Ice Ice Baby

Taking a cold shower every day is beneficial in many ways, according to health and fitness experts. Usually, taking a cold shower is seen as some kind of punishment, especially when it’s the result of a bathroom plumbing problem, but did you know that getting under a cold shower can help your circulation, help you sleep better, and help prevent injuries?

It’s all true. In fact, in certain parts of the world, dousing young children with buckets of ice-cold water is seen as a therapeutic health practice! Even though there is plenty of evidence to show the health benefits of taking a cold shower, it can take some time for your body to get used to it.

It Improves Your Mood; The science of the cold shower happens mostly in the brain. (That is, your brain’s neurotransmitters handle the information that the shower is colder than usual, so we’ll start there.) Taking a cold shower stimulates the secretion of noradrenaline in the brain, which is known to boost mood, help fight off depression in many forms, and reduce feelings of stress in the body. This means you’ll start the day in the right frame of mind. Taking a cold shower can also promote the production of testosterone, the hormone that helps stimulate muscle growth. So, taking a cold shower can also help make you stronger!

Circulation; Taking a cold shower can also help improve your blood circulation. For instance, when taking a hot shower, the blood goes to the skin to protect it, whereas with a cold one, the blood rushes to the internal organs to protect them—and that’s a much longer trip for your blood. More blood circulated to the area of the organs can help them function more efficiently throughout the day. Some experts also believe that taking a cold shower can elevate blood glucose, thereby suppressing the appetite and helping raise body temperature.

Where To Start; If you decide to try a bit of cold shower therapy, it will initially feel a little uncomfortable. Just as when starting a new exercise regimen, leaving one’s comfort zone is always a little shocking. That’s okay, because you will get stronger and more resilient, and soon your body will not only have adapted to the new temperature, but it will crave the cold water. To start, a number of experts recommend a progressive transition to cold showers from warm ones. To do so, begin showering normally, and by the middle point of your shower, start to turn the temperature down a little bit at a time, until your body is no longer comfortable. When the water is cold, take deep breaths to control any shivering and to help maintain a consistent body temperature. Do this for a couple of minutes for three days, after which you start the cold water a little earlier each day, until your entire shower is taken under cold water.

A SPECIAL GOODLUCK TO ALL MY CANADIANS DURING THE WINTER!!

- Danie J

Your Summer Food Essentials-PART 2

PEPPER (CAPSICUM):
Beautifying Compound: Capsaicin
Beauty Benefit: Reduces Inflammation

You can't really go wrong when choosing your favourite pepper, but keep these two bits of beauty info in mind: red, yellow, and orange bell peppers have more beauty benefits than green bell peppers, and hot peppers, like poblano, chile, and jalapeno varieties, contain much, much more of the anti-aging phytochemical capsaicin found in the white membrane inside the pepper. Whether you go sweet or hot, all peppers support good circulation. But peppers with higher levels of capsaicin are especially anti-inflammatory chemoprotective, circulation boosting - and anti-aging. Capsaicin suppresses a cell signal that starts a chain of inflammation and aging process in the body. Sweet bell peppers only have trace amounts of capsaicin, but they're extremely high in collagen-building vitamin C. On sweet yellow pepper has about 600 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Sweet bell peppers are also great sources of of B vitamins for healthy hair and anti-aging beta-carotene for firm, elastic skin. Rinse peppers in cold water and eat them raw to keep their delicate antioxidants intact

PINEAPPLE: 
Beautifying Compound: Vitamin B/Pyridoxine
Beauty Benefit: Supports Healthy Hair Colour

This sweet tropical treat contains a powerful anti-inflammatory digestive compound that breaks down protein and boosts overall digestion. Pineapple's enzymes combine with its insoluble fiber to help you maintain a flat belly and less bloat when you eat it fresh (in moderation, since it's high in natural fruit sugar). Pineapple is rich in vitamin B6 and copper, two nutrients for healthy hair and hair colour; plus potassium, for circulating beauty nutrients around the body. Pineapple also balances water and heat in the body, making it a wonderful summer food.

