Book a Private Helicopter Tour Over Los Angeles

A private helicopter tour is one of the most memorable ways to experience Los Angeles. Instead of spending hours moving between neighborhoods by car, you’ll see many of the city’s best-known landmarks from above. Depending on the route you choose, flights often pass over the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, and sections of the Pacific coastline.

Several companies offer private departures with different flight lengths and sightseeing routes. Sunset flights are especially popular because they combine daytime views with the city lights beginning to appear. Since availability is limited during weekends and busy travel periods, it’s a good idea to reserve your preferred date well in advance.

This experience is ideal for couples celebrating an anniversary, visitors planning a proposal, or anyone wanting a unique introduction to Los Angeles. Travelers who prefer to stay on the ground may find one of the city’s private driving tours or luxury sightseeing experiences a better fit.

Reserve a Chef’s Tasting Menu at Providence

Providence has established itself as one of Los Angeles’ leading fine dining destinations, attracting guests who want a carefully prepared tasting menu built around seasonal seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Every course is designed to build on the last, creating a dining experience that unfolds over the course of the evening rather than a traditional meal.

Reservations are often released well in advance and can fill quickly, particularly for weekend evenings and special occasions. Guests should review the restaurant’s dress expectations, cancellation policy, and dietary accommodation options before confirming their booking, as tasting menus are carefully planned around seasonal availability.

Providence is an excellent choice for anniversaries, birthdays, and travelers who enjoy destination dining. Those looking for a quicker or more casual meal may prefer exploring the restaurants in West Hollywood or Downtown Los Angeles instead, where there are plenty of excellent options with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Explore Los Angeles with a Private Guided Tour

A private guided tour allows you to see Los Angeles at your own pace without following the schedule of a larger group. Many operators offer customized itineraries based on your interests, whether that means architecture, film history, luxury shopping, or neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and the Hollywood Hills.

Private guides can adjust the day’s route as you go, giving you more flexibility than a standard sightseeing tour. This makes it easier to spend extra time at places that interest you while skipping locations that don’t fit your plans. Booking ahead is recommended, especially if you’re visiting during peak travel periods or want a guide with specialist knowledge.

This experience suits first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to Los Angeles as well as returning travelers looking to discover parts of the city they haven’t explored before. It’s also a practical choice for families or small groups who prefer a personalized itinerary over a fixed schedule. Visitors planning an adults-only luxury getaway sometimes research female escorts in LA alongside private tours, fine dining, and premium entertainment options to build a personalised itinerary that matches their interests and schedule.

Charter a Private Yacht from Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey offers one of the easiest ways to enjoy Southern California from the water. Private yacht charters allow guests to leave the busy streets behind and spend several hours cruising along the coastline while taking in views of Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. Many charter companies also offer customized itineraries for birthdays, proposals, family gatherings, or corporate celebrations.

Depending on the operator, your booking may include a captain and crew, onboard refreshments, and the option to arrange catering before departure. Some charters also allow additional experiences such as paddleboarding or swimming when weather conditions permit. Before booking, check what is included in your package, how many guests the vessel accommodates, and whether any weather-related policies apply.

Stay at The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel has been welcoming guests for more than a century and remains one of Los Angeles’ best-known luxury destinations. Its signature pink exterior, palm-lined grounds, and private bungalows have made it a favorite for travelers looking for a quieter stay while still being close to Rodeo Drive, Sunset Boulevard, and many of the city’s best restaurants.

Guests can spend the day relaxing by the pool, booking treatments at the spa, or dining at the Polo Lounge, which has become a destination in its own right. The hotel’s bungalows offer additional privacy for visitors who prefer more space away from the main building. If you’re planning to stay during awards season or other major events, reserve your room well ahead of time, as availability becomes limited throughout the year.

Enjoy a Private Wine Tasting in Malibu

Malibu is often associated with its beaches, but the surrounding hills are also home to several wineries offering private tastings in peaceful settings away from the city’s busiest neighborhoods. Many vineyards welcome small groups with guided tastings that introduce local wines while overlooking rolling hills and coastal scenery.

Experiences vary between wineries, so it’s worth reviewing what each visit includes before booking. Some focus solely on wine, while others combine tastings with food pairings, vineyard tours, or outdoor seating where guests can enjoy the landscape at their own pace. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends when tasting sessions often reach capacity.

A private wine tasting is a good option for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to spend a slower afternoon outside central Los Angeles. Visitors with limited time can also combine Malibu with nearby attractions, including the Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Pier, for a full-day itinerary.

Spend the Day at a Luxury Spa in West Hollywood

A spa day offers a welcome break from sightseeing and provides a different way to experience Los Angeles. Many luxury hotels and independent wellness centers in West Hollywood feature treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, steam rooms, and outdoor spaces designed for guests who want to unwind between busy days exploring the city.

Most spas recommend arriving early to make full use of their facilities before your scheduled treatment. Some also offer access to fitness centers, rooftop pools, or wellness classes, allowing visitors to turn a single appointment into a full afternoon of relaxation. Checking the spa’s policies before booking can help you choose the experience that best matches your schedule.

