Knackus Ltd

Author: John

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  • Virginia’s Most Beautiful Hotel

    Travelers and locals alike flock to certain Virginia hotels every year at Christmastime. Why? These hotels go above and beyond to deliver a magical experience inside. The decorations are stunning, professional creations that stop you, and leave you standing with your mouth gaping wide open.

    Don’t believe me?

    To quote Disney’s Brave,

    “feast your eyes …”

    — The Jefferson, Richmond —

    The Jefferson has had elaborate gingerbread artworks – pieces far taller than my 5’6″ stature, and while these arts change annually, the breadth of the rest of the grand hotel remain. Enter and find a stunning 28′ tree decorated by Rick Lunsford of Blooms at The Jefferson (it has its own illumination ceremony, by the way), sweeping staircases wrapped in garland, ribbon and bows, and hundreds of beautiful poinsettias delicately situated about.

    Richmonders spend time at The Jefferson for dining, intimate meetings, and after hours drinks. There aren’t many other hotels that can claim the local love that this place can.

    — Primland, Meadows of Dan —

    Come see the festive decorations during December at Primland Resort and book the Winter Savor Package for a great deal on one of Virginia’s most beautiful resorts. The package includes your overnight stay, free breakfast, afternoon tea, and a dinner from your choice of the resort’s restaurants (Elements, the 19th Pub, the Stables Saloon, or in-room service). Additionally, guests booking the package on the weekends are welcomed with a Manager’s Reception.

    — The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs —

    A near-national treasure, this Virginia mainstay always delivers the quintessential Southern hospitality experience, and if possible, the holidays seem to take that experience up a notch.

    Peruse the halls and spaces of The Omni Homestead Resort to find the more than 30 decorated trees. The Great Hall Fraser fir was more than 23′ tall and 15′ wide when it was cut. It now twinkles with more than 2,000 multi-colored lights. Look for its 17′ sibling tree in the Grand Ballroom, decked in satin and white lights.

    — Boar’s Head Inn, Charlottesville —

    Boar’s Head is a AAA Four Diamond destination known for its superb Old Mill Room dining. The entire estate glistens with the twinkling lights of the season, but it’s the themed, decorated trees you’ll want to seek out.

    — Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg —

    Kingsmill Resort is a gem of a stay not far from Colonial Williamsburg, giving visitors an over-the-top Christmas treat outside, inside, and even in their room. When you stay at Kingsmill, you can truly spend the Christmas weekend, as your stockings, tree, trimmings, milk and cookies … it’s all taken care of! Just ask for the Holiday Traditions package when you call.

     

  • 3 Secret Beaches in Europe

    Not sure where your next beach getaway should be? Check out this list of hidden treasures to help you get ready for some summer fun!

    Cold, wet and miserable are just some of the descriptions of winter weather. Often, in the midst of this dreary season, our minds are flooded with dreams of laying on the beach or basking in the sun. However, once the time comes, we often find ourselves lingering over the same old question:

    WHERE DO WE GO? Of course, everyone has their favorite beach bum locations, but if you’re looking for a little more adventure – this list is for you. Kick your beach day excursion up a notch and discover these secret beaches in Europe that are bound to give you some sun and relaxation, without the crowds. These destinations will be sure to help you create some memories and fulfill the fix for sun and sand that’s been nagging you since that first snowfall.

    1. Cleopatra Beach (Turkey)

    The vast coastline of Turkey offers some fantastic beaches. It is home to 258 Blue Flag beaches, as well as an array of hidden coves and intimate spots to get your beach on.  Nightlife, history, sun and sea are all prominent aspects of the area, and once you’re there you’ll never be bored. Getting there is pretty easy too, especially with current flight deals at some of their lowest points of the year! The Turkish Riviera, located in the area of Antalya, offers 400 miles of sandy beaches, and for those travelers looking for more than just a day trip, the resort town of Alanya is about an hour from the international airport. This beautiful destination spreads along the Mediterranean and is accompanied by the beautiful backdrop of the Taurus mountains (which are only a 20 minutes drive away). Alanya is also home to Damlatas, one of the most sought-after local locations in Turkey for a beach getaway. Also known as Cleopatra Beach, it is usually a busy spot full of people, cafes, and fun. But if this bustling scene isn’t for you, don’t worry! Take a ride on a dolmus (local transport) a little further east towards the smaller towns of Oba and Mahmutlar, and you will find quieter less commercialized stretches of beaches. The town of Gazipasa has an especially lovely sandy beach I would highly recommend. It would be quite the hike from town, but local buses make it an easy option for out-of-towners.

    2. Slanchev Bryag (Bulgaria)

    While Bulgaria is renowned for its winter sports, the summer beach weather makes the Black Sea coastline a great place to visit. Popular with Eastern European visitors for many years, Western Europeans are now beginning to discover the area, especially Slanchev Bryag. Translated to “Sunny Beach”, this stretch of sand has no shortage of life and color. There is a vibrancy, and ‘spring-break’ feel to the area with plenty of low-cost accommodation available among the proliferation of hotels now residing along the coastline. For the history lovers out there, this area also has the unique characteristic of being right down the coast from Nessebar. This ancient town has been referred to as the “Pearl of the Black Sea”, and is basically considered a city-museum. Built by the Thracians in the 6th century B.C., this culture filled spot could add an element of intrigue to any beach day adventure.

