Monday, August 22, 2011
Thailand trip notes under construction...
Ko Kret
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/bangkok/activities/cruise/ko-kret
The cheapest and most local way of experiencing riverine Bangkok is by boarding the Chao Phraya Express Boat at any tha (pier) and taking it in either direction to its final stop. Also appealing are the Sunday trips to Ko Kret and back.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/bangkok/activities/cruise/ko-kret
The cheapest and most local way of experiencing riverine Bangkok is by boarding the Chao Phraya Express Boat at any tha (pier) and taking it in either direction to its final stop. Also appealing are the Sunday trips to Ko Kret and back.
Thailand trip notes under construction...
Chatchai Market
This colourful and inexpensive market is one of Hua Hin's major attractions. Vendors gather nightly in the centre of town (off Th Phetkasem) to fry, steam, grill, parboil or bake fresh gulf seafood for hordes of hungry Thais. Don't leave town without trying the famousroti Hua Hin served at this market, a delicious snack made with special dough and filled with sweets such as strawberries, custard or raisins.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/upper-southern-gulf/hua-hin/restaurants/market/chatchai-market
Thailand trip notes under construction...
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
A Unesco World Heritage Site, this park features the ruins of structures dating back to the 14th century, roughly the same time as the better-known kingdom of Sukhothai. Kamphaeng Phet’s Buddhist monuments continued to be built until the Ayuthaya period, nearly 200 years later, and thus possess elements of both Sukhothai and Ayuthaya styles, resulting in a school of Buddhist art quite unlike anywhere else in Thailand.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/kamphaeng-phet-province/kamphaeng-phet/sights/other/kamphaeng-phet-historical
A Unesco World Heritage Site, this park features the ruins of structures dating back to the 14th century, roughly the same time as the better-known kingdom of Sukhothai. Kamphaeng Phet’s Buddhist monuments continued to be built until the Ayuthaya period, nearly 200 years later, and thus possess elements of both Sukhothai and Ayuthaya styles, resulting in a school of Buddhist art quite unlike anywhere else in Thailand.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/kamphaeng-phet-province/kamphaeng-phet/sights/other/kamphaeng-phet-historical
Thailand trip notes under construction...
Diving in Ko Rang
By far the best diving in the region is in and around Ko Rang. Protected from fishing by its marine park status, this place has some of the most pristine coral in Thailand. Visibility is much better than Ko Chang and averages between 10m and 20m.
Ko Yak and Ko Laun are both shallow dives perfect for both beginners and advanced divers. These two small rocky islands can be circumnavigated and have loads of coral, schooling fish, rays, morays, barracuda, puffer fish and the occasional turtle.
Thailand trip notes under construction...
Ao Phang Nga
This sheltered pocket of the Andaman Sea is blessed with verdant limestone cliffs, odd rock formations, submerged karst caves and quaint fishing villages. Around the coast, turquoise waters and scenic islands await the swooshing of your paddles. Hire a canoe, kayak or private boat from the visitors' centre or join a tour organised through an agency in town.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/sights/river/ao-phang-nga
This sheltered pocket of the Andaman Sea is blessed with verdant limestone cliffs, odd rock formations, submerged karst caves and quaint fishing villages. Around the coast, turquoise waters and scenic islands await the swooshing of your paddles. Hire a canoe, kayak or private boat from the visitors' centre or join a tour organised through an agency in town.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/sights/river/ao-phang-nga
Friday, August 19, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Thailand trip notes...under construction...
Need to explore this list further, up to page 2 at the moment
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/things-to-do?page=2
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/things-to-do?page=2
Thailand trip notes...under construction...
http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/volunteer/chiangmaivolunteer.htm
Another elephant sanctuary to volunteer at recommended by lonely planet
Another elephant sanctuary to volunteer at recommended by lonely planet
Thailand trip notes...under construction...
http://www.sovranaspa.com/sovrana-spa-phuket-thailand/
a spa that is cheap and uses natural products and the treatments sound amazing.
a spa that is cheap and uses natural products and the treatments sound amazing.
