8 Reasons Why Introverts Are Irresistibly Attractive

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to take away.

– Antoine de Saint-Exupery

When I was growing up, I thought there was something wrong with me.

Throughout my high-school and early college years, I found myself lacking social confidence and struggling to feel comfortable in social situations.

I had an intense fear of conflict. I was a people pleaser, perfectionist, and I always feared approaching big groups. I never rose my hand in class, and I often dealt with a paralyzing over-analysis of even the most simple social situations.

Perhaps worst of all, I couldn’t attract women to save my life.

I knew I had to discover more about myself, and find out how I could use my own strengths to my advantage.

As I developed my own style that eliminated my fears of talking to new people, I found myself able to express a new-found authenticity. I became comfortable in my own skin and was constantly learning how to improve my social skills, while at the same time using solitude to manage my energy and focus.

Here are just a few of the ideas I have learned that make introverts irresistibly attractive.

They excel at intimate connections

Introverts are very deep people. Whether it’s interactions with others, understanding the meaning of things, or learning skills, introverts want to get to the root of whatever they’re after.

That being said, they don’t often have the energy to pursue deep interactions with a large number of people. Introverts tend towards deeper interactions with a few people, as opposed to shallower interactions with a lot of people. If an introvert is interested in you, they will open their soul to you.

They will listen to you

Introverts are a type that often listen more than they speak. They crave understanding more than being understood. They want to hear others’ opinions and stories to try and piece together who they are.

Everyone wants to be heard. As attention spans shrink in our technology-centered world, introverts make people feel important when they give them their precious energy and focus in hearing what they have to say.

They are sensitive

Studies show that introverts are physically more sensitive than extroverts.

In a recent study, lemon juice was placed on the tongues of both introverts and extroverts. Introverts were found to have salivated more when subjected to the lemon juice. This study shows that introverts’ brains are more responsive to stimuli, and this greater response means that introverts are more sensitive to external events.

Introverts feel what others feel. This can range from intense feelings of guilt when they feel like they might have upset someone, to strong feelings of happiness and fulfillment when they do something positive for someone else.

They love deep conversation

Introverts would rather talk about values than the weather. They would rather talk about childhood events that shaped someone’s life as opposed to learning what someone had for dinner last night. They love to talk about things they’re passionate about, and once they start, it can be hard to get them to stop.

These kinds of deep conversations can form a strong connection between two people, and make them feel like they’ve known each other for years. Making yourself vulnerable and talking about deep topics is critical for building attraction.

They use solitude to improve themselves

It’s no surprise that introverts spend more time in solitude than extroverts. During this alone time, they aren’t just staring blankly at a wall.

They’re reading a fiction novel that excites their imagination. They’re reading “how-to” books, studying great characters in movies and TV shows, and listening to music that makes them feel a certain way. Introverts are always looking for more knowledge, more skills, and more ways to improve themselves.

They aren’t easy

One of the greatest assets of an attractive introvert is their mystery. They don’t share everything with everyone, and they like to keep it that way.

They are quiet around some, and loud around others. They keep people guessing, and can make others feel like they have earned their interest. Introverts are at peace with the fact that some people will never understand them. This lack of complete understanding can spark a curiosity that quickly builds into attraction.

They keep it real

Introverts are not usually salesmen. They’re not known for their ability to spin reality into something that sounds better than it is. What you get from an introvert is an authenticity that can be seen as refreshing and attractive.

They are better at delaying gratification

Introverts are less impulsive and spend more time thinking things through. They are more willing to make sacrifices in the short-term to achieve something greater for themselves and others in the long-run.

Introverts can be insanely attractive. It just might take some time and effort to get them to open up.

As humans we value things that are scarce. Introverts provide this scarcity in an intriguing way that creates meaningful, lasting relationships.

If you’re an introvert, you might often think that you have to have “more” in order to be attractive. You know what’s more, though? Less is more. You don’t necessarily need more stories or funny lines, you just have to learn how to unleash the skills you do have in the most powerful way.

Featured photo credit: unsplash.com via pexels.com

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Want To Travel? Don’t Forget To Download These Apps!

It’s been less than a decade since smartphones became a really massive phenomenon, and in this short time span they managed to completely change the way we do many things, travelling among them. Myriads of diverse apps exist for the sole purpose of making your trip easier, cheaper, more interesting and relaxed. So let’s take a look at some apps you certainly should download if you are going abroad.

1. Converter Plus

If you often visit foreign countries, you are probably used to encountering different currencies and units of measurement. And while currency converters are quite a usual thing, people often don’t realize that difficulties with grasping another measurement system may be equally if not more frustrating than not getting how much something costs in money you are used to. After you’ve been using feet and pounds all your life, it is very hard to understand what meters and kilos mean on intuitive level, and let’s not even start talking about differences between Celsius and Fahrenheit. Converter Plus is a handy app that does all converting you need in a matter of seconds.

