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Need To Really Get-A-Way...?
- luxeTravel |
3 Days On Hawaii's Big Island...
The mere mention of Hawaii brings to mind glorious sunsets, pristine beaches, bright blue oceans, and towering volcanic mountains. While the state of Hawaii is actually made up of six separate islands, collectively they have become one of the hottest American tourist destinations, as well as one of the most sought-after places to live. Hawaii is as calm, relaxed and joyful as the commercials make it out to be. Wouldn’t you be smiling if you called Hawaii home?
While most associate Hawaii with Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu, and Maui, all of these very tourist-oriented destinations are actually located north of Hawaii’s biggest land mass: Hawaii’s Big Island. Its name doesn’t lie, as the Big Island is the biggest of them all. And should you try and fit all the little islands onto the Big Island, you’d easily be able to, with room to spare. Covering 4,038 square miles, Hawaii’s Big Island is constantly growing thanks to its still active volcanoes. The world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, is located on the Big Island and continually spews lava which creates the “vog” (volcanic fog) that hangs about the island year-round. Also located on Hawaii’s Big Island is the mountain Mauna Loa -- no longer active, and last erupted in 1984 -- which stands 13,677 feet high, and if it was measured from its very bottom in the ocean (where it first began erupting and building up) it would be nearly 30,000 feet high, which makes it the tallest mountain in the world. Everest, eat your heart out.
Traveling around Hawaii’s Big Island you’ll notice sudden changes in temperature and weather thanks to the severe changes in elevation, especially when you travel in the North through the mountains and along the coastal cliffs. It’s interesting to note that Hawaii’s Big Island is one of the only places in the world that boasts all of the Earth’s climates on one island; from rain-soaked cities on the East (Hilo) to chilly sub-zero winds in Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s Big Island has it all.
Landing on Hawaii’s Big Island is like landing on the moon -- if any of you have ever had the chance to experience that. Kona’s International Airport on the western side is located amidst fields of hardened, ancient lava. Shades of dark brown, reds and blacks cascade down to the blue ocean, and it’s incredible to know that thanks to that same lava Hawaii’s Big Island will continue to grow and flourish for centuries to come.
Day 1: Live big on the Big IslandWhen you arrive on Hawaii’s Big Island you’ll be landing on the western side at Kona International Airport. You’ll want to find yourself a mode of transportation. If you decide not to rent a car, shuttle services and taxis will become your best friend. However, that won’t let you see much of the island, so car rental really is in your best interest. The roads may seem hard to navigate (with street names that are seemingly impossible to say aloud), but once you establish that finding the water means finding your way, you’ll easily traverse the entire island like it was your own hometown neighborhood.
The airport features a Hertz rental booth with plenty of cool rides to choose from. It seems that convertible Mustangs and Sebrings are all the rage -- and you don’t have to worry about pickup and drop-off at the airport. Hertz works in collaboration with many of the resorts and hotels across the island and will make sure your car is ready and waiting for you at your hotel if you book in advance. And checkout is easy; just leave the car at the hotel or airport when you leave and your tab is paid. Should you want something a bit more upscale for your short stint on the Big Island, Big Island Exotic Car Rental is where you’ll want to go. With a fleet that boasts the likes of a Ferrari F430 Spider, Lamborghini Gallardo, Hummer H2, and Porsche Boxter these cars will not only have you livin’ large on the Big Island, they’ll also make sure you get noticed while you do it.
Hawaii’s Big Island is loaded with waterfront resorts and hotels to choose from. From Fairmont chains to Hiltons, there’s something for every budget and every discerning taste. As you’ll be landing on the Kona side of the island, we recommend the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. Located right on the lava rocks, jutting out on the ocean, this resort offers stunning views of the bay and a convenient location for shopping, restaurants and sightseeing. Check in, get yourself cleaned up from all the traveling, then hop into your drop-top rental and get ready to cruise along Big Island's open highways and twisty mountain roads.
