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Physical Fitness And Healthy Eating – A Simple Plan For Surfing Success

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Physical fitness is a must for good surfing. How do you get in shape and prepare yourself for the surfing season? How do you stay in shape to be ready when the next good swell arrives? What are the ingredients for you to be physically fit? In this article, I will lay out a plan that will be suitable for the majority of the surfers. Physical fitness should be incorporated in your surfer’s lifestyle. The Baja Surf Club Invitational was the first surf contest to promote friendship and solidarity between two countries.

For the majority of surfers, your surfing is limited to weekends and for most of you, the surfing season, which is normally spring, summer, and the autumn time of the year. Some of you who are deeply occupied with work and raising a young family will only surf when you are on vacation or at most once a week or every other week. Many of you live a long way from your surf spots, which makes it very difficult for you to get in the water.

The important thing is for you to be in good physical condition to paddle and surf when the occasion arises. Once you have the proper surfboard type and surfing accessories, you need to be in decent shape so that when you get in the water you have enough energy to paddle out into the break and get a good wave count. If you are exhausted from the initial paddle out and are not able to keep paddling out through the surf after each wave, you are going to have a terrible session. What a bummer.

How do you prepare for surfing if you are a weekend or vacation surfer? You stay in the gym with a good workout regimen, you do cardiovascular exercise and you learn to eat properly.

What is a good workout for surfing? I believe that every muscle group should be worked out each week. The muscle groups are the chest, shoulders, back, legs, arms and core. Your workout regimen will depend on the time you have available. If you can spend an hour in the gym 5 days a week, you can do a different muscle group each day. If you can make it only 3 days a week, you will have to double up on the muscle groups during each workout.

Some of you can only go to the gym one or two days a week. What do you do? Well, you are going to have to supplement your workouts in the gym with exercises and or workouts at home or in your office. The main thing is to “just do it” as Nike says.

I would suggest that when you initially start working out with weights that you hire a professional trainer if you can afford to do so. If you cannot afford a trainer, workout with a friend who is familiar with weight training or go online and research workouts for the different muscle groups. One very important thing to remember is to start out with very light weights and do a lot of repetitions. You are not doing this to be a body builder. You are working out to get and maintain all parts of your body in good physical condition. You want to build muscle tone and not muscle mass.

Working out at home or in your office can be very productive also. You can do pushups, abdominal crunches, leg squats and all kinds of exercises with bungees. You can also practice pop-ups where you lay flat on your stomach and with your arms you pop-up to your feet and take a surfers stance in one motion. It is very important for you to get your shoulders, back, legs and core muscles in good shape. In addition, you should also take fast walks or even running during your work breaks, that is, if there is a shower facility available. You need to build up your wind by doing cardiovascular exercising because paddling your surfboard requires lung capacity and endurance.

Eating properly is also another key to good physical conditioning, good health and good surfing. Not eating properly will result in either being overweight or being too skinny and underweight and weak. If you do not eat properly, your body will not be strong and you will not have the endurance necessary for surfing.

Here is a sample menu of daily proper eating:

General MENU Suggestion: (See special note below)

Start each day with 1 or 2 cups of green tea

Meal #1. 1/3 Cup Oatmeal w/small banana (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries), shot of honey, and soy milk, 4 egg whites fried in olive oil (first 4 months) (1 egg yoke after), one pineapple spear (mango, papaya, grapes)

#2. 1 cup brown rice, one tomato, 2 stalks celery (or green beans, spinach or broccoli), one bbq’d skinless chicken thigh with fat trimmed off or meat substitute, sliced mango or pineapple if available.

#3. one bbq’d skinless chicken thigh, meat, or fish, ½ boiled yam/potato/brown rice, green beans, spinach or broccoli, tomato

#4. Afternoon snack: celery stalks/apple with peanut butter or walnuts/almonds and dried cranberries

#5. Salad with tomatoes, scallions, chopped celery, hard boiled egg, 2 table spoons cottage cheese, one skinless chicken thigh. (or as an alternative, a bowl of broccoli, tomatoes,onions, avocado, chopped chicken with balsamic vinegar dressing, walnuts/almonds and dried cranberries) Mix it up!

#6. ½ cup cottage cheese with blueberries, blackberries, or tomato and celery, scallions, broccoli (all optional)

You can substitute wild ocean fish (also, canned tuna fish or salmon) for chicken. You can also eat lean meat about once a week.

Drink 8 oz. glass of room temperature water with each meal, except at night… drink water all day between meals! You can substitute green tea.

Note: all cooking is done with extra virgin olive oil.

Special Note: Gals, smaller kids, and Baby Boomers may want to cut these portions to smaller quantities.

NO SUGAR, BREAD, BOOZE, SOFT DRINKS, AVOID PROCESSED FOOD, ETC.

This sounds boring, but once you get acclimated you will enjoy the food and wonder how you could have abused yourself by eating the “normal” way. Once in a while it’s OK to have a hamburger and French fries or you favorite dessert, but keep it to a minimum.

Take this menu as a recommendation and not gospel. I give this to you from personal experience and at the advice of my personal trainer who is trained and very knowledgeable in nutrition. I changed my eating habits four years ago and adopted the menu I laid before you. Over a period of time, I lost 30 lbs and my waist size dropped 4 inches. I have been able to maintain my weight and my surfing and daily life has improved greatly.

I believe that proper eating is actually more important than physical training, but the two go hand in hand. If you look around you, you will see the majority of the population abusing their bodies by over eating. It is very hard on one’s body to be carrying around extra baggage in the form of weight. It’s hard on your joints and makes physical activity like surfing very difficult.

Get in shape, stay in shape and enjoy your surfing sessions. Enjoy how you look and feel. Carry physical training and proper eating over to your everyday life style and you will be surfing waves with more precision and you will definitely be Surfing Life, feeling much better physically and mentally.

Oak Street Surf was founded by Chuck Herpick, a Stanford graduate and former Naval Aviator, an accomplished surfer who has spent his lifetime in or near the ocean surfing most of the California and Hawaii breaks over the many years.

