June 2020 - Lukhanyo

June 24, 2020April 3, 2024 By Jeramy

Why are wooden gifts a good gift idea?

Wooden gifts make an ideal present for many reasons.

Firstly,there is the all-important environmental aspect. As wood is an organic,renewable resource,this means that when using wood,you are not using up the Earth’s precious resources. Instead you are contributing to a greener and happier planet. When people opt for wooden gifts there is then the demand for more wooden gifts and so more trees need to be planted. Also,at the end of its life cycle wood can be composted and not leave any harmful waste. Therefore,wood is a sustainable material and a great choice for gifts.

Secondly,wood is a strong,durable and long-lasting material. When you give someone you love a wooden gift or wooden ornament,they will be able to keep that gift for years to come. And in doing so they will have the memory of your friendship and love with them all along their journey.

Thirdly,wood is a beautiful,tactile material. A wooden ornament is lovely to hold in your hands. It is never too hot or too cold. Smooth,oiled wood can feel soft to the touch. Wood is said to emit natural warmth which can be comforting. It is also said to have health benefits too. These benefits include reducing stress,lowering blood pressure and an overall sense of serenity. Having wooden ornaments in your home is believed to improve the air quality in that room by diminishing humidity.

Fourthly,wooden gifts make a great gift both for him and for her. Whether you are trying to say thanks to your mum for being so great on Mother’s Day or you want to give a gift to your brand-new baby grandson,a wooden gift is always appreciated. And not to mention that wood is the only gift to give for someone’s 5^th wedding anniversary.

Fifthly,there is a strong spiritual connection between people and wood. The Celts held trees and wood in extremely high regard as do many other cultures. When you give a wooden gift to someone,especially a personalised wooden gift you can add layers of thought and meaning to it. For example,a wooden gift made from oak wood tells the receiver that you connect them with ideas of strength,endurance and prosperity.

At Artwood,we love working with wood. Our Suncatchers are made from native Irish wood and combined with rainbow maker crystals. Suncatchers can be hung in a sunny window and when the sun shines the crystal will disperse mesmerising rainbow prisms all around your room. These wooden gifts come in various shapes and sizes. Our most popular shape is our Moon Suncatcher.

There is something magical about taking a raw piece of wood and honing it into a beautiful creation. Each step of the process reveals more and more of the beauty and character of the piece of wood that is being worked on. For example,after we have sanded a moon,we then dip it into the oil. This reveals the grain of the wood and we can see any spalts or burrs.

We use a variety of woods to create our Suncatchers. The Beech and Oak wood that we use have been harvested a few 100 metres down the road from where we live here in Co. Leitrim,Ireland. So,the soil in which we grow our vegetables,the roads and lanes on which we walk and cycle have all been enriched by these trees. It is a great privilege for us to then carve this wood and create beautiful gifts for people to enjoy all over the world.

So,if you are looking for a wooden gift to give to someone that you love we hope that you will have a look at our Suncatchers. They are environmentally friendly and long-lasting. They will bring serenity and beauty into any room,be it an office or kitchen. Artwood’s Suncatchers make an ideal wooden gift for birthdays,weddings,remembrances,anniversaries and new babies. Our window hanging suncatchers can also be personalised which means you can add that personal touch for any occasion. Our wooden moon suncatchers come in an environmentally friendly presentation box and we can ship worldwide. All in all,we hope that you will agree that choosing wooden gifts is a great gift idea and that next time you need one,you will take a look at what we have to offer.

Wishing you sunshine and rainbows,

Emily and Giolla from Artwood.ie

References:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxQ9mJEoqkMLRWKXKEWEy1g

https://www.facebook.com/ArtwoodIreland

June 19, 2020April 3, 2024 By Jeramy

5 Ideas to Do in Los Angeles – For Travelers

So you’re finally making the trip (or the flight) to Los Angeles,California to visit the city the entire world has become aware of. You’ll definitely enjoy the weather,the people and the history,and while you’re at it,you’ll probably find a pretty good souvenir or 2 to flaunt to your friends.

Here’s a short list of some of the big stops you almost have to hit if you’re visiting from anywhere further than 100 miles away.

1. Visit Hollywood

It was called Tinseltown for a reason– the piece de resistance within this movie buff’s paradise is Hollywood and Highland,the famous intersection where nearly everything is designed to glamor visitors. From a towering complex of designer stores to a crowd of costumed street performers,to a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex poking its head through the roof of the Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not museum,this area can provide a busy afternoon. Especially if you venture further south and west to check out the area’s vintage stores (like Wasteland),cult restaurants (Pink’s Hot Dogs) and historical attractions (the La Brea Tar Pits). The numerous shops and tourist attractions along Hollywood Blvd contribute to the fun,as do the holiday decorations of you come in December.

