Home Security For The Holidays

The last thing anyone needs to spoil their perfect holiday is to come home to find their possessions damaged or stolen.  



The following simple tips may be all that makes the difference between a great holiday and a not so great one and are an inexpensive way to give you the peace of mind for your holidays.

• Make sure all windows and doors are locked in your home/garage/shed.

•  Have your mail collected by a friend or neighbor, or have it held or redirected by the post office.

•  Don’t leave a message on your answering machine, or a note on the door that tells callers you are away.

•  Turn down your the volume on your phone so it can’t be heard ringing unanswered.

•  Ask a neighbour/friend to put your rubbish bins out as usual.

•  Consider using automatic timers to turn on a light, television or radio at different times.

•  Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or friend and ask them to rearrange blinds, switch lights on and off at different times, etc. to make your house look “lived in”.

•  Lock away tools, ladders and anything that could be used to get into your house, garage or shed.

•  Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway occasionally to give the impression that someone is coming and going.

•  Make sure all your valuables are stored securely.

•  Have your lawn mowed while you are away. 

These tips may seem simple and common sense, but can make all the difference

If you are traveling for the holidays (or for any reason :-) I recommend checking out the new guide written by Henry Rustkirk, ex Airline reservation agent, entitled "Insider Secrets To Cheap Flights".

Henry has thrown in four bonus guides that come with Insider Secrets To Cheap Flights

Insider Secrets To Cheap Car Rentals
Insider Secrets To Cheap Hotel Reservations
Insider Secrets To Cheap Flights: Guide To Airport Security, and
Lifetime Updates To Insider Secrets To Cheap Flights and All Bonus Guides

All the information contained here will more than cover the cheap price, and make your holidays so much more enjoyable and cost effective. 

Have a safe and happy holiday experience :-)

Safety First When Traveling

You can find a lot of safety tips in online and
offline resources for traveling whether it is for
pleasure or for business. 

If you want to make the most of your trip, safety first when
traveling is very important. Check out the video from Soniastravels for some great ideas.






Here are some other things that you can do to ensure
your safety:

1. When traveling, it's natural to carry
luggage. If you need to place luggage tags, just put
your email address and never indicate there your name,
phone number, and home address.

2. Air traveling is a big part of holidays.
One effective shield that you can use against an attacker
(if there is trouble on the plane) is the seat straps.
You have to use all your strength in ramming the strap
on the attacker's face. This move will cut off the
attacker's vision and then you can kick
that individual in the groin or in any other sensitive
body part.

3. Don't forget to bring a handy flashlight and
batteries. You can use it if there is no light or even
use it against an attacker if needed.

4. Don't forget to carry wallets. If you want, you can
take two wallets with you. One wallet can contain some
non-important items and cash while the other
wallet should contain your important IDs, insurance
cards, cash, and emergency contacts. Keep the wallets
in separate places. For instance, the insignificant
wallet can be placed in your pant's back pocket and
the important wallet should be in your coat's front
pocket.

5. When eating in foreign restaurants, it is a good idea to
acquaint yourself with the place's layout. Take note
of the front and exit doors.

6. Charge your mobile phone at the hotel. When you
leave, bring it with you and other gadgets that can be
easily carried.

7. Never travel alone. Through there are some
travelers who do this every time they travel, you
shouldn't take the chance. Who knows, perhaps they are
just lucky but you'll never know what's going to
happen in the next few hours. Always be prepared.
Remember that devious individuals are just waiting to
see a helpless traveler, alone and vulnerable.

8. You must be mentally alert at all times. Observe
the people around you, how they move or look at you.
Recognise any uneasy feelings if something's going to
happen.

9. Before you travel to a foreign place, it's
best to make hotel reservations in advance. That way, you don't
have to fumble or ask for directions trying to
locate your hotel.

10. Don't travel with so much luggage unless
needed. Try to wear comfortable clothes and don't wear
something that might attract the attention of bad
people. Be simple as you are. For women, avoid wearing
high-heeled shoes when traveling.

Have a great holiday :-)


 

An Aware Traveler

Vacations 

(reproduced from DailyOM)

; by Madisyn Taylor

An aware traveler sees each new journey as an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of humanity.