Chuck has been a friend and associate with legendary surfer Tom Morey who invented the Morey Boogie Board. Together, he and Tom have designed and made many different types of soft and hard surfboards and other surfing products.

Oak Street Surf, [http://www.oakstreetsurf.com], is an online surf shop representing the latest surfboard products. You can get a good review of top of the line surfboard types and designs including bodyboards, skimboards, SUPs and Custom longboards and shortboards.

Visit Oak Street Surf to discuss in detail the various options for you to ensure that you select the proper surfboard type and design that will bring you surfing fun and success.

Chuck believes that surfing, whether it is bodysurfing, boogie boarding, board surfing, skimboarding or riding a Standup Paddleboard (SUP) will change your life forever. You will be able to apply the love you will obtain from surfing to everything you do and will learn how to Surf Life! What a joy!!

Visit Oak Street Surf at [http://www.oakstreetsurf.com], the one-stop online surfboard and surfing equipment store, to find out more about surfboards, surfing, Standup Paddle boards, and what types and designs of water sports products are available. You will be able to talk to the experts with over 70 years of surfing experience. Visit the site now!

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Northwestern University Hosts Community Picnic

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About 1,000 neighbors from Evanston community come for summer fun

Pictured (left to right): Nim Chinniah, Executive Vice President; Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl; President Morton Schapiro; and Alan Anderson, Executive Director of Neighborhood and Community Relations

EVANSTON, Ill. — About 1,000 neighbors and guests from the Evanston area flocked to campus this weekend to enjoy a Community Picnic hosted by Northwestern University, featuring popular food from favorite local Evanston businesses. If you’ve ever wondered what picnic lunch ideas foods to pack for your fun summer excursion, we have the answer, my answer is Popuppicnic.com.au

The picnic on the east lawn of Norris University Center — with Lake Michigan glistening in the sunshine nearby — was hosted by Nim Chinniah, executive vice president of Northwestern, and the University’s office of Neighborhood and Community Relations.

Alan Anderson, executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations, thanked attendees for coming to the Community Picnic Saturday (June 25) in celebration of the Evanston community. He noted, “We were honored to host you and are energized by the partnership we are building.”

Northwestern President Morton Schapiro and Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl joined Chinniah and Anderson to welcome attendees to the picnic. They sang the praises of the popular food provided, which included fare from Hecky’s Barbecue and Andy’s Frozen Custard, two of Evanston’s favorite eateries, and from Northwestern Catering.

Families lined up to scoop up barbecue and pulled pork. Couples ate their hamburgers, hot dogs and frozen custard at tables on the lawn and on the grass along the lakefront pathway by the lagoon beside Norris. Many arrived on bicycles and wandered among the food tents to enjoy the generous spread.

The fun activities for children included a bounce house, balloon animals, croquet, cotton candy and face painting.

In addition, the University provided composting collection bins, and all of the serving ware was reusable, setting a sustainable tone for the picnic.

“The city of Evanston and Northwestern University are inextricably linked, and our success depends upon this strong partnership,” Anderson said in a thank-you note after the event. “We pledge to be intentional in everything we do and to always strive to strengthen this important relationship with you — our neighbors and partners.

“You helped to make the picnic a success, and we hope to see you again soon at future campus events,” he added. “Have a safe and enjoyable summer!”

Northwestern’s office of Neighborhood and Community Relations connects people and organizations to University resources to build a stronger, more unified Evanston. Learn more about its work by visiting the Neighborhood and Community Relations website.

How Will Digital Signage Drive Customer Experiences in The Future?

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Since the so-called “mad men” era of marketing that instigated a flood of mass advertising, marketing communications have undergone tremendous changes in terms of presentation and customer experiences. And with the rise of digital signage, the paradigm has shifted from promotions to personalized and immersive experiences for customers. It focuses on engaging customers after catching their attention. Increasingly, organizations are leveraging the latest developments in the digital sign industry for informing, engaging, and entertaining customers. In this regard, they are consistently striving to create useful content. Absolutesignsolutions.com.au is a signage Sydney based company, they design, manufacture and install quality signs locally.

But even compelling content needs a digital device to make it all happen-securely, reliably, and with affordable quality. That’s why searching for digital signage media players is one of the most important aspects of the digital media puzzle. The latest crop of media player technologies is enabling richer experiences. Some key trends to be watched in this domain are:

Real-Time Content Streaming

Integrating rich media and real-time content streaming creates a dynamic digital experience. Digital signage technology functions as a presentation platform ideally suited to sharing immersive content on embedded-graphic devices using IP. From live video streaming to audio content, there are many possibilities to be explored in this domain. The latest media players come equipped with the capability of functioning as IP streaming servers that connect 4K (UHD) content directly to presentation screens or video walls. This kind of display that easily scales larger than life is useful for training, entertaining, instructing, and promoting products and services in a fun, immersive way.

Enhanced Mixed-Media Experiences

Digital marketers and advertisers often need ways to enhance content relevance, and employing a content principle called “sticky” is a tried and true technique that meets this need. Considering this for digital signage, media players play a significant role by enabling widgets that source useful information that is often location specific, or event specific, or whatever is relevant at a given time and place. For example, when used at a ski resort, a digital sign placed near a lift queue gives riders specific weather conditions at the peak. Or, in a warm and cozy bar, an on-screen reminder may pop-up that lets everyone know their favorite craft brew is half-price between 3-6 PM. These kinds of sticky on-screen presentations provide better communication by being relevant to the audience. When searching for digital signage media players, seek out devices that support widget or app technology.

Cloud-Based Deployment and Security

Up until recently, swapping SD cards (memory) on digital signage media players was the most common technology for updating media playlists. SD cards are relatively inexpensive, are easy to copy for multiple locations, and are reliable. Unfortunately, updating media players by swapping SD cards does not gain much more usability than shipping around VHS tapes like we did 20 years ago. Today, there is a much better method available. The best digital signage media players use ubiquitous cloud technology that offers secure, effective, instantaneous, and scalable deployment. These cloud networks have overcome severe challenges for the deployment and security of the content. Hence, this new approach to digital signage is gaining momentum in the industry. As a result, businesses are experiencing more transparency, more cost savings, and lesser maintenance costs on their digital signage systems.