2. Go to Universal Studios

Not far from Hollywood,this hive of fun tourist activity (100 Universal City Plaza,Universal City) combines theme park rides and a carnival atmosphere with a movie-studio feel that almost puts you inside your favorite flicks. On the famous Backlot Tour,you can take the Jaws ride to see “Bruce” (the shark’s nickname) charge out of the water at you,see the New York set where Manhattan-based movie scenes are filmed,and see how a heavy rain storm is created. Or you can go on rides designed after your favorite movies,where you may be used up and swept along with the plot,then probably dropped from a staggering height. Only a 9.5 mile ride from Los Angeles

3. Hit the Beach

Santa Monica State Beach offers a nice,tourist-friendly getaway,though it can get crowded and hectic on weekends. The bright side is it’s right beside the Santa Monica Pier,a well-trafficked theme park area where you will find an abundance of food,entertainment and more costumed performers. This beach may be found along Ocean Avenue in the vicinity of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica. For a more relaxing beach hangout,Manhattan Beach is about 30 minutes south,where a paved walkway makes it helpful for sightseeing. Or you can tackle 40 minutes north to get to El Matador Beach near Malibu for a more secluded,scenic beach.

4. Go to a Dodger game

Catching a baseball game is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon,and the local team exists to entertain visitors and rabid fans alike. Baseball fans can find Dodger Stadium at 1000 Elysian Park Ave Los Angeles,and the area’s public transport is an easy way to arrive without paying for parking. Ticket prices range from $9 for upper-deck seats to around $70 for most other seats,for full-priced adults. More ticketing information may be found on the Dodgers Website (Dodgers.com). Just beware,because Dodgers fans are fiercely passionate about their team,and they also like to drink huge cups of beer.

5. Go to Disneyland

It’s what every major athlete does after scoring a touchdown or hitting a home run. Disneyland (1313 S Harbor Blvd,Anaheim) isn’t only for kids (even though it tends to send them into ecstatic spasms),as the park offers the biggest,brightest and most complete theme park experience you’ll find outside of a dream. The rides last longer,the park-wandering characters are happier,and even the customer care folk are more helpful than any other park,despite the crowds. Explore the park’s many themed “lands,” see the light parade and jump onto the newest rides,as well as the nostalgic classics like Pinocchio and Small World. Naturally,Pirates of the Caribbean never ceases to amaze – keep an eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow sightings,which can seem surreally lifelike.

June 17, 2020 By Jeramy

Plastic Surgery in Houston Texas

Houston Plastic Surgeons also have a list of specialties. If you ask them about the specific areas of plastic surgery that they have a lot of experience in,they’ll likely be able to help you find a qualified surgeon in that area. So,whether you have a need for a liposuction surgeon,or a cosmetic surgeon who can do a tummy tuck,you can find someone to meet your needs.

Houston plastic surgeons are highly trained professionals. If you decide that you want to use them for your next procedure,make sure that they meet your expectations. Also,when it comes to hiring a surgeon,make sure that they have a website where you can look at their previous patients’ stories.

Also,inquire about his or her doctor’s credentials. Many plastic surgeons specialize in certain types of operations,and you should check to make sure that they have all of the necessary qualifications before making a final decision. If you take your time and put some thought into your decision,you can get exactly what you need.

Bruce K. Smith,M.D.
1315 St Joseph Pkwy #940,Houston,TX 77002
(713) 659-2700
smithplasticsurgery.com

June 16, 2020 By Jeramy

Locals Recommend: 10 Things to Do in New York City

What should you carry out in NYC? We asked some New Yorkers. They gave us their finest tips on how to explore the Big Apple,from hopping on the subway to finding the city’s best bagels to definitely (definitely) getting out of Manhattan

# 1: Leave Manhattan

Manhattan is wonderful. But locals note that it’s only 1/5 of NYC– you’ll find a lot of New york city’s coolest places to visit in the other four boroughs.

Aside from Manhattan,where should you go? Locals say it depends upon your travel style. Our trip planners say that Brooklyn is a great place to enjoy local breweries,that you’ll find fantastic Asian cuisine in Queens (dim sum!!),which the Bronx Botanic garden is really fantastic.

