-4,500 confederate soldiers who died as a result of Sherman’s Invasion of Atlanta. The cemetery also has a statue of a large wounded lion, which represents the Unknown Confederate Soldier. This cemetery is reported to be haunted and many people have claimed that they have heard the voices of the dead. It is said that you can hear a disembodied voice somberly calling out all the names of the long-dead soldiers.

The Shakespeare Tavern

There are plenty of spooky tales of supernatural happenings at the Shakespeare Tavern. In 1993, an actor in a production of Henry IV reported that he had seen a small boy standing next to his dressing table wearing a velvet suit like children would have worn in the 1800s. Sometimes when the theater is empty you can hear a number of voices, as if there is a large group chatting. There have also been reports of a shadowy figure that can be seen on the catwalk above the stage. Also, a female ghost once warned of a fire and sometimes she knocks things over in the women’s dressing room.

The Masquerade

You might not think that a nightclub is a likely place for a ghost, but many people have spotted some strange happenings at this popular Atlanta nightclub. People have seen the ghost of a tall black man walking around inside the club and often very heavy music amplifiers will be found turned upside down with no explanation. The nightclub used to be a textile mill where many young female workers died in accidents or developed tuberculosis. Female screams and footsteps have been heard on the back stairs. The nightclub is also rumored to be frequented by vampires.

These are just a few of the creepiest supernatural tales from Atlanta, Georgia. Why not take a visit with the family and see if you can spot anything otherworldly on your travels?

About the Author: Emily Waterson is a freelance writer and history enthusiast who has always been fascinated by ghost stories and the paranormal.

The post Spooky Sightseeing: Atlanta’s Ghost Stories appeared first on .

Here are some exotic destinations to consider, places with a unique touch that are still accessible enough for everyone to enjoy. Family villa rentals and other accommodations are plentiful in each of these locations, as is a safe and well-established tourism infrastructure.

Bali

Bali is Indonesia’s main tourist draw for a reason, as many happy travelers have discovered. It is the cultural and artistic center of a fascinating country, offering a genuinely exotic mix of sights and sounds.

Everything about Bali is unique, from the lines of its ancient temples to geometric rice terraces and colorful displays of traditional music and dance. The food will excite your palate as well, with local dishes that are infused by flavors of India, the Middle East, China and Europe. When you hit cultural overload, unwind at some of the most beautiful beaches found anywhere in the world.

South Africa

With its excellent tourism infrastructure, South Africa is a great choice for families seeking that perfect balance of wild and safe. It’s very easy here to arrange a wildlife safari, and kids will go nuts for the chance to get (relatively) up close and close and personal with the four-legged TV stars of National Geographic.

If a safari doesn’t sound appealing, Cape Town offers the chance to swim with penguins, visit an aquarium, and ride a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain.

New Zealand

This island nation combines several excellent features into one relatively small, easily navigable package. Here, modern urban life intermingles with fascinating, traditional Maori culture in a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop of volcanoes, wildlife, and stunning beaches.

There are all kinds of watersports, as well as hiking and even world-class vineyards to explore. The North Island is home to most of the country’s population and culture, while the South Island is more natural and picturesque.

Costa Rica

This Central American nation is packed with natural wonders just waiting to explored – from monkey-filled rainforests to hidden caves and pristine jungle-backed beaches. Many locals speak English as well, making things a bit easier on family members who may not take to another language so easily.

Kids will love the chance to explore volcanoes and hot springs, jumping off the path from bridges and rock formations to waterfalls and natural pools.

Spend Some Time In A Castle

If the kids are young enough, they’ll surely enjoy the chance to live out a fairy tale fantasy by sleeping in a real castle. There’s just something about those ancient stone walls, especially when the inside is all decked out with tapestries and a knight’s shining armor.

The storybooks are filled with such imagery, and with a little imagination you can live out those fairy tales with the whole family. Such castles are easy to find in European countries like England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and France.

The post 5 Exotic Family Vacation Ideas appeared first on .