Mobile-Friendliness

When searching for digital signage media players today, don’t forget to put mobile interactivity on the checklist! With the integration of NFC and Beacon technology into these systems, retailers are enhancing their engagement with existing and potential customers. The two-way communication between media players and customers through their mobile devices helps by sending more personalized messages to the users. This targeted approach has improved the overall experiences and maximized the impact of digital signage technology. Indeed, this technology makes “location” one of the relevant factors in marketing, potentially reducing the annoyance that comes from a barrage of unwanted ads or messages. The right kinds of incentives may also prompt customer buy-in, which can lead to social sharing, and ultimately, can help build goodwill when tied to corporate purpose.

Advertising on Digital Signage Media Players

Considering how often advertising needs updating-think daily-the process of managing ad content on media players can be truly daunting for media managers. If this is your primary reason for deploying digital signage, then it is important to search for software systems that allow easy tagging of content and assignment to media players. Once again, cloud-based digital signage media players make all of this so much easier than in the recent past. A better system today is managed over a web browser. It should have multiple zones with assignable admin privileges for those zones. It should support nested playlists that can be triggered with external inputs such as weather conditions, traffic conditions, or some other variable, such as inventory, etc. These scheduled or triggered ads ensure that relevant, targeted content gets delivered to specified audiences.

These are some of the trends shaping the future of this industry. Yes, there are still elements of the Wild West in digital signage, so you should be leery of gimmicky pricing schemes that promise the world for free, old technology, or inferior technology that makes your screen blue and turns your face red. When searching for digital signage media players, prefer the system that is in sync with your needs and makes sense from a corporate viewpoint-not a consumer viewpoint.

David Little is the owner of Little & Associates LLC that specializes in marketing techniques that stimulate business growth. David developed a strong background in emerging digital technologies as a product engineer during the advent of digital video before becoming involved with marketing in the high-tech industry for the last 18 years. Today, he enjoys applying his marketing insight to overcome business stagnation, create growth solutions, and enhance customer experiences. For further insight on how digital signage can help your business communicate, visit Keywest Technology. Or, simply call 800-331-2019 or email [email protected] for expert digital signage assistance.

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Enlightening Findings About Home Inspections

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Let’s face it: For most people, the subject of home inspections is anything but a fun subject. However, it is an important subject. Increasingly, new home-buyers are required to make sure that their homes are up to a certain standard. Furthermore, it’s in your own health interests to make sure that the new house comes up to those standards. So while it might not be terribly exciting, you would be well-advised to learn about this subject. A pre-purchase building inspectors Melbourne conducted by a qualified inspector can provide home buyers with a number of invaluable insights.

Back in 2001, a study was conducted by the Market Enhancement Group (or MEG) about home inspections. While that was seven years ago, it’s the most exhaustive examination of the subject that has been conducted, before or since. The results of the study were enlightening.

First let’s discuss the methodology of the study. It was done through MEG’s omnibus poll. This poll consisted of 1,000 phone interviews which were divided equally among four regions of the United States, with 250 persons in each of these regions: the Northeast, the Midwest, the South, and the West. Those who responded to the survey were all U.S. consumers who had bought a house within the 18 months prior to the survey. There was a margin of error in the study of plus or minus 3.4 percent.

Now let’s look at who the study found obtained an inspection. According to the study, 77 percent of recent house buyers had gotten a house inspection before they bought their homes. Seventy-nine percent had attended this inspection and participated in it. An astounding 97 percent said they felt the inspection was worth what they paid for it.

Only a tiny fraction — 23 percent — of home-buyers said they’d bought a new house without getting an inspection. Of those who did buy one, most selected their inspectors after receiving a recommendation for him or her from their real estate agent (69 percent).

Of those who hired an inspector, 43 percent did so only after their real estate agent suggested they do so; however, the majority, 57 percent, did so of their own volition.

Now let’s consider the differences that the survey found according to geographical location. Those buying a new home in the Western region had the highest incidence of hiring a home inspector, at 81 percent. The South follows closely at 80 percent, with the Midwest next at 77 percent and he Northeast Region at 70 percent.

Just at those in the West had the highest incidence of hiring inspector, they also had te highest rate of selecting a home inspector after a real estate agent recommended the person.

However, home-buyers in the South

o For home buyers getting a home inspection, the percentage of inspections conducted at their personal request was highest in the South Region (65%) and the West Region (60%), followed by the Midwest Region (53%) and the Northeast Region (47%).

o For home buyers getting a home inspection, the percentage of inspections conducted at the real estate agent’s request was highest in the Northwest Region (53%).
What this study shows us is that there are a whole lot of people who choose not to have their houses inspected–and of those who do hire an inspector, many do so only after a real estate agent suggests one. This means that many home-buyers are not yet independently convinced of the need for such an inspection. But here are some reasons–and areas of your house–that call for an inspection.

1) A home needs the exterior inspected. If a roof is just now starting to age, then the subtle defects and damages are probably not going to be readily apparent to you, a novice on the subject. They can be found by a qualified inspector, though. Keep in mind that you’ll spend several thousand dollars resurfacing a roof if you wait too long. The same holds true for the siding. Finding problems while they’re still minor can save you big bucks.

2) A home just as urgently needs the interior inspected. For instance, you don’t want to wait until after you’ve moved in all your furniture to discover that your basement floods easily. It’s important to have an inspector check the basement for any clues of possible water intrusion, like a damp odor, mildew, water stains, etc.

Also on the interior, the house should be checked for proper ventilation and insulation. What many people don’t understand is that inferior ventilation, particularly in the attic, can actually accelerate the deterioration of your roof deck. This can cost a lot of money to fix, if you wait too long.

The interior inspection would also include a check of the paint surface, to make sure it does not contain lead paint.

3) And finally, a house needs to have its electrical work and plumbing inspected. You need a qualified inspector to check for problems such as over fused circuits, burned wiring, poor wiring connections, amateur-installed wiring, openings in the wall where a young one could put his or her fingers, and dead-ended / exposed wiring.

