Fashion Shores - Blog by Victoria Burbulea: lifestyle

YUTAKA YUM

2/07/2018

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY

2/03/2018

If you are due to go on holiday then you will know what an exciting experience it can be. You may find that the whole thing is thrilling and that you have so much to do and so much to see. On top of this, you also have to think about packing and how you are going to prepare for your trip and this is harder than it seems.

Insurance and the Boring Details

Before you leave home, you need to make sure that you find a reputable travel provider who can actually meet your needs in terms of your cover. If you have a medical condition then it is a good idea to make sure that this is going to be covered and you also need to make sure that your insurance provider is aware of any activities that you are going to be taking part in as well. If you know that you’ll be bungee jumping then your insurance provider may want to know about this before you go in and claim for a broken leg. You will also need to make sure that you have enough medication to last you for the duration of your trip as well, and that you are always trying to do everything you can to ensure you have your contact details set in place if you do happen to experience an emergency.

Bookings

When you do start booking, you need to look out for the best car rental deals. When you do this, you can easily find out everything you need to know and you can even base your trip around this as well. It also helps to leave your hotel details with a relative so they know where you are going to be staying. If you have a trip booked for when you get there or if you are taking part in any recreational activities then make sure that you have a way to get there. If you are planning on using a car-hire service then you won’t have any issues, but if you don’t then it helps to ring the hotel in advance so that they can arrange the booking for you.

Clothes and Sunscreen

The next thing that you need to do is make sure that you are packing the appropriate clothes for your trip. You have to make sure that you have enough clothing to last you for the duration of your holiday and you also have to make sure that you are packing properly as well. For example, if you are planning on seeing the sights then it helps to have a bag that you can zip up and carry with you as this will help to prevent thieves from targeting you. If you are going to the beach then it helps to have a beach bag that can carry your sunscreen and even your personal belongings as well. If you are not sure what you’re going to need then remember it is more than possible for you to buy clothes when you are there, but this can be expensive so by planning in advance, you can be sure to have the best time possible.

lifestyle

PREPARING A PROPERTY FOR THE LONG HAUL...TRAVEL THAT IS!

1/31/2018

It’s finally happened and you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime. Congratulations are in order because lots of people are too scared to take the plunge. However, there is one pitfall and that is your property. While you are away, it’s essential to keep it in good knick. No one wants to come home to broken windows, kicked in doors and squatters doing unthinkable things in the living room. Securing a house is easier to say than do, mainly because you won’t be a phone call away. Still, there are ways to prepare a home so that the building is standing when you return home.

Here are the basics:

Call In A Favour

You don’t need to hire someone to help, but you do need to give a friend a key. While you are away, it’s vital that someone drops by in the morning and at night to draw the curtains, turn off the lights, and keep an eye on things. To be honest, it is an annoying job because it takes time out of their daily schedule. That is why you should ask a friend or a family member to do you a favour. Neighbours are handy, but they may not want the responsibility.

Cancel Direct Debits

Travelling costs money and you don’t want to waste any while you are enjoying the journey. With that in mind, call the relevant bodies and cancel any debits which are unnecessary. For instance, there is no reason to pay for a newspaper you won’t read. Plus, stacks of paper are signs that no one is home, which will make the property a target. You may want to redirect your mail, too. Depending on the season, cut the gas and electric to the house. In the summer, there is no need to use energy as the heat warms the property.

Secure The Area

Of course, the first job is to prevent break-ins should a thief take a liking to your home. An alarm system is a must, as are CCTV cameras. Outside lights are also imperative as they illuminate the darkness and make it harder to sneak around. But, please don’t forget that this is a world of lawsuits and you may be liable even if someone else is trespassing. With that in mind, try these general protection Bryson Products for the exterior. Also, move any equipment that could be considered a hazard, such as power tools.

Find A New Home

Not for you but for your pets. Cats and dogs are not independent animals and need constant care and attention. To leave them alone for months on end would be akin to animal cruelty, which is why they need a new owner for the duration of your trip. Hopefully, family and friends will take the strain and take them in, but there are kennels and catteries too. If you don’t want to move them, ask someone to drop by the house and give them food/take for a walk.

You shouldn’t turn down the trip of a lifetime, but are you prepared to leave the house in good shape?

fashion

BREAKING THE HABIT OF BEING A SHOPAHOLIC

1/24/2018

There’s a difference between enjoying going out shopping and being a shopaholic. Enjoying going round all of the shops and trying on new clothes is amazing, but when you find yourself in a position where you can’t help but overspend and you’re always in debt, it can become a problem. A problem that can be hard to break out of alone, and more often than not a debt that has been accrued through overspending on unnecessary items is hidden and unknown to those closest to them for a long time. If this is something that you struggle with, then here are some tips on how to break the habit of being a shopaholic.

