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Maximize your Jaipur trip with these 5 affordable travel hacks

Sabir Ansary — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 09:00:10 +0000

Web agency Updated: Mar 20, 2024 07:58 IST

Known worldwide as the royal Pink City of India, romanticized by centuries of extravagant Rajput and Mughal prosperity, Jaipur invariably conjures up images of ostentatious palace indulgences, gilded courtly opulence and exotic oriental fantasies swirling amid majestic forts and vibrant bazaars.

But behind the imperial legacy lie extraordinary experiences where you enjoy the city’s abundant old-world charms that can nourish your soul as deeply as visiting iconic monuments alone. Plan efficiently and avoid the rush-hour ticket stairs, then prepare to fully immerse yourself in Jaipur’s sensory landscape, as you cleverly navigate through cultural gems that are ripe for savoring as you search just beneath the shiny surfaces .

1. Amber Fort rest in early morning

Make the most of Jaipur’s temperate winter months from early dawn by visiting the breathtaking 16th-century Amber Fort, when the golden light reveals shades of polished tangerine and radiant amber, after which the bastion is named. Enjoy the beautiful isolation as you watch iconic architecture unfold like curtains for theater stages as the giant saffron sun rises between majestic fortress towers, darkly illuminating dramatic tunnels and latticed windows one by one.

Take relaxing circuits along stone slopes, through once-flowing garden canals and beautifully sculpted chambers before the day buses start unloading hordes at 8am. Pause to soak up the tranquil atmosphere in pleasure palaces where kings and nobles not long ago planned battles and entertainment at the same time before being currently distracted by noisy shouting guides.

Emerge enchanted before the world fully awakens and feel subtly transformed as you witness the beautiful Amber Fort transition from a silent amber ghost to a living breathing bastion of a bygone era when history had fewer barriers in the mundane. Return later to admire the beautiful manicured gardens surrounding the Jal Mahal Palace that magically shine like a floating architectural candy above calm waters as you slowly sift through profound morning magic that still resonates from the extraordinary experience!

2. Explore non-touristy craft neighborhoods

Given just an hour to wander, Jaipur’s royal facade quickly overwhelms the senses with flamboyant textile markets and gem-laden silver jewelery stalls where souvenirs traditionally reign supreme. But barely 200 meters behind the famous Tripolia Bazaar lie hidden parallel worlds of centuries-old craft streets where living anthropologies thrive relatively unattended without crowd supervision, making patient exploration truly rewarding.

Stroll through narrow workshops decorated with embroidered textile samples, such as vibrant cultural flags that invite discovery, where alleys intriguingly specialize in heritage crafts linked to different communities. Pause to admire the dexterity of the lac bracelet maker who delicately weaves from imported resin alongside vibrant murals of Hindu deities, while absorbing the extraordinary craftsmanship that still flourishes microscopically despite trends in mass production.

Further on, you’ll come across miniature temples in alleyways, wrapped in homemade flower garlands, where potters cover clay goddesses with edible intrinsic dyes and sacred ash paste. Then behind the open shutters we find reincarnated court singers strumming stirring Rajasthani month folk choruses, intriguingly urging travelers to delve beneath the hyper-decorative exterior and explore hidden craft facets that still resonate strongly through proud local traditions relatively untouched by passing fads, if we care enough to just look at them. !

3. Mehrangarh Fort Nostalgia Tour

As the merciless midday sun mercilessly beats down roasting lesser mortals, culture vultures discover a cool refuge in the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort in the city of Jodhpur, where the best-kept secrets surprisingly reside again in better-known rooms, but are explored via less booked special interest panels.

Attend extraordinary additional sessions entitled ‘The Zenana Trail’, conducted by historians carefully trained to reveal intriguing, bygone women’s perspectives otherwise typically hidden in male-dominated mainstream narratives. Peer discreetly into the extraordinary Gold Leaf Chamber interiors that are normally out of reach, and imagine the beautiful isolation experience here of beloved royal consorts and noblewomen sailing swan-like behind the now faded but still beautiful murals.

Look up and marvel at the intricately carved filigree walls, fine as Brussels lace, painstakingly chiselled by hand over seven arduous years, intended to allow cooling breezes while symbolically preventing the gaze of outsiders! Then explore the opulent luxury of the zenana existence, wandering through winding corridors past now vacant pleasure pavilions, informal courtyards for dance performances and shaded balconies for discreet moonlit rendezvous – ultimately feeling a deep poignancy at how such blossoming femininity is deeply contrasted with the dormant military history that otherwise dominates the fortress consciousness.