As for plumbing, you need an inspector who can look for old lead pipes or galvanized steel ones. Replacing bad ones could be costly. Naturally, he’ll also look for leaks and, using a moisture meter, he’ll evaluate plaster or wall board suspected of having damage caused by leaks. Many plumbing issues are not clearly visible to the average house-owner, which is why it’s so essential to have a professional–one who knows where to look and what to look for — do it for you.

There are many other responsibilities for a professional inspector. However, these are some of the crucial issues, and they are ones that any knowledgeable expert will be able to investigate. Most importantly, they are issues that, if left to an amateur, could result in expensive repairs in the not-too-distant future. Sure, hiring an inspector will cost money–but it’s quite likely that it will save you more than it costs.

Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspections (866) 476-2056
Copyright © 2008 Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspectors,
2008 All Rights Reserved

Please visit my inspection mega-site for more information about my full service home inspection and environmental testing company. We service Brooklyn, Queens, New York, Manhattan, Staten Island, Nassau County, Yonkers and the Bronx. You may also wish to visit my learning library which is packed with great tips and advice for buyers, sellers and homeowners alike. Lastly, you can also take advantage of my VIP referrals for vendors in over 50 home related trades, where your satisfaction is assured and the inspection of vendors completed workmanship or products is conducted on your behalf for free; visit my site for more details or call toll free 866-476-2056.

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Keeping Your Travel Plans Clearly On Target

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There are countless new places that you can visit. The ability to experience people and cultures that differ from your own is exciting, but don’t forget that there are also smaller excursions to enjoy. There are exciting adventures even near you if you have an idea of where to look. To make the most of a ski Canada deals with Bluepowder.com.au, you may wish to visit one of the four main national parks – Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho.

Leave what valuables you can at home.

Keep written notes of all important documents when you travel abroad.You could possibly need this information while you encounter legal troubles. They can help with the issues you in resolving your problem.

Create a packing list of what to pack.

Be aware of certain food allergies when you visit a foreign country or new place. If you experience severe reactions to certain foods, it is a good idea to learn some words for food in the native language. This will give you to communicate to others what foods that you are trying to avoid.

Always go out of your way to tip the housekeeper and bellboys.

The markup on these conveniently sized products is disproportionate compared to the amount of space that you save. Try to be more efficient way to pack instead. These techniques will help you create additional space in a smaller space.

You could be covered if a cancelled flight is canceled. It pays to conduct some research before you leave.

Travel can be a way to educate your family members.As long as you are careful, the developing world can be a good place to visit, as they can offer extremely enlightening experiences for your children and you.

Avoid driving in rush hours of any city when setting out on your trip.If you can’t plan your trip where you won’t be driving during rush hour, stop at that time for a meal or rest. This can be the time to go grab a bite.

When traveling abroad, prepare in advance for emergencies, such as a lost passport. The United States maintain website where you can locate information and contact them if need be.The US State Department website can put you in touch with the local US Consulate or Embassy in the area in which you are often traveler’s aid societies. Take this documentation on your vacation. You will get a replacement in a couple of days.

Always look at the expiration dates on your passports. Many countries have rules concerning your passport. Many will not let you entry into the country if your passport expires soon.

It is typically more expensive to book this parking the lot and park.

Plan service stops when going on a road trip.When traveling by car, you can run across long stretches in which there are not many stops or any stops for helping you to maintain or service your vehicle. Plan your route around repair places that can fix your vehicle. Keep their phone numbers close at hand for quick reference.

Sometimes hotel walls in hotels are really thin. A great set of earplugs can filter out excess noise and give you a restful night’s sleep.

If you’re going to a foreign country, put food allergies in the language of the country you are visiting. This will give your waiters to know what you are able to eat. These cards are very helpful and allow you to really enjoy your food much more pleasurable eating experience when you’re away.

Make sure you bring a small pillows and blanket when traveling. Whether you travel via rail, air, bus or car, a pillow and blanket will make your trip a lot more comfortable. Airlines usually provide them, but many run out. Bringing your own along gives you feel confident that it is not dirty.

Don’t put your child in the aisle on a plane. Make sure that you or a friendly adult is there to sit in the inside. Children are very curious and can hurt themselves if they decide to reach into the aisle while a cart coming through. They won’t run away if you are in the aisle.

If you are on a particularly long flight, even if you are getting up for no reason. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause blood clots and actually harm your muscles.

Before you fly in, look up nearby banks that do currency exchanges, as they often provide better rates.

Make sure the clock in your hotel room works properly before you go to sleep. You want to make sure the person who was staying in the room last had it set to.

Make sure that you are aware of what the carry-on luggage. Most airline allow passengers to carry a small suitcase in addition to a laptop bag on board. Make good use of that so you keep all the important things with you!

If you are planning on leaving the country, make sure to purchase your electric adapter here before you leave. If you wait to buy one until you arrive at the airport or your destination, you will pay a premium for the convenience.

If you’re driving a sizable distance to your destination, you may want to use a rental car. You don’t want to put your car.

Plan your travel well when traveling by road.You can use the trip online or visit a travel club or insurance agent to create your itinerary.This will allow you to get good deals on food and excursions.

When you pack for your vacation, try packing light by planning what you desire to do and where you want to go.Efficiency ensures a good trip that is both fun and enjoyable.

The Earth is truly gigantic. From the everyday to the exotic, there is a perfect destination for every taste and interest. No matter where you want to go, there is a great place just waiting for you.

Tips To Make Arts And Crafts More Fun

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Do you wish to dazzle others with special arts and crafts? Maybe you want to try something new and make it a nice showpiece around your home. There are a lot of cool ideas out there in the crafting world. Continue reading this article for great tips! Concept Artists can also work freelance nowadays because of the comfort working at home.

Try not to be critical of kids when they do arts and crafts activities. The idea of doing these projects is to encourage creativity. They won’t if you’re constantly telling them they are doing something wrong.

Washable markers are some other options.

Beadaholique offers you a way to find everything they need to create custom jewelry. There is a large selection of beads and chains to make some excellent looking jewelry. A lot fashion today include the addition of costume jewelry.

Look on the internet for ideas for crafting. The Internet has several websites that you can get ideas of exciting new projects. You will find stuff that any age group can complete.

