Penang Island lies in northwest Malaysia and its capital, George Town is home to several landmarks. Penang attracts tourists and travelluers from all across the world because of its natural attractions and panoramic views. As an amalgamation of the new and the old, it is here that you are sure to enjoy some great experiences that are not to be found anywhere else. Penang is indeed one of the most diverse and exciting spots on the plant. There is a lot to do and see here. How to enjoy it the most especially when you have just 48 hours?

Browse Georgetown hotels for your stay as they are known for their great vibes and are highly recommended. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the wifi works great. Moreover, these hotels are right next to the market hub and major attractions. Given the manageable size of Penang, one can certainly enjoy most of the island, provided they have a well-planned itinerary.

Day1

The first Morning After a good night rest in Berjaya Penang hotel or whatever hotel you choose in Georgetown, head for the George Town for a hearty breakfast. You can start your day with a trip to the butterfly farm, also known as Entopia. The lively vivarium has more than 15,000 winged friends as well as150 species of flora and fauna. It is like benign in a real Eden garden thanks to that rich flora and fauna and the colourful butterflies. Later you can check out the Tropical Fruit Farm that is located in wilds Teluk Bahang. Taste the fruits here that are simply fresh and delicious.

In the Afternoon You can enjoy some heavy-duty Malaysian-Indian fare and rest at one of the favorite restaurants in Tanjung Bungah. You can spend the afternoon learning about the Chinese culture at Khoo Kongsi, which is a Chinese clan house. Take a tour of their intricately-designed buildings and learn about the most distinctive clan in Malaysia.

Evening time Stroll along the beaches, and there are plenty of beaches in Penang that are simply most breathtaking. Head towards the northern part of Penang as most of these tranquil locales is found here. Enjoy breathtaking views and wide array of recreational activities such as windsurfing and parasailing.

At Night Explore Batu Ferringhi Night Market which is indeed a shopper’s paradise. Here one will find items of every kind and can try out their haggling skills to get the best prices. It is time for dinner, and one can return to George Town for some great food. There are many food courts and restaurants here.

Day 2

The second morning

Head for the Penang Hill the next day. You can reach it by climbing or can take the Penang Hill funicular train. Enjoy the experience of standing on the summit and look at the gorgeous scenery and panoramic views of Penang. Moreover, there are numerous attractions situated at the top such as Bel Retiro Bungalow and the Penang Hill Hindu Temple. Get some designs on your hands by the famous Penang Hill Henna Artists before you leave.

During the Afternoon

After spending some time on Penang Hill, you can have lunch at Penang Air Itam Laksa which is nearby and specializes in Assam Laksa. Take a trip down and head for the Penang Youth Park. This is your chance to familiarize yourself with the street art culture in Penang. You will come across budding street artists in the Municipal Park and streets.

in the Evening

Spend the evening at an outdoor art gallery cum bistro-strewn garden, the Hin Bus Depot. Be there in time as it closes by 7 p.m. Watch the local artists who have turned the place into an exciting arts hub. This is the right place to meet the young and fresh artists as well as get the feel of Penang’s current hip renaissance. There are several trendy wine bars nearby if you feel like having a drink.

Night time

Give yourself a relaxing break and head towards QEII. After all, that sightseeing, heritage tours and shopping in the versatile Penang, enjoy the last evening by the waterfront. Grab a drink and just enjoy the view.

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We are a society of “all or nothing.” This is an attitude that costs us in our quest for a perfectly balanced, perfectly delightful life. In the mapping of the “all or nothing.” guide to life, many wonderful things were chopped off. Things that were enjoyable and indulgent were deemed unhealthy. Not only is this concept flawed, it also sets us up for failure.

Who makes these rules?

Health experts set up healthy programs, and in doing so, they cut away things that people enjoy and mark them as unhealthy. Things like chocolate, sugar, and carbohydrates. These things are not “bad.” In fact, in moderation and used correctly, they are quite healthy and serve a purpose. But, the experts do not seem to think we are strong enough or smart enough to know when (or how much) to partake in them, so they remove them from our lives and treat us like toddlers in a candy store.

