The authors perfectionism counted for everything in the meticulousness of the novels conception, the confidence of its structural devices and especially in the lavishness of its rhetorical displays. A summary of the book does not really give a sense of its constant alertness, its insistent attention to the smallest detail in a scene. Moreover, Ellison succeeds in getting the reader to wear the invisible mans mask, to look through the eyeholes he provides. Sinister forces want people in Harlem to be guilty of their own deaths. In the end, the invisible man has fallen into a manhole, where he takes up residence to wait out the chaos, to learn to live with his head in the lions mouth.

Dancer From the Dance by Andrew Holleran, 1978: Set largely in New York in the early 1970s, Dancer From the Dance is a hymn to gay liberation in the city, and to male beauty. Cruising is an honorable quest, no matter how sordid the baths or open the subway station. Magic can happen see the dark-eyed, grave young man who might stay beyond morning. Beautiful, enigmatic Malone has such a face; hes a Midwesterner who has made, or is trying to make, his peace with being gay, his constraint. It is hard for him to be faithful to one man or to hang on to what he says he wants, and when he meets Sutherland, a veteran of every conceivable high who challenges Malone to be real, not to fool himself, he has already lost one true love.

We watch Malone in his travels from door to door to door, and New York City gay nightlife is rendered in shimmering prose. The novel is saturated with the homoerotic, too mesmerized by the cohorts of the brave to be sorry. Holleran was part of a new wave in American literature that said the gay character didnt have to die at the end of the book anymore. To bring up the subject of same-sex love no longer meant that a dream hunk had to pay for the vision by getting murdered. No one knew when it was published that Hollerans was to be a portrait of a gone world, a vanished city: We lived only to dance. The best fiction turns into a work of history as time goes by.

Sleepless Nights by Elizabeth Hardwick, 1979: New York City is the best place for Elizabeth, the first-person narrator of Hardwicks Sleepless Nights (1979), as she concludes early on in the book. We know that she is a reader of profound intensity, and that she is alone but was once part of a we. Hardwicks husband, the poet Robert Lowell, had treated their marriage and divorce at length in his work. Sleepless Nights has telling omissions. The novel is a meditation on a life, and has the feel of lyric poetry in that the I is perhaps meant to stand for the general significance of the solitary self.

Hardwicks I is a woman, and the experiences of others that she is drawn to wonder about tend to be those of women. Her social range is broad: a rich girl is a Stalinist with a boyfriend who wont shape up; here is the sad arithmetic of a drawn-out love triangle, and here are the cleaning women she has watched go about their work. Hardwick remembers from her youth the women alone in their rooming houses. Or she encounters on the street older women at the mercy of their decay. Joan Didion noted that Hardwicks method was like that of the anthropologist Claude Lvi-Strauss in her hunt for the revealing detail. But Hardwicks freedom of speculation about the people she meets comes from her ability to achieve parity with whomever she is thinking about or talking to. She never talks down; shes never bamboozled. It is a great historical pageant that New Yorkers are a part of, they who live in this place where people come to get away from somewhere else. In Hardwicks work, the city is a drama of those who dont fit elsewhere, a cast of souls calling out for memorial.

Latin Moon In Manhattan by Jaime Manrique, 1992: A droll picaresque like no other. Manriques fabulous cast of characters includes artists, hustlers and a cat living la vida loca in the lowdown Times Square of the 90s.

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Candace Bushnell, Hanya Yanagihara and More on Their Favorite New York City Novels - The New York Times

Each fortune comes with a story, and mine is a tale about when a primordial being named Pangu visited Earth during a time when humans werent created. During his visit, he separated heaven and earth, creating the in-between space for humans to live.

Much like the in-between, my luck will hover in the middle as well, explained Master Tsang. Youll be under a lot of pressure at work, and will be surrounded by lots of gossip in your daily life, he says. However, after June of this year, the pressure will ease at work and in your personal life.

Aside from the slight worry about my work, everything else seems like itll be more or less stable. However, Master Tsang did note that Ill be going through fan tai sui, and reminded me to follow the following core steps to invite better luck in my life this year.