Be sure to keep all supplies for your craft projects are organized. There are a lot of possibilities when it comes to organization, but find a way that works for you. It will also make it where you know what you have.

Your kitchen is a lot of potential in providing you with arts and craft materials. There are many crafts and arts gems out there to do in crafts. You can use metal cans, empty jars, empty glass jars, and much more. Dried foods like beans and pasta could be a material you can use also.

If you change your mind about your oil painting picture, paint right over it. Oil won’t harm the surface because it’s adaptable. It can make your painting more depth.

Roll the pinecone in birdseed when the sticky peanut better still has adhesiveness. The seeds stick to the peanut butter, even after drying, so if you just attach a string, then you can just enjoy watching birds feast in your yard.

Use a spirograph to show kids how patterns in drawings work.

Look for learning opportunities when crafting with kids. You can guide them in adding and subtracting things, adding and subtracting, get them to read instructions, or a number of other tasks that will help them learn while enjoying the fun!

Buy your supplies wholesale if need lots of supplies. You will pay more for supplies if you get them at specialty shops and big retailers. If you can get your supplies wholesale, you can purchase large quantities at great savings.

Never ditch the packaging of anything you buy. You can recycle and reuse a lot of materials used in packaging for your different projects. Store these items in a bin and go to it when you’re struggling for any upcoming projects you may have.

Be sure to leave enough room in your projects. You should not rush when working on your projects. High quality comes from being able to devote time devotion and attention to the work. So put in the time and you’ll notice different results.

Your pet gets a very unique dish.

A lot of stores provide free pamphlets that outline specific projects. Look around for these pamphlets through the store. They are usually on a hook about eye level. The supplies you require are usually in the same vicinity as the pamphlet.

The hobby of arts and crafts is even better when you are able to make practical items for your home. You can make blinds, such as cushions, picture frames and cushions, for instance. These useful items also make great gifts for friends and family.

Your kitchen pantry holds many craft supplies for kids. You can use paper plates, macaroni, and paper plates.

Are you curious about learning to knit? You can learn what you need about knitting just by reading the instructions and looking at pictures.

You can create a clock in a new baby. Create a mosaic pattern and leave holes for each hour. Glue the pictures.Cover these with glass so that the mosaic’s surface is even, and install the hands and motor. You will then have now completed a keepsake clock for this child to treasure.

Expect to make a really big mess. Craft projects can get messy.That is the territory of crafts. Plan ahead and protect various surfaces to ensure you don’t damage anything permanently. If you rush through your project before thinking about these things, you could ruin something that you didn’t intend to.

Do you think that you don’t have the time to create them yourself?You might be surprised by the speed at which you develop your new crafting skills. You could sign up for a class or read a bird house.

Arts and crafts projects does not mean you need to make it from scratch all the time. There are all sorts of supplies that can be embellished by certain objects. For example, you might paint boxes as objects to use or use any other type of product to enhance your creation. Check out thrift stores and tag sales for items that can be personalized in this way.

Take time out to enjoy your favorite crafting activity. Art projects are a great way to relax and funnel your creative energy. You should be doing things you want.

Do you want to learn painting? There are a lot of classes at your community colleges that teach beginner techniques. Many craft stores put on free classes. Sign up for a class to find out the newest ideas for freehand painting.

Be savvy about displaying arts and crafts projects you complete. Some things you use may not do too well outdoors. This applies to projects that are exposed to direct sunlight. Think about what you just made before placing them around your house.

As mentioned before, many things can be created through crafts. From simple to complex, there’s a lot of potential. Keep these tips in mind, and watch your creative juices begin to flow.

Thinking About Food, Glorious Food

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Thinking about food seems to have been quite a theme for me these last few days. Not obsessing about food and tasty tid-bits, but really savoring food and looking forward to different types of food.

We went to see a local production (on the Isle of Man) of the musical “Oliver” the other day, and needless to say the refrain of “food, glorious food” rang in my ears for a couple of days afterwards. This rendition of Oliver was absolutely splendid and everyone left the theatre on a real high, smiling and happy.

I am also incredibly aware of how lucky we are. We have so much access to delicious food in a seemingly unending flow of both quantity and description; a far cry from a solitary and rather meager bowl of sloppy and tasteless gruel each day. No wonder we as a nation are currently rather prone to being overweight or suffering from obesity.

I am aware too of the contrasts in dietary availability and habits between different countries and cultures. There are even small variations from one county to another in England or from one State to another in America.

In England in general we have access to shop bought gourmet ready meals from Marks and Spencer’s, Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s and so on. We can just pop into the super-market, pick up a beautifully prepared and presented meal, take it home, pop it in the oven and thirty minutes later it’s ready to be eaten. Easy and delicious; no mess, no hassle. You can eat five star meals without even knowing how to cook.

An interesting knock on effect of this ready availability of great meals is that it is naturally possible to spend far less time thinking about food, or worrying about what to prepare for dinner. For those who are conscious of their weight, you can simply turn the packet over and immediately see the number of calories or grams of fat in each portion. Neither do you have to think about portion size. It’s all done for you. It’s really very easy to set yourself upon a gourmet diet!

I have to admit that I was surprised to find no real equivalent in California. Coming from the Isle of Man you tend to think that if you go somewhere bigger you will have a greater selection of everything, including food. And yes, there are so many more restaurants and more basic food ingredients readily available and definitely a load more fast food outlets. But gourmet meals to go are less available (almost extinct) in the local markets. And need I say anything about portion sizes? Chicken breasts look as if they have been taken from prize fighting turkeys and I woudn’t like to imagine how big American cows are!

A quick contemplation of this lack of fresh gourmet meals to go allows one to arrive at the conclusion that America is just too big a country to make this a truly viable business. A trucker can drive your meals from one end of England to another in a day without issue and so fresh food stays fresh. You simply couldn’t keep that food fresh for the length of time it takes to drive across America. And frozen ready meals simply do not have that five star gourmet quality.

When we are in California we also really miss our British and French cheeses. We think about cheese, search for good cheese and almost (but not quite) dream about lovely strong creamy textured cheeses. I have yet to understand why American cheese cannot have that same flavor and texture. But when we are in England we miss the wonderful barbequed American steaks and delicious salads and salad dressings. Yummy; food, glorious food!

