Hunter Valley – Australia's Top Wine Region

The Hunter Valley is a region in New South Wales, Australia, which is renowned for many delights that attract tourists from every corner of the globe. However, above all else, it is legendary for first-class wineries that produce some of the best wine in the world, and this is far from overselling it. Nowadays, Australian wine is lauded for its impeccable quality, and it even surpasses products from Mediterranean countries in many ways. If you find this hard to believe, embark on a journey through the Hunter Valley – Australia's Top Wine Region.

A land of Sémillon and Shiraz
The Hunter Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in the entire Australia, known for its suitable climate conditions and excellent results in grape cultivation since the early 19th century. The climate is humid and subtropical, and even though it is located a bit further inland, you can still feel the alluring scent of the Pacific Ocean, and maritime influences over the region are quite profound and noticeable – which is exactly why it is such a potent wine region. The Hunter Valley is proud home to over 120 wineries which are mostly prominent for Sémillon and Shiraz varieties; however, this is not where the range of choices ends. You’ll also get a chance to taste lovely Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a few sips of Verdelho here and there.

How A Healthy Lifestyle Can Be Your Key To A Stress-Free And Happy Existence

Mental health starts from the small things – from the posture when you work to the stimulation and curiosity that you need to maintain about the world around you. If you desire to wake up every day with a spring in your step then it starts with how you treat your mind. Here are some of the best ways to feel rejuvenated all day.

Eat The Right Food
Physical discomfort can cause you a lot of stress – that correlation is something we have all experienced. Take for example a dodgy digestive system. It makes you wary of traveling or trying out new cuisines and eateries in town – clearly hampering your lifestyle. This can certainly drag your mood down. To combat such scenarios, incorporate a healthy diet into your daily routine.

How to Plan a Trip to the Great Lakes

For years, the Great Lakes have attracted over 3 million out-of-state visitors each year. With a variety of lakes to choose from, all holding their own unique charm and treasures to be found, it’s no wonder why it’s one of the most popular road trip destinations in the United States. If you’re planning a trip to the Great Lakes, however, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind and plan your route carefully.

Begin Your Journey in Chicago
If you’re coming from out of state, or even from out of the country, Chicago offers you the perfect starting point as flights are often cheaper when arriving from faraway places. Because it’s situated right on Lake Michigan, you’ll be able to start your tour of the Great Lakes here before heading north to Wisconsin. Spend a night or two in Chicago and enjoy views of the lake from one of the city’s vantage points at the Lakefront Trail, Chicago Riverwalk or even the NoMi Kitchen. Delve into the spectacular nightlife and treat yourself to something as elegant as a night of Chicago bottle service in one of the city's themed clubs.

Solaire Resort & Casino's New Speakeasy: Baccarat Room & Bar

During the Prohibition era in the United States, speakeasies or blind pigs were hidden bars where people could get their hands on some hooch. Many of them were underground, concealed in the back rooms of laundromats, or hidden away behind unmarked doors. Since it was illegal to sell alcohol during this time, it was important to keep these operations as discreet as possible.

But alcohol is now legal and it’s been a long time since the prohibition days. However, speakeasy-style bars are becoming one of the most popular places to drink. They’re also becoming popular in the Philippines and typically serve old-fashioned and carefully curated cocktails with egg whites, floral syrups, and classic garnishes.

The World’s Biggest Book Sale: Big Bad Wolf Now On Its Second Year in Manila

There are so many reasons behind why people are drawn to reading books. As for myself I've got a few things in mind and will recon it is I go along this post. While growing up I have already developed a love for reading. I have heard numerous times, that story, my mumma, my grandma and my aunts recall how when I was around 3 years old, they would find me in our library slumped on the floor, reading those Bible picture books. Saying slightly incomprehensible words based on what I’m seeing on those picture books. 

And yes, we have a small library at our ancestral house. That is probably one of the reasons why I got into reading. I don’t know if it was my grandpa or my great grandpa who reads or collects those books that we have in that library but I am thankful they built that. It is where I saw this huge, heavy photo book depicting World War II events that stirred my interest for that said topic. 