Thailand trip notes...under construction...
http://chatuchak.org/
one of the worlds largest weekend markets, recommended by lonely planet as somewhere to pick up gifts for people back home and your own home.
one of the worlds largest weekend markets, recommended by lonely planet as somewhere to pick up gifts for people back home and your own home.
Thailand trip notes...under construction...
http://www.bigbluediving.com/dive-courses/open-water-diver/open-water-diver.html
recommended by lonely planet and trip advisor
recommended by lonely planet and trip advisor
Monday, August 15, 2011
beauty products...
Eye makeup remover~ use a bit of jojoba oil or olive oil on a cotton pad to gently dissolve and remove tough makeup <both are safe even for sensitive skin>
Lips~ try using straight shea butter or coco butter and see what happens to your lips... you'll be impressed!
Lips~ try using straight shea butter or coco butter and see what happens to your lips... you'll be impressed!
Thailand trip notes...under construction...
http://www.thaitravelblogs.com/2011/03/41-things-not-to-be-missed-in-thailand/
We have another public holiday coming up and I was browsing through my guidebooks this evening trying to find somewhere new to visit. I cannot go too far as it is only a short holiday. Anyway, I will tell you about my destination when I return after the weekend. What I want to blog about today is a “41 Things Not to be Missed” list I discovered in the Rough Guide to Thailand guidebook. Although not comprehensive, it is nethertheless a good starting point to use if you are planning a trip to Thailand.
- Phuket
- Nan
- Sea-canoeing in the Krabi region
- Silk
- Loy Krathong
- Khao Yai National Park
- Full Moon Party at Hat Rin, Koh Pha Ngan
- Khmer Ruins
- Diving and snorkelling off Koh Similan
- The National Museum of Bangkok
- Koh Chang
- Koh Tao
- Traditional Massage
- Trekking from Umphang
- Krung Ching waterfall, Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Koh Lanta
- Jim Thompson’s House
- Koh Samet
- The Grand Palace
- Riding the Death Railway
- Phethchaburi
- Wat Phu Thok
- The Mae Hong Son loop
- Vegetarian Festival, Phuket
- Amulet Market, Bangkok
- Wat Pho, Bangkok
- Khao Sok National Park
- Songkhla
- Koh Tarutao National Marine Park
- Folklore Museum, Phitsanulok
- Thai Cookery Classes in Chiang Mai
- Night Markets
- Ayutthaya
- The Mekhong River
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
- Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
- Rock climbing on Laem Phra Nang
- Tom yam kung
- Sukhothai
- Axe cushions
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Monday, August 01, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Chester sports etc...
YOGA
http://www.yoga-chester.co.uk/
Ashtanga Yoga classes in Hoole Chester on Tuesdays and Thursdays 7.00 till 8.30pm: 7 pounds
http://www.yogawithseema.co.uk/
http://www.yogapages.co.uk/directory/teacher_listing.php?teacher=1600
Lunch time yoga in Chester city centre :)
ROCK CLIMBING
Induction course 4 hours for 40 pound
EQUESTRIAN VAULTING
Call and ask about going along
POLO
Polo lessons- student prices :)
HORSE RIDING LESSONS
half hour private lesson 25 pounds
in St Helens, already been before and good price.
