6 Looks from Celebrities' Winter Fashion Styles You Can Copy
As the temperature begins to fall and winter approaches, the laziness of summer is replaced by the difficulty of getting out of bed and getting dressed each morning due to the cold. Despite the appeal of beach trips and lounging in the sun, the chill of winter has a way of making it hard to find the motivation to leave our cozy covers.
We can all be thankful for our favorite fashion icons' winter street style looks, which provide us with plenty of inspiration for staying warm and looking cute.
by Nikki CampbellJan 09, 2023
Lunar New Year 2023: Let's Check What's Fun in Chinatown, NYC
What to do in Chinatown, NYC
If you're looking for the top activities to partake in Chinatown, NYC, you've come to the right place! NYC is filled with culture and diversity, particularly in an active area like this downtown district. Here are some fun activities to do in Chinatown, NYC that you won't want to miss out on!
Chinese New Year Parade
On February 12, 2023, don't miss the return of Chinatown’s annual Lunar New Year Parade! There will be so much to enjoy, from dragon dancing, to martial art performances, and stunning costumes. After you've partaken in the festive firecracker dancing, explore some of the best karaoke in Chinatown and try some of the delicious Chinese restaurants. Make sure you save the date – this is definitely one of the top events in New York City for February!
Where is the Chinese New Year Parade?
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Lunar New Year Parade, which begins at 1 p.m. and travels through Mott and Canal Streets, Chatham Square, East Broadway, the Manhattan Bridge, Eldridge and Forsyth Streets, and finally Grand Street near Sara D. Roosevelt Park. 2023 is the year of the Rabbit - don't miss out on this exciting neighborhood shindig!
Deluxe Food Market
This market, stretching across an entire block, is filled with Chinese staples: roasted ducks glistening with lacquer in the butcher shop; an abundance of egg tarts in the bakery; and prepared food stands with dishes like shredded pig's ear, stewed tendon, and beef tongue to be paid for by weight.
Lung Moon
Tak Law, a native of Hong Kong, operates a bakery that serves moon cakes year-round. These Chinese pastries are traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival and are made with a dense lotus-seed paste center that gives them a nutty flavor. Additionally, a cooked duck egg yolk is added for a salty contrast, and when cut in half it resembles a moon.
Magic Jewelry
This Chinatown occult shop utilizes the capabilities of mysticism and the digital age with a special camera and handheld energy reader to take phantasmagoric, personalized aura photographs for individuals who wish to understand the energy they contain and the vibes they emit.
Mmuseumm
This truly hidden museum has been displaying the seemingly ordinary as extraordinary in an abandoned Tribeca elevator shaft since 2012. It features oddities and quirky objects like a collection of cornflakes and "not bombs" on brightly lit shelves. The exhibits are eclectic, leaving visitors with questions regarding their relationship to objects and to the nature of art.
Michiyo Art Studio
At the New York Academy of Art, Michiyo provides weeklong courses for those wishing to take watercolor painting seriously. For $425, you can truly become a "starving artist" and learn the basics.
Gift Shops
Before departing, be sure to pay a visit to one of New York City's best gift shops for some hand-painted pots and adorable baby bok choy pins.
by Nikki CampbellJan 05, 2023
Celebrity-Frequented Ski Resort
When winter comes, the stars flock to some of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world. From impeccable service to top-tier skiing, these five resorts offer an experience like no other.
Enjoy the thrill of rubbing elbows with the famous, as well as the extra amenities, like luxurious lodging and a superb selection of slopes. So if you're looking for a winter getaway that offers the same quality experience as the stars, read on to find out which ski resorts the rich and famous love to frequent.
Whistler, Canada
Whistler ski resort, the largest ski area in North America, is a haven for all levels of skiers. From the Beckham family learning to ski on the beginner slopes to Tom Cruise's expert moves, the resort is sure to have something for everyone. For après-ski fun, visit The GLC lounge bar for live music, poutine, and breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs.
