Read article : Hidden Color Bath Bombs - Soap Queen
Difficulty:Intermediate
Time:15-20 minutes
Yields:2-3 fizzies
Here’s a fun idea for a colorful surprise hidden inside a bath bomb. This tutorial is perfect for getting kids to take a bath, because there’s enough colorant in each bath bomb to color the bath water. And since you can’t see the color until the bath bomb is activated, you have to be in the bath to get your surprise! I originally came up with this idea … well, you’ll have to see why this weekend. =)
OPTIONAL MOLD PREP: To aid in the unmolding of the bath bombs, add 5-10 drops of Cyclomethicone inside each half of the Stainless Steel Bath Bomb molds. Swirl it around so that there is a nice coat covering the inside of the molds. Set the molds on paper towels in a way that allows the excess Cyclomethicone to run out. You want just the thinnest coat of Cyclomethicone inside the molds.
ONE: Place the mesh strainer over the top of a bowl. Measure the Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid and pour into bowl through the strainer. Work any clumps through the strainer. TIP:Citric Acid and Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) can tickle your nose, so you might want to wear a mask if you’re sensitive.
THREE: Spray the mixture with 5-10 spritzes of Witch Hazel and mix in well. You want to add just enough moisture so that the mixture holds together, but isn’t soggy. Keep adding Witch Hazel until the mixture reaches a consistency that you like. I know my mixture is ready when I squish some fizzy mixture in my hand and it mostly holds together. TIP: For great live-action shots of the ideal consistency of bath bomb mix before putting it into a mold, check out our latest Soap Queen TV with guest Jeanee Duvall of Dirty Laundry! It’s at minute 3:30.
FOUR: Fill one half of each of the Stainless Steel Bath Bomb molds with bath bomb mix, pressing the mix as compact as possible. Make a crater or divot with your thumb, about 1/2″ deep with about 1/2″ on all sides in the center of the mold. Add 10-15 drops of Teal LaBomb into each divot. Fill the divot with more bath bomb mix, and create a slight mound in the center of the mold.
FIVE: Fill the other half of each of the Stainless Steel Bath Bomb molds all the way with bath bomb mix, also mounding the center slightly. Press two halves of the mold together, one colored half and one uncolored half, until there is no gap between between the two halves.
SIX: Waiting no longer than about 5 minutes, unmold the bath bombs by slowly twisting the mold halves and removing one half of the mold. If the second half of the mold is not quite ready to release yet, wait 5-10 minutes and then gently tap the mold from behind.
This idea also works for coloring smaller amounts of water. Cut the recipe in half, and use a small mold like the Petite Bendy Star Mold. Use the same technique of filling the mold half full, but use just one or two drops of colorant per cavity. One tiny bath bomb with two drops of colorant will nicely color about a cup and a half of water. Why did I test out such a small amount? Check back this weekend as I reveal some super exciting Bramble Bump news!
Read article : Traveling the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail
Overnight passenger train travel can be more expensive and slower than air travel today. So why should you go? And where?
After spending two nights traveling the Canadian Rockies on VIA Rail‘s Canadian, the ‘why’ is easy to answer: in an age when traveling to a destination has become only about getting from Point A to Point B in a rushed, often stressful manner, a few days (or more) aboard a passenger train is a vacation in itself. The pace is relaxed, the scenery can be fantastic, and the service is friendly. After my experience aboard The Canadian, I would venture to say passenger train travel is in fact the sole remaining mode of idyllic transportation from the golden age, outlasting air and cruise travel.
Incorporating a VIA Rail journey into a Canadian vacation itinerary will greatly enrich your trip. There are many routes to choose between, the longest being the four day journey from Vancouver to Toronto on the Canadian. We opted for a fraction of this trip, embarking in Vancouver and departing in Jasper, Alberta (then returning on the same route after days of sightseeing in the Canadian Rockies). The 20-hour one-way trip was spent taking in the scenery from one of several observation cars with 360 degree views, dining in the relaxed yet elegant dining cars, getting to know fellow passengers, and sleeping, reading, working, or napping. We found that the ‘rail level’ views and relaxed pace afforded a more intimate experience with the British Columbia and Alberta wilderness.
If you’re bringing kids, I wouldn’t recommend this trip for kids under age six (though as always, parents know their own children best). During the rail trip, passengers are definitely confined to a series of train cars, and young kids would certainly get restless. Is there enough for older kids to do? Here’s what we found: a variety of board games in the ‘activity cars’, on-going snacks and juices in the lounges, and interesting sights out the window, whether it be scenery whizzing by or temporary stops at stations or through towns. In other words: not a lot of on-board entertainment.
If you travel with kids, we recommend downloading a few movies onto a computer, iPod, or iPad, and bringing plenty of reading material, activity books (such as coloring books) and card games. Plan on several hours between each meal that you’ll need to fill. Expect a primarily-adults-only passenger list: during our October trip, we saw only two children aboard the Canadian. This is not to discourage families from bringing kids: rather, know you’ll need to bring diversions and entertainment as needed. WiFi was not available aboard our train, though 3G and 4G service could be found via roaming off and on.
Determining which fare is right for you can be tricky. On the Canadian, there are two basic options: sleeper or economy. In economy, you’ll get a seat that reclines, access to an observation car with upper deck, access to a lounge with tables and chairs, and the option to buy food at the Starlight Cafe, serving meals and snacks to go. Passengers sleep in their seats, and share bathroom facilities. Economy is obviously the more affordable option, but quite frankly, didn’t look too appealing (despite the fact that VIA Rail seats are considerably more comfortable than airline seats).