See also: 5 Best Astrology Apps To Try In 2021

Visit a temple

Visit a Taisui temple to pay respects to Tai Sui to ask for the Gods blessing. You can prepare a package containing a piece of paper with your name and date written on it. Pray, and kau tau (), which means bowing your head to the ground to all of the 60 Tai Sui Gods to show respect, and burn the package afterwards.

Avoid funerals and hospitals visits

Funerals and hospitals are the hotspot for evil spirits, which will add on to the bad luck youre already suffering due to fan tai sui. Attending funerals and visiting patients at the hospital are highly discouraged, and if its an unavoidable situation such as a family members death, try and avoid seeing the body and wait outside the room after offering incense.

Attend more red events

To absorb more positive energy, attend more red, joyous events such as weddings and birthday celebrations.

Carry a Tai Sui protective amulet

While wearable jade objects such as pendants, earrings and rings are recommended, other Tai Sui protective amulets are also able to help protect yourself against Tai Suis fury. Many temples also sell protective blessing cards that you can tuck away in your wallet to give yourself 24/7 protection against fan tai sui.

See also: How To Create Good Feng Shui In The Year Of The Ox: Expert Tips From Thierry Chow

Continued here:
Year of the Ox: What A Feng Shui Master Taught Me About Battling Fan Tai Sui - Tatler Hong Kong

Make sure you have plenty of light

Lighting is essential when it comes to preventing eye strain and headaches. Natural light is best, so ensure your window treatments allow sufficient daylight through. In the evenings, you will need both general and task lighting. Opt for warm white, which best mimics natural daylight.

Studies have shown that temperature can have a significant impact on your concentration and memory. The optimal temperature for focused work is 23-25 deg C. While this varies between individuals, it is generally agreed that a working space that is too warm can be most detrimental, causing alertness and energy levels to plummet.

Keep your study cool with air-conditioning or a standing fan next to your desk.

A clean study helps the mind focus. Keep essentials organised on your desk. The rest of the clutter should be stored out of sight.

It is also a good habit to set aside time for tidying your study after you complete your work. This simple routine ensures you start each day on a fresh, distraction-free note.

One of the best places to position your desk is next to a window. It ensures sufficient natural light and air circulation.

However, veteran feng shui practitioner Liu Tian Huang cautions against placing young children directly in front of the window as it can result in them being distracted. Similarly, avoid placing your desk too close to high-traffic places like a doorway.

Feeling sleepy? That could be due to poor ventilation. Maintain constant air circulation in your study with a fan and open window.

Alternatively, invest in an air purifier that helps filter out allergy-causing particles and microbes. The best ones have a HEPA filter, which can trap harmful particles such as pollutants, pollen, pet dander, dust mites and tobacco smoke.

In feng shui, paintings depicting mountain and lake sceneries are good in a study as they symbolise academic excellence.

"They are a representation of knowledge, wisdom and problem solving," said Mr Liu, who is also the author of a best-selling Mandarin book, Mastering Eight Characters: Practical Case Studies.

Fragrances like peppermint and citrus can improve concentration and lift spirits, making it easier to focus.

Add scent to your study in the form of a low-maintenance reed or electric diffuser.

Adding greenery instantly enlivens your study or home office. Shop for low-maintenance plants that do not require frequent watering.

For the feng shui-conscious, Mr Liu suggests the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum or chamomile.

In Chinese culture, these are associated with qualities of uprightness and perseverance. Artwork depicting these plants work just as well.

He added: "Avoid plants that have an overly strong scent or are sharp and pointy, like cacti, since they create negative energy (she qi)."

Colours set the tone and mood of a space. In a study, where calmness for a focused state of mind is needed, it is recommended that you use tranquil, earthy tones such as pale green and eggshell blue.

Stimulating colours, like red, are great for promoting creativity, but should be used sparingly.

Ms Lynn Lee, senior product specialist at Nippon Paint, advises balancing strong colours with a neutral palette of whites and greys.

Avoid aches and strains by ensuring your furniture gives you adequate support. This means adjusting your desk height or adding a laptop stand so that your screen is at eye level for comfortable viewing, as well as investing in a chair with good lumbar support.

This article was first published in Home & Decor Singapore (homeanddecor.com.sg)

See the article here:
Design and feng shui tips for a productive home office - The New Paper

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Your bathroom gets a lot of action. One minute its tidy, the next its a mess so its probably not your favorite room in the house to clean.