Vail, Colorado
Vail ski resort is the USA's premier celebrity ski destination, boasting 5,000 skiable acres and a world-class selection of spas and restaurants. Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton celebrated his 32nd birthday here in 2017, and in 2015–2016 Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris were seen making snowmen. You'll even have the chance to ski alongside the Kardashians, who have been visiting since Kim was a child. If you're looking to ski with the stars, Vail ski resort is the place to be.
Verbier, Switzerland
At Verbier, a top celebrity spot in Switzerland, aprés skiing is a must. The renowned Farm Club has welcomed guests such as David Bowie, Diana Ross, Madonna, her family, magician David Blaine, and James Blunt, who is also a co-owner of La Vache restaurant. For over 40 years, Farm Club has been a popular destination for the famous and affluent.
Courmayeur, Italy
At the base of the majestic Mont Blanc lies the charming medieval market town of Courmayeur. Its narrow alleyways offer a perfect place to escape the paparazzi. This renowned ski resort boasts impressive pistes with slopes for all difficulty levels, reaching heights of over 2,500 meters.
Gourmet extraordinaire, Heston Blumenthal, visited the Aosta Valley and was captivated by its rustic cuisine and marvelous wines. For a taste of local culinary delights, be sure to make a stop at Chiecco, a mountainside restaurant that serves dishes such as wild boar ragù with polenta.
Courchevel, France
At Courchevel Ski Resort, located in the Les Trois Vallées area, you can find four distinct villages, each named for its altitude in meters, ranging from 1300 to the highest, and most exclusive, 1850. Here, celebrities such as Prince William and George Clooney can often be spotted. After a day on the slopes, join DJ David Guetta and singer Taio Cruz for signature cocktails at L'Apogée Courchevel or try one of the 12 Michelin-starred restaurants for an outstanding meal.
by Nikki CampbellJan 05, 2023
Phuket, Thailand: The Island You Can Escape to This Winter
Why Phuket?
The southwestern island of Phuket, in Thailand, is a popular tourist destination for its white sand beaches, aquamarine water, and limestone cliffs. Surrounded by the Andaman Sea and about an hour by plane from Bangkok, Phuket offers travelers tropical appeal along with affordable prices for everything from accommodations to spa treatments and boat tours.
Although its beaches and tourism operators have bounced back from the 2004 tsunami that hammered its western coast and tragically claimed thousands of lives, Phuket has not forgotten its past—it remembers through its memorials and a better warning system should the area come under threat again.
What to do?
With so many things to do and experiences to have in this part of Thailand, many visitors have created an exclusive bucket list to ensure that they cover everything. Here's a list of things you should try as well!
Beaches
If you love beaches, Phuket is the place for you. This tropical island in Thailand has many beautiful beaches where you can lie in the sun, stroll hand-in-hand with your sweetheart, watch a spectacular sunset and even enjoy some water sports. Beach hopping is one of the most popular things to do in Phuket.
Boat Tour
Phang Nga Bay is a popular destination for boat tours that take you past rock formations standing vertically from the water, letting you witness breathtaking views and amazing surrounding scenery. You can opt for a full-day tour to the fishing village of Koh Panyee, or spend some time at Phi Phi Islands' white-sand beaches. If you have at least one full day at hand, visit Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park—home to mangroves, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Tiger Kingdom
Tiger Kingdom offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with tigers in their natural habitat. These tigers are rescued from the wild and live in a large enclosure where they can run around freely, just as they would in the wild. It is a great day out for the whole family and you will not want to miss out on this opportunity.
Phuket FantaSea Show
In Thailand, you can’t miss Phuket FantaSea Show. It is a combination of modern technology and state-of-the-art show elements. Thai ethos, such as love, fun, freedom, and courage are represented in various acts including magic illusions, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, stunts, animal performances, and special 4-D shows.
What to eat?
Phuket has thousands of restaurants, but this island is best known for its delicious street food. In this article, we'll give you some recommendations for some of the city's most authentic dishes.