4. Craft hubs for pottery and dolls

Beyond the beautiful marble mausoleums lie vibrant historic alleys that harbor proud legacies of extraordinary mastery of indigenous art, relatively camouflaged from the tourist crowds that are currently still easily discovered if you seek out sparkling, ostentatious Rajasthani boutiques down here. Scattered behind the Water Palace are more than 300 traditionally furnished homes and workshops where famous potters daily devotedly manifest magic from wet clay on primitive wheels, which have remained relatively unchanged for centuries since the earliest human settlements emerged next to the flowing valley river.

Crouch in front of open porches and witness wrinkled fingers, textured lotus motifs on glittering lamps and urns, beautifully polished by age-old techniques without molds or glue before being carried away naturally through custom-built kilns that crackle energetically like witches’ cauldrons churning out exotic craft potions brew! Surprisingly similar neighborhoods manifested minutes later behind the Sardar Market, which today is passionately focused on preserving and reviving Rajasthan’s UNESCO-designated puppetry arts, which are facing terminal decline due to modern digital entertainment.

Here you’ll find brightly decorated community shrines that pay tribute to Lord Ganesha, the revered elephant god who constantly walks around to protect their extraordinary cultural longevity. Then venture deeper into the timeless inner sanctuaries where warm-hearted puppeteers energetically tell charming legends of bygone nomadic bhat communities, creating entire mythologies through their gifted hands alone – currently relatively unknown by passing hordes of tourists seeking limited royal Rajasthani -trinkets.

5. Culinary tours in the countryside via Vrindavan

Finally, no economic luxury experience seems completely complete these days without sumptuous regional cuisine, yet central Jaipur’s eateries are notorious for catering limited menus to international visitors wary of extreme spice. Ironically, the best indigenous flavors unfold surprisingly in simple, rural highway dhabas or ‘service stations’ that flank the state’s outskirts, deliciously paired with robust, hearty home-cooked dishes at bargain prices that have suited local tastes for generations and wallet.

Just 65 scenic kilometers outside the Pink City lies the heritage retreat of Vrindavan, where stylish farm stays nestle amid the picturesque Aravalli hills and is also home to an astonishing culinary academy founded 30 years ago by legendary local chef Laxmi who prioritized sharing cherished folk recipes before they disappeared through the generations.

Enjoy interactive hands-on curry mixing and roti rolling sessions with smiling chef instructors who indulgently fuse rare desert spices, spicy cultured buttermilk and fiery Gatte ki Sabzi tribal dishes into your personal creations that are worth gastronomically framing as extraordinary edible showpieces that dismantle the myth that royalty cannot really be balanced with economical and ingeniously seasoned by passionate culture guardians!

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Our affordable new homes are boarded up – the council is strangling us

Jeffrey Bailey — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 01:48:47 +0000

RESIDENTS are furious after their affordable new homes were boarded up – with no one allowed inside.

Developer Bridge View said council delays and “abnormal” costs have held up the delivery of 33 homes in the Cornish village of Calstock.

Affordable new homes in Calstock have been boarded upCredit: BBC South West

Developer Bridge View blamed a row with Cornwall CouncilCredit: BBC South West

Inside one of the haunted housesCredit: BBC South West

According to recent council documents, there are 160 households on the waiting list for housing in the area.

The homes were granted planning permission in 2018, but Bridge View boss Michael Wight said delays have cost the company £1.2 million.

Wight blasted the council for “strangling the company’s cash flow” by blocking the sale of the houses.

Unexpected costs during the construction work cost the developer a further £750,000, draining the budget for 15 affordable homes.

The costs included a second road, a drainage system and a wall costing £750,000.

Affordable housing companies withdrew from development in November last year after rising costs.

This meant that the developer was unable to meet planning conditions, so the site was mothballed.

Councilor Dorothy Kirk called the dispute a “tragic situation where everyone loses.”

She told me BBC: “I hope we can make it through somehow. We have to find a solution, end.

Derelict house transformed in £100,000 renovation after neighbors branded it an eyesore

“I don’t want Calstock to be robbed of its homes, I don’t want the developer to lose everything.

“It has been a long, expensive and difficult journey. We need to have houses for the local people.”

Cornwall Council said: “We are committed to working with developers who have been granted planning permission to ensure that a housing development and the agreed number of affordable homes are delivered in accordance with the planning permission.”

