Does laser hair removal hurt underarms
Laser hair removal is moderately torment free, notwithstanding how the underarm region may be a touch more delicate relying upon your degree of responsiveness.
Will I get bothersome underarms after laser hair removal
You may, yet that relies upon a couple of things like the amount you sweat, on the off chance that you are utilizing perfumed antiperspirants that disturb, or wearing tight engineered textures near the treatment region.
The best thing to do after your armpit laser hair removal treatment is let the skin of your underarm rest and fix. Certain individuals might feel a little bothersome after an armpit treatment, yet it means a lot to fight the temptation to scratch.
Since we raised sweat, many individuals have this inquiry: does laser hair removal underarms diminish sweat? Underarm laser hair removal can assist with decreasing perspiration; nonetheless, it doesn’t prevent sweat from framing.
How To Get ready For Laser Hair Removal Underarm
It isn’t so difficult to get ready for this kind of hair removal treatment, so don’t stress over it to an extreme.
Abstain from tanning or utilization of tanning creams before the arrangement
Shave the other day, particularly assuming that you are inclined to razor consume or rashes while shaving
Try not to wax or cull before laser treatment
Stay away from antiperspirants, creams, or salves in the treatment region
Wear a baggy top to try not to scrape the armpit region after treatment
Would it be advisable for me to shave my underarms before laser hair removal
Indeed, we in all actuality do suggest that you shave the day or night before your treatment. We encourage you to book an armpit laser hair removal counsel to get all the data about what to do when your hair removal meeting. We will be glad to talk about your modified laser hair removal underarms aftercare plan.
What number of Meetings Of Laser Hair Removal For Underarms? This is a brilliant inquiry, and there is a valid justification why it can take a few treatment meetings to completely eliminate all undesirable hair from a specific body part (e.g., armpits). For laser hair removal to find true success, the hairs being ‘destroyed’ by the laser should be in a phase of dynamic development (i.e., anagen period of development).
As every hair develops at an alternate rate, focusing on all the hair in the treatment region in one treatment session is unimaginable. For instance, some armpit hair may be in the dynamic development stage, while certain hairs will be in the resting stage.
What amount of time does laser hair removal require underarms? The treatment course of events will differ from one individual to another; on normal it will take around 6-8 laser medicines with about a month and an in the middle of between every meeting to consider every hair follicle to be designated in the right phase of the development cycle.
The motivation behind why laser hair removal can take a touch of time is that just 20% of your hair is in the dynamic development stage at one time. Just hair in the dynamic stage can be really designated by laser treatment. The uplifting news is you will be rebooked for additional laser hair removal medicines to catch the excess hairs as they enter their dynamic development cycle. contact best laser hair removal birmingham
How long does underarm laser hair removal endure? This treatment is compelling for north of a year or more, and we prescribe laser follow-up treatment to wipe out any wanderer or new hairs. Follow-up laser medicines are really smart to keep up with long haul results.
When you have your last armpit laser hair removal meeting, you will see a monstrous decrease in noticeable hair and hair development in the treatment region.
Who is Conservatory Roofing Right For
We exist since we realize that conservatory material can be better. Another rooftop is an incredible method for reviving a conservatory that is not satisfying its true capacity.
Notwithstanding, we understand that there are other conservatory material choices, and that a protected conservatory isn’t the most ideal decision for everybody.
You might be thinking about progress work on your home, whether that is a conservatory or expansion.
A Full Expansion
On the off chance that you have traditional conservatories with a glass or polycarbonate rooftop, we’re the experts who can supplant it with a Gatekeeper Warm Rooftop. The completed transformation feels very much like a full expansion after we add wall putting and, surprisingly, Drove spotlights whenever mentioned. You get the vibe and warmth of a genuine room however it stays a conservatory.
Regardless, there are the individuals who simply need a full expansion to the house rather than a conservatory rooftop transformation. We regard that decision and would have no desire to talk anybody into re-material their conservatory on the off chance that it’s not so much for them.
All things considered, we accept that everybody ought to be completely educated. So it’s critical to remember the hardships that an augmentation includes:
After full destruction of your ongoing conservatory to clear a path for the expansion, in addition to the full development obviously, you’ll be checking a strong cost out.
The additional time, assets, work and materials that go into a full expansion will presumably be reflected in your last bill.
Your current conservatory must be eliminated before another room can be implicit its place. Thumping it down is a tedious and muddled process, yet vital before the real development of the actual expansion can start.
Whenever destruction has been finished, the current base of your conservatory should be taken up, and new footings should be set up that are appropriate for an augmentation.
Something like three new walls will then must be fabricated where the conservatory walls stand now. Bricklaying, putting, window fitting, etc all take time.
In the mean time, you’re residing in your home and tolerating the sounds, sights and scents of destruction and development. That multitude of workers investing expanded energy in this full expansion cycle can be problematic to your day to day routines.
It merits bearing these interferences to you and your neighbors as a top priority while thinking about a full expansion. Contrasted and around 8 days that it takes to change a conservatory rooftop, you might be checking out at weeks or even a long time of building work.
More Intricate Structure Guidelines
Building guidelines can be overwhelming and complex. In straightforward terms, the greater your development project, the more obstacles you need to go through.
Watchman Warm Rooftops, for instance, come pre-endorsed by the LABC, making Building Guidelines application a breeze. Then again, full expansions should go through an extensive Structure Guidelines Endorsement process.
Notwithstanding, complying to appropriate structure guidelines is significant, as they are there to guarantee each home agrees with wellbeing and expressive principles.
Training Provider: The benefits of studying with Accountancy Learning
While picking a Aat accounting training supplier, it’s essential to do all necessary investigation and you ensure you go for a preparation supplier that meets your particular preparation needs.
For instance, you might be enticed to go with a preparation supplier whose courses are less expensive than every other person’s, yet does that mean you will get all the help you want? Or on the other hand, you might go with the most costly preparation supplier since you might think you are getting all the help conceivable, however is the assistance first class? for example is it safe to say that you are getting great incentive for your cash? The truth of the matter is, whichever preparing supplier you pick, you really want to ensure you understand what you are getting for your cash.
Around here at Bookkeeping Learning, we value being open, straightforward and fair. Here are only a couple of motivations behind why we figure you ought to think about considering with us:
TransparentIt’s truly critical that you know precisely exact thing you are paying for. We value giving legit exhortation, so in the event that you have an inquiry, we will give our all to respond to it as straightforwardly as possible. In the event that we aren’t 100 percent sure of the response, we will find out and afterward hit you up. We don’t conceal costs – you ought to have the option to find subtleties of the multitude of charges you want to be familiar with on our site; this incorporates a full breakdown of expenses, what’s remembered for the course and extra charges you should consider, (for example, AAT test charges and AAT enrollment expenses).
4.9* Service!We esteem our clients input, which is the reason we urge our understudies to leave us a legitimate survey. With north of 160 4* or more surveys on Google, you can see direct the amount we esteem our understudies and you’ll get a kind of the help we give. You can see our surveys here.
Assuming understudies furnish us with input that could be useful to us work on our administrations, we in all actuality do tune in and attempt our hardest to oblige – our understudies are our No.1 need and their criticism is priceless to us.
