How to survive amsterdam without going broke

Amsterdam and especially Amsterdam hotels may not be known for affordability, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible to travel the country on a budget. The experienced thrifty traveler knows how to visit even the most expensive countries for less – you just have to follow the insider secrets.

Luckily, globetrotters follow some pretty simple rules for saving money, so you don’t have to be an expert to travel for less. Anyone can do it!

The first thing you need to know is how to get around town. Fortunately, because Amsterdam is a compact area with beauty everywhere to be seen, getting from place to place isn’t as difficult as you might expect – it can actually be quite fun! Compared to everything else in the city, transportation is relatively inexpensive, especially if you know what to do.

Traveling the city for cheap begins right when you arrive in Amsterdam. Visit the VVV office across from Centraal Station right away. Most people in Amsterdam speak English very well, so you don’t have to worry about communication problems. If you speak to the staff here, they will assist you in finding the cheapest and quickest route to your destination.

Whenever you can, forget about paying for transportation and walk. This is not only free (the best deal you can get) but the best way to take in the city. Again, because Amsterdam is small and easy to travel, follow the locals and walk as much as possible. This is also a lot of fun. You can use the free map from the VVV to find your way – just watch out for the many cyclists traveling through the streets.

In fact, that’s yet another way to get around Amsterdam, just as the locals do. If you really want to have some fun, use a bicycle for your local travels. The city is made for cycling, but you have to keep in mind this doesn’t necessarily mean cycling around the city is a piece of cake. Cyclists move along at high speeds and follow special traffic signals, so having a good amount of previous experience on a bike will be helpful.

For traveling longer distances, the tram system is an economical and efficient way to travel from point A to point B. You can purchase tickets in Stationsplein at the small office beside the VVV or from bus and tram conductors. You’ll need to get a dagkaart, strippenkaart, or sterabonnement depending on how long you’ll be staying in Amsterdam.

Another option: take the bus. Local and regional buses can take you where you want to go, and there is even a night-bus system that can help you get around during the wee hours between midnight and 4 a. m., when other transportation is unavailable.

The railway or metro is another good possibility. To get from Schiphol airport to Centraal Station, the railway is the most direct connection, while the metro can take you to the outlying districts.

The ferry system also takes pedestrians and cyclists across to Amsterdam Noord for free.

For lodging, be sure to book your room in advance as this will no doubt save you a ton of cash.

A person has to eat

In Amsterdam, you’re going to need to eat at some point in time. It’s possible to enjoy some fantastic grub on a budget if you know where to look.

Bars and coffee shops also sell food, which usually costs much less than meals in a restaurant. A variety of delicious sandwiches are available in these establishments for a very low price.

Amsterdam is famous for its pancake houses - they are the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat for a good price. But don’t expect American style pancakes – the Dutch version, called pannekoeken, is made with many different ingredients, and can provide a very satisfying meal to hungry travelers.

Another tip: vegetarian and whole food restaurants offer moderately priced food and a healthy dining experience. If you’re not into vegetarian, check out the Leidseplein district – here you can find Greek, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and Indonesian food in addition to the traditional Dutch delicacies. In this area prices are competitively priced.

While you’re on the move, grab some frites (which are just French fries). This snack is cheap and tasty, and is served in a paper cone with mayonnaise instead of ketchup. Or, if you don’t mind the taste of herring, grab a herring on a bun (haring broodje) almost anywhere in the city for a decent price.

Or, buy your entire meal from a vending machine - in Amsterdam, vending machine meals are sold for low prices! For dessert, try a stroopwafel. You can find this in supermarkets and fresh from street vendors. It’s simply a thin cookie resembling a waffle, filled with yummy caramel.

Finally, avoid the eateries directly in tourist areas. Stray off the beaten path just a little and you’ll find much more affordable food that tastes delicious. Another tip: dine at one restaurant a day, and purchase the rest of your food from markets and grocery stores. This will pare down your food budget considerably and it’s a great way to cut down on vacation costs.

Amsterdam doesn’t have to be expensive, so what are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation to this wonderful city and you’ll be enjoying a vacation without paying through the nose.