Plus,you can easily hop on a train to an entirely different universe– upstate New york city! Not far from the city,you’ll find fantastic nature,hiking trails,small towns,and places to camp. We have local trip planners in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. They can help you plan a visit. Learn more.

So if you’re looking for cool things to do in NYC,hop on the train. Cross a bridge. You’ll find a lot to do beyond Manhattan.

Local tip: Staten Island gets a bad rap,but taking the ferry there is free– and the island offers some cool hikes.

# 2: Wander through Times Square …

Locals tell us they get it. If it’s your first time in NYC,you’re going to wish to go to Times Square. (They note,however,that you won’t see any local New Yorkers there.).

Wander through,look at the lights,and snap a selfie. But then walk a few blocks. There’s a lots of cool stuff nearby.

If you perambulate fifteen minutes south,locals say you’ll get to Koreatown– and delicious Korean food. Walk a few blocks to the west,you’ll hit the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood– and more fantastic restaurants. Our trip planners say you’ll also find some great museums within walking distance,including some hidden gems– like the beautiful Morgan Library.

# 3: Have a hotdog (or some halal food).

Sure,you’ll find a lot of incredible restaurants in New york city. But there’s something special about NYC street food. Maybe it’s because everyone in New york city has somewhere to be,that makes these grab-and-go meals an important part of city life.

Locals can provide you some direction when it pertains to their favorite street food snacks. Hot dogs,obviously,are iconic. (Especially NYC’s so-called “dirty water dogs”.) Or,visit a halal cart to grab a delicious meal of chicken or lamb over rice. (Our trip planners in New york city recommend getting white sauce and hot sauce).

As for the most important meal of the day? Locals assure us you’ll find fantastic breakfast carts on almost every corner. Go on and grab a bagel,muffin,or donut before power walking your way through the city streets.

Local tip: Definitely check out New York City farmers’ markets. And in the summer,go to Williamsburg to eat lunch at Smorgasburg. They have dozens of vendors all with different kinds of food.

# 4: Catch a live show.

Broadway is cool and you should go. But locals tell us that you’ll find live shows throughout NYC. Everything from underground (and free) comedy clubs to Shakespeare in the Park to immersive theater experiences. NYC draws creatives. And the result is that you’ll find shows all over the city,every night of the week.

If you love music,see what a like-minded local says about their favorite venues. Our trip planners tell us that the historic Blue Note is great for jazz. If you love indie-rock,go see a show at Baby’s All Right. More into traditional music? Visit the NY Philharmonic or the Metropolitan Opera.

Local tip: If your New York City budget is not Broadway sized but you want to see a show,try to get discounted tickets at TKTS.

# 5: Eat as much iconic NYC food as you can.

Yup,another must-do in New York City pertains to eating. There are so many incredible eats here.
The two big ones? Bagels and pizza.

You’ll have many choices for these in New york city,so get some local advice. Our trip planners tell us that 2 Bros Pizza,Joe’s,and DiFara’s are all great. And those $1 slices always work.

For bagels,they tell us it really depends. Some people prefer the smaller sized,chewy style of Bagel Bob’s. Some prefer the fluffier fare at Leo’s. But all can agree on the NYC magic of a fresh-baked everything bagel with generous globs of cream cheese.

Local tip: There approx 800 languages spoken within the 5 boroughs which means you can likely find whatever type of cuisine you want. You’ll find Ukraine food in Brighton Beach; Shanghai snacks in Flushing; and Polish dumplings in Greenpoint.

# 6: Bask in Central Park …

We’re everything about getting off the beaten path,but the well-known and well-loved Central Park is definitely worth a visit. Plus,this park has lots of many twisting trails that it is possible to wander from the main drag.
Locals suggest wandering the thirty-six miles of the Ramble,sunbathing in Sheep Meadow,or simply wandering around. You’re bound to discover some treasures.

# 7: … but make certain to explore Prospect Park too.

Is Central Park incredible? Yes. Is Prospect Park in Brooklyn more incredible? Possibly– even Frederick Law Olmsted,who designed both parks,saw Prospect Park as his “masterpiece”.

And locals love Prospect Park. They tell us that it’s quieter than Central Park,and feels more like a hidden gem than its well-traveled Manhattan sibling.
What to do here? Our trip planners suggest wandering the trails,watching the dogs splash around Dog Beach,seeing a show at the bandshell,or visiting the beautiful Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

# 8: Hop on the subway.

The subway may seem intimidating. But locals tell us that New York’s prime form of transportation is safe,user-friendly,and extensive. It’s a must if you wish to explore every corner of the city.

