Digital Photography Techniques.

Using natural light in digital photography is far superior to that of using a flash or other artificial light source. Whilst there are some top of the range cameras that can produce highly realistic lighting, the average consumer camera will produce flash photos that really ruin the overall quality of the camera. Not only is it often easy to identify that the picture has had some artificial manipulation, but also with a flash it can be almost impossible to get the absolute desired effect you want.

Optimise your environment.
When using digital photography it is essential that you optimise your environment for taking the best quality photos possible. If you are taking a photograph indoors, you should always open the curtains or adjust the blinds so that you can let in your desired amount of sunlight. If you are outside, you need to first check if there are clouds in the sky as they often produce a better result, and you need to ensure that you are under enough shade to get the desired effect. The great thing about clouds in that they diffuse the sunlight for you creating less harsh shadows, and an overall more high quality effect.

Use anything that can enhance the photo.
Now once you have optimised you environment for taking the best photos possible, it is time to adjust the settings on your chosen camera. Most modern cameras today come with a set list of functions and things that you can adjust in order to take the best photographs. One of the best things that you can adjust is the aperture to decide how much of the available light you wish for the camera to use.
If it is a bright and sunny day you may want to increase your shutter speed in order to get the proper exposure, however if there is low light you will want to set your aperture open. Aside from this you can adjust the various other tools that your camera has available to produce the best looking photos. Just remember to not over compensate natural light with effects, as this will ultimately ruin your photo.

Positioning and lighting. 
The final core aspect of taking a high quality photo that utilises natural light, it the positioning of the people/objects you are shooting, as well as the direction of the lighting. Based on the desired effect you with to capture with your camera you need to make some adjustments to both the positioning of the objects you are taking a picture of in accordance to where the light is coming from. Again this is all based on the result you desire from the photo, but generally it is always a good idea to make sure that wherever your objects are positioned, they make the most of the sun light available. You can also move your position if you need the objects to be in a certain place for the effect, but this is completely your own choice.
Remember, with natural light photography, it is the effective utilisation of the light available that determines whether a camera captures the desired effect or not. For this reason, it is important that you keep finding new ways through experimentation, and eventually you will develop a sense of techniques that can aid you in taking the best photographs possible.

Travel Workout

Traveling can be hard on your fitness but it is not impossible and it can be a lot easier if you have a workout program you can do from your hotel room. We have all fallen into a slump when on business trips or family vacations. What can we do to change this horrible habit we get into and how can we stop from coming back from a trip feeling bloated, chubby and just plain out of energy? You'll be happy to know it only take 20 minutes to stay on top of your fitness and still have time for all the things that you need to get done on your trip. You don't even have to bring your workout clothes with you to make it happen. A good old workout in your hotel room will do the trick. Takes only 20 minutes a day and you can feel great that you did something for you before you get on with your day. You can repeat this workout program for up to 3 weeks and get amazing results!!

Repeat this circuit 2 times for intermediate training and 3 times for advanced training.

Monday
12 push-ups
30 second side plank (right)
30 second side plank (left)
12 burpees
30 second plank

Tuesday
12 lunches each side
12 squats
1 minute bicycle
1 minute alternating step up on chair
12 side lunges each side


Wednesday
30 crunches
30 side crunch (right)
30 side crunch (left)
12 burpees
30 second plank

Thursday
12 push-ups
12 jump squats
12 stepping lunges alternating
1 minute alternating step up on chair
1 minute crunches with legs up in air

Friday
20 burpees
30 side crunch (right)
30 side crunch (left)
30 second plan
12 side lunges alternating

Saturday
1 minute jumping jacks
30 seconds jump squats
20 stepping lunges
1 minute run in place
1 minute bicycle

Sunday
Off Day

10 things all brides should know about wedding planning

The wedding day, this is one of the most important days in the lives of many. It is a day that one will remember for the rest of their lives, so it is imperative that the day is planned well. When planning a wedding one must keep in mind that it is a day for lists. We have the guest list, registry list, vendor list, the do-not-play list and the most important the to-do list. It is a fact that planning a wedding takes a lot of time and effort, but things can be made a little simpler by just planning ahead.

