bed beach breakfast

at home, on the road, or in the kitchen - little bits of the very best of life

10 Things to Know About Apple Picking in New Zealand

apple pickingFruit picking is one of the best ways for young travellers to keep themselves afloat financially while they’re travelling, and New Zealand is no exception. Both the north and south islands have numerous orchards of pears, apples, and kiwis for export to other countries, and are always looking for seasonal labourers to join their crew. The beauty of apple picking is that most orchards don’t require any prior experience, so it’s open to anyone willing to put in the work required. Simultaneously, it’s also a great place to meet other fellow vagabonds from other countries. (more…)

5 Beautiful Types of Accommodation to Enjoy this Summer

Family Holidays AbroadLuxury B&Bs

B&Bs today have evolved from simple extensions and back rooms to sophisticated boutique facilities. It is now possible to get the services of amazing luxury B&Bs almost all around the UK. Whether it’s a quaint bed and breakfast in Yorkshire or a city centre bolthole in London, there is always an option. Traditionally, a B&B consists of a room, along with breakfast in the morning. However, these facilities are very warm and homely, being run by personally by the owners. These owners are always enthusiastic to help with settling you in, as well as giving you information about the area. The delicious breakfasts are always a plus too! With a luxury bed and breakfast, you get this in a sophisticated setting: high quality rooms, luxury bath facilities, spa and massage, as well as high class dining facilities. (more…)

My Love Affair with Yoga

yogaLike most people, I love a workout that travels. I travel quite a bit for work, and that can have a pretty negative impact on my fitness routine. For one thing, it’s pretty hard to justify paying the big bucks charged by most gyms these days for a membership when you’re only going to be able to use it 12-15 days in a given month. And that’s assuming I actually go every day that I can, which let’s face it, is pretty wishful thinking.

My need for a traveling workout is what first led me to consider taking up yoga. Yoga’s the perfect fitness routine to take on the road, because all you need to pack up is yourself. I travel with my mat whenever possible, but honestly, it’s one of the first items I end up leaving at home if my suitcase is looking too packed. A towel or grassy field are pretty great backup plans if I have to leave my mat at home. And there’s literally nothing else that needs to be packed to take on a full yoga workout while traveling. (more…)

Bright New Bedding for Spring

Carina Bedding BB&BThe onset of spring and summer generally means warmer weather and brighter spirits. And even if you live in a place like Los Angeles – which this writer does – and the mark of seasonal change isn’t quite as pronounced, you can still indulge in a little sunny home decor. Nothing for me says it’s time to smell the flowers like the bright, cheery changes my apartment undergoes. There are a lot of staples that come out every year: yellow polka dot kitchen towels, my oversized lemonade pitcher, and quite a few more. But I annually allow myself one springtime splurge to say, Out with the old and in with the new! This year, it’s bedding. So check out a few bedding facelifts that will make you feel like you’re surrounded by flowers even if you’re being lazy in bed because of showers. (more…)

Cinco de Mayo Munchies: Homemade Chips and Guac

chips-and-guacamole-cropped-for-site-FINALAlright guys, time for the world’s easiest recipes for homemade guacamole and tortilla chips in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Chips and guacamole are among the most popular snack foods to have on hand for a party or get together, and they’re some of the least likely to be homemade. What’s the point? Neither item is particularly expensive or hard to find, and they’re both pretty consistently delicious across brands (at least the chips are.) But the truth is, homemade is generally healthier and more flavorful, plus you get the added bonus of impressing the heck out of your friends or guests (lest your guests not be friends for some reason.) So bring it on, chips and guac! We’re making ‘em. (more…)