RASPBERRIES: 
Beautifying Compound: Vitamin B/Biotin
Beauty Benefit: Strengthens Hair And Nails

These delicate, gem-like berries contain an impressively large list of antioxidants, from collagen-protecting anthocyanin pigments to toxin-fighting ellagic acid. Raspberries also offer age-fighting, collagen-building nutrition from vitamin C and plenty of fiber for their small size. The raspberry has blood-building and liver-supporting properties that strengthen and support gorgeous skin and healthy hair, plus biotin that's important for growing hair and nails. It's high content of manganese also helps the body preserve mitochondrial health.

TOMATO: 
Beautifying Compound: Lycopene
Beauty Benefit: Defends Against UV Damage

Eating tomatoes while the sun shines has another beauty benefit: the anti-cancer nutrients lycopene and beta-carotene in tomatoes defend the skin from UV damage that causes wrinkles, age spots, and lines. Eating tomatoes regularly concentrates this photoprotective benefit in the skin. Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene absorption, as does a drizzle of olive oil - the natural pairing to ripe summer tomatoes that provides vitamin E to amplify the damage-preventing actions of vitamin C. Tomatoes are also anti-inflammatory and high in potassium, to keep your electrolytes in balance for healthy circulation of beauty nutrients.


WATERMELON: 
Beautifying Compound: Iron
Beauty Benefit: Maintains Healthy Red Blood Cell Production

Watermelon is a long, hydrating drink of water for your skin (92% of every bite is H2O). The antioxidant lycopene in watermelon gives your body strong UV-defense properties that work in tandem with your sunscreen to keep you sun-damage-free all summer. For summer slimness, watermelon reduces water retention and cools and detoxifies the body. It's a surprising source of iron - important for red blood cell production, which leads to healthy hair, pretty pink nail beds, and radiant skin. It also helps the body make arginine, an amino acid that is indirectly involved in bodily healing and the production of anti-aging HGH. Arginine supports cardiovascular health, ensuring healthy blood flow throughout the body.


ZUCCHINI: 
Beautifying Compound: Magnesium
Beauty Benefit: Calms Nervous Function

Not only is zucchini - and yellow squash, a zucchini variety - a seriously low-cal veggie (just 20 calories in one small zucchini), its fiber and detoxifying pectin make you feel full and block absorption of even more of its calories. But don't think the beauty benefits of zucchini are bland. Zucchini offers a dose of anti-aging vitamins C and A, plus relaxing, blood pressure-lowering magnesium and potassium. You'll find beauty nutrients like B6 and folate for healthy hair, and riboflavin for collagen building, in every bite.



- Danie J

The Final Countdown

I was one of those kids that started counting down the days till Christmas in November, and well… I still do! I love planning things and counting down to things happening in my life. It makes me get so excited about them, but I know I can sometimes get a little out of hand (anything over a year is a BIT TOO EARLY to start your countdown I guess). 

Count downs are great; great for keeping track of when an event/thing is happening; great for giving you something to look forward too; great for passing time. Ah, that last point there… “Great for passing time”, when in today’s society did we decide it was great to count down to things and wish for them to hurry up, all we are inevitably doing is wishing away our days, wishing away our time. And WHY would we ever want to do that!? Not everyone does this, some people are great at living in the moment, I am most of the time, but I still have my little count down timers for trips, and events, and that’s ok. We need to realise that yes it is ok and good for us to look forward and countdown to something, but we need to make sure that we are only counting down/ looking at the number and not wishing away our days.

Whenever I find myself thinking ‘Ohhh I can’t wait for this trip, I wish it would go faster’ for the rest of that day I specifically look for things to do and look forward to only on that day. Every day of our lives should be enjoyable. Some may be more enjoyable then others, but we really need to start seeing the beauty in every day. Whether you are as fortunate as me, and living in a national park beside giant mountains, or whether you are couped up in a small apartment, sick as a dog, do something to make that day memorable… watch your favourite movie, order out your favourite food, go for a walk, sit by a lake, ANYTHING.

