Jacob

Turning Your Kitchen Scrap Compost into Garden Richness

When you’re in search of a low-cost method tu create a sustainable garden and reduce waste, you will be glad to know that composting does both. Plus, it is a great way to turn your kitchen scraps into “black gold”. With a nutrient-rich compost, your garden obtains soil-enhancing organic material that boosts your garden’s output.
How Composting Helps
A significant amount of landfill consists of food waste. This then eventually decomposes to create methane gas, which then has a direct effect on climate changes. With composting, the waste is diverted into the soil to help enhance the texture, improve water retention, and incorporate beneficial microbes.
Compostable Kitchen Waste
There are many kitchen scraps that can be composted. A few of the best types that should be included involve:
Fruit and vegetable peels
Crushed eggshells
Used coffee grounds
Nut shells
Stale bread
Tea bags
Cooked rice
Deciding On An Outdoor Or Indoor Compost
Composting can be conducted two ways: Indoor and outdoor. Indoor composting is best conducted when there is little space available. This method works best with countertop composts that incorporate charcoal filters. You can then utilize the compost within your indoor garden pots. The second, and most common method, is the outdoor compost. This incorporates your kitchen waste within a compost pile or bin that has ample drainage, airflow, and sun exposure.
Balancing Your Compost
In order for your compost to be as rich as possible, there needs to be a balance of carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich material. These carbon-rich materials include non-food items while the nitrogen-rich material include your kitchen scrap.
When mixing, the compost should have a ratio of 3:1 of carbon to nitrogen material so that your compost does not become slimy, smelly, and decomposes at a good rate.
Compost Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your compost involves regular mixing and turning to introduce oxygen and increase decomposition. Moisture must also be monitored and ensuring your compost is damp but not saturated throughout. If it does not appear damp, add some green scraps or a bit of water. If it appears saturated, incorporate some more carbon material such as leaves or grass clippings. Don’t forget to mix it good after adding anything.
In 1-2 months, your compost will start to appear dark asnd resemble soil. When this appears, your compost will be ready for your garden.
Incorporating Your Rich Compost
Now that your compost is ready, you can combine it to your vegetable garden’s soil, potted plants, or flower beds. Once mixxed in well, your vegetables will take off, your plant’s root system will be strengthened, and you will have a natural pest control. Having this organic richness will improve your ecosystem and enrich your garden.
To wrap up, your kitchen scraps can provide you with a simple way to create a rich compost for your garden. Plus, the plant will love it, your household will love it, and you will love it too. There are many benefits to have with very little effort. Not only will your waste be reduced, but your garden will thrive while being self-sufficient.

When you’re in search of a low-cost method tu create a sustainable garden and reduce waste, you will be glad to know that composting does both. Plus, it is a great way to turn your kitchen scraps into “black gold”. With a nutrient-rich compost, your garden obtains soil-enhancing organic material that boosts your garden’s output. How Composting Helps A significant amount of landfill consists of food waste. This then eventually decomposes to create methane gas, which then has a direct effect on climate changes. With composting, the waste is diverted into the soil to help enhance the texture, improve water retention, and incorporate beneficial microbes. Compostable Kitchen Waste There are many kitchen scraps that can be composted. A few of the best types that should be included involve: Fruit and vegetable peels Crushed eggshells Used coffee grounds Nut shells Stale bread Tea bags Cooked rice Deciding On An Outdoor Or Indoor Compost Composting can be conducted two ways: Indoor and outdoor. Indoor composting is best conducted when there is little space available. This method works best with countertop composts that incorporate charcoal filters. You can then utilize the compost within your indoor garden pots. The second, and most common method, is the outdoor compost. This incorporates your kitchen waste within a compost pile or bin that has ample drainage, airflow, and sun exposure. Balancing Your Compost In order for your compost to be as rich as possible, there needs to be a balance of carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich material. These carbon-rich materials include non-food items while the nitrogen-rich material include your kitchen scrap. When mixing, the compost should have a ratio of 3:1 of carbon to nitrogen material so that your compost does not become slimy, smelly, and decomposes at a good rate. Compost Maintenance Proper maintenance of your compost involves regular mixing and turning to introduce oxygen and increase decomposition. Moisture must also be monitored and ensuring your compost is damp but not saturated throughout. If it does not appear damp, add some green scraps or a bit of water. If it appears saturated, incorporate some more carbon material such as leaves or grass clippings. Don’t forget to mix it good after adding anything. In 1-2 months, your compost will start to appear dark asnd resemble soil. When this appears, your compost will be ready for your garden. Incorporating Your Rich Compost Now that your compost is ready, you can combine it to your vegetable garden’s soil, potted plants, or flower beds. Once mixxed in well, your vegetables will take off, your plant’s root system will be strengthened, and you will have a natural pest control. Having this organic richness will improve your ecosystem and enrich your garden. To wrap up, your kitchen scraps can provide you with a simple way to create a rich compost for your garden. Plus, the plant will love it, your household will love it, and you will love it too. There are many benefits to have with very little effort. Not only will your waste be reduced, but your garden will thrive while being self-sufficient.