Various bundles to suit your needs!We grasp that “one cap doesn’t fit all”, for instance, having a mentor is the main way a few understudies can find the inspiration and backing they need to study, though for other people, being passed on to self-study with negligible help is the most favorable way for them to learn. One way or the other, we have various bundles to suit your requirements. These are:
Self-Concentrate EXTRA – No guide support, however all of the review materials you want as well as different advantages including our understudy Facebook Gathering
Mentor Upheld – All the review materials you want, yet in addition an individual coach to check your work and guide you through your examinations
Guide Upheld In addition to – equivalent to the Coach Upheld, with the exception of your expenses in general (counting AAT tests and enrollment), are paid forthright, so you don’t have to stress over some other expenses during your course. We have very high test pass rates so we are sure that you will breeze through your tests, in any case, on the off chance that you really do bomb a test (which we think profoundly far-fetched!) we will pay for your resit for nothing with the pass in addition to ensure (T&Cs apply).
You don’t simply get a course with us…
With Bookkeeping Learning, we believe you should succeed and guarantee that you get the best incentive for your cash. As referenced already, you can join the Bookkeeping Learning understudy bunch which implies you can visit with different understudies who are concentrating on very much like you! We like to consider ourselves a major family/local area, so we are close by to help each other through our investigations.
Installment plans
We realize that times are hard, so getting together a single amount of money can be a test… however don’t overreact, we offer revenue free installment intends to assist you with spreading the expense of your course, so you can in any case zero in on different things in life while as yet being able to put into your future.
There are a lot more advantages to considering with us, yet this article would turn out to be a paper! In this way, assuming you have any inquiries whatsoever about our AAT courses (or on the other hand on the off chance that you feel prepared to venture out with us), kindly reach out
Great Uses for Plastic Storage Boxes
At any point do you check out your home and fondle took care of with how much mess and things awkward? All things considered, you’re in good company. Studies have shown that our states of mind are really lifted by a tidier home as it assists us with feeling more loosened up in our environmental factors. Thus, it’s no big surprise we fondle took care of with pieces and pieces all over. Figuring out your house is no simple accomplishment, however there are a few simple speedy wins that will make certain to help.
Now is the ideal time to dismiss any fresh ideas.
We have concocted 8 ordinary purposes for plastic capacity boxes that will leave your home inclination new and coordinated quickly.
Heap of collapsed jumpers in fall tones laying on a white rack in a dull wood closet.
Out with the chilly, in with the meager few.
As the hotter weather conditions sets in and you can pretty much smell summer around the bend, now is the right time to store your woolies. Jumpers, sweatshirts and occasional sews occupy a great deal of room in our drawers and closets. Pressing massive garments like these far removed in plastic capacity boxes will fill your heart with joy to day life simpler. Also, who doesn’t adore pleasant clean drawers? Have a decent clear-out and let loose some space for your number one spring florals.
“Florals… for spring? Momentous.”
[Miranda Religious – Demon Wears Prada]
Top tips: Consistently ensure your garments are perfect and dry prior to taking care of them. Decide on profound plastic boxes when you are putting away clothing and pack things freely to keep up with reliable wind stream and forestall dampness develop. You can constantly pop in some desiccators, for example, silica gel parcels, just in case.
Red high obeyed shoes before a pile of clear plastic boxes loaded up with sets of shoes.
Try not to simply start your shoes off.
On the off chance that you’re in any way similar to me, you will have a lot of ‘periodic’ shoes topping off your shoe rack. We as a whole need something extravagant to wear to the following wedding or night out, yet you don’t need to store them generally together. Taking the shoes you wear once in a while and putting away them in little plastic stockpiling boxes opens up space as well as drags out the existence of your shoes. Keep them liberated from dust and out of danger so they put their best self forward for your next exposing. You can constantly place in a scented cabinet liner or little pack of blend with each pair, making your shoes smell new when you come to wear them.
Childs hand arranging plastic blocks into a reasonable plastic box.
It’s clean up time!
On the off chance that you have little ones, you will comprehend the ordinary skirmish of keeping their space clean. Yet, never dread, there is bounty we can do to assist with empowering a clean den. Youngsters love consistency, routine and association. Having a sort out of your kids’ toys feels like a drawn-out task at first, yet it takes care of over the long haul. Sort their toys into open plastic stockpiling boxes, making it simpler for them to know where to return things. Clear plastic boxes are ideally suited for this, so they can see what they are searching for – rather than purging each container to find their number one squirm toy.
Close up of plastic small stockpiling compartments loaded up with create shapes.
Be sly with your imagination.
Being inventive is great for our prosperity and is an extremely famous breathe easy. Imaginative exercises generally include an entire host of little parts, instruments and materials – all of which need a home. At times I wind up put off from partaking in my top picks creates right at the possibility of tracking down all that and cleaning it all away once more. Indeed, now is the right time to remove that pressure from the situation. Put resources into some appropriate plastic boxes, set aside some margin to track down boxes that suit your materials and instruments. When your number one imaginative exercises have been coordinated, you will find it more straightforward to convince yourself to get some down time and appreciate them.
Baking plate and cake tins on a wooden ledge with an open recipe book.
Prepare a-change.
Once more, here we are, another birthday is here and we really want to find the bakeware to make the birthday cake. Time to scavenge through the pantries and anticipate the unavoidable avalanche of baking plate. Indeed, we think the time has come to prepare your life more straightforward. Assemble all your speciality cookware that just gets utilized for exceptional recipes and pop it into a huge plastic stockpiling box. Regardless of whether the capacity take care of closures living in the cabinet notwithstanding, you will find it much less upsetting preparing for those last-minute heats. Furthermore, this will keep the plate from denoting within your kitchen pantries. Next time you want to prepare a bunch of bread rolls for the mid year fete or choose to give that souffle another go, it will be generally in a helpful spot.
Stacked up plastic food stockpiling holders with red covers, loaded up with different dried food varieties.
No really giving everything away.
While we are still in the kitchen, we should have a ponder food capacity. Rather than being disappointed the following time you track down three open boxes of cornflakes at the rear of the cabinet, give them a permanent spot to live with some plastic food stockpiling. Food capacity stays a famous family thing, in spite of the fact that we are hosting less gatherings about it nowadays. Most of our food cabinet staples show up at us in a kind of plastic sack or bundling. When opened, these sacks are difficult to reseal and wind up pouring out and making a wreck in the pantry. Plastic food holders are ideal for staying away from this, particularly for food sources like cereals, dried organic products, vegetables and grains.
Not exclusively will you have tidier pantries, however plastic food compartments have an extra advantage. In the event that you extravagant rolling out a little improvement to be somewhat more economical, have a go at tracking down your nearby zero waste shop. You essentially bring your own spotless holders, weigh out your food varieties and pay. This implies you have jumped out the pointless plastic bundling completely.
How Did the Qing Dynasty Fall? (Video)
The collapse of the Qing Dynasty was a culmination of internal turmoil and external pressures spanning centuries. Established in 1644, it succeeded the Ming Dynasty, and the Qing rulers initially expanded their empire, integrating various ethnic groups into a vast multinational entity. Despite their efforts to blend Manchu traditions with Confucian governance, inherent tensions simmered beneath the surface.