The answer is always to make the most of what you have got. Enjoy what is readily available locally no matter where you are. I find it a great shame that so many people think about food to the extent of obsession and yet still manage to overlook its enjoyment. Instead of savoring each delicious bite they gobble their food quickly whilst suffering from a guilt complex at the same time. No wonder they become overweight; they do not appreciate their food and so cannot feel satisfied from eating it.

Overweight people tend to think that they should stop thinking about food. I am a firm believer that they have totally missed the point; you do not need to stop thinking about food. Rather, you need to learn to allow yourself to think about food in a different way which allows you to savor and enjoy it, take your time eating and feel fully satisfied as you detect it different textures and flavors.

You are, in this day and age, unlikely to obsess about food for the same reasons as poor Oliver. You are far more likely to have begun this food obsession as a result of thinking that you shouldn’t think about food or eat as much. To overcome this obsession and enable yourself to lose weight easily all you actually have to do is to think about food in a different way. Hypnosis mp3s designed to help you lose weight are perfectly designed to get you doing just this.

Roseanna Leaton, specialist in weight loss hypnosis mp3s which help you program your mind for success.

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Snowdonia For Foodies: Ten Places To Buy Snowdonia’s Delicious Produce

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It’s possible you’ve never given a great deal of thought to the subject of the foods and drinks that are made in Snowdonia. That’s fair enough; the region is probably better known as a world-class outdoor activities centre and an area packed with family attractions than it is as the gastronomic centre of Britain.

But Snowdonia has a great deal to offer if you’re interested in cooking and eating amazing produce. From locally reared lamb and beef to local honey, preserves and even wines, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you visit Snowdonia.

1. Glasfryn Parc Farm Shop

The farm shop at Glasfryn Parc near Pwllheli is a real treasure trove of both local produce (including meat reared on Glasfryn’s farmland) and luxury ingredients from around the world. The Welsh Black beef from Glasfryn is especially good, but look out also for the ‘freezer pick ‘n’ mix’ where there’s a great selection of frozen fruit and vegetables for you to buy in any quantity you like. Just need a few berries for a cheesecake or enough veg for a casserole? No problem – you’re in full control!

2. Bodnant Welsh Foods

Bodnant Welsh Foods in the beautiful Conwy Valley isn’t just a shop – it’s a gastronomic experience! At Bodnant you can enjoy a full day out, to include cookery lessons, a look at local beekeeping, a visit to the garden centre and of course plenty of shopping! The farm shop at Bodnant stocks a fantastic array of produce from the estate itself as well as from other parts of Wales; in fact, around 75% of the produce sold at Bodnant is Welsh.

3. Hooton’s at Fron Goch Garden Centre

A visit to Fron Goch Garden Centre, just outside Caernarfon, is a treat in itself. Apart from the excellent selection of plants, garden furniture, gifts for the home and garden and other such delights, there’s a wonderful (and very popular) cafe serving delicious food and beautiful cakes. But there’s another great reason to visit Fron Goch, and that’s the Hooton’s farm shop that’s based there. This is a great place to shop for locally grown veg and locally reared meat, as well as a fantastic selection of luxury foodstuffs from all over Wales and beyond.

4. Pant Du Vineyard and Orchard

People are often surprised to learn that there’s a vineyard in Snowdonia! Pant Du in the Nantlle Valley isn’t just a producer of award-winning wine: it also produces excellent cider and delicious spring water. You can visit Pant Du for a tour and a tasting – or if you’re pushed for time, just pop to their shop and stock up your cellar!

5. Purple Moose Brewery

You’ll find Purple Moose Brewery’s excellent beers in pubs and shops all over the region and beyond. What’s more fun than drinking it in a pub or buying it from a shop, though, is visiting the brewery in Porthmadog and having a tour and a taste. The tour costs just £5 and at the end you’ll get a free glass and a tasting session – now that’s a bargain!

6. Y Pantri Cymraeg

Y Pantri Cymraeg is a little Aladdin’s cave of gastronomic treasures on the Maes in Caernarfon. It may be a small shop, but it stocks a fantastic range of Welsh baked goods, confectionery, preserves and pickles – not to mention an excellent selection of Welsh alcoholic beverages. It’s also a great place to grab a spot of lunch for eating on the move, so pop in and fill your picnic basket!

7. Bwtri

There are branches of Bwtri – a fantastic deli and local produce stockist – in Pwllheli, Porthmadog and Wrexham. Here you can stock up on fantastic Welsh cheeses, luxury pates, and a wide range of other local and exotic produce. You can even make up your own hamper to give away as a gift – though with the quality of food available at Bwtri, giving the hamper away is the difficult part!

8. Edwards of Conwy

Most notable for its award-winning sausages, Edwards of Conwy is a wonderful butcher in the heart of the medieval town. But it’s not just the sausages that make Edwards special (and incidentally, you can buy these in most of the local supermarkets too); their bacon is also fantastic, and as well as a great selection of meat the shop stocks a variety of other local produce too, including some excellent chutneys and other preserves.

9. Cadwalader’s Ice Creams

You can’t write an article about food in Snowdonia without mentioning Cadwaladers Ice Cream; it’s so delicious, so special, that it’d be a travesty to leave it out! There are branches of Cadwaladers all over Wales, but we’ll focus on the Criccieth branch for now – for this little town is where it all started, and it’s still quite possibly the most famous and best-loved branch of this 88-year-old business. What’s so special about the ice cream? You’ll have to taste it yourself to find out, but suffice to say, with ingredients including 6 lbs of “shan’t tell you” and “a great deal of love and care” the recipe is a very closely guarded secret!

10. Blas ar Fwyd

Last but by no means least let’s look at Blas ar Fwyd, which is a bit of an institution in Llanrwst. Not only is it one of the UK’s biggest delicatessens outside of London, but it’s also a bistro – so if you want to taste those wonderful ingredients as part of a hearty meal, you’ll be at the right place! With a vast selection of fantastic products from Wales, the UK and the world beyond, you’ll be hard pushed to find a more interesting place to shop for food – so pack a few shopping bags into your suitcase next time you visit Snowdonia, and head over to Blas ar Fwyd for the food shopping trip of the year!

