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.
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?
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Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
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Ready to Book Your Trip?
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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.
Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!
For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!
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!
Mysterious Undeciphered Ripley Scroll And Its Connection To The Philosopher’s Stone
Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – One of the most unusual and intriguing alchemy manuscripts is the Ripley Scroll.
The Ripley Scroll, an impressive manuscript that is almost 6 meters in length, provides instructions on the creation of the legendary Philosopher’s Stone.
Alchemy And The Philosopher’s Stone
Alchemy is typically perceived as an ancient practice that aims to transform common metals into gold by using a mysterious element known as the Philosopher’s Stone.
The Philosopher’s Stone is a mythic alchemical substance. Credit: Adobe Stock – Anastasia
The so-called “philosopher’s stone,” a legendary substance believed to have the power to transform common metals into gold and silver, was the holy grail of alchemy from the Middle Ages up until the late 17th century. It was also considered an elixir of life, with incredible healing properties and even the ability to bestow immortality on its owner. Interestingly, despite its name, it may not have been a stone at all but could have been a powder or some other form. It went by various names, including “the tincture,” “the powder,” or “materia prima.”
Mystics held the belief that only pure Goodness can bring about human transformation. Christian theology interprets this as the influence of Christ’s Spirit. The Philosopher’s Stone symbolizes Christ Jesus in this context, which explains its seemingly unbelievable powers.
Throughout history, many brilliant intellectuals from the Western world have embarked on a journey to discover the philosopher’s stone. It is generally believed that this mysterious stone can be created through an alchemical procedure known as The Magnum Opus or The Great Work.
The Ripley Scroll Remains Undeciphered
Around 23 versions of the Ripley Scroll are known to exist. While they differ in size, color, and detail, all of them are based on a lost original from the 15th century.
It is wise to admit that plenty of scientists do not know about the enigmatic Ripley Scroll, but it features many significant alchemy symbols.
George Ripley depicted on the scroll. Credit: Wikipedia – CC BY 4.0
The manuscript derives its name from George Ripley, a medieval canon originating from Bridlington Priory, Yorkshire. This scroll is abundant with cryptic and interesting symbols. However, these alchemical symbols remain somewhat unclear and open to interpretation.
Scholars have tried to understand What motivated the production of the Scrolls in the first place? Whence did the texts originate and how were they selected, combined and illustrated? To what extent did the Ripley Scrolls gain authority and notoriety through association with Ripley?” 1
George Ripley Was One of England’s Most Famous Alchemists
Sir George Ripley (c. 1415–1490) was a renowned alchemist whose writings influenced alchemists like John Dee, Robert Boyle, and Isaac Newton.
Did Ripley create the scroll himself? It is an open question historians cannot answer. The scrolls are referred to as Ripley scrolls due to the inclusion of poetry attributed to the renowned alchemist. The illustrations within these scrolls symbolically represent the elusive Philosopher’s Stone.
One of several images on the Ripley Scroll. Credit: Wikipedia – CC BY 4.0
According to scholars, “these ‘Ripley Scrolls’ are now prized possessions and rarities in modern collections of alchemica thanks to their unusual format and beautiful illuminations. Their association with Georger Riply, fifteenth-century writer whose name features in the later history of some parts of the corpus around the “Verse”, further accounts for their current popularity. Upon closer inspection, however, the Ripley Scrolls are a confused and confusing set of historical objects.
The origin of these Scrolls may be more recent than Ripley’s lifetime and their association with Ripley is not present in early examplars. Further, they were not intented to be used in separation from other alchemica; the text on the Scrolls (poems from the corspus around the ‘Verses upon the Elixir’) were also circulated in plain manuscript volumes.” 1
What Does The Ripley Scroll Depict?
The Ripley Scroll is full of images and symbols that are difficult to understand.
Upon first glance at the scroll, we are immediately drawn to a prominent figure with a large beard, tightly holding an egg-shaped vase. This character, adorned in a cap or headdress and robe, is most likely representing Hermes Trismegistus. Known as the ‘thrice-greatest’, Hermes Trismegistus is a legendary figure credited with founding alchemy. He is often associated with Thoth, the Egyptian deity of healing.