Force yourself to think before making a purchase

Much alike being on a diet, a great piece of advice is to force yourself into thinking about whether you really need to buy what you’re holding onto. Giving yourself at least ten minutes to properly think about it before heading to the checkout is often a perfect chance to regain clarity and more often than not, you will find that you put back that dream handbag that you don’t really need.

Leave your cards and cash at home whenever possible

Unless you know that you’re going to need to use your cards or cash for essentials like food or travel, leave your money at home so that you have no way of spending the money. A simple, yet effective way of stopping yourself from spending. If you’re really looking to break the habit, it might be a good idea to cut up any cards you have spent on so that it’s impossible to do it anymore.

Borrow money

Paying off your current owed money will help you concentrate on never getting back into that position again. Consider borrowing money so that you can pay off all of your debts and then concentrate on paying back just one thing each month. Take a look at these small personal loans, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your troubles could be eliminated!

Find a hobby

Another way of stopping yourself from indulging in new pieces of clothing that you don’t really need is to find yourself a hobby. Hobbies can take your mind off things and they don’t have to cost the earth, if any money at all! Think about what else you enjoy doing and pursue it as a hobby and before you know it you will have forgotten all about the need to go out shopping. Take a look at this list of hobbies that are completely free and see if any of them take your fancy!

Finally, tell someone about the issues that you are going through so that you can gain some support to turn to if you’re feeling like you might break. The support and understanding of a loved one can help massively, so don’t keep it a secret!

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GOING TO NEW YORK? APRES SKI ANYONE?

1/16/2018

Windham is situated in the Catskill mountains and its history extends back to 1798. It is the perfect place to visit for rest and relaxation, as it is so beautiful and peaceful. There is an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants serving fine food. If you are looking for true relaxation the Windham spa is worth a visit, it is popular with both locals and tourists.

It’s incredible how only two hours takes you from the hustle and bustle of New York City to lush green mountains in the summer, which become a ski destination in the winter.

Windham Mountain as a ski resort

Windham Mountain resort offers the best skiing facilities within a 200 radius of NYC. The premier resort has its own team of snowmakers, which makes the most of what mother nature has to offer. This means that optimum conditions can be created and maintained.

Skiing isn’t the only winter sport offered you can also experience snow tubing and snowshoe hikes make the mountains accessible to everyone.

Whilst Windham is only a two hour journey from NYC it is worth staying to really have the time to appreciate everything there is to offer. Consider a Ski House Rental so that you can enjoy the many apres ski parties.

Windham mountain is suitable for both families and first time skiers as there are many tuition packages available to choose from.

Catskill mountains

The Catskill Mountains have so much more to offer than winter sports. If one thing is for sure it certainly draws out the adventurer in its visitors. There is the opportunity to experience the Catskill Mountains whilst traveling at 50 mph on the fastest, longest and highest zipline in North America!

If more sedentary pastimes are more your “thing” you may prefer fishing, camping and hiking in the stunning scenery the Catskills have to offer.

Dining

The Catskills region offers culinary delights to suit all tastes. There are heritage influences to the cuisine available from its Italian, Irish and Polish settlers. The area boasts its own winery and fresh produce is in abundance from the many farms in the area.

So, if time allows, extend your trip to New York by exploring the many attractions the Catskill mountains and Windham has to offer. You will be sure to return to the daily grind of life, fully rested if a little exhilarated! There are many ways to book your flights and accommodation, a search on the internet holds the key to a plethora of information. Another good source of contact would be tourist boards, which will give details on the area.

lifestyle

CRAZY ABOUT THE COTSWOLDS: TOP 6 THINGS TO DO

1/08/2018

You can’t get much more quintessentially English than the Cotswolds. Rolling hills, picturesque villages, cosy tearooms and village pubs make up this spectacular area of the country. If you are planning a visit out here yourself, this guide is for you. Here are just a few of the must-see sights and must-do experiences that you can enjoy during your travels here.

Explore Blenheim Palace

One of the grandest and most famous country houses in the whole of the country, Blenheim Palace is a magnificent structure that also has more than 2000 acres of gardens to stroll around. As the birthplace of Winston Churchill, it is also one of the most important historical sites in Britain.