By the late 18th century, the empire faced mounting challenges. Economic woes, exacerbated by low taxation and widespread corruption, fueled resentment among the populace. Meanwhile, Western powers, eager to exploit China’s resources and markets, imposed unequal treaties and forced opium trade, leading to the devastating Opium Wars.
Internally, rebellions erupted with alarming frequency. Movements like the White Lotus and the Taiping Rebellion, fueled by socioeconomic grievances and religious fervor, posed significant threats to Qing authority. Despite efforts to modernize through the Self-Strengthening Movement, bureaucratic corruption and foreign encroachments hindered progress.
The Boxer Uprising of 1900 epitomized the Qing government’s inability to address domestic discontent. Fueled by anti-foreign sentiment and exacerbated by natural disasters, the uprising led to foreign intervention and further humiliation for the Qing regime.
Ultimately, the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 marked the dynasty’s demise. Spearheaded by a coalition of reformers, revolutionaries, and disgruntled elements of the imperial army, the revolution culminated in the abdication of the last Qing emperor and the establishment of the Republic of China.
Top image: Shenyang Imperial Palace (Mukden Palace) was the former imperial palace of the early Manchu-led Qing dynasty and UNESCO world heritage site built 400 years ago in Shenyang, China. Source: EcoSpace/Adobe Stock
Countries to Visit Each Month of 2024 • The Blonde Abroad
I know that sometimes it seems like there are “too many” things to do in order to be “more green” or focus on sustainability…and it can be very overwhelming.
Where do you begin? Are you doing enough? Can you really make a difference?
The truth is that YES, you can make a difference.
Even the smallest things like eliminating or limiting your use of plastic or cutting back your meat consumption make a big difference.
Each single-use plastic item you don’t use and throw away is one less piece of plastic added to landfills or the ocean. Small choices every day add up to big changes!
While you don’t have to create a massive composting pile in your backyard (unless you want to)—there are other things you can do to reduce your environmental impact and be environmentally conscious at home.
Most importantly, vote to put people in power that have a strong stance on protecting the planet and climate policy. Collectively, we can have the greatest impact by holding the people at the top accountable.
I’m sharing a few resources today in my stories like the best reef-safe sunscreens, and how to reduce your environmental impact while traveling.
Once you begin to implement little changes, they become habitual, and soon enough you’re part of the change.
Let’s do it for Mother Earth!
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#EarthDay #earthday2024
8 Factors That Can Alter Your Food Portions
Your food portions will change from meal to meal, and day to day.
It’s not only important for you to understand how to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness signals, but it’s also important for you to understand why your portion sizes change from meal to meal, so you can use those little insights about yourself feel more confident in how to best nourish your unique body.
There are so many different factors that can influence how much you eat and if you’re not aware of these factors, it can cause you to eat portions that aren’t in alignment with your body’s needs.
Having more awareness of why you’re feeling you need a larger or smaller portion will guide you to find the right amount of nourishment you’re needing.
Keep reading to see what to be mindful of as you’re choosing your food portion sizes so you can strengthen your ability to use your hunger and fullness as a guide.
Why Your Food Portions Can Change
Keep these in mind when you check in with your hunger and determine what your food portions should be.
1. What You’ve Already Eaten (or Not Eaten)
One common factor that’s likely to influence your food portions is what you’ve already eaten, or not eaten and how nourishing the food you’ve consumed was for you.
For example, if you’ve intentionally or unintentionally undereaten throughout the day, this can cause your body to feel intense hunger that may lead to larger portions. These larger portions can often cause overeating because you’re just so ravenous.
Additionally, when we undereat for an extended period of time, then consume a really large amount of food due to exceptional hunger, this can result in blood sugar spikes. These can lead us to feel less satisfied and satiated overall, perpetuating the cycle.
On the other hand, let’s say you’ve eaten a substantial dinner and would now like to enjoy a dessert. That portion of dessert often times will naturally be on the smaller side because of your adequate intake at dinner. Eating a very small dinner before dessert can often lead to a larger portion of dessert because our hunger cues were never quite satisfied.
It’s also important to consider how nourishing the foods you’ve chosen to eat are for you and how you balanced those during your meals. If you’ve eaten a well-balanced Foundational Five meal, you’ll feel more satiated between meals, but if your meal wasn’t balanced, you’ll likely find yourself hungry shortly after.
2. Activity Levels
Our activity levels can also impact our food portions.
On days when you’re more active, you’ll likely notice yourself needing a larger portion of food to support the level of activity you’re participating in. To accommodate this, aim for carbohydrates and healthy fats that will provide your body with the sustained energy it needs, alongside some protein that will help rebuild your muscle tissue.
When you notice yourself being more active than usual, be mindful of that so you can ensure you’re adjusting your portions to meet your needs.
On the other hand, if you’re normally very active and you’re resting or taking a break, your body won’t need as much nourishment, so you’ll want to pay attention to how your hunger changes on your less active days.
3. Environmental Triggers
One common factor that can influence your portion size inadvertently is environmental triggers. These are anything in your environment that is triggering you to eat something or eat a certain amount.
Some environmental triggers may be very supportive, such as having more nourishing food options at eye level in the fridge, rather than tucked into the produce drawers below. This can remind you to choose larger portions of vegetables and greens because they’re top of mind.
However, some environmental triggers may not be supporting the type of eating habits you’re wanting to experience for yourself. For example, one of the members in our Mindful Nutrition Method™ program noticed that she was often snacking on chips or cookies in the afternoon. After some exploration, she realized this was because she was always walking by the office kitchen to go to meetings or refill on her tea, and she was simply grabbing a snack because it was out and available.
Noticing your eating patterns to see when you may be influenced by your environment can help you identify if and when it’s impacting your portion sizes.
4. Stress Levels
Stress can impact your food portions in two different ways.
- Smaller portions
When stress initially comes on, your appetite is likely to go down because your sympathetic nervous system (SNS) puts your body is in “fight or flight” mode to respond to the stressful situation. Your brain tells your adrenal glands to release adrenaline which increases your heart rate, sending blood to muscles and your heart so you can take action, temporarily putting your hunger on hold (1). When the stressful situation passes, your SNS returns to its baseline.
If you’re unaware that your hunger is suppressed due to stress, you may notice you’re undereating. While we use our hunger signals to guide our food choices, it’s important to recognize when those signals may not be working (i.e. due to stress) and nourish yourself well anyway.
- Larger portions
The second way stress can influence your portions is when you’re experiencing chronic stress. If stress isn’t managed or alleviated, the SNS will remain triggered and responding to that stress.
When this happens, your body releases cortisol, which is why it’s often referred to as the stress hormone. Unlike adrenaline which can put a pause on your hunger, cortisol can increase your appetite (2). If your stress response continues to remain “on,” your cortisol levels may remain elevated.
If you’re experiencing this chronic stress, you’re not only more likely to experience physical hunger, but you’re also more likely to experience more comfort or cravings for carbohydrates or sugary foods.
Sugar can release dopamine — the feel-good chemical, activating the pleasure centers of the brain (3).
This stress eating can lead you to reach for larger servings of those foods.