Located about 10 minutes away from the Sheraton resort is the seaside town of Kailua-Kona. What was once a sleepy fishing village and home to Hawaiian royalty, is now a bustling “urban” village packed with quaint shops, bars and restaurants. Park in one of the many accessible parking lots and stroll down Aii Drive with the ocean just a few steps away. If you’re a bit of a history buff you’ll want to check out the historic Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church. Once home to King Kamehameha, this area is not just about commercial gain; the views and historical buildings offer just as much interest as the shops and food locales.
While in Kailua-Kona the abundance of restaurants might be a bit overwhelming, but since you're in a seaside town, we recommend stopping off for a bite to eat at Sushi on Fuego that not only boasts great views of the ocean but also cool tapas, cheap cocktails and some pretty good sushi. Don’t forget to wash down your truly tropical meal with an equally tropical drink, the Mai Tai.
Once you’ve satisfied your taste buds, hop back in your car and make sure you make it back to the Sheraton for a spectacular show that takes place every night just off the coast. Each evening, anytime after 8:00 p.m. local time, manta rays arrive to greet eager hotel guests waiting on the overhanging balcony. Beneath special spotlights the manta rays feed, twirling and spinning beneath the ocean waves and putting on a phenomenal display for observers. It’s a natural occurrence, and it’s free to watch from the resort balcony -- which is also attached to the resort bar where you can find great cocktail mixes like the Blue Hawaiian, Chi Chi and Kamaaina -- for as long as you want. It’s both mesmerizing and enchanting and is the perfect way to end your first big day on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Day 2: Rev it up with WCDIf you’re lucky enough to time your stay on Hawaii’s Big Island with an organized event that is only available once a year, if at all, then you won’t want to miss World Class Driving’s supercar experience. Organized for the first time in 2008, World Class Driving (WCD) hit up the Big Island for its expansive highways and twisty mountain roads, and set their fleet of exotic rides loose on the island. Sign up before your trip via their website and get ready to enjoy an entire day behind the wheels of some of the most luxurious, high-performance cars on the market today.
Begin your drive day with a continental breakfast served at the resort’s buffet restaurant, compliments of WCD. Don’t forget to try the coffee either; Kona is known for its homegrown coffee and it is not something to be missed. Once you’ve had your fill, the organizers of WCD will usher you in for a quick debriefing on the events of the day. Once you’ve been properly informed and are outfitted with your WCD ball cap, it’s off to the lineup of exotic rides -- that could include cars such as the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and Ford GT -- and your day on the road.
World Class Driving in Hawaii is a great way to experience the island. Not only do you get to experience some once-in-a-lifetime rides, but you’ll also get to see areas on Hawaii’s Big Island you may not have otherwise been able to see. If you head north you’ll want to check out Waimea and Hala’ula, and your journey will take you through the mountainous, old volcanoes and will feature great driving roads that’ll leave your heart pounding -- in a good way.
With a scheduled lunch, you never know where you’ll end up with WCD, but it’s a safe bet to assume they’ll pick something traditional and tasty. Plus, you’ll be so revved up from your morning of high-powered driving you’ll just want to get back out on the road. It’s hard to come down from the high of driving exotic automobiles, but once you’ve arrived back at your hotel, cooled off (perhaps with a cold shower) and changed for the evening, we recommend you return to Kailua-Kona for a great meal.
Head to Huggo’s, a local phenomenon that’s not only a must-see for tourists but a hot spot for the locals. Huggo’s, which juts out over the water and offers a great view of the ocean as the sun sets on your second perfect day, also offers great flavorful surf and turf dishes. We recommend sinking your teeth into the Rock Shrimp and Waipio Taro Cake with Mango Ginger Salsa. If seafood isn’t your thing, give the Certified Angus Pride Brand Prime Rib and Mini Rosemary Potato Skewer a try. When you’ve had your fill of good food, head next door to Huggo’s on the Rocks for cocktails and great live music every night.