2. Filterra

We all know that nothing helps remembering all the best and most exciting moments of your trip than photos you take at the spot. And if you want to make awesome photos, you need a photo editor, preferably one that will enable you to edit pictures on the go, apply different filters, use pro-level tools to improve quality and correct little details. This way you won’t have to wait until you get home to prepare the photos and share them with all your friends – and Filterra fits the bill perfectly. You can download it from the official website or visit the photo editor’s App Store page.

3. WeatherPro

This powerful app provides weather reports for more than two million locations, including all the minute details: atmospheric pressure, cloud formations, humidity level, wind speed and direction and so on. In other words, if you like to know for sure what kind of weather to expect when you get off the plane, you need WeatherPro.

4. Booking.com

Booking.com is a well-known booking and travel search site in and of itself, but its mobile apps (available for Android and iOS) further increase its usefulness. They may help you find unexpected discounts or special promotions and, on a more prosaic note, simply helps you book everything from hotels to car rentals and look for something to do when you arrive at your destination.

5. Packing Pro

Ask any person, and he will probably admit to having at least once left something essential for the trip back home and discovering it only when there was no longer any way to get back for it. Packing Pro solves this problem – just tell it where you are going, for how long and with whom, and it will immediately provide you with a suggestion of what you should take along, dividing the list into categories so that it is easier to navigate.

6. Google Field Trip

If you have trouble finding places to visit, Google Field Trip may help you. It looks for places of interest around your current locations based on the preferences you select beforehand, and alerts you when you are near something that may pique your curiosity – either by displaying cards on your smartphone or audio signals.

Smartphone apps exist to make life easier and more comfortable – and there is hardly any other time when you need all the help you can get than when you are travelling. Use these and enjoy yourself! Travel with pleasure and share this post if you find it interesting. Good luck!

Featured photo credit: Travel/Moyan Brenn via flickr.com

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8 Things I Wish I’d Known In My First Management Job

Having started out my career as a building site engineer, then a software programmer, all I really wanted was to become a manager. Managers have status. Managers get big pay packages with company cars. I took some time off, and enrolled onto an MBA. The MBA was intellectually stimulating and full of fascinating case studies about how supreme managers had steered their organisations to fabulous success. So I applied for, and got my first management job working for a large pharmaceutical company.

It was not a complete success.

Here are some of things I wish I’d known before starting that first management job.

1. Theory isn’t the same as practice

My MBA taught me a cartload of theoretical techniques for managing people, most of which turned out to be a load of rubbish when I tried to implement them! It’s one of the reasons that people with MBA’s have a bad reputation in some quarters. I think my team were really confused by all the theory I tried out on them. One or two ideas worked well, and I still use them today.

I learned to be a bit more skeptical and a bit more selective about which theories I should use, and I learned to discuss my ideas with someone else in the team before trying them out.

2. Don’t pretend to know more than you actually do

If you do this, the team will smell a rat very quickly. They will also lose any respect for what you DO know because they can never be confident that you actually know anything really. While you your bosses clearly think highly of your potential as a manager, it is unlikely that they will expect you to know everything immediately. Even if you suddenly realize several weeks into the job that you don’t understand something, don’t soldier on if help is available. Don’t feel bad about asking questions, especially at the beginning. Nothing will sound too silly, and the relief of knowing the correct answer will be enormous.

It’s a funny thing, but I learned that your team will respect you more for being human and asking for their help, than they will for lying to them about what you don’t know.

3. Delegate but don’t abdicate

Another mistake I made, was to try to do everything myself. I was used to being the expert, and found it hard to take a step back. I forgot that I was now the manager and my role was to guide the members of my team into learning how to do things themselves. I soon found myself working nights and weekends, because I didn’t empower my team and delegate work to them. But when I tried to give them chunks of work, I couldn’t understand why it didn’t get done.

I learned that delegating will give your life back, but only if you train, inform and support your team members – not just dump tasks on them. Think ‘trust but verify’.

4. Focus on the outcomes, not on the process

One reason I didn’t delegate well is that I expected everyone to do thing the way I would do them. Well they didn’t. Sometimes they did it differently, sometimes they did it better and sometimes worse. I learned to focus on the outcomes and just give support to anyone who is clearly struggling. Otherwise, leave them alone. I always hated being micro managed and, guess what, so does everyone else.

5. Think like a facilitator

Although I had an excellent team, who were well trained and experienced, I didn’t take the time to get to know everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. I forgot that my job was to facilitate them to deliver the goods according to their abilities. In these modern times, teams are increasingly made up of well-trained and experienced individuals.  As a new manager, your role is to facilitate overall goal achievement, not to tell the team how they should do every task.