Know What Type Of Motor Insurance Is For You

Motor insurance is a policy that covers any or all incidents that may occur concerning a motorized vehicle and it’s driver/owner. Different states have different laws for motor insurance. Whether you buy a new car or lease/rent a car, you should get a motor insurance cover. Although some states allow the drivers/owners to drive their cars on the roads without insurance, most of the states have a minimum required liability insurance. Before you buy a policy, you should know which policy suits you best.

There are a number of insurance policies offered by different companies to protect you and cover your costs related to issues concerning your motor vehicle. As this article covers some common types of insurance policies available in the market, it is up you to decide which policy is best for you.

3 Everyday Habits That Could Be Hurting Your Heart

The heart is a vital organ that’s fragile and strong at the same time—strong because it keeps us alive and fragile because it’s so prone to sickness, which is more often than not caused by poor lifestyle choices we make every day. Regardless of your age, taking care of your heart needs to become a priority at the earliest, so that you can live a long, healthy life and keep heart problems at bay. To start with, take a look at three everyday factors that harm the heart and pave the way for heart disease.

Passive smoking
While everyone knows the devastating effects that smoking can have on the heart, not many people stop to consider how much passive smoking could be affecting their health. Studies show that passive smokers (those who inhale tobacco smoke from other people’s cigarettes, cigars, and pipes) are no less prone to developing cardiac problems than actual smokers.

Dresslily.com Haul # 3 + Review

I know many of you girls will agree that we can’t have too many clothes, too many accessories, too many shoes or too many bags. It is what it is; but whatever… hahahaha! I am so guilty with impulse buying; I love buying things that I know I won’t immediately use. I have many of those moments when I’m browsing through a store on an online shop and I’ll get something thinking, “oh this looks nice, I’ll probably need something like this soon…” There are a lot of times I don’t get to use some of the stuff that I buy and some I do.

I haven’t done much shopping as of late. Besides that, I’m saving up for my future travel plans, I still have tons of clothes and accessories that I haven’t had the chance to wear or that I’ve only used only once or twice. But, (yes I said but hahaha) how can a girl like me resist if I am being offered a gift card and go on a mini shopping haul from one of the great online stores I always frequent. I had no choice but to cave in hahahaha!

Authentic Chinese Cuisine has arrived in the Metro: Golden Bamboo Restaurant in Ayala Malls Circuit

Finally, after conquering Central and Northern Luzon, Golden Bamboo Restaurant has arrived in the Metro Manila last February 14, 2019.Opening on the Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year month, the restaurant was launched with its lively activities such as the Dragon Dance and with its irresistible promotions such as FREE Masachi on heart-shaped tin can, FREE Xiao Long Bao, Best Seller Deal for only P2019 and the Golden Treats Card! Oh, what a wonderful welcome to a new restaurant in town!

People in the city   will now experience the authentic and freshly handcrafted dim sum and Chinese dishes prepared by the Chinese Master Chef - Chef Zhang. Be captivated by the delicious and delectable dishes ranging from noodles, soup, vegetables, seafood, poultry, and red meat.

Go Bento – Affordable Everyday Japanese Food

Next to Chinese restaurants, Japanese restaurants are also ever-present in major places in the country. Excluding our own Filipino food, Japanese cuisine is the top one on my list of international cuisines that I love and will love forever.  I’ve never met a Japanese food that I didn’t like. I can’t even remember a moment where I got disappointed, I mean, even the California maki from Family Mart makes me happy.

BGC is now considered one of the foodie destinations in the metro because of the numerous restaurants and food stalls that you’ll find in almost every street and every corner. But let’s be honest, BGC isn’t the place you would want to go for affordable eats. If you’re working or living in this area, and if you don’t earn a 6-digit monthly salary, eating out could be very expensive. If you’re on a budget you have fewer options like bringing your own food to work, eating at your office cafeteria or find the closest fast food.

