Find Amazing Holidays in the Grand Canyon

     I have been browsing holidays to the Grand Canyon which are all-inclusive packages. I selected the ones that offer more comfort, great value, and that are true adventure holidays. I ensured that they're holidays in the Grand Canyon run by organizations with excellent responsible travel practices.

The following is a trip that truly stood out: This trip introduces you to the vast expanses of the southwest. It involves light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. This is a round trip that starts at Las Vegas. You will visit the colorful wonderland of the Zion National Park and Canyon area. Included is the Bryce Canyon where you will hike past the fascinating hoodoos and learn about the history of the area. You will spend a day on the road travelling through the Escalante Staircase arriving in Canyonlands. You will visit Arches National Park and Mesa Verde as well as Monument valley.

The hikes you go on are breathtakingly beautiful. You will be guided to the bottom of the Grand Canyon so you experience it while staring up at it from deep within its heart. You will have the opportunity to go around Page to see the great Horseshoe Bend viewpoint. You will visit and learn about the culture and legacy of Navajo reservation. The guides are all handpicked and they will make sure you get fully connected to this awesome part of America.

Some Grand Canyon Facts:
It is 277 miles long

18 miles wide

1 mile deep at the deepest point

Due to its vastness, the weather varies according to how high up you are, and temperatures vary greatly throughout the year. It can get as hot as 100 degrees to -0 in the winter along the Canyon's rims. You could encounter storms or summer monsoons.

Here's what's included in the trip

Entrance fees to all National Parks with hiking and walking excursions

Ranger guided tour of the Mesa Verde ruins

Navajo guide and tour by 4x4 vehicle in Monument Valley

Ranger guided hike of the Navajo National Monument including Betatakin cliff dwellings

This trip is ideal for travellers looking for great value and a softer landing, as it is rated as 'comfort service' level. This means that you'll have a a bit more comfort without forfeiting the spirit of adventure. All the travelling you'll do will be by upgraded transport, leaving you with more time to explore. Although this level provides many services, such as breakfasts for instance, it still offers the flexibility to do your own thing.

The accommodation has been handpicked for great locations, upgraded amenities, facilities and service. The group you will be with will be an average size of 10 and no bigger than 15 like-minded people. This can be a great way of making new friends from all over the world.Travelling in a group with an experienced guide gives you safety and a ready-made soical life!

Even though you will not have much time for optional activities, you could take the extra day in the Grand Canyon to take part in these activities: (if there is availability) Helicopter flight, Antelope Canyon tour, Mule ride down the Canyon, River rafting.

This trip impressed me as one of those holidays in the Grand Canyon that fitted in so much in just 12 days. Anticipate cliff-top panoramas, awesome photographic opportunities, and a absolutely wonderful experience.Article Source:  am an experienced traveller and I know a great holiday when I see one. My website site is full of exciting, value for money trips, and it'll save you hours of searching on the net.  So visit the  now to find details of this holiday and many other fantastic holidays to the Grand Canyon. Remember to bookmark this site.

Most Amazing Painted Books

An artist can also bring a new revolution into the world of interior designs by painted books. These amazing works are not carried out on vintage paper, record covers and book pages but on the books themselves. Using a mix of ink, colored pencil, paint and lacquer, he describes a melancholic and a whimsical cast of characters inhabiting ambiguous spaces and narratives of fantasy and fairy tales. Let's enjoy these following painted books:

A mix of ink, colored pencil, paint and lacquer on books


Painted book


A couple sculptured on books


The talented artist paints "book sculptures"


The motion of the old man is depicted on books


Characters in daily life are fully described as "book sculptures"


The charming beauty of a girl via painted books


A cat is painted via books

Scuba Diving in Kota Kinabalu : Discovering Malaysia's Amazing Marine Life

Scuba diving in Kota Kinabalu is definitely at the top of every diver's to do list. Divers from all over the world would agree that Kota Kinabalu holds one of the most beautiful coral reefs known to man. Scuba diving is almost a way of life in this place as most tourists flock here to experience its amazing marine life.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital state of Sabah, Malaysia. Located in the south-eastern region of Asia, the South China Sea borders it to the west while the Celebes Sea borders it to the south. Sabah is also home to the Coral Triangle, which is the melting pot of marine life. The Coral Triangle is known to have the largest and most diverse marine life in this part of the world, making it one of the most visited places in Malaysia.