Know your rights

These are your rights if your new-build home is not ready on time, according to consumer watchdog Which:

Builders must provide reliable and realistic information about when the home will be ready, the date of legal completion and the date of delivery of the home.

If there is an unreasonable delay in completing the property, you have the right not to proceed with the purchase and will receive a full refund of your booking fee.

But keep in mind that builders often include estimated timings in contracts – sometimes overly ambitious timings – which can lead to two problems.

The first is that you move in on time, but discover many problems (such as wonky light switches or incomplete kit), and the second is that you cannot move in on time.

If you have an issue with your developer and need to escalate a complaint, you must first go through the formal complaints procedure.

If the problem isn’t resolved, you can check to see if your developer has signed up for a default code.

In hospitals, affordable housing gets the long-term investment it needs

Sabir Ansary — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:45:09 +0000

Ce’Yann Irving, mother of a 1-year-old daughter, pays $990 a month for a two-bedroom apartment on the site of a former dairy processing plant in New Orleans’ Central City neighborhood. She has amenities, such as a 24-hour gym and a private community clinic, within easy reach.

“I’m a first-time mother, so if my daughter coughs for too long I try to take her to a doctor,” said Ms. Irving, 30, a disaster case manager for Catholic Charities. “Here I can literally walk to the clinic, and if there is a wait, I just wait in my own apartment.”

The 192-unit affordable housing complex, which opened in January, is a joint project of Alembic Community Development and the Gulf Coast Housing Partnership, an affordable housing developer formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in hopes of improving Gulf Coast region to rebuild. The complex aims to be a model for communities across the country by linking stable housing to better health.

Aetna, a managed care organization operating in the region, invested $26.7 million in the $80 million project, called H3C, where the “H” stands for health and the “3C” stands for commerce, culture and community. Tenants and others in the community have access to a medical clinic operated by DePaul Community Health Centers on the ground floor. Researchers from the Louisiana Public Health Institute will study patient health outcomes, and consultants from Health Management Associates will use the anonymized data to determine more effective ways for health care systems to work with developers.

H3C is just one of many examples showing that healthcare systems are beginning to see more and more benefits in building affordable and safe housing, from the improved health of local communities to the extent to which managed care groups benefit financially from those healthier populations. These and other factors, including a shortage of housing for their own workers, have led health care systems to become partners and investors in affordable housing.

Such partnerships are “necessary,” said Peggy Bailey, vice president for housing policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank. “It takes so many investors and so many types of financing to deliver affordable housing development.”

Hospitals “reinvesting in the places they serve is important,” she said, especially if they are in underserved communities.

Kaiser Permanente, a managed care giant in Oakland, California, has committed $400 million to finance affordable housing through its Thriving Communities fund, which aims to build or preserve 30,000 units by 2030. And the Healthcare Anchor Network, a national coalition formed in 2017. with more than 70 healthcare systems focused on investing in local economies, the country has poured more of its capital into housing, neighborhoods and commercial projects such as supermarkets. According to the group’s most recent data, the network invested $450 million in affordable housing projects from 2017 through the end of September 2022.

This type of long-term capital, usually in the form of low-cost loans, has become even more valuable during a period of higher interest rates, financial uncertainty and rising costs for builders. The cost of these developments is a huge undertaking. Funded from government and private sources, H3C was valued at $60 million before supply and inflation increased the budget by a third.

However, healthcare systems don’t act like banks, says David Zuckerman, president and founder of Healthcare Anchor Network. “They are filling the gap left by the financial sector not investing properly in affordable housing and the public sector not providing the necessary subsidies to make this all work,” he said.

Affordable housing has become a way for hospitals and healthcare systems to meet their nonprofit needs community benefits requirements and invest capital from their cash reserves, which healthcare nonprofits depend on to cover operating costs and unexpected expenses. (A strong reserve is an indicator of financial stability and helps improve the creditworthiness of nonprofit healthcare organizations.)

There are some early examples of health care systems investing in housing, particularly Catholic hospitals working with groups like Mercy Housing, an affordable housing organization.

But over the past decade, hospitals, health care systems and insurance groups, working with affordable housing developers, have expanded these efforts. They have built temporary housing for the most vulnerable people and established programs to temporarily house the homeless, especially those with serious mental health issues.

A recently expanded pilot program through Medicaid, called the 1115 waiver, allows certain health care providers to use Medicaid money to provide temporary housing. Washington State has used this model, with federal funding for rental assistance and $141 million in state funding, to build new homes as a means to target the population with the most needs.

