The Best Thing To Do - Puzzles You're stuck inside, with no where to go and you have watched all the Netflix shows you could possibly want to watch for a whole lifetime, what do you do next? The answer.. Order a puzzle from www.my-picture.co.uk of your own creation from one of the thousands of photos you probably have on a harddrive somewhere! Fun Times During Lockdown Spend quality time with your loved ones while building a puzzle of a great time in your life. Not only is this a great way to engage everyone but it is also a perfect excuse to put the phones away and just talk. Once you've completed it, you could either break it up and put it in the box or place it on your wall to be a new edition to your wall artwork! The Colour/Pixel and Thickness Quality There are a lot of companies that sell photo puzzles but there are two things that you need to keep in mind when choosing which company to use when you order one. One is the quality of the print to make sure that the colours and pixels are strong. The other important thing to take into consideration is the thickness of the pieces so that they fit together properly and don't break when you're placing them together. www.my-picture.co.uk has you covered in both aspects and I can vouch for it as they sent me one for myself to check out.
1 - An Easy Plate of Pasta Carbonara To cook this easy plate of pasta Carbonara all you need are a few simple ingredients: Ingredients:
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2 - Incredible Rainbow Cupcakes These rainbow cupcakes are a perfect way to start a party and straight forward to master. Ingredients:
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3 - A Delicious Burger This delicious burger recipe is the ideal meal to have on your cheat day during this pandemic while we're not able to go to restaurants and it is pretty simple to make too. Ingredients:
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If you're currently trying to limit you calorie intake you could try my mixed salad recipe instead of this burger. 4 - A Tasty Burrito Mastering a healthy burrito is a great way to spend time in lockdown due to this pandemic. Ingredients:
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5 - A Spicy Curry Master a curry in time for the winter months Ingredients:
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More from me If you are looking for more recipes during the Covid-19 pandemic why not have a go at my easy flapjack recipe it is not that difficult and doesn't require many ingredients.
For daily updates follow me on my instagram page @traveltofoods. Watch travel videos I love watching travel videos all the time although especially now with the travel ban in place meaning we can't go anywhere. Although this isn't the same as actually going there yourself it is a pretty cool alternative and it's free, all you need in a device that has access to the internet. Some of my favourite youtubers are Nomadic Ambience and Vagabrothers. Nomadic Ambience films walking videos with amazing sound quality. If you put headphones on while you watch you feel you're almost transported into the city, definitely a great way to experience travel from home. Vagabrothers travel all over the world and show/tell what it is really like to go to different locations. Watching them before you travel would be a great way to plan for a better trip. Look at old travel photos and videos Looking at old travel photos is the perfect thing to get really nostalgic. Although i usually do this in the winter time when it's cold and raining it is nice to do it now to not only inspire me for future trips and remind me that there will be an end to this but also remind me of the good times when we're not allowed to go anywhere. Plan your next trip for when the epidemic goes away This Coronavirus pandemic has meant that all travel around the world has basically been banned. Although you're not able to travel, you eventually will be so make the most of this time to plan your future travels. You can look through Instagram to get inspired, you can check out what to do in different cities and scope out hotels to find the one that fits what you like. Buying all your travel items now would be a good idea as there are a lot of sales with no demand for travel products right now. Read travel blogs and books My blog includes both travel and food so I can talk to you about travel things to do and what to see in different places. I also love reading other travel blogs to inspire me and make me feel like i'm on holiday while staying at home during these Coronavirus times. Some of my favourite travel blogs are the blog abroad and backpacker banter. They both give you information that you could only find by people who have travelled to the locations. Reading travel books is also a awesome thing to do while you're at home as you can enjoy the stories of the authors and the trials/tribulations of their trips. There is a lot of really good information in some books and these can be perfect to take with you on your trip as a back up to your phone like the travel book although it may be a bit big! Scroll through travel Instagram accounts I can help you with this one with my Instagram page @traveltofoods! I have loads of photos from my trips that I post twice a week plus stories that I put out everyday. Scrolling through Instagram accounts cannot only show you what travelling is like but it can inspire you to do your own travelling and learn tips and tricks so you can have the best time when you go. You can get an itenary together for your planned trip by looking through different accounts or if you have no clue where you want to go you can see destinations that suit what you would like. Listen to different music from around the world I have been doing this everyday and it is definitely something you should try while at home self-isolating. Listen to music from wherever you're planning on going after lockdown and be transported there instantly! One of the first places I want to visit after the Coronavirus pandemic is Paris so listening to French music is my thing right now. Another thing to incorporate with the music is to eat some food and this will make it so much like a cafe from the country. I listen to this french cafe video in the morning and eat croissants haha!