6. The buck stops on your desk

When I was an expert, I always knew that my boss was there to catch any problems in the rest of team. I somehow forgot that as a manager, I now had responsibility for the whole team. If they didn’t get it right, it wasn’t just their responsibility, it was now mine too.

As a manager this means that you have to be aware of the problems, and make sure someone takes responsibility for resolving it. Ensure they have the necessary resources to resolve the problem, trust them but don’t forget to follow up. A good way to do this is to walk around your workplace and ask open questions of your team.

7. Say No sometimes

On the other hand, don’t feel you have to bend over backwards in solving everyone’s problems for them. If you do, you will soon have a desk full of ‘sick monkeys’ – problems your team has delegated to you! If you are conscientious, this will probably be difficult.

But I found that a team will learn better if they at least try and identify some possible solutions to the problem first.

8. Share your plan

I like planning. You decide on a goal and then determine a series of steps necessary to get there. My boss usually gave me my goal, but if not, I would ask him for one. If you’re familiar with project management, you’ll know that the best plans have milestones. Milestones are markers and measures of progress on your plan e.g. all outstanding customers queries now answered within 2 days, 2 new customers on board this month, team training plans agreed etc.

I actually did all this. But I forgot that my team needed to contribute to the plan and understand what their role is delivering the plan was.

I like that think I eventually got better at managing people. At least other people tell me I did! But coming from an intensely technical role, where I was the expert, it was a complete culture change to having to manage other people. By sharing the mistakes I made in my first management job, I hope to spare you the pain of making the same mistakes.

Featured photo credit: business men/Markus Spiske via imcreator.com

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46 Secret Destinations to Visit While You’re Young

When you’re young, the world still feels light-hearted and adventurous – you are not burdened by too many troubles, and you still have plenty of freedom. It’s not like your life is immediately over once you grow a bit older, get a stable job and start a family, but at that point you have other priorities, and a different plan in place. This is all quite natural, as the more you mature, the more your worldview changes, and so do the things that make you happy and motivate you to go on.

If you want to get any traveling done, it’s best to do it when you’re younger, as it will broaden your horizons, teach you tons of useful things, and you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the experience. However, what’s the use of having all that youthful energy and thirst for learning, if you’re just going to squander it on a few touristy destination, where all you’ll experience are huge crowds of people with cameras? You should be able to travel to fun new locations, and in style. There’s more to the world than the few historical sites that you read about in textbooks or most online articles, and a lot more to experience than trying to angle the shot perfectly, so that it looks like you are trying to prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

1. Nis, Serbia

The birthplace of Constantine the Great, and home to incredible historical sites that tell a tale of perseverance in a never ending fight for freedom, like the Skull Tower built by the Turks, or the three stone fists pointed at the sky at Bubanj, commemorating the deaths of thousands of Serbian civilians who were shot by German forces in WWII. The rich history, warm people and great Serbian cuisine definitely make Nis worth a visit.

2. Marsaxlokk, Malta

It is a small port, or more accurately a little village where fishing and football are the only two important topics. In the port you’ll find plenty of traditional luzzu fishing boats, with a lovely color pattern, and little farther inland a gorgeous Roman Catholic church – it evokes an image of simpler times and really makes you forget all about modern technology and your worries.

3. Neuchâtel, Switzerland 

This Swiss city , which literally translates to “Newcastle”, is a wonderful surprise for all history lovers and nerds from across the world. There are highly realistic colourful statues of mediaeval knights and numerous museums, and one of them features the Jaquet-Droz Automata, three 18^th century “robots” that each perform a specific task: playing music, drawing and writing. There is so much to see that you’ll keep running around town with a wide-eyed stare.

4. Kotor, Montenegro

This small city on the banks of Boka Kotorska, a beautiful bay in the Adriatic, has a simple charm that hasn’t changed in centuries. The narrow cobbled streets and a variety of towering stone structures, some dating back to the Roman Era and some from medieval times, create a beautiful fairy-tale atmosphere that makes you wish you could stay there forever.

5. Rovaniemi/Ranua, Finish Lapland

Lapland is supposedly the home of Santa Claus, or so the Fins like to claim, but it is definitely a magic place. It is a true winter wonderland, complete with reindeer and the breathtaking Aurora Borealis that lights up the skies. The place looks like it came of the back of a postcard, and it is fairly unsoiled by thousands of loud tourists, making it an ideal place to spend Christmas.

6. Buurtboerderij Ons Genoegen in Amsterdam, Netherlands

While it’s not exactly much of a secret itself, the city of Amsterdam actually hides plenty of interesting secrets within that few people get to see. Apart from all the weed and the famous Red Light District, there is a lot to see and do, from hot air balloons and paintball, to actually hiring a boat for a private cruise down the canals. Oh, and there’s Buurtboerderij Ons Genoegen, the green pastures where music festivals are held regularly, and where you can score some free stuff at the so-called giveaway store.