Again, no you won’t remember every day for the rest of your life, and yes some days will always automatically be better, but I’m challenging all of you, to at least try and look forward to something in Everyday (as well as your awesome future plans)


- Danie J

First Summer In Canada

So I am currently living in Canada… Lake Louise Alberta to be more specific and right now it is -30 Degrees Celsius, and I am sitting here reminiscing about summer. If you don’t know already, I am not Winters Biggest fan, I love snow, I think it’s so beautiful, and there is lots of fun things to do in it, but I just can’t seem to handle the cold temperatures and getting dressed in so many layers every day for 8 months straight. And yes I have already spent a very long, cold and snowy winter here in Canada last season where I managed to survive temperatures of -42 Degrees Celsius, but lucky (kind of sad, as I hate goodbyes) I am only doing a very short 2-3 month season this year before I am off on my next adventure (somewhere A LOT Warmer…. Keep Posted!!)

I love and live for summer, coincidentally i only realised that half way through my first very long and cold winter last season. But all in all I still pushed through and enjoyed ‘summer’ for the very few months it was here (like 2 months). My first summer in Canada was pretty amazing, I went white water rafting (not my first time); Fun, but cold, rapids were only classes 2-4 so good for first timers. Rock climbing; I loved it so much, a full body workout but oh my gosh, if you are reward driven then try this out, the views you get the higher you go for to die for! LOTS of Hiking (I will post another blog on some of the best hikes here in the area). Zip Lining; Bike Riding; Horse Riding; Canoeing; Bear Watching; Road trips through the mountain range. All in all, If you are very outdoors and love being active, a summer in the Canadian Rockies is a MUST DO once in your life. 

- Danie J

Your Summer Food Essentials-PART 1

BLUEBERRIES:
Beautifying Compound: Anthocyanins
Beauty Benefit: Boosts Skin Elasticity

When it comes to blues, go easy on the eye shadow and fill up on the berries. On the surface, blueberries may not look powerful, but their deep blue skins contain a stable of anti-agers that keep you looking, thinking, and seeing yourself, at least 10 years younger! Specifically, anthocyanin pigments boost skin's elasticity and connective tissue (bye-bye sagging) and protect against UV damage, while catechins defend against wrinkles. Vitamins C and E top the list of the more common beauty nutrients in blueberries (they are even more powerful together, since C helps regenerate E in the body), and their healthy does of potassium boosts the circulation of nutrients and oxygen. They may even help reduce fat storage in your body, thanks to their ability to decrease insulin resistance. Eat them fresh or frozen, but not dried, for the biggest benefits. 


CANTALOUPE: 
Beautifying Compound: Vitamin A
Beauty Benefit: Protects Against UV Damage

Cantaloupe combines two major beauty vitamins, A and C: just 1 cup/170g has more of both A and C than you'll need in a full day! Vitamins A and C are powerhouse prevention against acne, wrinkles, sun damage, lackluster skin, and dry scalp. Cantaloupe also has plenty of potassium to keep your body hydrated and your beauty nutrients circulating, aided by vitamin B, which keeps sodium and potassium balanced in your body. Those B vitamins are also key for healthy, lustrous hair. cantaloupe is superoxide dismutase that supports mitochondrial health. For optimal digestion, eat your cantaloupe by itself, or at least thirty minutes before a meal.


CELERY: 
Beautifying Compound: Sodium
Beauty Benefit: Maintains Electrolyte Balance

It's healthy balance of sodium and potassium makes it a natural diuretic, with the power to cool, detox, and flush your body of excess fluid. Celery is just what you need when you're feeling a little too hot and heavy in the summer heat. And as you're cooled by celery, you're calmed, too, thanks to the phytochemical coumarin and its blood pressure-lowering properties. Celery's content of silicon supports skin elasticity and hydration, plus healthy hair growth. As you crunch away, remember that celery also defends against inflammation and wrinkles.