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The Secret to Year-Round Color in Your Garden

Having a beautiful garden that screams with color may sound like a dream that only comes true for tropical locations or professional landscapers, but the truth is, having a strategy in mind will help you achieve it. The secret behind it is in the plant selection you thoughtfully planned out and blending in a variety of other garden knick knacks. Through creativity, your garden landscape will speak volumes when it comes to year-round color and without any need for replanting.
1. Plan with the Seasons in Mind
In order for year-round color to be achieved, you must first understand the seasons and their patterns. It's also a good idea to know which USDA Hardiness Zone you're in. This will help when choosing plants that will thrive all year-long. You can mix early, mid, and late-season bloomers so that you always have blooms to enjoy.
For instance, spring may commence with hyacinths and daffodils. When they begin to fade into summer, your daylilies and black-eyed Susans begin to bloom. As fall approaches, sedums and ornamental grasses begin to gleam. As winter hits, stems of color come to life thanks to holly berry, evergreen foliage.
2. Use Foliage for More Than a Backdrop
Although flowers are the highlight of a colorful garden, your foliage is the key to making it happen. With evergreens and variegated leaves expressing their bold colors, they can also supply visual appeal. You should contemplate including heuchera (coral bells), which present lime green, purple, and bronze colored leaves. Also incorporating ornamental cabbages, Japanese maples, and hostas present leaves that change during each season.
3. Incorporate Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs
To maintain color consistency, perennials, annuals, and bulbs should be mixed. With perennials being your gardens backbone, the annuals provide bright color that fills in the gaps, and bulbs such as crocuses and alliums bridge gaps between periods of bloom.
By layering your plants, the space can be maximised while remaining visually appealing. This layering is done by having tall plants behind the medium and the short ground cover providing color and lushness that allows your plants to gleam.
4. Remember the Accents
In order to maintain your gardens color during the off-season, you should incorporate various accents like garden art, glazed ceramic pots, colorful trellises, or painted planters. Adding these details will make the gardens color pop even more while you wait for the next blooking cycle.
When it comes to year-round color, it doesn’t depend on the amount of flowers you plant, it is about having a well-designed canvas that highlights your seasonal flowers. By mixing a variety of flowers and colorful plants, layering strategically, and incorporating accents, your garden can be transformed into the most dynamic space you have.

Having a beautiful garden that screams with color may sound like a dream that only comes true for tropical locations or professional landscapers, but the truth is, having a strategy in mind will help you achieve it. The secret behind it is in the plant selection you thoughtfully planned out and blending in a variety of other garden knick knacks. Through creativity, your garden landscape will speak volumes when it comes to year-round color and without any need for replanting. 1. Plan with the Seasons in Mind In order for year-round color to be achieved, you must first understand the seasons and their patterns. It's also a good idea to know which USDA Hardiness Zone you're in. This will help when choosing plants that will thrive all year-long. You can mix early, mid, and late-season bloomers so that you always have blooms to enjoy. For instance, spring may commence with hyacinths and daffodils. When they begin to fade into summer, your daylilies and black-eyed Susans begin to bloom. As fall approaches, sedums and ornamental grasses begin to gleam. As winter hits, stems of color come to life thanks to holly berry, evergreen foliage. 2. Use Foliage for More Than a Backdrop Although flowers are the highlight of a colorful garden, your foliage is the key to making it happen. With evergreens and variegated leaves expressing their bold colors, they can also supply visual appeal. You should contemplate including heuchera (coral bells), which present lime green, purple, and bronze colored leaves. Also incorporating ornamental cabbages, Japanese maples, and hostas present leaves that change during each season. 3. Incorporate Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs To maintain color consistency, perennials, annuals, and bulbs should be mixed. With perennials being your gardens backbone, the annuals provide bright color that fills in the gaps, and bulbs such as crocuses and alliums bridge gaps between periods of bloom. By layering your plants, the space can be maximised while remaining visually appealing. This layering is done by having tall plants behind the medium and the short ground cover providing color and lushness that allows your plants to gleam. 4. Remember the Accents In order to maintain your gardens color during the off-season, you should incorporate various accents like garden art, glazed ceramic pots, colorful trellises, or painted planters. Adding these details will make the gardens color pop even more while you wait for the next blooking cycle. When it comes to year-round color, it doesn’t depend on the amount of flowers you plant, it is about having a well-designed canvas that highlights your seasonal flowers. By mixing a variety of flowers and colorful plants, layering strategically, and incorporating accents, your garden can be transformed into the most dynamic space you have.