Sleeper fare offers three bed configurations (each a different price) in the Sleeper Plus category.Passengers can opt between a one-passenger or two-passenger private cabin, or a semi-private upper or lower berth (closed with curtains). We experienced Sleeper Plus in a two-passenger cabin. We had a tiny-yet-functional cabin space with two chairs and a large window, a private bathroom with toilet, and a sink. Also included: a small amount of storage space and two outlets (yay!). In the evenings, a train steward comes by to lower your beds, which in the two-passenger cabin is bunk-bed style: upper and lower single beds. Beds are fully made-up each evening, and very comfortable (provided you’re not quite tall).
The one-passenger private cabin features one bench-like seat that flattens to accommodate a bed, plus a sink and toilet (the latter of which features a cushioned cover to become an ottoman during the day, but is covered up by the bed at night…a definite downside). Both the two-passenger and one-passenger cabins share one shower per car.
The last sleeper option is to book an upper or lower berth. These compartments feature bench seats (two facing each other) during the day, which fold out to become a lower berth bed at night. The upper berth bed folds out from the wall by the ceiling. These berths are made up at night and feature thick curtains for privacy. They share a public toilet and shower (one per car).
All Sleeper Plus fares include meals in the dining car (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on when you’re onboard), snacks in the lounge, access to several observation cars and lounges, and complimentary champagne and appetizers upon embarkation.
Here’s a photo depicting 1. a two-passenger cabin made up for bed, 2. a lower berth made up for day, 3. coach seats:
Which to book will depend on your comfort level (how much privacy do you need?) and your meal needs. We absolutely recommend the all-inclusive dining: if you opt out of this, you can buy meals a la carte in the cafe, but this option would get old (and expensive) if traveling more than one night. We enjoyed the privacy of a cabin, but could have been comfortable in an upper and lower berth as well. Keep in mind that only up to two passengers fit in a cabin: families of four or more will need to book two (or more) cabins or opt for two or more upper/lower berths in a row. (The latter option will allow for more freedom of movement between beds as needed, but you’ll only have access to a shared bathroom.
1. Carry-on sized bags only are allowed onboard. Full-sized bags will need to be checked, so plan accordingly. Cabins have space for up to two carry-on bags, but if you opt for a berth, you’d be better off with only a large tote or backpack.
2. Bring a water bottle to refill. While coffee, tea, and juice is on offer at all times, I found the need to also keep a water bottle filled to prevent dehydration. If you like to sip coffee or tea all day, bring a small thermos or insulated mug.
3. Bring a hair dryer if you’ll need one: in cabins, towels, shampoo, and soap are provided, but not hair dryers.
4. Be prepared for plenty of motion and some train noise at night. We slept surprisingly well onboard, but you’ll definitely feel the movement.
Calculate Via Rail fares here. Definitely plan early and check for fare discounts, offered several times per year. What we found: VIA Rail is not more economical than flying, so you need to consider the fare cost a part of your vacation experience, not part of your transportation costs.
If embarking in Vancouver on the Canadian, you’ll depart from Pacific Station. Located next to Science World, it’s easy to get here from SkyRail from either the airport or the Waterfront station in downtown Vancouver.
As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced The Canadian as guests of the VIA Rail, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own, and we hope our experience inspires and equips other traveling families to make great decisions about rail travel.
Read article : The Best Amazon Deals We Could Find Today, April 26
If you haven't tried Amazon's Prime Pantry yet, there's never been a better time. Prime Pantry lets Prime members fill up a box with non-perishable food and drinks, household items like detergent and toilet paper, toiletries and cosmetics, vitamins, diapers, and other household staples. The prices are competitive, and Amazon offers a robust selection of exclusive digital coupons to push them even lower. If you've been lugging home heavy bags of groceries, it's tough to beat the convenience of getting everything shipped to your door in one big box.
Now that Amazon has gotten us all used to free Prime shipping, the only drawback of Prime Pantry is the $5.99 shipping fee you usually have to pay to get your box. Luckily, there's a way around that fee, too. This month, if you buy five select products and enter the promo code PANTRYJUN at checkout, your box will ship for free. There are dozens of items on the list that will earn you free shipping, so it's likely that you'll see at least a few things you need to stock up on, whether it's trash bags, Q-tips, or granola bars.
Better yet, if you already have a free Prime Pantry $5.99 shipping promotional credit on your Amazon account from taking the no-rush shipping option on a previous Amazon order, it will stack with the PANTRYJUN promo code if you buy five select items. That's like getting an extra $5.99 knocked off the already low tab for your order, plus free shipping. And if you really want to stack up the discounts, buying $10 of qualifying Coke products will earn you an $8.99 credit in the Amazon Digital Music Store.
Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers, including Amazon, and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy.
Read article : New Clarins Treatment Essence - how to use for best effect
Treatment essences aren’t something new to us, skincare fans, are they? But what if there was a treatment essence that helps your skin, based on age and skin concerns? Now, that might be something worth investigating. And that was what I headed to discover in Paris with skincare brand Clarins, as part of the Malaysia digital influencer team! W00t!
Clarins’ office headquarters in Paris!
Paris is a beautiful city, filled with eye-popping monuments, historical artifacts, and stunning architecture that makes you want to look upwards all the time, so you don’t miss anything of the beautiful wrought iron balconies and rooftops. Paris is also home to world famous luxury fashion designer brands and international beauty brands, of which Clarins is one. I’ll take you through some highlights of my PB’s Parisian Adventure with Clarins, tell you a LOT more about these Clarins Anti-Ageing Treatment Essences (and how to score some samples) and how I was taught to use them for best effect. Settle in, it’ll be quite a ride 🙂
How often do I get the chance to visit a major brand’s headquarters and meet the owners? Never! That’s the answer! LOL! I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to skincare or brands in general, and I love meeting the people behind a brand or product. They are always so passionate about what they do, and that is very, very inspiring!