HACKING
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Monday, July 04, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
make your own solid shampoo..
| Ingredients: (Follow the instructions for basic cold process soap)Weigh all ingredients. Makes approximately 2 lbs. 16 oz Coconut 76 Oil 16 oz Olive Oil 4 oz Wheat Germ Oil 4 oz Castor Oil 5.9 oz Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) 15 oz Distilled Water 2 oz Any Fragrance or Essential Oil (we used Peppermint Essential Oil)Mona says "It makes fab lather!" Allow this soap to cure 4-5 weeks, but can be used after 3 weeks. Equipment Needed: Scale that weighs in pounds and ounces Large one-gal. stainless steel or enamel pot (use this exclusively for soap-making) Two plastic pitchers, 2-3 qt. size Hand stick blender (optional, but makes tracing much easier) Plastic measuring cup 2-3 cup size Two wooden or plastic spoons (one for the lye and one for the oils. Use these exclusively for soap-making) Two kitchen thermometers (one for the lye and one for the oils - must read to over 100 degrees) Rubber gloves Safety goggles Clear plastic container with snap-on lid 8" x 11" x 3" deep, or wooden soap mold lined with freezer paper Large piece of cardboard the size of the wooden mold - used as a lid Old blanket Freezer paper or plastic garbage bags Remember: Be sure to allow for the weight of the containers. Lye (Sodium Hydroxide NaOH) All ingredients should be weighed. Begin by putting on your goggles and rubber gloves and weigh out 12 ozs. of lye into one of the plastic containers. Weigh out 32 oz of distilled water into the other container. Slowly and in a steady stream pour the lye into the water, stirring until dissolved. Do this in a well ventilated area and try not to splash. Let the lye/water mixture sit until the temperature reaches between 100-125 degrees (unless otherwise stated by the recipe you are using). This may take several hours, but if you're in a hurry you can place the container in a cold water bath to bring down the temperature quicker. In the meantime, get your oils ready by weighing out 24 oz. of coconut oil and 38 oz. of vegetable shortening and placing them into your pot. Heat them up just until they melt and then remove from heat and add the 24 ozs. of olive oil. Stir to incorporate and put one of the thermometers into the pot to check the temperature. The oils will also have to be between 100-125 degrees (unless otherwise stated by the recipe you are using). Both the lye/water mixture and the oils will have to be at the same temperature before incorporating them. Prepare your additives. Start with just 3-4 ozs. of essential oil or a combination of essential oils (blend). *Note- (some essential oil scents are stronger, so use less, some are lighter and you may add more depending on your preference). Also, measure 1/4 cup of any dried herbs or flowers (optional). Its best to start simple for your first batch. You can also add 1-3 tablespoons of pigment (optional) for coloring, pre-disperse in a little liquid glycerin. Line the mold container that you're using with a piece of freezer paper for easy release. If you are using our wooden soap mold, line it with freezer paper. How to line a soap mold. Check the temperature of the lye and oils. When they reach between 100-125°, its time to "make soap." Slowly pour the lye/water mixture into the oils, stirring continuously. You may continue to stir using a spoon or switch to the stick blender. Stir or blend in all the lye and you will begin to see the mixture thicken. Just as the mixture thickens to the point where you see tracks or "trace" in the soap, add essential oils and any dried ingredients or colorants. (For swirling color, remove about 2 cups of the mixture and add the colorant to the 2 cups. Then add that back into the mold and swirl). Continue to stir or blend until you see designs on the top of the soap (this is known as tracing and can happen in 10-20 minutes depending on the temperature of your mixture). Quickly add the mixture to the mold. Cover with the lid. *Note* if the soap mixture does not fill the mold to the top, place a piece of freezer paper on top of the soap and then put the lid or a piece of cardboard on the container. This will prevent soda ash. Wrap in blankets and place in an undisturbed area for 18 hrs. Remove the blankets and lid and leave the soap air in the mold for another few hrs. You should have a nice hard block of fresh soap which you can now remove from the mold. Let the block of soap sit for a day to firm up or slice into bars or chunks immediately. Then place bars in an open box or drying rack for 2 weeks or longer. Don't allow the bars to touch one another. The soap should be cured completely after 2 weeks, but the longer it cures, the milder and harder it will be. Tip: We offer many helpful books on the subject of cold-process soap-making. Good instruction and preparation is the key to being successful with your first batch. Good Luck, and happy soaping! |
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
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