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How You Can Create a Relaxing Outdoor Oasis

When you want to unwind, it's important to have a place in mind. And while there are many places that can come to mind, nothing beats your own backyard. To really enjoy it, you need to create a relaxing oasis that is warm, inviting, and goes beyond outdoor furniture and potted plants. Your outdoor retreat needs to be designed and tailored to your style, needs, and senses. Here's how to begin.
1. Have a Purpose in Mind
The first step before breaking ground is to have a purpose in mind. Ask yourself what you want the space to be used for. Will it be a quiet space? A place for friends to gather? Having purpose will help with designing and make it easier to choose the right furniture. You can also create functional spaces such as a corner hammock with little shade, twinkle lights above a dining nook, or a cushioned lounge corner. Keep flow in mind so that movement between spaces is natural.
2. Furniture That's Durable and Comfortable
The key here is comfort. Furniture needs to be weather-resistant with neutral cushions that are soft and calming. Incorporating a few touches of coziness says a lot so go ahead and add some floor poufs, throw blankets, or an inviting swing chair. If your space is small, you can opt for foldable tables, benches, or other multipurpose pieces. Materials like resin wicker, powder-coated steel, or teak make for great durability without affecting the style.
3. Mix In Some Natural Elements
Plants are the perfect choice to use as natural elements and will provide your outdoor oasis with the soul it needs. You can easily mix in-ground shrubs with potted plants or incorporate them with a vertical garden if space is limited. Utilize varying heights and textures, such as aromatic herbs, tall grasses, leafy ferns, or flowering vines. Incorporate natural stone elements, water features, or driftwood to add a positive grounding.
4. Develop a Light Ambience
Mood is easily shaped by lighting. So, to transform your oasis into a magical setting, incorporate a light ambience with solar lanterns, string lights, pathway lights, or flameless candles. Opt for bulbs that have warm tones that can create a cozy evening glow. By hanging the lights above in tree branches will give the seating area an inviting and soft charm.
5. Engage the Senses
All senses can be engaged by incorporating sensory elements. These can include wind chimes for subtle sounds, fire pit for warmth, or essential-oil scents. An outdoor rug can even make hard surfaces softer and bring it all together. If noise is a concern, calming sounds can be played to eliminate distractions.
When it all comes down to it, a huge amount of space is not required to make your oasis peaceful and enjoyable. Being intentional with the design and adding a few coziness options to your back patio or balcony will easily make the space a relaxing place to recharge and relax.

When you want to unwind, it's important to have a place in mind. And while there are many places that can come to mind, nothing beats your own backyard. To really enjoy it, you need to create a relaxing oasis that is warm, inviting, and goes beyond outdoor furniture and potted plants. Your outdoor retreat needs to be designed and tailored to your style, needs, and senses. Here's how to begin. 1. Have a Purpose in Mind The first step before breaking ground is to have a purpose in mind. Ask yourself what you want the space to be used for. Will it be a quiet space? A place for friends to gather? Having purpose will help with designing and make it easier to choose the right furniture. You can also create functional spaces such as a corner hammock with little shade, twinkle lights above a dining nook, or a cushioned lounge corner. Keep flow in mind so that movement between spaces is natural. 2. Furniture That's Durable and Comfortable The key here is comfort. Furniture needs to be weather-resistant with neutral cushions that are soft and calming. Incorporating a few touches of coziness says a lot so go ahead and add some floor poufs, throw blankets, or an inviting swing chair. If your space is small, you can opt for foldable tables, benches, or other multipurpose pieces. Materials like resin wicker, powder-coated steel, or teak make for great durability without affecting the style. 3. Mix In Some Natural Elements Plants are the perfect choice to use as natural elements and will provide your outdoor oasis with the soul it needs. You can easily mix in-ground shrubs with potted plants or incorporate them with a vertical garden if space is limited. Utilize varying heights and textures, such as aromatic herbs, tall grasses, leafy ferns, or flowering vines. Incorporate natural stone elements, water features, or driftwood to add a positive grounding. 4. Develop a Light Ambience Mood is easily shaped by lighting. So, to transform your oasis into a magical setting, incorporate a light ambience with solar lanterns, string lights, pathway lights, or flameless candles. Opt for bulbs that have warm tones that can create a cozy evening glow. By hanging the lights above in tree branches will give the seating area an inviting and soft charm. 5. Engage the Senses All senses can be engaged by incorporating sensory elements. These can include wind chimes for subtle sounds, fire pit for warmth, or essential-oil scents. An outdoor rug can even make hard surfaces softer and bring it all together. If noise is a concern, calming sounds can be played to eliminate distractions. When it all comes down to it, a huge amount of space is not required to make your oasis peaceful and enjoyable. Being intentional with the design and adding a few coziness options to your back patio or balcony will easily make the space a relaxing place to recharge and relax.