Your final day on Hawaii's Big Island is approaching, but how will you spend it?
Day 3: Flying high over Hawaii
After your long night of Mai Tais at Huggo’s on the Rocks, you’ll want to go a little lighter on breakfast at the resort. So, head down to the main floor by the pool and order up a large Kona coffee with a muffin at the small café. Once you’ve managed to get that down, hop in your rental and get ready to really experience Hawaii’s Big Island -- this is, after all, your last day. Take the 19 to the 10 and head north to get to Hilo, located on the eastern side of the island. Sitting at the feet of the island’s three biggest volcanoes, Hilo is known as the Big Island’s biggest little town. Full of centuries-old wooden storefronts, this town is the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll through one of Hawaii’s most beautiful towns, right on the cusp of Hilo Bay. Because it’s a rather long journey from Kona to Hilo, you’ll want to grab a bite to eat as soon as you hit the Hilo main street. The Coconut Grill is the perfect little restaurant to kick back and enjoy an amazing grilled shrimp sandwich (highly recommended) before you make your way back out on the town.
Take in the sites and sounds of Hilo, as well as the sophisticated galleries and cultural sites, such as the Hilo Farmer’s Market, the Palace Theater and the Pacific Tsunami Museum, before you hop back in the car and head out to explore Hawaii’s most famous residents: the volcanoes.
You have two choices here; you can either head to the Blue Hawaiian helicopter tours in Hilo and be flown over Kilauea volcano -- the most geologically active volcano that has been erupting since 1983 -- and see lava flows, black sand beaches and cascading waterfalls. Or you can drive down to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can hike on active volcanoes. Don’t forget your sweater or your closed-toed shoes, as it can be quite chilly (despite the lava) and you don’t want your toes out on the freshly hardened lava. And it might all look quite desolate and barren, but in time these lava-filled fields will flourish with life and Hawaii’s Big Island will, once again, expand and grow for future generations to enjoy.
Once you’ve had your fill of erupting volcanoes, hop back in the car and make your way back to the resort in Kona via the southern tip of the island. Follow the 11 back and make sure you stop off at the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, just after Pahala. You won’t regret the stop; it’s quite a sight to see. And if you’re so inclined you can always cut your stay at the Sheraton short and camp out for the night at Punalu’u.
If you decide to make the round trip back to Kona, spend your last night at The Fairmont Orchid resort, with your toes in the sand eating your meal of "poke" (raw fish meal made with ahi tuna and salad) at their beachfront hotel.
tips for the trip
- While anytime of year is excellent for visiting Hawaii, summertime (between April and November) is warmer and drier.
- The Kona side of the island is sunnier and drier, while Hilo is wetter and more tropical. You can choose your destinations based solely on climate, just make sure to do your research well.
- Police cars in Hawaii aren’t marked, so watch out! They could be any car at any time, so stick to the speed limit if you rent a car.
- Hawaii’s Big Island has two main airports: Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO).
- The Ironman Triathlon was moved from Oahu to Kona in 1981, and takes place each year in October. The streets are packed and if it’s not your scene, you may want to avoid the Big Island around this time.
- Aloha means hello and goodbye and mahalo is thank you.
- Luau dinners and shows are rampant all over the island and often only take place on specific nights at specific hotels, so make sure you check ahead of time to plan your luau.
big up to the big islandHawaii’s Big Island isn’t just big in size, it’s also big in attitude and personality. The residents of the island are not just courteous and accommodating, they’re also generally happy people who are always up for a chat and willing to help with anything. Hawaii isn’t just a great vacation destination, it’s also an up-and-coming hot spot for permanent residence. So, before you make the jump into the middle of the Pacific Ocean, take a few days to really see what Hawaii’s Big Island is all about; you won’t be disappointed.
(Courtesy Of Ask Men)
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Ya Heard...