7. Visby in Gotland, Sweden

This island is located almost dead bang in the center of the Baltic Sea, and despite the cold weather this fun little place is sure to warm your heart up. The town dating back to the Middle Ages is complete with a high wall and tower, a beautiful UNESCO protected fortification, and there are tons of fun things to do. The cuisine takes some time to get used to, but it can be quite delicious.

8. Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Here you’ll find Islamic architecture at its finest, but with influences from multiple sources, as Samarkand was a big cultural crossroads. The Registan alone is worth the trip, but the entire place just seems dreamy, like a scene from Aladdin.

9. Trier, Germany

Another magnificent European city with a castle worthy of the best epic fantasy novels, Trier really has a lot going for it. It boasts Roman Ruins, exquisite Gothic architecture and that classic Germanic atmosphere. The city is over 2000 years old, and played a big role in shaping European history over the ages.

10. Midtown East’s Greenacre Park in New York, USA

NYC may be world-renowned, but the tourists usually barely get to scratch its intriguing surface before moving on. When people think of Midtown they are usually thinking of Times Square, or the once infamous Hell’s Kitchen, which is now more about good food and shopping than gangsters fighting their way to the top, but there’s also the lovely little Greenacre Park, complete with a waterfall and greenery to help you take a second to relax.

11. Ptuj, Slovenia

Slovenia might be a small country, but it has plenty of interesting sites that are worthy of your attention. While most tourists flock to Ljubljana, the city of Ptuj is a bit more interesting. They have a pagan festival in the spring than lasts for ten whole days, and the houses and churches give kind of remind you of a perfect little model town within a snow globe.

12. Garajonay National Park, Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are remarkably not named after the bird, but rather after the Latin word for dog, because ancient writers thought were abundant there, though they may just have been seals. Whatever the case, they are absolutely wonderful, and you can get a full taste of their natural gifts in Garajonay National Park. All it takes is one day to lure you into this magical world that you’ll wish to stay and explore it for weeks.

13. The Black Desert, Egypt

An alien-looking world where black pyramidal mounds rise from the yellow sands roughly 30 miles from Bawiti. Interestingly there is a white desert nearby, so if you have a very productive day, you can experience a wide range of strange looking deserts, and get a glimpse of what it’s like to travel the galaxy and visit new planets.

14. Derinkuyu, Turkey – underground settlements

Cappadocia is a region of Turkey that a lot of you have probably heard of, with its unique rock formations and houses carved in them. However, there is an entire 5000 year old city underground. Derinkuyu has a network of tunnels connecting multiple underground city, and features 11 underground levels, and hundreds of entrances at ground level. A veritable ant farm of a city.

15. Tanjung Putting National Park, Indonesia

Indonesia has an incredibly lush and well preserved flora and fauna, but the Tanjung Putting National Park really stands out. It is home to a large number of intelligent and mischievous orangutan, but it also incorporates many different habitats with a diverse flora and fauna. You will simply lose yourself and reconnect with nature.

16. Bologna, Italy

Yes, the processed meat that we all know and love came from here, and so did your favorite pasta sauce, but there are tons of other delicacies to try out here as well. It is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and with large piazzas and majestic early medieval and renaissance buildings, it rivals any of the more frequently visited Italian cities.

17. Badija Island, Croatia

Right next to Slovenia you’ll find a country splashed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia. There are many popular locations, but Badija Island is a little bit off the radar. It is green, serene and the waters are clear, the stone buildings beguiling and the hills great for some hiking. A true paradise that is tucked away and quiet.

18. Yekaterinburg, Russia

From the crazy colorful salt mine, which looks like someone hit a lot of acid and went to town on the walls with several cans of spray paint, to the huge Yekaterinburg Circus that seats well over two thousand spectators, this place really has it all. It is also the birthplace of Ural Rock – yeah, that’s a real thing, look it up – and has many historical curiosities for you to explore.

19. Khimsar Dunes Village, India

Another wondrous oasis settlement, the Kimsar Dunes Village emerges from the sand to reveal a small body of water surrounded by palm trees and a number of charming hut-like buildings. The accommodations are nicely furnished, and in stark contrast to the modest outer appearance. It kind of reminds me of Tatooine, so you could grab a light saber, put on your Jedi robes and have a blast.

20. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Greenland is never on top of anyone’s bucket list, but despite it being far north, blasted by arctic winds, there are parts with lush greenery, as the name suggests. In this town you can visit Northeast Greenland National Park, or see some exceptional fjords – they actually have the longest one on the planet. If you’re up for a trip to a frozen kingdom, this is the place for you.