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What You Should Know About Your Bahamas Vacation

With a nation surrounded by bodies of water and made up of over 700 individual islands, the Bahamas make up the vast majority of the Caribbean. Plus, with a vast array of attractive beaches and crystal clear shorelines, you will surely be able to soak in the sun. Besides the splendor of the beaches, there are many other sights that are only available in the Bahamas. You will also love that the locals have some level of English so asking for directions will be no problem.

What's more is that you will find an array of activities available to enjoy. The activities available make the Bahamas a perfect vacation spot for couples, families, or individuals looking to get away for a while. For the adventurer, seeking an adventure in the Bahamas will provide more than what you expect. Plus, with reasonable prices, a Bahamian vacation won't break the bank. As far as prices are concerned, let's take a look at how much it would cost to go on a family vacation to the Bahamas.

Price for a Family Vacation to the Bahamas

Just like any other vacation, a trip to the Bahamas involves many things that affect the overall price such as the amount of time being spent in the Bahamas, hotel accommodations, where you are flying from, number of family members, and entertainment expenses. It is also important that you have a bit more spending money for unexpected expenses.

As you search around online, you may come across several travel sites offering different prices for a Bahama vacation. On average, the price could range from $900 to $950 for a single person. This is not bad when you are staying for at least 3 nights. The price may include your plane tickets, complimentary breakfasts, and hotel charges. You need to keep in mind that a low price such as this may require the departing flight to be from Florida since the route will be shorter than any other state.

Essentially, all of the costs you experience will be determined by where you fly out from and your length of stay.

If you plan to be traveling as a family or a group of friends, you may experience an even lower price, which could be based on a group rate. All you have to do is choose which group rate will provide the most benefits. You may also want to keep an eye on the prices as they may often change.

Cost for a Flight

Booking a flight to the Bahamas is not necessarily expensive. Of course, the price may depend on the month you plan to go. For fall flights, you may pay hundreds less than a flight in the summer, which is normal when many are traveling.

Bahama Activities To Enjoy

The good part about having activities to do is that they all may not cost much or may even be free, such as being on the beach sunbathing. Besides the beach, other fun activities include tours and even snorkeling or parasailing.

You need to be aware that the price for activities may increase, which may be caused by their ability to provide some great excitement. Below are a few of the activities you can expect to enjoy while vacationing in the Bahamas.

Taking a Dive in the Lucayan National Park Caves

With more than 40 acres of caves, the Lucayan National Park provides cave swimming for those who enjoy underwater exploration. Located on Grand Bahama Island, the Lucayan National Park is a prized location for those who love ecology. Prior to your dive, you can enjoy a nice horseback ride or hike among the hardwood forest, the coppice landscaping, and even the mangroves.

Visit the Straw Market for Souvenir Shopping

If you are good at bartering, then the Straw Market is a good place to get some souvenirs at a low price. The Straw Market can be found on Bay Street. While there you will come across different vendors selling various items to take back home and enjoy.

Not only is it acceptable to barter and haggle, but the locals encourage it. No matter what day you feel like going to Straw Market, it will always be open until 8pm.

Tackle the Atlantis Paradise Island Waterpark

As you enter the waterpark, you will be amazed at what Aquaventure has to offer. As part of the fun, there are over 140 acres of slides, pools, and rivers that are set among a landscape of Atlantis ruins. If you are a resort guest, then you will have free access to the park. If you want to enjoy a day at Aquaventure, then a day pass is easily obtainable.

Enjoy Cabbage Beach

As you continue to explore Paradise Island, you should make your way to the east side to enjoy the clear waters of Cabbage Beach. With two miles worth of beach Cabbage Beach is able to provide nice swimming in clear water.

While you're walking the beach, check out the huts along the beach. You will see a masseuse waiting to provide a relaxing massage as the waves crash nearby.

Explore the Pink Sand of Pink Sands Beach

That's right, the sand of Pink Sand Beach is truly pink in color. This pink is due to the insects containing the pink color in their shells.

The sand remains pink because of the crushing waves that hit the shells. The waves then mix the sand with the remains, which creates the pink sand. Your feet will also love the sand, which is nice and cool and is perfect for beach walks or soaking up the sun.

Order a Chilly Daq Shack Beverage

While taking in the sun and beach, nothing else is better than enjoying a nice chilly beverage while doing it. At the Daq Shack, you will enjoy a wooden hut with open-air that will provide you with the best rum and freshest fruits to create your favorite drinks.

With many trying to be as authentic as the original Daq Shack, you will be at the original when you goto Cable Beach. The original Daq Shack can be pinpointed by the huge amount of business cards strung throughout the establishment.