This experience is particularly well-suited to travelers celebrating a special occasion or anyone looking to balance a busy itinerary with some downtime. If your trip already includes long days of walking or sightseeing, a spa visit can be a welcome addition before continuing your stay.

Plan Your Luxury Los Angeles Experience

Los Angeles offers a wide range of luxury experiences, and the best choice depends on how you want to spend your time. Some visitors prefer unforgettable views from the air, while others are drawn to award-winning restaurants, private yacht charters, or relaxing stays at some of the city’s best-known hotels. Planning your itinerary around your interests will help you make the most of your visit without feeling rushed.

Many of these experiences have limited availability, particularly during weekends and major events, so it’s worth making reservations before you arrive. With a little planning, you can build an itinerary that shows a different side of Los Angeles and creates lasting memories long after your trip has ended.

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Crypto isn’t just for trading anymore—it’s becoming a practical way to shop, especially for fashion.

Whether you’re picking up sneakers, everyday basics, or even designer pieces, digital currencies are making the process faster, easier, and surprisingly fun. And with the option to do online shopping with crypto, you can unlock access to your favorite clothing retailers and spend digital money just like cash.

Let’s take a closer look at how digital currencies and fashion are coming together in 2025.

Fashion Retailers That Accept Crypto-Paid Gift Cards

Thanks to crypto-powered gift card platforms, shopping with digital currencies is now possible at a wide range of fashion retailers.

You can buy gift cards with Bitcoin and use them at major international brands like:

• H&M: Great for affordable, trend-driven fashion;
• Zara: Stylish pieces with a European edge;
• Nike & Adidas: Go-to destinations for athletic and lifestyle wear;
• ASOS: A favorite for global shipping and diverse fashion lines;
• Gucci & Balenciaga: High-end fashion for those looking to invest in iconic luxury pieces.

Using crypto-paid gift cards gives you access to the same collections and offers as everyone else—no need to worry if a store directly accepts crypto. You simply redeem the gift card at checkout and enjoy your purchase.

How to Use Bitcoin or Solana for Clothing and Accessories

The process is simple and accessible, even if you’re new to using crypto for purchases:

• Choose a platform where you can buy gift cards with Bitcoin or other coins, like Solana;

• Select the fashion retailer you want to shop at;

• Pick your gift card amount and pay using your preferred cryptocurrency;

• Receive the digital gift card code—often instantly;

• Use it online or in-store, depending on the retailer’s options.

Solana, in particular, is becoming popular due to its low transaction fees and fast processing.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or sending a fashion gift to a friend, this method is quick, private, and reliable.

Trending Fashion Categories You Can Buy with Crypto

With your crypto gift cards ready, you’ll have no problem finding something that fits your taste. Some of the most popular categories you can shop with digital currencies include:

Streetwear

Urban fashion continues to dominate the scene. Brands like Vans, Champion, and New Era are just a few options accessible through gift cards.

Everyday Essentials

From basics like tees and jeans to jackets and shoes, mainstream retailers offer quality staples for every wardrobe.

Sustainable Fashion

More brands are focusing on eco-friendly materials and ethical production. Some even use blockchain to verify sustainability claims.

Accessories

Crypto gift cards can be used for everything, from sneakers and bags to watches and sunglasses—small details that make a big impact.

Combining Gift Cards with Promo Codes for Bigger Savings

One of the best tips for crypto shoppers? Stack your savings.

Once you start doing online shopping with crypto, you can still apply discount codes, loyalty points, or seasonal offers at checkout. That means you’re getting more value out of every Satoshi.

Some retailers also offer special gift card discounts during holidays or sales events. If you’re patient and keep an eye on offers, you can time your purchases for maximum savings.

Sustainable Fashion and Crypto: A Smart Match?

It might not seem obvious at first, but digital currencies and sustainable fashion share common goals—transparency, innovation, and reducing unnecessary waste.

Blockchain technology is already being used to track the life cycle of clothing, from raw materials to the final product. This gives buyers more confidence in where their clothes come from.

On the consumer side, using crypto gift cards for shopping means fewer traditional payment intermediaries and less paper waste. It’s a small change that fits well with a larger, sustainable lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Digital currencies and fashion are moving in the same direction—toward speed, convenience, and greater flexibility.

The ability to do online shopping with crypto has made shopping with crypto more accessible than ever, opening up the fashion world to anyone holding digital coins.

Whether you’re updating your look, hunting for deals, or supporting sustainable brands, crypto gives you more control over how you shop. So, if your wardrobe’s ready for a refresh, maybe your payment method should be too.

The post Crypto Meets Fashion: How to Shop for Clothes with Digital Currencies appeared first on 12thBLOG.

Developing a Strong Vision and Strategy

The foundation of any successful business begins with a clear and compelling vision. A strong vision serves as the guiding light for the company’s strategy and day-to-day operations. Calkins had a distinct vision for Appian—to create a unique, low-code platform that simplifies the software development process. This vision allowed Appian to differentiate itself from competitors and cement its position in the market.