And a shortage of available housing for hospital staff has also led to more developments. Kathy Parsons, a consultant and former vice president of CentraCare, a health care system in St. Cloud, Minnesota, said it was difficult to move health care workers to the area and that the network had explored ways to work with developers. . Housing shortages can be acute in rural areas. They can lead to longer commutes, significant costs due to overwork, staff burnout and the closure of hospital services in communities that need them most.

There are also more and more projects that want to build homes for people who need special care. In New Jersey, the Hospital Partnership Subsidy Program is beginning to see demand expand from big cities to suburbs, with proposals for specialized housing projects to support people with multiple sclerosis and Down syndrome. The program, which launched in 2018, provides millions of dollars in government grants to lay the foundation for hospital investments in housing projects.

Barclay Place, the first project completed under the state program, opened in Paterson in July. The 56-apartment complex has a wellness center on the first floor and a number of units are reserved for residents with chronic health conditions. The project was developed through a partnership between the New Jersey Community Development Corporation and St. Joseph’s Health, which will provide supportive services to residents.

In Minnesota, the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, which has built 20,000 affordable housing units since 1995, offers some sort of additional focus on health care in about 20 percent of its projects, said Eric Muschler, the fund’s director of housing and health equity. The organization’s new initiative is to educate healthcare professionals about the importance of housing solutions for healthcare equity and provide loans to developers to help close gaps in a project’s overall financing plan.

“We continually need more capital to build more housing,” Mr. Muschler said. “We have a housing system that is broken, and we need to look beyond subsidies.”

Hospitals can also tap into another important resource: their own land and property. Boston Medical Center and Trinity Health both have plans to build affordable housing complexes on their own properties.

John Vu, Kaiser’s vice president of community health strategy, said this was the first phase in solving the housing problem. In the next phase, he said, data collected from the developments will be used to determine how future partnerships can better address the health and housing needs of communities.

Numerous studies of pediatric researchers and groups like Health watch for children have shown how housing support can help the homeless families that have members with a chronic illness or disability, or who require more than normal health care.

And Kaiser is partnering with Enterprise on the Housing for Health initiative, which connects developers with public health groups to evaluate how housing determines health based on 30 factors.

Stephany De Scisciolo, vice president at Enterprise Community Partners, a national nonprofit developer that has worked with Kaiser on some of its housing investments, said the program has been collecting data for four years.

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12 affordable items that the chicest people actually wear

Sabir Ansary — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 21:08:13 +0000

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Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be rich to dress like an It girl. All you need is good style and supreme confidence, and you can emulate the chicest influencers on any budget – even a strict one. I’ve rounded up some of this season’s top trends in which countless celebrities, socialites and influencers have been spotted, while at the same time giving you options to replicate their style for under $50. You’re about to look like the coolest , most fashionable person ever if you wear one of these 12 picks.

1. Flirty Edge: 2024 is all about embracing a carefree lifestyle, and in the fashion world, few things are as carefree as frills. Whether you’re planning a festival outfit or just want to spruce up your look for a night out, you’ll be the life of the party at the Eliacher oversized denim jacket with fringes.

2. Girlie Girl: Embrace femininity with a big ol’ hair bow. Coquettish makeup and clothing are currently taking over the trends, and every influencer has been photographed wearing them silky satin hair bows.

3. Flowers galore: Flowers for spring? Well, even if it’s not exactly groundbreaking, the choice of one dainty rosette necklace is what you need to do this year. Although black flowers are popular, I recommend going for ivory as it better suits the airy spring vibes.

4. Mob Woman for Spring: Quiet luxury has gone out of the way. Mob wife vibes encourage you to go big or go home, and there’s no better way to do that than with a Slip skirt with leopard print.

5. Perfect for bad hair days… or when you want to look sporty chic! Every model and influencer has a go-to cap. My recommendation? Go for this adidas pick in baby blue — it’s this season’s most popular color!

6. We’ve Got the Blues: One baby blue accessory is simply not enough. You really can’t go wrong with adding this Rectangular sunglasses from Vanlinker also to your collection

7. Another Blue: This one is for the girly girls – imagine yourself wearing them this sculptural baby blue Cecile handbag with a white dress. It’s the ultimate spring and summer combination!

8. Mixed Metals: Forget what people have said about mixing silver and gold. The two metals actually match beautifully, and they’re trending too. Stay one step ahead of the competition with this striking two-tone necklace.

9. The nicest earrings: If hair bows aren’t your style but you still want to get in on the cute aesthetic, these graceful bow earrings are the next best thing.