CUCUMBER: 
Beautifying Compound: Silicon
Beauty Benefit: Boosts Skin Elasticity And Moisture

When it's hot outside, cucumbers are like a cool breeze for your body and beauty. they're rich in silicon, a beauty mineral that's essential for healthy connective tissue and skin moisture and elasticity; and they're packed with water (95 percent!) for a hydration and detoxification boost. The potassium in cucumbers keeps beauty nutrients circulating, while magnesium keeps you calm (and together, research shows, these two chemicals may lower blood pressure). Cucumbers are anti-inflammatory, kidney-cleansing foods that prevent water retention and keep your body slim. They're a surprisingly good source of vitamin K, and super low in calories (an entire cucumber contains only 45). It's worth buying organic cucumbers so you can eat them with their skins, which are a good source of vitamin C and chlorophyll.


PAPAYA: 
Beautifying Compound: Lycopene
Beauty Benefit: Defends Against UV Damage

It's no surprise that this sunny orange fruit bursts full of age-fighting vitamin C; there's about one and a half times your recommended daily intake of vitamin C in 1 cup/225g of the tender flesh. Together with it's natural does of vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lycopene, papaya protects skin from signs of sun damage, like wrinkles and brown spots. Even more beautifying: papaya contains a digestive enzyme that reduces aging inflammation and promotes healthy digestion of proteins, as well as phytochemicals thought to protect from cancer. Papaya seeds are said to cleanse the intestines.


- Danie J

What To Look For In A Backpack

So with a little over a month before i head on my First big 'Back packing' Trip, i thought i'd write about one VERY important thing to do with Travelling and Backpacking.... YOUR BACKPACK. Picking the right backpack is an important part of any trip. Too big, and you’ll have too much extra weight. Too small, and you’ll never fit anything in. Pick the wrong material, and when it rains, your stuff will be soaked. There are so many options out there that it can be very confusing.

What to look for in a Backpack?

Water resistant material – While your pack does not need to be 100% waterproof, make sure your bag is made out of a semi-waterproof material so everything doesn't get wet in a drizzle. Many packs come with tarps/ waterproof covers you can put over them in case of some rain.

Multiple Compartments – A good bag must have multiple compartments. This way, you can break up your belongings into smaller sections so it’s easier to access and find the stuff you need. For example, my clothes are in the main compartment of my bag, my shoes in the bottom, toiletries in the front/separated small bag, and miscellaneous in the front/separated medium bag. It saves time from having to dig around your bag to find what you are looking for.

Padded Hip Belt, Shoulder Straps, & Back – Most of the weight you will be carrying around will be pushing down on your hips and shoulders, so you’ll want a padded belt to make supporting the weight more comfortable. The belt will help provide support and distribute the weight load more evenly on your back causing less strain and problems. Make sure the padding is very thick and made up of a single piece of material as it will be less likely to split and thin out. The hip belt should also be adjustable so you can tighten it for extra support. A lumbar-shaped pack makes carrying it more comfortable, as it allows for a more natural arch to ensure no back pain. Another bonus, this type of pack creates a small space between your back and the bag allowing air to move through which is a fantastic way too keep you cool after you've been lugging your bag around in 40+ degrees Celsius.

Does size matter – No one backpack size is better than another. What matters is that your backpack is the right size for what you need, and the right size for you. It should be proportioned to your body, so that might mean a backpack that is 40 liters or 80 liters. If your backpack is too big or too small, the weight won’t be balanced properly and will cause back pain or make you unsteady when carrying it. You don’t want a bag too big in comparison to yourself, it can leave you feel vulnerable and an easier target for someone to knock over/or take your things. But, you also don’t want a pack that is clearly too small and overflowing with all your stuff. When you are at the store (and any good camping/outdoors store will do this), they should be able to stuff your backpack with the equivalent of 30 pounds (15 kilograms) so you can see how that much weight feels on your back.