Creating and implementing an effective strategy is crucial to achieving your company’s objectives. A well-thought-out strategy sets the roadmap for how your business will leverage its resources, including time, money, and talent, to accomplish its goals. In the case of Appian, Matt Calkins chose to focus on specific industries, ensuring the platform was tailored to meet the unique needs of targeted sectors. This targeted approach allowed Appian to quickly build a strong customer base and generate significant revenue.

When developing your vision and strategy, make sure it’s flexible and adaptable to change. As your business grows, you may encounter unexpected challenges that require you to pivot or reassess your strategy. Like Calkins, be prepared to make changes as needed, while staying true to the overall vision for your business.

Utilize Unique Marketing Techniques

Growing any business, regardless of its size, is a challenging task. It requires constant effort, strategic planning, and innovative thinking to maintain a steady growth rate. Another excellent method for growing your business like Matt’s is to utilize unique marketing techniques such as event photography.

Event photography is a fantastic way to drive traffic to your business by creating buzz and excitement around your brand. By capturing the essence of your corporate events or trade shows through photography, you can showcase your products and services in a creative and engaging way. This approach can help you to build a loyal customer base who will associate your brand with positive experiences and memories.

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become essential tools for business growth. Event photography can create stunning content for your social media profiles and help you reach a wider audience. By utilizing unique marketing techniques like event photography, you can set yourself apart from your competitors and create a strong brand presence online.

Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

A company is only as strong as its people, and attracting top talent is vital to the success of your business. Calkins understood the value of hiring the best possible employees and created a company culture that attracted and retained high-performing team members. To do this, offer competitive salaries, benefits, and a positive work environment that promotes growth and development.

Another essential component of talent management is recognizing and fostering the growth of your employees. Encourage them to take on new responsibilities and provide opportunities for them to expand their skill sets. Create an environment that supports learning, collaboration, and innovation, as these factors will contribute to the ongoing success of your company.

Matt understood the importance of having a strong team in place to drive the continued growth of Appian. By prioritizing talent management, you can significantly improve the likelihood of your venture’s success.

Offering Exceptional Customer Experiences

Regardless of the industry you operate in, providing outstanding customer experiences is a critical element of success. For Appian, this meant creating a product that not only delivered what customers needed but also exceeded their expectations. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences helped build a loyal customer base, further reinforcing its market position.

To achieve this level of customer satisfaction, develop a deep understanding of your customers’ needs and expectations. Stay attuned to changes in the market and the evolving preferences of your target audience. Regularly solicit feedback, both positive and negative, and use it to refine your approach and enhance your customers’ experiences. Additionally, consider offering dedicated customer support and resources to help users get the most out of your products or services.

By focusing on delivering exceptional experiences, you can differentiate yourself from the competition, build customer loyalty, and foster long-term growth.

Altogether, by focusing on these areas—developing a strong vision and strategy, utilizing unique marketing techniques, attracting and retaining top talent, and offering exceptional customer experiences—you can put your business on a trajectory toward significant growth, much like Calkins did with Appian Corporation.

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1. Opera House in Harbin
This stunning opera house was built in the city of Harbin, famous for its winter festivals. This place actually used to be a swamp near the Sungari river, so now the Opera house organically fits into the surrounding landscape thanks to its winding and smooth lines.

2. The Shanghai Tower
The Shanghai Tower is a truly majestic 632 meter-tall skyscraper, with the total area of 380,000 m². Inside you’ll find offices of various companies, entertainment and shopping centers, hotels, fitness studios, hairdressers, laundries, shops and pretty much everything else you may need.

3. Museum of the Revolution in Wuhan
Wuhan is the largest city in the central part of China in terms of population. It is famous for its history, which was reflected in this magnificent museum center, built in 2011. You can probably tell that it attracts visitors not only with interesting exhibitions, but also with incredible design. It’s like something straight out of anime.

4. Galaxy SOHO complex in Beijing
Galaxy SOHO complex in Beijing is my personal favorite on this list. The 330,000 m² complex consists of five interconnected bubble-like buildings. The lower floors are occupied by a shopping and entertainment center, and the 12 upper floors are probably the best offices in the world. And all the way on the rooftop there’s a bar and a restaurant with an amazing panoramic view.

5. Ordos Museum of Art and History
The city of Ordos was built from scratch in 2003. According to the schematics, it is designed to accommodate almost a million inhabitants, but for now there are only about 20,000 people living there. Obviously, the Museum of Art and History is its main attraction, gathering tourists from all over the world.

6. Beijing National Stadium
This multifunctional sports and entertainment complex is also often called the “Bird’s Nest” because, well, it looks like one. It was created for the 2008 Olympic Games, as well as showcasing the pageantry of the opening and closing ceremonies. Can you guess how much this baby cost? Around €325 million!

7. Sheraton Hotel in Huzhou
This hotel may very well look like a horseshoe, but in fact it is a full-fledged circle, with two of its lowest floors being fully submerged. This donut cost the Sheraton network $1.5 billion, making it one of the ten most expensive hotels in the world.