5 Reasons Why Should Travel More Often

Traveling is not just about visiting unfamiliar places and snapping Instagram pics – it’s so much more than that. To travel is to discover the true meaning of freedom and awe, to revel in the beauty of exotic natural wonders, to take in the unique culture of a faraway urban gem, and of course, discover the culinary delicacies that will tease and bewilder your taste buds.

From tasting unique coffee blends at street carts in Vietnam, to surfing the waves off the shores of Australia, all the way to the cultural wonderland that is central Europe, global travel should be your priority. Here are the five reasons why you should travel more often.

How to Pass Time While Travelling for Long Hours

One of the most boring and tiring experiences in travelling long hours, especially if you’re not prepared. Sure, you can sometimes rely on cell service and use your phone to check your Instagram or Facebook accounts, but what happens when there is no internet access or when they ask you to pay a lot of money for WiFi service? Then you have to resort to some more traditional methods of killing time.

Colouring books One of the ways to entertain yourself and other people travelling with you is to get a colouring book out and indulge in this relaxing and therapeutic activity while on the road. Don’t think that it’s only for kids! There are so many adult colouring books that are becoming increasingly popular that you’re bound to find one or two to your liking. Not only will you feel more relaxed, but you’ll also get a sense of accomplishment when you finish. Also, it’s a great opportunity to get creative for very little money and you don’t need any particular skills.

Hap Chan 107th Branch at Robinson’s Galleria with Unli Shabu-Shabu + Buffet

In the Philippines, there isn’t any trace of scarcity of where to get Chinese food; next to the local cuisine, it is one of the most prevalent cuisine there is. And we owe this to hundreds of years Chinese influence in our food and also our culture. A lot of Filipino dishes are highly impacted by Chinese flavors; a lot have been Filipinized as well like the pancit, kikiam etc. Although this may be the case, there is more Chinese food to explore that hasn’t reach the Filipino taste buds.

One of the well-known Chinese restaurants in the Philippines is Hap Chan; to date they have 107 stores across the nation wherein I was able to witness the grand opening of their 107th store at Robinson’s Galleria with my fellow foodies just last week. The ceremony was a mix of religious and Chinese traditional practices which included a Lion Dance that greatly entertained the attendees, especially myself LOL.

Cara Mia Cakes & Gelato's Sweetest Treat Ever: The Limited Edition Strawberry Shortcake!

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you somebody asks you what are your top 3 favorite fruits? For me, my top 3 favorite fruits are mango, strawberry and watermelon. Anything with these fruits, I will definitely eat. Speaking of strawberries, I like everything strawberry flavored stuff. Strawberries remind of so many things; it reminds me of summer time, it reminds me of cute stuff and I sometimes associate it with something romantic.

So, I was so over the moon when I received something so sweet in the mail a few days ago. My lovely friends at Cara Mia sent over their Limited-Edition Strawberry Shortcake just in time for Valentine’s. Nothing could be more perfect than some sweet treats sent to your doorstep during Happy Hearts Day right?

The Golden Masquerade By Zomato Gold And Okada Manila

November last year, Zomato launched its biggest dining out program in Metro Manila - Zomato Gold. By partnering only with the top-rated restaurants on Zomato, the program has truly transformed the city’s dining experience. Now, Zomato Gold in Metro Manila has more than 50,000+ subscribers and 600+ restaurants partners. 

Zomato Gold’s aim is to elevate its member's dining experience; therefore, members get a chance to be invited to exclusive events called, Zomato Gold Experiences. To celebrate Zomato Gold’s success in Metro Manila, and as a part of the monthly Zomato Gold Experiences, a “Golden Masquerade,” will be held on February 18, 2019, at Okada Manila. This event is exclusive to Zomato Gold members only. The Golden Masquerade will feature a night full of dancing, drinking, and of course a lot of eating. 
Do you want to get invited to Zomato Gold Experiences too? Become a member! Not only do you get to be a part of these interesting events, but you also get to enjoy 1+1 on food and 2+2 on drinks at over 600 restaurant partners in Metro Manila anytime, any day. Welcome to the future of dining out.