But were of the mind that when kept neat, this personal space can actually be an oasis a place to disconnect and recharge while you shower, soak in the bath, or stand in front of the mirror for your daily pep talk.

So instead of letting your anxiety about cleaning this well-visited space build up until you have to do a serious, time-consuming deep clean, we suggest staying ahead of the grime and clutter with little weekly or daily cleaning habits like the ones below.

Here, weve rounded up the cleverest cleaning hacks for each part of your bathroom plus how often you should do each one.

Some of whats inside

Here are a few of the bathroom cleaning secrets were excited to let you in on:

Even though your toilet is one of the germiest places in your house, you dont actually need pricey products to make it gleam. Heres what we mean.

Frequency: Once a week

This hack is great for those trying to switch to natural cleaning products. Combine 1 part baking soda and 1 part white vinegar. Pour the mixture in and around the bowl, using your toilet brush to push it up under the rim. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then scrub and rinse clean.

If you build this into your weekly routine, youll stay ahead of the buildup and wont need to intervene with harsh products.

Frequency: After every use

You know how, over time, that little puddle of disgusting water accumulates at the bottom of your toilet brush holder? Avoid this ick factor by letting your toilet brush drip dry after you use it.

An easy way to do this is to close the toilet seat and lid onto the handle of the brush so the brush part is hanging over the bowl.

Frequency: Daily

Cleaning with baking soda is so effective because baking soda is abrasive. This means you can also use it cut down on toilet bowl cleanings. Simply sprinkle a dash of it into the bowl daily.

Bonus tip: Find a cute salt or pepper shaker to fill with baking soda and leave it within reach of your loo.

Your shower should be a Zen place. Its where you wash away the day, not to mention where you sing your best. Luckily, there are easy ways to keep it spick-and-span.

Frequency: Once a week

Glass showers exude luxury, but theyre also notorious for pesky lime deposits. Luckily, you probably have something in your pantry that can beat the grime: black tea!

Using two or three tea bags, make hot tea in a bowl. Let it cool enough so that you can dip a microfiber towel into it. Then watch in awe as it cuts right through the film.

Frequency: Every time you shower

Wiping down shower walls with a squeegee after each shower is a common practice in Scandinavian countries, where the water is rich in calcium and leaves a white residue. It takes just a few seconds and will drastically cut down on how often you have to scrub the lime from your shower walls.

Frequency: Every time you shower

Is there anything vinegar cant fix? We think not. If you want to work through grime in your shower, keep a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle in the bathroom. Spritz the walls generously after each shower, and youll soon notice a mega difference.

Frequency: Whenever you notice buildup

If you have grout between tiles or in other nooks and crannies in your shower that are tricky to scrub, baking soda may be the answer. To start, wet your shower and sprinkle all the problematic areas with baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub with an old toothbrush.

Frequency: Once every 2 weeks

Fess up: When was the last time you washed your shower curtain? If you cant remember, heres your gentle reminder to add it to your next load of laundry.

To eliminate the mildew, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent. Run the machine on its hottest cycle, and then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar right before the rinse cycle starts.

Frequency: Once a month

Another item in your shower that you likely dont clean enough is your showerhead. Were all guilty of neglecting it, but it does need occasional attention.

To give the showerhead a thorough clean, remove it and place it in a bowl full of white vinegar. If its super gunked-up, add some baking soda. If your showerhead doesnt detach, fill a plastic bag with the same mixture and secure it with a rubber band. Either way, let it soak for an hour, and then rinse.

Frequency: Whenever you see lime deposits build up

For quick spot cleans and buildup removal, a Magic Eraser is a miracle worker. Because a Magic Eraser is activated by water, its handy to keep one in the shower to use when youre finished.

Thanks to stray hairs, leftover toothpaste, and makeup residue, sinks get dirty fast. Keep them clean with these methods.

Frequency: Whenever you notice deposits

First things first: If you have a porcelain or ceramic sink, scrub away any dirt with soap, water, and a sponge. Then, line your sink with paper towels soaked in white vinegar and let them sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Frequency: Once a week

Theres no trick to it: Just cut a lemon in half and rub it over all the chrome parts of your sink (and your shower!). Rinse it off, and then buff with a towel. Magic!