Kota Kinabalu's Marine Park

Kota Kinabalu has one of the best dive sites for nature lovers or people who just want to enjoy the wonders of the seas. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is located twenty minutes from Kota Kinabalu by boat.

Opened to the public in 1974, this marine park was named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. At the time, the park was Sabah's second National Park. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is home to five rich islands surrounded by diverse marine life: the Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sulug and Pulau Sapi. Of the five islands, Sapi, Manukan and Mamutik are the most visited islands as they are fully equipped with facilities and amenities for tourists and divers. For those who want to dive Kota Kinabalu, the park offers several dive sites they can choose from.

Kota Kinabalu is replete with dive sites and Sapi, one of its famous diving spots, is home to various sea creatures that can truly make your diving experience a remarkable one. The Sapi House reef is home to diverse marine life, including Barracuda, Damsel Fish, Bat Fish, Fusiliers, Wrasse, Puffer Fish, Parrot Fish, and Porcupine Fish. Divers can also catch a glimpse of Hawksbill Turtles that are abundant in this dive site. At the southern side of Sapi are other wonderful dive sites: the Rays Reef and Rons Reef. These two reefs have gentle slopes that start from 8m and go as deep as 18m.

Kota Kinabalu has something to offer as well to divers who are looking for some tranquillity, and Mamutik is the perfect location for them. More remote and quieter than Sapi, Mamutik is ideal for those who would like to dive in smaller groups. It has a fringing reef up north and on the western side where divers can enjoy watching False Clarke Anemone Fish that thrive in this location.

Scuba diving in Kota Kinabalu is a thriving industry due to the numerous dive sites and colourful reefs this side of Malaysia has to offer. With the best dive sites in the world, diving in Kota Kinabalu is definitely one activity that tourists should not miss in the country.Article Source:  more information on Scuba Diving in Kota Kinabalu visit

Top 10 events and amazing things to do for the holidays

Go to the Dallas Theater Center at the Wyly, see an opera, learn to fly, take a photo to help the North Texas Food Bank, enjoy an afternoon tea and Texas cupcakes at the Ritz-Carlton, hike in America's largest urban forest, help Scottish Rite by dining with top chefs and see 'The Snow Queen' with a few strings attached. ''