10. Upgraded Apartments: For those who think ballerinas are too basic for their style, let me introduce you mesh surfaces. Celebrities, including Dua Lipa, were spotted wearing these – and I love that they have a slightly grungy feel. Obsessed!

11. Pure Joy: Don’t be afraid to expose some skin before summer. We see sheer fabrics ruling spring, and you can easily join the trend (and rock it, mind you) when you wear this Floerns translucent blouse with dropped shoulders.

12. Meow: Say goodbye to the days of blisters caused by sky-high stilettos. Kitten heels have appeared in the chat, and not only are they easier to walk in, they’re also super cute. This soft pair from Dream Pairs is also available in so many fun colors!

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These affordable bags could easily pass for designer picks

Sabir Ansary — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 12:52:21 +0000

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I’ve dreamed of owning a designer handbag all my life, but I’m still far from being able to afford one. Fortunately, more and more affordable brands are coming out with high-quality bags that match the look and feel of designer bags, for a fraction of the price. In fact, there are dozens of options under $100 that can fool even the most highly educated designer connoisseur. I’ve put together 12 beautiful handbags, crossbodies, and totes that are all available on Amazon. With any of these you could walk down Rodeo Drive and fit right in with the multi-millionaires and their Birkins!

Best affordable handbags

1. Better than Hermes? When a Birkin Is Out of Budget (Relatable) this Dasein bag looks eerily similar with its square shape and handles at the top. Plus, you can choose from 30 color options: $71, now just $50!

2. Two in one: Certainly, this vegan leather handbag it looks like it came straight out of a Ralph Lauren catalog, but I’m obsessed with the fact that it comes with a matching wallet – only $50!

3. Cupboard Staple: Do you need a reliable all-purpose wallet that matches every outfit? This little shoulder bag (which happens to be an Amazon bestseller) lives up to expectations and costs less than $20 – just $16!

4. Patent leather moment: You can complete your outfit for a special night out this striking patent leather handbag that comes complete with gold hardware? No one will believe it costs less than $500 – just $50!

Best Affordable Crossbody Bags

5. Fan Favorite: More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers love it this padded crossbody from Lola Mae for its high-quality construction and spacious interior – only $22!

6. Bling Bling: To rescue this SG Sugu bag for your date night or a night out on the town – the long gold chain really dresses up the bag, making it ideal for special occasions – only $22!

7. Designer alert! A real designer bag for less than €100? Michael Kors knew exactly what he was doing when he designed this travel-friendly crossbody – only $74!

8. Sporty Spices: With a comfortable nylon shoulder strap, this UTO crossbody is built for all kinds of adventures, but it doesn’t skimp on that high quality with its vegan leather exterior, gold hardware, and removable mini pouch — just $26!

Best Affordable Tote Bags

9. Your new favorite work bag: Fly to the office in style with this beautifully designed leather bag that seamlessly fits your laptop, water bottle, and a pair of shoes if necessary – just $47!

10. Never Ending Bag: The long bucket style of this Montana West bag is super roomy and can even be used as a weekend bag for short weekend getaways — just $40!

11. Designer for Less: Is this the new Loewe bag? No, but with the unique marbled leather, this Kattee bag could easily pass for it – was $88, now only $54!

12. Viral Sensation: Everyone loves Marc Jacobs’ iconic tote bag…but that price is a little stressful. You can emulate the same energy with this Cosets bag that’s a fraction of the cost – only $31!

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This trench coat looks expensive, but is an affordable luxury

Sabir Ansary — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 13:15:34 +0000

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Trench coats are impossibly cool, no matter what situation you wear them in. They’re not just for detectives anymore, that’s for sure. All kidding aside, they are always great to pair with an outfit to up your luxury quotient. They are also always great to wear to work or to formal occasions because they always serve. And if you’re looking for a trench coat to add to your wardrobe, we’ve found the perfect trench coat that won’t cost a whole paycheck but will certainly look the part.

You’ll want to make a trip to Walmart to get the Free fitting modern trench coat, which is an incredible $49 at Walmart. Yes, you read that correctly. That’s not even a sales price. It’s always so affordable. And it looks like you spent hundreds on it, as you can see in the photo. It’s available in multiple sizes, it’s chic and could very well become your new favorite coat in the future.

Grab the Free fitting modern trench coat for only $49 at Walmart!

This polished coat features a double-breasted silhouette that you can throw in the machine and wash if it gets dirty, and is made from 100% cotton. That makes it a great option for mid-season wear and for staying warm when you don’t need a big, massive puffer coat to keep you comfortable. Plus, the two-tone look is as unique as you are.