The toad and the dragon. Credit: Yale University Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Certain symbols, such as hermetic vases, a toad, the dragon, the Bird of Hermes, and the red and green lions, are commonly recognized in alchemy. However, their representation can vary significantly depending on their specific application or context.
The Purpose Of The Ripley Scroll Remains A Mystery
According to Professor R.I. McCallum the application of these scrolls remains largely unknown, with no contemporary descriptions by even John Dee. It has been proposed that the scrolls may have served as a form of advertisement in alchemists’ shops, but this theory lacks supporting evidence and seems highly improbable for several reasons.
The length of the scrolls would make them challenging to display, and their current state suggests they were not subjected to extensive wear and tear that would be expected from such usage.
The purpose of the mysterious Ripley Scroll remains an enigma. The manuscript’s unique imagery and symbols add to its perplexity. Perhaps only individuals with profound alchemical understanding may eventually unravel the secrets of the Ripley Scroll.
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
Copyright © AncientPages.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of AncientPages.com
Expand for references
- Timmermann, Anke. “The Ripley Scrolls: Alchemical Poetry, Images And Authority.” In Verse and Transmutation: A Corpus of Middle English Alchemical Poetry (Critical Editions and Studies), 113–42. Brill, 2013.
- Stanley Redgrove – Alchemy: Ancient and Modern
- Aaron Kitch. “The ‘Ingendred’ Stone: The Ripley Scrolls and the Generative Science of Alchemy.” Huntington Library Quarterly 78, no. 1 (2015): 87–125.
- McCallum R I. The Ripley Scroll of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. 1996. Vesalius 2:. 39-49.
Two Napoleons: The French Caesars of Modern History
The life of Napoleon Bonaparte, remembered as one of history’s greatest conquerors, shares countless parallels with that of Julius Caesar. Fueled by a profound admiration for the classics, Napoleon, and subsequently his nephew Napoleon III, explicitly modeled their political and military achievements on those of the mighty Roman general. These connections offer fascinating insights into the enduring influence of classical antiquity on the shaping of modern history.
Napoleon I in Coronation Robes by François Gérard, 1805. (Public domain)
The Legacy of Caesarism: From Ancient Rome to Revolutionary France
The term “Caesarism” denotes a form of government led by a dictator. The original Julius Caesar, a pivotal figure in the final era of the Late Roman Republic, emerged during a tumultuous period when Rome’s governance teetered on the brink of collapse, notably around the mid-1st century BC. Faced with the aftermath of a devastating civil war, Caesar assumed control to restore order, establishing himself as Rome’s dictator for life. Invoking Caesar’s example, Napoleon Bonaparte—a famed military leader who later became Emperor of France in the early 19th century—did the same thing for post-Revolutionary France.
Both men presented themselves as the “true” defender of the Republic. For Caesar, he saw himself as a populist against the aristocratic privileges of the Senate. In Napoleon’s case, he sought to protect the French Republic from an imminent invasion by the European Allies, who were conspiring to reinstall the Bourbon monarchy.
Drawing connections to ancient Rome, Napoleon styled himself as the First Consul of France. But just like the triumvirates of the Late Republic, Bonaparte skillfully outmaneuvered the other consuls, leaving him as the de facto strongman of France.
The politics of Napoleon became formalized into the ideology of Bonapartism, a term used to refer to the rule of a military dictator who legitimizes his policies by holding direct votes to the public, called plebiscites. This transformation was especially pronounced during the reign of his nephew, Emperor Napoleon III.
Like Caesar before him, the third Napoleon—who was Emperor of France from 1852 to 1870—enjoyed great popularity among the poor people of France. Napoleon III styled himself as a Caesar-like figure, invoking the military prestige of the ancient Roman conqueror. His coup d’état against the French government in 1851 was codenamed Operation Rubicon, in reference to Caesar’s march on Rome.
Following Caesar’s example, Napoleon III presented himself as the “true” man of the people, a dictator committed to safeguarding the interests of the disenfranchised working class. Together, the rule of the two Napoleons inspired an ideology of enlightened dictatorship, a type of political Caesarism which still influences governments around the world.
Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, by Carl Frederik Kiörboe. (Public domain)
Napoleon’s Alpine Odyssey: Echoes of Hannibal’s Legendary Invasion
Napoleon praised Caesar as a triumphant leader, who unified Europe through his grand conquests. Just like his Roman hero, Bonaparte came from a family of Italian minor nobles. Caesar boasted of his conquests in places like Gaul and Britannia, while Napoleon’s military victories stretched across the European continent. Caesar’s campaigns in Gaul took place in what is now France, a fact that was almost certainly not lost on a French nationalist like Napoleon.
In 1796, France sent General Bonaparte to conquer his ancestral homeland from the Austrians. At first, the French military dismissed the Little Corporeal—a dismissive nickname given to General Bonaparte by members of the French military—mocking him as a starry-eyed upstart from Corsica.
For almost two years, the French Army had been stalled in the foothills of the Italian Alps. “Soldiers, you are naked and ill-fed. No fame shines upon you,” the charismatic Napoleon told his men. “I will lead you into the most fertile plains in the world. Rich provinces, great cities will line in your power. You will find there honor, glory, and riches!” he boldly promised them.
It was all the more enthralling, since the French soldiers were hopelessly outnumbered 38,000 to 63,000 men. In just two weeks, Napoleon won six battles and took thousands of prisoners. The myth of Napoleon was born!
Napoleon made a second campaign into Italy in 1800. His famous crossing over the Alps was immortalized by a French painter named Jacques-Louis David. It was inspired by Hannibal’s invasion of Italy during the Second Punic War. Having successfully subduing the Austrians, he looted Italy of its artistic treasures. This included many priceless artworks from Classical Antiquity and the Renaissance.
Napoleon Bonaparte Crossing the Alps, by Jacques-Louis David. (Public domain)
Napoleon’s Egyptian Expedition and the Birth of Egyptology
For anybody who loves classics, we can thank Napoleon for our modern knowledge about ancient Egypt. In 1798, amidst political turmoil in France, the Directory—France’s new democratic government—faced mounting pressure from Britain to dismantle the gains of the French Revolution. In response, they turned to the ambitious 28-year-old artillery officer, Napoleon, summoning him for a daring expedition into Egypt.
Just as in Caesar’s day, Egypt represented the nexus between East and West. By invading Egypt, the French would challenge British colonial presence in India. The French also wanted to compensate their sugar trade, after losing their colony of Haiti. Beyond material reasons, the French wanted to spread the ideas of the Enlightenment, which was heavily influenced by the classical civilizations of Greece, Rome and Egypt. The French soldiers frequently compared themselves to the Roman legions of Caesar and Octavian.
Napoleon Bonaparte Before the Sphinx, by Jean-Léon Gérôme. (Public domain)
On July 1, Napoleon and his French troops arrived in Alexandria. Now in Muslim territory, General Bonaparte instructed his men to respect the culture of Egypt. Following his pagan predecessors, Napoleon argued that the Roman legions had once protected all religions; he urged his own French troops to do likewise. He did not seek impose Europe’s Christianity on the Muslims. He syncretized parts of Islam into his own spiritual beliefs—a very Roman thing to do! Thus, for Napoleon, the pagan Caesar was a symbol of religious tolerance and respect for Cairo’s culture.
But the French were shocked to find that the Muslim Egyptians had completely forgotten their classical heritage! Given Egypt’s rich classical history, the French were initially disappointed to find themselves in the very poorest part of the Ottoman Empire. All they could find was an obelisk to the great Cleopatra, the exotic lover of Caesar and Mark Antony nearly two millennia before. Napoleon knew very well how Octavian had seized power as Rome’s emperor after defeating Mark Antony and his Egyptian consort at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.
For our French Caesar, the Cleopatra story would have held a very personal significance. While away on his campaign in Egypt, Napoleon was horrified by the news of his wife’s extramarital affair back in Paris. Seeking revenge, the wounded Frenchman took a mistress by the name of Pauline Fourès, who became known as “Bonaparte’s Cleopatra.”
Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt marked a turning point for classical studies. With the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, the French Caesar facilitated the unraveling of the mysteries of the Orient. This breakthrough enabled European scholars to decipher hieroglyphs, paving the way for the birth of the modern field of Egyptology.