Dim Sum
When you visit Phuket, be sure to try dim sum. A popular Chinese fusion dish, dim sum is available in a variety of flavors and styles. While there are many different kinds of dim sum to choose from, the best ones are those that have been folded seven times and have a fluffy texture. When you eat dim sum in Thailand, you can expect it to be smooth and flavorful.
Kanom Jeen Phuket
Kanom Jeen, another popular soup in Thailand, is a spicy chicken and mushroom dish added with galangal, tomatoes, and lemongrass. The dish can be made mind-blowing by using beef, chicken, fish, crab, and vegetables.
Satay
If you're a foodie traveling in Thailand, don't miss out on the satay culture, especially in Phuket. From chicken to pork to beef, there is a huge selection of satay for you to enjoy. This dish is usually served with a delicious peanut sauce made from fish sauce, ginger, green onions, cilantro leaves, jalapenos, pepper, peanut butter, sesame oil, lemon juice, and coconut milk. The combination of these ingredients makes the sauce the star of the show, making satay a greasy favorite treat!
Roti Pancake
Thai-style sweet pancakes are truly unique. They're a mix of flour, egg, condensed milk, sugar, and salt. The filling can be any of the fruits you want to eat. Some people like to eat these pancakes with thick coconut milk or ice cream on top. If you see a street hawker selling them with signs, make your way over for this treat!
by Nikki CampbellJan 05, 2023
White Christmas Trip Destination Ideas
With so many White Christmas destinations to choose from, it can be tricky narrowing down the best winter getaways.
December is the month of snow and white Christmas holidays, so if you haven’t experienced one of these moments with your family yet, start planning for your next trip!
NORTH POLE, ALASKA
If you’ve never visited Alaska, you might think that the only thing to do here is freeze your fingers off and sit in the dark. But if you’re looking for an amazing place to take the kids this Christmas, you should check out North Pole.
Here, you can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus year-round at the most elaborate Santa Claus House ever! The kids will love exploring this magical place. And if that’s not enough, Fairbanks and North Pole are located in the auroral oval—a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights."
SALT LAKE CITY, USA
Salt Lake City has all the perks of city life surrounded by mountains. You can be at some of the best skiing in the world within 30 minutes of leaving the airport. Solitude Resort is a great place to stay, with a ski school right at the base village and night skiing on Christmas Day with Santa.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly Western U.S. destination, consider Salt Lake City, which is close enough to the mountains to make for a white Christmas.
QUEBEC, CANADA
For a white Christmas, consider Quebec City. In Quebec, the town turns into a winter wonderland once snow falls on the ground.
Your children will light up as you walk through the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec. Located along the St. Lawrence River, winding roads are decorated in holiday garland and glow with thousands of Christmas lights at night.
For quick day trips to enjoy the snow, head south to test your family’s skills dog sledding through the Quebec forest at Chenil la Poursuite or if you’re a family of skiers, check out Valcartier for ski hills, snow tubing and one of few ice hotels in the world!
ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND
Zermatt in Switzerland is the best place to go for families who are dreaming of a white Christmas. Switzerland is kid-friendly, and there are many activities in store for you and your loved ones at the Matterhorn, like skiing, ice skating, and sledding.
When it gets dark, hop on a horse and carriage to see the small town light up like a Winter Wonderland town in a snow globe. It rarely rains in the lovely town of Zermatt, however—when it does get wet outside, you can always find indoor activities to keep your children busy.
In the town itself, you'll find facilities for indoor golf and an escape room; if you're looking for something sweeter than that, book a stay at Hotel Mont Cervin Palace where their Kids’ Club takes care of children aged 3–8 while their parents relax with spa treatments or excursions into town.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
For a white Christmas, head to Copenhagen. While it doesn’t always snow heavily there, there are many ways to make it a while Christmas in the Danish capital. The annual Christmas markets in Copenhagen are fantastic.
My personal favourite is at Byretten Nytorv (City Court Square). One of the best ways to spend a chilly afternoon is at a Copenhagen Christmas Market sipping glogg. Gløgg is a Scandinavian mulled wine with raisins and almonds stirred in.