Enjoy a Bite to Eat at Graycliff Hotel

Who knew you would be among pirates as you dine at Graycliff Hotel. With its rich history, Graycliff has managed to cater many for more than 250 years in the Bahamas.

Although Graycliff is popular for the cigars, the hotel mansion also boasts a tremendous cellar for various wines and of course, a restaurant worthy of five stars. The food is beyond rich but with a traditional Bahamian flair. With that, you will need to make reservations early, sometimes months in advance, so if you plan a future vacation to the Bahamas, it is best to reserve now.

Enjoy a Fish Fry Conch

Once you have enjoyed a nice frozen beverage at the Daq Shack, head over to Fish Fry for a nice conch. Although this dish is the unofficial island favorite, its popularity is beyond proportion. A multitude of vendors are lined up to provide their take on conch as well as rice and plantains.

Although you can enjoy the Fish Fry any day of the week, Friday and Saturday boast the most fun with an atmosphere filled with rum and music lasting throughout the night.

Enjoy Spectating Cricket Matches

Head over to the Cricket Club to enjoy some tasty food and beverages while watching some cricket matches. For the best views, you are best to sit above in the balcony and enjoy the pitch from above. The seating above is great for enjoying a cold beverage as the cool breeze helps you to relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings.

Head Over to John Watling for some Rum Sampling

By adding some rum, you´ll enjoy a true Bahama experience that John Watling can provide. With over 20 years of rum production, the distillery filters the rum with coconut and does a good job at it. John Watling sits comfortably on the Buena Vista Estate and boasts two acres of lushness. Access to John Watling distillery is 7 days a week and tastings and tours are also available. Before you leave, make sure to grab their estate cocktails, which are available in half gallon size.

Test the Stacks at Baha Mar Casino

With a lot of naturalness surrounding your family vacation, it is nice to escape the family to enjoy some gambling with other adults. With some extra glitz available in Nassau, you can try a hand of cards at the Baha Mar Casino. With a few resorts to spend the night, the Baha Mar Casino connects each property to the others and is highly known as the Caribbean's biggest casino. Make sure to have a drink ready to calm the nerves before hitting the casino floor to face the 110+ tables and more than enough slots that will keep you occupied for the entire night.

Go Diving in Thunderball Grotto

Going for a dive just got better as you explore Thunderball Grotto. While in the cave, you will recognize it from a James Bond movie. You will find it near Staniel Cay, and enjoying the pool is a great way to relax and explore while also transporting yurself back to the days of espionage.

Head to Sandy Toes for some Snorkeling

Located 30 minutes by boat, you can head to Rose Island to relax at Sandy Toes and enjoy a fresh beverage at its beach bar. At the shoreline of the island, it provides great seclusion that only a tropical island can offer. While you are there yu can head out for some snorkreling or go out running with the pigs that inhabit the island.

When you are finished with that, enjoy a nice beverage in a hammock to relax the rest of the day.

Head to Andros for some Barrier Reef Snorkeling

If you have fins and mask, then you will love getting to use them at Andros along the barrier reef. As one of the largest islands in the world, you will enjoy seeing what marine life await you in the Caribbean. Often referred to as the Big Yard, you will find it mostly uninhabited. This allows the island to remain quiet and tranquil.

Besides the reef, you will enjoy the vast amount of shipwrecks, blue tangs, scorpionfish, and parrotfish.

Bahama Seasons

The seasons in the Bahamas have a high season that starts in December and ends in April and the “winter” is a tropical warm climate. Regardless, many continue to visit regardless of the season and hurricane season does not seem to deter the visitors. To get the most out of your vacation, it is best to avoid the season of Spring Break, which begins in March and ends in April. By avoiding the Spring Break, your family can enjoy what the island has to offer without worrying about drunk college kids.

Extra Expenses You Can Expect

Besides the prices for all of the activities you enjoy, you will need to account for the expenses that will be added on top. We are sure that you do not want to just stay in your hotel for the entire time your family is vacationing.

Knowing that, you also need to know about some other expenses that you may see every day that you remain in the Bahamas. While some may be on top of what you will be paying, some may be added to the overall price you pay. Keep in mind that the prices for each are considered average.

Your Accommodations

Many of your accommodations will be covered after you book your family vacation. But you may want to stay in other hotels as you explore the Bahamas. On average, you can expect to pay a daily rate of $65 for a night. Of course, if you need more space, then you will be paying more so do some research prior to booking.

Dining Expenses

Having a hotel that serves a free breakfast will save you some money each day you stay there. Luckily, most of the sites that will book your stay include hotels that provide a free continental breakfast. This will provide you with some extras spending money to enjoy other food outside of the hotel.