21. Baikonur Space Complex, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan might have been the bud of more than a few jokes because of Borat, but the country is actually up to any modern standard, and it even has something that few other nations can boast – a cosmodrome. They have opened the Baikonur Space Complex to the general public in hopes of boosting tourism, so get a ticket and head on down to watch some spaceships take to the skies.

22. Bruge, Belgium

A quiet and incredibly lovely town, Bruges features excellent examples of classic 17th Dutch architecture, with a number of such buildings now housing fine dining establishments. It also has a number of canals that just add to the charm, and is home to Michelangelo’s sculpture Madonna and Child, which is incredibly significant as it was the only one of the artist’s sculptures that stood outside the borders of his native Italy while he was still alive.

23. La Boca in Buenos Aires, Argentina

If you are a happy person who enjoys vibrant colors, music, and a bit of an exotic flair, then there is no better place for you than the La Boca district in Buenos Aires. Argentina is renowned for its tango and the fiery Latino spirit, but you’ll also find some of the famous Italian passion among the colorful houses of La Boca, as its first inhabitants came mostly from Genoa.

24. Menara Gardens in Marrakesh, Morocco

Dating back all the way to the 12^th century, these gardens of olive and different fruit trees are a magnificent sight to behold under the hot Moroccan sun. The Pavilion was built a few centuries later, and was renovated in the 19^th century. You can get camel rides, do a bit of shopping and experience the warm Islamic hospitality in the city of Marrakesh.

25. Hunter Region north of Sydney, Australia

Sydney is another well know city, but those who have had their fill of the usual sites like the Sydney Opera House, can explore the rural side of Australian life, by taking a tour of the vineyards in the Hunter Region. There is lots of fine vine to be had, and there is something incredibly romantic about vineyards, so it’s best to bring a special someone along for the journey.

26. Tashirojima “Cat Island”, Japan

You’d think there was some kind of play on words here or cute little story that earned the island its nickname, but it’s actually just what it sounds like – an island overrun with cats. It has more cats than people now, and it all began because the villagers were really fond of the little felines and simply let them be. There are thousands of the feral fur balls there, and there are no dogs allowed, so if you’re not a cat person, you are out of luck.

27. Temple of All Religions in Kazan, Russia

A project worthy of praise the Temple of All Religions stands proudly in Kazan. Ildar Khanov’s vision was to create a huge complex where a number of influence form different religions would all be combined to create the ultimate place of worship. It is a symbol of unity and peace among those with different worldviews, and it actually looks very nice for such a mishmash of influences.

28. Foshan, China

Foshan is a wonderful city, the name translates to Buddha Hill, which won’t really surprise you once you see the huge statue of the bodhisattva Guan Yin gazing upon the citizens from the hilltop. The city also has connections with the Wing Chun style of Kung Fu, since it was the home of grandmaster Yip Man, who helped spread it throughout China and the rest of the world.

29. Ulan Bator, Mongolia

The Mongolian Empire was once the largest empire on the face of the Earth, and its size is unmatched to this day. The name of the capital means Red Hero, and it boasts a number of monasteries and museums that hold treasures form the countries illustrious past. The Winter Palace, once home to Bogd Khan, is definitely worth a visit.

30. Saksaywaman near Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu is the place most visit in Peru, but there is a huge archaeological park near the city of Cusco that doesn’t see as many tourists, but has a lot more to offer. There are over 200 individual sites, surrounded by long wall formations. It’s weird to think that such an impressive architectural marvel dates back all the way to the Incas, and it gives you a newfound respect for this ancient civilization.

31. Amiens, France

Amiens is one of those cities that looks like it was drawn to represent a lovely city from a couple of centuries back. The Cathedrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens is a colossal building that stands as the testament to the talent and skills of Gothic architects – even the audio guide is an hour long, and you’ll need several visits to really drink everything in. There is also a miniature model of France, complete with tiny Eiffel Tower, which can give you a good idea of where to go next.

32. Huacachina, Peru

In the middle of the sandy dessert, there is a little oasis that looks like something straight out of a cartoon – a veritable heaven on earth. Green trees, a small lake and hospitable people really make it a hidden treasure. If you are visiting Peru, this small town should definitely be on your list, as it is off the beaten path and quite the experience.

33. Hallstatt, Austria

A famous salt producer ever since the early Iron Age, this city has been quite rich throughout its history, which means that there are tons of well-preserved sites and curiosities that will tickle your imagination. Unsurprisingly, you can tour the oldest salt mine in existence, but the best thing about it is that is a small village with tons of old world charm and some of the best people you’ll meet in all of Austria. Nestled between mountains and the sea, it is a breathtaking site.

34. Luxemburg City, Luxemburg

A tiny country that a lot of foreigners don’t know about, Luxemburg is a place with a rich history and incredible architecture. With stone fortifications from centuries long past, to the lovely old town with its Germanic aesthetic, the whole place feels like an enchanted ancient land got transported to modern times. Things might get a little expensive though, as they are high up on the list of the countries with the highest quality of life.