1. Paris, France The classic city for romance, Paris is known around the world for being the romantic capital of the world. From the food, to the culture and the amazing music and views Paris has it all. It is the most popular place for couples to visit for valentines day, romantic getaways, proposals and honeymoons. France is home to the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world so if you want to take your special someone for a romantic meal they will never forget, Paris is for you. 2. Maldives The Maldives is the dream place for couples to go on their honeymoon. It is so romantic thanks to its private setting, amazing sunsets and that there are hotels that are above water! You can go for long walks on the beach and try new things as a couple like scuba diving or snorkelling. Although very expensive for Valentines Day it might be a perfect way to pop the question for those who are dating. 3. Venice, Italy Italy in general is a very romantic country but Venice is definitely the top city in Italy for couples who want to go on a romantic getaway. There are so many things you can do as a couple like eating spaghetti similar to Lady & The Tramp or go on a gondola through the city waterways and let the romance blossom. 4. Dublin, Ireland There are so many love songs that talk about the romantic vibe of Ireland and with good reason. There are so many intimate bars and pubs in the city of Dublin, cute cafes and green parks so you can enjoy the city with the person you most want to be with. 5. Seville, Spain Seville is the city to go for a romantic salsa class. They have so many around the city and then once you are done you can amble through the historic streets and look at all the amazing architecture. You can also grab some tapas here and there as you walk to try new dishes as a couple. The weather is almost always stunning, which gives you the opportunity to have a full day to explore the city, no matter what time you wake up. 6. Prague, Czech Republic Prague is quickly becoming one of the hottest cities for couples to visit due to it's romantic vibe and picturesque views. One of the most popular parts of Prague is Charles Bridge. It looks like something out of a Disney film and a great way to start or an evening would be to have a stroll across it with your significant other.
1. Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, Austria I mean just look at that view, do I need to say anymore about Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse? Situated in Austria this mountain pass road takes you through Grossglockner mountain the highest in the country to an elevation of 2,504 metres. It is an absolutely stunning place and somewhere you should definitely drive through if you are ever in Salzburg. 2. Scottish Highlands, Scotland The closest one to home, the Scottish Highlands obviously don't need as much planning to get to as any of the other ones. If you're looking for a staycation holiday this year driving through this magnificent area should definitely be on your list. It is about a 10 hour drive from London so if you're heading there you could stop off at different places across England and make a weekend or week trip out of it! 3. Trollstigen, Norway 4. 318 National Highway, China China is building roads faster than any other nation on earth to connect all of its cities together. If you are lucky enough to visit Shanghai but have had enough of the city then make sure you explore the mountains on this highway, it is a very beautiful place. It is China's longest road at 5,467km and close to the Nepal and Bhutan borders. It will take you across all sorts of terrain and the scenery will change so much you'd think you've visited loads of different countries! 5. Amalfi Coast, Italy One of the gems of Europe, the Amalfi Coast is known by people all across the world, has been the setting for James Bond films, the rich and famous live there, there are always celebrity chefs filming programmes there and a favourite for holiday makers. You can follow the coast in your car or take a bus if you don't feel confident driving in another country. There are lots of small villages and towns where you can discover the real Italy and have a relaxing time.
Eat at a well-reviewed traditional restaurant - try a variety One amazing way to get deeply entrenched into a countries culture is to try their food. To get a proper experience you need to go to a well-reviewed restaurant. Have a look at the reviews on Google, Tripadvisor and Instagram before you go. Also a great way to enjoy a variety of food options from the country you're visiting is to order lots of different smaller dishes and share them together. A lot of the most memorable experiences of holidays is the food. The best times to do this would be on the first and last day of your holiday as this is proven to be the times you remember the best. Buy or pick up a souvenir Physical things like magnets, postcards, labels, rocks, shells, tickets are fantastic things to take home with you to help you remember your holidays. Obviously taking photos are great but buying something from a shop and seeing it everyday in your house can transport you back to your holiday and the feeling you had at that point. Get your photo taken next to a monument linked with the country I feel like taking photos is the best way to remember your holidays. It captures a moment in time forever and you can look back at them in the future to jog your memory and give you access to memories you may think you have forgotten. Getting your photo taken in front of a monument linked specifically to the country you're visiting really makes for a perfect print for your wall and helps you remember the places you saw while abroad. You can also include food in the photos like a pizza in front of the Roman Colosseum or a hot dog in front of the Statue of Liberty. Get immersed and do something interactive They always say that you remember better if you do rather than just watch so doing something interactive will not only make your holiday more memorable but also more fun! Activities like cycling, surfing, rowing, painting, cooking, boating, snorkelling, quad biking, kayaking are all great ideas to try while you're away. You could do a cooking class in Italy learning how to make pasta or snorkelling in Egypt looking at reefs and fish. Take part in an event like a marathon, music festival Going to an event like a musical festival or taking part in a marathon alongside your holiday can help you to remember your holiday more. One of my memories of Copenhagen was when I watched a marathon around the city as thousands of people took part in the event. I'm sure it would have been even more memorable if I had actually participated in it haha, definitely next time. Go on a tour with a local as they know the best bits This one not only gives you the best experiences of the countries sites but you also save time and money! You can find locals by looking through instagram accounts, messaging people who live in the country to see if they can help or going on tour websites and tripadvisor. This helps you see the best bits that you may not have found on your own, you can also talk to people when you get there to give you advice. See the location from a high birds eye view pointSeeing the city I am in from a high view point is one of my favourite things to do. You get to see the whole of the city, get your bearings about where everything is and you can watch cars and people go about their lives below, which really puts everything in perspective. I can remember most of the viewpoints I have been to because they are so stunning and out of the ordinary.