8. National Center for the Performing Arts
The National Center for Performing Arts, also known as the “Egg”, is an unusual building made almost entirely of titanium and glass, is located in the heart of Beijing, close to the famous Tiananmen Square.
The huge dome of the National Arts Center has the opera house (2,416 seats), the musical auditorium (2,017 seats), and a theatre (1,040 seats), all of which are connected by air passages for some reason.

9. Global Center “New Century” in Chengdu City
This is the largest single building in the world. At 100 m tall its total area is 1.76 million m² (MILLION!)! The New Century has 18 floors and is almost entirely made of metal and glass. Inside you can find shopping areas, offices, conference halls, two commercial centers, two five-star hotels, IMAX cinema, and a freaking water park with an artificial beach.

10. Ring of Life in Fushun City
This grand structure in Fushun city resembles a ring with an outer diameter of 170 meters and an inner diameter of 150. Naturally, the view from the top is breathtaking, and you can easily get there by riding high-speed elevators. Seriously, though, I don’t understand how this thing was built or how it keeps standing, but it’s freaking impressive, taking into account that the Ring alone cost $16 million. That’s chump change!

The post Weirdest-Looking Examples of Modern Chinese Architecture appeared first on 12thBLOG.

Madame Tussauds
You can find the classy Madame Tussauds wax museum all over the U.S. – Las Vegas, Hollywood, San Francisco, Orlando, New York, etc. It’s one of those moderately cheesy locations where you can still take a memorable shot and, who knows, maybe meet an actual celeb or two!

Empire State Building
Nothing can quite compare to the majestic view you get from the Empire State Building, so there’s no point in avoiding this selfie spot. Just go and try it yourself!

Washington Monument
You can take nice selfies with the Washington Monument, it’s not that hard.

The Hollywood Sign
Another one of the all-time favorites, Hollywood sign can become either an awesome location for your epic selfie, or a cheesy setting for an upsetting shot. You choose! But there are all kinds of things you can do to end up with a cool photo on your hands. Just experiment!

The Grand Canyon
A trip to Arizona is a must for all residents of the U.S. You can’t live in this country and not see one of the most staggering natural wonders in the world! It is as beautiful as everyone says it is, and even more. But until you see it with your own eyes, you’ll be unable to grasp the sheer immensity of Grand Canyon and how many awe-inspiring photos you can take there. It’s one of the best selfie settings on Earth!

Zion National Park
The half-mile deep Zion Canyon has everything one might need for a great trip – breathtaking views, creamy cliffs, and miles of hiking and biking trails that will take you to some of the most picturesque spots you’ve ever seen. If this is not photographer’s heaven, then we don’t know what is!

Antelope Canyon
The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly amazing, but there’s something equally stunning not far from it. The Antelope Canyon has some of the most colorful and truly unique rock formations that look mind-bogglingly beautiful both in real life and on photo. It’s a place you will never forget!

Mendenhall Ice Caves in Juneau
Alaska is a bit far away, but it has something you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S. The glacier in Juneau is melting due to global warming, which is regretful to say the least, but this doesn’t mean you can’t use this opportunity to explore one of the most enchanting locations ever. Be mindful of the falling ice chunks!

Yellowstone National Park
America’s number one national park is among the most stunning settings for any adventure. Yellowstone’s geysers are legendary, especially the spectacular Old Faithful that will become a perfect backdrop for any photo. Climb as high as possible and take in the most memorable mountainscape ever!

Brooklyn Bridge
Nothing can possibly go wrong if you go with the ‘classics’. Brooklyn Bridge is one of those places that get instantly recognized by the majority of the world’s population, yet it never gets old! It’s one of the best selfie spots New York has to offer.

Mount Rushmore
Head to South Dakota and have fun with the huge faces of Mount Rushmore. We mean no disrespect, but it’s hard to find a place where you can experiment as much as you can do it here! Cheesy is not always bad, so go ahead and pinch that chin, what do you have to lose?

St. Louis Arch
Head to Missouri and take a few shots of the tallest national park monument in America. This 630-foot colossus even has a tram on top for those who like to climb a bit higher for the perfect view. But you can also have as much fun as you can with it on the ground – this thing was made for awesome selfies!

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Let’s explore these 9 connected historical events that will surely mess with your head.

1. The current oldest tree on Earth was already a thousand year-old timber when the last mammoth roamed the planet. Bristlecone pines grow in the white mountains of California and are said to be over 5000 years old.

2. When Jack the Ripper murders occurred in the East End of London, Nintendo was established, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris was still under construction.

3. The first steam train was invented in 1797, but the bicycle was patented only 21 years later in 1818.

4. Get this: the Kingdom of Italy was established in 1861 and 31 years later, in 1892, the first Coca-Cola drink was produced.

5. If you lived in Vienna in 1913, and decided to go out for a walk, you could stumble upon all these historical figures, since they lived in the same city that year.

6. Time-wise Cleopatra lived closer to the first moon flight than to the development of the largest Ancient Egypt pyramids.

7. In 1977 the Earth lost Charlie Chaplin, but gained the Apple company.

8. Harvard University was established before Isaac Newton even published the laws of motion and gravity.

9. The Wright brothers invented the first piloted plane in 1903. Just 66 years after that the first man stepped on the Moon. Mind=BLOWN!