As the technology of travel grows ever more refined, the world grows smaller. Whereas a journey of a hundred miles once took many days, we can now travel across the globe in mere hours. The four corners of the earth are accessible by plane, train, and ship, and there are few pleasures in life as soul-stirring and transformative as travel. In a new land, the simplest of joys can be profound—meditation takes on a new quality because the energy in which we are immersed is unfamiliar. Our sensory experiences are entirely novel. Yet the relative ease with which we can step out of our own culture in order to explore another means that we are ambassadors representing not only our own way of life but also the culture of the traveler. As a conscious citizen of the world, you can add value to the locales you visit while simultaneously broadening your own perspective.

A truly aware traveler sees each new journey as an opportunity to improve international relations, spread goodness, and gain a greater understanding of humanity. To immerse yourself in foreign cultures is to open your mind to fresh ways of being. Your natural curiosity can help you navigate the subtleties that define a culture. While you may not agree with all the traditions or laws of a country, abiding by them demonstrates that you understand and respect their value. Staying centered in another culture is often simply a matter of learning about your destination, being patient with yourself and others, and accepting that people may treat you as an example of your country’s attitudes. New worlds will open to you when you take part in the everyday life of a locale—the reality of a destination is in its markets, its streets, and its people.

Traveling presents a wonderful opportunity to practice being open-minded and grounded. The voyages you make help cultivate a worldwide community in which we as humans can acknowledge and appreciate our differences as much as we recognize and appreciate our similarities. Though you will eventually return home, the positive impression you leave behind will remain as a testament to the respect and amicability that marked your intercultural interactions.

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--
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Life is an Adventure'
Life is an Adventure on IBS

Whats happening in Sydney in October

Sydney Fringe
 
When: 6th to 29th September
Over 300 shows. The 4th annual festival promises to be one huge month long celebration of art, music and sound, dance, poetry, film, food and wine.
For more details visit: http://www.sydneyfringe.com

Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival
 
Date: 28 September Venue: Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre, Binne Creek Road, Cowra
Cost: $15 for adult, $9 children and $40 for a family pass
In its 24th year, the Cherry Blossom Festival features not only cherry blossom, but a Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese music and traditional dancing, Japanese flower arranging, kite flying, martial arts and Sumo wrestling displays, Kimono displays and other examples of Japanese heritage.
For more information visit: www.cowragarden.com.au

Festival Indonesia 2013
 
Date: 28 September Venue: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Time: 10am – 6.00pm
During this time, you will find the park full of food stalls, live music, cultural dances and performances, competitions, workshops, information stalls and much more. For more information visit http://festivalindonesiasydney.com.au/

NSW Rural Fire Brigade Open Day
 
Date: 28 September Cost: FREE
This is your chance to say thanks to RFS Volunteers.The Rural Fire Brigade are opening their doors for a sneak peek behind the scenes of the wonderful continuous silent and heroic work they contribute to the community.
For more information click here

Sydney Opera House 40th Birthday Celebrations
 
Dates: Oct 1st – 31st Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: Some events free, some ticketed
The iconic Sydney Opera House is celebrating its 40th anniversary on October 20th this year and to mark the occasion there is a whole host of festivities on show to please all ages. The Opera House will be staging a series of inviting events with many open to the public. Here are some of the highlights.
For more information go to: 40.sydneyoperahouse.com

Lebanon Carnival 2013
 
Date: 6 October 2013 Venue: Harbourside AMphitheatre, Darling Harbour
Time: 11am – 5.00pm FREE
Performances from belly dancers, Lebanese folk dancers, singers and many others. There will also be arts, crafts and music, and you will find it all at the Harbourside Amphitheatre (which is located right next to Harbourside Shopping Centre).

Brookvale Show
 
Date: Saturday 19 October Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm
A variety of carnival rides will be available, as well as BMX demonstrations and horse jumping events. Wood chopping will also be a family friendly feature at this event, kind of like the Easter Show coming early. For more details click here

Warragamba Dam Fest
 
Date: 20th October Venue: Warragamba Recreation Reserve Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: $20
Why not bring the whole family along for a wonderful day out. Features include displays of cars and bikes, stunt bike riding displays, market stalls, amusement rides, animal farm and then of course Warragamba Dam itself including the amazing interactive display in the Visitors Centre.
For more details click here

Whats happening in Sydney in September

There's a number of interesting events coming up in Sydney this month, here,s a small selection...
 