Picnic by the River at Bourton-on-the-Water

With its tiny river running through the centre and small bridges criss-crossing over the top, Bourton-on-the-Water is without a doubt one of the Cotswolds’ most famous and pretty villages. One of the best ways to enjoy it on a sunny day is to pack a picnic and watch the villagers and visitors enjoying the relaxed pace of life. One of the top attractions is a model village which perfectly replicates the life-sized one.

Get Up to the Highest Point

The highest town in the Cotswolds is Stow-on-the-Wold, and it is a pleasant place to enjoy the views of the surrounding area. There are plenty of cafes and pubs where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere. It is another place where history happened as right here is where the final skirmish of the English Civil War took place.

See the Slaughters

Lower and Upper Slaughter bear two of the most unusual place names in the whole of the country, and they are both within easy walking distance of each other. Make sure you are wearing your wellies if the weather is a little wet as you will need to walk across a ford to get between the two.

Walk Along the Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way runs 102 miles from the northern town of Chipping Campden down to the city of Bath. You could start at a hotel in hotel in Evesham before heading over to the trail. Along the way, you will take in some of the most beautiful countryside the area has to offer. On at least one morning, you should make sure that you get up early enough to see the sun rise over the Cotswold Way.

Though it is a little bit outside of the Cotswolds, it is worth taking the trip over to Stratford-upon-Avon to see Shakespeare’s birthplace. Inside, you can take a guided tour and find out everything currently known about the world’s most famous playwright. While you are here, make sure to visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the house of Shakespeare’s wife, and also have a drink in The Dirty Duck nearby to the Swan Theatre which is where many of the Bard’s plays were performed.

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TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING THE BEST OF PERTH

1/06/2018

If you are getting ready to tick Australia off your bucket list, you will no doubt be incredibly excited about the whole experience. Australia is a place that has so much to offer, from the wildlife to the shopping and the stunning beaches. There is something for everyone, and Perth optimises this. To make sure you experience the best of what Perth has to offer, here are some must-read tips:

Making your way from the airport – One of the first aspects of your trip will be getting from the airport to your hotel in Perth. There are a number of ways you can do this. The cheapest option is to use one of the two public bus options, which operate from terminals three and four. Alternatively, you can use the shuttle bus service or you can book a private taxi.
Rent a vehicle – It is definitely a good idea to rent a vehicle if you are planning on visiting Perth. This is the only way to make sure you can experience the best of what the city has to provide. Plus, you can go further afield and really make the most of your trip to Australia. Look online for the best car hire Perth has to offer. There are many different companies providing this service, so narrow down your search effectively by reading reviews and comparing prices.
Plan ahead – When going on your travels, it is always a good idea to plan ahead. There is nothing worse than coming home and someone asking you if you went to a particular attraction, only to realise that you knew nothing about it. You feel gutted because it is something you would have really enjoyed. The best way to stop this from happening is to plan ahead. There are so many things to do and see in Perth. This includes the Swan River, Fraser Avenue Lookout, Hay Street Mall, The Perth Mint, and much, much more. By planning in advance, you will be able to determine the most important aspects to you so that you can prioritise them throughout your trip.
Don’t forget to get a visa – You are going to need to get a visa if you want to visit Australia from the UK. A free eVisitor visa is what you should be looking for. UK nationals should apply for this in advance from the Department of Immigration & Border Protection. If you are not a UK national, make sure you find out what visa is applicable for your visit.

So there you have it: some tips to ensure you make the most of your trip to Perth. There is so much to see and do in the area, so it is always a good idea to have a plan prior to travelling so that you do not miss out on anything important. But, most importantly, enjoy yourself! This is a holiday you will never forget for all of the right reasons.

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HOW CAN YOU TRAVEL THE MOST SAFELY?

1/01/2018

When it comes to travelling, safety often takes precedence. While marvelling at landmarks, meeting the populace and eating well are likely high on your agenda, this must all be served and backed by a grounding of safety and awareness. If you make the correct arrangements, a safe vacation is for sure yours for the taking. We’re here to help you achieve this, to the degree where you safety becomes something you practice so well that it doesn’t overtake your daily ambitions and interests in the location you have made the effort to see.

Without further ado:

Financial Safety

You must always be concerned with your finances while abroad. It is the lifeblood that keeps you going from place to place. For that reason, it’s almost as important to protect them as you would your person. We’d recommend that bringing the best credit cards for travel will help you keep an emergency cash reserve if your physical funding is stolen or lost. Some of these also offer competitive travel rewards to help your funding go further. We’d recommend being well versed in the language to the degree where you can understand the relative cost of things, allowing yourself to identify and avoid rip-offs or scams more easily.