5. Distracted or Rushed Eating
Distracted or rushed eating is exactly that — eating while you’re distracted or rushing through a meal. This commonly looks like eating in front of the TV, at your desk, while scrolling social media, or anything else that takes your focus away from sitting and enjoying your food.
When you’re distracted or rushed, it’s much more challenging to use your hunger and fullness signals as a guide for how much to eat. This may lead you to either eat more or less than your body needs because you’re not mindful of and in tune with your body’s signals.
6. Lack of Sleep Can Influence Your Food Portions
Research has shown that poor sleep quality leads to increased cravings for processed or sugary foods, overeating throughout the day, and not eating as many fruits and veggies.
Try eating meals that are packed with protein and fat when you’re tired, so you have more sustained energy throughout the day!
7. Your Cycle
Nearly 30 percent of premenopausal women are iron deficient (4), and if you’re vegetarian or vegan or have a heavy menstrual flow, you’re at a greater risk for iron deficiency. In addition, menstruation alone lowers the amount of iron in your body (5).
Because of this, you may feel more tired during menstruation, which signals to your body that it needs energy. Carbohydrates are the body’s fast-acting form of energy, so you may notice yourself craving carbohydrate-rich foods or feeling like you need a larger portion to get that energy source.
Be sure to eat plenty of iron-rich foods, especially during your menstrual cycle to support your body’s needs and energy levels.
8. How Hydrated You Are
Water is responsible for every process in the body, including your metabolism. By drinking enough water every day, you’re helping your digestion keep moving, while supporting an efficient metabolism, and so much more (1)(2).
If you’re dehydrated, you may feel hungry when you’re truly thirsty. Staying hydrated will help keep your hunger cues more accurate.
When you feel hungry, drink 1 glass of water, wait 10-15 minutes and reassess your hunger cues. If you’re still hungry you may be experiencing true hunger, and if your hunger subsides you may try drinking a bit more water to see if you’re just thirsty.
How You Can Strengthen Your Ability to Find the Right Portions
Finding the right portions take patience and practice. It requires the ability for you to tune into your body and discover what physical hunger and fullness feels like for you and then also have the proper knowledge to know how to use that information in a supportive way. This is what we support our members with inside of the Mindful Nutrition Method™ program.
You can sign up here for our free workshop where we share an exercise to help you better tune into your unique hunger and fullness cues and guide you through our Mindful Nutrition Method™.
Sources
- Pharmacology of appetite suppression: implication for the treatment of obesity. Halford JC. Curr Drug Targets. 2001;2:353–370.
- Stress, cortisol, and other appetite-related hormones: Prospective prediction of 6-month changes in food cravings and weight. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017;25(4):713-720. doi:10.1002/oby.21790
- Rada P, Avena NM, Hoebel BG. Daily bingeing on sugar repeatedly releases dopamine in the accumbens shell. Neuroscience. 2005;134(3):737-744. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.04.043
- Camaschella, C. (2015). Iron-deficiency anemia. N Engl J Med, 2015(372), 1832–1843.
- Blanco-Rojo, R., Toxqui, L., López-Parra, A. M., Baeza-Richer, C., Pérez-Granados, A. M., Arroyo-Pardo, E., & Vaquero, M. P. (2014). Influence of diet, menstruation and genetic factors on iron status: A cross-sectional study in Spanish women of childbearing age. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 15(3), 4077–4087.
When Nostalgia Was Deadly | History Today
In 1688 a young Swiss milkmaid clambered over a rocky outcrop. She was halfway up an Alpine slope when she slipped and tumbled down several feet. Seriously injured, she was carried away to hospital in the nearby town where she lay, unconscious, for days. Physicians plied her with remedies and performed surgeries, and gradually she healed. Once physically better, however, she awoke and sat straight up in her hospital bed. Realising that she was no longer in the mountain village of her birth, homesickness took hold. She spat out her foods and medicines and wailed, ‘Ich will Heim; ich will Heim’ (‘I want to go home; I want to go home’). She would say nothing else, turning listlessly to the wall. Eventually her parents came to collect her. Almost immediately her mood and condition improved and, after just a few days back in her own home, she returned to full fitness, entirely without the aid of further medical care.
The young woman’s condition had only just received a name. This milkmaid was one of the first people in the world to be diagnosed with nostalgia, a term coined by the doctor Johannes Hofer. While today nostalgia is a relatively benign longing for a bygone era, for Hofer it was a sickness acquired by a yearning for a distant place. Born in 1669, Hofer left his home in modern-day Germany to attend university in Basel, graduating in 1688. His final thesis was a dissertation on nostalgia, or homesickness. Having first identified the disorder among Swiss mercenary soldiers, Hofer was moved by the stories of afflicted youths who (unless rapidly returned to their native land) ‘met their last days on foreign shores’, and devoted his studies to their mysterious ailment, which he called la maladie du pays. As he saw it, nostalgia was a kind of pathological patriotic love, an intense and dangerous homesickness (or das Heimweh in Hofer’s native German). It was an illness associated with being uprooted, a sickness of displacement, a kind of sadness or depression that arose from the desire to return to one’s home.
Hofer was concerned that this dangerous, even fatal, disease had not yet received sufficient attention from medical experts. He endeavoured to describe and detail the condition, and to identify its causes, characteristics and possible cures. Symptoms ranged from continued sadness, thinking only of the fatherland, disturbed sleep, either ‘wakeful or continuous’, ‘stupidity of the mind’ and a low tolerance for cruel jokes or even the slightest injustice, to depleted strength, diminished sight or hearing, fevers and a lack of interest in food or drink. It was these last two symptoms that most often led to the patient’s eventual death.
Victims of nostalgia, as Hofer identified, were primarily young people and adolescents sent to alien lands, regions and cities. He was very clear about the malady’s prognosis: it was potentially fatal, particularly if left untreated. To heal a stricken nostalgic, he prescribed an unspecific combination of dietary adjustment, warm baths and a change of circumstances. Only very rarely did he recommend more extreme treatments, such as bloodletting and purgatives. In such cases, patients should ingest mercury or arsenic, and leeches could be applied to veins. He also included recreational therapies such as outdoor exercise and pleasant conversation, especially in nostalgia’s early stages. If these methods failed and the disease advanced, then nostalgia could only be resolved by a return to the victim’s homeland. If this was not possible – for example, if the patient was conscripted to an army or under employment as a domestic servant – then the outlook was grim. In such cases, the malady was incurable, if not deadly.
Hofer might well have been the first to name and diagnose nostalgia, but he was certainly not the last. In the early decades of the 18th century, various Swiss doctors embellished Hofer’s theories of nostalgia. In 1710 Thomas Zwinger added a story about a sweet Swiss melody which produced pathological homesickness in anyone who heard it. ‘Kühe-Reyen’, a milking song played on the horn of an Alpine herdsman as he drove his animals, was thought to be such a trigger, and its impact so debilitating on the armed forces, that its playing among Swiss mercenaries was punishable by death in many European armies.
