Miss Advice

Making New Year’s resolutions is enjoyable, a satisfying way to anticipate the clean slate that a fresh calendar year brings. However, like many good intentions, after a few months those resolutions are usually forgotten, often benched for good. In order to keep them alive, make the changes or reach the goals they represent, there are some worthwhile tricks. So whether resolving to lose weight, get fit, read more books and watch less TV, or learn to tango, following these ideas ensures that this year’s resolutions fare better than those in the past.

A smart approach is to be realistic and avoid making so many resolutions that their achievement seems overwhelming. Instead, stick to one or two, perhaps one more demanding in necessary commitment time than the other. With an approach like that, it will be easier to actually get started, noting progress in small steps taken rather than experiencing frustration from feeling too weighed down by thoughts of when and how to begin. When people choose unrealistic goals that are nearly impossible to fit into their lives, whether from conflicting time constraints or unhealthy demands on current situations, there is much less chance that New Year’s resolutions will be pursued.

Armed instead with realistic goals, posting them on social networks, such as Facebook or Twitter, allows sharing with others; that exposure demands accountability. Letting friends know about goal reaching plans and consistently updating status will provide a great form of tracking progress and make resolutions more real.

Having realistic, reasonable goals that seem worthy of the time needed to achieve them also makes it justifiable to set necessary time aside. Moreover, using reminders such as phone calendars or blocking out workouts at the gym in advance, for instance, make other spur-of- the-moment events less likely to sidetrack committed plans. Along the way, devices that serve to remind of appointments can also provide a means of recording anticipated sub- or mini-goals, with the due dates spurring enthusiasm for each milestone. No one is going to lose 25 pounds at once, but posting goals of incremental weight loss is encouraging for the big picture at the end of the road.

After a few weeks of establishing good habits towards goal attainment, rewarding oneself with a device, tool, or gadget that makes it even more achievable is a great motivator. If resolving to read more books, a Nook or Kindle device, for instance, fits right in with new habits and contributes to goal achievement in a fresh and fun-filled way.

Two other tips involve finding a support group, whether online or in person, that is made up of people with the same or similar goals. By sharing frustrations, and victories too, there will be a sense of community that is inspiring as compared to going it alone. Advice and encouragement are free and never easier to be found than today.

Last but not least, blogging can be helpful. Once again, it provides a way to chronicle progress, recording notes or photos that help show your personal journey and the changes forging goal achievement. Like social media sites, blogging encourages accountability. The satisfaction that accompanies seeing how far one has come is incentive to continue, proof that the commitments made are bringing results.

All in all, with these simple suggestions, your New Year’s resolutions should be similar to goals for work or family, many of which demand time, resources, and patience. What’s more, as New Year’s resolutions provide an opportunity to focus on often-neglected personal goals, they should be more than whimsical thoughts easily forgotten by the time the New Year is well underway. Cheers, then, to New Year’s resolutions being both realistic and achievable!

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging in the fitness, technology, and fashion industries for three years. This year Nicole set a resolution to lose weight by eating well this year. To help with her goals Nicole decided to purchase some exercise equipment. She made sure to check for online and local daily deals so she could save money on her new work out equipment.

Just because it is Valentines Day doesn’t mean you have to go overboard and splurge on sweet treats. Stick to your New Year’s Resolutions and keep healthy new you going strong. Here are some of the best Valentines gift ideas to keep you and your sweetheart healthy and happy.

Couples Massage

Nothing says I love you more than a rub down next to your honey bunny.  Many spas and resorts have couples therapy rooms so you can relax together. Couples massages are a great way to feel closer to your lover. You get to be pampered together and feel more relaxed. Men who are not use to massages often find the therapeutic touch is extremely relaxing and restoring.

Single Solve: If you are single, treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment. You will be pampered and feel like the beauty you are.

Dark Chocolate Fondue

Enjoy indulging with a sweet treat and skip the processed box of chocolates. Packed with juicy sweet flavor, the dark chocolate helps prevents heart disease. Plus eating the yummy food mixed with fruit provides a sweet balance to your treat. Dark chocolate can also hello lower blood pressure. Which might help you on your spicy saucy date night.

Single Solve: You don’t need a super stud to whisper sweet nothings in your ear when you eat this sweet treat. Invite your beastie’s over to enjoy the dark chocolate.

A Fitness Date

Some couples enjoy going to the gym together while others run away from the gym. Weather you pound the treadmill pavement or leave that to the gym rates, getting active with your sweetie will improve your connection. Making a fitness date can be anything from going for a run together, ice-skating or hiking. If you want to be real intimate you can try something new together. Take up an activity that you have never done. If you are interested in bungee jumping you could go together.

Learn Something New Together

Couples who play together stay together. And when you learn new things your bound will naturally grow stronger. If you have always wanted to try a new hobby ask your partner to come along. Take up sailing, golf, kayaking. Trying a new sport or improving a skill will help you feel connected with your partner. All of the play time can also increase your mode for romance.