When you have a daily budget of around $40, you will easily enjoy the variety of food options available to you. This is great when the majority of the cuisine will be seafood-based. You should be ready for any dish, but in case you need some pointers on what to try, we've listed a few of the most popular that you will enjoy for less than your budget amount.

Conch - This dish is nationally known and favored by many in the Bahamas. As a mollusk, the seafood is breaded and fried and served along with lemons. No matter where you adventure off to, you will likely see it in every restaurant you visit. A lot of times it is listed as an appetizer, however you may combine it as a main dish.

Boiled Fish with Grits - This Bahamian dish is served frequently during breakfast. The fish is cooked in a spice broth made up of peppers and onions along with lime juice. A nice serving of grits is then served alongside it.

Fish Stew - This healthy stew will be found throughout every restaurant regardless of where you are in the country. It combines celery, tomatoes, onions, spices, and of course fish.

Getting Around

Getting around by taxi or bus may cost around $20 each day. With water taxis, you could be paying as much as $35 per day.

Separate Entertainment

Enjoying a nightlife without the kids can offer nice alone time with your spouse. If you are a night person then going to various bars can put you back $25 for a night of fun. You may also be tipping so throw in a few more dollars for that.

Ocean Excitement

Being surrounded by the ocean means you have many opportunities to enjoy the activities that go along with it. You can enjoy kayaking for 4 hours for $65, pay $70 for snorkeling trips, or pay $45 to enjoy a jet ski. For a parasailing adventure, you can expect to pay close to $245 for a group of three.

Don´t Forget your Souvenirs

With photos and videos making up the majority of your souvenirs, it is also good to have an item that you purchase from within the Bahamas. With a souvenir being displayed in the house, others can easily ask about it and you can recall the moment you purchased it. On average, the amount you spend may be less than $3.

So What is the Total Cost

Taking everything into consideration and including the extras after your ticket and accommodations, you may be easily spending between $1,500 and $2,000 for your families entire vacation. This is not bad considering all that the Bahamas has to offer its visitors.