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose Visit Snowdonia website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region, including things to do in Snowdonia and where to stay in Snowdonia.

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Plan An Affordable And Problem Free Summer Vacation

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Every year literally millions of singles, couples, families and groups of friends go on summer vacations together. Summer vacations are popular, and it’s that popularity that can make planning and booking one a challenge, especially for families and groups of people. The demand for seats on airplanes are limited by demand, as are available accommodations. The demand to attend events or visit tourist attractions can also be affected by the higher demand summer vacationers pose.

There are a number of ways that you can make affordable bookings and reservations.

Obviously the first step to making summer vacation reservations is deciding on a summer vacation destination. When selecting a summer vacation destination, a number of factors need to be taken into consideration. Some of these factors are;

1. Are you going to be traveling with children and, if so, what are the ages of your children? Not every accommodation provider accepts infants, or even small children. This is especially the case with bed and breakfast operations or guest houses. Not every destination is suitable for children either. Some destinations are focused on honeymooners and couples seeking a place to go for a romantic getaway. While others target young adults seeking adventure or exciting nightlife. Destination catering mainly to adult vacationers offer little in the way of amusements for children.

2. Costs of airfare and accommodation are generally fixed, but services and amenities are often forgotten until vacationers are in country and being confronted with costly meals, beverages, admittance fees to visit museums, historical sites or other places of interest, souvenirs, and so on. Incidental costs can add up to a significant amount. If you have an overall summer vacation budget you need to stay within, these costs prove a problem.

3. Do you, or anyone traveling with you have food or other allergies to take into consideration? For example, if you or someone traveling with you is allergic to bee stings, areas famous for flowering gardens isn’t the safest choice for a summer vacation destination.

4. Do you, or anyone you’ll be traveling with have medical issues that could be exasperated by environmental factors, such as dry air, humidity, dust, elevation, and so on. This writer once worked with a tour operator that allowed an obese man with a heart condition to book himself onto a Nepal tour. He got off the plane, which was not disembarking passengers at a gate, but rather on the tarmac almost 100 meters from the terminal entrance. This is a common practice in many places, and especially at smaller airports. In such cases, passengers are expected to walk to the terminal to collect baggage and clear customs and immigration. The obese man collapsed halfway to the terminal and died shortly thereafter. The elevation, combined with his obesity and existing heart condition was a recipe for disaster, and it came to be.

5. Do you, or anyone you travel with have mobility issues, such as needing a walking aid or requires a wheel chair? If so, consider the width and surface conditions of sidewalks, accessibility to accommodations for anyone mobily challenged, and pedestrian congestion. You must take into account that mansions and heritage buildings that have been converted to hotels or bed and breakfast accommodations are not likely to have elevators. Many historic sections of European cities are paved with cobble stones, while sidewalks can be very narrow or non-existent. Both make navigation difficult for anyone with a mobility problem. For anyone needing to use a cane, a walker, or who is wheelchair bound, the congestion in market squares or bazaars can be nightmarish, as can the pedestrian traffic in cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Fez, Cairo, etc.

Keeping these factors in mind will enable you to select the summer vacation destination that will best fit your needs and address any limitations you or a travel companion may have.

Once you’ve selected a summer vacation destination you can look for accommodations to book for your stay. A large number of amusement parks, campgrounds and hotels in the USA, Canada and at overseas destinations don’t require reservations. However, it’s advisable to reserve accommodations anyway. Summer vacation periods are short, and the demand is therefore much higher than normal. This can cause available rooms to be filled with vacationing tourists quickly. By making a reservation, you not only assures that you have a room, but that you have accommodations that fit your needs.

When booking a summer vacation, a great many travelers will count on the services of a travel agent. Using a travel agent is more convenient than searching online for vacation packages, calling hotels to negotiate a booking rate, or sourcing your own rental car deal. However, there are two things to remember when using a travel agent to organize you summer vacation:

1. A travel agent only knows what you tell him or her about your needs. If you research your own summer vacation and make your own accommodation arrangements, you’re unlikely to book yourself into a hotel that can’t cater to the kosher, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc., dietary needs you or someone you’re traveling with requires. Nor would you book yourself into a room with a beautiful view from a 20th floor balcony if you suffer from Acrophobia (a fear of heights). A travel agent may do so if you did not specifically mention these or any other limitations.

2. Travel agents obviously don’t provide their services for free. Most are paid a percentage of the amount you’ll pay, and many add on a service fee as well. If you’re planning a summer vacation and are on a budget, you may want to book your own flight and make your own reservations. There are two reasons. Firstly, a travel agent will organize your transportation and stay based on what earns them the highest return. This may not be what provides the best service or value to you. Secondly, with very little effort, you can save the portion of a hotel reservation set aside to compensate travel agents and tour operators. Simple research the hotel rates online, then call or email and offer 30% less. It will either be accepted, but if not acceptable the hotel will respond with a quote. It will probably surprise you when you learn what the savings can be. Also, be sure to mention any mobility issues, allergies or special diets that may be relevant before you book. Discounted rooms are not usually entitled to special services without added charges, unless it’s including within the reservation package.

Aside from traveling by car, air travel is a preferred method of travel to reach summer vacation destinations. If you’re booking your own airline reservations, do so online and look for all of the alternatives to get you from point A to B. For example, a direct flight is convenient, but it can be costly if even available. Many departure to destination flights are simply not available because of the need to refuel. In cases where a direct flight is available, a flight with a stop over or two may be half the price. Likewise, for the same price as a direct flight, you can often choose to organize a tour for yourself.

When flying from Vancouver, BC, Canada to Quito, Ecuador, a peak summer season flight is just over CAD$1500 with taxes and surcharges. For the same price you can book a charter tour to Cancun, Mexico, spend a week there, accommodation included. After a week in Cancun you can take the train, a bus or fly to Mexico city. There you can stay a day or two, then fly from Mexico City to Quito, Ecuador. The cost is virtually the same, if not less, and you have an enjoyable tour. The original flight Vancouver to Quito requires at least on stop, most two. So does the alternative Vancouver, Cancun, Mexico City and on to Quito route. The difference is you have a stay in Cancun and Mexico City at no extra cost, rather than wait in an airport for your connecting flight. It takes a lot of searching to find these deals, but they are available. This is because, as the saying in the airline industry, “A plane that takes off with an empty seat lost revenue.” Airlines will do anything to fill every seat, even if that seat sale is drastically discounted.