Grab the Free fitting modern trench coat for only $49 at Walmart!

For just under $50 you won’t find a similar jacket anywhere, especially one of this caliber. And if you want something classic to rock with all your spring outfits and not have to be stuck in your closet every time the weather turns, this is what you want. It keeps you warm with lightweight material and cool when you need it most. And you look like you just stepped out of a 50s detective movie. So that is a big plus.

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6 essential travel accessories at an affordable price

Sabir Ansary — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 01:31:47 +0000

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Make your next vacation stress-free with must-have travel accessories at a great price. Whether you’re taking the whole family to the Caribbean for Christmas or heading to the slopes with your partner, the right travel accessory can help you travel without a hitch.

After talking to frequent flyers and travel experts, we’ve put together the best travel tools to make your next trip as smooth as possible. Here are the 11 must-have travel accessories for your next trip.

1. Blu Atlas Essentials travel set

Blu Atlas

Pack your toiletry bag in less than 20 seconds with the essential travel accessory: Essentials Travel Set. Perfect for busy people who want high-quality skin and hair care products, this travel set is formulated with nourishing, refreshing and moisturizing ingredients.

When traveling, our grooming rituals can be overlooked, but with the Essentials Travel Set you can look and feel good anywhere in the world. The kit comes with Blu Atlas Shampoo and Conditioner, a hair cleansing and moisturizing combination that gives you silky hair. Blu Atlas Body Wash gently scrubs the skin, removing dirt, pollution and excess oil.

Rounding out the grooming must-haves is Blu Atlas’s Face Moisturizer, the perfect hydrating treat your skin needs when it’s stressed from travel. Essentials Travel Set cleanses every part of your body. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a road trip and going to a cheap motel on the side of the road, or staying in a four-star villa on Maui. The Essentials Travel Set will help you look and feel good wherever your journey takes you.

2. Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Epica

Universal travel adapters come in handy when you visit different countries. Outside of the US, there are 14 types of plugs you may need when visiting (or living in) a foreign country. We chose this adapter because it works in over 150 countries and charges up to six devices simultaneously at high speed.

Please note that different countries also use different voltages. This adapter is not a voltage converter and is not suitable for high power appliances such as hair styling tools such as hairdryers, curling irons and hair straighteners. The device has safety features to prevent accidents.

Packing a travel adapter is essential, making it an essential accessory for your next trip.

3. Taygeer travel backpack

Taygeer

Become the queen or king of the organization with a 35 liter bag built around storage and organization. Few things are as annoying as searching for that charger you thought you stashed in the top of your bag, only to discover you left it at home. This bag keeps your chargers in easy-to-find places and is approved for airline use. It slides neatly under the seat in front of you, even on budget airlines like Frontier and JetBlue.

Open the bag to find three main storage pockets and nine interior and side pockets built for versatility. Although the bag is excellent for air travel, it is also an asset as a daypack, weekend bag or tote bag to get you through the last week, fully loaded with all your school books.

There’s a slim front pocket for small items at the front, and directly behind that is a larger padded, full-zip laptop area. Behind the laptop storage space is a central storage compartment for larger items such as shoes, clothing or study books.

To top it all off, the outside of the bag is water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your electronics frying in the rain. A good travel bag is one of the most important must-have accessories for traveling, and Taygeer’s design will go a long way.

4. Forge cable luggage locks

Forge

Don’t leave the safety of your luggage to fate. Forge’s cable luggage locks are sturdy locks with a three-digit access code that protects valuables. These TSA-approved locks have a pull weight of up to 220 pounds.

Cable locks are an ideal solution for people who travel often and need to use the lock on storage compartments such as hostel lockers. Thanks to the cable properties, the lock can be placed in any position and is easy to lock and remove.

Luggage locks for your checked bag are an essential travel accessory for anyone going on vacation.

5. Manta sleeping mask

Manta

Manta Sleep Mask is the ideal medicine for travelers obsessed with a good night’s sleep. Sleeping mask from Manta is the brand’s entry-level product at the most affordable price.

It is often difficult to fall asleep while traveling. Sometimes this is due to noise, but often it is because bright sunlight easily penetrates through thin curtains.

Sleep Mask provides 100% blackout protection from the sun and helps you sleep on planes and in your hotel room. The mask is extremely comfortable and has an adjustable strap, so it doesn’t feel too tight or loose. You can also move the C-shaped inserts for the eye pads into the ideal position for your eyes to ensure maximum comfort.