- Danie J

6 Hairstyles In 60 Seconds

*Alarm goes off* *7:00am* *Turns off* *Back to sleep* 

*Alarm goes off* *7:05am* *Turns off* *Back to sleep* 

*Alarm goes off* *7:10am* *Turns off* *Back to sleep* 

    ..........*Sleepily wakes up* *Looks at clock* *7:42am*

Oh No... I'm LATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soooo, this has happened to all of us at one point or another, you keep hitting snooze, you don't even hear your alarm, you forgot to put on an alarm, or you are just that god damn tired! Being a girl, you CAN'T sleep in, especially, depending on the industry you work in...(for me, i am getting paid to look presentable) so every minute counts! Being a makeup artist, i have quick Makeup Application Down to a T... (but for those who don't, i will post another blog on how to do your makeup 'Perfectly Fast'). So for me... HAIR is the real issue!! So to help out all you other long haired beauties out there, i have 6 Hairstyles you can do within 60 seconds each, and still look like you have made an effort. No one will even know that you were asleep 15 minutes ago! (All you need is some Ribbon and a Hair Brush!)

BEFORE YOU START: Get one piece of Ribbon, about One meter in length and place by your bed, or bathroom mirror incase of this 'Running Late' Emergency!!



1. Part your hair, and brush it to one side. Take your ribbon and tie it around your hair to make a pony tail. Tie the ribbon into a bow, or just let it hang down.
(A hair tie may be used for extra support)

2. Brush and part your hair, and pull the ribbon from the back, underneath your hair and tie on top of your head. i then pull some of my fringe/bangs out for a more relaxed look.

3. Brush you hair back, then pull the ribbon from the back, underneath your hair and tie on top of your head. I then tied a small bow on top so the ribbon didn't dangle in my face.

4. *You will need one bobby pin for this style. Part and brush hair, then twist and pull fringe/bangs back on one side and pin. Tie ribbon into a bow and slide underneath the bobby pin.

5. *You will need two bobby pins for this style. Part and brush hair, then twist and pull fringe/bangs back on each side and pin. Then place the ribbon on top and over your head and slide tight under each pin, let then ends flow down.

6. Brush all hair back and up high, start twisting your hair and wrap it round itself into a bun. Hold in place with one hand, and get your ribbon and start to wrap in around the base of your bun. When finished tuck the end of the ribbon under.

(A hair tie may be used for extra support)

- Danie J

Build a Beautifying Tea Apothecary

Tea offers so much more then warmth and hydration. Steep the right teas and you’ll relax, be better equipped to fight off a cold, feel more energetic, and yes, defend against wrinkles! For the biggest beauty benefits, I always recommend tea over coffee. A few of my favourite teas for healthy vanity:

CHAMOMILE TEA Protects your skin from sun damage, thanks to its high concentration of the phytochemical quercetin, and promotes restful sleep and for us girls, cramp relief during our period.

DANDELION ROOT TEA is a gentle diuretic brew that supports liver function and digestion, both of which are essential for gorgeous skin.

GINGER TEA or an infusion of fresh grated ginger root, chases away colds, helps you digest heavy meals, and works beauty magic as a powerful anti-inflammatory for your body and skin.

GREEN TEA has the ability to block wrinkle formation and even reverse UV damage, thanks to its free radical- fighting catechins like EGCG. The catechins in green tea are even more powerful antioxidants than vitamins C and E, and they’ve demonstrated the amazing ability to restore and revive dying skin cells.

ROOIBOS or red tea is a brimming with antioxidants, including quercetin, the UVB-protectant pigment that’s anti-cancer, antiaging, and – bonus for allergy sufferers – a natural antihistamine. 

TULSI TEA helps the body handle stress and balance hormones with its soothing, energising powers. Some of my favourite tulsi blends combine the herb with ginger, jasmine, and rose.

WHITE TEA contains anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, which directly contributes to signs of aging. White tea offers antiaging effects even in small amounts, so you can feel beautiful about sipping just one cup!

- Danie J

Don't Worry Be Happy

Worrying ruins everything. LITERALLY. It ages your skin faster, it damages your internal organs making you sick, it clutters your mind with unhealthy thoughts; it is overall bad for your Mind, body and soul… Yet we are still all guilty of this terrible habit!