These are five locations that have become a hotspot for tourists in 2019. We all know the typical holiday destinations like Spain and France but this list gives you 5 destinations that are super popular amongst tourists this summer and definitely places that you should consider visiting. Rotterdam, The NetherlandsEveryone has heard of Amsterdam canals and cycling culture but there is a modern city only 40 minutes away by train called Rotterdam. This city also has incredible culture, nice artwork and a beautiful river that flows through it. Rotterdam was almost completely rebuilt after the WWII blitz. It is definitely worth a visit and somewhere I'll be going next month! Split, CroatiaThe country of Croatia seems to have become the hottest place in Europe to visit with people heading to all of the cities in this beautiful country. Split has incredible beaches, a chilled marina area and historical buildings so it has something for everyone. Mount Mosor gives you an incredible view of the city and it is close to natural parks so you can do day trips there. Copenhagen, DenmarkIt's the capital of Denmark, has an interesting harbour and has cute townhouses. If you want to experience Hygge, (feeling good and comfortable) this is the place for it. The castles and palaces here are like something out of a film and very much worth a look! As it can get very cold in the winter months if you want a comfortable trip going in the summer is best and there is daylight almost 24 hours! Antalya, TurkeyAntalya was an old Roman port, is home to Hadrian's gate, has an old harbour to check out and stunning beaches. Visiting the waterfalls is one of the highlights of this coastal town with it only being 12km away from the centre. The exchange rate means that most Europeans money goes quite far in Turkey so you can eat out for cheap and buy some souvenirs to bring home. Faro, PortugalIt is a relaxed city on the Portuguese Algarve one of the traditional hotspots for tourists. There are cathedrals, museums and tours of islands that will keep you busy if you ever get bored of the beaches. There are also wondrous Benagil caves about 50 minutes from the city of Faro that are stunning and perfect for that Instagram photo you want to capture.
How to set up your dinner table - 7 tips to make your home dining experience feel a restaurant4/4/2019 You have just completed making one of your new favourite dishes that you have spent time perfecting. You made it carefully so it looks and tastes great. You put it on the dining table and everyone eats it quickly without taking the time to properly enjoy the experience. All of this makes you feel like the ambience and set up doesn't quite measure up to a restaurant. Here are 7 tips to make sure your dining experience feels like a restaurant: 1. MusicFinding the right music can always change your food experience. Depending on the dish and what you are going for you could listen to traditional music from the country the dish originates. For example having tapas with some Spanish guitar music can make you feel like you have been transported to Seville or listening to some American Country music while having a massive burger and some homemade chips could help you imagine being in the Deep South of America. Either way we feel as though this has a bearing on how much you enjoy the dish you cooked and it’s a lot of fun to experiment with. 2. CandlesThe smell and the small flicker of a flame always seems to take us back to our childhood of watching films where people sit in little Parisian bistros. They definitely add to the ambience, make the table look great and can add some romance. It can transform any standard table into something special and make your dining experience more authentic and memorable. 3. Cutlery LayoutLaying out your cutlery in the correct way with the forks on the left, the knives on the right and the spoon at the top will add a really nice effect when looking at the table as a whole. Even if you aren’t going to use it while eating this simple detail will make your table look fantastic. 4. NapkinsWith napkins you can go for a simple look or try complicated designs like origami, it’s up to you. Just adding napkins can really get peoples attention and make them feel like what they are about to eat is going to be something special. To make sure that you are looking after the environment it’s best if you buy some machine washable napkins, these are also easier to shape and look a lot more professional. 5. Wine GlassesAnother must have item for your table would be wine glasses. Again you don’t have to drink any wine, but the mere presence of the glasses can make you feel like you’re at a restaurant. They definitely add a touch of class to any table set up and a must have if you’re looking to impress any guests. Drinking anything out of wine glasses seems to put more focus into tasting what you’re drinking 6. Salt and Pepper ShakersWe know your food creations will already be precisely seasoned but just to add another feature to the table, having a nice set of salt and pepper shakers will help you feel as though you are in the restaurant. This also allows for those who like to have some pepper sprinkled on top of their food to do in themselves without giving too much or too little 7. Stack The PlatesHaving a big plate underneath the plate you intend to eat out of adds a nice contrast and keep the table clean. It is a nice base to have and then for example if you have dessert you can place it on this base plate too adding a sense of focus and continuity. These are just some of our recommendations, try them out and see how your love ones and guests respond to it. Please let us know if there are any other simple ideas you may had that could make others enjoy their dining experience more.
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June 2020
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