Frequency: Once a week, or whenever buildup appears

For faucets that need a deeper clean, sprinkle baking soda on the chrome. Then, wet an old toothbrush and scrub it clean. Rinse when youre done.

Frequency: Once a week

For those hard-to-reach spots in your sink, you may need an even smaller tool. Consider wrapping a cloth around the tip of a chopstick to get into even the tiniest areas. If theres tons of gunk, sprinkle the area being cleaned with water and baking soda first for an extra-deep clean.

Frequency: Once a week

Cooking spray does more than grease your grill or frying pan it can also shine those faucets to look brand new. Its easy: Spritz, then wipe down with a rag.

From soothing sore muscles to catching up on me-time to diving into a book, baths are a time to recover. To ensure your tub time is spa-like, keep it sparkly with these tricks.

Frequency: As needed

Clogged drain got you down? Tums to the rescue! Drop four tablets and 1/2 cup of white vinegar down the drain. Leave it for 10 minutes before pouring boiling water over top.

Note: This probably wont work on clogs involving hair youll likely need a snake for that task.

Frequency: Once every 2 weeks

Truth be told, you can use any type of citrus fruit to clean your tub, but grapefruit is ideal since itll cover more surface area.

To start, splash water all over your tub and the walls surrounding it. Cut the grapefruit in half and sprinkle each half with coarse sea salt. Then, scrub every inch before rinsing.

Frequency: Whenever you see lime deposits start to build up

Fun fact: Oil cuts through lime deposits! Pull out that cooking spray again and give your tub a good spray. Rinse with very hot water.

Giving the mirrors and windows in your bathroom some weekly love can make all the difference especially if you or someone you live with brushes their teeth vigorously!

Frequency: Once every 2 weeks (or after every each mirror cleaning)

Apply a thin layer over the entire mirror, and then wipe off with a cloth. This will keep your mirror from becoming cloudy for 2 weeks or until you wash it off with glass cleaner.

Frequency: Once a week

To keep the windows transparent and sparkly, combine 2 parts white vinegar and 1 part rubbing alcohol and use a microfiber cloth to clean the glass with this mixture. For the best results, clean at a time when direct sunlight isnt hitting the glass, so you can better look out for streaks.

Yes, your bathroom trash can needs a little TLC from time to time or every time you take out the trash! Here are some hacks.

Frequency: Whenever you take out the trash

When you remove the plastic trash bag, rinse the can with warm water, and then sprinkle baking soda on the bottom. This will help prevent an unwanted stench.

Frequency: Only once!

Is there anything more annoying than a trash bag that falls into the bin, creating a big mess? To the rescue are 3M Command hooks that ensure the bag stays in place.

Frequency: Whenever you take out the trash

Choose your favorite essential oil and drip 10 drops onto 3 cotton balls. Then, place them in the bottom of your trash can. Repeat this each time you take out the trash.

To go the extra mile, these mind-blowing tricks will really upgrade your bathroom experience. Challenge yourself to try one per month!

Frequency: Once a month

Did you know that rice naturally absorbs smells and soaks up moisture in the air? To help prevent mildew and odors, add 2 cups of rice and 10 drops of an essential oil to a wide-mouthed mason jar. Cover the jar with thin fabric or cheesecloth and place it in your bathroom.

Frequency: As needed

Out of baking soda? No prob. Simply crush some aspirin and combine it with water to create an abrasive paste.

Frequency: As needed

To get extra crafty, you can take that cheap toothbrush and melt it into any shape you need to reach small areas of your bathroom. Just boil it, and then while wearing protective gloves! bend it into the shape you need.

Frequency: As needed

Rather than throw away an old kitchen sponge, repurpose it for cleaning the bathroom. This is a small way to cut back on waste and save money. Just cut off one corner, so you dont get it confused with a new sponge!

Read the original:
Cleaning Hacks for the Bathroom: 27 Ways to Stay Ahead of the Grime - Greatist

According to Cho, to understand why the Rat is a lucky symbol in Chinese astrology, you need to know the story of the Great Race.