This revolutionary mask puts no pressure on the eyelids or lashes and feels like an absolute treat. It’s one of our must-have travel accessories at an affordable price, because a good night’s sleep is worth every penny.

6. WineHero bottle protector

WineHero

Prepare for your trip to wine country or your next vacation where you can load up on duty-free liquors with a bottle protector pack from WineHero. It is an indispensable travel accessory for wine lovers and for those who spend money on duty-free shopping. Made from three-layer bubble wrap with two heavy-duty zippers, the sleeves keep bottles secure when packed in carry-on luggage.

The WineHero protective cover is suitable for wine, spirits, beer and olive oil bottles. They can be packed flat when not in use so they don’t take up much space and are a reusable and eco-friendly way to take your favorite drinks home.

We recommend that you pack bottles extra carefully and provide plenty of cushion before zipping up your carry-on and heading to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important must-have accessory?

The number one must-have accessory is the Essentials Travel Set from Blu Atlas. Order the set and add it to your toiletry bag so you have everything you need to stay clean on your next adventure. Essentials Travel Set contains daily care products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash and face cream.

What are the best travel accessories for long flights?

With the best long flight accessories, you can enjoy a long-haul flight and have a more pleasant experience. Top travel accessories like grooming essentials, earplugs, headphones, eye masks and compression pants or socks will help you get the most out of your next flight.

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I made my own bougie West Elm candle dupe – it was super easy and affordable

Jeffrey Bailey — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:56:59 +0000

HIGH-QUALITY home decor can help take your space to the next level, but it can be quite pricey.

One woman used a simple DIY hack to make her own luxury candle using budget items.

TikTok user Mariah showed her followers how she made a DIY dupe of the West Elm Wood Filled CandleCredit: TikTok/somahriah

The TikToker melted her wax over boiling water before pouring it into her wooden bowlCredit: TikTok/somahriah

In her videoMariah Somah (@somahriah) demonstrated every step of the process.

The TikToker has created a homemade version of the West Elm wood filled candle.

“I upcycled this wooden bowl into a spark plug candle that totally suits my aesthetic,” she told her followers.

Mariah shared her surprise at how “super easy and affordable” the DIY decor was to make.

She started by gathering all the necessary candle making equipment.

For her first step, Mariah melted a bag of wax in a tin over boiling water.

“After I arrange my wicks, I slowly pour the wax into my wooden bowl,” she said.

After waiting several hours for the wax to dry, Mariah cut the fuses.

“[I] just stood back to admire my work,” she said as she showed viewers the finished product.

“I don’t plan on burning this candle because it’s just for aesthetics, but I did.”

Mariah showed off the homemade West Elm candle dupe on the coffee table at her home.

“Even though it has a few imperfections, I just can’t believe I did that,” she told her audience.

What is ‘colour drenching’ and how DIY enthusiasts like to use it to make a small room look bigger with minimal effort

Mariah said her homemade candle “provided a luxurious lifestyle, but also DIY.”

Her followers shared their thoughts on the West Elm dupe in the comments section.

“Beautiful! You can get the imperfections out of the wash with a heat gun or hairdryer,” one viewer suggested.

“I love this kind of content!” wrote another impressed TikTok user.

“Come make me one,” a third person commented.

Mariah placed the wicks in the wooden bowl and waited for the wax to hardenCredit: TikTok/somahriah

The TikToker showed her followers the finished product, which she displayed on her coffee tableCredit: TikTok/somahriah

Mariah’s DIY project is an affordable dupe of the West Elm Wood Filled CandleCredit: West Elm

The post I made my own bougie West Elm candle dupe – it was super easy and affordable appeared first on USMAIL24.COM.

Amazon Fire TV Stick Owner Discovers List of the Best Affordable Streaming Apps

Jeffrey Bailey — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:22:45 +0000

AN Amazon Fire TV Stick user has expressed his surprise at a popular streaming app offering free content.

The comments were made on a Reddit forum called r/firetvstick.

Amazon Fire TV Stick users can access plenty of free legal content with the right appsCredit: Getty

This Reddit page is a place where thousands of Amazon Fire TV Stick users can discuss their gadgets and give each other advice.

“I’m setting up a firestick for a friend and having him mirror mine, but I wanted to see if there were any other good free legal apps for movies and TV that I hadn’t heard of or just forgot about.

“I posted Tubi, PlutoTV, Freevee, RokuTV, Crackle, and SlingTV (free content). What other apps do you all use?” asked Reddit user.