35. Hotel Viru in Talin, Estonia

Estonia was one of those smaller countries that the Russians took under their wing, which meant a hefty dose of KGB surveillance. Hotel Viru had an actual secret floor where the agents were stationed and every room was rife with surveillance equipment. It is now a KGB museum, and is a great place to visit if you want to find out more about the nature of the world’s clandestine operations during the Cold War era.

36. Tsodilo, Botswana

Beautiful rock formations, the likes of which you’ll find in very few places, feature prehistoric wall art, the work of the earliest human artists. It is quite the mystery how these paintings have managed to survive for thousands upon thousands of years, and there is a feeling of awe and respect that you get when staring far back into the past.

37. Olomouc, Czech Republic

Everyone and their grandmother will rave about visiting Prague on their trip to Europe, but the city is simply brimming with tourists, and you’ll have trouble spotting an actual Czech in the streets. If you are looking for something different than Olomouc, with its Holy Trinity Column, gold studded carriages at the Museum of Art and their own unique astronomical clock, is a great place to visit.

38. Morskie Oko in Tatra National Park, Poland

The name means The Eye of the Sea, and it’s easy to see why. The emerald mountains gently slope downwards, revealing a clear blue lake, like a big eye staring into the skies. It is the largest lake in the Tatra National Park, and you can explore its depths, or just have some fun in the shallows, while taking in the wonders of this serene slice of heaven.

39. Holland Park in London, England

London is quite a well-known destination, but just like all big and famous cities, people tend miss a lot of the cooler stuff. If you want to get away from the usual tourist stuff, or have become bored with it, just head on to the Royal Borough and visit the magnificent Holland Park. There are numerous gardens and lots of little critters running around, and I highly recommend the Kyoto Garden to all the fans of Eastern culture.

40. Copenhagen, Denmark

On the surface Copenhagen may look a bit like any other large European city, with its unique blend of history and modern convenience, but it is a lot more free-spirited than most of its counterparts. Just take a long stroll down Freetown Christiania, a large semi-lawless commune favored by artists, cannabis enthusiasts and those with someone shadier job-descriptions alike, and you’ll get quite the different experience. As long as you follow the rules, leave your ego at home and mind your manners, you can have a great time.

41. Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Lulled within the tall mountains of Slovenia sits the Triglav National Park, where you will find lush flora and fauna. There are ample opportunities for biking and water sports, but it’s worth mentioning that there is very little in the way of infrastructure, because the Slovenians want to keep the nature untouched. It is the perfect getaway for nature lovers.

42. Green Lakes in Vilnius, Lithuania

Deep within the Nature park of Verkiai, a place that very few tourist who pass through Lithuania visit, and the rest of the world knows little about, lie the Green Lakes. Coming here is an excellent way to forget all your worldly troubles and let your soul refresh. You can swim and enjoy the untamed nature, and the best time to visit is in spring, when everything is vibrant and alive.

43. Vylkovo, Ukraine – Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, quiet atmosphere

Often called the Venice of Ukrain, this city sits next to the Danube River, and has a number of canals running through it. You’ll find some beautiful examples of Orthodox Christian architecture, and can enjoy some quite time fishing. With a population of about 10.000, this sleepy little town will allow you to experience the warm Ukranian hospitality and explore the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve.

44. Playa de los Cristales in Antromero, Spain

What happens when people litter and throw glass bottles on the beach? It usually leads to a mess, but nature has sorted things out in Playa de los Cristales, literally “The Crystal Beach”, as the waves have rounded and shaped the multi-colored glass shards into lovely pebbles that shine brightly in the sun. It is otherworldly and a sight that you can’t afford to miss.

45. Reykyavik, Iceland

In the poetically nicknamed “Land of Fire and Ice”, Iceland has plenty to offer, and its capital is sure to leave a strong impression. We can start with the incredibly happy and lovely people, mention the famous Penis Museum and the many thermal spas, and end the sales pitch with the incredible Winter Lights festival held every year. It’s a small nation, but a great country, and Reykyavik has a little something for everyone.

46. Hainan Island, China

The Hainan Island is more like your typical tropical getaway, than something you’d expect when you heard someone was going to China. The temperatures are nice and warm year round, and this combined with the soft white sands, tasty food and a relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal place for couples.

These have been just some of the hidden gems that you can find around the world if you have the desire to look around a bit more, so get out there try some of them out or find a unique getaway of your own that’s off the beaten path.

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5 Tools We Always Use Which Actually Make Us Unproductive

It’s 2015, and technology has come far enough that we human beings are being more productive than ever!

Well, at least, we wish we were.