    3. Makarska (Croatia)

    For those of you who don’t know which bathing suit to wear, leave it in the closet and head to Croatia! Home to clothing-optional beaches since the thirties, naturism is very popular here. Large nudist resorts are scattered throughout the country, including Koversada of Istria – one of the oldest naturist centers in Europe. Although, the Adriatic coastline does offer many commercial beaches like Koversada, there is a long list of hidden treasures that can only be found by a boat or a trek by foot. Makarska Riviera, south of Split, is most definitely on that list, offering an ideal location for those of you who would rather take on the ‘au natural’ in private. Makarska is a gorgeous haven of white sands and scenice views- perfect for anyone looking for a summertime escape.

  • Feast For Shopping Lovers? Black Friday, Of Course!

    Each November is a special month for shopping darlings. For everybody who is wild about shopping – Black Friday 2018 is coming!

    Consistently on that one exceptional Friday individuals from the entire world fall into a shopping craze. Numerous sit tight for that exceptional minute since past November. Thanksgiving is only an opportunity to rest and get quiet before the show. Indeed, Black Friday is relatively here! Set yourself up for this insane day and crazy deals all over. Prepare yourself for the greatest occasion of customers!

    The shopping extravaganza following Thanksgiving is a yearly occasion known wherever on the planet. The possibility of pre-Christmas deals was conceived in United States. On this day shops are open sooner than regular and offers to its customers special deals. Perhaps it is the perfect time to consider makeovers in our homes and general changes in our storage rooms .

    For some is additionally affection to purchase phenomenal things and search for some extravagant things for insides. To be completely forthright, it is an extraordinary day which ought to be commended. Festivity requires the most elevated quality and everything what is the best. On Friday how about we search only for the finest.

    The Day After Thanksgiving” is ideal time for change of stylistic theme in our home. In on the web and stationary shops you can discover an assortment of items offering with extraordinary markdown. There are additionally numerous motivations which can enable you to make mystical mood in your insides

  • Neapolitan Pizza best taste ever

    Neapolitan – the original pizza. This delicious pie has a history that dates all the way back to 18th century Naples, Italy. During this time, the poorer citizens of this seaside city frequently purchased food that was cheap and could be eaten quickly. Luckily for them, Neapolitan pizza – a flatbread with tomatoes, cheese, oil, and garlic – was affordable and readily available through numerous street vendors.

    Traditional toppings: Since Neapolitan pizza is thinner, it isn’t designed to handle the weight of too many toppings. In fact, Neapolitan pizza is so thin that it’s typically eaten with a fork and knife. Not to mention, straying away from the original could be considered a pizza sin. The typical Neapolitan pizza toppings are fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil leaves, oregano, and olive oil.

    Many people will tell you that in order to make “real” Neapolitan pizza, it must be baked in a wood burning oven that’s heated anywhere from 800 – 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to how they made it many years ago. Baking the pie at this high of a temperature only takes around 70-90 seconds to fully cook.

  • Mexico Beach Destinations

    Mexico has a multitude of beach destinations. Some were Mexican towns that gradually gained popularity as tourist destinations and others were conceived as resort towns from the outset. These popular Mexico beach destinations offer powdery sand and crystalline water along with an abundance of tourist amenities and attractions.If you’d rather spend your beach vacation somewhere that’s just as gorgeous but not so crowded, you may prefer to visit one of Mexico’s less well-known beach destinationsFor sheer variety of resorts, nightlife, shopping, and activities, Cancun can’t be beat. It’s also got beautiful beaches (especially since the 2009/2010 beach reconstruction project). Some may avoid it because of its reputation as a party destination and spring break-type revelry, but families will also find plenty of options here.

    Cancun is divided into two distinct areas. “Ciudad Cancun” which is also referred to in English as “downtown Cancun,” is a somewhat typical Mexican town on the mainland where the majority of Cancun residents, most of whom work in the tourism industry, make their home. There are economical hotels, markets and restaurants in this area

    The Cancun hotel zone is located on a 15 mile-long sandbar in the shape of the number 7, just off the mainland and connected by causeways on either end. Just one road, Kukulkan Boulevard, runs the length of the hotel zone. Tourist infrastructure such as restaurants, upscale shopping and nightlife are concentrated in this area. The body of water between the hotel zone and the mainland is called

    the Nichupte Lagoon.The top activity in Cancun is enjoying its beautiful beaches, either by just lazing around

    with a cold drink, taking a languid stroll, or getting active with the number of water sports activities on offer, including swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, para-sailing, snorkeling.

    Cancun’s international airport (Airport code CUN) is the main point of entry. It is located just 6 miles from the hotel zone and receives flights from major international airlines as well as charters. See our Cancun airport guide for information on how to get to and from the airport.

