Sportswear Accessories from Animal
Animal carries an extensive line of casual clothing, watches, and surfing products through its own website and select retailers throughout the U.K., but the company also has some unique offerings that might surprise the average consumer. A quick visit to any store carrying Animal clothing also reveals the intriguing categories of Hardware and Gifts. Three of the most interesting products in the Hardware category are the GPR2 helmet, double car seat cover, and Lampard multi-tool.
GPR2 Helmet
The GPR2 racing helmet meets or exceeds all European professional racing standards as well as EC22-05 and ACU gold standards. The shell is made of a high impact-absorbing alloy resin, manufactured to the highest possible quality standard. Ventilation is accomplished through a system which draws in and circulates cool air while venting warmer air. The liner and padding system are removable and washable to help keep your helmet clean.
Double Car Seat Cover
Car seat covers are one of those items we want just because they look awesome and get attention. If you’re planning a road trip this summer, nothing says "Animal" quite like the double seat cover in Hawaiian blue. The cover is a one-size offering made of polyester, with a blue and black print and the awesome Animal logo. The Animal double car seat cover will add attitude to your summer holiday.
Lampard Multi Tool
This tool is a must have if you plan to hit the road with your boards or bikes. It's compact, easy to carry, and easy to use. The Lampard multi tool features an ergonomic body for comfortable handling, a six-piece ratchet system, and a low price to make it easy on the wallet.
The Gifts category includes a new item this year designed for those on the go: the Switch cooler bag. This shoulder-carry polyester bag is the ideal way to keep your drinks and food items cool as you head off for a day on the beach. The modern styling and attractive green colour make this cooler bag good to look at too. Add the Boggle aluminium flask and you'll be able to carry hot chocolate, coffee, or tea to help keep arm when the sun goes down. And of course, don't forget the new bumper stickers that tell the world just what an Animal you really are.
Not as intriguing as hardware and gifts is Animal's eyewear collection, yet their line of sunglasses is just as impressive as the rest of their products. Twenty-four individual models come in both plastic and metal frames, and can be found in several different shapes, sizes, and colours. The prices are modest as well.
Travel Tips for a Cruise
Going on a cruise is not the same as other holidays you might have had in the past. You may be totally new to this type of holiday and may have no idea what to expect. Well for one thing, you will never have to make any meals while on a cruise and you won’t have to wash up after you have eaten as you would with a self catering holiday. The best thing about being on a cruise is that it is like a top class hotel on the ocean.
But for those who have never been on a cruise before there are a number of things you can do to make your trip easier and more comfortable as well as less stressful. The first thing to do when planning a cruise holiday is to decide what countries you would like to see. There are a number of cruises available such as Mediterranean cruises, Caribbean cruises, Alaskan cruises or even Scandinavian cruises. The places you want to visit will determine the type of cruise you go on. It will also depend on the type of cruise you are looking for and who is in your group. Some cruises are more geared towards families while others are specifically designed for couples or groups of friends without children.
As well as having to look at the various cruises on offer in terms of the countries you want to visit there are a number of different ships which sail to these destinations. Some of these ships are absolutely huge and have many different activities onboard such as pools, cinemas, bowling, theatres – you name it and they have it. These cruises are there to offer something to people of all ages and there will be thousands of people on board. There are smaller ships too if you prefer a bit more peace and quiet but you should know that the smaller the ship, the less there will be on board to do. However if this is just what you want then a smaller ship would be perfect. You get to relax and unwind while visiting many different locations all in one week.
The countries that you are visiting will give you an idea of the type of clothing to pack. If you are going to the Caribbean you will need to have your shorts and swimwear but an Alaskan cruise will require your woolly jumpers in your case. There may be formal events on the ship such as the Captain’s Ball where everyone will be wearing suits and formal dresses so it might be a good idea to pack for this. Check with the cruise company before you pack.
Even if your ship leaves from your own country it is imperative that you pack your passport as you may need this when you enter foreign soil. And always remember to photocopy your passport before you head off and leave the copies with a relative or friend so that they can fax it to the ship should you need it.