Nostalgia, then, seemed peculiarly Swiss – it was first identified by Swiss doctors and foreigners remarked on the disease’s unusual prevalence in the mountainous country. One German doctor even blamed the famed Alpine air, suggesting that the Swiss were so acclimatised to their home atmosphere that it made them unable to breathe properly in other places. Albrecht von Haller, a doctor from Bern, thought that nostalgia was an unfortunate side effect of rapid changes in altitude. He recommended an unusual, if logical, cure: sufferers from the sickness should be put in tall towers so that they might be elevated again to almost Alpine heights.
It is tempting to diagnose those who died from nostalgia in early modern Europe with modern medical conditions. Did they succumb to scurvy, malnutrition, heart disease, malaria, depression, anorexia, or psychosis? But the answers to these questions are unknowable. We have no bodies to examine and, even if we did, depression leaves no sign in bones or mummified flesh. Diseases are also mutable; they reflect the societies they infect.
Indeed, as the centuries marched on, nostalgia changed. At first, it began to affect all highlanders, irrespective of their nationality. But it soon stopped being confined to those who lived in mountainous regions altogether. It became even more deadly and ever more closely studied. It was particularly common in the United States, France and European colonies. During the American Civil War, more than 5,000 soldiers were stricken with nostalgia. As the 19th century drew to a close, nostalgia’s grip on the medical imagination slowly waned. But it took until the early 20th century for the malady to claim its final victim. The last person to be diagnosed with and die from nostalgia was an American soldier fighting on the Western Front in 1918.
This version of nostalgia – one that posed a serious threat to people’s health and survival – is very different from the one we live with today. Nostalgia no longer affects the body, just the mind. We no longer call it a malady of memory or attempt to treat nostalgic patients with brisk walks and bloodletting, and it is no longer a fatal diagnosis. Yet it still carries its own emotional baggage and remains a scapegoat for a range of perceived social, cultural and political sins. It is still an explanation – in all sorts of circumstances – for what a critic might see as wayward or irrational acts or beliefs. Indeed, while nostalgia no longer kills, it remains, strangely, a kind of pathology. A diagnosis to levy at your enemies; a malignancy that requires excision.
Agnes Arnold-Forster is the author of Nostalgia: A History of a Dangerous Emotion (Picador, 2024).
Viking Artifacts Discovered In Canada Are More Mysterious Than First Thought
Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – Archaeological evidence shows that Vikings crossed the oceans in their iconic longships and visited many foreign lands. To the west, they established settlements in Iceland and Greenland, and eventually, a base was established at L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada.
A study conducted by scientists’ solar storm activity and archaeology confirms Icelandic Sagas and Vikings were present in the Americas in 1021 A.D.
Archaeological finds enable us to piece together ancient history, but some objects raise more questions than answers. Sometimes, artifacts can be genuine, but their story poses a mystery. In this article, we will discuss some intriguing and authentic Viking artifacts discovered in Canada that puzzled scientists.
This is a preview of our premium article, which is available only to members of Ancient Pages.
How to Plan a Trip: A Month-by-Month Guide
Posted: 4/2/2024 | April 2nd, 2024
Trip planning can be a daunting task. Flights, insurance, gear, itineraries, accommodation, and so much more all need to be considered and sorted out before you go.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when you haven’t done something like this before.
After over close to twenty years of traveling the world, I’ve planned countless trips and vacations for myself, friends, and family, even group tours. In the beginning, it was trial by fire. I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. However, that helped me develop an efficient checklist that ensures I don’t miss anything important during the trip-planning process.
One big question I get asked a lot is when to start planning. To answer that question, this post breaks the planning process down into month-by-month steps so you can plan your next trip with ease.
Here’s how to plan a trip:
12 Months Out: Decide on Your Destination(s)
A lot of people talk vaguely about travel: they never say where they are going, just that they are going. They might talk about it for years before actually departing (if they go at all). But it’s much easier to reach and plan for the goal of “I am going to Paris for two weeks this summer” than “I’m going somewhere.”
If you already have a dream destination in mind, great! If not, here are some posts to help you get started:
But, this far out, the real thing you want to do is start saving money and figuring out your costs. Accommodation and flights are the obvious ones, but how much do restaurants, attractions, and other activities cost? Knowing these costs will allow you accurately estimate how much money you’ll need. Here is how to research costs:
- Buy a guidebook
- Check out my free travel guides (we break down all costs for each destination)
- Skim the cost of living on Numbeo.com
- Google prices for major activities you want to do, such as scuba diving, winery tours, etc. (Get Your Guide is a good place to start)
- Use Skyscanner or Google Flights for flight prices and sign up for alerts to get emails if the price changes
- Use Discover Cars to price out (and book) a rental car if you need one
- Use Booking.com and Hostelworld to research accommodation costs
That may seem like a lot but you just want to get a general idea of how much you need to save. You can head to this page to see all my articles on how to save money for your trip.
12 Months Out: Start Collecting Points & Miles
While you’re working to save money, get a travel credit card so you can earn miles and points for free flights and hotel stays. It’s what has kept my costs down and me on the road for so many years.
These days, most cards have welcome offers of 60,000-80,000 points (some can be as high as 100,000) when you meet their minimum spending requirement (generally $2,000-5,000 USD within a 3–6-month time frame). That’s enough miles for a free round-trip economy flight to Europe from the East Coast of North America.
For more information on this subject, check out these posts:
In addition, get a fee-free ATM card. I use Charles Schwab, but there are lots of other banks that don’t charge ATM fees (don’t forget to check your local banks and credit unions too). Here’s how you can avoid bank fees while traveling.
8 Months Out: Visa Requirements, Passports, and Vaccines
While you likely won’t need a visa to your desired destination, you should still check to make sure. If you’re a US citizen, use the State Department’s search tool to learn about your destination’s entry requirements. (Canadians can use this search tool.)
Additionally, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends. Many countries require this for entry. Passport application and renewal wait times can be long (the standard is 6-8 weeks in the US), so do this as soon as possible.
Also, research if you need any vaccines for your trip as many countries require vaccines to enter (and I don’t mean COVID). You can learn more about country requirements and recommendations at the CDC’s website. They can help you find a clinic near you as well (if you’re in the US).
4-6 Months Out: Book Your Flight
The best time to book your flight is generally around 3-4 months before your departure, or 5-6 months before if you are going during a destination’s peak season. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, though, so use it as a guide.
Here are two articles on how to score a cheap flight:
If you’ve signed up for a travel credit card and received your sign-up bonus, use your miles to book your flight and/or hotel. The further out you book, the more availability there will be. Use tools like Point.me and Awayz to help you find the best redemptions on your points (for flights and hotels, respectively).
But even if you aren’t using miles or didn’t find a cheap flight deal, there are still many ways to avoid being the person on the flight who paid the most for their ticket. My two favorite sites for finding cheap airfare are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
3-4 Months Out: Book Your Accommodation
If you’re traveling for under two weeks and have a set schedule, book accommodation for the duration of your trip. If you’re visiting during the high season, it’s also a good idea to book everything in advance. For trips longer than two weeks, I suggest booking only the first couple of nights of your trip. Once there, you may end up wanting to change your plans based on insider advice from other travelers and/or hotel/hostel staff. I prefer having flexibility, so I always just book a few nights and go from there.
Here are my go-to sites when it comes to finding the best deals on accommodation:
- Hostelworld – Hostelworld has the largest selection of hostels and is my go-to site for finding affordable hostels.