First, keep in mind that everything does not have to be perfect. We understand that everyone would like things to be perfect, but that is next to impossible. Just remember that this is a marriage between two people that love each other, the man or woman of your dreams. So relax and enjoy this day, find a sense of humor and smile.

Second, remember the marriage license! The marriage license in the responsibility of the bride and groom, not the minister so be sure to take care of this as soon as possible. 

Third, be sure to print directions from the Wedding Ceremony to the Reception.

Fourth, check with the vendors. This is important to make sure that everything goes as planned. At least one week before the wedding, call the vendor and confirm everything, take the time to make sure they are paid so no one has to worry about paying them on the day of the wedding.

Fifth, make the seating chart early to prevent any issues that may come up at the reception.

Sixth, assign someone to take care of the issues that are most worrisome. Find someone to oversee the things that are most important to make sure they go as planned.

Seventh, try to maintain perspective when planning the wedding. Relax; be sure to put more effort into the relationship than the wedding. It is true that some people get caught up in the wedding planning and never ask themselves if they are making the right choice.

Eighth, pad the budget. This means take the normal cost of something and double it to insure that there is enough money to cover everything. This will help to eliminate some stress from the wedding planning.

Ninth, if at all possible hire a Wedding Planner. This will also help to take the stress off of the bride, but the bride should not be afraid to voice her opinion after all this is her wedding!

Tenth, remember that bigger is not always better.

The best tip that can be given is to relax and enjoy the day, do not expect perfection and maintain a sense of humor.

DAILY DETOX FOR FAT BLOCKING!

Why detox?
The food you eat can play a big roll in being responsible for the health you are in. Most experience an overall healthier body when they cleanse their body of toxins. Although people in the medical field and naturalists have varied opinions on detoxification, in general they do agree that a healthy diet is important for staying healthy.

Where are the toxins coming from?
Toxins enter our bodies in a number of ways. Cosmetics, water, air pollution, shampoos & conditioners, perfumes and many other external ways.

Benefits:
Detoxification will increasing your energy level and return your body to a healthy balance. Following a detox program is widely used today, detox has become popular in many countries as an alternative to medicine. Whether you’re just changing your diet and cutting out sugar or just trying to wash out the toxins in your body, these refreshing detox drinks will satisfy your cravings and help you block FAT!

GET STARTED
Below is a list of detox recipes you can add to your diet program or just enjoy as a healthy boost to your every day life.
 Add these drinks on an empty stomach for a morning detox or before bed time in the evening.

Fat Blocker Drink

1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1 tablespoon freshed squeezed lemon juice

Combine all ingredients and enjoy

Detox Banana Smoothie

1/2 banana
1/4 cup avocado
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.


Strawberry Breeze

1/2 cup of unsweetened frozen strawberries, thawed
1/2 frozen banana
1 tbsp of cold-pressed flaxseed oil

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.


Sweet Monster Drink

1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp natural almond butter
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 frozen banana
1 small handful of spinach leaves

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Blueberry Detox Smoothie

1/2 cup coconut milk yogurt
1/4 organic, carob chips
1 cup of fresh organic blueberries
1/2 frozen banana

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.


Skinny Pina Colada Smoothie

Gluten free and dairy free
Serves 2

1 frozen banana
3/4 coconut milk
6 oz coconut milk yogurt
1 1/4 cup ice
1 cup kale
3/4 cup pineapple frozen

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

7 Days to end "Lower Belly Pooch"!

One list to End "Lower Belly Pooch" every girl should read this!! This grocery list will dial back the lower belly bulge.
Always choose organic when possible to avoid pesticides, herbicides and BPA which add body fat. Also be aware of fish and seafood as it can be high in mercury. These foods listed below will help you burn fat. For best results combine food these food choices with this "detox skinny" recipe.



