Archive | TRAVEL AND BOOKS

Getting Back to Nature in Thailand

Attracting over 22 million visitors each year, Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in the world, with Bangkok also holding the title as the most visited city in the world. Visitors come to enjoy the culture, historic sights and above all the natural beauty that this amazing country has to offer.

Thailand’s National Parks
With over 100 national parks you are never far from an abundance of natural beauty spots in Thailand. National Parks such as Mae Tho stretch for over 990 metres² and offer mountains that reach 1,699 metres above sea level and lush forest featuring the rarest of wildlife. If you visit the Doi Inthanon National Park in the Chiang Mai province you will have entered part of the Himalayan mountain range with the highest peak sitting at 2,565 metres above sea level. Viewing the 100 metre waterfalls, exploring ancient caves and rafting down the Mae Jaem River are just a few of the attractions at Doi Inthanon.

Khao Lak’s Pristine Beaches
If you are looking to escape the bustle of Thailand’s cities then Khao Lak holidays will provide you with some of the country’s best beaches. Khao Lak is located 60km north of Phuket and is regarded as an almost spiritual place due to its serene atmosphere, secluded beaches and beautiful parkland setting. The region also offers some of the world’s most famous diving sites, beautiful tropical gardens and immense national parks. Some of the most unspoilt beaches in Thailand are located here including Nan Thong, Bang Sak and Bang Niang.

Khao Pra Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
Stretching over 170 square acres the Khao Pra wildlife sanctuary offer some amazing sights, not least of which is an abundance of the rarest birds. Black Hornbills, Wallace’s Hawk Eagles and Blue banded kingfishers are just a few of the birds that can be spotted along the 2.7Km nature trail. Overnight camping is permitted here and visitors can enjoy swimming in the calcium carbonate rich Emerald Pool located at the heart of the sanctuary. After walking the nature trail visitors can also enjoy a rejuvenating dip in the nearby 30C hot springs.


Guest Post by Jennifer Viloria
photo credit

Vintage Car Love: Red 1965 Fiat 500

I have a crush on vintage cars! I have been on the lookout for a vintage Fiat 500 for quite a while now – seems like there aren’t a lot of them available in South Florida. Aren’t they adorable?

I saw a vintage 1965 Fiat 500 on Snail Trail awhile ago – however, she isn’t available anymore, however they have an adorable assortment of retro rentals and vintage cars available for rental for photos shoots and more. And sometimes they sell one of them too. So fun!

Do you have a favorite vintage car?

photo credit

Green Book of the Week: Home Grown Books Bring Art to Young Readers

Oh my goodness – I just came across Home Grown Books: The Play Set and I am in love! It’s like a mother’s dream come true – each book is a collaboration between artist, educator, and parents!

There are 9 books in the set and each one is engaging for both child and parents alike. The stories are simple making them perfect for beginning readers, there are different sets available.

The art is a great way to foster children’s reading skills and makes these books perfect for gift giving too! And they are made in New York City – printed locally on recycled paper and printed with NoVOC vegetable inks.

P.S. Sweet Greens readers can get 10% off your orders through 2/13/2014 with the coupon code sweetgreens.

Home Grown Books
+ The Play Set $29.95

Green Holiday Giveaway #9: Children’s Library: Green Minded Book Collection

Giveaway number nine is for any of the children in your life! A set of 5 lovely children’s books with bright beautiful illustrations, heart warming messages and beautiful stories. Here is a peek at what comes in the collection.

1. The Good Garden | How One Family Went from Hunger To Having Enough by Katie Smith Milway
This is a simple story about a big issue: hunger. It provides children with tools and information to help them make a difference, locally and globally.

2. Bully Bean by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck
This lovely book teaches children one of the most important lessons about life: to love and help everyone around us. Good stuff!

3. Fireflies and Shooting Stars “The Tale of Enzo” by Ed Raarup 
With beautiful art and included 12 song CD – The Tale of Enzo is the story of a little firefly who faces the challenges of being different. It’s a beautiful story of courage, truth and hope!

4. The Earth, The Alphabet, and Me by Christine Pesout
This is a simple little book filled with 26 small ways kids can make a big different in the environment.

5. Bimbambu by Ileana Katzenelson
Bimbambu is a fun, colorful story of friendship and is sure to delight your children. We especially loved the animals all dressed up in their winter gear.

Wouldn’t this be a super fun gift for the littles to open on Christmas Eve or Day! A collection of lovely stories that will delight them all year. Yay!

If you are picking up books as holiday gifts – these are some that are sure to please, check them out – however, don’t forget to enter the giveaway below.

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Green Holiday Giveaway #7: Vegan and Vegetarian Cookbook Library

Today’s first giveaway is for the chef in your life – I am offering a vegan and vegetarian cookbook library worth over $150! What a fun holiday gift to surprise someone you love with!

This cookbook library includes a variety of excellent recipes for the vegan and vegetarian palette. Here are the cookbooks that the library includes:

1. Vegan Secret Supper
Vegan Secret Supper offers bold and elegant menus from a Rogue Kitchen. With simple recipes and beautiful photos this is a cookbook that every vegan should have in their collection. Some of the recipes featured are Avocado Mint Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Cake and Walnut and Roasted Yam Croquettes with Ancho Balsamic Beet Reduction.

+ Vegan Secret Supper $26.95

2. The China Study Cookbook
Like the Vegan Secret Supper, this cookbook offers simple plant-based recipes with bright, beautiful photos. However, this cookbook features delicious meals that are made using no added fats, minimal sugar and salt to promote optimal health.

+ The China Study Cookbook $19.95

3. The Clean Plates Cookbook
The Clean Plates Cookbook is more of a toolkit that gives you the tools to take back the control of your health. It’s full of sustainable, delicious, and healthier eating options for every body. This cookbook clearly outlines which recipes are gluten-free and includes a weekly meal plan at the back of the book.

+ The Clean Plates Cookbook $20

4. Raw, Quick and Delicious Cookbook
This cookbook is perfect for the raw foodie in your life. Full of recipes for every meal and occasion from breakfast, smoothies, snacks, pastas, sides and main dishes – it has something for everyone. All of these recipes include 5 ingredients or less and are simple to prepare taking only 15 minutes tops!

+ Raw, Quick and Delicious Cookbook $ 24.95

5. The Complete Leafy Greens Cookbook
This is a huge cookbook full of over 250 recipes and fresh green drink recipes for everyone in your family. If you are looking for ways to get more greens into your meals this is the cookbook for you – not only will you learn about all of the different kinds of greens, there are great recipes for all of them too.

+ The Complete Leafy Greens Cookbook $27.95

#6: BONUS: The Good Life for Less
While not an actual cookbook, The Good Life for Less is full of great ways to give your family great meals and good times on a budget! It includes tips on saving money at the grocery store, managing and organizing your home and fun traditions to start with your family. It’s a great book to have in your library!

+ The Good Life for Less $15

Check out these great cookbooks and enter the giveaway below – the winner will be announced December 12th.

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