For this new Clarins Treatment Essence, we were briefed by Caroline Camuzat, Clarins’ International Scientific Managerat Clarins’ new HQ offices in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. The spanking new building is bright and shiny and eco-friendly, with a self-cooling system mimicking a beehive, that is also energy efficient, has an internal cafe and staff canteen, and pleasant gardens through which to walk. Wouldn’t I love to work there! 😀
Being the International Scientific Manager, Caroline took us through the what, how and why of the new Clarins Treatment Essence, and answered a couple of burning questions I had about which to pick, since we have 3 to choose from.
Some of us are by now, familiar with the skin’s natural barrier that protects us against external aggressions. These Treatment Essences, which are applied immediately after cleansing, as the first step of your post-cleansing skincare routine are designed to “unlock” this skin barrier and boost skin hydration, so other products that go on, absorb more effectively into the skin. Think of it like a pre-serum, or pre-essence – something familiar in most Asian skincare lines.
I must say that when you first prep your skin using the Treatment Essence, you will find that any other products go on and absorb into skin more quickly. The logical summation is that this Treatment Essence will help boost the absorption and efficacy of other products that follow. This has been the premise of treatment essences since they appeared on the skincare scene in recent years.
However, realising that our skin ages differently and is unique, and therefore one treatment essence cannot suit every skin type, Clarins came out with not just 1, but THREE different Anti-Ageing Treatment Essences to suit 3 different age groups.
25+ Multi-Active Treatment Essence Vitality Booster (pink) (RM200) – targeted at younger skin with the first signs of ageing, this essence boosts cell vitality, radiance and slows down cellulcar ageing. The result would be more supple, moisturized and revitalised skin.
35+ Extra-Firming Treatment Essence Bounciness Enhancer (orange) (RM215) – targeted at skin that has noticeable signs of ageing which includes dehydrated skin, this essence helps reinforce the skin structure so skin is more bouncy, smoother and firmer. The result is better hydrated skin, reduction of fine lines and skin that is more plump.
45+ Super Restorative Treatment Essence Smoothness Enhancer (red) (RM285) – targeted at much more matured skin that is dull with reduced cell turnover and lines and wrinkles, this essence helps re-energize the skin to boost skin radiance, and exfoliate the dead skin cells to help product penetrate better into the skin. The result would be softer, more supple and radiant skin.
As Mr. Christian Coutin-Clarins, current Chairman of the Clarins Group told us when he met us, Clarins prides itself on using high quality ingredients, and to take the best from nature to create their products, while protecting bio-diversity and nature. The key ingredients in each of the Treatment Essences are from different plants and sources, to cater to different skin needs:-
Super Restorative Treatment Essence – Pueraria Lobata Extract to stimulate synthesis of collagen, Ginseng & Green Coffee Extract to boost skin radiance and Hibiscus Flower acid to exfoliate skin (I’m particularly pleased about the use of the Hibiscus flower because that’s our national flower! 😀 )
You pick the Clarins Treatment Essence based on the age of your skin, which may or may not correspond to your calendar age. For those of us who take pains to care for our skin, and use sunscreen daily, you will likely find that your skin’s age is far younger than your calendar age. By way of example, I’m 42 this year and based on my age, would be a prime candidate for the Super Restorative Treatment Essence. However, Caroline assured me that the one I should use would be the Extra-Firming Treatment Essence for a while instead (whew! LOL!) as my skin did not display the concerns to be addressed by the Super Restorative Treatment Essence. By contrast, someone who doesn’t pay a lot of attention to their skin, or who displays the skin concerns that correspond to their age group might then need to pick a Treatment Essence from within their targeted age group or perhaps even the next one up. This is most likely to be true for the 20-somethings who may be living the party and late night lifestyle, and find that the Extra-Firming Treatment Essence does more for them than the Multi-Active Treatment Essence will.
GET YOUR SAMPLE! If you’d like to sample this Treatment Essence (I’m only posting my review in about 2 weeks from now so you can try it and share your experience when I share mine) CLICK HERE to get your sample (Malaysia only)!
This is where I thoroughly enjoyed the session with Denise Bathe, Clarins’ Skincare International Training Manager, who is a wealth of information about the pressure technique recommended by Clarins and used at all Clarins Spas worldwide during their facials. She was trained by Clarins’ founder Mr. Jacques Courtin and is so passionate about what she does that I couldn’t help being caught up in the wake of her enthusiasm.
With Denise Bathe at Monseiur Bleu, a restaurant overlooking that iconic Tour Eiffel! She has BEAUTIFUL skin!
I also had the privilege to experience a Clarins facial at the Clarins Spa at the Hotel Molitor where we were put up, and I’m going to tell you right now that it feels EXACTLY like the Clarins facials here in KL! I used to frequent the Clarins Spa at BSC and KLCC and guys, it’s EXACTLY the same! You don’t have to go to Paris to experience it haha! 😀
I’m going to save the pressure technique for another day (or we’ll be here all day!) but what I wanted to share was how to use the Clarins Treatment Essence. Denise tells us there are 3 ways, all of which are effective.
Use a cotton pad – Drop some of the treatment essence on a cotton pad to saturate it, and pat it over your skin. This takes the least amount of time and is good for those who are in a hurry.
Use your hands – Drop 1-2 drops of the treatment essence in your palm, warm it up between your palms, and pat it on your skin, tapping with your finger tips. This takes a little more time, and is good for your evening routine, or for those who are used to making a little more effort with their skincare routine. I use this method as I abhor wastage 😛
Use it as a mask – Get a paper mask capsule (you can easily get these at Daiso – Clarins will have some available, but it isn’t their mainstay right now) soak it with the treatment essence and then lay it on skin for about 10 minutes for an intensive treatment.
