Why I love Spain and it’s many attractions

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and is located on the Iberian Peninsula with the atlantic and Mediterranean Sea offering a cool breeze for the many golden sandy beaches that Spain is famous for.

The history of Spain is very important and you will notice a big difference in local cultures as you travel around the country as they all have their own customs based on history dating back many centuries. This is why Spain is such an interesting country to visit as the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona have a different ambience and differ in many ways.

Madrid is the capital city of Spain and is famous for it's bullfighting, flamenco dancing and famous buildings. Some of the top attractions include the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Cibeles and the Prado Museum. You can also visit the home of Real Madrid, one of the world's most famous soccer teams and enjoy watching players such as Ronaldo.

Barcelona is well known for it's culture and is the place to visit if you are looking for art galleries and museums such as the famous Pablo Picasso museum. Soccer fans will also want to check out the…

Visiting the Evita Peron Museum in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Forget Jean Harlow, Marilyn Munroe, and Sharon Tate. If you want an actress who managed to carve out trueicon status, go directly to Eva Peron, affectionately known as “Evita,” a diminutive “Little Eva.” Even before Madonna belted out “Don’t cry for me Argentina,” Evita had long elicited a polarized response from the people in her country. Some loved her; some hated her; everyone had an opinion.

Born Maria Eva Duarte on May 7, 1919 in a rural town, her family was thrown into abject poverty after her father died in a car crash. At 16 she escaped to Buenos Aires to become an actress and there she got a job at a radio station doing dramas. In 1945 she met and married Juan Peron, the man who would be elected president in 1946. Flaunting the expectation of that political wives would stay in the background, this unconventional First Lady marched front and center stage with her husband. She was appointed Secretary of Labor and from this position she supported higher wages and social benefits for the poor and the working class.

The Maria Eva Duarte de Peron Welfare Foundation was set up in 1947. The project was supported by “contributions” from…

How to Pick a Specialty Cruise

How to Pick a Specialty Cruise

If youre not familiar with the term specialty cruise, youre not alone. While the concept has been gaining in popularity, it is by no means as well- known as a standard Caribbean cruise on a mega ship. In fact, a specialty cruise can be anything from a special type of ship to a special theme for the week. There are hundreds to choose from; here are a few to whet your cruising appetite:

1. Barefoot cruising has been around for decades and can be the perfect cruise experience for many. The concept is simple, as its pretty much the exact opposite of the typical cruise ship. A small, sailing vessel instead of a floating city is your moving hotel, and passengers are often limited to 100, sometimes fewer. Cruisers are encouraged to participate in the day-to-day workings of the ship, from helping man the sails to swabbing the deck. You can choose to do as little or as much as you want.
2. For an extended girls night out, many women flock to Cropping Cruises. Sponsored by scrapbooking magazines and craft experts, these events have a variety of activities for learning, cropping, laughing and, most importantly, scrapbooking…

12 Common Cruise Terms For Newbies

12 Common Cruise Terms For Newbies

For your first cruise, you might want to brush up on the lingo. It isnt necessary but sometimes it just makes you feel a little better when you know what everyone is talking about aboard the ship. From aft to windward, weve got you covered.

1. Bow This term refers to the very front of a ship. Think of the famous Titanic scene where Leonardo DiCaprio shouts, Im the king of the world!
2. Stern This is the back of the boat or ship.
3. Aft Heres where it can get confusing. Aft means towards the back or towards the stern. So, the stern is the place (noun) and aft is a description or a direction. The sailor is at the stern. The sailor was told to stow the luggage aft.
4. Gangway This is the bridge that passengers walk on to get onto the ship when they first arrive. In the movies, pirates were often depicted as having a shorter version and demanding people walk the gangplank.
5. Bridge Why didnt they just call the gangway a bridge, you ask? Simple. The bridge is the name for the captains area. Its the place where he and his crew…

Birthday Party Ideas In A Nutshell For Around $100

Birthday Party Ideas In A Nutshell For Around $100

There are a lot of things to consider when planning a birthday party. You’ve got the invitations, the decorations, the cake and ice cream, the games and activities, and the goodie bags. This can add up to a lot of money if you are not properly prepared.

With a quick rundown of the easiest ways to save big money on your child’s birthday party, you won’t have to sacrifice any of the fun to have a frugal party.