Some of the very same technologies that were invented to make us more productive are, as it turns out, actually making us less productive. Is it the reliance on technology? Is it that we cannot be invested in things we barely are able to take part in? Research into the various tools and software that we use to stay productive doesn’t give a single, clear answer, but it does offer some insight into what tools are making us less productive. Take a look at these five:

1. Calendar Software

Let’s take calendar software as an example. Sure, it helps keep things nice and orderly. You have the ability to collaborate with others, share it and it will be there on any technological device you have on hand (for the most part). However, there’s a double-edged sword.

Calendars that are built to be shared or on a platform of some kind run the risk of drawing you in to check your invites for ten minutes, or adjusting the tag colors of the meetings, or even run the risk of someone else cancelling and rescheduling an event. Now you have to go and chase down everything once more and then enter it in once again to your specifications. Kelly James-Enger, author of “Six-Figure Freelancing” swears by writing down appointments and notes by hand on old-fashioned calendars to save time and stay productive

While calendar and scheduling software do allow for keeping us informed on the go, they also come with the downside of distracting us more than they actually keep us in order – ironic? Not really. Our modern minds do love to wander when it comes to menial tasks and scheduling an appointment isn’t a far stretch beyond the definition of menial.

2. Messengers and communication software

Instant messaging has made things a lot more, well, instant. That means things are super-efficient and fast now, correct? Well, to some degree, sure. However, instant messengers between students or in a workplace have been shown to take the focus off of the actual point of quick communication and inspire a lot more procrastination and gossiping. Quite a few big companies have taken to implement chat software and communication methods that cut down on employees being tempted to look away from their work and chat on how cute the new employee is or commiserate about the boss (a few of you have done it, admit it). In short, instant-messengers have a lot of great uses – they just come at the cost of making us less productive. Sound familiar?

3. Powerpoint

A beloved aid to teacher and student alike, as well as in the corporate world, Powerpoint has proven to be very popular. Popular though it may be, studies have shown that Powerpoint is greatly reducing the amount of productivity, learning and involvement that comes from the people using it. It might be a bit sardonic, but staring blankly at a white sheet with bullet points on it never did feel very productive. That aside, teachers and students still swear by this tool, but those studies have pretty much shown that a big percentage of those lovingly clinging to Powerpoint are probably doing so because of how little effort it invokes in them.

4. Smartphones

That crotchety old man who you see in TV shows that is always yelling about how things were better in his day, and us whipper-snappers were having our brains turned to mush by all of the modern technology we now rely on? Yeah, he’s still someone you should probably ignore, but the problem with smartphones is that they’re working much more smartly than we are.

“But I can do so much more work now!” you might protest, “I’ve never been as organized and productive as I am with my smartphone!”. OK, great. That neat little device does carry a lot of things to make us more productive. You know what else it carries? Games, Netflix, text-messaging and plenty of other wonders that are making humans even less productive with them than without. It is in the eye of the user, of course, but studies have shown that smartphone owners tend to waste a significant amount of time getting nothing done while others are being more productive with less.

5. Management software

A few business owners out there just shuddered. Management software is typically a big suite of software that companies bring in to address all of their needs: it has a database, a calendar (oh no), the ability to send out email blasts, and it almost never ends up being a perfect fit. The scenario goes: you find the right suite, buy it, spend the time and money getting it implemented, your workers trained, and dollar signs dance in the distance. However, then employees start tweaking it to better suit their needs, or the patch update messed things up, or so on and so forth.

Many who have gone through this process can attest to how much time was wasted repeatedly trying to get the software to work for everyone, or sometimes at all. A one-size-fits-all solution for a business or individual is a dream come true, but it typically remains a distant dream while we become more and more unproductive trying to work around what is meant to be making us lightning efficient. Poetic irony, I suppose.

When it comes down to it, many of the tools we use to be productive today are a double-edged sword. The laptop I am typing this on now has a bunch of games calling my name, and it is almost comical how potent the sting is. Remember: staying productive is in your hands, and there are always workarounds and ways to adjust your attitude, environment and tools to better help you remain productive.

Featured photo credit: giuseppemilo via flickr.com

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7 Amazing Coloring Books For Adults You Should Buy Right Now

Get those pens, markers, and colored pencils ready! And if you don’t have any, go right out and get some. The adult coloring book craze is here, and you will definitely want in on it. Remember how you felt when coloring as a child? It was calming; it allowed you to experiment with colors and color combinations. As an adult, you can now do the same.

When you are stressed over an intense project. When you are in the midst of a boring project and need a break. When you need to calm yourself to get ready for bed. When you just need a quiet diversion, your coloring book is there. It’s great therapy, it’s fun, and it gets your creative juices going.