My personal preference is to use my hands. I do it with all essences, and I don’t see why I should stop LOL! I dislike the wastage on the cotton pad, and I find that with hands, you actually use a little less product (I usually use 1-2 drop at most) and that means your 200ml bottle can last you quite a while!
I don’t meet brand owners every day, and even less so when it’s an international brand of repute. Clarins is one of the few major beauty brands out there who are still owned by family of the founder. It is currently helmed by the 2 sons of founder Jacques Courtin – Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins and Mr. Christian Courtin-Clarins, both of whom are incredibly friendly and down-to-earth.
How many Chairmans would allow a bunch of strangers into their office? Not many, I warrant, but Mr. Christian invited us in to show us where he worked, and showed us pictures of his family (all the Courtin-Clarins children are involved in the company in one way or another) without batting an eyelid. It was quite an experience!
Mr. Christian Courtin-Clarins is also very passionate about environment conservation and is personally involved in many Clarins’ CSR projects worldwide. For him, protecting nature is protecting our future for our future generation, and the Clarins group is very active in these endeavours. We are assured that they will keep innovating and developing their products to be better and kinder to the environment, as well as moving towards airless packaging and keeping prices affordable.
Dr. Olivier Courtain-Clarins has recently launched his book “Doctor, I want to be the fairest of them all”, a book containing 60 of the most asked beauty questions he receives, one for each year Clarins has been in existence (It’s in English!) It’s adorably illustrated, and proceeds will go towards arthritis research. I haven’t had any information on whether it’s available in Malaysia, but you can get it on the international Clarins websites.
I always end up with weird pictures of me like this all the time haha! Having my book autographed by the author himself, who looks a little perplexed!
It was a humbling experience to meet both these driving forces behind the global success of the Clarins brand, and to realise that they are unpretentious and very personable people who love what they do, who love their work, and who are passionate about their incidental pursuits and the growth of their company.
So there you have it. The highlights of the Clarins x MWS adventure with Paris in Paris haha! 😀 I had an amazing time, I learned a lot and I hope I’ve managed to share some of what I’ve learned with you, so you understand a little more about these Clarins Anti-Aging Treatment Essences and what they’re for.
Paris dreaming of Paris while cruising down the River Seine – I loved this shot! 😀 We waited so long for the flag to unfurl properly and I swear I was almost sunburnt!
I will be posting my review in about 2 weeks so I’d suggest you grab your sample now, give it a go and then in 2 weeks, come and share your thoughts with me.
GET YOUR SAMPLE! If you’d like to sample this Treatment Essence (I’m only posting my review in about 2 weeks from now so you can try it and share your experience when I share mine) CLICK HERE to get your sample (Malaysia only)!
They are available at counters from now, so go and have a play. Because some of you on Instagram asked, I checked with Clarins Paris and was told that the Treatment Essences are available only in Asia for now, because we are more receptive to a more complicated skincare routine. But who knows, they might expand to the rest of the world later, if people are receptive to the product! Now, go, get your sample and let me know if you enjoyed this post enough to try the product 😉
In February, Nepal is cold. In the mornings, in the shadows, after the sun goes down and whenever you’re indoors, it’s freezing. And most houses in Nepal don’t have central heating and rely on solar panels instead, so although there’s a certain amount of warmth when in the sunshine, the temperature drops rapidly when you’re out of it.
I spent a month in Kathmandu, where I volunteered at an orphanage and taught in the local school. I also spent a few days at Chitwan National Park and in Pokhara, but the vast majority of my time was spent in Kathmandu. So here are my packing tips for the capital city, suited in particular to travellers, volunteers and backpackers who aren’t going trekking.
Nota bene: The best tip for dressing in Nepal is to wear layers, in order to cope with a climate that changes throughout the day. That way you can strip off and layer up again, depending on the time and location. As a general rule of thumb, I always wore at least a top & long sleeved shirt, plus my fleece – and I always kept another layer in my bag too, just in case!
1 pair of jeans: warm enough to be worn in the chilly mornings/evenings or at work – plus they’re smart enough to teach in!
1 pair of lightweight full length or capri trousers: to wear during the day or when it’s particularly sunny.
1 pair of comfortable yoga pants (optional): great for long bus journeys, casual days or for some extra warmth in bed!
2 pairs of leggings: an extra layer under jeans or worn by themselves when it’s warmer.
>>Check out these great pants for traveling women.
4 – 6 tops: I took a range of strap tops, vests and sleeved t-shirts, but the tops/vests were only worn as base layers. It’s also a good idea to keep your shoulders covered, as Nepal is predominantly a Hindu country and the cultural norm dictates it.
2 long sleeved shirts/cardigans: a necessary layer addition to whatever top you’re wearing.
1 fleece: I lived in my fleece, so make sure it’s one you’re comfortable wearing a lot!
1 lightweight sweater: good for a quick extra layer that can be removed as necessary
1 waterproof jacket: I didn’t bring a waterproof with me and had to buy a fake North Face one in Thamel when the rains started. Check the weather forecast before you go, but definitely take a waterproof just in case.
5+ pairs of underwear: the exact amount is a personal preference, but do bear in mind that you could be hand washing (see below), so quick dry material is often a good suggestion.
2 – 3 bras: decide on colours when you’ve chosen what tops you’ll be packing.
Socks: I took about three pairs of socks to Kathmandu, and regretted not having more. I didn’t envisage that I’d be taking off my shoes in people’s unheated houses and wandering around the cold floors; my socks were filthy in no time, and it took me a while to find standard elasticated socks to buy instead of the typical thick hiking socks which didn’t fit inside my trainers!