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What’s New at LubD Hostel’s Essential Goodness For The Pilgrims

LubD Makati opens Essential Goodness, For The Pilgrims. Introducing the most exciting new rooftop bar & restaurant to Poblacion, Makati. LubD, South East Asia's leading travel experience hotel & hostel brand recently opened its 5th property in Makati, Philippines, last January 2018, further enhancing their global award-winning portfolio of properties in Thailand and Cambodia. The hotel has opened its rooftop restaurant & bar, Essential Goodness For The Pilgrims on the rooftop of LubD Makati, Makati Ave. Makati City.

Essential Goodness For The Pilgrims is a consultative collaboration with talented local chefs Nicco Santos and Quenee Villar of the renowned Hey Handsome & Your Local restaurants. One of Philippines' most renowned chefs, Chef Nicco, shared his own taste and business acumen not only to the locals but also to the expats and travelers alike.

Goto Monster: Not Your Ordinary Goto

We all have our own defaults when we think of comfort food. And for us Filipinos, I’m pretty much sure that one of them is congee or porridge. It would surely come up on our lists of top 10 comfort food especially when were under the weather or just want some pick-me-upper. It’s not a definite claim, but I believe a lot of people all over the world likes congee too, especially if when the Chinese influence have reached these far areas in the world.

Congee is a type of rice porridge or gruel popular in many Asian countries. When eaten as plain rice congee, it is most often served with side dishes. When additional ingredients such as meat, fish, and flavorings are added while preparing the congee, it is most often served as a meal on its own, especially for persons who are ill. Names for congee are as varied as the style of its preparation. Despite its many variations, it is usually a thick porridge of rice largely disintegrated after prolonged cooking in water.

How to Choose a Two-Way Radio for Outdoor Adventures

Going deep into the woods or taking a solo trek in the mountains offers a much needed respite to those looking to break away from everyday life. The mountains not only offer a refreshing retreat to campers, hikers, hunters, photographers and birdwatchers, they’re also relatively less crowded - the tough terrain keeps weekend picnickers away, preserving the sanctity of the place.

If you spend a lot of your leisure time in outdoor activities, you know how important it is to leave home with the right equipment. Preparation is the cornerstone of a successful outdoor experience, and planning for contingencies is a part of the deal.

Steps To Filing An Auto Insurance Claim

In an insurance policy, a claim is when you ask the company to compensate for the damages which you have sustained after an accident. This is the legal procedure you follow and ask the insurance company to reimburse you for the damages. You have paid a huge amount for the car insurance and if there is an accident, it makes sense to make a claim. Here are the five steps to file your insurance claim.

1. Report to the police

First and foremost, you need to have an officer write down the details of the accident in a police report. You might panic after an accident but it is best to allow the police to assess a situation so that in the future, if the third party turns difficult, you will have the police to ensure that you are safe. The police can also help in case of injuries or damage to the vehicle. A police report will help you with the claim.

How to Brew Coffee Like a Pro

A good cup of coffee can make even the earliest of mornings and longest of days a little more bearable. However, if you’re tired of wasting money on expensive house blends from your local coffee bar, it’s time to learn a few tricks that will bring tasty, strong and affordable coffee right to your home. Here are the secrets to brewing coffee like a pro. 

Keep your equipment clean  Besides having good brewing equipment like a dripper, grinder and kettle, you also need to keep it clean. This is a step that many people skip, which results in less than perfect taste. Clean the filter of your machine and your bean containers regularly. This easy step will prevent flavor overlapping and remove oily buildup. It’s a great way to get the pure and clear coffee taste you seek and keep your equipment in top shape for many years.  

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Ilustrado

A delightful 5-course Valentine meal awaits you and your beloved at Ilustrado Restaurant and Café in Intramuros, Manila.The amuse bouche is Beet and Goat Cheese Arancini of sugar beets, goat cheese, tarragon pesto and Arborio rice.

There are 3 appetizer choices of Mushroom Duo with truffle oil, shitake and cremini mushrooms and heavy cream in puff pastry served with mesclun; Jamon and Melon, Serrano Ham, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, extra virgin olive oil, mint, lemon and balsamic glaze; and Salmon Mille-Feuille with smoked salmon, pickled cucumber, capsicum, arugula, fried wonton with dill sesame dressing.