"There was a wise empress in Ancient China," Cho explains, "and she and the emperor had decided they'd like to have a great race where they would invite all the animals in the kingdom to participate, in order to determine the order of the Chinese zodiac animals."

The Rat, which was quite smallbut also quite clevercalled on his friend the Ox and said they should win the race together. The Ox agreed, and so the Rat rode the Ox through the entirety of the race, through rivers and over mountains. "As they approached the finish line," Cho says, "the Rat jumped off the Ox and came in first place. And that's the story of how the Rat came in first and the Ox came in second."

Now, it might sound like trickery on the Rat's part, but Cho says the Ox was happy to come in second, and they're still considered friendly zodiac signs. "They're actually the most compatible relationship in the Chinese zodiac system," she adds.

So, in the Year of the Ox, embracing the symbolism of the Rat is thought to help ward off bad luck.

View original post here:
The Lucky Chinese Zodiac Symbol You'll Want To Carry Around This Year - mindbodygreen.com

No matter what language she's speaking in, Selena Gomez sure knows how to command a stage even when it's done virtually. Celebrating the best of Latin music, the singer made her Premio Lo Nuestro debut on Feb. 18. Joined by Rauw Alejandro, Gomez performed their sexy new Spanish-language single, "Baila Conmigo." All about dancing and falling in love, the prerecorded performance is an alternative to the track's official music video, which features snippets of the artists on television screens. While the rest of the show was filmed live from Miami, the duo went virtual for their debut performance.

Though Gomez has been nominated for Premio Lo Nuestro awards in the past for "Taki Taki" with Cardi B, Ozuna, and DJ Snake, as well as for "I Can't Get Enough" with Benny Blanco, J Balvin, and Tainy this performance marks her first appearance at the event. "Baila Conmigo" is off her upcoming Spanish-language EP, Revelacin, which will be released on March 12. Gomez debuted her first-ever Spanish-language single, "De Una Vez," back in January after much anticipation. Above, check out Gomez and Alejandro's performance.

See the original post:
Selena Gomez Really Brought the Heat For Her Debut Performance of "Baila Conmigo" - POPSUGAR

Conny Chavez February 15th, 2021 - 9:00 AM

Sammy Hagar and The Circle have returned with an extraordinary album, Lockdown 2020. The band apparently spent their quarantine in virtual jam sessions that quickly turned into a full album of covers and one new song. These covers include the work of classic rock legends like David Bowie, AC/DC and Little Richard.The band does justice to the originals by adding some personal touches, giving the listener a whole new perspective on these smash hits.This album couldnt have come at a more perfect momentthe world is in the middle of a pandemic and plenty of other global issues, and people needed something to uplift their spirits. With Lockdown 2020,the band does just that; the project is 11 powerful tracks of truly impressive hard rock craftsmanship.

The supergroup consists of famous hard rock artists Sammy Hagar (Montrose and Vanhalen), Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Michael Anthony (Van Halen) and Vic Johnson (The BusBoys).Lockdown 2020is, of course, the perfect album for hard rock lovers, but it also might be helpful to anyone who has experienced the wild ride that was 2020.The album opens with the bands new song, Funky Feng Shui, a track that started as the bands backstage warmup jam. Its an interesting insight into into how they jam together, the very basis for this entire album. This funky and palatable track is an excellent way to kick-off the album.

The band comments on a number of current events throughout the album within their cover selections. They get political on The Whos Wont Get Fooled Again, and Buffalo Springfields For What Its Worth, both of which are already well-known for their incisive criticisms of those in power. For What Its Worth, originally written by Stephen Stills, was inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots, a series of clashes between protestors and police. Hagar and the Circles cover seems to be a response to 2020s many protests and riots. Of course, in line with Hagar and the gangs more dynamic performances, this cover is far more energetic than the original track.

Lockdown 2020 alsofeatures three Van Halen songs and some of Hagars solo tracks. The band covers Van Halens Right Now, which makes sense given the albums preeminent goala summation of 2020. Hagar originally wrote the song with Eddie Van Halen to discuss world issues and to suggest that people should live in the moment, a message that obviously still holds true today, especially during a global pandemic. The cover does not feature the originals signature piano, instead including a greater emphasis on guitar.