Pleasure

Photo credit/site https://pixabay.com/en/bananas-strawberries-kiwi-orange-282332/

Exposing the truth

Natural sugar and carbohydrates provide the body with fast-acting energy. If you are on a healthy eating program and if you are expending a lot of energy through activities, you may find yourself in need of such an energy boost. Combining these foods with fruit, nuts, and dairy products increase their nutritional value.

The truth is, there is something good about all foods. It is moderation, not elimination that we should strive for. This is called, using the tools you are given. You are creating a healthy lifestyle. In reality, you will not spend the rest of your life without ever partaking in guilty pleasure food. You must incorporate them into your life.

Chocolate and other sweets are good for you

There have been many studies on the effects of chocolate and other sweets on the human body. You may be surprised to find out these delicious foods often have a positive effect on your body.

A study conducted by Harvard suggests that eating chocolate is good for your heart. In fact, they predict that a person who eats small amounts of chocolate 5-times per week has a 60% less chance of developing heart disease. The study concludes that this person will live longer than a person, and we might add, they are probably in a better mood.

Studies show that eating sugar while you are exerting yourself (like mowing the lawn or mopping the floor) gives you the boost of energy you need without the crash later.

If you are concerned about your blood vessels, eat cotton candy! In research, it is shown that melting down of cotton candy actually created new blood vessels in the body.

Conclusion

No one is suggesting you eat tons of candy and expect to be healthy. We are suggesting that in small amounts it is good for you physically and emotionally. You do not have to give up the candy you love, just eat it in moderation.

You do not have to walk through a candy shop, and it’s temptations to get delicious candy. Buying bulk candy online at SweetService.com is the answer. Have your favorite candy delivered to your door and reach for it when you need or want it. You will be able to maintain your self-control. After all, you are an adult with a fully functioning brain. Someone should explain that to the “experts.”

I think I first started becoming really anxious about chemicals in the home when I became a parent. I think one of the first words my children learned was “chemical” quickly followed by “dangerous” – they have never had any harm from chemicals so perhaps my caution had great results.

I was interested to watch a television news story around the effects of chemicals in the home and in the garden. It was quite a wake-up call to be honest. I had no idea even our kitchen cupboards can be emitting toxins.

In fact, some chemicals may be banned in the near future as they can interfere with air pollution.

Domestic chemicals can have negative effects on our well-being and often we don’t realise that we are using products that contain them. One study revealed that regular household cleaning products, such as shampoo and oven cleaner, release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and contribute up to half of VOCs found in the atmosphere. Now I have always taken care around oven cleaner but I had no idea I had to watch out for things like shampoo too.

Read on as we explore the effects that domestic chemicals can have and how to replace them with safer alternatives. Let’s protect ourselves and our families.

The fight against chemicals

Research studies are revealing the harmful effects that domestic chemicals can have in the home. Although some are on their way to be banned, there are others that remain on our supermarket shelves.  Knowledge is power so here are some examples of things to look out for:

  • Hand soap — some contain the chemical triclosan which has been found to affect thyroid hormones in animal studies and possibly contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant germs. It is also a resilient compound that is not destroyed on its way to the ocean and can therefore destroy bacteria and intervene with the food chain — alternative?
  • Researchers from the University of Iowa discovered that some kitchen cabinets emit PCBs ((polychlorinated biphenyl compounds), chemicals which are under investigation as causes of cancer. These compounds occur as sealants breakdown in kitchen furniture — alternative?
  • Pesticides — neonicotinoid pesticides put both honeybees and wild bees at risk. The UK government has said it will support a complete ban on the outdoor use of bee-harming chemicals.