After finishing the drink, you’re left with a warm and delightful snack. It’s also served without alcohol for a warm, kid-friendly beverage. Once you’ve walked through the Christmas Markets head to Tivoli Gardens.
It’s a must-see Christmas attraction in Copenhagen. They have their own Christmas Market and their year-round rides are running with festive holiday decorations.
PARIS, FRANCE
The city of Paris is beautiful at Christmas time. It isn't uncommon to see snow in the city during the winter months, and although it's not quite as spectacular as in other places in Northern Europe, it gives cool photo opportunities with the main attractions of Paris in the background.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Paris during Christmas with kids. For example, you can visit the Christmas markets and taste some yummy holiday treats. You can admire beautiful Christmas lights and decorations on famous streets like Vendôme Square or Montmartre.
You can go ice skating on the Eiffel Tower or under the beautiful glass cupola of Grand Palais.
Or if you want to leave town for a couple days, you can visit Disneyland Paris during its awesome Disney White Christmas event or head up into the snowy peaks of the French Alps for some wonderful day trips from Paris!
ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
What distinguishes this imperial city during the Christmas season is the wonderful atmosphere, with plenty of things to do in St. Petersburg Russia with kids. The city looks stunning in the snow as residents prepare to celebrate the holiday season.
Consider spiced glintwein, troika rides, and snow-covered domes. It is considered the country's cultural capital, with a long history dating back to the early 1700s and a plethora of artistic and architectural treasures. During this time, there are also numerous outdoor activities, cultural events, and Russian celebrations.
If it's too cold to go outside, there's plenty to keep you entertained indoors. A trip to the city would be incomplete without a stop at the Mariinsky Theatre, the Hermitage Museum, and the Winter Palace, which houses one of the world's largest collections of historic items.
Reference: https://fouraroundtheworld.com/best-white-christmas-destinations/
by Nikki CampbellOct 24, 2022
The Place to Enjoy Your Winter Vacation: Hawaii
If you're looking for a vacation spot that's both affordable and beautiful, consider Hawaii. From Exotic Estates Maui villas to oceanfront condos, this lovely island state has something for everyone.
If you want to escape bitter cold and snow, consider a trip to Hawaii! For most of the year, the weather there is warm and sunny. To help you plan your trip, here are a few of our favorite things to do in Hawaii during wintertime.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is an ideal activity in Hawaii. Humpback whales can be seen traveling with their young, and the best time to spot them is between November and May.
Some of the best places to watch for whales are Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai, the Sanctuary Education Center on Maui, and the Halona Blowhole on the eastern shore of Oahu.
Surfing
The waves and weather in Hawaii in winter are a crowd pleaser, as the waves are exciting to watch and the weather is ideal for surfing competitions.
The North Shore of Oahu is legendary for its large waves and it still attracts some of the world's best surfers.
Snowboard on Mauna Kea
If you’ve ever dreamed of snowboarding in Hawaii, now’s your chance! The highest peak on the Big Island is covered with snow between December and February, creating a winter wonderland.
You can ride down the mountain on your own equipment or rent some from nearby Hilo. Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreens—you’re still on a tropical island!
Visit Dole Plantation
If you're looking for a fun afternoon, try visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation on Oahu. There are plenty of activities, such as navigating one of the largest mazes in the world, taking a tram ride through the plantation grounds, or indulging in some fresh pineapple.
Countdown to Christmas
The Polynesian Cultural Center is an award-winning attraction on Oahu, where you can experience the culture of Polynesia through hands-on activities and events all year long.
In December, they offer a special Thirteen Days of Polynesia festival that includes festive live music, canoe rides, and snow days for kids.
Hawaiian Christmas Tree
Hawaii’s Christmas tree farms are a unique experience for locals and visitors alike. Helemano Farms on the north shore of Oahu is home to a variety of trees that residents or visitors can cut down and take—including Norfolk Pine, Leyland Cypress, Blue Ice, Japanese Yoshino Cedar Trees, and Caroline Sapphire.
Although you won’t be able to take your Hawaii Christmas tree home with you, the farm is still the perfect backdrop for your island-style holiday photos.