“Xumo and Stirr,” one Fire Stick user replied.

“Plex & Peacock have some free content too,” another noted.

“Ooh that’s right, I have plex too, but never use it. And I forgot about the free content on Peacock. Good conversation!”, the questioner replied.

There’s a catch to getting free content from Peacock without a subscription.

The streaming service used to offer a free entry-level subscription.

This affordable sweater with puffed sleeves has the chicest cut

Sabir Ansary — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:43:30 +0000

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

If you wear a lot of sweaters, you already know how they all look the same in many ways. Sure, some have contrast stitching and others have faux necklines or fun designs, but ultimately there are only so many ways you can dress up a sweater – at least that’s what we’ve come up with to this day.

The Saodimallsu sweater with puff sleeves costs just $25 at Amazon, and it has the chicest cut we’ve seen on a sweater in a long time. There’s no gimmick here, no asymmetrical hem, or anything you have to do to the sweater yourself. No, it’s just a great idea that looks super cute, and it should be on more sweaters, if you ask us. Buy this and you’re about to receive endless compliments.

Grab the Saodimallsu sweater with puff sleeves at Amazon for $25! Please note: Prices are correct at date of publication, February 28, 2024, but are subject to change.

This puffed sleeve sweater has the silhouette of the women’s school uniforms Utena’s revolutionary girl Ohtori Academy. Basically what I mean is that there’s a fun, diamond-shaped opening in the hem at the bottom of the sweater, and combined with the puff sleeves and right skirt, you’ll look like Wakaba Shinohara in no time. Or you just look like someone who knows how to style a unique sweater. After all, there aren’t many looks like this floating around like this one.

Grab the Saodimallsu sweater with puff sleeves at Amazon for $25! Please note: Prices are correct at date of publication, February 28, 2024, but are subject to change.

Combined with the unique hemline there is a V-neck and slightly ribbed stitching, although the split hem really takes the spotlight here. Moreover, it is available in four colors: beige, black, sky blue and white. Why not buy one of each color you are interested in? For $25 it’s a good investment. This is the kind of sweater you’ll wear again and again, and after all, it’s much cheaper than several other choices on Amazon’s store.

Grab the Saodimallsu sweater with puff sleeves at Amazon for $25! Please note: Prices are correct at date of publication, February 28, 2024, but are subject to change.

If you want a lightweight and unique looking sweater, you can’t miss this one. Make sure you get yours before they sell out – and cherish the last few minutes of the gray area between winter and spring a little longer by staying warm!

Not what you’re looking for? View more Saodimalsu products hereand don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Shop with us tip: Find the best gifts on Amazon, personalized based on your shopping history here!

The post This affordable sweater with puffed sleeves has the chicest cut appeared first on USMAIL24.COM.

affordable – USMAIL24.COM

Maximize your Jaipur trip with these 5 affordable travel hacks

1. Amber Fort rest in early morning

2. Explore non-touristy craft neighborhoods

3. Mehrangarh Fort Nostalgia Tour

4. Craft hubs for pottery and dolls

5. Culinary tours in the countryside via Vrindavan

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Frequently Asked Questions

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This affordable sweater with puffed sleeves has the chicest cut

affordable – USMAIL24.COM

Maximize your Jaipur trip with these 5 affordable travel hacks

1. Amber Fort rest in early morning

2. Explore non-touristy craft neighborhoods

3. Mehrangarh Fort Nostalgia Tour

4. Craft hubs for pottery and dolls

5. Culinary tours in the countryside via Vrindavan

Our affordable new homes are boarded up – the council is strangling us

Know your rights

In hospitals, affordable housing gets the long-term investment it needs

12 affordable items that the chicest people actually wear

Related: 17 cool city girl looks inspired by New York Fashion Week

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These affordable bags could easily pass for designer picks

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Best affordable handbags

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Related: Fight the frost with this chic and sleek long puffer coat

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Related: 21 fall coats and winter coats that will take your outfit to the next level

6 essential travel accessories at an affordable price

1. Blu Atlas Essentials travel set

2. Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

3. Taygeer travel backpack

4. Forge cable luggage locks

5. Manta sleeping mask

6. WineHero bottle protector

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important must-have accessory?

Thank you!

What are the best travel accessories for long flights?

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Amazon Fire TV Stick Owner Discovers List of the Best Affordable Streaming Apps

Most read in Phones and gadgets

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This affordable sweater with puffed sleeves has the chicest cut

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Related: Act fast: These luxurious-looking sweaters are all worth less than $20 today

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