One of the weakest covers is of Bob Marleys Three Little Birds, where the band attempts a reggae beat on electric guitars, which, while they are ultimately unsuccessful, is a perfect showcase for fans of their rock gods goofy side.The final track is a cover of David Bowies Heroes, a remarkable and apt way to express their appreciation to all essential workers and first responders during the coronavirus pandemic.No one can ever go wrong with this track, and the band stays close to the original.

Lockdown 2020 attempts tosummarize all the intense moments and overwhelming emotions that we all lived through this past year. Somewhat, it still feels like a very uplifting and energetic project. There is vitality here; a lust for life exists in Sammy Hagar and The Circle that just wont disappear. This album is a magnificent and encouraging way to reflect upon 2020 and travel through rock history with some of its greatest hits.

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Album Review: Sammy Hagar and The Circle Lockdown 2020 - mxdwn.com

OTTAWA -- The cross-examination of one of the Crown's key witnesses in the murder case against Gurpreet Ronald and Bhupinderpal Gill continued on Tuesday, with a clairvoyant hired by the couple taking the stand.

Ronald and Gill are charged with first-degree murder in the 2014 death of Gill's wife, Jagtar Gill. They have each pleaded not guilty.Ronald and Gill were convicted of first-degree murder in 2016 but an appeal court ruled in 2019 that the trial judge made a legal error when instructing the jury and ordered a new trial.

On Tuesday, Susanne Shields was questioned about past testimony and the messages she said she received from Jagtar Gill after she died. Shields testified Jagtar's sprit came to her in her vehicle to tell her that she was the victim of the homicide in Barrhaven and that she should go to police with the information she had.

Gill's defence lawyer, James Harbic, alleged Shields went to police after Jagtar Gill's death because she was angry with Gill and Ronald. The pair had hired her for a session about their future, and to help them sell their homes using Feng shui.

Shields said the offer Gill received for his house wasn't high enough for him and it led to a falling out between Ronald and Shields, with Shields being accused of being a scam artist.

Harbic said to Shields, "The situation got so tense you had two adults, Mrs. Ronald and yourself, throwing f-bombs back and forth at each other."

"It was more than that but yes, I was angry, I was hurt," Shields replied.

"I'm going to suggest you embellished and you exaggerated things with respect to both Mrs. Ronald and Mr. Gill because you were still angry at them," Harbic said.

"That is not correct at all," Shields replied. "I did not embellish; I did not want to get back at anybody and nor do I to this day."

Shields told court she went to police after Jagtar Gill's death because she felt she knew something and Jagtars spirit told her to.

Ronald's defence lawyer, Michael Spratt, also questioned Shields about what he said were inaccuracies in her testimony, which she denies.

"I'm suggesting that your memory is flawed, either through voices that you heard or things that you're putting together or for some other reason," Spratt said.

The trial continues on Wednesday.

More:
Clairvoyant who claimed to hear message from deceased Jagtar Gill cross-examined in murder trial - CTV News Ottawa

Are you awine connoisseurwho appreciates a relaxing weekend at scenic vineyards? Or are you fascinated by the delicate processes that go into making your favourite glass of vino?

If so, we have curated a list of the worlds most exclusive wine destinations to plan your next trip. Thesevineyardsare not only renowned for their reds, whites, sparkling, and ros, but also for their picturesque estates nestled among rolling hills and lush green valleys.

Since it is not the best time to travel right now owing to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, you can bookmark these places for afuture adventure.

Located in the heart of picturesque Apalta, the Montes estate was designed using the principles of Feng Shui. Their goal is to produce luxury wines while being socially responsible, protecting the biodiversity in the region and supporting the local community. Via Montes offers tours to explore the vineyards, and while there, we highly recommend dining at the Fuegos de Apalta restaurant (operated by one of Argentinas most famous chefs, Francis Mallmann), located in the middle of the estate. Guests can also try their Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, the first wine they created here, which was also recognised as the first premium wine from Chile. Fun fact: You can also spot llamas and sheep grazing in their Marchige vineyards.