- Booking.com – Booking.com is the best overall platform for finding budget hotels and guesthouses.
- Agoda – Agoda has the best results if you’re heading to Asia (though it sometimes has good US deals too).
I recommend checking the cancelation policy of wherever you book. I like having the flexibility to cancel if something comes up.
If you’re on a tight budget or you want to connect with more locals during your travels, consider joining platforms like Couchsurfing or BeWelcome. These communities allow travelers to stay with residents for free as a sort of cultural exchange.
Long-term travelers can also try housesitting or WWOOFing as well, as they both offer free accommodation (in exchange for pet sitting or farm work, respectively).
2 Months Out: Plan Your Activities
Now it’s time for the fun part of travel planning! That means reading books about your destination, learning general travel tips, connecting with online communities, and pre-booking any necessary activities.
Pre-booking ensures you don’t miss out on things that you really want to do on your trip. If you’re going to a popular destination, tours and activities fill up quickly, and if you’re going to a smaller place, activities or tours might only run on certain days and have limited availability.
Either way, Get Your Guide the best place to search for and pre-book activities, tours, and tickets. Local tour operators and attractions can list their offerings on this online marketplace, so you can find tons of stuff here, from food tours to museum tickets with skip-the-line entry.
1 Month Out: Get Travel Insurance
Get travel insurance. That way, these purchases are protected should something happen that makes you cancel your trip.
A lot of people think, “I’m healthy. I don’t need travel insurance.” But travel insurance is much more than just medical protection. It covers you when your camera breaks, your flight is canceled, a family member dies and you have to come home, or something gets stolen. (That’s why you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with any common travel scams to look out for, as well as how to conduct yourself in order to blend in to avoid looking like a target for petty theft.)
Yes, it’s an added expense. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I never leave home without it, because I’ve seen firsthand just what can happen on the road.
I never thought I would pop my eardrum while I was scuba diving in Thailand, break my camera in Italy, or get knifed in Colombia.
Unfortunately, bad things can happen when you’re traveling. True, these events are few and far between. But they can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re not prepared to pay out of pocket, buy travel insurance.
Here are some posts on travel insurance to get you started:
I never leave home without travel insurance. You shouldn’t either.
7 days out: Pack!
Your trip is almost here, and it’s time to pack! It can be tempting to want to bring everything with you “just in case.” But when it comes to travel, less is more. While what you pack will depend on where you are going, remember that you don’t need to take everything you own. You can buy things you need and do laundry on the road. At the end of the day, you have to carry everything you bring. So bring less!
I travel with a 45L REI bag and then a smaller day bag. Here’s my suggested packing list to help you take just the right amount of stuff and avoid overpacking (here’s a list for female travelers).
Additionally, bring any prescriptions you need for the duration of your trip. Try not to rely on filling those abroad (though bring a prescription and doctor’s note just in case).
With everything taken care of, it’s time to go on your trip and have fun! Make a list of last-minute items you need to pack the day of (your toothbrush, glasses, phone charger, etc.) and check in online beforehand (you can do so 24 hours in advance). (If you’ve got lounge access through a premium travel rewards card, you might find yourself looking forward to getting to the airport early.)
If you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry. That’s perfectly normal. Feeling anxious or unsure is something every traveler experiences. But you’ve made it this far. Trust your planning and follow your instincts. You’re about to have the trip of a lifetime.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Burials in Azerbaijan Point to the Existence of Mythical Amazonian Women!
The legendary Amazons of ancient Greece emerged in classical literature around 3,000 years ago, notably mentioned in the 8th century BC in the Iliad. Despite their early literary presence, the dearth of concrete archaeological evidence has left historians confounded. Recent excavations within a Bronze Age burial ground located in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, have uncovered graves containing female remains accompanied by weaponry such as razor-sharp arrowheads, a bronze dagger, and a mace, suggesting the presence of the mythical Amazonian women who lived approximately 4,000 years ago!
Historian Bettany Hughes told The Observer:
“It shows that there’s truth behind the myths and legends of ancient Greece… A civilisation isn’t made up of a single grave. If we’re talking about a culture that crosses the Caucasus and the Steppe, which is what all the ancients said, obviously you need other remains.”
Fierce and Independent Women: A Blueprint for Today?
Celebrated for their society devoid of men and their battlefield proficiency, particularly in archery, these formidable, nomadic women, skilled in horsemanship and archery, were depicted as fierce hunters and warriors, comparable to men in such prowess. Scenes from their battles were a popular part of Greek art and mythology.
According to Greek mythology, the Amazons were renowned as fearsome and formidable female warriors dwelling on the fringes of the known world. In the legendary tales, Hercules undertook one of his famous 12 labors to acquire the enchanted girdle of Queen Hippolyte, an Amazonian ruler. Achilles, the hero of the Trojan War, encountered another Amazonian queen, Penthesilea, whom he slew in battle only to be struck by her beauty as her helmet was removed.
Achilles kills Penthesilea; tondo of an Attic red-figure kylix, 470–460 BC, found at Vulci (Public Domain)
Hughes noted that some of the skeletons indicated extensive use of bows and arrows by the women. She explained that their fingers displayed deformities, likely from prolonged arrow usage, suggesting sustained and intensive practice. According to her observations, these changes in finger joints couldn’t have solely resulted from hunting activities.
She further mentioned that the bone evidence revealed clear signs of extended time spent in the saddle, with women’s pelvises appearing to have widened due to horseback riding. Clearly, the shape of their bones reflected the impact of their lifestyle.
In addition, the presence of carnelian, a semi-precious stone commonly associated with high priestesses or goddesses, indicates women of high status. The mace heads were also indicative of women with status.
Bettany Hughes at an archaeological site in Azerbaijan for her Treasures of the World series. (SandStone Global Productions Ltd)
Warrior Women in Ancient Societies: Not an Isolated Phenomena
The significance of this evidence is heightened when considered alongside earlier discoveries – in 2019, the remains of four female warriors interred with arrowheads and spears were uncovered in Russia. Earlier, in 2017, Armenian archaeologists revealed the remains of a woman bearing battle injuries, evidenced by an arrowhead lodged in her leg. Going back to the early 1990s, near the Kazakhstan border, the remains of a woman buried with a dagger were unearthed, reports IE.
“They found four women buried with weapons and horse equipment and what’s amazing is that they represent three generations,” said Adrienne Mayor, the author of “The Amazons: Lives And Legends Of Warrior Women Across The Ancient World,” from an interview four years ago. “The oldest woman was about 45 to 50 years old, and then a very young warrior woman, who was between 12 and 13 years old. That’s the astounding part of this discovery because it shows that women of all ages were active warriors and participated in battle alongside the men and were buried with the same honors as the men.”
Departure of the Amazons, by Claude Deruet, 1620, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Public Domain)
These findings collectively strengthen the case for the existence of warrior women in ancient societies. In fact, the consistent presence of women buried with weapons across various regions suggests a widespread phenomenon rather than isolated occurrences, offering compelling evidence supporting the notion that women actively participated in combat and held significant roles in martial activities during ancient times, potentially aligning with the legendary Amazons of Greek mythology.