Eat:

Bananas
Grapefruit
Watermelon
Apples
Cranberries
Avocados
Celery
Almonds
Flaxseed

Drink:
Skinny water:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemons juice
1/4 cucumber sliced
10 mint leaves
1 gallon water


Preparation: Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher and let sit over night in the fridge. In the morning fill your water bottle and drink up. It adds a nice flavor to your water and can give you a flat belly! The lemon and water act as a natural detox that helps flush toxins

Cleansing Cranberry Smoothie

Cranberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and are best known from their cleansing powers.
They clear toxins and plaque buildup from the body by cleansing the organs utilized in elimination and the lymphatic system.

Cranberries also offer protection against urinary tract infections, support the immune system and benefit the cardiovascular system.

Add a little lemon into the mix and you have a one-two cleansing punch.






Cleansing Cranberry Smoothie Recipe

The Ingredients

1 cup water
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 apple, cored and diced
1/2 lemon, peeled and seeded
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)

The Add-ons

1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/4 cup coconut flakes or shreds

Place all the ingredients into your high speed blender then blend on high until it reaches your desired consistency, around for 30-45 seconds.

The Best Affordable Beach Resorts

Taking a beach vacation should not entail breaking the bank account. There are many wonderful and exciting resorts that will afford one a great vacation at a great price.

B Ocean is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is a beautiful hotel with standard ocean views, free Wi-Fi and very reasonable spa services. This 240 room resort has a quirky name and they extend it to just about everything. The B Active Gym, the B Nourished Restaurant and so on.  The traveler should take advantage of the free iPad rentals, and the beautiful white on white furniture makes one feel as if they paid more to stay here. Cost: From $189 per night.

Fishing Lodge Cap Cana, located in Punta Canta Dominican Republic this resort is exceptional and the price is even better. This is a family friendly resort all equipped with kitchens, sofa beds and a balcony or patio. One can swim right out of many of the 299 Mediterranean style villas. Amenities of this resort include horseback riding, paintball, sailing, fishing, a golf course and more. Cost: From $198 per night.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, this resort is located in Tobago. It is inside a luxury gated community with golf courses and vacation homes. The beauty here is unspoiled and breathtaking. Here the traveler will be able to enjoy getting back to nature. Magdalena Grand Beach Resort has 178 guest rooms, with marble baths, and ocean view balconies. Cost: From 210 per night.

Mancora Marina Hotel, located in Peru is situated on a stunning beach. This is a hot spot for surfers and sun seekers, with floor to ceiling glass walls; one will enjoy the bright sun and vibrant views of the landscape. Here we have a 90 foot infinity pool for relaxation and modern rooms. Cost: From $185 per night.

Stokkoya Sjosenter, this interesting a beautiful resort is located in Norway. This is an architectural landmark; with domes of light underground bunkers that are carved into the landscape the traveler will be amazed. The rooms are decorated with a combination of vintage, and modern pieces, hand painted murals and art work. The patron of this resort will enjoy ending the day with a soak in a barrel-like, wood heated hot tub.  Cost: From $112 per night.

Le Reve, located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico one can just follow the unpaved maze of roads and they will lead one to this intimate, 25 suite property. If it is romance one seeks, look no further. Couples can enjoy being together in a private hammock by the garden suites. The bungalows here come with private plunge pools that overlook the ocean and the snorkeling gear is free of charge.  Cost: From $210 per night.
One can enjoy the luxury of a great resort, they only have to look.

Camera Shutter Speed

A camera's shutter speed controls exposure, but it's also a powerful creative tools.
It can convey freeze action, motion,  isolate subjects and smooth water, and much more.
This tutorial explain how to create these different effects.

A camera's shutter lets in light to start the exposure, then closes to end it.
A photo represents an average of light over time.
"shutter speed" is used to describe this duration.