- luxeTechnology |
Ya Heard...
New headphones are my No. 1 recommendation to anyone who wants to get the most out of their new MP3 player (except for those who decided to go with the Sony NWZ-A810 series.) Straight up: Those janky, plastic earbuds that came with your player aren't doing you any favors. First off, they're not terribly comfortable, and they don't fit most users securely.
For us, there are few things more annoying than having to constantly shove a hard piece of plastic into our ears. Then, of course, there's the sound quality issue: hollow, tinny, bass-less, muffled, and hissy. We've heard it all. If you really want to hear what your MP3 player has to offer, replacing those earbuds is a must. Of course, we understand that not everyone can afford to throw down $450 on a pair of Shure SE530s or even close to $100 on the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 Studio (though we can assure you that they are both worth it if you've got the dough). To that end, we've rounded up six deserving sub-$50 headphone contenders. There's a style here for every taste and comfort requirement, and each and every one of these sub-$50 headphones will offer some noticeable improvement over stock earbuds.
The good: The V-Moda Bass Freq earphones are available in several stylish colors and are competitively priced at $50; they're louder than other earbuds and offer great sound quality.
The bad: Music coming from the V-Moda Bass Freq earphones may be too bass-heavy for audio purists; thin cable tangles easily and may not hold up in the long run.
The bottom line: V-Moda's Bass Freq sub-$50 headphones are the perfect accessory for bass-loving Creative Zen Micro owners who are on a budget. If you prefer less low end, look elsewhere.
The good: The Sony MDR-AS50G Active Headphones feature an innovative design that spirals down for easy, compact storage and it helps to ensure a secure fit. The modular cable is ideal for fitness and portable applications. The sound quality is good and the price is fair.
The bad: The Sony MDR-AS50G's band tends to stick out from the sides of the head, which can make it hard to conceal under hair. The band is not adjustable, so not all users will be able to have it loop behind the ear.
The bottom line: The Sony MDR-AS50G Active Headphones offer an affordable price tag, a secure fit and good sound quality -- they're a fantastic option for gym addicts.
The good: The Sony Altus headphones offer good passive-noise blocking and overall sound, as well as impressive stereo imaging for sub-$50 headphones. They make an acceptable travel companion, thanks to a compact folding design and carrying case.
The bad: The Sony Altus headphones may not be comfortable for those with larger ears, as they are quite tight.
The bottom line: The new Sony Altus MDR-D777LP headphones aren't quite up to audiophile standards, but they do have some interesting features and offer good sound quality for the price; frequent fliers who find in-ear 'buds uncomfortable should take heed.
The good: The Denon AH-C351 In-Ear Headphones are comfortable, relatively cheap and offer good sound isolation.
The bad: The Denon AH-C351's cable design can cause annoyance and music tends to sound overly bright.
The bottom line: The Denon AH-C351 In-Ear Headphones are a reasonable option for sub-$50 headphones and they offer solid sound quality and a comfortable fit, but the cable design will irk some users.
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Diabetes...
- luxeHealth |
What You Should Know About Diabetes...
We've all heard about diabetes mellitus (or simply diabetes) -- usually in reference to how the disease is becoming more and more common, especially in younger men. But not many men understand what diabetes is, why it's very bad for them (diabetes is one of the leading causes of impotence!), what they can do to avoid getting it or how to treat it.
what is diabetes?But first, let's take a step back and explain the basics of diabetes. When we eat, food is digested into more basic nutrients which are then absorbed by the body -- protein is broken down into amino acids, fat into fatty acids, and starches or carbohydrates into glucose.
After it is absorbed, glucose is then transported by the blood to the cells in the body, where it is used for energy. In order to enter these cells, a hormone called insulin is needed -- without insulin, the cells cannot absorb the glucose, and thus the level of glucose in the bloodstream gets too high.