The discoveries are set to be showcased in an upcoming Channel 4 series scheduled for April, titled “Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World.” One of the episodes, titled “Silk Roads and the Caucasus,” delves into a region characterized by the interplay of diverse cultures and civilizations over centuries – a nexus where trade routes bridged the continents of Asia and Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and influences.
Top image: Painting of a fierce Amazonian woman leading her army into battle. Source: Pana/Adobe Stock
By Sahir Pandey
15 Healthy Smoothie Recipes You’ll Want to Drink Every Day
Short on time? Looking for a way to pack more nutrients into your day? These healthy smoothie recipes are the perfect solution!
What Goes Into Healthy Smoothie Recipes?
Smoothies are such a great way to get a nutrient-dense meal! They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. But unfortunately, not all smoothies are created equal.
It can be really easy for the sugar content to climb up to 50 grams in just one smoothie. That sugar can come from whole foods like fruits or even added sugars. As a result, a blood sugar spike is caused, which will leave most of us feeling less than our best overall. Whether it causes a crash in energy or makes you feel hungry not long after drinking it.
Healthy smoothie recipes contain protein, starchy carbohydrates, non-starchy carbohydrates (like greens), and nourishing fats. To do this, you use what I call the Foundational Five.
A Foundational Five Nourish Meal is any meal that contains all 5 elements within the Foundational Five formula. This includes non-starchy carbohydrates, starchy and sugary carbohydrates, fat, protein, and the Flavor Factor. If you’re not familiar with my Foundational Five system yet, you can download my free guide where I share more about it!
By following this simple template it keeps food flexible, fun, and nourishing. Our Foundational Five Nourish Meals can be found as smoothies or smoothie bowls, yogurts, oatmeal bowls or breakfast bowls, nourish bowls, salads, soups, stews, and many more.
All of the healthy smoothie recipes below contain these components to make sure each one is packed with the nutrients you need to feel your best!
The Nutrition Stripped Community’s Favorite Healthy Smoothie Recipes
These recipes are the favorites from the Nutrition Stripped community! You can make them as smoothies or bowls. If you make them as a bowl, be sure to try my Smoothie Bowl Sprinkle for a crunch topper!
Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie
If you’re a fan of beets, you’ll love this different way of including them in your weekly meal plan. Beets are great to incorporate into our diets for anti-inflammatory and detoxification benefits. They have also been shown to lower high blood pressure and improve both digestive health and athletic performance.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
I don’t know why this classic combination of bananas and strawberries is so great, but these two flavors pair so well together.
What makes this particular smoothie extra nutritious is all of the antioxidants! It’s packed with phytonutrients like anthocyanins, tannins, flavonols, resveratrol, ellagic acid, and catechins from the strawberries alone.
Warming Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
Warming spices include anything from fresh ginger and ground cinnamon, to black pepper, cayenne, garlic, and horseradish. You can easily add these spices to any of your savory or sweet dishes such as soup, dips, stir-fry, frittata, or a smoothie like this one. The great thing about this smoothie recipe is that it’s also rich in fiber from the pumpkin!
Strawberry Blueberry Kefir Smoothie for Gut Health
This smoothie contains all whole-food ingredients that support your digestive health! From kefir (which is a fermented probiotic beverage) and yogurt, to ground flax seeds, beans, and berries. You can thank these ingredients for this smoothie’s amazing fiber and antioxidant content!
Ginger Strawberry Smoothie
If you’re not a fan of super sweet smoothies, this one’s for you. The addition of ginger in this healthy smoothie recipe balances out the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s also a great way to give your regular strawberry smoothie a little change!
5-Minute Spinach Smoothie
Spinach is loaded with iron, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. It’s a great food item to be eating daily!
I’m sharing not only one of my favorite spinach smoothie recipes, but I’m also giving you a template for mixing and matching all of the ingredients. That way you can have slight variations of this smoothie all summer long!
The Stripped Green Smoothie
The Stripped Green Smoothie is simply a high-quality, nutrient-dense, easily-digestible green smoothie. It’s simply made of organic raw vegetables, greens, and fruits. You can get very creative with using whatever greens and fruits you have in season!
Blueberry Banana Crunch Smoothie Bowl
This Blueberry Banana Crunch Smoothie Bowl is packed with antioxidants! You have the blueberries and crunchy homemade granola to thank for that. You don’t see it and you won’t taste it, but this healthy smoothie recipe is packed with greens, too!
Matcha Mango Smoothie
Green tea, especially matcha, offers a smooth, subtle energy boost. It does contain caffeine, but not as much as coffee, making it a great alternative for people who are sensitive to caffeine. Just as you can enjoy matcha in a frothy morning latte, it can also be used in your morning smoothie.
This combines the best of both worlds for a quick and nourishing breakfast to take with you out the door!
Creamy Ginger Smoothie
This is my go-to smoothie in the spring when I want something filling, but also “light” on my digestion. It also helps to keep my energy levels up when I’m out and about, writing or shooting content.
The squeeze of lemon juice and added ginger are great for digestion. Plus, all those healthy fats from the avocado will keep you feeling full, keep your hormones balanced, and keep your skin glowing.
Beauty Green Smoothie
This smoothie is loaded with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. More specifically, those I target for great skin, hair, and nail health in my daily routine. Not only are you nourishing your skin on a cellular level with this smoothie, but it’s also simple to make and tastes amazing!
Coconut Berry Smoothie
This smoothie will make you feel like you’re at a tropical resort! Coconut is the star of this recipe, giving the smoothie plenty of healthy fat, fiber, and flavor.
Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie
This smoothie tastes so good that it could be a dessert! The healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants make it a nourishing choice for any time of the day.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This classic combination of flavors is super satisfying and beyond simple to whip together!
Odds are, you have all of these pantry staples on hand already, so you’re free to enjoy this easy peanut butter banana smoothie whenever the mood strikes.
Triple Berry Smoothie
This is one of my favorite-tasting smoothies! It’s sweet from bananas, tangy from the raspberries, and the texture is thick and smooth! Not to mention, this smoothie is very kid-friendly! Anyone opposed to adding “greens” to their drinks will love it. You can’t even taste it here!
Which Healthy Smoothie Recipe Will You Try Next?
The fun part about healthy eating is finding new foods and recipes you love that make it easy and enjoyable for you to eat nutrient-dense meals. So, which one of these healthy smoothie recipes are you going to try next? Pick one to make this week and see if you find a new favorite!
Do You Want to Experience More Balance with your Food Choices?
Then find your balanced eating type!
Take this 45-second free quiz to find out which balanced eating archetype you are, and what your unique type needs to maintain balance with the way you nourish yourself. That way, you can finally be free from food and diet obsession, maintain a balanced weight, and cultivate a positive relationship with food and your body.