When a scene contains moving subjects,  The choice of shutter speed determines which of these subjects will appear frozen and which will appear as a blur.
However, one cannot change the shutter speed in isolation without also affecting the exposure or image quality

The combinations of ISO speed and f-number (aperture) enable a broad range of shutter speeds.
More light enables faster shutter speeds, whereas less light permits slower shutter speeds.

Achieving the intended amount of blur can be challenging. For a certain shutter speed, three* subject traits determine how blurred they will appear:
Speed. Subjects which are moving faster will appear more blurred.
Direction of Motion. Subjects which are moving forward or backward from the camera usually won't become as blurred as those moving left to right
Magnification. A subject will appear blurred if they occupy a greater portion of your frame. Longer focal lengths (zoom) result in more magnification for a given subjects distance, but this also increases the likelihood of blur due to camera shake.

A common application of using shutter speed to convey motion is with moving water.
Shutter speeds of around 1/2 a second or longer can make waterfalls appear silky.
Freezing the motion of splashing water required a shutter speed of 1/400 of a second.

You can also use a slow shutter speed to emphasize a stationary subject amongst movement, such as a person standing still with a moving trains as a background when the shutter speed is as slow as about 1/10 to 1/2 a second.

The Best Abdominal Exercises for Women (Bicycle Crunches)

Bicycle Crunches

The bicycle crunch engages your oblique muscles and your upper and lower rectus abdominus muscles. You should do bicycle crunches at least once a week.  Any strain on the neck or back indicates you are working too hard.
 Here's how to do a bicycle crunch:
Lie face up on a mat in a crunch position.
Crunch up and turn your right shoulder toward your left knee.
Lift your left foot off the floor at the same time and bring it forward toward your head.
Also, extend your right leg straight off the mat.
Hold yourself off the mat in this rotated position for 2 seconds.
Lower your upper body back to the mat but keep your legs lifted.
Crunch up again, but twist your left shoulder to your right knee as you bend your right knee and bring it toward your head.
Extend your left leg straight.
Continue alternating until you have done 10 reps per side.
Keep your lower back flat throughout this exercise.

Wedding Cake

Tip: Determining the Price of the Wedding Cake

Most cakes are priced per slice and the lowest price is the standard white cake with butter cream frosting and no fancy add-ons.
Once you get this price, you can go up from there.

Fillings will add a small fee for each slice as will curly-cue flowers and fancy handcrafted fruits, ribbons or bows.

If you go a step further and add pillars with a waterfall, there will also be rental charges tacked on to the wedding cake costs.
Ask about the delivery charge for your cake, but try to negotiate it into the existing price.

Be sure to ask the baker what happens if there is a cake tragedy on the day of your wedding.
Unforeseen problems can occur so ensure they have a backup plan.

When you meet with the baker who will create your wedding cake, determine the size of the cake first and narrow down your list of flavors, fillings and icing.
If you want different flavors on each layer, find out if the baker is willing to do this.

The Best Hawaiian Resorts

Dreaming of a great and relaxing vacation in Hawaii? Hawaii is filled with exceptional resorts to meet anyone’s needs.

The Four Seasons Manele Bay is located in Lanai City, Hawaii on the top of a red lava cliff overlooking stunning white sand beaches. This is an ocean side luxury resort, with many fabulous amenities. Here the traveler will find an exceptional golf course with 3 cliff side fairway. For the adventurous the resort provides great opportunities, such as stand up paddle boarding and surf lessons. Many find it interesting to take the hula lessons that are offered, this is an ancient Hawaii tradition. Enjoy a romantic couple’s massage for those on a romantic getaway; however, this resort is very family friendly. It offers strollers, baby monitors, a nanny service and so much more.

Four Seasons Hualalai, located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, is an excellent resort with romance and seclusion for those looking to be alone. If the traveler for other things, such as a championship golf course, it can be found here as well as family friendly activities. Enjoy the island fresh dining, white sand beaches, and dazzling oceanfront views with black lava landscapes, fitness facilities, tennis, and the seven swimming areas.