If aging prematurely or getting sick enough to end up in hospital doesn’t make you want to stop, hopefully a few tips and tricks and understanding more of why we do it will help change your way of thinking.

We can worry about the past, present and future. Worrying is also linked with stress and overthinking. When you think back on past events and stress or worry about what has happened what do you ultimately think you are getting out of it? Possibly the skill to turn back time? If not, then it will not change anything. What’s done is done.

Worrying about anything happening right now, or usually overthinking is the hardest to overcome, as you are right in the moment and if you can’t push yourself away for a few minutes too really see and realise what is happening your mind will get the better of you. We tend too over think what people say too us, or how they act towards us. 

Sometimes what a person says is exactly what they mean; there is nothing up for discussion. If you are really confused or unsure then ASK THEM. Usually I give myself a night too sleep on it to avoid unwanted drama, and if the thing is still bothering me the next day I will politely bring it up.Usually I forget it by the next morning.

The worst culprit that I am going to shame and blame here is technology. Nowadays we communicate so much through technology like Facebook, texting, email. There are no emotions portrayed through words on a screen. Yet we, as humans add our own emotion too everything we read, which can then result in misinterpreting, overthinking, and worrying about something that in all honesty is nothing.

Take time for yourself, a little ‘Me Time’ everyday will do you a world of good, think of happy thoughts, think about breathing (yes, in and out, in and out, super easy isn’t it?), listening to relaxing music, and just try zone out of your everyday life for a little, you’ll feel a lot more clear headed and ready to think more clearly and tackle anything without over thinking or stressing and turning something bigger than it needs to be. 

- Danie J

Pumpkin Spice Pudding

The beauty nutrition in this pumpkin spice pudding makes it a guilt-free indulgence. For added beauty benefits and extra yumminess, top individual servings with chopped walnuts.

Serves 4

1 ½ Cups/350g Cooked Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Puree
1 Frozen Banana (Peel Before Freezing)

1 Cup/240ml Unsweetened Almond Milk

¼ Cup/40g Flaxseed

1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup

2 ½ Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (Recipe Below)

1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

 Using a high powered blender, combine the pumpkin, banana, almond milk, flaxseed, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla and blend on high until smooth, 60 to 90 seconds. Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes or longer for a thick texture.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Shake this beautifying spice blend into smoothies, on cereal, into baked desserts and puddings, or anywhere else you want an anti-aging, fall flavour kick.

Makes 3 ½ Tablespoons

2 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon

2 Tsp Ground Ginger

1 Tsp Ground Cloves

1 Tsp Ground All Spice

1 Tsp Ground Nutmeg

Put the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, all spice, and nutmeg in a small bowl and mix well. Transfer to an airtight container and store up to 1 year.

  

ENJOY!

- Danie J

THAILAND

Thailand is a very easy and fun trip you can do with friends, family, or on your own. It's versatile in the way that you can spend your days relaxing on the beach, go shopping all day and partying all night, emerge yourself in the culture, and go on adventures if the forest or do some awesome water sports. I have been to Thailand multiple times, sporting my wonderful parents as my travel partners. We have traveled to Bangkok and Phuket, two very different versions of beautiful Thailand.

Currency = BAHT
100BAHT = $3.50AUD

Useful Thai Phrases:

Hello = Sawa dee
Thank you (man says) = Kob Khun Krap
Thank you (woman says) = Kob Khun Ka
Yes = Chai
No = Mai Chai
Airport = Sanaam Bin
Bathroom = Hong Naam
Thank you (man says) = Kob Khun Krap
Thank you (woman says) = Kob Khun Ka
Yes = Chai
No = Mai Chai
Airport = Sanaam Bin
Bathroom = Hong Naam

TRAVEL: In Bangkok, we got an underground train pass 60BAHT ($2) per person for a full day multi use, or you could get a deal for multiple days for even cheaper, this was fast and the train came every 15mins. We found it quite easy to navigate where we needed to go. We also used a taxi, and you can usually bargain down to a good price for full day use (so they drive you everywhere you want to go, and they usually go get a coffee or read while you do your activity/sightseeing. In Phuket/ the quieter areas or Thailand, we always go by Tuk Tuk. With Tuk Tuk's they usually have set, cheap prices from city to beach/ vice versa, but no harm in asking for a better price!