Dallas has wonderful art, delicious food, shopping and other unique things to do. Fair Park is offering a free 10-hour family event. Shop at Zola's a cool vintage clothing store located in the Bishop Arts District. In Deep Ellum, another historic arts district, find just the right thing during their monthly market sales. Discover original art, jewelry, antiques and fashions. At the Winspear see a fabulous Broadway show: 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.'
The Dallas Theater Center's 'A Christmas Carol' [Details] is considered to be one of the best Christmas shows in the metroplex. It has the classic elements of Charles Dickson's masterpiece with beautiful songs included. On Friday, November 26, 2010 there is a fundraiser for the North Texas Food Bank called "Pay What You Can" [Details]
The world premiere 'The Trinity River Plays' [Review and details] This play is so good that everyone should make a point to go. The reviews are in and it will be a huge it. It is at the Wyly Theater and presented by The Dallas Theater Center. ''
MetroPCS Fair Park Holiday is free and open to the public. [Details and slideshow] Eight museums are free with arts & crafts, costumed characters, a butterfly garden and many more fun activities for families. ''Enjoy the water shows, live music and the official tree lighting ceremony.
Living in Gratitude's Mobileyes Against Hunger: free and open to the public. [Details] This is a chance to buy wonderful edgy art shot by interesting people (some famous) to help the North Texas Food Bank. The reception is Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, but the show is through November 29, 2010.
Fly-A-Sim puts almost everyone in the pilot's seat (ages 7 and up). [Article and details] Located near DFW airport, the owner Charley Shepard, knows a flight simulator is an unforgettable experience.The Broadway Series presents 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' will steal your heart. [Article and details] At the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Tickets on sale now.
''Texas Scottish Scottish Rite Hospital 'The Longest Chef's Table' fundraiser. [Article and details] Imagine the opportunity of having famous chefs cooking for you at one big delicious charity event that helps children.''
Crow Asian Art celebrates Mexico's bicentennial. [Article, details and slideshow] What does Asian art have to do with Mexico? You will be surprised and amazed when you find out.
The Ritz-Carlton: Afternoon Tea and Texas Cupcakes. [Article, details and photos] Most everyone is familiar with the Emmy winning Top Chef series. The dessert chef at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas may be the winner of the Top Chef Desserts. He created incredibly delicious treats in honor of Texas and the holidays.''
The Dallas Trinity River Audubon Center. [Article, details and slideshow] Did you know that Dallas has the largest urban forest in the country? It is over 6,000 acres and has an amazing eco-friendly Audubon Center with hiking trails, viewing stations, a bookstore, ponds for fishing and boating and more.''
Zola's Vintage Clothing in the Bishops Arts District. [Article, details and slideshow] This is a special store in a special historic place with great restaurants and unique stores. This is the perfect afternoon or evening getaway. Pick up a one of a kind item and give your wardrobe (men and women's clothing) a unique lift.
'The Snow Queen' at the Dallas Children's Theater. [Article and details] Did you know that The Dallas Children's Theater was named by Time magazine as one of the top five children's theaters in the country?  This season they're presenting a world premiere puppetry arts play by the beloved master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen.
Deep Ellum Outdoor Market. [Article, details and slideshow] Deep Ellum is a great place to discover Dallas' music roots, fun shops and once a month the artists and shop owners have an outdoor market. This is the perfect place to find unusual holiday gifts. ''
Hand painted Pysanky style eggs by artist Valentina Bezney. [Article and details] Beautiful and traditional hand painted eggs with colorful symbols and pictures that bring good luck make wonderful gifts. They represent the power of love and wisdom. A butterfly is the symbol of the pleasure of childhood.

Travel Tips :: Amazing Grand Canyon Plane Tours!

The beauty of winter is how low prices are for Grand Canyon National Park airplane tours. Better yet is the fact that seats bought now lock in these affordable rates for 2014 trips.

Here's how it works.

Right this moment it's "slow" season at the National Park. This means there are fewer people coming to the National Park compared to summer, which is "high" season.

Tour companies recognize this trend and respond to it in several ways. First is to reduce the number of flights. The downside to this is fewer seats, which may be problematic during holiday weekends.

However this issue is easily offset by the steep decline in prices. Often, the price drop is approximately 20 %, sometimes more depending upon the tour (usually flights that land at the canyon).

And here's where it gets even more intriguing.

For those planning for a 2014 flight, I urge you to consider booking now in order to get the winter discount simply because rates will increase as we go over to the new year and will go on to rise from March 2014 forward.

I get plenty of questions from visitors concerning this opportunity, the most common of which goes like this: "What happens if my plans change and I need to cancel or reschedule my Grand Canyon flight?"

Nothing. As long as you book with great companies that offer a superb cancellation policy. What defines "terrific?" A policy that refunds all your money in the event you cancel your vacation within 24 hours of departure. Further, outstanding companies will also alter your dates (and recognize your original rate) for free as well.

A follow up question I get is: "What happens if the company cancels because of weather?" In cases like this, there are several options. The very first is to reschedule your flight for later that day or later during your stay. Or, if you can only fly on that day and can't do it any other time, you get a full refund.

Why am I focusing so much of this article on cancellation policies. Because they're very important to travelers who buy trips now for 2014. Such policies enable you to plan. In addition, they safeguard your travel purchase. Most importantly, they let you exploit receiving the best rate possible.