Find out morehere

Montes S.A., Apalta Winery, Parcela 15 Millahue de Apalta, Santa Cruz Chile

Sula Vineyards is located in the grape capital of India, Nasik, where 80 percent of the countrys wine is produced. They produce one of Indias finest wines through sustainable viticulture and organise a vineyard music festival called SulaFest every year. Enjoy their delectable wines red, white, sparkling, and ros at their own (and the countrys first) luxury vineyard resort called Beyond, which boasts an infinity pool, spa, gym, and restaurant.

Find out morehere

Gat 36/2, Govardhan Village, Off, Gangapur-Savargaon Rd, Nashik, Maharashtra 422222

Named the Worlds Best Vineyard in 2019 and 2020 (by The Worlds Best Vineyards Academy, comprising over 500 leading wine aficionados and sommeliers), this wine estate is nestled in the foothills of the Andes at a high altitude of 3,609ft (1,100m) above sea level. The ultra-modern winery is an architectural feat, made of natural stones and cement, where visitors can learn about the process of winemaking and take guided tasting tours. We also recommend enjoying the four-course lunch at the Piedra Infinita Cocina restaurant there, which offers a seasonal menu and wines for pairing, along with picturesque views of the Andes. Guests can also try the Emma Zuccardi Bonarda wine, made from the indigenous grapes of Argentina.

Find out morehere

Costa Canal Uco s/n Paraje Altamira, San Carlos, Mendoza, Argentina

The first winery in Bali, Hatten Wines is famous for their fresh, signature ros thats served chilled. Their locally grown grapes are considered among the best in the region, owing to the warmth of the sun, soil rich in nutrients, and plenty of spring water. You can enjoy a wine tasting at the vineyards Cellar Door, a private dining room and wine education centre. Some other wines they produce are Two Islands and Dragonfly Moscato (made from Australian grapes), and Brem, a Balinese rice wine.

Find out morehere

Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.393, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar City, Bali 80228, Indonesia

Myanmars first vineyard is located in the Inle Lake area, and they only grow noble grape varieties for their wine. The high altitude paired with abundant rainfall is ideal for producing great quality wines, especially their house whites. Some of their signature wines include Aythaya Red, Aythaya Ros, and Aythaya White. The estate is perfect for a romantic getaway after a long day of touring the vineyards and wine tasting, you can book a room at the Monte Divino Lodge, and enjoy dinner with a beautiful view at the Sunset Wine Garden restaurant, which serves European cuisine.

Find out morehere

Htone Bo, Taunggyi 11181, Myanmar

This is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified winery in South America. They focus mainly on Uruguays flagship grape, Tannat (for reds), and also produce other grape varieties such as Albario, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others. You can be part of the exclusive Garzn Club to access special experiences such as winemaking seminars, private dining at the Bodega Garzn Restaurant, and privileged access to the Bulgheroni Family Portfolio wineries around the world. They also host some non-wine related activities such as hiking, equestrianism, hot-air balloon rides and picnics across the sprawling vineyards.

Find out morehere

9 km. 175, Garzn, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay

The Monsoon Valley vineyard in Hua Hin was once home to wild Asian elephants. As a result, today one can find some of these elephants roaming the vineyards they help in the cultivation process. Some of the varieties of wines of note include the Shiraz, Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Dornfelder and Sangiovese. Apart from the usual wine tasting and tours, you can participate in unique activities such as mountain biking, a wine safari (which takes visitors wildlife watching at the Kuiburi National Park), and visiting elephants at the Baan Khok Chang Elephant Sanctuary. Onsite, they also have a flagship restaurant called The Sala Wine Bar and Bistro, which serves European cuisine as well as Thai dishes, paired with their vineyard wines.

Find out morehere

1 Moo 9 Baankhok Chang Patana NongPlup HuaHin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77110

Situated in wine country Napa Valley, the To Kalon vineyard (planted in 1868) produces some of the worlds finest Cabernet, as well as Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Owner Robert Mondavi created his signature Fum Blanc from the latter, which is known for its bright and fruity flavours. Guests can enjoy an in-depth winery tour and a walk through the vineyards and cellars, before the guided wine tasting. However, in order to get the best of the Mondavi experience, one must participate in the Four Decades Dinner, which allows you to taste vintage wines from each of the last four decades, followed by a four-course dinner.