* I didn’t take skirts or dresses with me to Nepal, but some of my tops were long enough to be worn over leggings. The Hindu culture doesn’t accept shoulders or knees being uncovered, plus I felt like teaching required me to be as smart as I could manage with my clothes collection – so trousers and tops sufficed.
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The only opportunity to wear my bikini was during the elephant bathing at Chitwan National Park. I still wore leggings and a t-shirt too, but it was sensible to be in my suit!
Lightweight trainers: I spent the majority of my time in waterproof trainers, but I did wish I had slightly nicer shoes to wear while teaching opposite the stunning female staff at my school, all dressed in saris.
Hiking shoes with ankle support: these are essential if you’re planning on trekking. Otherwise you can get away with just wearing trainers!
Sandals/flipflops: the condition of the Nepali roads and the cold, wet weather didn’t encourage my wearing of flipflops, but they were still useful for the shower and walking around the house. Although I did succumb to the sock/flipflop combo on a few cold occasions.
Razor: Although I embraced the hair during my time in Kathmandu, chances are you’ll want to remove yours.
Mooncup: I recently purchased one of these babies and now am a little bit in love with it. I took tampons to Nepal but they aren’t that easy to find on the ground so I’d definitely suggest investing in a Mooncup! (We’re big supporters of menstrual cups here at HPL, and especially the Diva Cup!)
In Nepal, almost all power is run via hydroelectricity, so a system of load shedding is in place, which provides energy to different areas of the city for a few hours at a time. Although there’s an official schedule for when the accompanying power cuts occur, it’s not strictly adhered to – and this often means a lack of hot water, no electric light and a difficulty in knowing exactly when to charge your electrical items.
Often you’ll find that your area doesn’t have any electricity during the night – so if you’re out all day, a sensible option is sometimes to leave your electronics plugged in and the outlet switched on. You won’t be overcharging your appliance or rinsing the electricity as chances are it will only be on for a few hours anyway!
Laptop or tablet (plus charger): An optional choice, but they’re great to back up photos, talk to friends and family over Skype, and blog about your adventures. There are plenty of internet cafes in Thamel though.
iPod (plus charger): Listening to music is a great way to relax or keep you company on long bus journeys. It’s also a great icebreaker with the person sitting next to you!
E-Reader (plus charger): Great for reading on the go.
Camera (plus charger): Indispensable if you want to take photos to show your family and friends back home. Plus Nepali children (and adults!) adore looking at photos of themselves!
Adapters: Because Nepal is a developing country, it has a few different types of socket, including the European and the Indian, so taking a universal travel adaptor is probably your best bet.
Sleeping bag and/or silk liner: Most guest houses and hostels will provide you with sheets and/or bedding, but I like to be prepared and at least have a liner with me. It’s an extra layer of warmth plus you know it’s clean!
A bandanna / scarf to cover your nose and mouth: Kathmandu has some of the most polluted air in the world, and if you don’t cover your face when walking around the city and weaving through the traffic, it’s absolutely certain that you’ll get a cough and/or a cold.
Sunglasses & sunscreen: I didn’t wear sunscreen for my first few days in Nepal because I was so cold I assumed the sun wasn’t strong. Then I endured a red, burnt nose to go with my head cold! The sun in Nepal is pretty high risk, so definitely keep a bottle of sunscreen to hand – and wear sunglasses when it’s bright.
Hat & gloves: Always good to have with you, but they can also be found in abundance in Thamel.
Head torch: I found mine indispensable in a number of situations; when the streetlights went out on a particularly pothole filled road; navigating my way through the house to the bathroom; and one particularly scary toilet experience.
Medicine (in particular, diarrhoea medication): Three days after I started my anti malarials (in preparation for travelling onwards to India) I came down with an acute attack of diarrhoea. I still don’t know if it was a direct side effect of my anti malarials but it lasted for about three weeks and was utterly horrific. You should never be without sachets of dioralytes and Imodium.
Refillable water bottle: The tap water is not safe to drink in Nepal, but you can often find filtrated water in large barrels at hostels, shops and hotel receptions, which charge a small fee to fill up your own bottle.
Eye mask and earplugs: The streets of Kathmandu can be very noisy, even at night. If you’re staying in a hostel then these two items are usually indispensable.
Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance) & spare passport photos: Because you never know when you might be asked to show them.
Thamel is the main tourist district of Kathmandu, and it’s stuffed to the gills with all the kit you’ll ever want or need for hiking; every slogan slapped across a tshirt for souvenir shopping; and brightly coloured pyjama trousers for attempting to blend in with the local hippies.
Bartering is expected in Nepal, and it’s advisable to be even more confident about the prices you haggle for in Kathmandu – and Thamel in particular. That said, there’s obviously a limit to how low you can go without taking it too far – most of the stall owners make very little money so it should be kept in mind.
In terms of beauty regimes, threading is very common in Nepal. So if you want some perfectly defined eyebrows while travelling then don’t hesitate to pop in to a local salon – and you might even make friends with the women working there!
There are plenty of launderettes in Thamel for clothes washing, but depending on where you stay you could find yourself doing a fair bit of hand washing in the ubiquitous wash tubs that live in every Asian bathroom. With this in mind, make sure you take some detergent or clothes soap – and perhaps consider if the clothes you take are quick dry or a real chore to wash by hand! After days of damp clothes littering my cold bedroom, I started wishing I’d brought slightly thinner material with me…
About the Author: Flora is a travelling storyteller with a self-penned obsession for the weirdnesses of the world. She chronicles her adventures at Flora The Explorer, but you can also find her waxing lyrical about various travelling oddities on Facebook and Twitter.
Read article : Inside the Weekend Home of Your Dreams
May 18, 2017
Your second (or third, or fifth) house should be a place where life is simpler, the design is a little bit more loose, and the shower has glass walls. So we asked renowned designer Russell Groves for tips on how to build your dream retreat.