Sydney Fringe

When: 6th to 29th September

Over 300 shows. The 4th annual festival promises to be one huge month long celebration of art, music and sound, dance, poetry, film, food and wine.
For more details visit: http://www.sydneyfringe.com

Bankstown Children’s Festival 2013

When: 7 September 2013 Time: 10.30am to 7.00pm

Where: Paul Keating Park, Bankstown
The festival will feature a huge range of activities and events for families to enjoy. Kicking off the day will be the costume competition, with dances and musical performances, kite-flying, scout adventures, arts and crafts, and a table tennis competition sure to keep everyone occupied for the rest of the day.
For more details go www.childrensfestival.com.au

Orange Blossom Festival 2013

When: 6 – 8 September Venue: Old Northern Road, Castle Hill

The Orange Blossom Festival (OBF) has been a major annual festival in the Hills Shire since 1969 with the objective of stimulating the growth of social, cultural and sporting activities within the shire. The festival name originated from the shire's reputation in the 1800s as the biggest citrus growing regio.
For details go to: www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Orange-Blossom-Festival.html#.Uh4TTj-mGpo

Australian Garden Show Sydney

When: 5-8 September Where: Centennial Park

The first-ever Australian Garden Show will be held in Centennial Park this September and looks set to establish itself as Sydney's biggest outdoor gardening and lifestyle event. It will run from Thursday September 5 until Sunday September 8, with a variety of activities focusing on gardens, flowers, sustainability and design taking place throughout the period.
Fore more details go here: http://australiangardenshowsydney.com.au

Taiwan Festival Sydney 2013

Saturday 7 September from 3.00-9.00pm FREE

Patrons will be able to sample the culinary delights of Taiwan at the food stalls, including the irresistible pork dumplings, entrees such as braised and sliced beef loins, pickled salads, battered and fried tofu, deep fried tender pork ribs and of course the famous pearl milk tea. Guests will be treated with the famous glove puppet performance, a Taiwanese folk performing art, where puppets embark on a journey of fantasy, kung fu and adventure.
Taiwan Festival Sydney 2013 will celebrate and share the splendor of the Australian multiculturalism with all.

Click here to learn more.

R U OK? Day 2013 – 12 September 2013

Ask one question & save a life
Just three little words could save someone's life and no they aren't 'I love you'. Although that would be great also but I am actually talking about asking someone, 'Are you ok'? Or in this case, R U Ok? Seems simple doesn't it, however, we get so caught up in our own lives that it's easy to forget to ask.

Find out more at www.ruokday.com

Whats on in Sydney July 2013

Now & Then Markets – School Holiday Fun

When: 14 July Starts at 10am

Venue: Rowers on Cooks River (is conveniently located a short walk from Wolli Creek Train Station Time
This July, the family-friendly Now & Then Markets are once again taking over the Captain's Room at Rowers on Cooks River for a market extravaganza. But their upcoming Sunday, July 14th event isn't just for those who favour vintage and retro fashion and hand crafted jewellery and accessories - rather this event is all about the kids!

For more details visit: http://www.nowandthenmarkets.com.au/

Open Marrickville

Dates: 20 June to 30 July 2013

The Open Marrickville festival will unlock the talents and creativity of local communities and celebrate the many and varied cultures. 

Open Marrickville's ten days of storytelling, music, dance, art, theatre, food, and simply gathering together will reveal the uniqueness of local lives and stories. The ten day festival will open with the welcome event in Marrickville, and close with the Magic Winter Festival at the Addison Road Community Centre.

In between will be Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese cultural festivals, a national anthem singing competition, a short film festival, art exhibitions, a ping pong tournament, an Arabic dance party, a NAIDOC Week event, a museum open day and a children's festival. Download a festival program from the Marrickville website.