Do you know about money

In a test of basic economic principles given to 2000 Americans, both adults and teenagers, the average grade was failing. Throughout the years, it has been proven by numerous studies that when high schoolers graduate, they leave with little understanding of personal finances.

I was never taught how to count back change, balance a checking account or understand compounding interest. But yet, I graduated with the highest math honors, having tackled calculus and physics courses at the neighboring college. But at no point, was I taught the basics of finances before I entered college. Nor were many other American teenagers.

And now credit card debt and financial troubles seem to be everywhere. It is surprising how many people don't really understand their finances. For example, one of my close friends recently told me that her credit cards had great rates once the 0% interest expires. I told her that her rates can go up at any time, but she didn't believe me.

So what do you and your children need to know about money?

You need to understand the basics of how to balance your checking and how to budget your income. These two practices will keep you financially grounded. If you can balance your account and stay within your budget, you are probably doing well.

What can throw you off track is debt. And it is coming at you from all sides. You need to understand that there is good debt and bad debt, but that debt becomes fatal if you can't afford what you have racked up. For example, having a home mortgage is good debt. But if you can't afford the mortgage payment and risk defaulting on the loan, there is no good in it.

You have to know how debt works. Understand the advantages and disadvantages to using your credit. If you have or are thinking about taking out a credit card, I suggest that you learn all of the tricks of the trade. I would say that the one thing to remember is that debt costs you. All debt costs you. Credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and student loans aren't designed for your good. They are there to make the lenders money. Keep that in mind.

When you are thinking about taking out a loan, you should do main things:

Know your credit score and what your credit report says. Figure out the total cost of the loan. This includes all of the interest you will have to pay back. The number might surprise you. See how long it would take you to save for it versus paying off the loan. Shop around for the best interest rates and terms.

One of the most important things is understanding compounding interest. This can be slightly hard to get a grip on at first, so have someone show you how the numbers work. And keep in mind that though interest can cost you in debt, it can give to you in savings.

Finally, you need to understand that as an adult, there is more to finances than just money. It is about self-control, trust and other emotions. There are also many facets to managing your finances. You have insurance policies, investments and wills and trusts to consider. It's all about making the best future for you and your family. That's what money spent wisely can do for you. Take the few hours to learn how to get there. It will pay you back thousands and thousands of times.

It is possible to give your cat a bath and come away scratch free

Although your cat doesn't realise it right now, after some tender loving care and a little shampoo, he will appreciate it.

Cats hate water, that much is easy to see as he lashes out at you with his claws when he gets anywhere near it. Why would someone want to bathe their cat, then?

Well, they are dirty and can become flea infested just like a dog, so they do need them. Sometimes, you’ll just have to do it. The key is to not bathe your cat more than once a month as you will damage his skin and his hair if you do so more than that. And, you can do it.

The Supplies

To do the task, you’ll need some supplies. The very least you will need are two cloth towels, a pet safe shampoo and conditioner, a sponge and a sprayer to attach to your skin nozzle. No sprayer? Then use a pitcher of water and keep it near the sink. You should try to have a non skid mat there as well to help your cat feel better about standing in the water.

A scared cat is hard to control. So, if you plan to wash him in the tub, make sure to shut the door to keep him from getting out into the rest of the house.

What To Do

Put the mat at the bottom of the sink or tub. Add about two or three inches of warm water to the bottom and carefully place the cat in. Talk to him quietly and reassure him that he’s okay. More than likely, he’ll settle down within a few minutes. Now that he’s calm, you can wet him down. Use the sprayer but if this scares him, you’ll need to pour water over him using the pitcher. A word of warning, do not pour water on his head. You’ll clean his face later.

Now he’s wet. You can squeeze a palm sized amount of shampoo and massage the shampoo into his coat. Use slow, calm motions and he’ll relax and maybe even will enjoy it. Once he is lathered, you’ll need to rinse him off. Make sure to get all of the shampoo out of his coat as anything left on him will irritate his skin.

Next, do the same with the cat’s conditioner. This step is optional if the cat has short hair. If the cat isn’t too upset, though, you should try to use it on all cats.

Once his body is clean, it is time to do his face. Dampen the sponge and use it to carefully wipe down his face. Pay attention to the area around his eyes too.