With a nation surrounded by bodies of water and made up of over 700 individual islands, the Bahamas make up the vast majority of the Caribbean. Plus, with a vast array of attractive beaches and crystal clear shorelines, you will surely be able to soak in the sun. Besides the splendor of the beaches, there are many other sights that are only available in the Bahamas. You will also love that the locals have some level of English so asking for directions will be no problem. What's more is that you will find an array of activities available to enjoy. The activities available make the Bahamas a perfect vacation spot for couples, families, or individuals looking to get away for a while. For the adventurer, seeking an adventure in the Bahamas will provide more than what you expect. Plus, with reasonable prices, a Bahamian vacation won't break the bank. As far as prices are concerned, let's take a look at how much it would cost to go on a family vacation to the Bahamas. Price for a Family Vacation to the Bahamas Just like any other vacation, a trip to the Bahamas involves many things that affect the overall price such as the amount of time being spent in the Bahamas, hotel accommodations, where you are flying from, number of family members, and entertainment expenses. It is also important that you have a bit more spending money for unexpected expenses. As you search around online, you may come across several travel sites offering different prices for a Bahama vacation. On average, the price could range from $900 to $950 for a single person. This is not bad when you are staying for at least 3 nights. The price may include your plane tickets, complimentary breakfasts, and hotel charges. You need to keep in mind that a low price such as this may require the departing flight to be from Florida since the route will be shorter than any other state. Essentially, all of the costs you experience will be determined by where you fly out from and your length of stay. If you plan to be traveling as a family or a group of friends, you may experience an even lower price, which could be based on a group rate. All you have to do is choose which group rate will provide the most benefits. You may also want to keep an eye on the prices as they may often change. Cost for a Flight Booking a flight to the Bahamas is not necessarily expensive. Of course, the price may depend on the month you plan to go. For fall flights, you may pay hundreds less than a flight in the summer, which is normal when many are traveling. Bahama Activities To Enjoy The good part about having activities to do is that they all may not cost much or may even be free, such as being on the beach sunbathing. Besides the beach, other fun activities include tours and even snorkeling or parasailing. You need to be aware that the price for activities may increase, which may be caused by their ability to provide some great excitement. Below are a few of the activities you can expect to enjoy while vacationing in the Bahamas. Taking a Dive in the Lucayan National Park Caves With more than 40 acres of caves, the Lucayan National Park provides cave swimming for those who enjoy underwater exploration. Located on Grand Bahama Island, the Lucayan National Park is a prized location for those who love ecology. Prior to your dive, you can enjoy a nice horseback ride or hike among the hardwood forest, the coppice landscaping, and even the mangroves. Visit the Straw Market for Souvenir Shopping If you are good at bartering, then the Straw Market is a good place to get some souvenirs at a low price. The Straw Market can be found on Bay Street. While there you will come across different vendors selling various items to take back home and enjoy. Not only is it acceptable to barter and haggle, but the locals encourage it. No matter what day you feel like going to Straw Market, it will always be open until 8pm. Tackle the Atlantis Paradise Island Waterpark As you enter the waterpark, you will be amazed at what Aquaventure has to offer. As part of the fun, there are over 140 acres of slides, pools, and rivers that are set among a landscape of Atlantis ruins. If you are a resort guest, then you will have free access to the park. If you want to enjoy a day at Aquaventure, then a day pass is easily obtainable. Enjoy Cabbage Beach As you continue to explore Paradise Island, you should make your way to the east side to enjoy the clear waters of Cabbage Beach. With two miles worth of beach Cabbage Beach is able to provide nice swimming in clear water. While you're walking the beach, check out the huts along the beach. You will see a masseuse waiting to provide a relaxing massage as the waves crash nearby. Explore the Pink Sand of Pink Sands Beach That's right, the sand of Pink Sand Beach is truly pink in color. This pink is due to the insects containing the pink color in their shells. The sand remains pink because of the crushing waves that hit the shells. The waves then mix the sand with the remains, which creates the pink sand. Your feet will also love the sand, which is nice and cool and is perfect for beach walks or soaking up the sun. Order a Chilly Daq Shack Beverage While taking in the sun and beach, nothing else is better than enjoying a nice chilly beverage while doing it. At the Daq Shack, you will enjoy a wooden hut with open-air that will provide you with the best rum and freshest fruits to create your favorite drinks. With many trying to be as authentic as the original Daq Shack, you will be at the original when you goto Cable Beach. The original Daq Shack can be pinpointed by the huge amount of business cards strung throughout the establishment. Enjoy a Bite to Eat at Graycliff Hotel Who knew you would be among pirates as you dine at Graycliff Hotel. With its rich history, Graycliff has managed to cater many for more than 250 years in the Bahamas. Although Graycliff is popular for the cigars, the hotel mansion also boasts a tremendous cellar for various wines and of course, a restaurant worthy of five stars. The food is beyond rich but with a traditional Bahamian flair. With that, you will need to make reservations early, sometimes months in advance, so if you plan a future vacation to the Bahamas, it is best to reserve now. Enjoy a Fish Fry Conch Once you have enjoyed a nice frozen beverage at the Daq Shack, head over to Fish Fry for a nice conch. Although this dish is the unofficial island favorite, its popularity is beyond proportion. A multitude of vendors are lined up to provide their take on conch as well as rice and plantains. Although you can enjoy the Fish Fry any day of the week, Friday and Saturday boast the most fun with an atmosphere filled with rum and music lasting throughout the night. Enjoy Spectating Cricket Matches Head over to the Cricket Club to enjoy some tasty food and beverages while watching some cricket matches. For the best views, you are best to sit above in the balcony and enjoy the pitch from above. The seating above is great for enjoying a cold beverage as the cool breeze helps you to relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings. Head Over to John Watling for some Rum Sampling By adding some rum, you´ll enjoy a true Bahama experience that John Watling can provide. With over 20 years of rum production, the distillery filters the rum with coconut and does a good job at it. John Watling sits comfortably on the Buena Vista Estate and boasts two acres of lushness. Access to John Watling distillery is 7 days a week and tastings and tours are also available. Before you leave, make sure to grab their estate cocktails, which are available in half gallon size. Test the Stacks at Baha Mar Casino With a lot of naturalness