A high blood glucose level can damage the blood vessels of various organs, causing kidney failure, impotence, blindness, and even gangrene with the risk of amputation of the toes, feet and legs.
Technically, there are two major forms of diabetes -- type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in children and is caused when the body cannot produce insulin.
In contrast, type 2 diabetes occurs when the body still produces insulin, but the cells become resistant to it and require a higher amount of it to uptake glucose. For a while, the body will compensate by producing more insulin -- however, the cells will just become even more resistant. At one point, the body's ability to produce insulin is not enough, and type 2 diabetes ensues.
Diabetes is very common: About 10.9 million men aged 20 years or older -- or more than 1 in every 10 men -- have it, with about 90% of these cases being type 2 diabetes. We will focus this article on this type of the disease.
Are you at risk? Find out now...
who is at risk?The risk factors of diabetes include age, a family history of the disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, and lack of exercise. Race is also a factor: Native Indians, African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at higher risk of developing this disease.
The largest risk factor, however, is being overweight (about 90% of men who develop type 2 diabetes are overweight.)
what are the symptoms?The symptoms of diabetes include:
The need to urinate frequently
Frequent thirst or hunger
Weight loss
Changes in vision, including blurred vision
Numbness or a tingling sensation in the hands, feet or both
Dry skin
Wounds, sores and infections that heal slowly
Frequent feeling of tiredness or fatigue
And the fear of most men: erectile dysfunction or impotence
Many men with early diabetes, however, do not exhibit any symptoms.
is diabetes preventable?Before men develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have "pre-diabetes," a condition marked by a blood glucose level that is high, but not yet high enough to be called diabetes. In many cases, there are only subtle symptoms or even no symptoms at all -- indeed, many men who have pre-diabetes do not even realize it.
It may take years for pre-diabetes to turn into full-blown diabetes, and this presents a good window for prevention. Indeed, studies have shown that changes in diet, weight loss and exercise can prevent diabetes in up to 60% of cases.
how is diabetes treated?The goal of diabetes treatment is to bring the blood glucose level back down to a normal range. This can be done by medication and administration of insulin shots, but the mainstay of diabetes treatment is actually nutritional.
Men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should refrain from eating a lot of sugars, such as foods high in corn syrup, honey and fruit juices. They should also avoid foods with lots of starches, like potatoes and white bread. Instead, their meals should contain a variety of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, such as lean meat, fish, poultry, egg whites, tofu, and low-fat dairy products. Carbohydrate-rich foods should be limited to beans and unprocessed whole grains, such as oats and brown rice.
Managing your blood glucose level is hard work; strict adherence to a low-sugar diet, frequent checking using blood glucose meters and multiple insulin injections are usually necessary.
As with pre-diabetes, exercise and a weight-loss program can also help in treating diabetes.
Find out how dietary supplements can help control diabetes...
can dietary supplements help?
Yes. It has been estimated that about one-third of people with diabetes supplement their diabetes treatment with natural supplements, herbs and complimentary medicine.
Many of the following vitamins, nutrients and herbs found in Anchor Health's Glucose Response have been found to help with diabetes:
Magnesium
Recommended by the American Diabetes Association, magnesium can improve blood glucose control in men with type 2 diabetes.
Chromium
Several clinical studies found that chromium acts as a "glucose tolerance factor" that can increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin. These studies found that diabetic patients can decrease the dosage of diabetes medications by taking chromium.
Fenugreek seed
Scientists report that taking fenugreek seed can reduce blood glucose levels and help patients attain glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
Bitter melon juice
Similar to fenugreek, four clinical studies have found that bitter melon juice has a moderate hypoglycemic effect -- that is, it can lower blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes.
Bilberry
In addition to its use in jams, this berry plant has a good reputation as a "healing plant" and has also been traditionally used to treat diabetes. Indeed, research suggests that bilberry leaf can lower blood sugar levels.