Joost de Gouw, a scientist at the University of Colorado at Boulder and co-author of the study, said: “Many of the organic compounds in these products are reactive once in the atmosphere and can contribute to formation of two major air pollutants, ozone and fine particle. In that sense, they contribute to air pollution in a very similar manner as cars.

  • benzene (which is found in detergents and plastics)
  • formaldehyde (in varnishes and floor finishes)
  • xylene aerosol paint concentrates, automobile body polish and cleaners, nail varnish

The combination of some domestic chemicals can be harmful too. The mixture of bleach and rubbing alcohol for example can create toxic chloroform and make you unconscious. I narrowly escaped making a dangerous cleaning mix when dealing with  mildew in the bathroom – you really do have to be very careful.

What can you use instead?

NASA reported that pineapple plants can also improve air quality and help reduce snoring.

Peace Lily can reduce toxins such as benzene, ammonia, ethyl and acetone and prevent the toxins from spreading across rooms. Research found that this plant can improve air quality by as much as 60%!

Red-edged Dracaena rids the air of chemicals including xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde (found in varnishes and gasoline) which causes lack of concentration and increased anxiety.

Formaldehyde levels in homes can also be reduced by ensuring adequate ventilation, moderate temperatures, and reduced humidity levels through the use of air conditioners and dehumidifiers. I  invested in a dehumidifier recently.

Sources

https://www.mirror.co.uk/science/modern-kitchen-cupboards-emit-chemical-12384317

https://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/25/health/triclosan-household-items-partner/index.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/bees-pesticides-eu-ban-europe-threat-pollination-food-shortage-agriculture-clothianidin-imidacloprid-a8232671.html

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/clean-bill-health-household-products-wont-make/

https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/dangerous-household-chemicals-clean-explosion-13873101

https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm205999.htm

 

This research was gathered by Compost Direct, retailers of garden bark mulch.

 

Mum Muddling Through

We are a family of four who love to travel, but when travelling with young kids there are many things you need to consider to ensure you have an easy and enjoyable stay. Things to think about – is your accommodation family friendly? Are there plenty of kid suitable activities available in the destination you are visiting? How much travel time will you have? This past spring, we decided to visit Germany and with lots of places on our list of what we hoped to see, we decided to split the trip between Berlin and Frankfurt. Our two kids (ages 5 and 8) are seasoned travellers, so luckily, they travel well (for the most part!). Here is a rundown of what we did, where we stayed, what we ate and what we saw during our fantastic trip to Germany!

Berlin

Germany

Where to Stay

Our first stop was Berlin and getting there was very easy. We flew direct from Stansted Airport and arrived in just 2 hours! The flights were very cheap as well! We chose to stay in Capri by Fraser Berlin – the Frasers hotel chain is a common favourite of ours as their serviced apartments give our family plenty of space and are the perfect blend of enjoying hotel amenities while feeling like you are in a home away from home.

Where to Eat

During our trip, we found some excellent restaurants that were well suited for kids and adults. A few favourites of ours included Alois S. in Prenzlauer Berg where we enjoyed a delicious brunch. With a selection of tasty tapas options, there was something to suit all our taste buds. We enjoyed potato omelettes with chorizo, smoked cheese and ham croquettes to name a few. At Alois S. they also have a lovely terrace which we sat out on while the kids played in the sandpit and enjoyed the ping-pong table. We had another couple of great meals at Restaurant Kneipe Giraffe and Restaurant Jolly.

What to See and Do

We were surprised to find there were lots to do as a family in Berlin and our itinerary quickly filled up. We had a memorable day out at the Berlin Zoo which is the oldest zoo in Germany since it opened in 1844. The zoo is home one of the largest collections of species in the world which is made up of over 20,000 animals including the Asian Elephant, Chimpanzees, Gorillas and there is even an aquarium! With plenty for all ages and a selection of eating options, you are sure to have a great day out!

As well as taking part in family-friendly activities, we also made sure we did a spot of sightseeing to keep our trip somewhat educational. We visited the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate as well as the beautiful Reichstag Parliament building. There is also a wide range of excellent museums such as Museum für Naturkunde (Museum of Natural History) and Legoland Discovery Centre.