The Hilton Waikoloa is located on the Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Take in the ocean breezes, white sand beaches, protected lagoon and beach along with and unforgettable tropical experience. This resort is on 62 acres, with tranquil waterways, memorable gardens, and a variety of wildlife. This is a once in a lifetime getaway for singles, couples or families. Here one will find a great choice in activities, tennis, golf, 3 swimming pools, an interactive dolphin program and so much more.


The Sheraton Kauai is located in Paipu Beach, Koloa, Hawaii. Staying here is like staying in a tropical paradise. This resort is filled with many different outdoor activities and adventures to suit the needs of their guests. Located on the oceanfront, take the time to enjoy the views of this tropical escape. The family is a welcome guest here along with the singles and couples. The unlimited beach activities are available for all, scuba diving, snorkeling, boogie boarding, beach cabanas, tennis and a fitness center. This recently renovated resort now has two beautiful pools, an ocean pool and a serene garden pool. If one is looking for relaxation try the massage and skin care center. The local attractions and shopping are within walking distance.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, located in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii. This is a top notch resort offering so many exciting things. It is couples and family friendly with beautiful white sands, and a lush tropical landscape. The amenities include: 3 of Maui’s top rated restaurants, an award winning spa, 3 shopping boutiques, 3 salt water pools, 4 bars, 3 golf courses, 2 tennis courts and many ocean activities. This resort offers a great selection of couples and family activities.

Photograph Tip (The "Rule of Thirds")

The "Rule of Thirds"

The rule of thirds is a way of describing where to place focal points in a photograph.

Focal points are the areas of interest in a photograph. If you are taking a portrait, the area of interest is the person's eyes. If you are taking a landscape it could be a tree in the foreground.

Here is a photography tip - do not put the areas of interest in the middle of the photograph.

Photographs work better when the area of interest are placed off center.
How far off center?

There is an old rule of thumb to guide you on this.
Imagine a grid drawn over your photograph that divides it into thirds, like a tic-tac-toe grid.

Now, picture that middle square in the grid. The four corners of that square mark the locations of your areas of interest.
Now move your point of interest away from the center of your photographs and onto the "thirds".

Start to do that and you will be well on the way to mastering this simple, but powerful photographic technique!

The Best Abdominal Exercises for Women (Crunches)

Crunches
The crunch is a basic abdominal exercise that builds strength in the abs. It is a good starting point for more advances exercises. The crunch exercise will train you to engage your abdominal muscles. A proper crunch should use your ab muscles, not momentum, so it should be done smoothly and in control. Start with 10 reps and work up to three sets of 15.

Here's how :
Lie face up on your back with your knees bent . Place your fingertips behind your ears so you do not pull on your neck.
Squeeze your ab muscles in by drawing your belly button to your spine.
Exhale and slowly crunch your shoulders up off the floor.
Hold for 2 seconds. Inhale and lower yourself slowly back to the mat.

Start dong this three days a week, then you can work up to five days because the abdominal muscles recover quickly.
Have at least one day of rest between ab workouts for the first month to allow for proper recovery.

The Top Nine All Inclusive Beach Resorts (part 1)

Travelers are looking to get away and an all inclusive is the way to go.

Le Blanc Spa Resort, this resort is located in Cancun, Mexico and is perfect for romantics and spa lovers. This is an adult only resort that brings together luxury and sophistication with the beach. Here one will enjoy the sparkling white sand beaches of Cancun. The resort boasts of 260 rooms for pampering of the guests, the resort includes special touches such as in room aromatherapy, pillow menus and complete 24 hour butler service. 
Le Blanc Spa Resort includes 3 pools, 2 with swim up bars, nightly entertainment, 8 restaurants and bars, fitness center with personal training sessions, scuba diving demos, beach volleyball and yoga. For guests staying 3 nights or more they offer complimentary use of the spa’s hydrotherapy facilities and a massage. 