Grand Canyon plane flights are offered from Las Vegas and South Rim/Tusayan, AZ. Vegas flights visit the West Rim and the South Rim. The West Rim is a 30-minute flight and the South Rim can be done in 1 hour. Tusayan flights only go over the South Rim and can only be taken from Grand Canyon Airport.

Vegas trips to the West Rim feature a variety of side trips, which I strongly encourage you to look into. The most well-liked is the optional Skywalk tour. This particular flight lands on top of the rim and lets you decide if you'd like to do the Skywalk or not. If you do, you can purchase your ticket on the spot. Otherwise, you have up to 3 hours to explore the area.

Summary

Now is time to purchase a 2014 Grand Canyon plane ride. At this time, prices are low because it's winter and fewer people check out the National Park. However, these affordable prices will start to creep upward as we move into the New Year. For those savvy travelers taking advantage of the opportunity, only fly with companies that include a solid cancellation policy. This way if your plans change your travel purchase is safe.

Cooking Tips & Recipes :: Amazing Eggnog Spice Latte Recipe

Every holiday brings certain traditions and for the espresso coffee makers flavored drinks are definitely a lot of fun and a great way to spice up the season. There are many recipe combinations for espresso drinks especially the lattes and this Eggnog Spice Latte is a true all-time favorite. It is very easy to make once you have a basic latte perfected and it allows one to use a little creativity as well. Follow the directions below but don?t hesitate to be a little innovative so that you might have a latte with your own personal signature.

   The basic ingredients for an Eggnog Spice Latte in a 12 oz wide mouth cup are:

 1) Two shots (ounces) of extracted espresso, adjust the amount of espresso to your personal preference.

 2) Six ? eight ounces of eggnog. Light or low fat eggnog can be used if calories are a concern. You can also use a 50/50 combination of low fat milk and eggnog if you prefer.

 3) Whipped cream.

 4) Nutmeg.

 5) Pumpkin Spice (a dash or two) ? Optional in place of nutmeg.

 6) Brown Sugar ( ? to 1 heaping teaspoon)-- Optional

 The basic directions are as follows:

 1) Pour eggnog (and milk if used) into frothing pitcher, preferably stainless steel with a thermometer.

 2) Add brown sugar and pumpkin spice if desired to eggnog and stir. As mentioned above, if the pumpkin spice is used the nutmeg should be eliminated as the two combined seem to be a little to harsh.

 3) Heat or froth eggnog keeping temperature below 150 degrees. Do not exceed 150 degrees as this tends to break down the eggnog.

 4)  Pull the two shots of espresso (or desired amount) directly into a pre-heated cup. Pour the eggnog mixture into the cup and add a whipped cream topping and then sprinkle with nutmeg. The nutmeg should be used sparingly but is highly recommended as it seems to leave the pallet with a clean and crisp feeling without a sweet after taste.

 A couple of other ingredients that can be added or substituted are pumpkin puree (a tablespoon or two) and or vanilla (one teaspoon). Obviously using all of the ingredients listed would be a little over the top for most of us so it is recommended to start with the basic recipe and then add one ingredient and maybe subtract or lesson another at the same time. All of these ingredients are complimentary to the eggnog base and are not meant to overtake it.

 As always we hope here at espressomakerempire.com that this will help you enjoy your espresso coffee making experience during this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year.

Amazing Top 5 Diabetics Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast which means breaking from night fast, is the most important meal, and you shouldn't skip especially if you are trying to reverse or cure type 2 diabetes. My post will be exposing you to top 5 diabetics breakfast ideas you can draw in your diabetics diet plan for this month.
 Based on dietitian recommendation, you should take your breakfast after two(2) hours when you wake up and a healthy breakfast provides calories of 20%-35% of your guideline daily allowance. Here comes the top 5 diabetics breakfast ideas you can incorporate in your diet plan and you can pick them up when you are going for shopping.