We’d also recommend lessening your obvious standing as a tourist. Scam artists can identify if you’re a tourist by how you act, not what race you are. For example, a white English person may have lived in China for thirty years, and be fluent in Mandarin. They don’t use these parameters to target you, but how clueless you may be presenting yourself as. For this reason doing your research on a location not only helps you fit in from an experience standpoint, but it wards off people looking to take your environmental novicehood as a means to fill their pockets.

Social

Groups will always be safer than those who are isolated. Even if you’re the most season traveller this is true. Always travel in a party of two at the very least. Consider your size, ability and prowess. For example, women are always best suited travelling in groups, particularly at night. If this is true in your home city (which it is,) then it’s certainly true abroad. Make some contacts in your local environment, particularly during a long stay. This means that your absence will be noticed more profoundly, or you will have a solid contact to help you if you become injured. We are always, always, always stronger in groups, meaning that the development of your general safety is also always dictated by how strong your social links are. Develop these before, during and after your vacation to keep them strong no matter how much you choose to travel.

Medical

If you suffer from some form of medical issue, then always make sure you are overstocked for medication. Declare this well when moving between borders and you should have no problem. Even if you have a mild condition, you should always consider wearing a bracelet or other visible medical safety gear which can inform someone of what you suffer from and how to help you. This is obviously useful for those who experience seizures, but sometimes it can be even more widely practical than that. Always go the extra step in planning your medical help, as this can potentially save your life.

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MY REAL CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

12/25/2017

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SHOW STOPPING STOCKINGS FILLERS FOR HER

12/18/2017

We often think of stocking fillers as little trinkets bought just to fill the space when we should really be thinking of stockings as a perfect opportunity to buy perfect little gifts for our loved ones. Seeing it as just something to fill causes you to spend unnecessary money on bits and pieces that no one really needs. A stocking filler should be as thoughtful and precious as any other gift you buy.

Jewellery

There’s a reason why jewellery is such a classic present, and why it shouldn’t be the cop out choice. You can really show that you really know the giftee; what colours they like, which piece of jewellery they prefer, and what sort of style. There are always the classic choices that are simple, yet beautiful, like these handmade pearl earrings. If you choose to buy jewellery, don’t scrimp on the materials. You might not be able to afford gold, but sterling silver is a great and lasting option.

Tickets

Theatre, the zoo, indoor skydiving, Harry Potter Studios, the cinema - it doesn’t have to be huge or expensive, but tickets are a fantastic stocking filler. They promise a day out and a chance to create some fantastic memories. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and with so many options out there, and with so many last minute sites, you’re bound to find the perfect excursion at the perfect price.

Make up

Now, a ladies make up choices are well thought through, and she can be strangely loyal to certain brands for particular make up products. So if you’re unsure, have a rummage through her make up bag, take some pictures and pick up stuff that she’s running low on. If you’re a bit more aware or confident in your abilities, then you can’t go wrong with a good eye pallet or brow definer.

Chocolate

It might seem like a cliché, but chocolate is 99% likely to be a well received present. But don’t just pick up a box of quality street, or Terry's chocolate orange - as delicious as they are, they don’t really say ‘special’. What is their favourite chocolate? Do they prefer dark over milk? Think about making it more personal by getting a personalised bar created, or a box of their favourites put together.

Gadgets

Yes, girls love them too. How about a phone projector, a power bank, or personalised cases? No one in this day and age can say that they don’t use any device or piece of technology. If she loves taking photos, then get some iPhone lenses. If she loves movies - then the projector is the way to go. Figure out what she loves and get her something unique that works as a great accessory to that love.

Pamper

For the ladies you love in you life, all you want to do it to make them feel special - which is why you’re reading this post in the first place. So why not get her something special so that she can pamper herself? Face masks, moisturisers and bath bombs (especially from Lush) are perfect, and you can’t go wrong.

YUTAKA YUM

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY

PREPARING A PROPERTY FOR THE LONG HAUL...TRAVEL THAT IS!

BREAKING THE HABIT OF BEING A SHOPAHOLIC

Leave your cards and cash at home whenever possible

Borrow money

Find a hobby

GOING TO NEW YORK? APRES SKI ANYONE?

CRAZY ABOUT THE COTSWOLDS: TOP 6 THINGS TO DO

TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING THE BEST OF PERTH

HOW CAN YOU TRAVEL THE MOST SAFELY?

MY REAL CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

SHOW STOPPING STOCKINGS FILLERS FOR HER

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