The post Connected Historical Facts That Will Mess With Your Head appeared first on 12thBLOG.

“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” Roald Dahl
Kids perceive the world in a very different way. I always wondered how the authors of kids books managed to preserve the child’s emotions and views on things. Unfortunately, we easily forget how to be kids and, becoming parents. To help your children understand the world in a way that will be easy, it is indispensable that we read them kids stories. By the way, parents should always be attentive to what the children are reading. Books should be able to enhance and help impose the emotions or qualities you would like your child to have. Still, there are must-reads for moms and dads and must listens for every child.

1. Where the Wild Things Are
“Oh, please don’t go we’ll eat you up we love you so!”
The story written by Maurice Sendak is about an everyday exchange in the life of a child. He does not behave correctly, dresses in a wolf costume, imitates monsters and threatens to eat his mom. His mother doesn’t like his behavior and punishes him. Feeling offended, because all children feel offended when they are punished, he invents the world with monsters, leads them, orders them to horse around and then punishes them himself. Feeling hungry and bored, he decides to return to the real word where a delicious dinner is waiting for him and “where someone loved him best of all”.
This story seems useless at first, as it describes a too ordinary situation, and it doesn’t have a concept of the struggle between good and evil, as usually fairy tales do. What is more, the story is very small, it’s only 338 words, so there is actually nothing to read about. But this is only the beginning.
Once Maurice Sendak told in the interview that he refused to lie to children. He shows them what they are – sometimes animals, sometimes violent, but they can always count on their parents. After all, children do not wish to harm anyone. They just do not know yet what is “right”. The child’s world is a terrible mess!
All things considered, this wonderful book with only 338 words in it, but with amazing illustrations teaches our kids that parents, even if they criticize, love their children; even the most terrible wild creatures may be good friends. Even if you’re mad at mom (dad), in the end, you still want to go home. In the woods, there is a new world of unknown and interesting things around.

2. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
“A baby has brains, but it doesn’t know much. Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge, and the longer you are on earth the more experience you are sure to get.”
This story is about a little girl named Dorothy, who, because of the storm, flew away from gray and dusty Kansas to a bright and blooming land of Oz. But no matter how great it is to be a guest, “there is no place like home.” The magical land is surrounded on all sides by Wicked desert, and to go back to her uncle and aunt is not easy. The only one who can help is the mysterious Wizard of Oz. The way to his kingdom is long and dangerous, and if it weren’t for an evolving friendship with the Scarecrow, Tin-man, and the Lion, Dorothy would never meet the Wizard.
In fairy tales, there is always something more behind adventures. The book teaches to believe in ourselves, as we do not even suspect what we are capable of some things! Bold people don’t necessarily scream on every corner that they are courageous, and the most intelligent ones can be modest, and, of course, a kind and loving heart never stops beating any matter how cruel it is treated.

3. Cinderella
“Even miracles take a little time.”
Cinderella is a reflection of the most touching and tender childhood dream.
The fairy tale of Cinderella tells about a poor girl left without a mother. She has to live with a wicked stepmother and her daughters. But there are always people who will help, Cinderella’s fairy Godmother appears right in time to help her find happiness …
Reading about Cinderella’s adventures, every girl believes that a miracle can happen to her, too. People believe that their efforts will not be left unnoticed, and once they will be rewarded. Surprisingly, it is exactly what happens in life, at least what we teach our children.
“Cinderella” – it’s a wonderful tale that transports children into the world where good triumphs over evil, teaches them to be kind, sensitive and responsive. This story is kind of useful for adults also, because, sometimes being stuck in everyday routine we forget to believe in miracles!

4. Alice’s Adventures in the Wonderland
“Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.”
Isn’t it marvelous that once you open the book from the first page you instantly find yourself in a magical world where everything comes to life and even animals talk!
Alice’s Adventures in the Wonderland are simply unforgettable. Alice falls into a deep (almost to the middle of the world) rabbit hole. On the way, she meets a lot of unusual characters.
Alice teaches us that in order to keep the right path in your life, you must know exactly where you want to end up going!
Actually, once I’ve finished reading the book I thought this one is for future executives, the main message, I think, is no matter what happens to you, you should never lose your head and keep smiling, because “We all are mad here”, and if you suddenly meet any strange creature, just offer him a cup of tea.

5. Harry Potter
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
Well, it is hard to say what this book doesn’t teach. I believe the story of Harry Potter is about a boy who survived and is essential for both parents and kids. You just can’t miss it. Besides all the important life lessons your kid will learn, this story is also incredibly entertaining.
I would highlight 3 main messages of the Harry Potter story. First of all – Friendship. Not only is it good to have friends, but you have to earn it, you have to do your best to cultivate and improve your personality in order to make a good friend. A true friend will always be there for you, but only if you deserve it.
Secondly – Love. Don’t scream and chant about your love, you have to confirm your feelings with actions, not only words. One of the key heroes of the story – Severus Snape made a huge mistake when he betrayed the woman he loved because of jealousy. But then, his whole life he tried to purge his fault, risking his life to protect the boy he never loved only because he had his mother’s eyes… “Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.”
Finally – Forgiveness. It is extremely important and a difficult notion. Not everyone deserves forgiveness, but no matter how hard it is to forgive you should do it.