 Diabetic breakfast ideas
 1. WHOLE GRAIN FOOD
 RICE
 CEREAL
 CRACKER
 GRANOLA
 BREAD
 2. FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
 Banana
 Broccoli
 Blue berry
 Brussel sprouts: it's loaded with vitamin A, folic acid, potassium, and calcium. Plus, this cruciferous vegetable is an excellent source of fiber. Brussels sprouts are also extremely high in Vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant.
 It's nutritional properties are beneficial in the maintenance of digestive health as well as immune system health, and regulation of both blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
 3. LEAN MEATS I.e meat low in saturated fats
 Lean meats are low in saturated fats and must contain less than 10 g of total fat, including fewer than 4.5 g of saturated fat. To qualify as extra-lean, a 3-oz. serving should have less than 5 g of total fat and 2 g of saturated fat.
 If you have being avoiding lean meat for some time, its high time you incorporate lean meat in your diet plan.
 Beef and pork: when shopping for this, look for the one labelled as round or loin, and when preparing it, try as much as possible to cut of the fats and avoid frying to prevent further fats.
 Poultry: be sure to keep the meat lean as low as possible by removing all skins and visible fats.
 4. BLOW OR FAT FREE DAIRY
 Plain non-fat yogurt
 non-fat light yogurt
 unflavored fortified soy milk
 5. HEART HEALTHY FOOD
 Fish: fish such as cod, flounder, perch, red snapper and shrimp and many more were recommended by New York Sea food Council and are great source of omega 3 fatty acid which is very important for the heart.
 Canola oil: its made from seed of canola, very low in saturated fats and contains omega 3 for heart health.
 They are diabetic breakfast ideas carefully selected and geared towards naturally curing diabetes, follow it, and take cognizance of other means like exercise and a best diabetes supplement. Remember! combination of all these will lead to your testimony.
 Breakfast which means breaking from night fast, is the most important meal, and you shouldn't skip especially if you are trying to reverse or cure type 2 diabetes. My post will be exposing you to top 5 diabetics breakfast ideas you can draw in your diabetics diet plan for this month.
 Based on dietitian recommendation, you should take your breakfast after two(2) hours when you wake up and a healthy breakfast provides calories of 20%-35% of your guideline daily allowance. Here comes the top 5 diabetics breakfast ideas you can incorporate in your diet plan and you can pick them up when you are going for shopping.
 Diabetic breakfast ideas
 1. WHOLE GRAIN FOOD
 RICE
 CEREAL
 CRACKER
 GRANOLA
 BREAD
 2. FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
 Banana
 Broccoli
 Blue berry
 Brussel sprouts: it's loaded with vitamin A, folic acid, potassium, and calcium. Plus, this cruciferous vegetable is an excellent source of fiber. Brussels sprouts are also extremely high in Vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant.
 It's nutritional properties are beneficial in the maintenance of digestive health as well as immune system health, and regulation of both blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
 3. LEAN MEATS I.e meat low in saturated fats
 Lean meats are low in saturated fats and must contain less than 10 g of total fat, including fewer than 4.5 g of saturated fat. To qualify as extra-lean, a 3-oz. serving should have less than 5 g of total fat and 2 g of saturated fat.
 If you have being avoiding lean meat for some time, its high time you incorporate lean meat in your diet plan.
 Beef and pork: when shopping for this, look for the one labelled as round or loin, and when preparing it, try as much as possible to cut of the fats and avoid frying to prevent further fats.
 Poultry: be sure to keep the meat lean as low as possible by removing all skins and visible fats.
 4. BLOW OR FAT FREE DAIRY
 Plain non-fat yogurt
 non-fat light yogurt
 unflavored fortified soy milk
 5. HEART HEALTHY FOOD
 Fish: fish such as cod, flounder, perch, red snapper and shrimp and many more were recommended by New York Sea food Council and are great source of omega 3 fatty acid which is very important for the heart.
 Canola oil: its made from seed of canola, very low in saturated fats and contains omega 3 for heart health.