Theme Parties

These ‘character’ or ‘theme’ parties can be the most expensive of all. To cut corners, mix and match accessories and decorations with plain things such as tablecloths, napkins, plates, and such. If you are choosing to go with a theme such as a Disney movie or TV show character, find printable characters online or draw freehand if you can and use them for hanging banners, or even the design for a homemade cake.

Old Fashioned Picnic Parties

Taking all the kids for a big picnic in a park can be a great way to save money. The kids can use the playground and a simple $3 pack of balloons filled with water can provide a whole…

The Debate Over An Episiotomy Is It Necessary?

The Debate Over An Episiotomy Is It Necessary?

Childbirth is painful there’s no getting away from that. There are several pain issues to deal with before, during, and after delivery. One of the most debated procedures during delivery is the episiotomy. This incision is often described as the unkindest cut of all. It can often make recovery more painful than believed is necessary. What is it and is it necessary at all? Let’s look at the debate and you be the judge.

What is an Episiotomy?

Vaginal delivery is the natural form of birth. During this birthing process, when a mother pushes, she bears down so that she can move her baby through the vagina, or birth canal, and out into the world. The process can lead to possible stretching of the vaginal muscles, hemorrhoids, and weakness in the pelvic floor muscles.

In an effort to decrease the amount of pressure needed to push the baby through the birth canal, doctors may perform an episiotomy. This is an incision into the tissues of the perineum, the small area between the vaginal opening and the anal opening. The incision is believed to make birth easier with less…

How To Save Money On Your Disney Vacation

How To Save Money On Your Disney Vacation

Disney is a magical place. Once you go, you join the ranks of people starting the countdown until the next visit. Unfortunately, Disney is not always the cheapest of vacations. But, there are some tips and techniques you can use to help ease the financial frustrations. Whether you’re planning your first visit to Disney or one of many return trips, there are always ways to save money. Here are a few simple ideas to make the trip easier on the wallet:

Book Off-Season

The busiest times at Disney are during holidays and the beginning and end of summer. With that being the case, you can usually get a steal of a deal by booking a vacation opposite of any of those times. For instance, you can get almost half off if you schedule a trip just after the school year starts or even the second week in January after the big holiday rush. What you’re basically doing is watching the school calendar and going against the typical vacation times. This may take a bit of planning, but the cost savings are well worth the effort.

Off-season travel not only saves you money on the hotels, resorts,…

Make Homemade Birthday Party Invitations Stand Out With Creative Ideas

Make Homemade Birthday Party Invitations Stand Out With Creative Ideas

How many times has your little one received the same pre-made birthday invitation that you’ve seen over and over again? These packs of invitations are often rather inexpensive, but they are also forgettable. With a glance at the invitation do you know if the party is for Cayle, or William, or Jessie, or Donovan? Probably not.

While pre-packaged invitations can save time, and even money, these invitations do not set the invitation, or the party, apart from the others. And, after all, that’s what you and your child want. A memorable party. There are several ways to make unique invitations with just a little creativity and not as much money as you might expect.

Your Child’s Own Smile Invitation

Sort through your photo files until you find that perfect picture of your child that was taken recently. Use a photo editing program (many can be found free of charge) and add a personal message. Then print it off to send to your guests. Choose black and white to save money on printer ink if you wish; it can be quite artsy and unique that way, too. Or print off in sepia tones for another…

Water Birth Is This Alternative For You?

Water Birth Is This Alternative For You?

Water birthing is a relatively new concept in the United States. Basically, a mother gives birth to her baby while being partially immersed in warm water. Water births have more typically been done during home deliveries, but have now entered the mainstream birthing hospitals.

What to Expect – Preparation

Proponents of water birth say that it is a more natural process. A baby has been living in water for nine or ten months already. Coming into this world in the same kind of medium is believed to be less traumatic and an easier transition.

The mother will use a pool or tub that is partially filled with water. The water must be maintained at a certain temperature. Ideal temperature is equal to the internal environment of the body (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Keeping the water at body temperature prevents the mothers temperature from rising too high and endangering the baby.

The water is also continually changed to keep it crystal clear. The doctor or midwife needs a clear view of the cervix and the baby as it passes out of the birth canal so that any potential problems can be detected early and resolved.

The water level is also…