Shannon Kaiser is a health and wellness writer for many online and print publications. For more health tips visit TenderCare Dental, a Dentist in Tigard.

photo by: Dalboz17

We revolve around technology. And because of the fast changing world, you need gadgets that can help you keep up. But gadgets are not only made for adults and teens. There are devices which you can use for your dear baby. Would you like to know what those gadgets are?

Video and Sounds Baby Monitor. Admit it. You have a lot of things to do at home. You need to cook dinner for your husband and you need to finish the week’s laundry. How are you going to do all those chores if you have a baby on the other hand? I suggest that you buy a portable video and sounds baby monitor. Even if you are in the kitchen or in the laundry area, you can check out your baby. You will also be alarmed if he’s awake already.  

Cry Baby Monitor. If only you can understand your baby’s cry. But now, you can do that. There is a new gadget that is proven to be 85% effective. It can tell you what’s the meaning of different cries. I say that it’s a device that most moms should purchase. You don’t have to guess if your baby is wet, or he needs new milk.

Temperature Controlled Stroller. Do you know that babies are very sensitive when it comes to weather? They don’t want it too cold or too hot. This temperature controlled stroller is a safe place for your sweetheart. It can adapt to the current temperature. Hence, your babies won’t be prone to illnesses caused by sudden change of weather.

Fetal Heartbeat Monitor.  It would be great to hear your baby’s heartbeat even if he’s still in your womb. You don’t have to go to your OB- Gynecologist just to listen to your dear baby’s heartbeat. And the best part about it is that you can record the sound. You can keep that as your memorabilia.

Kid Sleep Device. It can be very tiring to put your kids to sleep. With a gadget like this, that should be no problem. There is a device wherein it will prompt your kids when it’s time to sleep. It uses warm colors that can help them lull down.

You might want to buy this for yourself before you ‘pop out’. Or, if you have friends who are about to give birth, the above options can be great! There’s no need for you to take care of your baby all alone. With these smart gadgets, you can do all your chores and still be able to take care of your baby efficiently.

Kim Bookman is one of the best writers for a Cable Modem Comparison site. Just so you know, it’s a source that compares Motorola Cable Modems and Zoom Cable Modems among many others.

There’s no shortage of theme parks in the UK, with almost 30 in operation during the summer months. If you’re planning on visiting one of them with your family, it can be difficult to decide which is the right park for you. Whereas the world’s largest theme park operator, Disney, tends to cater for every age group at its properties, many of the UK’s parks lean towards a particular demographic. Toddlers will love Legoland Windsor, while teenagers and young adults will be in a thrill-seeker’s heaven at Thorpe Park. But what about families with mix of older and younger members? Here are 5 of the best UK theme parks that offer something for everyone.

5. Flamingo Land

As its name suggests, Flamingo Land’s first famous attraction was a colony of flamingos that were housed in its zoo in the 1960s. The descendants of those birds are still a popular fixture, but the surrounding area has since grown into one of the UK’s most-visited theme parks.

For older guests, Flamingo Land offers an impressive range of thrill rides. This includes the Mumbo Jumbo roller coaster, which held the record for having the steepest drop in the world for two years after its 2009 debut. Another record-breaking coaster, Velocity, sees guests straddling motorbike-style vehicles, and is the fastest ride of its kind in the world.

While it hosts a number of rides aimed at younger visitors, the primary attraction for kids at Flamingo Land is its expansive zoo. Home to a wide variety of exotic creatures, including tigers, hippos and rhinos, it is worthy of a full day’s visit in itself. To combine the two elements of the park, the lengthy Lost River Ride takes guests on a boat tour past the African Plains area of the zoo, before plummeting down a 60-foot drop into a splash zone below.

4. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Part-amusement park, part-living history museum, Blackpool Pleasure Beach first opened in 1896 on Blackpool’s South Shore. It has survived (and thrived) since then by continually updating its roster of attractions, although part of its enduring appeal is that it has retained many of the classic attractions that helped establish it as the UK’s most popular seaside amusement park.

Towering over Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the Pepsi Max Big One, the tallest roller coaster in the UK. Reaching a maximum height of 213 feet, it hits a top speed of 84 miles per hour during its twisting, turning circuit. Also on offer for fans of white-knuckle attractions are the Infusion inverted roller coaster and a range of off-the-shelf funfair rides. Kids, meanwhile, will be kept entertained by the Nickelodeon Land area, which opened in 2011 at a cost £10 million.

The park’s historic attractions are suitable for a mixed range of age groups. They include a number of rickety wooden roller coasters, the classic River Caves dark ride (which inspired Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean) and the Alice in Wonderland fairytale car ride. The clear highlight is the 1904 Flying Machines, which is as enjoyable to ride today as it was a century ago.

3. Drayton Manor

While it’s often overshadowed by nearby Alton Towers, Drayton Manor firmly established itself in the UK theme park market with the opening of the Thomas Land area in 2008. This features a range of attractions inspired by Thomas & Friends, and the opportunity to ride on-board the famous train himself is one that most kids will not want to miss.