Banaba extract
In animal studies, scientists have shown that banaba extract can lower fasting blood glucose levels in those given the herb as compared to those receiving only placebo.
take control
Diabetes is a serious disease, so if you think you are at risk, you should see a doctor soon -- remember, if diagnosed early, diabetes can be easily prevented and treated.
While nutritional focus, change in diet and exercise are key considerations in those concerned about diabetes, taking supplements such as Anchor Health's Glucose Response can also help men maintain their blood sugar levels and stay healthy.
(Courtesy of Anchor Health)
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Best Moisturizers...
- luxeGifts |
Best Moisturizers for an Immaculate Complexion...
Winter, spring summer or fall, your skin's number one defense is moisture.
 Throughout history, indigenous people rely on nature's moisturizers to keep skin soft and protected. From shea butter in western Africa to coconut oil in tropical islands, women around the globe have relied on a moisturizer to be a part of their daily routine.
Today, those same ingredients are combined with advanced technology designed to deal with our ever-increasing skin issues. Moisturizers create a protective barrier on your skin to keep it hydrated, supple and smooth. Your moisturizer will also protect your skin from environmental hazards such as the sun's damaging rays and toxic pollution.
Depending on your specific skin care needs, you can find a formula that controls shine, reverses the effects of aging or combats discoloration. But not all moisturizers are created equal. They vary in formulations, with offerings in creams, gels and serums.
Cream formulas are normally best suited for normal to dry complexions; lightweight creams and gels are perfect for combination skin. And if you have oily skin or if it is prone to eruptions, opting for a serum may be your best bet. Most serums include a higher concentration of active ingredients and are designed to penetrate the skin at a deeper level; therefore helping to restore balance to sensitive-prone complexions. Here, our picks for the best moisturizers that will help you in your quest for an immaculate complexion. |
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In Search of Comfy, Cute, All-Day-Long Shoes?
- luxeFashion |
In Search of Comfy, Cute, All-Day-Long Shoes
 Still have the issue of finding the perfect shoe? On your feet all day and need a cute pair of wedges or pumps that are comfortable?
In a perfect world, the most comfortable shoe would also be the sexiest and not modeled after something grandma would wear. Though I have yet to find the ultimate shoe that marries perfect style and extraordinary comfort, I've had some luck with Söfft.
There's nothing earth-shatteringly glamorous here, but you'll find cute, affordable footwear that won't cause you to collapse at the end of a long day. These Gemma heels ($91) are available in several colors and are embellished with a cute (but not matronly) flower.
- Ms. Top Button | |
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Bimmer M3 Keeps Us Entertained...
- luxeCars |
Bimmer M3 Keeps Us Entertained
2008 BMW M3
By Phil Hall
Let’s talk Bimmers, remember those late 80’s M3s with the wide fenders and squared off rear spoiler? Yessir, those are classic. I actually remember learning how to drive in an old 1987 318 and thinking “when I grow up I’m going to get the M3.” Well that was when I was too young to have an actual license and when there was nothing better than a BMW in most minds. Times have changed, Infiniti, Audi, and even Lexus offer cars that are just as fun to drive and fly to boot. So what has BMW done to keep us entertained you ask? They have a new M3 that is as serious as a heart attack.
22 years after the E30 “the original”, the M3 has grown quite a bit. It’s now the size of a midsize coupe and has a 4 liter V8 that puts 414 horsepower. That’s more than double what the original engine produced. The performance aspect has been covered in every possible way, from the mentioned engine to suspension this car delivers. On the inside you will find plush materials and the attention to detail BMW is known for. In all, the M3 has matured into a sports tourer that still breathes fire. I don’t know if I would still take it over the competition, but it has definitely gotten my attention.
BMW M3
Price $56,500 (base), $58,500 (nicely equipped)
Bodystyle(s) 2dr Coupe, 4dr Sedan
Engine(s) 414HP 4.0L V8
Fuel Mileage 15mpg City/ 20mpg Highway
Available Now
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