6. Peter Pan
“Dreams do come true if only we wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it.”
The story of the boy who did not want to grow up is known to everyone. Adventures in Neverland that Wendy, John, and Michael had – the dream of all boys and girls.
This book is like no other, develops imagination and teaches to believe in miracles, and to be faithful to one another in the face of danger. Also, the story of Peter Pan is teaching to love your parents and justifies freedom and permissiveness – different things. Along with the main character, a young reader passes a path of emotional development and understands that feelings and emotions should be taken seriously and cannot be played with.

7. Charlie and the chocolate factory
“Mr. Wonka: “Don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he wanted.”
Charlie Bucket: “What happened?”
Mr. Wonka: “He lived happily ever after.”
Most children are facing adversity and injustice in life, and reading about Charlie Bucket, they can make sure that, firstly, life can be even harder, and, secondly, a loving family is more important than money and sweets.
There are four families in the book, where children are surrounded by goods and food, but they feel miserable, confused and aggressive without sincere love of their parents – despite the fact that they have parents and they try to provide their children with all the necessary things. But, they forget the most important things – sincere love, interest, and support. Charlie, on the contrary, lives from hand to mouth, sees chocolate only once a year, but has a big happy, supportive family.
Another important message – at the end of the story Charlie’s family finally acquires necessary wealth. That is, the book does not teach that poverty is a way of life, it helps to set priorities: first, a good attitude, care, and support, and then the expensive toys and candy.

8. Rumpelstiltskin
“All magic comes with a price.”
One miller had a beautiful daughter and once he boasted to their king that his daughter that he can spin his straw into gold. The king locked the girl in the room full of straw and ordered her to spin. In fact, the girl didn’t have the same magical powers, but suddenly a small dwarf appeared and offered her help, but of course she had to pay him. Once she was out of her jewelry, she promised to give him her first child. When the king married the girl and she gave birth to a baby, the dwarf came back for his reward. The queen begged to leave her the child, so the little man told her if she guessed his real name, he would leave her alone. Thank God, one of the servants, by chance, heard the dwarf singing a song where he mentioned his name.
Firstly, boasting  in order to raise the authority is fraught with consequences. You should be responsible for your word, as in real life, it is unlikely that little dwarf will help solve every problem.
Secondly, do not forget that even the most gratuitous aid subconsciously implies the same response. Maybe not immediately, but later for sure.
Finally, we should not be overconfident, it is very naïve.
Such a small story with so many messages, huh?

9. Little Red Riding Hood
“Little girls, this seems to say,
Never stop upon your way.
Never trust a stranger-friend;
No one knows how it will end.”
This incredibly famous fairy tale tells the story of a young girl, who on the way to her grandma house met a wolf and being too naive told him about her plans and the place her granny lives. As soon as she reached the house the wolf was already there. He deceived the little girl, pretending to be her grandmother and ate her. We are used to the version of Grimm’s brothers, where the brave hunter saves the girl and the granny killing the wolf with his ax. But, in the original version the little red riding hood wasn’t so lucky, so the story doesn’t have a happy ending.
Obviously, this fairy tale is quite informative, and it’s easy for kids to comprehend the message – you shouldn’t be listening to the strangers. Don’t believe any information they tell you, plus it is bad to walk alone in the woods or anywhere else without parents. I wouldn’t recommend reading this fairy tale to your daughter every night, because some psychologists warn parents that this particular story influences women. As soon as they decide to choose their life partner, they will be subliminally looking for spineless men who can be easily ruled.

10. The Little Prince
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
The author of this book once told that it is children’s book written for grown-ups. Honestly, I would describe every book for children the same way. Still, it reminds us that children are the most sensitive and sincere creatures.
The Little Prince’s travels teach children that the world is not that good sometimes and that you shouldn’t be living in dreams;you can meet different people on your way and they can spoil or change you somehow, but the power of love and friendship will prevent this if you let it. This book will teach a kid this very message “You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed.” and that you shouldn’t judge anyone, based on their age and height. Here’s my favorite line: “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.”

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Life is hard, and many of us sometimes suffer from anxiety, stress or depression caused by different negative situations. There are different ways to cheer you up and the best one is love. If you don’t have friends or loved ones around, get a companion pet! Discover the best dog breeds that can help you fight depression. Who knows, maybe you will want to adopt one!

1. Pug. This portable little friend is extremely adorable! Pugs have a very positive attitude and inquisitive nature, and if you have a big family – this dog is for you. Pugs love to communicate both with people and other doggies, keeping track of anything its owner does. Look at those big irresistible eyes! No doubt, this dog was born to love.