You made it to "weekend home" status, which means you're a hard worker or you're in finance. Either way, congratulations! Now comes the tough part, where you have to find the perfect place to indulge your leisure time. Somewhere that feels different from your everyday living situation, a house that's comfortable and inspiring in equal measure. And truth is, the best way to get what you want is to create it your damn self. Just like one couple from Palo Alto did when they bought the jealousy-inducing mod-cabin you're looking at here.
When they first saw the place, it was mid-way through construction, had a distinct knockoff French chateaux vibe, and was larger than they were looking for—(12,000-square-feet!)—but the setting, all 250 acres of it, was too perfect to pass up. They were looking for a place to escape bustling city life, entertain their extended family and friends, and experience the outdoors. Russell Groves and his team spent more than two years gut renovating the property. What they—and Groves—aimed to do was open up the space, make the outdoors come indoors, and create an escape hatch "that allows comfort and privacy." Unless you're in the shower. (You'll see.)
"This meant plenty of bedrooms and baths, a large open kitchen, an extra large dining room table, recreational outdoor spaces, and a charming goes home that allows comfort and privacy," says Groves. Now, the home is, in the words of the owners, magical, elegantly causal, open, and peaceful. Some elements of the original facade, including the stone, remain.
Especially if you live in a city—most of Groves' clients are from Manhattan—you're probably looking for space, light, and air. That's not so hard to find. But don't just settle for the any old great outdoors. Hone in on the outdoors that gets you fired up, and work from there. "Adjacency to key elements, such as the beach, the woods, the lake, or the ski slopes is essential," says Groves.
Just like a vacation, a weekend home is a place to break out of your normal routines. Including your default design vibe. "A weekend home provides clients, and us as their designers, with the flexibility and opportunity to stray further from the 'conventional,'" notes Groves. "Since these homes are used less frequently, clients are willing to be more daring and experiment with furnishings, accessories and art that they love, but may not want for a primary residence." Which is how you get a black coffee table made of ebonized petrified wood, or a custom Groves & Co. chandelier in the entryway that "emulated the starry sky," according to owner Adam Weiss. That said, no need to make your house into a fever dream of over designed furniture or accessories. Here, vintage chairs by Mira Nakashima and ottomans accent the living area.
This is going to blow your mind: when you're higher up, you can see more. "When building a new home, it's best to build on the highest elevation point, sitting the home on an axis resulting in optimal light and views," says Groves. Here, in Napa, the house sits high on a crest of the Mayacamas Mountains, a 130-acre ridge, at an elevation of 1420 feet above sea level, on the valley’s western edge. The view from the pool—during sunrise, sunset, and every sun in between—would make every one of your Instagram followers hate you so much. Aim for that.
Particularly in a vacation house where guests will be wandering in and out through the day, the main hang-out space tends to be the kitchen, for an obvious reason: that's where the food is. Make sure yours is built for function and conversation. "Be sure to include an oversized island that provides ample room to prepare large family meals and for everyone to gather," advises Groves. An island-sized island lets everyone everyone gather around—and if they're smart, they'll take the hint to help with dinner.
You're here to breathe deep, so don't skimp on the windows, and consider the idea of a wall to be more a suggestion than a requirement. The porch is basically an extension of the living room, and looks out over the valley below. When the 70-foot retractable window wall is open—and it often is, because why wouldn't you if you could?—the rear porch and double-height great room become one big, beautiful chill space.
We all know that "out of office" is a cruel euphemism for "still doing work, just somewhere else," which explains why the owners opted to install a bona fide office into their escape home. By having a dedicated (but still laid back) workspace that's out of the way of friends, guests, and freeloading family members, they can take care of business fast, then get back to the real task at hand: day drinking.
Why? Because seating serve the double purpose of looking cool and setting the tone for how you'll use that space. Deep, cushy couches quietly invite people to sit and chat, or read a book. While stools in front of a fireplace (below) announce to guests that this is a house that appreciates s'mores.
Not necessarily sexy in the sex way, but sexy as in beautiful, relaxing, and, yeah, jaw-dropping. The master bathtub below is marble with a custom marble surround, behind a glassed-in shower with a view—and not just of who's inside. "Our favorite aspect of the master bath is how open it is to the outdoors, with infinite views of the peaked mountain tops," says owner Lynn Callaghan. And the guest bath (above) looks like it comes with an aperol spritz.
It's a getaway home. Bless it with at least one major (and potentially absurd) luxury that you would never shoehorn into your everyday mansion. In this instance, the owners went with a lavish master bath that opens up to a private outdoor spa, offering his-and-hers open-air showers and a secret garden—all linked to the master bedroom, which also has a meditation space. If a Zen stroll through some azaleas isn't your taste, that's fine. It's your house. Install the movie theater/bowling alley/illegal growing room of your dreams.
Whether or not your patio resembles that of a four-star hotel, you want someplace outdoors that you can gather round at night, drinks in hand, while telling old stories about each other that you'd never say in mixed company. And the key to this happening, more than the booze, is the fire. It's elemental, and magic, and extremely impressive if you can start one without using lighter fluid.
Read article : Escape to Four Seasons Silicon Valley Palo Alto
[esc] to the restaurant and wine bar. [Esc] is a clever play on the “escape” key on the top left of your computer keyboard, after all, we are in Silicon Valley! The sophisticated wine bar and lounge restaurant is buzzing with energy. House made charcuterie and local cheeses from purveyors such as Cowgirl Creamery, Cypress Grove & Point Reyes, will compliment a wide array of many California wines.