Things You Should Keep In Mind While Traveling

Who doesn’t love to travel? Exploring places, cultures, and cuisines which are not ours is everybody’s wish. Traveling can open your eyes to multiple ways of life. Recently I have been to Canada and here’s what I’ve learned to make traveling a richer experience. Here’s a list of things that you should keep in mind:

Planning May Not Help: Planning your trip and itineraries is really good and very helpful, but it doesn’t go always as planned. Be open to unplanned turns and twists that you may encounter while traveling. Maybe you missed your train, maybe you exhaust your budget before your trip ends. Don’t let these obstacles ruin it for you. There are always ways to get around. Choose a different mode of commute. You can even hitch hike if you want to. Be open to opportunities that come your way.

Perfect Vacation Calls for a Perfect Plan

That wonderful time of the year has finally arrived and you can’t wait to reach the destination where you will spend your vacation. If you are traveling with your partner and a kid or two, it’s crucial to get organized so that every minute of your vacation would be enjoyable.

Make a list of essentials

People tend to bring way too many things in their suitcases and end up using only a few of them. The problem is that you won’t have enough space left for some new clothes, shoes, souvenirs, sweets or drinks. That’s why you should make a list of essentials for every member of your family. In order to include your kids in the organization process, give them little bags and tell them to pack the most important stuff they need. That’s how you will avoid the danger of forgetting the teddy bear without which your child won’t fall asleep easily. Once you write down the essential stuff, you will pack lightly in no time!

Most Common Hair Problems for Women

Happiness comes from inside. If you are a healthy and a positive person from your heart and mind, your gorgeousness will radiate from within and bring out the glow of your inner beauty on your face. All of this is very much true. But we cannot deny the fact that for women, her outer beauty effects how she really feels inside. Women are much more conscious about their appearance as compared to men. It is not just about the make-up, branded dress, perfumes, and heels; her real beauty lies in how she maintains her skin, her hair, her nails, her health, and her hygiene.

Hair is the most essential part of women’s lives. When a woman enters a room, it is one of the first things to be noticed. Whether they are curls, straight or wavy, they need to be healthy, shiny and lustrous. Hair defines the kind of mood she is in. There is so much a woman can do with her hair. With one look at her hair, you can make out the kind of day she has planned for herself: a messy bun for her workout, a cute ponytail for a coffee date, a formal bun for a meeting, and a flaunting wave for the weekend.

Yellow Cab Makes World Pizza Week So Worth It With Unbeatable Promos

Yellow Cab gives hungry hustlers and pizza lovers everywhere a reason to celebrate with the return of its biggest and most anticipated event that is sure to be so worth it - World Pizza Week! From February 3 to 9, customers can enjoy unbeatable promos of legendary Yellow Cab pizzas featuring generous, edge-to-edge toppings that make every bite so worth it.

Starting with a Buy 1 Take 1 promo that will last the entire week, fans of the iconic restaurant can double their satisfaction by ordering two 10-inch pizzas for the price of one. They can choose one flavor from Yellow Cab's wide selection of Classic and Signature New York-style pizzas including bestsellers like #4 Cheese, New York Classic, Manhattan Meatlovers, and Roasted Garlic and Shrimp. giving them a reason to go back and enjoy World Pizza Week to the fullest at Yellow Cab.

Lobo Filipino Tavern - Poblacion

“When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.” - George R.R. Martin. This is probably my fave line in Game of Thrones since I am rooting for the Stark Family to rule over the seven kingdoms and all the realms in Westeros. Any of the Starks can take the throne, whoever it is, I will be glad if that will be the ending of one of the best TV series, if not the greatest, that ever happened to television.

There’s this hip place in Makati that share the same principle as with the Stark Family. Lobo Filipino Tavern lives by the line “For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” Which is part of Rudyard Kipling’s creation, The Jungle Book. Notice that it sounds so similar with that of George R.R. Martin. Maybe the latter took inspiration from the former, maybe, I am really not sure.