2. Labrador retriever is #1 dog for those who suffer from anxiety issues. This dog has a very loyal character, is easy to train and it can fully understand its owner. Labrador retrievers are usually non-aggressive, the dog loves children and children adore them in return! That’s why, most big families choose this breed. However, this is a large dog breed and it requires more space, so make sure your home is big enough for your friend’s needs.

3. Poodle. Another good friend for your family, it is very active and adaptable. Poodles love company, fun and motion, and hate staying alone, so you won’t be bored with it. Another good thing about Poodles is that they have a pretty long lifespan. Some Toy Poodles can even live up to 20 years! No matter the size, Poodles are always up for a game, but if you have little children, it is better to choose a standard size puddle, because they respect and tolerate babies the best.

4. Jack Russell Terrier is a small hunting dog, but this fact doesn’t stop it from being a good friend and a popular dog among households. It is full of enthusiasm, energy and charisma. The dog is a strong runner and chaser – ideal sport companion for you and your high-energy family. Once you get a Jack Russell Terrier as your new friend, you will fall for its shiny, full of life eyes!

5. Vizsla. This dog is considered to be very loyal, sensitive and friendly. It is extremely athletic and active, and fits people who have active lifestyles and love adventure. This beautiful and smart doggy is always ready for your love and attention and will love you back. Considering their love of action, Vizslas need more space so they should be kept in big homes.

6. French bulldog. This cute guy will provide you with an unstoppable treatment against depression. It is portable and low maintenance, but muscular and a heavy bone dog breed. It can adapt to almost any environment. A French bulldog is not very noisy, so you can keep it in your apartment without any risk. Always full of love and devotion, this endearing dog will celebrate your returning home from work with its excitement and tail wagging. How can you resist this one?!

To be honest, I can’t express all the feelings for my faithful 16-years old friend Penelope. It’s a small, mixed-breed dog with a big heart, which can lift my mood any minute and make me forget about everything negative. If you’re still not sure about adopting a friend, think about how much happiness and love it can bring when you’re down! But don’t forget that every dog needs care and specific treatment. You love and care for them and they return it 10-fold. Enjoy your canine companion!

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What’s film photography? Some people think that film photography is an out-of-date stuff their grandfathers used long ago. But if you’re familiar with digital photography you probably noticed that film photography is getting more and more popular among people of the younger generation. Although film photography is pretty complicated, it still has certain advantages over digital photography. And here are some great reasons to give it a try:

1. You’ve got only one chance to take an awesome photograph. When taking photographs with digital cameras you’re able to take as many pics as you want and pick the best one. But it doesn’t work with a film camera. Here you spend more time composing your shot. You put more conscious thoughts about choosing the right preferences (such as ‘F-stops’) to make your shot perfect – the first time. The amount of the shots is limited. And after experimenting and practicing you’ll get a deeper knowledge of photographic techniques and your digital photography will improve as well.

2. Experimenting with different films and cameras. As long as many different films are still being made these days, it’s up to you to choose your favorite one that will work for your personal photography style and color preferences and generally speaking, for the time of day you may be shooting. Try to experiment with different film stocks, but we recommend you avoid the cheapest films, because they will likely be a waste of practice and time. A few tips to choosing the film to start with: for color photography try Fuji Pro 400H, Kodak Portra 160, or Portra 400, for black and white pictures the good starters will be Kodak’s T-Max 400, Ilford Delta 3200 and Ilford 400. Try to shoot overexposing and underexposing and see the results. Lower ISO numbers like 100, 160 or 200 are used for normal daylight conditions where you probably won’t be using a flash. The bigger the ISO number the better the film is for shooting in dark conditions. ISO followed by a number (e.g., 400 or 800) represents the sensitivity of a given film emulsion to light, often referred to as “film speed.” Higher ISO numbers indicate a greater sensitivity to light. A 3,200 speed is for shooting in very dark conditions where the film emulsion picks up all the ambient light to create a photograph. It will also be grainy in appearance when developed.

3. Better quality of photos. You really can achieve better color saturation and accuracy using a film camera. When taking photos with a digital camera, it collects the color information by 3 sensors that then combine in microprocessor and create a photo. Processing the information affects and distorts the color data of your picture and some of the colors in reality cannot be transferred into the pictures. With the film camera there are more chances to save the original colors and contrasts.

4. Less additional editing or no editing at all. To some of us, this can seem more like a drawback than a benefit. But you actually get more spare time not editing pics you’ve taken. You simply wait for the photo laboratory to send printed photos to you. And imagine the pleasant experience from seeing the pics you probably don’t even remember taking! But if you scan films at home you will actually need to remove a film base fog that appears from the base layer of the film – the plastic part of it. Try to do it with the help of the contrast adjustment on the camera.

5. Lomography. Yes, every person can surely become a photographer, using the most advanced photo technologies that will help to achieve amazing high-quality results. But if you haven’t tried lomography, you aren’t practicing the romantic part of the photographer’s craft. So what is lomography anyway? This is not a very old type of photography invented by the Australian Lomographic Society in the early 90′s. The word came from a cheap Russian film camera called Lomo LC-A. This camera takes high contrast photos with heavy vignetting and high saturation. However, Lomo LC-A is not the only camera that can help you achieve those effects. You can find some more recent lomo-cameras on Ebay or at different photo shops that cater to film photography. Lomography has some special rules you need to follow or it doesn’t work. You must take your camera everywhere you go, and use it any time you see a shot you want to capture. Try to take pictures from the hip, fast, without thinking about extra settings and focusing. Don’t be afraid of people around you or people and objects you are capturing. Just don’t think! And you will be amazed by your unexpected, spontaneous-looking shots later! Want to learn more?

