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

How to Make Simple Delicious Croutons with Leftover Bread

Do you like croutons on your salad? Of course you do – they are yummy, crunchy, deliciousness! You don’t have to run to grocery store to pick up a bag, you can make your own – they are really easy to make! When we have bread that is getting iffy or has been in the freezer for a while, the mister pulls out a piece to make croutons to go with our dinner salad. Do you have a little leftover bread laying around, read on to whip up a quick batch of these yummy croutons:

Ingredients:

  • bread (any kind)
  • organic extra virgin oil olive
  • garlic salt

Preparation

Cut the bread into 1/2 inch cubes, toss in a bowl with organic extra virgin olive oil until mostly coated, then add garlic salt to taste. Bake at 350° or until crispy. Pull them out as soon as you think they are done or they will burn.

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

Have a Lovely Weekend + A Few Green Things

Hello, Friends! How was your week? I am busy trying to finish everything up today so I can enjoy our newly found 3 day weekend due to school closing because of an unexpected “rain day!” I want to finish up in time to have a little one-on-one time with Eben before the mister gets home for the weekend.

Tomorrow night, the mister and I are heading on a date night. One of my goals for 2014 was to spend more one-on-one time with my guys. A long evening out with my husband is exactly what I think we need to jump-start it! During the day we are taking Eben’s great-grandfather out for lunch, followed by a family sailing trip on Sunday. Sounds like a great weekend to me – how about you? Do you have any fun plans?

The video above made my day – it’s footage of the relationship between Zoologist Kevin Richardson and his lion friends, and a few hyenas too. It’s pretty amazing, I think you will enjoy it too. 

Also, before I sign off for the weekend, I thought you might enjoy these few green things:

– This frozen pink waterfall is kind of dreamy.
– I want to try out this service – live simply, buy ethically!
– This 3rd grader breaks it down, the difference between organic and conventional.
– Ahoy Matey! A recycled cardboard pirate ship!
– Are you walking enough? If not, you will want to check this out! 

I hope you have a nice, dry, and warm weekend – I will see you back here on Monday!

xo,
Sweet Greens