Top image: Left; Napoleon Bonaparte Before the Sphinx, by Jean-Léon Gérôme. Right; Bas-relief of Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor of France in the chamber of the United States House of Representatives. Source: Left; Public domain, Right; Public domain
By Ben Shehadi
Ben Shedadi’s latest book, The Revolutionary Hero, is a 200-page biography of Napoleon Bonaparte. In it, he talks about Napoleon’s early life, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It is available now on Amazon; on Kindle ($3.99) and Paperback ($19.99): https://a.co/d/9YDy0We Ben Shedadi has more articles on Napolean on Substack: https://hothistory.substack.com/t/napoleon
How to Find the Right Amount of Balance With Your Food Choices
Balanced eating can seem like such an abstract concept — what does balance really mean and look like when it comes to food?
While balance will look different for each of us at every meal, there is one important takeaway to understand about finding and maintaining balance, and that’s what I’m sharing in this video.
The Spectrum of Eating Habits
Imagine a spectrum.
On one end of the spectrum, we have the all-in mentality of rigid diets, plans, and food rules that feel restrictive and require you to regulate yourself. This is the place where you eat “super clean” and avoid all “bad” foods.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is not paying attention to your nutritional needs.
Sometimes this can look like eating anything you want, whenever you want. This usually happens when someone believes that the best way to have balance is to never say no to foods that they previously labeled as “off-limits” or “bad.”
It can also look like not being mindful about ensuring you’re getting a balance of nutrients or not feeling confident in knowing what your body needs to be nourished without the guidance of being on a specific diet.
If you just let go of the diets but you don’t also learn how to focus on your nutritional needs in a more supportive and sustainable way, you eventually won’t feel well, you may get further from your well-nourished weight, or your physical health may suffer. And all of these things may lead you to feel pulled back to wanting to go on a diet, which swings you right back into the other end of the spectrum.
You need to nourish your body well in order for you to simply feel your best and also to care for your health and wellbeing.
Remember, nutrition is the catalyst for all areas of our health and it’s what allows us to enjoy and experience life. You deserve to find a way of nourishing yourself that supports you without it requiring you to regulate or restrict yourself.
What Balanced Eating Looks Like
What we’re aiming for is a happy medium — balance.
What some people think when they hear happy medium is spending some time on one end of the spectrum and some time on the other end of the spectrum, swinging back and forth between the two.
An example of what this may sound like is you saying you’ve been “good” all week, so now you’re going to eat whatever you want all weekend.
Or it could be the reverse, where you say that you’ve been so “bad” all week, so next week you need to make up for what you ate and eat super clean.
But that’s not really balanced. That’s cycling between two extreme states.
Not only is that not supportive of your wellbeing, but it’s also not giving you a sense of ease, peace, and enjoyment with food that’s so important.
Rather than swinging from one end of the spectrum to the other, what balance really looks like is hovering right in the middle of the spectrum with a little give and take on a daily basis.
This is where you’re making very intentional choices that allow you to nourish yourself well without needing to restrict or regulate yourself, and also have the flexibility to enjoy foods you like without ignoring your nutritional needs.
Balance takes many forms and can look different for each person, every day, at every meal!
This can look like enjoying a slice of pizza with a side salad.
It can look like choosing to have dessert one night because you really want it, you have your favorite dessert on hand, and you’ve given your body the nourishment it needs.
It can look like opting to make a more nourishing version of your favorite comfort food so that you’re able to sneak in more whole foods into your day while also making it a meal that’s really enjoyable.
The purpose of finding balance with your food choices is to bring awareness to what you want and need, and make an intentional choice that helps keep you in the happy medium — no matter what it may look like.
This balance allows you to honor your wants and needs, build confidence in your ability to make the best choice for yourself, and experience much more ease and peace around food so it no longer is a source of stress or something that preoccupies your mental energy.
How to Find and Maintain Balance
In order to find this balance and stay in this happy medium rather than swinging from one end of the spectrum to the other, have to form new, more supportive practices and mindsets that allow you to hover in this middle, balanced state for the long-term.
If you’re curious about what those practices are, sign up for our free workshop. In it, I share the three important pillars to focus on in order to reclaim balance with the way you nourish yourself. You’ll walk away knowing what those pillars are and why they’re so important if you want to have this balance with your eating habits that give you the flexibility you need to feel at peace and at ease with food for life.