Tuk Tuk's in Phuket

Things you can do anywhere in Thailand...
If you have a special occasion coming up... or just want to spoil yourself, they have great Dress making shops; for anything from a suit, bridal, cocktail, or formal dresses for amazing prices.
Get A Massage!! They are super cheap, and actually very good! Sometimes their pressure may be a bit TOO HARD... but try your best to ask for lighter pressure.  Any beauty related service, like manicures and pedicures are great value for money too! I tried the Fish Spa, which was a very weird experience, didn’t notice too much of a difference, but was very different too try!

Fish Spa 

BANGKOK

Bangkok is a big city, but within it there is still a lot of Culture, I defiantly enjoyed going to all the temples and learning about the history about each part of Bangkok, and then going to some of the districts and experiencing them for myself. Honestly, there are so many temples, etc. in Bangkok; I would honestly suggest finding a taxi and asking them to take you to the ‘best ones’.

I found the best markets/shopping tend to be on the weekend, and again by asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge they are always happy to point you in the right direction. In Thailand, like most Asian countries encourage bartering and haggling the prices of the item/s you wish to buy. At first it may seem daunting, but by the end of the trip you'll be a pro!


About 1.5hours out of the city of Bangkok you will find, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi. We went on a small wooden boat, and not only experiencing the market we got to see some beautiful greenery, farming and living areas. The markets were wonderful, we tried our hand at ordering some foods, and watching it all get made right next to you on another boat was just incredible! And yes, all the food tasted fantastic as well.

PHUKET 

Phuket is not as big as Bangkok, but still has everything you need to have an amazing, versatile holiday. For me I would say the heart of Phuket is Bangla Road, which if you type into Google, will soon realise it is Party and Nightclub central. It is a great location though as it puts you less than 5 minute walk from beautiful Patong Beach, and some great markets among the beach side road. 

To really get into the Thailand Culture I would highly suggests seeing the Spectacular Simon Cabaret Phuket http://www.phuket-simoncabaret.com/  which is about 700BAHT ($24) per person and Fantasea Phuket http://www.phuket-fantasea.com/index.php which is a show and a buffet (buffet is optional... but I defiantly recommend it). Show + Buffet Dinner 2,200BAHT ($75) per person and ONLY Show 1,800BAHT ($60) per person

Simone Cabaret and Fantasea are both very different, but both I believe really capture the Thai culture, and were definite highlights of this trip. If you are going as a family with kids under the age of 16 I would defiantly suggestion Fantasea as there's a whole carnival and game setup like a miniature theme park out the front so they will defiantly enjoy it more. 

Bangla Road, Patong Beach

Animals are quite popular in Thailand, in Bangla Road you will get the chance to touch and get photos with all sorts of weird monkeys and lizards. In the paragraph below, when we were island hoping, we went to 'Monkey Island', and got to feed and pat the monkeys which were fun for the most part. Also Thai Elephants are very popular; they are used in a lot of show, and also for riding. Again, ask at any hotel or tour desk for an elephant tour, etc. The one we did included a cashew nut factory and honey factory tour too, which were both very enlightening. Thai elephants are one of the smaller species of elephant I have ever seen, very cute and kind in nature; we got to feed them and then go for a ride through the forest.

Sunset at Patong Beach, Phuket

James Bond Island

The beaches here are absolutely phenomenal, so any water sport/ activity is a must. I did a ‘James Bond Island’ Speed Boat tour, again, you can find and book one of these anywhere, go for a walk down the street and you will find a Tour Desk / Shop on average they go for about 1,500BAHT ($50) per person, depending on what you want to do, there are longer, more in-depth ones or even a few cheaper ones, but defiantly recommend any around that price as you get to see a lot of amazing things.

- Danie J