Sandals Emerald Bay, location: Great Exuma, Bahamas
This resort is favorable for the golfers and romantics alike. It is set on one mile of pristine white sand beach and features a Greg Norman designed championship golf course. Here one will find a marina, 3 pools, 7 restaurants, 6 tennis courts, water sports like snorkeling and diving, and the top tier rooms come with a personal butler. The resort has 249 rooms on 500 acres of tropical paradise. The all inclusive rates do not include green fees, marina slip reservations and spa treatments. 

Club Med Sandpiper Bay, location: Port St. Lucie, Fl. 
This resort is wonderful for families, golfers, fitness buffs and spa lovers. This resort is located on the banks of the St. Lucie River, with the Atlantic Ocean just 20 minutes away. Here one will find 307 rooms, a full service nursery, water park, and circus school. This family friendly resort is filled with things for everyone, golf, tennis and fitness facilities, which are run by 2 pro instructors, will tempt the adults. Since this great resort is located on the river, one will be pleased to find great kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding. 

The Top Nine All Inclusive Beach Resorts (part 2)

To continue where we left off in part 1, here are the next three of our top ten all inclusive beach resorts.

Travaasa Hana, location: Maui, Hawaii
Exceptional resort for the romantics and spa lovers. This is a rustic resort with a great deal of romance; here they have 70 upscale cottages and suites. Some of the suites have private lanais, some of which include private hot tubs. This resort is set in the lush, tropical landscaped bluff located on Maui’s secluded eastern coast. This resort includes a shuttle to Hamoa Beach, yoga, biking, tennis, unique lei making, hula and ukulele lessons. One will find that the best way to spend the 125.00 daily resort credit is to use it for spa treatments overlooking Hana Bay.

Beaches Turks and Caicos, location: Providenciales Turks and Caicos
This is a family friendly resort with 615 rooms. A Caribbean resort with very generous inclusions is located in a prime spot on Grace Bay. Here one will find many family friendly features with many land and water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving. The family will enjoy the Sesame Street themed water park, shows and activities. They also provide kids camp and programs for teens and tweens. The suites in this resort are also very family friendly with master bedrooms and bunk beds. With 16 restaurants it will be hard to choose where to eat! The resort has 12 bars and 6 pools to enjoy. 

Excellence Punta Cana, location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This resort is for the romantics and it is adult only. This resort has beautiful classic colonial style architecture with 2 large pools. One will find an outstanding fitness center, spa and a new hydrotherapy area. They have 8 no-reservations needed restaurants, several bars, a casino, a nightclub, extensive list of activities, dancing, cooking lessons and much more. This resort has 452 suites with private balconies or patios with jetted whirlpool tubs. 

The Top Nine All Inclusive Beach Resorts (part 3)

Here we conclude our Top 9 all inclusive beach resorts with these last three:

Couples Tower, location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

This is a great 226 room resort for the golfers, romantics and those seeking seclusion. The outside is a beautiful art deco style with 6 restaurants, 4 bars, 3 pools, and a beach butler service, tennis courts, fitness center, spa, water sports, Private Island and a great golf course. 

Banyon Tree Vabbinfaru, location: Vabbinfaru, The Maldives
This is a wonderful resort for the romantics, seclusion seekers, and spa lovers. This is off the beaten path, with 48 villas and excellent ocean views. They provide private walled gardens, outdoor showers, jetted tubs, a fitness center, stargazing, educational sessions at the onsite marine lab and many water sports. One can get a catamaran, canoe and water skis.

Southern Ocean Lodge, location: Kangaroo Island, Australia
Fabulous place for foodies, romantics and spa lovers. This is an exclusive 21 suite lodge that hugs the rugged coastline. The rooms feature southern ocean facing floor to ceiling windows. It is a foodie’s delight with bountiful seafood, sheep milk products and honey. Enjoy an Aboriginal massage or get to see a sea lion or maybe a kangaroo!