Frankfurt

Germany

After five days in Berlin, we decided to embark on a journey across Germany to Frankfurt. We took the train which took around four hours and was fairly simple. It quickly appeared that we had left a historic type city with lots of momentous buildings and were now somewhere far more modern with a skyscraper filled sky. However, this was refreshing and of course, it was exciting to see different parts of the country.

Where to Stay

Luckily for us, we were able to book into Capri by Fraser Frankfurt – another reliable and stylish choice for accommodation that lets us sprawl out with all our stuff in their spacious apartments. This hotel was also situated in a convenient and central location which made walking to places really easy.

Where to Eat

For a quick and easy meal that everyone will enjoy, Jamy’s Burger is a great recommendation. From beef burgers to chicken burgers and even vegan options, this place will please all tastes. For a fun meal, visit Kabuki. This teppanyaki style restaurant will provide a great time for the whole family. Sit around the grill and watch your food being cooked right before you! This is an excellent way to spend the evening in Frankfurt and the food was delicious!

What to See and Do

There is also a zoo in Frankfurt, but since we had just been to the zoo in Berlin we thought we would spend our time more wisely and visit other sights. The Junges Museum makes for an exciting day out! The museum has lot of hands-on displays, workshops and craft activities. The exhibitions are made especially for children based on historical and local events.

Make sure you pay a visit to Main Tower and enjoy the incredible city views from the observation deck. This is a fantastic way to see Frankfurt from a totally different perspective. After that, head over to the city forest where you can escape the hustle and bustle and get in touch with nature. This unique area within to the city is full of lush trees, nature trails and thrilling playgrounds for the kids. The playground at Scheerwald houses a large revolving sprinkler which is great for cooling off during the warmer days. Here you will also find a mini-golf course, roller-skating rink, ping-pong tables, a play area, football area and a basketball court. So, pack a picnic and enjoy a fun-filled day in the forest!

City breaks are not just for adults and can be thoroughly enjoyed by families and kids of all ages. With plenty to see and do, you won’t be disappointed on your family trip to Berlin, Frankfurt or why not visit both!

 

 

 

Mummy in a Tutu

Living with a disability or chronic health issue is challenging. Sadly, it can be made worse by other people’s poor attitudes to difference. Sometimes when dealing with disability or chronic health  issues, the person experiencing them can be their own worst enemy too not reaching out for some help that is available. Remember that reaching out for support is always a sign of strength.

Ask for help

I like to believe most people are fundamentally good deep down. It is a fact that when asked why people don’t volunteer for organisations, the answer was largely because nobody had asked them to do so. I think that this always applies to individuals asking for help – we run away from saying clearly what we need in terms of assistance. So ask for help from family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and people you meet via your leisure activities. You might just deepen a relationship and give someone a feel good feeling for getting involved.

Contact charities

There are thousands of charities out there whose very purpose is to help. There are general ones for anyone who is ill or disabled. There are condition specific charities too such as the British Lung Foundation. They can help in so many ways from financial grants to counselling, from advice on benefits to respite care. Many charities have to prove they are used in order to obtain funding to carry on so contact a charity today.

Contact your local authority

Your local authority can offer you a community care assessment which will help you work out what support you need and can get from them. If you have an unpaid carer they also offer a carer’s assessment looking at their own needs too. We can only help others when we are looking after ourselves well.

Equipment

Your disability or chronic illness may mean your struggle to get around the home. It may also mean you are worried about going out and about to pursue work, learning or leisure opportunities. There is so much clever equipment out there from places like Millercare including mobility aids, adjustable beds and incontinence products.

I hope I have given a few ideas of things that can improve your quality of life when you have a disability or chronic illness.

Do you have any tips on living positively with a disability or chronic illness?Living With A Disability Or Chronic Illness

 

Mummy in a Tutu