Elsewhere in the park, there is a diverse range of rides that will appeal to the whole family. The Ben 10: Ultimate Mission roller coaster, which opened in 2010, is relatively tame. It offers a good stepping-stone for older children before they graduate to Drayton Manor’s headline rides, such as the Shockwave stand-up coaster.

Like Flamingo Land, Drayton Manor is also home to a zoo. While not quite on the same scale as the former park’s, it still houses more than 100 species and is the only part of the park that is opened 365 days a year.

2. Chessington World of Adventures

One of three major theme parks in the Greater London area (the others being Thorpe Park and Legoland Windsor), Chessington World of Adventures is the only one that caters for everyone. As well as a large zoo and a Sea Life aquarium, the park features some of the most unique rides in the UK.

Among the curiosities on offer is Bubbleworks, an indoor boat ride through a mock soap factory. The whole family can cram into one of its floating vehicles, taking a journey past a variety of whimsical scenes. Another major ride that can be experienced as a group is Tomb Blaster, an impressive laser-gun ride set inside an Egyptian tomb that is overrun by all manner of supernatural beings.

While it lacks the mega-coasters of Thorpe Park, Chessington offers more than enough thrills to keep the majority of guests happy. The Vampire roller coaster swoops through the Transylvania area, while the spinning Dragon’s Fury will leave you feeling dizzy but exhilarated.

1. Alton Towers

The UK’s most popular theme park is most famous for two things: the gothic mansion that lends it its name, and a line-up of roller coasters that rivals any other park in the world. Sprawling across an 800-acre site, though, it features more rides for younger guests than many dedicated kids’ parks, as well as attractions that cater for every age group in-between.

Alton Towers is home to a number of first-of-a-kind roller coasters, including Nemesis (Europe’s first inverted coaster), Oblivion (the world’s first vertical drop coaster) and Thirteen (the world’s first freefall drop coaster). These are worth a visit by themselves, but are accompanied by a variety of other rides such as the popular Congo River Rapids and Hex: The Legend of the Towers.

Two areas are set aside for kids’ rides – Old MacDonald’s Farmyard and Cloud Cuckoo Land. Both are almost large enough to be theme parks in themselves, and will keep little ones entertained for hours on end.

There are a number of other theme parks emerging as top venues for family days out in the UK market, such as Paultons Park and Lightwater Valley. Wherever you are in the country, a mixture of thrill rides and fun experiences is never far away.

Nick Sim covers theme park news, reviews and guides for his own website, Theme Park Tourist, where you can find a range of money-saving offers including Alton Towers deals.

Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, or some other special occasion, most women could do with a bit of help when it comes to buying gifts for their man. Many younger men like funky gadgets and sporting accessories, while older males may prefer music or even a cheeky bottle of whiskey. If your man likes walking and country pursuits then you should find something to please at a Joules or Barbour outlet – both big names in country attire.

Think about what your man likes and what his interests are, and when you are really stuck for ideas on what your man would like then a few tips might provide you with more inspiration.

Tip 1. Get Him a Boy Toy

Some men just cannot resist gadgets, whether that’s a radio controlled aeroplane, the latest iPod accessory, or a Swiss army knife with all the trimmings. If your man likes anything novel, and more to the point likes showing off his latest acquisition to friends, then a boy toy might be just the thing. A word of warning: most men don’t like things that fall apart in five minutes and they prefer gadgets with a specific function.

Tip 2. Personalised Gifts

If your man is a fan of old style comics like the Beano then he might appreciate a poster in which he is Dennis the Menace or something similar. A novelty personalised mug, key ring or mouse pad are all likely to go down well too.

Tip 3. If He’s a Sports Fanatic

When your man is a sports fanatic there’s usually something you can find that will please him, just be sure you know his favourite team and the team colours. Scarves and signed posters are always a good gift idea and if you really want to give him a gift experience treat him to a tour of his team’s home stadium along with tickets for the next home game.

If the man in your life is keen on motor sports then you might want to think about tickets to a race if your budget is up to that. If you know which type of sports car your man is really keen on you could buy him a driving experience day where he gets to drive his favourite sports car.

Tip 4. If Your Greatest Rival is his Car

For a lot of men their car is almost an extension of themselves and anything that might suggest you share his enthusiasm for the vehicle, such as an appropriate gift, is in your favour. Get him a subscription to whichever magazine there might be about his particular make of car, and it will please him all year long. An expensive car body polish, basically anything that shows him you care about the fact that he cares about his car, will be an ideal gift.

Tip 5. For the Older Guys

Most men, and particularly those over 40 appreciate gifts that support his interests, whether that’s CDs of eighties music, a good book, or a garden starter kit. If you share an interest in rambling, you can get some great weatherproof jackets and other unique menswear from a Barbour outlet, Joules or CCW.

This was written by Crispin Jones on behalf of Anna Davies, who sell lots of gifts for the man in your life such as Barbour and other unique menswear.