Take The Free Quiz Now
How Mexico Fought Franco | History Today
In 1937 a boat carrying 450 Spanish children, aged between five and 15, docked at the sultry tropical port of Veracruz on Mexico’s Atlantic coast. The children – not, in most cases, orphans, but refugees whose families had sent them across the world to escape the civil war then ravaging Spain – were feted on arrival and taken, via Mexico City, to a boarding facility in Morelia, a conservative Catholic town in the western state of Michoacán. Mexican president Lázaro Cárdenas (1934-40), who was a native of Michoacán, and his wife Amalia Solórzano, played a prominent role in welcoming the so-called ‘Niños de Morelia’ (‘Children of Morelia’). But, after the official junketing was over, the children faced a tough challenge. Life in the facility was spartan and discipline was lax. Some of their Mexican minders regarded them as hooligans. The children complained about the Mexican food – tortillas (maize pancakes) and frijoles (beans) – and asked for bacalao (cod) and vino tinto (red wine), which they did not get. They also offended conservative Catholic opinion by ostentatiously saluting with the clenched fist of communist solidarity.
The 8 Best Hotels in Paris (Updated 2024)
Posted: 3/7/24 | March 7th, 2024
Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s a city I’ve visited countless times, I lived there, I’ve run tours there. I’m one of those people who thinks it lives up to all the hype.
But, it’s also a huge, sprawling city with 20 different neighborhoods and hundreds of hotels (here’s my neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown of the city).
I field a lot of questions on what area of the city to stay in (answered in the above post).
But, in this post, I want to talk about my favorite hotels. I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels in Paris. Some good, some really terrible. To help you plan your trip, here’s my list of the best hotels in Paris:
1. Hotel Bar Paris Bastille
I love the location of this hotel: it’s literally right across from the Bastille. A three-star boutique hotel, the sleek rooms have modern and minimalist décor, but they’re not super large. They are really well designed though, using the space efficiently so you won’t feel cramped. They also have excellent soundproofing, lots of natural light thanks to the large windows, as well as flatscreen TVs, AC, a kettle, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, while small, have great water pressure.
I think this is one of the best value places in the area. It has a bar on the ground floor that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. It also serves a delicious breakfast spread, with lots of variety (including fresh bread and croissants, pancakes, eggs, and cheese).
2. Hôtel Minerve
Located near Notre Dame and the Sorbonne, this three-star hotel is housed inside a historic 1864 Haussmannian building complete with flowered balconies. The historic interior features exposed stone walls, visible wood beams, and original artwork throughout. I really like the excellent breakfast spread each morning (for an additional cost) that includes lots of cheese, meats, and fresh fruit.
The recently refurbished rooms are small but comfortable and include common perks like a flatscreen TV, desk, AC, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, while also small, are pristine and have rainfall showers with excellent water pressure. The rooms are well soundproofed too, though the hotel is on a quieter street so there’s little traffic noise. I think this is the best budget choice for travelers who want something affordable but prefer not to stay in a hostel.
3. Pavillon de la Reine
Pavillon de la Reine is a five-star hotel in the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful and oldest squares in the world. The hotel used to be the residence of Queen Anne of Austria. The vine-covered 17th-century building is gorgeous, with a beautiful inner courtyard garden and a spa featuring a hammam, hot tub, and fitness center.
The rooms are all uniquely and lavishly decorated, with aristocratic furnishings like elaborate chandeliers and fine art on the fabric-coated walls. All rooms are comfortable and quiet, and while they aren’t huge, they offer lots of natural light from the enormous windows. Each room has AC, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are spacious and feature elegant tiles as well as upscale bath products. Breakfast isn’t included, and while it’s not cheap it is exceptional (the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant is worth a visit if you want to splash out). Paris has some luxury places and I think this is one of the best if you’re looking to spend some dough.
4. Le Relais Montmartre
This cute four-star hotel is on a quiet street in Montmartre, one of my favorite areas of the city. The rooms have a rustic charm, with exposed beams and vintage furniture. They also feature soft pastel colors and floral fabrics, creating a relaxing atmosphere for your stay. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and while it’s not included in the price, it is served in a really cozy vaulted cellar below the hotel.
Like most hotels in Paris, the rooms here aren’t huge, but they are colorful and bright. They also include free Wi-Fi, a coffee/tea maker, minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are a bit dated, but everything is clean and the water pressure is great. The hotel is just a three-minute walk to the Moulin Rouge too, so you really can’t beat this location. It’s also one of the most affordable hotels in the area, especially for the class of service you get.
5. Hôtel Wyld Saint Germain
This boutique three-star hotel is super stylish. Each air-conditioned room is decorated with bright pops of color, such as colorful duvets or bright murals on the walls (some rooms even have colored lights). There’s a distinct arty flair to the décor. It’s just a short walk to the Pantheon and Notre Dame, and there’s a simple continental breakfast with fresh daily croissants available (for an additional charge, although it’s a pretty good value).
Rooms feature a flatscreen TV, electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi. They’re not huge, but they are well-designed and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Some rooms also have balconies. The bathrooms, while also small, have modern fixtures and colorful tiles. The showers have good water pressure too.
6. Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
This four-star hotel sits in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. You literally can’t stay much closer than this (some rooms even have balconies looking out at the tower). The hotel is modern and minimalist, and everything is sleek and spotless. There’s a stylish restaurant on-site (where you can get breakfast in the mornings), as well as a wine bar. Both feature lots of greenery and plants that really brighten up the space. The hotel has a fitness center too (open 24/7).
Decorated in a contemporary style, rooms feature comfy beds, a desk, flatscreen TVs with Chromecast, Nespresso machines, Alexa docking stations, and plush bathrobes. The bathrooms are large, with roomy walk-in rain showers that have excellent water pressure. If you want to stay near the Eiffel Tower, stay here.
7. Hôtel Thérèse
This four-star boutique hotel is in a restored 18th-century building in central Paris. A family-run business, the hotel is cozy and welcoming (the staff really go above and beyond). I appreciate the hotel’s attention to sustainability, the stylish decor, and the incredible breakfast. It features an awesome selection of freshly baked pastries, artisanal cheeses, fruit, eggs, and yogurt.
The rooms are compact (but that’s to be expected in such a central location) and feature classy décor with unique artwork curated by the owners. All rooms include a desk, Bluetooth speakers, flatscreen TV with Chromecast, a minibar, and plush bathrobes. The bathrooms are also quite small, but they’re sparkling clean with walk-in showers and luxury bath products. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to stay in the city.
8. Hotel du Louvre
This five-star hotel is also in a historic building in central Paris (it’s literally across the street from the Louvre). It’s a Hyatt property (use points if you can) and was recently renovated. The lobby is stately and grand, with marble floors and high ceilings. There’s a traditional brasserie on-site that serves an excellent breakfast in the mornings too. There’s also a chic cocktail lounge that serves botanical drinks and seasonal dishes under a beautiful glass roof. Twice a week, there’s live jazz here as well (a big plus in my book).
The rooms are stylishly decorated and bright and airy thanks to the large windows. They’re well insulated too so you don’t hear a lot of noise from the street. All rooms have a mini fridge, a minibar, flatscreen TV, electric kettle and Nespresso machine, and a desk. The bathrooms are huge with luxury bath products, robes, and slippers. This is a really nice choice for a higher-end stay in the heart of the city.
Paris is meant to be unraveled, to be explored at a leisurely pace as you meander its winding streets. But it’s also a large, sprawling city with tons of places to stay. By choosing from one of the hotels above, you’ll set yourself up for a memorable trip in the City of Lights.
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Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Paris.
And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of the city.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Need a guide?
Paris has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company.
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Paris?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Paris for even more planning tips!