So get that Metrocard! If you’re going to be using the subway often,our trip planners suggest getting a 1-week unlimited pass. They also note that,at many stations in Manhattan,you don’t need a Metrocard whatsoever. You can tap your credit card or your smartphone to enter the turnstile.

# 9: Wander through as many museums as possible.

Museums play a huge role in New york city’s status as a hub of art and history. Locals love them equally as long as tourists. They suggest visiting the Met and the MoMA obviously,but also highly recommend branching out and visiting a few of the less-touristy spots– like the Guggenheim,the New Museum,the Museum of Sex.

# 10: Discover the hidden gems– see NYC like the locals do.

New York City is huge. Huge,and constantly changing. That means that new places are popping up constantly. Guidebooks and Internet lists simply can’t equal everything going on in this dynamic city. When you deal with a local to plan your trip,they’ll let you learn about the activities they adore. Maybe it’ll be the Greenmarket at Grand Army Plaza. Or maybe catching a show at Rough Trade in Williamsburg … or maybe … Basically,there’s a New York City that the tourists see … and an entirely different city that the locals love. Why see New York City like a tourist when you could see it like a local?

June 11, 2020 By Jeramy

Top Things to Do in New York City City

No matter what youenjoy, you’ll have a great deal of fun in New York City. Plays, sporting events, concerts, meals at the world’s finest restaurants– you’ll find information about all these and more below. Keep reading and prepare yourself to maximize your stay in the five boroughs.

Attractions

Spectacular views from Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building and One World Observatory. Exhibits from throughout history at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum and New York Hall of Science. Thrilling performances at Lincoln Center, BAM and Barclays Center. Attractions in NYC suit all tastes.

Attraction Passes

Minimize admissions to some of New York City’s most iconic attractions with New York CityPASS, NY Explorer Pass, New York Pass and Build Your Own Go By Smart Locations. Each offers a different experience, but all give you substantial savings.

EventsA few of the world’s most famous events– big festivals and holiday parades, musical performances and art exhibitions– occur right here in New York City. Whether you’re planning a visit next week or next year, our guide makes it easy to learn what’s going on during your stay and gives you the inside information on each happening.

Broadway Shows

Broadway is the bright beating heart of the NYC’s performing arts scene. No visit to the City is complete without experiencing the rousing entertainment available in Midtown Manhattan’s Theatre District, where dozens of historic venues stage bold new musicals, long-running hits and fascinating dramas every night of the week.

Restaurants

Your eating choices in New York City are as limitless as your cravings. Want a 15-course tasting menu at the current trendsetting restaurant? A porterhouse for two at an old-timey steakhouse? A plateful of Chinese dumplings? The City has thousands of places featuring cuisines from around the world. Explore this section to find the restaurants– and meals– of your dreams.

Museums & Galleries

New York City’s museums and galleries are some of the City’s most powerful draws. Destinations like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History and the Whitney Museum of American Art house immense collections and place on spectacular exhibitions. Couple these with the wide array of galleries around town, and a trip to NYC becomes a visually stunning experience.

Sports

New York City is the world’s undisputed sports champion, with professional teams playing in every kind of game you could want to watch. It’s the place where moments like the famous “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” and Willis Reed’s limping out onto the court in the NBA Finals were etched into history, and where the world’s best athletes compete in marquee annual events.

Shopping

Whatever your retail pleasure, you’ll find it in NYC. Stores across the five boroughs carry optimum in luxury apparel, plus gourmet goods, books, tech, gear and far more. There’s a reason that the City is known as a global shopping capital. With so many possibilities, there’s just one problem– where to begin? Start by narrowing your search here.

Nightlife

NYC is rightfully known for its nightlife. Whether that means sophisticated cocktail dens, friendly dive bars or bottle-service-only dance clubs, the City’s after-dark entertainment is equally as electrifying as it ever was. Within this section, learn where to drink, dance and listen to music– all around the five boroughs.

Tours

It’s fun to explore New York City on your own, but tourist guide offer expert knowledge and connections that you can’t get anywhere else. To maximize your trip, select from the experiences listed here and see NYC from a new perspective. An expert guide can give you just the insider experience you’ve been craving.

Off-Broadway Shows

Off-Broadway shows offer thrilling entertainment throughout NYC. These plays, musicals, dramas and comedies can provide an intimate night out for those who want to see first-rate talent at wallet-friendly prices. And since the shows tend toward the new and innovative, you never know if you’re going to be watching the next big hit.