Finding my ideal Property for Sale in France
I knew I had to move to France after visiting my friend, Maxine, a couple of years ago. She had moved there with her family several years previously, having bought and renovated an eighteenth century country house in Normandy. The house was charming, the lifestyle relaxing and the countryside enchanting. Two days into my visit I knew my fate was sealed and began to look for my own property for sale in France.
At first I was concerned about my limited French but Maxine assured me that would not be a problem. None of them, she assured me as we sat on the patio surveying the panoramic view of her 1.25 hectares of verdant land, spoke much French before they arrived, but now they were passably fluent – with the children becoming completely bilingual. She was quick to dispel the myth I had heard that the French refused to speak English in their own country, telling me she had never met more charming and helpful people.
Normandy is rich in history, dating back to the Viking Norsemen of the ninth century, from whom the name originates. Set in the Seine Valley, with both coastal in inland beauty spots, Normandy has been the inspiration for some of the world’s greatest artists and writers. Its regional cuisine is superb and varied and its proximity to Paris makes it extremely popular with both the French people and foreign visitors. Despite all of this, however, when I began looking for my property for sale in France, I decided against Normandy!
With a thousand kilometres from north to south and twenty one different regions to choose from, I had plenty to consider. I was particularly drawn to the French region of Western Loire, know for it mediaeval castles and Valley of the Kings. I had spent one holiday touring the magnificent chateaux with their beautiful gardens and fallen in love with the romance of it all. The climate is milder and softer than Normandy, which suits me better and it’s only an hour and a half by train to Paris, which I can never be long away from!
After a couple of months of searching for my ideal property for sale in France, I found exactly what I was looking for: a small detached, fully-renovated longère, or farmhouse, near Nantes. What I particularly loved were the original pine floors and exposed beams in quite spacious rooms; but most of all it was the price! I couldn’t believe how inexpensive properties in France are compared to England. By the following summer I had sold my London flat and moved to beautiful France – where I have never been happier.
Super Shopping in Cyprus
Wherever you go on holiday, you have to visit the local shops. Whether you are looking for souvenirs or specialist products from the location, you need to be able to shop around and compare items and prices before making up your mind which to spend your hard-earned holiday cash on. And in Cyprus, the choice is as endless as the day is long. When it comes to those all-important shopping trips, car hire in Cyprus has to be a priority.
First of all, for new visitors to Cyprus, it might be useful to know the shopping hours, which are rather different to ours in the UK. There will always be exceptions but, generally speaking in the summer (April to October) shops will open from 9 am to 8.30 pm. However, they close for about three hours in the middle of the day (1 pm to 4 pm). That is on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Wednesdays they usually close a little later for lunch but then do not re-open in the afternoon. On Fridays they often re-open later in the afternoon and close later in the evening; while Saturday opening times are the same as in the UK. Once you learn the opening hours, you can plan your shopping trips in confidence.
Most areas sell local crafts and souvenirs but some places are known for their own specialities. If you are looking for ceramics, for example, you should visit Troodos and explore the pottery shops all around the Troodos Mountains for some unique pieces made by local craftsmen and available at much lower prices than in the towns. Set aside a whole day to explore the lush, picturesque scenery and enjoy the crisp, pine-scented mountain air and wander in and out of the little shops. It makes a refreshing change from sitting on the beach and this is how car hire in Cyprus comes into its own. But take care on those breathtaking mountain roads.
If lace interests you, then you need to visit Lefkara and examine some of the exquisite hand-made lace tablecloths, tray cloths, doilies and other delicate creations. Be prepared to dig deep into your pocket, however, as these items are expensive because of the hours of work that goes into making them. If possible, try to enlist the help of a local to ensure you get the genuine article. While in Larnaca, don’t forget to visit the colourful Sunday morning open air market.
Northern Cyprus is the place to find colourful sestas, which are placements woven from wheat stems and coloured with natural dyes; so with your car hire in Cyprus, you can head off to Nicosia and stock up on these to take back home as gifts or for yourself as mementoes of your visit. Other local handicrafts include basketry, wood carvings and silver and copper items.
Finally, you will certainly want to take back some of the delicious local wine, liqueur or brandy as a reminder of your time spent on the wonderful island of Cyprus.