For more information: www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/community/events65140/open.html?s=1271909405


The Rocks Aroma Festival 2013

When: 21 July Where: The Rocks

Brews, baristas, fun and for free

For those of us who can't live without our caffeine; your festival highlight of 2013 is sure to be The Rocks Aroma Festival on Sunday 21 July 2013. And for those of you who have a non bean-drinker in tow, don't worry there's plenty of food and tea as well.

Situated in the historic Sydney location of The Rocks (as the name of the festival suggests); the alleys and streets will be taken over by roasters, dippers and mixers offering u all sorts of goodies to make your mouth water. Best of all; this annual event is free from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Like previous years; Campbells Cove, Hickson Road Reserve and George Street will all play host this year to the entertainment and stall holders

Check out the Traveling Australia Guide below

Recipe for Long Island Iced Tea

A friend forwarded this to me, I haven't tried it, but it sounds Awesome... 

let me know,.

 

Long Island Iced Tea

(original url: http://api.allthecooks.com/long-island-iced-tea.html)

Ingredients

1/2 Shot Tequila

1/2 Shot Vodka

1/2 Shot Gin

1/2 Shot Rum

3 Shots Coca Cola

1/2 To 1 shot Sour Mix (or Tom Collins Mix or Whiskey Sour Mix)

Serves 6.

Directions

1 Contributed to the echo by: Sallie Austin

2 Put all in a glass and stir and watch out. Not my idea of a way to consume alcohol (I would prefer too much wine or champagne ), but I believe this was the recipe. Does taste close to iced tea though... --Michelle M. Bass

3 My boyfriend is a "working manager" of a bar here... i.e., he bartends. He said to add these to the preceding ingredients:

4 1/2 shot 151 Rum (in addition to the regular rum) 1/2 shot Triple Sec or Cointreau

5 I only tried one of these... I agree with Michelle... at least with wine or champagne it requires a few hours of sipping before you pass out, instead of a few minutes .

6 BTW- I just asked Jim if he was sure that both 151 and regular rum were used, and why... he said "to hurt people". Good enough reason for me.

How to Drink while Dieting  

Skinny Cocktail recipes Click Here

--
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Life is an Adventure'
Life is an Adventure on IBS

Whats on in sydney

Some of the events being hosted in Sydney, Australia during February.



SYDNEY CHINESE NEW YEAR MARKETS!


When: 8-10 February (Friday 4-10pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am-10pm)
Where: Belmore Park, across Eddy Avenue from Central Station
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the launch of the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival Friday, 8 February. The festivities continue all weekend with fabulous Asian food, cooking demonstrations by top chefs, kids’ activities, karaoke competitions, entertainment from Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese performers plus more.
There are 80 events to enjoy this Sydney Chinese New Year Festival,.

TWILIGHT PARADE – SLITHER AND SHIMMER!

When: 17 February
Location: Sydney Town Hall to Chinatown
Join us for a magical night of floats, lanterns, dancers and plenty of slithering snakes at this year’s Twilight Parade from Sydney Town Hall to Chinatown.
There will be stunning projections on city buildings and spectacular fireworks. Limited seating is available for $66pp; visit the website for ticket info
Click here for more details.

A GLIMPSE OF BRAZIL IN SYDNEY

When: 19/02/2013 - 09/03/2013

Since 2009, the Brazilian film industry has shared their passion for film with Australian audiences. This year, the festival is in its fourth year and it is bigger than ever. After a humble start just in Sydney, with only four films, it has now tripled in scope and has now expanded to other Australian cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide

The Brazil Film Festival is a multisensory experience where you can immerse in Brazil's culinary, music, dance and art. The festival is a non-profit project, where it features the professional and creative showcasing their films, as well as teaming up with local businesses and organisations for support and audience reach.
It is the perfect stage for talented people from all over the world, to culminate and share one passion for telling the millions of stories that exist all over Brazil. Stories that made people from all over the world cry, laugh, and mostly fall in love with Brazil and its people.

You can be shown the beauty of Rio de Janeiro's landscape, gain a sneak peak into the mysterious Amazon or simply watch the joy of Brazilians, all through the content in it's movies. You will be guided on a journey that is simply unforgettable.

"We were born to unite with our fellow men, and to join in community with the human race." Cicero