    The ADO bus station in downtown Cancun is the main spot for catching long distance buses to destinations along the Riviera Maya and elsewhere in Mexico.

  • Popular Places in the world

    Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

    The annual Monarch butterfly migration is one of nature’s great spectacles and a top attraction for visitors to Mexico’s central highlands. Each year, millions of Monarch Butterflies make the journey from eastern Canada to the forests of western central Mexico, a journey that spans up to 3,000 miles. The Monarch butterflies spend their winter hibernation clustered in small areas of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan, before they travel to the north again.

     El Malecon

    The boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, also known as El Malecon, is a marvellous seaside promenade that border the blue waters of the Pacific. Most of El Malecon is exclusively for pedestrians, making it a safe place to take photos and admire the view. Statues line the boardwalk, there are often elaborate sand displays on the beach, and there are also countless local establishments that cater to visitors. It is possible to stroll along El Malecon and stop for handmade souvenirs, some fresh seafood or a few tropical drinks at a local bar.

  • Emporium Mall Shopping mall in Lahore

    It’s been a great summer for Shopping for Happiness. I mean, I’ve personally had a great summer (though between work, family trips and weekends dedicated to buying a dog, I haven’t been posting as much as I’d like). But my blog had a good summer too, catching the eye of several journalists who thought its messages about mindful spending and self-care would resonate with their readers. Looking to find a really special designer piece while in Paris? Look no further than Lorette & Jasmin, an alluring consignment store (dépôt vente in French) in the heart of the chic 16th arrondissement. At Paris Perfect, we also have a host of guided shopping tours for those that want a more expert-led option

    It’s that time of year again! Yes, it’s already time to start planning your Paris trip to take advantage of the amazing winter sales (or soldes in French) from January 10th to February 20th, 2018. Snag the latest French fashion must-have items, statement accessories, and stylish homewares with steep discounts of up to 70% off the original prices.

    Looking to bring home some of the finest French beauty products but don’t want to break the bank? Then you have to visit City Pharma, the only discount parapharmacy in Paris. A parapharmacy is a wonderful hybrid: a regular pharmacy, beauty and homeopathy store, all rolled into one. It’s where French women buy the bulk of their fabulous hair and skin care products

  • How to Find Cheap Hotel Rooms

    As much as I love hostels and other forms of cheap accommodation, there is something nice about the luxuriousness of a hotel: the clean room, comfy bed, desk, iron, strong shower, and bottled soap for the taking (errr…I mean borrowing). They are quiet, relaxing, and a respite from the world.But luxury comes at a price. Hotels certainly aren’t cheap, and I hate spending money on a room I am only going to be in for a few hours. After all, it’s just a place to sleep (and take soap). It’s why I mostly avoid hotels — I don’t think they are a good use of money.

    A few years ago, I was traveling to conferences and other work-related events a lot and staying in a bunch of hotels. I decided to see which hotel booking sites came back with the cheapest results.

    Well, the complete opposite of the previous results. Back in 2014, Booking.com was terrible, TravelPony showed promise, and Agoda was only good in Asia.I found the best deals and largest variety in all the destinations I searched for on Booking. For example, in my September search in Paris, it listed over 2,300 results, including 250 2 star listings and 750 star listings (and it told me the place was over 60% booked when I searched). Agoda still had the best results in Asia (it returned 2,900 results in Bangkok compared to 2,500 for Booking) but had definitely expanded their listings around the world – it roughly tied Booking in Paris, Buenos Aires, and Sydney for overall listings, though they had fewer budget listings than Booking.There are a lot of hotel websites and I’ve tried many over the last few years as I’ve started to book hotels more and more, but this test just proved  If you’re booking a big-name, global-brand hotel (think Starwood, Marriott, Hilton, etc.), book directly with that hotel. They often have the best deals on their website, but if you find a better deal elsewhere, they’ll match it. The big benefit to direct bookings at these global hotel chains is that you only earn loyalty points and status when you book directly, so if you love points, don’t book their rooms elsewhere.

  • Chili Garlic Instant Pot Noodles

    Beer cheese soup was made for soft pretzels. I know it, you know it, and these twisty knots of soft fluffy bread with the chunky salt know it.

    And that is my job today: to give you the pretzels you need to complete the beer cheese soup set. Soft, excessively fluffy, basic delicious pretzels. You know I take this job very seriously.

    Here’s a Soft Pretzel Perks Recap. They are:

    Simple and straightforward.
    Domestic goals.
    Make-able with just a bowl and a wooden spoon.
    Seriously. Just use a wooden spoon.
    Soft, fluffy, pillowy.
    Adaptable to your favorite shapes, flavors, etc.
    Highly dip-able.
    Yummy.

    Here’s a quick rundown of the process.

    Morbi pellentesque gravida vehicula. Nunc ullamcorper rutrum nunc, non consectetur ante egestas non. Donec elementum est at velit accumsan, nec accumsan neque porta.

    This soup itself comes together fairly quickly. But I feel it’s my job to be honest with you and the honest truth is that if I were still a teacher instead of a professional food eater