Find out morehere

7801 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562, United States

(Main and featured image: Maja Petric on Unspash)

This article first appeared on Prestige Online Hong Kong

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Stunning Vineyards Around the World that Will Take Your Breaths Away - Prestige Online

In the past year, indoor plants have made their biggest comeback to our homes since the 1970s, thanks to their ability to help you feel calm, improve air quality, lower blood pressure *and* improve productivity. And as we navigate our third national lockdown, there has never been a better time to bring the outside in.

Indeed, in 2014, researchers from the University of Exeter found that plants can increase productivity by 15 per cent (a green office increases employees' work engagement by making them more physically, cognitively and emotionally involved in their work). More recent research has found that having plants in the home can also help reduce anxiety, since they remind us of nature and the outdoors which is instantly calming. If that wasnt enough, houseplants help to make your home less toxic by purifying the air and eliminating any toxins (case in point: this Crispy Wave air-purifying fern).

As well as indoor plants, crystals seem to be all the rage on my Instagram feed RN. I can't move for people showcasing their rose quartz stones, amethyst geodes and jade rollers - and for good reason. Crystals are thought to have huge wellbeing benefits. Feeling low? Grab an amethyst rock. Looking for love? Hoard some rose quartz. Need a single solution to any problem life throws at you? Crystals. It's little surprise that searches for crystal healing are up 165 per cent right now.

Wouldn't it be a genius idea to combine the healing benefits of indoor plants and crystals? Well, that's exactly what Nathan Raab, MD of crystal and plant brand Pointless Plants, is doing! Caring for plants is not only a soothing hobby, but adding some greenery to your home is a great way to boost energy levels - and some clever consumers are now going further by adding amplifying the healing powers of their plants with crystals in them too," he told GLAMOUR of the trend he's dubbing 'crystal botany'.

Both plants and crystals are organic elements which bring energy into the home - though they both do it in different ways. Plants bring their energy out of the earth, whilst crystals vibrate and self-generate; together this sustainable partnership is not only a great way to boost plant growth, but its a sure-fire means of tackling common ailments - stress, anxiety, sleep-deprivation - and bringing some positive energy into your life.

Want to try crystal botany at home? Here, Nathan reveals the best crystal and plant combinations to tackle common woes...

Quartz crystal is a versatile energy amplifier. Whatever the mood of the room or space is, quartz will take that and push it back out. So take advantage of this by combining with a plant with healing properties - something like aloe vera, which has medicinal properties, purifies the air around it and has been used in healing rituals throughout history - as the quartz will amplify this energy and spread the aloe veras healing throughout the home.

Orchids are beautiful flowers associated with fertility and virility, so combine them with the circulation-boosting properties of rose quartz to bolster any flagging passion in your home. Rose quartz is also known for bringing unconditional love and strength in relationships, which is the perfect kind of energy to add into the mix if you and your partner are getting a bit moody with each other after months of lockdown.

If you want to bring a bit of balance to your world, try combining a green calcite crystal with a succulent like an echeveria or sempervivum. Both succulents and green calcite are used to cleanse chakras, so combining the two is a great way to help you feel more relaxed and encourage you to stress less and go with the flow. Green calcite brings emotional clarity, and can encourage you to declutter too - perfect if you need a bit of nudge to organise your home!

The great thing about string of pearls plants is that theyre very expressive - its easy to know at a glance when your plant needs water. This provides a sense of soothing clarity and control which helps counteract any stresses and anxieties you may be suffering with. So combine with an amethyst geode crystal: these are known for their overwhelming ability to calm and help relieve anxiety. For best results, keep crystals and plants close - you can even consider putting the crystal within its soil.

Bamboo and feng shui go hand in hand, with bamboo bringing wealth, prosperity and happiness to any home. Use an ocean jasper crystal to heighten these feelings. Ocean jaspers, which are only found in Madagascar, are made of opposing sides with opposing forces - fiery and cooler - which taken together, allows you to stop, take stock and focus on yourself for a bit. This combines with the positivity of the bamboo to give you a bit of an excuse to focus on your own happiness.

Continued here:
What Is Crystal Botany And How Does It Boost Wellness? - GLAMOUR UK