If this is a girls weekend or romantic getaway, book the Western Healing 60 minute massage, inspired by the California Redwoods. This signature massage uses a combination of essential oils with anti-aging and healing elements to help reduce inflammation and the woody aroma is calming and grounding. Before your spa treatment, grab a lounge chair by the pool and order a cocktail or cleansing juice if you’re opting for a detox weekend.
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For an extra fee ($175 during my visit) you can arrange for a private yoga class held on the pool deck. While there is thankfully no resort fee, valet parking will set you back $24 or the self park option is $12. Good news dog lovers, the property is pet-friendly and there is no charge for your well-behaved dog!
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With 200 rooms, there are plenty of luxurious options. My Executive Suite King #902 had a view of the bay (and Highway 101) but with triple pane glass, you could only hear the faintest of, what sounded like, white noise. Watching the sunrise from my bed was had with the simple push of a button to raise the blackout shades electronically. In the bathroom there was a separate tub and shower with Mer & Mistral amenities from L’Occitane in France. Frankly, I was a little surprised that the Four Seasons didn’t opt for a local soap maker, but you gotta love L’Occitane products.
In addition to esc (Escape), there’s also Quattro restaurant, featuring Italian cuisine. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner are offered in this contemporary restaurant. My butter poached lobster appetizer, with chantrelle mushrooms, baby artichokes and black garlic was as pretty to look at as it was to eat.
Need to know Checkin 3:00 p.m. Check out noon (late check out upon request on weekends)
Complimentary Wi-Fi, additional fee for super fast speeds because…we’re in Silicon Valley. Rooms feature slippers and plush robes, hairdryer, tv & mini fridge. I loved the USB ports in the majority of the lamps; thank you Silicon Valley.
Inside tips: If you arrive on Friday, look for oysters & caviar in [esc] wine bar. My other favorite thing: PLUM. This at home wine preservation device is making its way into select hotels with the Four Seasons rolling out the first machines into executive hotel rooms. After a long day of meetings or to celebrate in the privacy of your room, Plum chills and preserves wine, allowing guests to pour the perfect glass every time. The machine holds two bottles, including background information on the varietal, vineyard and winemaker. I anticipate this good-looking appliance will be showing up in a lot of luxury properties and high-end homes. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and @fspaloalto on Instagram.
Adding a basement bathroom is a big, complicated project. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Thousands of DIYers successfully tackle the job every year, and so can you.
We will focus on installing the “DWV” system (drain, waste and vent), which is the most difficult part of plumbing a basement bathroom. The DWV system requires some hard labor—breaking up concrete—and enough know-how to construct it so waste will be carried away without problems. You supply the labor; this article will supply the know-how.
The materials for the DWV system shown here cost about $250. Plumbers’ labor rates vary a lot by region, but most licensed pros would charge $1,200 to $2,000 for a job similar to the one shown here.
Break through the concrete to verify that the main line is where you think it is and that it’s deep enough to allow adequate downhill slope in the new drain lines.
You’ll have to connect new drain lines to an existing line under the basement. So before you can do any real planning, you have to find that line. First, locate the “main stack,” the large (3 or 4 in. diameter) vertical pipe that runs into the basement floor. From there, the pipe runs under the floor and out to the city sewage system under the street. But it may run at an angle rather than straight out to the street. Look for a cleanout plug along the street-facing wall of the basement. If you find one, that’s most likely the spot where the line exits your home. And usually, the line runs straight from the main stack to the cleanout.
If you have a private septic system, your main line will run toward the location of the drain field. If you’re unsure where the line is, you have a couple of options. You can punch through the floor where you think it is (Photo 1). You might end up enlarging that hole or breaking a second exploratory hole, but that’s not as bad as it sounds; all it will cost you is some wasted time and a couple of extra bags of concrete mix when you patch the floor. Your second option is to get a plumber to help. In most areas, a brief house call will cost you $75 to $150. Some plumbers have access to high-tech equipment that locates lines precisely, but expect to pay $200 for that service.
Drain lines require a downhill slope of at least 1/4 in. per linear foot (see note below) so that waste flows smoothly through the pipes. To determine if your plan allows for that, take a few measurements:
A: The depth of the center of the main line (at the tie-in point). B: The future depth of the horizontal pipe beneath the drain.
Now do a little math: (A – B) x 4 = the maximum length (in feet) of the drain line, from the main to the end of the horizontal pipe under the drain. If A is 13 in. and B is 10 in., for example, the maximum length of the drain line is 12 ft. (13 – 10 = 3; 3 x 4 = 12).
Once you’ve located the line, you’ll have to make sure it’s deep enough to allow downward slope in the new drain lines that will run from your future bathroom. Then grab a pencil and mark out the whole bathroom on the basement floor: walls, toilet, sink, shower and finally the drain lines.
Consider it all a preplan at this point. Chances are, you’ll have to make some changes as the plan develops. You may want to mock up sections of the system and lay them out on the basement floor using sections of pipe and an assortment of fittings. When the whole system is planned, mark it out on the floor. For photo clarity, we marked out bold lines on the floor. But simple spray paint is fine for drain lines.
A cast iron pipe snapper works by tightening a cutting chain until the pipe cracks. They’re available at tool rental stores. Old cast iron pipe can crush rather than crack. If that happens, you’ll have to abandon the snapper and cut the slow way: with a reciprocating saw. If you have plastic pipe, cutting into the main is quick and easy with a reciprocating saw.
A plain old sledgehammer will bust up a basement floor. Breaking through at the tie-in point (see Photo 1) may take a few dozen whacks. But once you have a starter hole, the job gets easier because the concrete has space to crack and break off. Within a few minutes, you’ll learn to aim your blows and bust out a neat trench line. Pick out the larger chunks of concrete as you go. Ideally, most of your trench will be just wide enough for your spade. When digging, toss the dirt on a pile separate from the larger chunks of concrete. You don’t want big chunks in the soil you’ll use for backfill later.