If your summer vacation is centered on enjoying the outdoors, then you probably want to be camping. Even when planning a camping vacation, you should still make a reservation. Public and private campgrounds are limited as to the amount of camping space they have. By reserving a camping space you’re guaranteed a place to set up your tent or park your RV or trailer.

To book a popular vacation destination at a discount, check out online travel websites. Travel websites offer discounts on popular hotels, airlines and restaurants around the world. There’s a downside to using online discount travel websites though. The travel sites mostly focus on the more popular summer vacation destinations. That said, you can often find a better hotel deal that falls within your budget than you would booking elsewhere, saving nothing but enjoy far greater luxury at the same price.

There is a final, very important consideration to planning and booking your summer vacation flights and hotel reservations. Do your research and book well ahead of your intended departure. Deals on flights are rarely available under 21 days from departure, other than through last minute seat sales. The problem with last minute seat sales is that they’re limited in both availability and usually in the amount of luggage you can bring. This is because the weight luggage would take is allocated to freight, which is actually more profitable for the airlines than transporting passengers. Plus last minute means last minute. You do not want to risk your entire summer vacation on being able to secure last minute seat deals. Likewise, hotels will rarely make deals at the last minute either, unless you show up at the desk at 2:00AM and there are vacancies. Even then, the desk clerk has parameters as to the discounts he or she can give. When you start negotiating for rooms well in advance of your arrival you’re dealing with management, who generally have greater latitude when it comes to granting discounts to secure bookings.

Len Bowcott is a lifestyle traveler who funds his travels by writing SEO travel related articles for Vagabond Travel and other travel blogs, websites and magazines.

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Six Reasons Why Coorg Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

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Your next leisure trip to India would become more splendid if you travel to Coorg that is the Scotland of India. Coorg is located amidst the beautiful and imposing mountains in the Karnataka state of the country. The landscape is misty, but it is a paradise for the natives and for those who frequent it each year. Officially it is called Kodagu and it has become the most affluent hill station as well.

You will find many exotic and breathtaking views, as well as forested hills with the coffee and spice plantations. The central point of this place is ‘Madikeri’ from where various transportations move about and reach back respectively.

Why Coorg should be visited?

Your visit to Coorg can be due to many reasons or purposes. The tourist spots and sights are surely worth visiting when you travel to Coorg at any time.

1. Abbey Falls: These falls are located amidst the privately-owned coffee plantations having stocky coffee bushes and the spice estates that are laden with entwined pepper vines. Just opposite the falls a hanging bridge has been built to move across the areas on both the sides. The river is part of the early reaches of the River Kaveri and the falls rise high during the monsoon season.

The approach to the falls is from the private coffee estate and a person can walk ascend up to the falls through a flight of steps with ease. These falls join the River Cauvery.

2. Nagarahole National Park: Travel to Coorg to see the most befitting and diverse wildlife to exist in the whole of India. The Nagarahole National Park is one of the best wildlife reserves in the country that is frequented by many every year.

You will find multiple plat species and shrubbery as well as several species of mammals, rare birds, crawlers and the reptiles. Inside the park, there are Asian elephants, Indian bison and the tiger as well. Other animals include grey mongoose, striped hyena, leopards, wild dogs, spotted deer, jackals, wild boars, sambhar, Indian porcupine and the four-horned antelopes as well.

There are more than 270 species of birds in this park that include the endangered birds like Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon, Greater Spotted Eagle and the Oriental White Backed Vulture. Various types of snakes are also found here that include Indian Rock Python, rat snakes, vine snakes, wolf snakes, Russell’s Viper and the bamboo bat viper.

3. Irappu Falls: The Coorg travel guide becomes more fitting and beautiful due to the inclusion of the amazing Irappu Falls. Located in the Brahmagiri Mountain Range, this is a fresh-water cascade and also known as the Lakhsmana Tirtha Falls as well.

Every year thousands of tourist visit the falls because of its breathtaking views and splendid beauty. In fact, it has remained one of the most popular pilgrimage spots over the years. The famous Rameshwara temple is located at the banks of Lakshmana Tirtha River en-route to the falls. During the festival of Shivaratri, the temples attracts a huge number of the pilgrims.

4. Tadiandamol Peak: Having an elevation of 1748 meters, the Tadiandamol Peak is the highest mountain peak in Coorg. The view from the top of peak is simply mesmerizing and many tourists prefer to do trekking though the journey is steep and hard.

The historical and famous ‘Nalaknad Palace’ is also present at the foothills of the peak and it has remained an area of great interest for the naturalists as well. The climb to the top of this peak can be completed in a day, though it is a pretty good location for camping for those want to stay overnight to rest.

5. Dubare Elephant Camp; A visit to Coorg without the visit to Dubare Elephant Camp will seem dull and incomplete. It is truly a delightful and fascinating experience for those who love animals and that is known for the superb Dubare training facility and the presence of many elephants.

Apart from the elephants, you will get the chance to see other animals like bears, partridges, peacocks, gaurs and the spot leopards in the surround forests. The Forest Department here is also known to conduct some treks along the well-defined routes as well. Moreover, you will get the chance to get involved in other activities like fishing and river rafting.

6. Raja’s Tomb: Located in one of the most magnificent hill station of Coorg, this tomb depicts the pervading building style of those days that were known as the Indo-Sarcenic era. Travel to Coorg if you want to know and admire the beautiful architecture and design of the ancient tombs like this one respectively.

The Raja’s Tomb like the other two famous tombs is built in the Muhammadan style where the tomb lies in the center and the turrets are present on the four corners. It lies just 1.5 kilometers from Madikeri from the north-eastern side and can be reached by air, through road or though the train. You will also find the mortal remains of the Royal Kodavas in the tomb as well.

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