Reference: https://www.exoticestates.com/blog/201711/whats-winter-really-hawaii https://www.robertshawaii.com/blog/what-to-do-when-its-winter-in-hawaii/
by Nikki CampbellOct 24, 2022
10 Tips for First-Time Skiing
Is this your first time skiing and you have a million questions, such as what to wear when skiing for the first time, where to find the best ski resorts for first-timers, do I need ski lessons, or can I just hit the slopes instantly? As a beginner, what ski equipment do I need, and should I buy or rent skis?
Questions, questions, questions! It's natural to have questions as a first-time skier or someone who is relatively new to skiing; we've all been there! Believe me!
1. Learning to Ski is Never Too Late!
It is never too late to learn to ski, no matter how young or old you are! That's coming from someone who began learning to ski at the age of 30 with no prior snow-related experience.
Learning to ski as a child is undoubtedly easier (because children are fearless! ), but you can easily learn to ski as an adult, especially if you are physically active and committed to it.
2. Rent your Ski Gear
When skiing for the first time, you really don't need to buy ski equipment. Instead, for your first time skiing, we recommend renting ski equipment.
This is because you most likely have no idea what ski equipment you require or which type of skis and boots you will prefer once you've mastered the sport.
3. Get Travel Insurance for Skiing
One of the most important things to know before going skiing for the first time is that you can get skiing-specific travel insurance. If you're going skiing for the first time in another country, or even if you've been skiing for a while, make sure you have travel insurance!
This is especially important for ski trips, as skiing accidents can happen even if you are an experienced skier, not to mention when you are just starting out.
We don't want to scare you, but as with anything in life, skiing is not without risk, and if something goes wrong, you'll be glad you're insured.
4. Never Ski Without a Helmet!
We've discussed skis, boots, and poles, but there's one crucial item missing from a beginner's skiing equipment list. The ski helmet!
A helmet is an absolute must for first-time skiers!!! In fact, it's an absolute must-have for any type of skier! It would be extremely foolish not to wear a helmet. You can either rent a helmet along with your other ski equipment, or you can buy an affordable ski helmet online.
5. Buy Your Own Ski Goggles
Ski goggles are one item that you cannot rent but must have. Snow goggles can be quite expensive, but as a beginner skier, you don't need to rush out and buy the most expensive snow goggles available.
On Amazon, you can find inexpensive snow goggles and ski equipment for beginners that will suffice for your first ski trip.
6. Layer Up!
Layering up is essential when skiing and will keep you from having a bad first day due to being too cold or too hot. The clothing layers are there to be removed or added based on the weather and how cold or hot you feel. You typically dress in three layers.
7. Ski Boots Should Fit Tightly But Not Too Tight
As a first-time skier, you may not realize that your ski boots are very stiff and should fit you very tightly to get the best performance out of them. There should be no room for your feet to wobble.
When standing normally, your toes will lightly touch the front of the boot. This is normal because, when skiing, you will lean into the boot tongue to transfer energy from your legs to your skis via the stiff boots. When you lean forward into your boots, your feet will naturally slide back, which is the position you want.
8. Chose a Beginner-Friendly Ski Resort
You're probably wondering where to go for your first time skiing if you're just starting out. As a first-time skier, you should go to a ski resort with a beginner area; otherwise, the slopes will be too steep and you will not have a good first skiing day.
Keep in mind that while most resorts have some kind of beginner area, also known as bunny slopes, not all of them are great.
9. Be Confident But Not Too Confident!
Be self-assured and push yourself to make progress. However, be aware of your own capabilities! Don't be reckless and take on challenges you're not ready for because it will almost certainly result in injury.
10. Practice Makes Perfect!
You won't be able to learn to ski in a single day. Skiing requires practice and dedication. So, when you're feeling discouraged and about to give up, keep going! If you are dedicated, you will eventually become a skilled skier. We guarantee it!
Reference: https://www.piscoandbier.com/first-time-skiing-tips-for-beginner-skiers/
by Nikki CampbellOct 21, 2022