After completing the trenches for the new lines, cut into the main line so you can install a Y-fitting. Our tie-in point was near an existing hub, so we cut out the hub. Make sure no one runs water (or flushes!) while the line is open.
Slip rubber couplers onto the main line, insert the Y-fitting, slide the couplers over the joints and tighten the bands. Then plug the inlet and grant your family the freedom to flush again.
The location of the drains and vents is critical—check and double-check your work before you glue joints together. Determine where the exact location of the shower drain will be after the walls are framed. Cap open pipes to keep sewer gas out of your home. Don’t bury the lines until the building inspector has approved your work.
Backfill the trench with soil and screed 3 in. of concrete over it. Pack the soil firmly so it won’t settle later. Smooth the concrete with a steel trowel.
Begin the drain system by cutting into the main line (Photo 2) and splicing in a Y-fitting (Photo 3). We used a no-hub cast iron Y-fitting to tie into our cast iron main. But you can use a plastic Y-fitting instead if you glue short sections of pipe into the Y-fitting to accommodate the rubber couplers. Use that same method to tie into a plastic main.
For your DWV system, you can use ABS plastic (as we did; Photo 4) or PVC. Both are easy to cut and join. The hard part of any underground pipe work is building branches that end up exactly where you want them while maintaining a constant slope of at least 1/4 in. per running foot.
Here are tips to help you get it right:
Buy twice as many fittings as you think you’ll need and a few types that you don’t think you’ll need. Return the leftovers when the job is done.
If you don’t have a torpedo level, buy one (see Photo 7). It’s the handiest tool for checking the slope of pipes.
When a section of pipe is complete, pack dirt under and around it to keep it from shifting as you build other sections.
Know the “rough-in” of your toilet (the distance from the wall to the center of the drain, most likely 12 in.). Don’t forget to account for the thickness of framing and drywall.
Backfill the trenches with care (Photo 5). You want to pack the soil tightly to prevent settling later, but be sure not to move the pipes as you tamp the soil.
After framing the bathroom walls, assemble the vent lines. We ran our vent lines below the floor joists and later framed a lower ceiling to hide the pipes.
Set the shower pan in place and measure from the walls to determine the exact location of the drain. Assemble the drain and trap without glue. Then set the pan in place again to check your work before you finally glue up the fittings.
The vent system is a lot simpler than the drain system. We ran vent lines under the floor joists (Photo 6) and framed in a lower ceiling later. If you want to preserve ceiling height by running pipes through the joists, you’ll have to bore some large holes, which can weaken the joists. To avoid that, see “How to drill through floor joists.”
In most basements, you can tie your new vent system into the line that vents the laundry sink. Our plumbing inspector allowed us to connect our new 2-in. vent line to an existing 1-1/2-in. vent. Before cutting a section out of the old steel vent, we installed extra metal strapping to support the pipe during and after cutting.
Note: Plumbing codes vary by locality. The rules we give in this article generally follow the strictest codes. Your local rules may be more lenient about issues like vent sizing, the choice of fittings, etc.
Use a T-fitting in drain lines to connect a horizontal pipe to vertical pipes. It can also be used to tie vent lines into horizontal drains or to join vent lines.
In the drain system, use a Y-fitting to connect horizontal pipes (Photo 3). Along with a 45-degree “street” fitting, you can use a Y-fitting to run vertical drainpipes into horizontal pipes as shown. A Y-fitting can also be used in vent systems.
A standard L-fitting is used for horizontal-to- vertical flow in drain systems.
A “sweep” or “long-turn” L-fitting is OK for almost any situation and is required in two situations: horizontal-to-horizontal turns and vertical-to-horizontal turns (as shown). But it can be used in any situation where space allows.
Standard fittings have hubs that fit over pipes. A street fitting has a “streeted” end that fits into a hub, so you can connect it directly to another fitting without using a section of pipe. That saves labor and space.
What size drainpipe should I use? The toilet requires 3-in. or larger. Use 2-in. for the others; pipes smaller than 2 in. aren’t allowed beneath a concrete slab.
A vent L-fitting can be used anywhere in the vent system, but only in the vent system—never where waste flows. The other two types of L-fittings are OK for venting, too.
What’s the vent for? A plumbing vent is kind of like the air intake on a gas can; it lets in air. Without venting, a slug of sewage racing through a waste line creates air pressure and vacuum in the pipe. That means noisy, gurgling drains. Even worse, vacuum can suck all the water out of traps, allowing sewer gas to flow freely into your home. Yuck.
Vent-to-trap distance—there’s a limit Every drain needs a trap, and every trap needs a vent. The maximum distance between the trap and vent depends on the diameter of the pipe.
Memorize these distances for midterm exams:
For 1-1/4″ pipe, the max. horizontal distance to vent is 30″ For 1-1/2″ pipe, the max. horizontal distance to vent is 42” For 2″ pipe, the max. horizontal distance to vent is 5′ For 3″ pipe, the max. horizontal distance to vent is 6′ For 4″ pipe, the max. horizontal distance to vent is 10′
Note: A toilet has a built-in trap, so it doesn’t need one in the drain line. It still needs a vent, though.
Can vents run horizontally? Yes, but horizontal vent lines must be at least 6 in. above the “spill line,” which is the level where water would overflow the rim of a sink, tub or toilet.
What size vent pipes do I need? A typical bathroom like the one we show (sink, toilet, shower or tub) requires a 2-in. vent. You could run smaller pipes to the sink or shower, but it’s usually easier to use one size for the whole system.
AUTHOR: Amy Whitley is the founding editor of Pit Stops for Kids and content editor of Trekaroo. She writes on staff monthly as a 
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