There are several adult coloring books that have hit Amazon’s top 20 list. One publisher, in fact, has sold over 3 million since the beginning of 2015. Here are 7 of the most creative coloring books for adults, so sharpen those colored pencils!

1. ColoringNotebook

ColoringNotebook is the “new kid on the block” in the world of adult coloring books. It is a new startup now taking pre-orders for hand-sewn, made-to-order notebooks with incredible coloring pages inside. The hardback cover is made from Japanese paper and covered in soft leather and you can choose blank, doted or lined paper for jotting notes.

The coloring pages have been designed by graphic artists from all over the world and include animals, mandala, abstracts and patterns, as shown above. This happy combo of a coloring book and notebook will bring you hours of fun and mental relaxation!

Pre-order price: $19.95

Regular price: $25.95

2. Yellow Bird Indie Rock Coloring Book

If you haven’t visited the Yellow Bird website you should. The site is dedicated to supporting indie rock musicians – individuals and bands – primarily by T-shirt sales advertising the musicians and designed by great illustrators. Now, Yellow Bird has created both a coloring book and a coloring poster book, featuring some of the great designs from its illustrators. The poster book is unique, in that each poster is removable for framing (or not).  If you are into indie rock and/or music in general, you will love these designs and have great fun adding your personal touch by selecting your own palette of colors for each design.

The story of Yellow Bird is inspiring in itself. Two college grads decided to set up a site to promote indie rock musicians and to support an array of charities at the same time. As the illustrators design the T-shirts, and now the coloring and poster books, the sales support both the site owners and the musicians. As well, each sale results in a donation to a charity of the musician’s choice.

Indie Rock Coloring Book: 32 pages – $10.00

Indie Rock Poster Coloring Book: 30 removable posters – $25.00

3. Outside the Lines Coloring Book

Here are 256 pages of illustrations by true contemporary masters of cartooning, graphics, music, photography, street artistry, and animation. Assembled by author Souris Hony-Porretta, a blogger about arts and culture, Outside the Lines coloring book holds 256 pages of just phenomenal pictures, patterns, designs, cartoon characters, and more that will inspire your creative juices as you select just the right colors.

What a great book to keep at the office, just for those times when you need a break from a really intense or boring project, or when everything is just “getting to you.” Or what a great way to “wind down” in the evening before going to bed. There is a lot to be said for art therapy for kids. Now you have your own art therapy without the cost of a therapist.

Amazon Price $12.40

4. The Sneaker Coloring Book

Have you ever shopped for tennis shoes and just not found what you wanted? Have you ever just wished you could design your own tennis shoe? Well, here’s the next best thing! The Sneaker Coloring Book has100 pages of every style and type of tennis shoe from every major manufacturer since 1916 – all ready for you to color, customize and design.

And who knows? If you come up with something really cool, you could even submit it to a manufacturer for consideration. Each shoe is on its own page, with a side view, for full design. Let the unrequited designer and artist in you shine with this 216-page book.

Retailer price: $19.95

5. The Art of Nature Coloring Book

Contemporary interior design is now re-inventing the look of nature, both in color schemes and in wall décor. Perhaps inspired by a growing concern for our environment people value scenes from nature, in both traditional form (scenery and still life floral designs), photography, and in newer more contemporary depictions of both land and water animal life. This has perhaps inspired Adams Media to create The Art of Nature coloring book of 60 illustrations for the adult artist in you.

Each can be hued according to their color suggestions or according to your own creative flair. Several of them together would make a great wall grouping – they are simple, natural, and certainly versatile, just like nature. One of the best examples of the illustrations can be found on the book cover itself (shown above). Wonderful detail!

Retailer price: $11.45

6. Big Fashion Book

Minjee Kang is a South Korean fashion designer who has published several books of inspiring fashion designs. If you have always been passionate about fashion and like the idea of creating your own color palettes for clothing, accessories, make-up, and so forth, Big Fashion Book is a must for you! Pages and pages for coloring, and who knows? You might just be inspired to create some of your own design. You know the fashionista in you is dying to get your hands on this great adult coloring book!

Retailer price: $16.00.

7. Thrill Murray

Who doesn’t love Bill Murray? What an actor/comedian legend! Some of the greatest comedies of all times (Groundhog Day, Caddyshack, Lost in Translation, Life Aquatic). Thrill Murray is a stunning coloring book for yourself and as gifts for all of your Bill Murray fan friends. Over 20 illustrators collaborated to create these 20 illustrations of Murray straight from the movies for which he is most known.

If you don’t feel too creative, that’s okay too. As you can see by a sample page from the book – one half is colored by the illustrators, the other half in black and white for you to color. You can either copy the colored image or get creative and turn Bill Murray into what you want him to be!

Retailer price: £5 (aprox. $7.68)

Amazon price: $12.89

Featured photo credit: Marianna Spiritakis via flickr.com

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