6. Double exposure. Double (or multiple) exposures are two or more photos that are superimposed creating one image. The technique is all about experimenting with photographs and creating unusual, unrealistic-looking but creative photos that will amaze anyone. It’s not about photo-shopping, you do the trick using just your film camera and that’s all. Not all cameras can provide such effect, so if you want to try multiple exposures, choose the model that supports this option before buying one. Multiple exposures are really easy to do, just do not stop experimenting, even if you get pics that look like a total mess. Learn the basic rules, grab your camera and start shooting! The creative possibilities are endless here!

7. Your own photo camera and accessories collection. Love some cool old (“hipster”) stuff? Visit yard sales or popular flea markets in your town for vintage cameras. They are usually not expensive and most of the sellers there are friendly. You will be able to find out more information for yourself from photography buffs at the flea markets and probably make some new friends in the process.

8. Your own darkroom. Okay, that is not really easy. Many of us have grown up in the time of digital photography dominating over film and didn’t really have any idea what was going on in those mysterious dark rooms. But if you’re sure you can handle the main rules of the process, plus you own special space that you can transform into the dark room to develop film and print photographs, this may become your new hobby. Where to get the equipment? Visit the same old flea markets for your first starter kit, or try looking on the Internet. The instructions on how to use it are also available on the net, so feel confident to Google everything you need to know about the dark room process. The work in the room may take a lot of time, even a few hours, so if you want to work with your film in the daytime, make sure your room is light-tight. However, the whole process will be super exciting, time really flies there. Good luck and enjoy the great world of film photography!

Enjoy the result:

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Rock

Bands You Like: A wide range varying from good old Pink Floyd and Nirvana to Linkin Park, Foo-Fighters, RHCP and, eventually, My Chemical Romance and Pixies

Your Personality: Those who listen to rock music are usually creative, and gentle, in spite of the stereotypes about brutality. Rock girls are at ease but not really outgoing, and more often introverted. Though psychologists say rock lovers are not hard working, it has been proved that rock music improves performance, and helps you focuse on goals achievement. It also increases persistance.

Advice for you: Rock is not girly music! Today it’s a myth no one believes in. Men love when woman share their taste in ‘heavy’ music and visit the concerts of their favourite bands. So, the only advice is – Rock on

Folk and Country Music

Bands like: Of Monsters and Men, Passenger, Mumford and Sons and Imagine Dragons

Your Personality: If you listen to folk, you are emotionally stable and open to new experiences. Also, you are a hard working and outgoing person with developed verbal skills.

Advice for you: Country songs often deal with heartbreak. This kind of music makes you more comopassionate, softens your heart. Follow the music and let it make you a better person.

Pop music

Bands like: Katy Perry, Adele, One Direction, Lady Gaga

Your Personality: Girls who listen to this kind of music tend to have high self esteem. You are likely to be hard working, outgoing and an honest person. And as pop music is a good option for workouts you are probably one of the girls who lead an active live style and keep theirfigures looking great! You’re also a stylisg girl and always know waht’s in trend this season.

Advice for you: Research shows that pop music lovers often lack creativity. Prove they are wrong! Develop your creativity, generate fresh ideas and increase your favorite hits collection every day!

Rap and Hip Hop Music

Bands like: Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Jay Z, Eminem

Your Personality: You definitely have high self esteem. You don’t hide your confidence, and are usually outgoing. You are more likely to be a cheerful extravert, who likes to be at the centre of attention.

Advice for you: People have a stereotype that rap people are aggressive and violent. But you can prove there’s no link between gansta style and your real character. Because under the baggy jeans and bright T-shirts is the agreeable, honest and open person.

Indie

Bands like: Death Cab for Cutie, Cage the Elephant, The XX, Artic Monkeys

Your Personality: If you are into indie you are likely to be introverted, rather creative, and an intellectual kind of person. Though psychlogists claim the fans of this music genre are not gentle and not really hard working. Other characteristics may be passivity and low self-esteem.

Advice for you: Set the priorities and decide for yourself what is important for you. Passivity fades away when you find a goal to pursue. And may indie be your state of mind, not just a trend to follow.

Classical Music

Bands like: well…not exacly bands but…Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven

Your Personality: The fans of classical music are not conservative at all. They just have a good taste and know that new genres may emerge and fade away but only due to classical music we know how to appreciate music at all. So, if you like classical music you are likely to be creative, pretty self-confident and friendly.

Advice for you: It is proven that classical music can significantly boost your brain power. So listening to classical music not only brings pleasure, but makes you smarter. Appreciate the masterpieces and don’t forget that true beauty of classical music is revealed when it sounds live.

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