After The Bath

Now, he’s done. Wrap him up in the towels and blot off as much of the water as possible from his body. Use a dry towel as a second blotting tool. Now, he’ll finish the job himself. For those who have a long haired cat, you can use a blow dryer at the very lowest setting if you keep it continuously moving so that you do not burn him. Now, you have a clean cat and hopefully no wound marks to show from it.

Your cat will thank you for his bath, and you will both enjoy each other's company more, next time you snuggle down in front of the fire.

Jewely the origination of

Jewelry is ornaments of precious metals worn to beautify ourselves. It is an art form that lures people and attracts people of all ages. Heirloom jewels are passed on from parents to the next generation. Such is the bond that jewelry creates in the hearts of people who believe in looking beautiful.

The word ‘jewelry’ is derived from the French word ‘jouel’. The earliest form of jewelry was made from shells that were made into beads. Jewelry of our ancestors was made from materials such as animal teeth, shells, wood, stone, bones of animals etc. They used all natural materials. It was worn by people of high stature and even after death, the jewelry went into the grave with them. You would have seen archaeologists discover skeletons from the past with jewelry on their body.

With passage of time, jewelry was made from synthetic materials too. Although, primarily gold, silver, white gold, platinum remain the more sought after metals to be used in the making or ornaments. Precious gemstones like diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire etc. are also embedded into the metal to make the ornaments even better looking.

Costume jewelry is something that’s made of synthetic materials like plastic, ivory, wood, glass etc. Fashion jewelry is cheap and easy to buy and there is a craze for it amongst teenagers, who can just pick up a piece with their pocket money.

Wearing jewelry made with costly metals and precious stones such as diamonds is considered a sign of wealth and prosperity. Some people buy precious jewelry as an investment for the future. They know that the value can only increase.

Jewelry over the ages has come to become an important part of a special occasion; in fact it is an essential part in some occasions like engagements and weddings. In the West, an engagement ring and a wedding are the quint essentials in performing these ceremonies. Similarly, there is no Indian Hindu Wedding without a mangalasutra, which is the sacred thread worn in the neck.

Jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes, chains, necklaces, chokes, finger rings, wrist bands, bracelets, waist bands, leg chains, ear studs, earrings and name it and you have it. All these again come as plain jewelry with nothing but gold or silver etc., or embedded with precious gemstones. Again, depending on the quality of the metal used or the weight of the stone, from the most expensive to the least expensive, diamond jewelry being the most expensive and most sought after. You even have watches with gold and precious stones, like diamonds.

With such a varied choice, how can you restrict a woman from wanting more to make her look beautiful or for that matter, how can a man contain himself. From ancient times, jewelry has been synonymous for both men and women equally. Diamond watches are in vogue with men right now and they are made to show off a man’s masculinity.

For those of you that appreciate jewelry, there are no bounds. Pick something within your budget and enjoy the pleasure it affords and the beauty that becomes your own.

Worship when you re down

Sometimes we feel as if we have no energy to worship God. We are bombarded with work, families, sickness, stress, bills, etc…every single day. When do we have time to read the Bible let alone worship God?

Some people have no will power, some have no desire to worship God, and others want to…but don’t feel like they can. They are thinking to themselves, “What’s the use? Nothing is going to change.” They are sad about an event that has taken place or they simply have no room in their hearts to forgive someone.

Guess what? Even when you don’t think you have it in you to give your heart to God in worship, this is when you need to do it the most. When you are weak, He is strong. God gives you the strength when you need it the most.

When you don’t feel good in physical health or in spiritual health and you praise Him and worship Him…you will find yourself in His glorious presence. And then you don’t want to to stop praising and worshiping Him…it is like a drug. Then…afterwards, you don’t feel the same as you did before you went into worship. Your whole outlook on life changes in that moment.

Now, you may have to do this several times a day…but you can worship Him in the car, in the shower, wherever. And worshiping God does not necessarily mean singing to Him. You can pray, read His Word, meditate on His Word, etc…

As the Nike commercial says, “Just do it!”

Graphic design career information

Are you ready to start your career in the Graphic Design industry? Do you possess the creativity, attention to detail, and technical training required to be successful, but just don't know where to start? If so, then read on. Obtaining a rewarding and exciting position in the field of Graphic Design can be easier then you think. All it takes is getting the right work experience. And you can do that by focusing your talents in three basic areas: formal education, quality portfolio, and on-the-job training.