surrounding your family vacation, it is nice to escape the family to enjoy some gambling with other adults. With some extra glitz available in Nassau, you can try a hand of cards at the Baha Mar Casino. With a few resorts to spend the night, the Baha Mar Casino connects each property to the others and is highly known as the Caribbean's biggest casino. Make sure to have a drink ready to calm the nerves before hitting the casino floor to face the 110+ tables and more than enough slots that will keep you occupied for the entire night. Go Diving in Thunderball Grotto Going for a dive just got better as you explore Thunderball Grotto. While in the cave, you will recognize it from a James Bond movie. You will find it near Staniel Cay, and enjoying the pool is a great way to relax and explore while also transporting yurself back to the days of espionage. Head to Sandy Toes for some Snorkeling Located 30 minutes by boat, you can head to Rose Island to relax at Sandy Toes and enjoy a fresh beverage at its beach bar. At the shoreline of the island, it provides great seclusion that only a tropical island can offer. While you are there yu can head out for some snorkreling or go out running with the pigs that inhabit the island. When you are finished with that, enjoy a nice beverage in a hammock to relax the rest of the day. Head to Andros for some Barrier Reef Snorkeling If you have fins and mask, then you will love getting to use them at Andros along the barrier reef. As one of the largest islands in the world, you will enjoy seeing what marine life await you in the Caribbean. Often referred to as the Big Yard, you will find it mostly uninhabited. This allows the island to remain quiet and tranquil. Besides the reef, you will enjoy the vast amount of shipwrecks, blue tangs, scorpionfish, and parrotfish. Bahama Seasons The seasons in the Bahamas have a high season that starts in December and ends in April and the “winter” is a tropical warm climate. Regardless, many continue to visit regardless of the season and hurricane season does not seem to deter the visitors. To get the most out of your vacation, it is best to avoid the season of Spring Break, which begins in March and ends in April. By avoiding the Spring Break, your family can enjoy what the island has to offer without worrying about drunk college kids. Extra Expenses You Can Expect Besides the prices for all of the activities you enjoy, you will need to account for the expenses that will be added on top. We are sure that you do not want to just stay in your hotel for the entire time your family is vacationing. Knowing that, you also need to know about some other expenses that you may see every day that you remain in the Bahamas. While some may be on top of what you will be paying, some may be added to the overall price you pay. Keep in mind that the prices for each are considered average. Your Accommodations Many of your accommodations will be covered after you book your family vacation. But you may want to stay in other hotels as you explore the Bahamas. On average, you can expect to pay a daily rate of $65 for a night. Of course, if you need more space, then you will be paying more so do some research prior to booking. Dining Expenses Having a hotel that serves a free breakfast will save you some money each day you stay there. Luckily, most of the sites that will book your stay include hotels that provide a free continental breakfast. This will provide you with some extras spending money to enjoy other food outside of the hotel. When you have a daily budget of around $40, you will easily enjoy the variety of food options available to you. This is great when the majority of the cuisine will be seafood-based. You should be ready for any dish, but in case you need some pointers on what to try, we've listed a few of the most popular that you will enjoy for less than your budget amount. Conch - This dish is nationally known and favored by many in the Bahamas. As a mollusk, the seafood is breaded and fried and served along with lemons. No matter where you adventure off to, you will likely see it in every restaurant you visit. A lot of times it is listed as an appetizer, however you may combine it as a main dish. Boiled Fish with Grits - This Bahamian dish is served frequently during breakfast. The fish is cooked in a spice broth made up of peppers and onions along with lime juice. A nice serving of grits is then served alongside it. Fish Stew - This healthy stew will be found throughout every restaurant regardless of where you are in the country. It combines celery, tomatoes, onions, spices, and of course fish. Getting Around Getting around by taxi or bus may cost around $20 each day. With water taxis, you could be paying as much as $35 per day. Separate Entertainment Enjoying a nightlife without the kids can offer nice alone time with your spouse. If you are a night person then going to various bars can put you back $25 for a night of fun. You may also be tipping so throw in a few more dollars for that. Ocean Excitement Being surrounded by the ocean means you have many opportunities to enjoy the activities that go along with it. You can enjoy kayaking for 4 hours for $65, pay $70 for snorkeling trips, or pay $45 to enjoy a jet ski. For a parasailing adventure, you can expect to pay close to $245 for a group of three. Don´t Forget your Souvenirs With photos and videos making up the majority of your souvenirs, it is also good to have an item that you purchase from within the Bahamas. With a souvenir being displayed in the house, others can easily ask about it and you can recall the moment you purchased it. On average, the amount you spend may be less than $3. So What is the Total Cost Taking everything into consideration and including the extras after your ticket and accommodations, you may be easily spending between $1,500 and $2,000 for your families entire vacation. This is not bad considering all that the Bahamas has to offer its visitors.

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Confessions of a Serial Overthinker

When it comes to writing a grocery list, I can say that some have been lengthy, and I am not speaking metaphorically. This is what the world of a serial overthinker is all about, where a simple decision can become a mental challenge, and a single line email is sent three drafts later. If you have ever seen yourself staring at your email contemplating a response of “Thanks!” without sounding emotionally detached or weird, I congratulate you, you are likely an overthinker too.
Overthinking goes beyond being a habit or lifestyle, it's your second full-time job but without the benefits. It's lying in bed awake, staring at your ceiling, and thinking of how things went a week ago. It involves preparing for a circumstance, dreading the circumstance, encountering the circumstance, and then revisiting it after the fact. Was there anything I forgot? Should I have said something different?

Disclaimers come with each good day. A good example of this is when I receive a compliment. In my mind, I am triple checking the meaning behind it. Was it meant? Was sarcasm involved? Were they referring to me or someone else? Once the praise has been accepted, the topic has already changed three times and my opportunity to give thanks has lapsed.

The thing is, though, overthinking is more than self-doubt or anxiety. It also involves caring too much. For me, I care about being considerate, clear, and respectful. I also care about avoiding hurt feelings and making good decisions. Afterall, there is a ton of heart beneath it all, regardless of how little sleep I have had.

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