Formal Education: Graphic designers usually have a bachelor's degree in art or design. Formal training helps you develop your talent and skills and provide training in computer software, which is highly utilized in the visual art arena. And while a degree is not always required for all entry-level positions, a formal education helps to balance your creative and artistic side, and gives you a much better chance.

Quality Portfolio: Before you can obtain a job in the field of Graphic Design, you will need a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best work and helps demonstrate your skills to clients or potential employers. A portfolio may include hand drawings, computer images, photos, and print samples. You can collect samples from your art and design courses, save letters of recommendations from teachers and employers, etc. Let your portfolio speak for itself. A picture is worth a thousand words, so do a lot of talking with your work. If your portfolio is weak, the chances of you landing that dream job are slim.

On-The-Job Training: As a beginning designer, you will most likely receive on-the-job training. If you have the option, participating in an internship or practicum program while in college is an excellent way to prepare yourself for future work experience and job possibilities. An internship helps build your skills, demonstrate your talents, and make future job contacts. This is essential to getting started in the graphic design industry.

Getting Graphic Design Experience

Like most individuals, once you've completed your technical education and training, landing the perfect job isn't always as easy as you might expect. In order to get the most out of your college or technical school training, you should seriously consider enrolling in a Graphic Design practicum. In a typical practicum, you will gain experience in the graphic design field by working for a company that is directly involved in the industry. You will gain work experience and additional training in your specific area of interest.

Additionally, you will receive college credits towards your graduation requirements.

Why A Practicum?

Usually, by the time you enroll in a Graphic Design practicum, you know fairly specifically which area of graphic design you wish to work in. However, there are many times that students are still undecided. A Graphic Design practicum will allow you to work in a particular area and "test the waters" before you go out and apply for an actual paid position. As such, this type of experience is practically unmatched as an educational tool since you can dabble in a number of areas within the field and find exactly what fits your talents and desires firsthand. You might even land a job this way from the company that provided the practicum. Many students have landed a job this way.

What is an antioxidant

An antioxidant is a chemical that reduces the rate of particular oxidation reactions in a specific context, where oxidation reactions are chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons from a substance to an oxidising agent.

Antioxidants are particularly important in the context of organic chemistry and biology: all living cells contain complex systems of antioxidant chemicals and/or enzymes to prevent chemical damage to the cells' components by oxidation. The importance and complexity of antioxidants in biology is reflected in a medical literature of more than 142,000 scholarly articles.

A diet containing antioxidants from plants are required for good health since plants are an important source of organic antioxidant chemicals. Antioxidants are widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements that are used for health purposes such as preventing cancer and heart disease. However, while many studies have suggested benefits for antioxidant supplements, several large clinical trials have failed to clearly demonstrate a benefit for the formulations tested, and excess supplementation may be harmful.

Antioxidants are chemicals that reduce oxidative damage to cells and biochemicals. Researchers have found high correlation between oxidative damage and the occurrence of disease. For example, LDL oxidation is associated with cardiovascular disease. The process leading to atherogenesis, artherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease is complex, involving multiple chemical pathways and networks, but the precursor is LDL oxidation by free radicals, resulting in inflammation and formation of plaques.

Research suggests that consumption of antioxidant-rich foods reduces damage to cells and biochemicals from free radicals. This may slow down, prevent, or even reverse certain diseases that result from cellular damage, and perhaps even slow down the natural aging process.

Since the discovery of vitamins, it has been recognized that antioxidants in the diet are essential for healthful lives. More recently, a large body of evidence has accumulated that suggests supplementation of the diet with various kinds of antioxidants can improve health and extend life.

Many nutraceutical and health food companies now sell forms of antioxidants as dietary supplement. These supplements may include specific antioxidant chemicals, like resveratrol (from grape seeds), combinations of antioxidants, like the "ACES" products that contain beta carotene (provitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E and Selenium, or specialty herbs that are known to contain antioxidants such as green tea and jiaogulan.

Disclaimer

The information presented here should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you need more information about Antioxidants, please consult your physician or a qualified specialist.

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